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This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 22.

Chest Physical Therapy in Acute Viral Bronchiolitis: an updated review.
Abstract In this review article, the authors describe the various therapeutic options for infant acute viral bronchiolitis and the contradictory results obtained with CPT. The treatment target is bronchial obstruction which is a multifactorial phenomenon that includes edema, bronchoconstriction and increased mucus production with a clinical grading defined as severe, moderate or mild. CPT is revisited in its various modalities according to preliminary scoring of the disease. PMID: 23287014 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Respiratory Care - January 16, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Postiaux G, Zwaenepoel B, Louis J Tags: Respir Care Source Type: research

Functional expression of oxidative phosphorylation proteins in the rod outer segment disc
The rod Outer Segment (OS) disc, an organelle devoid of mitochondria, is specialized in phototransduction, a process requiring a continual chemical energy supply. We have shown that OS discs express functional mitochondrial electron transport chains, FoF1‐ATP synthase and the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, all mitochondrial features. Here, we focus on oxygen consumption and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis by OS discs analysing electron transport chain I‐III‐IV and II‐II‐IV pathways, supported by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and succinate, respectively. Interestingly, respiratory capacity of...
Source: Cell Biochemistry and Function - January 16, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Isabella Panfoli, Daniela Calzia, Maurizio Bruschi, Michele Oneto, Paolo Bianchini, Silvia Ravera, Andrea Petretto, Alberto Diaspro, Giovanni Candiano Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

The expert network and electronic portal for children with respiratory and allergic symptoms: rationale and design
Data on baseline characteristics of children with asthma to predict individual treatment responses are lacking. We aimed to set up a data-collection system which can easily fill this gap in clinical practice.A web-based application was developed, named 'Portal for children with respiratory and allergic symptoms', hereafter called Electronic Portal (EP). It contains health- and disease-related questionnaires on respiratory- and allergic diseases. All patients, 1--18 years of age, with respiratory- and/or allergic complaints are invited to enter the EP before their first visit. By using the EP large amounts of data, gathered...
Source: BMC Pediatrics - Latest articles - January 16, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Kim Zomer-KooijkerFrancine van ErpWalter BalemansBart van EwijkCornelis van der Ent Source Type: research

Heparin‐binding protein (HBP): an early marker of respiratory failure after trauma?
ConclusionHBP is a potential biomarker candidate for early detection of ARDS development after trauma. Further research is required to confirm a casual relationship between plasma HBP and the development of ARDS.
Source: Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica - January 16, 2013 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: J. JOHANSSON, O. BRATTSTRÖM, F. SJÖBERG, L. LINDBOM, H. HERWALD, E. WEITZBERG, A. OLDNER Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Compartmentalization of lipid peroxidation in sepsis by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria: experimental and clinical evidence
Conclusions Animal findings and results of human sepsis are complementary and they suggest for a compartmentalization of lipid peroxidation in systemic infections by MDR Gram-negative bacteria.
Source: Critical Care - January 16, 2013 Category: Intensive Care Authors: Chryssoula ToufekoulaVassileios PapadakisThomas TsaganosChristina RoutsiStylianos OrfanosAnastasia KotanidouDionyssia-Pinelopi CarrerMaria RaftogiannisFotini BaziakaEvangelos Giamarellos-Bourboulis Source Type: research

Neonatal respiratory consequences from water birth in a tertiary centre
Source: Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health - January 16, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Gamze Demirel, Istemi Han Celik, Omer Erdeve, Ugur Dilmen Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research

Paediatric bullous dermatoses
Answers to the following quiz questions can be found on page 31. QUESTION 1 Case 1: A 13-month-old boy presented with multiple pruritic tense blisters on the lower abdomen, lower extremities, groin, perineum and perioral areas for the past 1 week. There was no family history of skin disease, and no history of recent upper respiratory tract infections or drug intake prior to the onset of blistering. Physical examination revealed annular erythema with circumferential vesicles and blisters giving a ‘cluster of jewels’ appearance. There was no mucosal involvement. What is the diagnosis? Select one best answer ...
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - Education and Practice - January 16, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Chattopadhyay, M., Burrows, N. P. Tags: Immunology (including allergy), Drugs: infectious diseases, TB and other respiratory infections, Epilepsy and seizures, Child health, Dermatology, Poisoning, Trauma, Occupational and environmental medicine, Injury Dermatophile Source Type: research

Diagnostic Value of Screening Instruments for Identifying Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Kidney Failure
Conclusions:Current screening questionnaires do not accurately identify patients at high risk for OSA or rule out the presence of OSA in patients with CKD and ESRD. Consequently, objective monitoring during sleep is required to reliably identify sleep apnea in these patient populations.Citation:Nicholl DDM; Ahmed SB; Loewen AHS; Hemmelgarn BR; Sola DY; Beecroft JM; Turin TC; Hanly PJ. Diagnostic value of screening instruments for identifying obstructive sleep apnea in kidney failure. J Clin Sleep Med 2013;9(1):31-38.
Source: Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine : JCSM - January 15, 2013 Category: Sleep Medicine Source Type: research

Obesity and Heart Failure.
Abstract Epidemiological studies have recently shown that obesity, and abdominal obesity in particular, is an independent risk factor for the development of heart failure (HF). Higher cardiac oxidative stress is the early stage of heart dysfunction due to obesity, and it is the result of insulin resistance, altered fatty acid and glucose metabolism, and impaired mitochondrial biogenesis. Extense myocyte hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis are early microscopic changes in patients with HF, whereas circumferential strain during the left ventricular (LV) systole, LV increase in both chamber size and wall thickness (...
Source: Endocrine, Metabolic and Immune Disorders Drug Targets - January 15, 2013 Category: Endocrinology Authors: De Pergola G, Nardecchia A, Giagulli VA, Triggiani V, Guastamacchia E, Silvestris MC Tags: Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets Source Type: research

Assessment and modeling of the novel toxicity data set of phenols to Chlorella vulgaris.
This study provides for the first time the 96h toxicity of 30 phenols to Chlorella vulgaris. Analysis of the novel data set revealed that the algal toxicity of polar narcotics and respiratory uncouplers was correlated strongly to the pH corrected hydrophobicity parameter, Log D, demonstrating the importance of ionization in the C. vulgaris test system. Compounds expected to act by more reactive mechanisms were shown to have toxicity in excess of that predicted by Log D and were successfully modelled using the activation energy index (AEI). Three global quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) were constructed ...
Source: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety - January 15, 2013 Category: Environmental Health Authors: Ertürk MD, Saçan MT Tags: Ecotoxicol Environ Saf Source Type: research

Maternal and infant outcome after caesarean section without recorded medical indication: findings from a Swedish case-control study.
CONCLUSIONS: Caesarean sections without medical indication as well as emergency caesarean sections were associated with higher risks for maternal and infant morbidity. PMID: 23316937 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: BJOG : An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology - January 15, 2013 Category: OBGYN Authors: Karlström A, Lindgren H, Hildingsson I Tags: BJOG Source Type: research

Characteristics of Asthma Patients Admitted to an Intermediate Respiratory Care Unit.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe asthma exacerbations can be managed in an IRCU while avoiding hospitalization in an ICU and demonstrating a prognosis similar to milder exacerbations treated in conventional hospital wards. PMID: 23332820 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Archivos de Bronconeumologia - January 15, 2013 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Núñez B, Fiorentino F, Kersul A, Belda S, García S, Gutiérrez C, Sala E, Cosío B Tags: Arch Bronconeumol Source Type: research

Genetics correlates with lung function and nocturnal ventilation in myotonic dystrophy.
CONCLUSIONS: Ventilatory insufficiency is very common in patients with DM and CTG length may be useful to predict it. Prolonged NIV improves symptoms, nocturnal hypoventilation and maintains daily blood gases. Routine evaluation of PCF should not be forgotten and assisted coughing training provided. PMID: 23319325 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Sleep and Breathing - January 15, 2013 Category: Sleep Medicine Authors: Monteiro R, Bento J, Gonçalves MR, Pinto T, Winck JC Tags: Sleep Breath Source Type: research

Algoriphagus shivajiensis sp. nov., isolated from Cochin back water, India.
Abstract Novel orange-pigmented, Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile bacteria, designated strains NIO-S3(T) and NIO-S4, were isolated from a water sample collected from Cochin back waters, Thanneermukkom and Arookutty, Kerala, India. Both strains were positive for oxidase and catalase activities, and hydrolyzed gelatin and Tween 40. The predominant fatty acids were iso-C(15:0), anteiso-C(15:0), iso-C(17:0) 3OH, C(16:1)ω7c/C(16:1)ω6c (summed feature 3) and iso-C(17:1)ω9c/C(16:0) 10-methyl (summed feature 9), whereas MK-7 was the major respiratory quinone, and phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified phospholi...
Source: Systematic and Applied Microbiology - January 15, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Kumar PA, Bhumika V, Ritika C, Bhaskar YV, Priyashanth P, Aravind R, Bindu E, Srinivas TN Tags: Syst Appl Microbiol Source Type: research

Opioid Receptor Polymorphism A118G Associated with Clinical Severity in a Drug Overdose Population.
Abstract Genetic variations in the human mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) mediate individual differences in response to pain and opiate addiction. We studied whether the common A118G (rs1799971) mu-opioid receptor single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was associated with overdose severity in humans. In addition, we examined an SNP responsible for alternative splicing of OPRM1 (rs2075572). We assessed allele frequencies of the above SNPs and associations with clinical severity in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute drug overdose. This work was designed as an observational cohort study over ...
Source: Journal of Medical Toxicology - January 15, 2013 Category: Toxicology Authors: Manini AF, Jacobs MM, Vlahov D, Hurd YL Tags: J Med Toxicol Source Type: research

Prognostic significance of distance, work, oxygen saturation and dyspnea during 6-minute walk test in COPD patients.
Conclusion:6MWORK was not more useful than 6MWT distance to predict mortality. The study confirms that 6MWT distance and dyspnea on exertion are key elements in prognostic evaluation in COPD, while the value of exercise oxygen desaturation is less clear. PMID: 23322886 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Respiratory Care - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Golpe R, Pérez-de-Llano LA, Méndez-Marote L, Veres-Racamonde A Tags: Respir Care Source Type: research

A Rare Adverse Effect Of Montelukast Treatment: Ecchymosis.
We report a rare case of a 31-year-old woman, with a history of allergic rhinitis and moderate persistent asthma, who experienced severe bruising on her lower extremities after starting montelukast treatment. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of unusual bruising during montelukast therapy, and in those patients, treatment with montelukast should be discontinued. PMID: 23322887 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Respiratory Care - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Aypak C, Türedi O, Solmaz N, Yikilkan H, Görpelioglu S Tags: Respir Care Source Type: research

Absence Of Airway Secretion Accumulation Predicts Tolerance To Noninvasive Ventilation In Als.
CONCLUSION:Our study reveals three factors which are predictive of good NIV tolerance, in particular the absence of airway secretion accumulation, which should prompt NIV initiation before its appearance. PMID: 23322888 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Respiratory Care - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Vandenberghe N, Vallet AE, Petitjean T, Cam PL, Peysson S, Guerin C, Dailler F, Jay S, Cadiergue V, Bouhour F, Court-Fortune I, Camdessanche JP, Antoine JC, Philit F, Beuret P, Bin-Dorel S, Vial C, Broussolle E Tags: Respir Care Source Type: research

Disparity Between Mainstream And Sidestream End Tidal Carbon Dioxide Values And Arterial Carbon Dioxide Levels.
Conclusion:ETCO(2) values obtained from measurements by mainstream and sidestream methods were found to be significantly lower compared to the PaCO(2) values. There is essentially no agreement between the measurements obtained by two different methods and the PaCO(2) values. PMID: 23322889 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Respiratory Care - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Pekdemir M, Cinar O, Yilmaz S, Yaka E, Yuksel M Tags: Respir Care Source Type: research

Seeking an integrated approach to assessing stress mechanisms related to asthma: is the allostatic load framework useful?
PMID: 23322789 [PubMed - in process]
Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Wright RJ, Schreier HM Tags: Am J Respir Crit Care Med Source Type: research

Clinical-Biological Phenotyping beyond Inflammation in Asthma Delivers.
PMID: 23322790 [PubMed - in process]
Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Sterk PJ, Ricciardolo FL Tags: Am J Respir Crit Care Med Source Type: research

Circulating histones: a novel target in acute respiratory distress syndrome?
PMID: 23322791 [PubMed - in process]
Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Zhang H, Villar J, Slutsky AS Tags: Am J Respir Crit Care Med Source Type: research

The yin and yang of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator function: implications for chronic lung disease.
PMID: 23322792 [PubMed - in process]
Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Vij N, Downey GP Tags: Am J Respir Crit Care Med Source Type: research

The Elusive "Gold" Standard for Detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection.
PMID: 23322793 [PubMed - in process]
Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Mancuso JD, Bernardo J, Mazurek GH Tags: Am J Respir Crit Care Med Source Type: research

Seeing beyond the Bronchoscope to Increase the Diagnostic Yield of Bronchoscopic Biopsy.
PMID: 23322794 [PubMed - in process]
Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Hariri LP, Villiger M, Applegate MB, Mino-Kenudson M, Mark EJ, Bouma BE, Suter MJ Tags: Am J Respir Crit Care Med Source Type: research

Pulmonary arterial aneurysms.
PMID: 23322795 [PubMed - in process]
Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Marchiori E, Zanetti G, Rodrigues RS, Hochhegger B Tags: Am J Respir Crit Care Med Source Type: research

Warfarin in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: friend or foe, is it a matter of genes and heparin?
PMID: 23322796 [PubMed - in process]
Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tzouvelekis A, Margaritopoulos G, Loukides S, Bouros D Tags: Am J Respir Crit Care Med Source Type: research

Severe vitamin d deficiency: a biomarker of exacerbation risk?
PMID: 23322797 [PubMed - in process]
Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Heulens N, Decramer M, Janssens W Tags: Am J Respir Crit Care Med Source Type: research

Investigative In Vitro Study about Red Blood Cell Concentrate Processing and Storage.
PMID: 23322798 [PubMed - in process]
Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Cognasse F, Garraud O, Hamzeh-Cognasse H, Damien P, Nguyen KA, Pozzetto B, Payrat JM Tags: Am J Respir Crit Care Med Source Type: research

Effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on circulating immune and stem cells in septic shock: revisit the basics and consider giving it another chance.
PMID: 23322799 [PubMed - in process]
Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Skirecki T, Kawiak J, Hoser G, Tarnowski W, Zlotorowicz M, Zielinska-Borkowska U Tags: Am J Respir Crit Care Med Source Type: research

Cavitary Pneumonia due to Penicillium marneffei in an HIV-infected Patient.
PMID: 23322800 [PubMed - in process]
Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Hung CC, Chang SY, Sun HY, Hsueh PR Tags: Am J Respir Crit Care Med Source Type: research

The sentinel event of climate change: hurricane sandy and its consequences for pulmonary and critical care medicine.
PMID: 23322801 [PubMed - in process]
Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Rom WN, Evans L, Uppal A Tags: Am J Respir Crit Care Med Source Type: research

Complex II deficiency—A case report and review of the literature
We present a patient with CII deficiency with a previously undescribed phenotype of dilated cardiomyopathy, left ventricular noncompaction, failure to thrive, hypotonia, and developmental delay. Also, a comprehensive review of 36 cases published in the literature was undertaken. The results show that CII deficiency has a variable phenotype with no correlation with residual complex activity in muscle although the phenotype and enzyme activities are comparable within a family. For some, the condition was fatal in infancy, others had multisystem involvement and some had onset in adulthood with mild symptoms and normal cogniti...
Source: American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A - January 15, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Shailly Jain‐Ghai, Jessie M. Cameron, Almundher Al Maawali, Susan Blaser, Nevena MacKay, Brian Robinson, Julian Raiman Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

The Diagnosis and Management of Pleural Effusions in the ICU
Pleural effusions are common in critically ill patients. Most effusions in intensive care unit (ICU) patients are of limited clinical significance; however, some are important and require aggressive management. Transudative effusions in the ICU are commonly caused by volume overload, decreased plasma oncotic pressure, and regions of altered pleural pressure attributable to atelectasis and mechanical ventilation. Exudates are sequelae of pulmonary or pleural infection, pulmonary embolism, postsurgical complications, and malignancy. Increases in pleural fluid volume are accommodated principally by chest wall expansion and, t...
Source: Journal of Intensive Care Medicine - January 15, 2013 Category: Intensive Care Authors: Maslove, D. M., Chen, B. T.-M., Wang, H., Kuschner, W. G. Tags: Analytic Reviews Source Type: research

Critical Care of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
Approximately 11 000 people suffer traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in the United States, each year. TSCI incidences vary from 13.1 to 52.2 per million people and the mortality rates ranged from 3.1 to 17.5 per million people. This review examines the critical care of TSCI. The discussion will focus on primary and secondary mechanisms of injury, spine stabilization and immobilization, surgery, intensive care management, airway and respiratory management, cardiovascular complication management, venous thromboembolism, nutrition and glucose control, infection management, pressure ulcers and early rehabilitation, pharmacol...
Source: Journal of Intensive Care Medicine - January 15, 2013 Category: Intensive Care Authors: Jia, X., Kowalski, R. G., Sciubba, D. M., Geocadin, R. G. Tags: Analytic Reviews Source Type: research

Edaphobacillus lindanitolerans gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) contaminated soil
Abstract A Gram‐staining‐positive, aerobic, cocco‐bacilli‐shaped, non‐motile, non‐spore forming, cream colored strain bacterium (strain MNA4T) was isolated from hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) contaminated soil. Strain MNA4T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 97.47% with type species of the newly defined genus Bhargavaea cecembensis. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain MNA4T belonged to a clade represented by Bhargavaea cecembensis, Bacillus beijingensis and Bacillus ginsengi. DNA‐DNA hybridization values of the strain MNA4T with close relatives were well...
Source: Journal of Basic Microbiology - January 15, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Devi Lal, Fazlurrahman Khan, Sanjay Kumar Gupta, Peter Schumann, Rup Lal Tags: Research Paper Source Type: research

Pretreatment with brain natriuretic peptide reduces skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress after ischemia-reperfusion
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) reduces the extent of myocardial infarction. We aimed to determine whether BNP may reduce skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunctions and oxidative stress through mitochondrial KATP (mKATP) channel opening after ischemia-reperfusion (IR). Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: sham, 3-h leg ischemia followed by 2-h reperfusion (IR), pretreatment with BNP, and pretreatment with 5-hydroxydecanoic acid, an mKATP channel blocker, before BNP. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activities of gastrocnemius muscles were determined using glutamate-malate (Vmax), succinate (Vsucc), and N,N,N',N...
Source: Journal of Applied Physiology - January 15, 2013 Category: Physiology Authors: Talha, S., Bouitbir, J., Charles, A.-L., Zoll, J., Goette-Di Marco, P., Meziani, F., Piquard, F., Geny, B. Tags: ARTICLES Source Type: research

Nighttime snacking reduces whole body fat oxidation and increases LDL cholesterol in healthy young women
We examined the effects of nighttime snacking for 13 days on energy metabolism. Eleven healthy women (means ± SD; age: 23 ± 1 yr; body mass index: 20.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2) participated in this randomized crossover trial for a 13-day intervention period. Subjects consumed a specified snack (192.4 ± 18.3 kcal) either during the daytime (10:00) or the night time (23:00) for 13 days. On day 14, energy metabolism was measured in a respiratory chamber without snack consumption. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed on day 15. Relative to daytime snacking, nighttime snacking significantly decreased fat...
Source: AJP: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology - January 15, 2013 Category: Physiology Authors: Hibi, M., Masumoto, A., Naito, Y., Kiuchi, K., Yoshimoto, Y., Matsumoto, M., Katashima, M., Oka, J., Ikemoto, S. Tags: Obesity, Diabetes and Energy Homeostasis Source Type: research

Accelerated structural decrements in the aging female rhesus macaque lung compared with males
Aging is associated with morphometric changes in the lung that lead to decreased lung function. The nonhuman primate lung has been shown to have similar architectural, morphological, and developmental patterns to that of humans. We hypothesized that the lungs of rhesus monkeys age in a pattern similar to human lungs. Thirty-four rhesus monkeys from the California National Primate Research Center were euthanized, necropsied, and the whole lungs sampled. Stereological analysis was performed to assess the morphological changes associated with age. The number of alveoli declined significantly from age 9 to 33 yr with a greater...
Source: AJP: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Herring, M. J., Avdalovic, M. V., Quesenberry, C. L., Putney, L. F., Tyler, N. K., Ventimiglia, F. F., St. George, J. A., Hyde, D. M. Tags: ARTICLES Source Type: research

IL-13 receptor {alpha}2-arginase 2 pathway mediates IL-13-induced pulmonary hypertension
This study's goal was to investigate the role and mechanism of IL-13 in the pathogenesis of PH. Lung-specific IL-13-overexpressing transgenic (Tg) mice were examined for hemodynamic changes and pulmonary vascular remodeling. IL-13 Tg mice spontaneously developed PH phenotype by the age of 2 mo with increased expression and activity of arginase 2 (Arg2). The role of Arg2 in the development of IL-13-stimulated PH was further investigated using Arg2 and IL-13 receptor α2 (Rα2) null mutant mice and the small-interfering RNA (siRNA)-silencing approach in vivo and in vitro, respectively. IL-13-stimulated medial thick...
Source: AJP: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Cho, W.-K., Lee, C.-M., Kang, M.-J., Huang, Y., Giordano, F. J., Lee, P. J., Trow, T. K., Homer, R. J., Sessa, W. C., Elias, J. A., Lee, C. G. Tags: ARTICLES Source Type: research

Wnt5a inhibits hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation by downregulation of {beta}-catenin
This study evaluated the effect of Wnt5a on hypoxia-induced proliferation of human PASMCs and its possible mechanism. The results show that hypoxia (3% O2, 48 h) induced proliferation of human PASMCs, accompanied with a significant decrease in Wnt5a gene expression, increase in β-catenin and Cyclin D1 expression, as well as β-catenin nuclear translocation. Treatment with recombinant mouse Wnt5a significantly inhibited hypoxia-induced proliferation of human PASMCs, upregulation of Cyclin D1 and β-catenin expression, as well as the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. These effects were inhibited by Wnt5a ...
Source: AJP: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Yu, X.-M., Wang, L., Li, J.-F., Liu, J., Li, J., Wang, W., Wang, J., Wang, C. Tags: ARTICLES Source Type: research

Differential susceptibility of inbred mouse strains to chlorine-induced airway fibrosis
Chlorine is a reactive gas that is considered a chemical threat agent. Humans who develop acute lung injury from chlorine inhalation typically recover normal lung function; however, a subset can experience chronic airway disease. To examine pathological changes following chlorine-induced lung injury, mice were exposed to a single high dose of chlorine, and repair of the lung was analyzed at multiple times after exposure. In FVB/NJ mice, chlorine inhalation caused pronounced fibrosis of larger airways that developed by day 7 after exposure and was associated with airway hyperreactivity. In contrast, A/J mice had little or n...
Source: AJP: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Mo, Y., Chen, J., Schlueter, C. F., Hoyle, G. W. Tags: ARTICLES Source Type: research

Automated measurement of blood flow velocity and direction and hemoglobin oxygen saturation in the rat lung using intravital microscopy
Intravital microscopy of the pulmonary microcirculation in research animals is of great scientific interest for its utility in identifying regional changes in pulmonary microcirculatory blood flow. Although feasibility studies have been reported, the pulmonary window can be further refined into a practical tool for pharmaceutical research and drug development. We have established a method to visualize and quantify dynamic changes in three key features of lung function: microvascular red blood cell velocity, flow direction, and hemoglobin saturation. These physiological parameters were measured in an acute closed-chest pulm...
Source: AJP: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Hanna, G., Fontanella, A., Palmer, G., Shan, S., Radiloff, D. R., Zhao, Y., Irwin, D., Hamilton, K., Boico, A., Piantadosi, C. A., Blueschke, G., Dewhirst, M., McMahon, T., Schroeder, T. Tags: INNOVATIVE METHODOLOGY Source Type: research

TGF-{beta}-Smad3 signaling in emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis: an epigenetic aberration of normal development?
It is well accepted that TGF-β signaling has critical functional roles in lung development, injury, and repair. We showed previously that null mutation of Smad3, a critical node in the TGF-β pathway, protects mice against fibrosis induced by bleomycin. However, more recently we noticed that abnormal alveolarization also occurs in Smad3-deficient mice and that this is followed by progressive emphysema-like alveolar wall destruction mediated by MMP9. We now know that Smad3 cooperates with c-Jun to synergistically regulate a protein deacetylase SIRT1, by binding to an AP-1 site in the SIRT1 promoter. Consistently, S...
Source: AJP: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Warburton, D., Shi, W., Xu, B. Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research

Passages: The journal, the editors and the specialty
Source: Pediatric Pulmonology - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Thomas Murphy Tags: Editorial Source Type: research

Year in review 2012: Lung cancer, respiratory infections, tuberculosis, pleural diseases, bronchoscopic intervention and imaging
This Year in Review series addresses the most relevant articles published in Respirology and other respiratory medicine journals during 2012 concerning five specific areas that we consider to be of importance to practicing pulmonologists, namely lung cancer, respiratory infections, tuberculosis (TB), pleural diseases, and interventional pulmonology and imaging. Some important findings that will be commented on more in depth are that: 1) screening for lung cancer using low‐dose computed tomography (CT) in high risk populations is promising, although not firmly established, 2) an enhanced CURB (which stands for confusion, ...
Source: Respirology - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: José M. Porcel, Chi Chiu Leung, Marcos I. Restrepo, Kazuhisa Takahashi, Pyng Lee Tags: Invited Review Source Type: research

Year in review 2012: Asthma and COPD
Asthma and COPD continue to have considerable impact on disease burden and mortality world‐wide. Early diagnosis still remains a challenge, with low uptake of spirometry in many countries. Implementing best practice management for airways disease is a critical goal for health care systems – the management now includes pharmacological and non‐pharmacological approaches to the lung disease, as well as recognition and treatment of comorbidities. Finally the pathogenesis of airways disease continues to be fertile field of investigation, in order to better prevent disease, slow progression, and identify relevant biomarker...
Source: Respirology - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Ian A Yang, Fanny Wai‐san Ko, TK Lim, Robert J Hancox Tags: Invited Review Source Type: research

Unexplained dyspnoea in a patient with idiopathic myelofibrosis
A 41-year-old with idiopathic myelofibrosis was referred to the chest clinic with a 1-month history of progressive dyspnoea and intermittent wheeze. There was no history of haemoptysis and the patient was a lifelong non-smoker. On examination, the patient was afebrile, cachectic and had hepatosplenomegaly. Haemoglobin was 6.0 g/dl, white cell count 3.6x109/l, platelet count 98x109/l. Blood smear showed marked anisopoikilocytes, prominent tear drop cells and polychromasia. Bone marrow aspirate was hypercellular, showed reduction in the degree of maturation, and a marked decrease in the proportion of erythroid cells. Th...
Source: Thorax - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Gopala Rao, P. P., Buxton-Thomas, R., Tinwell, B., Draper, A., Vlahos, J., Walsh, S. L. F. Tags: Hemoptysis, Lung infection, Lung neoplasms, TB and other respiratory infections, Lung cancer (oncology), Respiratory cancer, Screening (oncology), Lung cancer (respiratory medicine), Pulmonary hypertension, Transplantation Chest clinic Source Type: research

The FDA-mandated trial of safety of long-acting beta-agonists in asthma: finality or futility?
In 2010, in response to a prolonged debate over the safety of long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs), the United States Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) issued guidelines for the use of LABAs in asthma,1 and mandated a very large trial examining the safety of LABAs used with concomitant inhaled corticosteroid (ICS).2 Strong voices have called for new safety data,3 4 while others have expressed doubt regarding the need for, and likely outcomes of, new trials.5 6 Events leading to the FDA-concerns over LABA safety Controversy regarding safety has surrounded the use of long-acting beta-agonists in asthma virtually since salmete...
Source: Thorax - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Sears, M. R. Tags: Clinical trials (epidemiology), Epidemiologic studies, Child health, Asthma, Drugs: respiratory system Chest clinic Source Type: research

Long-acting {beta}-agonist prescribing in people with asthma in primary care
Long-acting β2-agonist (LABA) monotherapy is contraindicated in asthma following reports of serious adverse events. Anonymised Scottish health data were used to determine the prevalence of LABA prescribing and LABA monotherapy (sustained and episodic) in asthma during 2006. Of 73 486 asthma patients identified, 5592 (7.6%; 95% CI 7.4% to 7.8%) were prescribed LABAs as a separate inhaler of which 991 patients had LABA monotherapy (17.7% (95% CI 16.7% to 18.7%) of patients at risk). Asthma reviews were associated with reductions in sustained (OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.61) but not episodic monotherapy (OR 1.16; 95% ...
Source: Thorax - January 15, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Morales, D. R., Jackson, C., Fielding, S., Guthrie, B. Tags: General practice / family medicine, Asthma Chest clinic Source Type: research