MedWorm: Bronchitis

Effects of Active and Passive Smoking on Ear Infections

Current Infectious Disease Reports — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:14:13 +0100

Abstract Otitis media (OM) is one of the most frequent diseases in young children, causing to visit a physician, and also the most common indication for antibiotic prescription. The peak incidence and prevalence of OM is 6 to 18 months of age. In children, second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure is associated with upper and lower respiratory tract infections, such as acute otitis media (AOM), pneumonia, and bronchitis. Despite the overwhelming evidence of the role of SHS exposure on infant health, a very high proportion of children still continue to be exposed. This important relationship between all kinds of smoking and poor health may not be appreciated universally. With this article, we aim to review tobacco smoke exposure and OM connection. How this exposure may cause OM...

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Lipid-Laden Alveolar Macrophages and pH Monitoring in Gastroesophageal Reflux-Related Respiratory Symptoms

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

This study was conducted to prove a correlation between the detection of alimentary pulmonary fat phagocytosis and an increasing amount of proximal gastroesophageal reflux. It was assumed that proximal gastroesophageal reflux better correlates with aspiration than distal GER. Patients from 6 months to 16 years with unexplained recurrent wheezy bronchitis and bronchial hyperreactivity, or recurrent pneumonia with chronic cough underwent 24-hour double-channel pH monitoring and bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Aspiration of gastric content was determined by counting lipid laden alveolar macrophages from BAL specimens. There were no correlations between any pH-monitoring parameters and counts of lipid-laden macrophages in the whole study population, even when restricting analys...

Bronchoscopic Findings in Children With Chronic Wet Cough

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Chronic wet cough is a common symptom well recognized by pediatricians. Protracted bacterial bronchitis is defined as more than 4 weeks of wet cough that responds to antibiotic treatment. Diagnosis of protracted bacterial bronchitis is not readily accepted by pediatricians Children with chronic wet cough often have bronchitis, which is evident during bronchoscopy. Purulent bronchial secretions suggest the presence of bacterial infection. Children with chronic wet cough frequently have a bacterial infection of the lower airway. (Read the full article) (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Serum Cystatin C and Emphysema: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

Lung — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:55:19 +0100

Conclusion In a large representative noninstitutionalized US population, we demonstrated an association between emphysema and serum CysC. Active smokers with emphysema had significantly higher CysC levels. These findings suggest that CysC may play a role in the pathogenesis of smoking-related emphysema. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00408-012-9374-zAuthors Haala K. Rokadia, Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USAShikhar Agarwal, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Mail Code J2, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA Journal LungOnline ISSN 1432-1750Print ISSN 0341-2040 (Source: Lung)

NICE issues final guidance on roflumilast for severe COPD

NeLM - Guidelines — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: NICE Area: Evidence > Guidelines NICE has issued final guidance (TA 244) on roflumilast for the management of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which contains the following recommendations: . Roflumilast is recommended only in the context of research as part of a clinical trial for adults with severe COPD (defined as forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] post-bronchodilator less than 50% predicted) associated with chronic bronchitis with a history of frequent exacerbations as an add-on to bronchodilator treatment. . Such research should be designed to generate robust evidence about the benefits of roflumilast as an add-on to long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) plus long-acting beta2 agonists (LABA) plus inhaled cor...

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How to evaluate a patient with chronic cough?

Clinical Cases and Images — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:34:00 +0100

Initial evaluation of chronic cough (defined as more than 8 weeks' duration in adults and 4 weeks in children) should include a chest radiography (CXR) in most adult patients. Patients who are taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) should switch to a medication from another drug class. Differential diagnosis of cough, a simple mnemonic is BAD CAT TOM (Bronchitis or pneumonia, Asthma, Drugs, CF or Cardiogenic, Aspiration, TB, Thyroid enlargement, Other, e.g. GERD, Malignancy, e.g. lung cancer). Click here to enlarge the image. The most common causes of chronic cough in adults are: - upper airway cough syndrome (post-nasal drip) - asthma - gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - any combination of the above If upper airway cough syndrome is suspected, a trial of ...

Epinephrine for acute bronchiolitis, but not steroids alone, reduces hospital admissions

Evidence-Based Medicine — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study analysed the available literature (regardless of language) on acute bronchiolitis therapy, including randomised controlled trials involving children below 24 months of age with bronchiolitis. Papers evaluated the effect of salbutamol, terbutaline, epinephrine, ipratropium and/or steroids for their effect on hospital admission rates, hospital length of stay, clinical scores, oxygen saturations, respiratory... (Source: Evidence-Based Medicine)

Vitamin D Doesn't Help Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0100

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by diseases such as Bronchitis and Emphysema, where breathing becomes more difficult as the airways are inflamed, blocked with mucus and ultimately permanently damaged. The problem is usually caused by cigarette smoking, although exposure to industrial chemicals, pollutants or smoke inhalation may also be involved... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Intervention Helps Curb Antibiotic Use for Lower RTIIntervention Helps Curb Antibiotic Use for Lower RTI

Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:42:43 +0100

A fairly simple intervention helped reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), particularly acute bronchitis, in primary care clinics in Spain. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines)

Pharmacological Basis for the Medicinal Use of Lepidium sativum in Airways Disorders

Journal of Biophysics — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 03:35:01 +0100

Lepidium sativum is widely used in folk medicine for treatment of hyperactive airways disorders, such as asthma, bronchitis and cough. The crude extract of Lepidium sativum (Ls.Cr) inhibited carbachol (CCh, 1 μM-) and K+ (80 mM-) induced contractions in a pattern similar to that of dicyclomine. Ls.Cr at 0.03 mg/mL produced a rightward parallel shift of CCh curves, followed by nonparallel shift at higher concentration (0.1 mg/mL), suppressing maximum response, similar to that caused by dicyclomine. Pretreatment of tissues with Ls.Cr (0.1–0.3 mg/mL) shifted Ca++ concentration-response curves (CRCs) to right, as produced by verapamil. Ls.Cr at low concentrations (0.03–0.1 mg/mL) caused leftward shift of isoprenaline-induced inhibito...

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Study: Vitamin D Has No Clear Benefit for COPD Patients

WebMD Health — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0100

Much hope has been pinned on vitamin D to cure, prevent, or treat a host of diseases, including the lung disease chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). New research, however, may dash some of this enthusiasm for people with COPD, an umbrella name for chronic lung diseases including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. (Source: WebMD Health)

Intervention helps curb antibiotic use for lower RTI in primary care

Modern Medicine — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A fairly simple intervention helped reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), particularly acute bronchitis, in primary care clinics in Spain. (Source: Modern Medicine)

A Case of Prolonged Cholestatic Hepatitis Induced by Azithromycin in a Young Woman

Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:11:41 +0100

Azithromycin, a semisynthetic macrolides, is frequently prescribed for the treatment of middle ear and upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, and community-acquired pneumonia. This antibiotic is usually well tolerated, and a rapid resolving cholestatic hepatitis has been described up to now only in six patients all, except one, over 65 years of age. We here report the case of a prolonged cholestatic hepatitis after administration of azithromycin in a young woman with no history of liver disease. (Source: Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience)

Bacterial Infection Common With Children's Chronic Wet CoughBacterial Infection Common With Children's Chronic Wet Cough

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:17:55 +0100

Purulent bronchitis, bacterial infections of the lower airway, and tracheomalacia are frequently associated with chronic wet cough in children. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Ambient nitrogen oxides exposure and early childhood respiratory illnesses.

Environment International — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:17:27 +0100

In this study, we investigated the association between ambient nitrogen oxides (NO(x)) and bronchitis or upper airway inflammation. This longitudinal study was conducted in Teplice and Prachatice districts, Czech Republic. Children were followed from birth to 4.5years of age. Data were compiled from medical records at delivery and at follow up, and from self-administered questionnaires from the same two time points. Air pollution monitoring data were used to estimate exposure over five different averaging periods ranging from three to 45days prior to an episode. To quantify the association between exposure and outcome, while accounting for repeated measure correlation we conducted logistic regression analysis using generalized estimating equations. During the first 2years of life, the adju...

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Sensitisation to common allergens and respiratory symptoms in endotoxin exposed workers: a pooled analysis

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Occupational endotoxin exposure has a protective effect on allergic sensitisation and hay fever but increases the risk for organic dust toxic syndrome and chronic bronchitis. Endotoxin's protective effects are most clearly observed among agricultural workers. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

Can New Year’s Resolutions Reverse Damage Of Bad Habits?

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 04:26:03 +0100

BOSTON (CBS) – Can New Year’s resolutions really make a difference in our health when it comes to reversing the consequences of some of our bad, long term habits? Dr. Rick Donahue of Personal Health MD in the Back Bay said, “It’s amazing how well our body can restore itself.” Even losing just a few extra pounds can help roll back the clock. “The single biggest quick benefit from losing 10-15 pounds is blood pressure goes down. It also has a huge benefit on reducing blood sugar.” WBZ-TV’s Paula Ebben reports var videoCanvas = new WNVideoWidget("WNVideoCanvas", "wnVideo_6616324");videoCanvas.SetWidth(320);videoCanvas.SetHeight(240);videoCanvas.SetVariable("clipId", "6616324");videoCanvas.SetReportingKeywords("CBS.BOSTON");videoCanvas.SetAdvertisingZone("CBS.BOSTON/wor...

Immune Responses to Mucosal Vaccination by the Recombinant S1 and N Proteins of Infectious Bronchitis Virus

Viral Immunology — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 04:11:41 +0100

Viral Immunology , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Viral Immunology)

Surgical treatment of right middle lobe syndrome in children

Annals of Thoracic Medicine — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Children with right middle lobe syndrome unresponsive to medical treatment should undergo early lobe resection to avoid serious complications and the progression of the disease to other segments or lobes. (Source: Annals of Thoracic Medicine)

Relationship between Kleine-Levin Syndrome and Upper Respiratory Infection in Taiwan

Sleep — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:58:37 +0100

Conclusion:The agent behind URI or its consequence (such as fever) is associated with increased incidence of KLS episodes and may explain periodic symptomatic recurrences.Citation:Huang YS; Guilleminault C; Lin KL Hwang FM; Liu FY; Kung YP. Relationship between Kleine-Levin Syndrome and upper respiratory infection in Taiwan. SLEEP 2012;35(1):123-129. (Source: Sleep)

Effect of extracts from Phyllanthus watsonii Airy Shaw on cell apoptosis in cultured human breast cancer MCF-7 cells.

Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ramasamy S, Abdul Wahab N, Zainal Abidin N, Manickam S Abstract Species of Phyllanthus have traditionally been used for hundreds of years for treating many ailments including diabetes, anemia, bronchitis and hepatitis. The present study aims to investigate the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of methanol (PWM), hexane (PWH) and ethyl acetate (PWE) extracts from the leaves of the endemic plant Phyllanthus watsonii Airy Shaw (Phyllanthaceae) on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. We observed that the PWM, PWH and PWE extracts were cytotoxic and selectively inhibited the growth and proliferation of MCF-7 cells compared to untreated control in a dose dependent manner with an IC(50) of 12.7±4.65, 7.9±0.60 and 7.7±0.29μg/ml, respectively. However, the extracts were not toxic at ...

[Effects of summer acupoint application therapy in reducing exacerbation frequency of chronic lung diseases: protocol of a retrospective and prospective study].

Zhong xi yi jie he xue bao : Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine. — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

DISCUSSION: The authors aim to collect 7 400 patients from July 2008 to August 2009. The final follow-up has been completed in December 2010. To reduce the selection bias, a total of 13 clinical centers from different areas of China have participated in this study. The results from this study will provide a high-quality evidence base for evaluating the efficacy of SAAT in reducing exacerbation frequency of chronic lung diseases in winter. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This trial has been registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Identifier: ChiCTR-TNRC-10001292). PMID: 22237273 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Zhong xi yi jie he xue bao : Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine.)

Long‐Term Determinants of Muscle Strength Decline: Prospective Evidence from the 22‐Year Mini‐Finland Follow‐Up Survey

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionLifestyle and physical health earlier in life determine rate of muscle strength decline in old age. Efforts should be made to recognize persons at risk in a timely manner and target early interventions to middle‐aged persons to slow down muscle strength decline and prevent future functional limitations and disability. (Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society)

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Clinical Roundup: Selected Treatment Options for Bronchitis

Alternative and Complementary Therapies — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:57:45 +0100

Alternative and Complementary Therapies Dec 2011, Vol. 17, No. 6: 349-353. (Source: Alternative and Complementary Therapies)

Bronchitis Symptoms

About.com Pediatrics — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:22:46 +0100

It's cold and flu season. That means, although the symptoms will likely come and go, your child may have a runny nose and cough for the next few months. If he just has a lingering, dry, hacking cough, it is also possible that he has symptoms of bronchitis...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Pediatrics)

Chronic bronchitis in the general population: Influence of age, gender and socio-economic conditions

Respiratory Medicine — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Summary: Chronic bronchitis (CB) is an indicator of an increased risk of developing COPD, but its symptoms are often underestimated. Demographic and socio-economic conditions might influence its prevalence, reporting and impact.Data from a large epidemiological survey of the French general population were analyzed to determine the burden of CB, the magnitude of under-diagnosis and the influence of age, gender and socio-economic conditions. Altogether, 9050 participants aged 45 years or more provided complete data.The prevalence of symptoms and diagnosis of CB was 3.5% and 3.4%, respectively. CB was associated with impaired health status and activity and, in women, work loss. Among subjects with symptoms of CB, only 28.6% declared a known diagnosis of respiratory disease. Factors associated...

Serotype and genotype diversity of infectious bronchitis viruses isolated during 1985-2008 in Guangxi, China

Archives of Virology — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:55:43 +0100

Abstract The genetic diversity of the hypervariable region I of S1 gene (HVR I) of infectious bronchitis (IB) vaccine strains H120, Ma5 and 4/91 was compared to that of 26 infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strains isolated from the field in Guangxi province of China during the years 1985-2008, and the field isolates were classified into five major genotypes. Monovalent antisera against three vaccine strains and seven field isolates of different genotypes were prepared by immunizing rabbits with mineral oil adjuvant preparations containing viruses propagated in chicken embryos. Virus neutralization (VN) tests were performed in tracheal organ cultures (TOCs) using these 10 strains with the antisera, and a one-way VN test was then used to compare the relationship of 10 monova...

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Cough Hypersensitivity Syndrome Is an Important Clinical Concept: A Pro/Con Debate

Lung — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:46:41 +0100

Abstract The major etiologies of chronic cough are generally accepted to consist of upper airway cough syndrome (formerly postnasal drip syndrome), eosinophilic airway inflammation (asthma, nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, only a small percentage of patients with these very common conditions suffers from chronic cough. Furthermore, acute cough due to viral upper respiratory tract infection (URI) is almost always a transient, self-limited condition, yet in a small subgroup of patients, URI heralds the onset of chronic, refractory cough. The cough hypersensitivity syndrome has been proposed to explain the occurrence of chronic cough in a subgroup of patients exposed to the same putative triggers as the vast majority ...

Bet 2: Doxapram resurrected? Weak evidence of efficacy suggests a potential use in patients ineligible for non-invasive ventilation

Emergency Medicine Journal — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Report by: John J MacDonald Search checked by: Richard Body Institution: Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, Stockport, UK Clinical scenario A 73-year-old male with known chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents to the emergency department with dyspnoea. He is diagnosed with an acute exacerbation of COPD. Despite optimal medical management he fails to improve, his arterial blood gases demonstrate type II respiratory failure with worsening respiratory acidosis. He is offered a trial of non-invasive ventilation but refuses as. A decision is taken that invasive ventilation is not in the best interests of the patient. You wonder if the respiratory stimulant doxapram may improve the patient's respiratory failure. Three-part question In (patients with an acute exacerbation of COPD who a...

In vitro toxicity, antiplatelet and acetylcholinesterase inhibition of Buddleja thyrsoides Lam. leaves.

Natural Product Research — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mahlke JD, Boligon AA, Machado MM, Athayde ML Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder resulting in impaired memory and behaviour of remarkable socio-economic impact. A decrease in cholinergic activity is a key event in the biochemical of AD. Buddleja thyrsoides is a plant widely distributed in Southern parts of South America. In Brazilian traditional medicine, the infusion of its leaves and flowers is used for the treatment of bronchitis and cough. Crude ethanolic (70%) extract and fractions (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanolic) were investigated regarding their toxicities in vitro and antiplatelet action. The enzyme acetylcholinesterase inhibition was evaluated to study the crude extract. The crude extract and fractions were evaluated...

What Causes a Black Colored Tongue?

PediatricEducation.org — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:29:33 +0100

Discussion Although dental caries, strep throat and oral candidiasis are some of the most common oral pathology. The tongue itself can be a source of potential pathology. Geographic tongue, oral candidiasis, and lingual ulcerations are common problems. Most discolorations of the tongue are because of food, drink or medications that are ingested and are self-limited. However discoloration can be a sign of more significant problems. Hairy tongue, often colored black, is a relatively uncommon problem in the US but has a higher incidence reported in Turkey and Iran. It is more common in adults than children but has been reported in a child 2 months of age. It is also called lingua villosa nigra and is a benign condition caused by keratin accumulation usually in the setting of poor oral hygiene...

Health Highlights: Dec. 16, 2011

Primary Care News - Doctors Lounge — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Recalled Defibrillator Leads Could Injure or Kill Patients: Report Drug Shortages Caused by Production Problems: GAO Asthma, Bronchitis Among Top Kids' Medical Conditions: Report (Source: Primary Care News - Doctors Lounge)

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Use of a Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitor in Smoke-Induced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Am J Respir Cell Mol... — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This is the first report to demonstrate sEHI exerts significant protective effects following repeated, subacute tobacco smoke-induced lung injury in a rat model of COPD. PMID: 22180869 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Am J Respir Cell Mol...)

Health Highlights: Dec. 15, 2011

Primary Care News - Doctors Lounge — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:59:00 +0100

Drug Shortages Caused by Production Problems: GAO Asthma, Bronchitis Among Top Kids' Medical Conditions: Report New Bill Would Boost Monitoring of Medical Implants U.S. Must Protect Research Participants: Panel (Source: Primary Care News - Doctors Lounge)

Emergence and epidemic occurrence of enterovirus 68 respiratory infections in The Netherlands in 2010.

Virology — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Meijer A, van der Sanden S, Snijders BE, Jaramillo-Gutierrez G, Bont L, van der Ent CK, Overduin P, Jenny SL, Jusic E, van der Avoort HG, Smith GJ, Donker GA, Koopmans MP Abstract Following an increase in detection of enterovirus 68 (EV68) in community surveillance of respiratory infections in The Netherlands in 2010, epidemiological and virological analyses were performed to investigate the possible public health impact of EV68 infections. We retrospectively tested specimens collected from acute respiratory infections surveillance and through three children cohort studies conducted in The Netherlands from 1994 through 2010. A total of 71 of 13,310 (0.5%) specimens were positive for EV68, of which 67 (94%) were from symptomatic persons. Twenty-four (34%) of the EV68 positi...

Primary airway epithelial cultures from children are highly permissive to respiratory syncytial virus infection

Thorax — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion This is one of the first studies to examine comprehensively the responses to RSV infection in primary AEC cultures from children and shows marked differences from those of a commercially available immortalised human cell line but reassuring similarities to results found in vivo. This suggests that future work investigating responses of AECs to RSV infection should use primary AEC cultures. (Source: Thorax)

Results from a Ukrainian‐US collaborative study: Prevalence and predictors of respiratory symptoms among Ukrainian coal miners

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 02:46:13 +0100

ConclusionsThis successful international collaboration built a sustainable infrastructure for conducting workplace medical surveillance and research. The resulting study was the first in the western literature to report on respiratory symptoms in this population; likely underestimation of disease rates due to selection and measurement biases was demonstrated. Efforts should continue to build this collaboration and to characterize and reduce respiratory illness among Ukrainian coal miners. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Industrial Medicine)

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H1N1 outbreak in a Swiss military boot camp - observations and suggestions.

Swiss Medical Weekly — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:18:04 +0100

CONCLUSION: A(H1N1)pdm09 has become a ubiquitous seasonal virus in the region. Complications were uncommon and non life threatening. In the event of new influenza outbreaks, hygienic and containment measures must be quickly and correctly implemented, in order to avoid an epidemic. This should also be considered in non-military settings like school camps or in retirement homes. PMID: 22144395 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Swiss Medical Weekly)

NICE issues Final Appraisal Determination on roflumilast for COPD

NeLM - News — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: NICE Area: News NICE has issued a Final Appraisal Determination on roflumilast for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which contains the following preliminary recommendations: . Roflumilast is recommended only in the context of research as part of a clinical trial for adults with severe disease (i.e. FEV1 post-bronchodilator < 50% predicted) associated with chronic bronchitis with a history of frequent exacerbations as an add-on to bronchodilator treatment. . Such research should be designed to generate robust evidence about the benefits of roflumilast as an add-on to long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) plus long-acting beta2 agonists (LABA) plus inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), or LAMA plus LABA for people who ar...

Cough Variant Asthma: Lessons Learned from Deep Inspirations

Lung — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:14:11 +0100

Abstract The pathophysiology of cough variant asthma is poorly understood. In particular, the mechanisms that cause different symptoms in typical asthma (in which wheeze predominates) compared with cough variant asthma (in which cough predominates) have not been determined. Traditional explanations include higher wheezing thresholds, differences in cough sensitivity, and/or differences in small airway function. Recent studies using high-dose methacholine challenge testing suggest that altered small-airway function plays a role. Preservation or loss of the bronchoprotective effect of a deep inspiration may be a fundamental pathophysiologic difference between asthma, cough variant asthma, methacholine-induced cough with normal sensitivity, and eosinophilic bronchitis. Co...

Sir Elton John lights Sydney Opera House for Aids day

Telegraph Health — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:53:06 +0100

The singer braved a case of bronchitis to attend an event lighting the Sydney Opera House with murals projected in light, to commemorate World Aids Day in Sydney, Australia. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Sir Elton John lights Sydney Opera House for World Aids Day

Telegraph Health — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:53:06 +0100

The singer braved a case of bronchitis to attend an event lighting the Sydney Opera House with murals projections to commemorate World Aids Day in Sydney, Australia. (Source: Telegraph Health)

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Sir Elton John lights Sydney Opera House for World Aids day

Telegraph Health — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:53:06 +0100

The singer braved a case of bronchitis to attend an event lighting the Sydney Opera House with murals projections to commemorate World Aids Day in Sydney, Australia. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Procalcitonin vs Clinical and Chest Film Findings to Diagnose Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Patients With Acute Asthma or Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis.

Chest — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cunha BA PMID: 22147830 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Chest)

Clinical Predictors of Admission in Infants with Acute Bronchiolitis: Marlais M, Evans J, Abrahamson E. Arch Dis Child 2011;96:648–52.

The Journal of Emergency Medicine — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Bronchiolitis is common in infants, and deciding whether or not to admit these patients can be difficult in the emergency department (ED). Researchers at a large, urban academic center in the United Kingdom sought to identify clinical predictors of hospital admission in infants presenting with bronchiolitis and to devise a clinical risk scoring system in this population. The authors retrospectively examined the clinical records of 449 infants that presented with acute bronchitis over a 1-year period. Of these patients, 163 (36%) were admitted to the hospital. A total of 29 potential risk predictors were evaluated, and the most accurate predictors of hospital admission were age, duration of symptoms, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. Predictors with incomplete data sets o...

Moments of Body Gratitude

Psychology Today Parenting Center — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 17:47:09 +0100

I came to a realization over Thanksgiving—every November, like clockwork, my daughter gets really sick. This year, it was a case of bronchitis that kept her out of school for a week, but cleared up just in time for the holiday. Primary Topic: Health read more (Source: Psychology Today Parenting Center)

A Blast from the Past

The American Journal of Medicine — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:06:30 +0100

Common complaints tend to be explained by common conditions, but sometimes that assumption is wrong. A 56-year-old man presented with cough, skin lesions, and left knee pain. Five months earlier, he had developed a cough that occasionally produced blood-tinged sputum. A smoker, he was told he had bronchitis, for which he received courses of levofloxacin, inhaled bronchodilators, and inhaled corticosteroids; this was followed by a course of amoxicillin. There was no noticeable improvement, and 5 weeks prior to presentation at The University of Illinois at Chicago, his left knee became painful and swollen. At the same time, he developed skin lesions that a dermatologist diagnosed as acne; he was treated with doxycycline for 3 weeks. When his skin worsened to the point that he thought it emba...

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Macrolides: from in vitro anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties to clinical practice in respiratory diseases

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:03:38 +0100

Conclusion This review provides an overview on the properties of macrolides (erythromycin, clarithromycin, roxithromycin, azithromycin), their efficacy in various respiratory diseases and their adverse effects. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticlePages 1-25DOI 10.1007/s00228-011-1161-xAuthors P. Zarogoulidis, Pulmonary Department, “G. Papanikolaou” Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 57010 GreeceN. Papanas, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, GreeceI. Kioumis, Pulmonary Department, “G. Papanikolaou” Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 57010 GreeceE. Chatzaki, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexa...

Cinnamon

NCCAM Featured Content — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:37:16 +0100

This fact sheet provides basic information about cinnamon—common names, what the science says, potential side effects and cautions, and resources for more information.Cinnamon comes from the bark of trees native to China, India, and Southeast Asia. A popular cooking spice in many cultures for centuries, cinnamon also has a long history of use as a folk or traditional medicine. For example, many ancient societies used cinnamon for bronchitis. Additional folk or traditional uses include gastrointestinal problems, loss of appetite, and control of diabetes, as well as a variety of other conditions.Cinnamon bark is used to make powders, capsules, teas, and liquid extracts. Although there are many kinds of cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon (sometimes referred to as "true" cinnamon) and cassia cinnamon...

Chronic condition self‐management support within a respiratory nursing service

Journal of Nursing and Healthcare of Chronic Illness — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:46:42 +0100

Conclusions. By recognising the importance of the different phases of change involving diagnostic, planning, implementation, ongoing monitoring and review, but also the supporting tools for data collection, the readiness of staff for change, the mapping of barriers and enablers and planning for short‐ and long‐term impacts, this Respiratory Service was able to embed effectively into practice a more coordinated service for patients with COPD across the inpatient/community continuum.Relevance to clinical practice. This change process was undertaken by respiratory nurses in the field using the Chronic Care Model and associated tools to guide implementation and sustainability of the change. Guided by identification of enablers and gaps of most relevance to these health professionals ...

Longitudinal associations of socioeconomic position in childhood and adulthood with decline in lung function over 20 years: results from a population-based cohort of British men

Thorax — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Socioeconomic position across the life course could have a significant impact on decline in lung function in later life. The role of environmental factors associated with socioeconomic position merits further exploration. (Source: Thorax)

Successful treatment of severe asthma-associated plastic bronchitis with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Journal of Anesthesia — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:46:42 +0100

We describe a case of near-fatal asthma requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The patient presented with severe respiratory distress, which was not responsive to conventional pharmacological therapy. The patient also failed to respond to mechanical ventilation and thus was placed on venovenous ECMO for temporary pulmonary support. A fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed that large amounts of thick bronchial secretions had occluded the main bronchus, which suggested plastic bronchitis secondary to asthma. Aggressive airway hygiene with frequent bronchoscopies and application of biphasic cuirass ventilation for facilitation of secretion clearance were performed to improve the patient’s respiratory status. The patient achieved a full recovery and suffered no neurological se...

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Variation in formulary adherence in general practice over time (2003-2007)

Family Practice — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. General practice information networks are useful for monitoring general patterns of formulary on a year-to-year basis. Formulary adherence is stable over time but varies across diagnoses, patients and general practices. In the past decade, efforts have been made to increase the level of formulary adherent prescribing. These general efforts managed to stabilize (variation in) adherence in a field where many other initiatives (e.g. by pharmaceutical companies) are undertaken to influence prescribing behaviour. (Source: Family Practice)

E pluribus plurima: Multidimensional indices and clinical phenotypes in COPD

Respiratory Research — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a disorder of the respiratory system characterized by progressive and only partially reversible airflow obstruction , due to a varying combination of large (bronchitis) and small airways (small airway disease) damage, and lung parenchymal and vascular destruction. The diagnostic procedure for COPD starts from the recognition of risk factors (cigarette smoking "in primis", but also outdoor and indoor air pollution) and the presence of symptoms such as chronic cough and phlegm and reduced exercise tolerance. The lifestyle is important for the reveal of symptoms: dyspnea occurs later in a sedentary person than in an active individual. (Source: Respiratory Research)

Impact of the French campaign to reduce inappropriate ambulatory antibiotic use on the prescription and consultation rates for respiratory tract infections

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions During its first 3 years, the French public campaign accelerated a pre-existing decrease in ambulatory antibiotic prescriptions. The decrease in consultation rates suggests that altered illness behaviour of patients may have contributed to the observed decline. The persistently high prescribing rates for certain RTIs show that further effort is needed to improve antibiotic prescribing in France. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)

Drug-Resistant Infections: A New Epidemic, And What You Can Do To Help

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0100

Strain-dependent induction of neutrophil histamine production and cell death by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Journal of Leukocyte Biology — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Xu X, Zhang H, Song Y, Lynch SV, Lowell CA, Wiener-Kronish JP, Caughey GH Abstract Airway diseases often feature persistent neutrophilic inflammation and infection. In cystic fibrosis bronchitis, for example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is isolated frequently. Previously, this laboratory revealed that neutrophils become major sources of histamine in mice with tracheobronchitis caused by the wall-less bacterium Mycoplasma pulmonis. To test the hypothesis that more-broadly pathogenic P. aeruginosa (which expresses cell wall-associated LPS and novel toxins) has similar effects, we incubated naïve mouse neutrophils with two strains of P. aeruginosa. Strain PAO1 greatly increased neutrophil histamine content and secretion, whereas strain PA103 depressed histamine production by kill...

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Drug-resistant infections: A new epidemic, and what you can do to help

UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:00:00 +0100

Are you aware that colds, flu, most sore throats and bronchitis are caused by viruses? Did you know that antibiotics do not help fight viruses and that using them for viral infections only decreases their effectiveness overall? Millions of Americans take antibiotics each year to fight illness, trusting they'll work. However, the pathogens are fighting back. Within the past couple of years, new drug-resistant patterns have emerged, and resistance to common antibiotics has increased. "We can help this serious emerging problem by educating patients and health care workers about the proper use of antibiotics," said Dr. Daniel Uslan, assistant clinical professor of infectious diseases and director of the UCLA Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, which promotes the approp...

Mortality from non-malignant respiratory diseases among workers in the Norwegian silicon carbide industry: associations with dust exposure

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Exposure to SiC and crystalline silica may contribute to OLD development among SiC industry workers in different time windows, and possibly through different mechanisms. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

Induction of ATR Signaling by Coronavirus [Cell Biology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this study we show that activation of cellular DNA damage response is one of the mechanisms exploited by Coronavirus to induce cell cycle arrest. An ATR-dependent cellular DNA damage response was shown to be activated by IBV infection. Suppression of the ATR kinase activity by chemical inhibitors and siRNA-mediated knockdown of ATR reduced the IBV-induced ATR signaling and inhibited the replication of IBV. Furthermore, yeast two-hybrid screens and subsequent biochemical and functional studies demonstrated that interaction between Coronavirus nsp13 and DNA polymerase δ induced DNA replication stress in IBV-infected cells. These findings indicate that the ATR signaling activated by IBV replication contributes to the IBV-induced S-phase arrest and is required for efficient IBV replication...

Self‐reported lower respiratory tract infections and development of islet autoimmunity in children with the type 1 diabetes high‐risk HLA genotype: the MIDIA study

Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

ConclusionSelf‐reported lower respiratory tract infections were associated with increased risk of islet autoimmunity in early infancy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews)

Relationship between “purulent bronchitis” in military populations in Europe prior to 1918 and the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Please cite this paper as: Shanks et al. Relationship between “purulent bronchitis” in military populations in Europe prior to 1918 and the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI: 10.1111/j.1750‐2659.2011.00309.xPurulent bronchitis was a distinctive and apparently new lethal respiratory infection in British and American soldiers during the First World War. Mortality records suggest that purulent bronchitis caused localized outbreaks in the midst of a broad epidemic wave of lethal respiratory illness in 1916–1917. Probable purulent bronchitis deaths in the Australian Army showed an epidemic wave that moved from France to England. Purulent bronchitis may have been the clinical expression of infection with a novel influenza virus which also could ...

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Management of plastic bronchitis in a child with mild intermittent asthma.

The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Plastic bronchitis in children is a rare condition that can mimic foreign body aspiration and can be associated with underlying pulmonary inflammatory disorders or cardiovascular disease. Aggressive bronchoscopic management of the airway obstruction and medical management of the underlying disease process are important for the successful treatment of plastic bronchitis. PMID: 22224309 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology)

Epidemiology and immunoprotection of nephropathogenic avian infectious bronchitis virus in southern China

Virology Journal — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our study was aim at setting a guide for safeguard against nephropathogenic IBV-caused disease in China. (Source: Virology Journal)

Abdominal Obesity and Late-Onset Asthma: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Results: The 3C Study.

Obesity — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Leone N, Courbon D, Berr C, Barberger-Gateau P, Tzourio C, Alpérovitch A, Zureik M Abstract Whereas global obesity assessed by BMI has been related to asthma risk, little is known as to the potential implication of abdominal adiposity in this relationship. In the elderly, in whom asthma remains poorly studied, abdominal adiposity tends to increase at the expense of muscle mass. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between abdominal adiposity, assessed by waist circumference (WC), and prevalence and incidence of asthma in a large elderly cohort. Cross-sectional analysis was based on 7,643 participants aged ≥65 years including 592 (7.7%) with lifetime physician-diagnosed asthma. Longitudinal analysis involved 6,267 baseline nonasthmatics followed-u...

Ethnomedicinal and ecological status of plants in Garhwal Himalaya, India

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The medicinal plants treated various ailments. These included diarrhea, dysentery, bronchitis, menstrual disorders, gonorrhea, pulmonary affections, migraines, leprosy. The ecological studies showed that the tree density and total basal cover increased from the tropical region to sub-tropical and temperate regions. The species composition changed with climatic conditions. Among the localities used for data collection in each climatic region, many had very poor vegetation cover. The herbaceous layer decreased with increasing altitude, which might be an indication that communities at higher elevations were harvesting more herbaceous medicinal plants, due to the lack of basic health care facilities. Therefore, special attention needs to be given to the conservation of medicinal pl...

Crosstalk between innate and adaptive immune responses to infectious bronchitis virus after vaccination and challenge of chickens varying in serum mannose-binding lectin concentrations.

Vaccine — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Juul-Madsen HR, Norup LR, Jørgensen PH, Handberg KJ, Wattrang E, Dalgaard TS Abstract Mannose-binding lectin (MBL), a C-type collectin with structural similarities to C1q, is an innate pattern-recognition molecule that is sequestered to sites of inflammation and infections. MBL selectively binds distinct chemical patterns, including carbohydrates expressed on all kinds of pathogens. The present study shows that serum MBL levels influence the ability of chickens to clear the respiratory tract of virus genomes after an infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) infection. The primary IBV infection induced changes in circulating T-cell populations and in the specific antibody responses. Serum MBL levels also influenced IBV vaccine-induced changes in circulating T-cell populations. Mo...

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Heart Treatment Can Help COPD Patients' Wellbeing

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0100

A new study published in the journal Respirology suggests that heart-related therapies could potentially improve the wellbeing of some people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as the mechanisms controlling the heart play a vital role in the life quality of these patients'. COPD develops as a co-occurrence of chronic bronchitis and emphysema narrowing the airways and causing shortness of breath sometimes independent of lung disease. It often results in patients' poor physical and mental quality of life, however little is known about the determining factors... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Comparison of estimates for the self-reported chronic conditions among household survey and telephone survey - Campinas (SP), Brazil

Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 05:55:58 +0100

CONCLUSION: Except for the hypertension prevalence, the telephone survey has proven to be a rapid alternative to provide global prevalence estimates of health conditions in the adult population of Campinas. (Source: Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia)

Investigation of "non-responding" presumed lower respiratory tract infection in primary care

BMJ Online First — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Learning pointsAmong patients prescribed an antibiotic for lower respiratory tract infection in primary care, 20-25% will present again within four weeks Symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection... (Source: BMJ Online First)

Evaluation of the genotoxic potential of standardized extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GutGard™).

Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology : RTP — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chandrasekaran CV, Sundarajan K, Gupta A, Srikanth HS, Edwin J, Agarwal A Abstract Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. (licorice) is widespread throughout the Mediterranean region and certain areas of Asia. Historically, the dried rhizome and root of the plant were used by the Chinese, Egyptian, Greek, Indian, and Roman civilizations as expectorant and carminative. In the modern medicinal system, licorice is used to treat liver ailments, dyspepsia, bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis etc. Despite the extensive pharmacological applications, the genotoxic potential of G. glabra extract (GutGard™) has not been evaluated. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the genotoxic potential of GutGard™ using battery of in vitro test systems: bacterial reverse mutation test (Ames II™)...

Management of chronic cough in patients receiving palliative care: review of evidence and recommendations by a task group of the Association for Palliative Medicine of Great Britain and Ireland.

Palliative Medicine — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: These recommendations (Grade D) include simple linctus, therapeutic trial of sodium cromoglycate and then prescription of an opioid or opioid derivative (dextromethorphan, morphine or codeine). Further research is clearly and urgently required in this area for more effective approaches to managing cough, tested in trials that have sufficient size, power and validity. PMID: 21993808 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Palliative Medicine)

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Effect of ELTGOL on Mucus Clearance in Stable Patients With Chronic Bronchitis.

Respiratory Care — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: ELTGOL was efficient in increasing peripheral airway clearance in dependent lung of patients with chronic bronchitis, most of them with mild to moderate COPD. PMID: 22005107 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Respiratory Care)

Pulmonary Complications of Congenital Heart Disease

Paediatric Respiratory Reviews — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Summary: Cardiac and pulmonary pathophysiologies are closely interdependent, which makes the management of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) all the more complex. Pulmonary complications of CHD can be structural due to compression causing airway malacia or atelectasis of the lung. Surgical repair of CHD can also result in structural trauma to the respiratory system, e.g., chylothorax, subglottic stenosis, or diaphragmatic paralysis. Disruption of the Starling forces in the pulmonary vascular system in certain types of CHD lead to alveolar-capillary membrane damage and pulmonary oedema. This in turn results in poorly compliant lungs with a restrictive lung function pattern that can deteriorate to cause hypoxemia. The circulation post single ventricle palliative surgery (the so ca...

Aspirin Desensitization: A "Lifechanger" For Patients With Aspirin And NSAID Allergies; Cardiovascular Disease

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Beth Moore can now keep up with her children. The suburban Philadelphia mother of two had suffered from allergies and chronic sinusitis since her teens. With age her symptoms became more severe, turning into bronchitis and eventually asthma, diminishing her ability to breathe and sapping her of her energy. The only complete relief came from aspirin; and the aspirin desensitization that allowed her to overcome her aspirin allergy and end her decades-long battle with sinusitis. John R... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Definitions and Classification of Work-Related Asthma

Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 22:50:06 +0100

The workplace can trigger or induce asthma and cause the onset of different types of work-related asthma (WRA). Based on current knowledge of clinical features, pathophysiologic mechanisms, and evidence supporting a causal relationship, the following conditions should be distinguished in the spectrum of WRA: (1) immunologic occupational asthma (OA), (2) nonimmunologic OA, (3) work-exacerbated asthma, and (4) variant syndromes, including eosinophilic bronchitis, potroom asthma, and asthmalike disorders caused by organic dusts. The rationale, issues, and controversies relating to this approach are critically reviewed to stimulate the development of a consensus on operational definitions of the various phenotypes of WRA. (Source: Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America)

Clinical Assessment of Occupational Asthma and its Differential Diagnosis

Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 22:50:06 +0100

Occupational asthma (OA) is defined as asthma caused by sources and conditions attributable to a particular occupational environment and not to stimuli encountered outside the workplace. Two types of OA are distinguished based on their appearance after a latency period or not. The most frequent type appears after a latency period leading to sensitization; the clinical assessment of this type of OA is the topic of this review. The differential diagnosis of OA is also reviewed, including work-exacerbated asthma, eosinophilic bronchitis, hyperventilation syndrome, vocal cord dysfunction, bronchiolitis, and other causes of dyspnea or cough. (Source: Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America)

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When Can a Child Go Into A Pool?

PediatricEducation.org — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:54:30 +0100

Discussion Water safety is clearly important for all ages. Drowning was the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in US children from 1-19 years between 2000-2006. Non-fatal drowning victims usually do well, but 5-10% have severe neurological damage. The highest rate of drowning is in 0-4 year olds, with half of the drowning occurring in swimming pools. Infants < 1 year have a high rate of drowning in bathtubs and large buckets of water. To prevent drowning, experts generally recommend "layers of protection" including: Adult supervision – a designated adult supervisor who is not distracted by other activities such as sun bathing, reading, or talking with other adults Pool fencing – separate 4-sided fencing isolating the pool from other structures including a house...

Molecular characterization of infectious bronchitis virus isolates from Russia and neighbouring countries: identification of intertypic recombination in the S1 gene.

Avian Pathology — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ovchinnikova EV, Bochkov YA, Shcherbakova LO, Nikonova ZB, Zinyakov NG, Elatkin NP, Mudrak NS, Borisov AV, Drygin VV Abstract Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) isolates recovered in Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan between 2007 and 2010 were subjected to molecular characterization and compared with those isolated a decade ago. The IBV genome was detected in 202 out of 605 field samples from chickens with various clinical signs. Partial sequencing of the S1 gene revealed 153 vaccine strains and 49 field isolates of several genetic groups. Massachusetts, 793/B and D274 remained the predominant IBV genotypes along with QX, whereas B1648, Italy-02, Arkansas and variants accounted for about 12% of the total number. Three IBVs contained recombinant S1 gene sequences comprising ge...

In vitro and in vivo effects of Houttuynia cordata on infectious bronchitis virus.

Avian Pathology — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Yin J, Li G, Li J, Yang Q, Ren X Abstract Avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), a coronavirus, causes infectious bronchitis leading to enormous economic loss in the poultry industry worldwide. Houttuynia cordata (Saururaceae) (HC) is a traditional Chinese medicine used in China. In the present study, the effect of HC on cell infection by IBV was determined using plaque assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The inhibitory effect of HC on IBV infection in ovo and in vivo was analysed using specific pathogen free (SPF) chicken embryos and chickens. Moreover, the effect of HC on cell apoptosis induced by IBV was investigated. Results showed that HC had more than 90% inhibition rate against IBV infection in Vero cells and chicken embryo kidney cells, and...

Peat Bog Wildfire Smoke Exposure in Rural North Carolina Is Associated with Cardiopulmonary Emergency Department Visits Assessed through Syndromic Surveillance

EHP-in-Press — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Satellite data and syndromic surveillance were combined to assess the health impacts of wildfire smoke in rural counties with sparse air-quality monitoring. This is the first study to demonstrate both respiratory and cardiac effects after brief exposure to peat wildfire smoke. (Source: EHP-in-Press)

The effect of secondhand smoke exposure on markers of elastin degradation.

Chest — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate a tissue matrix effect of degradation of body elastin from SHS exposure and possible lung structure injury, which may result in COPD. Long-term studies of individuals exposed to SHS for the development of COPD are warranted. PMID: 21415130 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Chest)

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Trends in childhood asthma hospitalisation in three Asia Pacific countries

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Although there has been a decrease in childhood asthma hospitalisation rates since the 1990s, a modest increase was observed from 2003 to 2008. Ongoing monitoring is required. (Source: Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health)

Current pharmacological and phytochemical studies of the plant Alpinia galanga.

Zhong xi yi jie he xue bao : Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine. — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kaushik D, Yadav J, Kaushik P, Sacher D, Rani R Abstract Traditional medicine systems consist of large numbers of plants with medicinal and pharmacological importance and hence represent an invaluable reservoir of new bioactive molecules. Alpinia galanga (family Zingiberaceae) is commonly known as galangal and has been used for its emmenagogue, aphrodisiac, abortifacient, carminative, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory qualities and used in the treatment of various diseases such as bronchitis, heart diseases, chronic enteritis, renal calculus, diabetes, rheumatism and kidney disorders. It was reported to contain, among other components, essential oils, tannins, phenol, glycosides, monoterpenes and carbohydrates. In the last few years, new compounds such as gallic acid glyco...

Morgagni Hernia Presenting as a Right Middle Lobe Compression.

Annals of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Vassileva CM, Shabosky J, Boley T, Hazelrigg S Abstract A 25-year-old woman with a history of chronic bronchitis since age 12 and 3-4 previous episodes of pneumonia presented to the emergency room with cough and shortness of breath. A CT scan of her chest revealed findings consistent with Morgagni hernia with herniation of omental fat, causing near complete compressive atelectasis of the right middle lobe. The diaphragmatic defect was successfully treated with a laparoscopic repair. The patient was discharged home on the first postoperative day after tolerating regular diet. PMID: 21959196 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Annals of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery)

William Jarrett obituary

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:58:40 +0100

Veterinary pathologist behind important advances in medicineWilliam Jarrett, who has died aged 83, was the most distinguished veterinary pathologist of his generation. He is probably best known for his discovery in 1964 of the retrovirus that causes leukaemia and lymphoma in domestic cats, but his research covered a remarkable breadth of subjects, principally viral and parasitic diseases, and his findings led to important advances in human and veterinary medicine.Bill was born in Glasgow but his family moved shortly afterwards to a smallholding near Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, where he grew up. He was educated at Lenzie academy and followed his elder brother Tom into the Glasgow Veterinary College, graduating with honours in 1949. His subsequent postgraduate research in&...

Phase 2B dose‐ranging study of the oral JAK inhibitor tofacitinib (CP‐690,550) or adalimumab monotherapy versus placebo in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis with an inadequate response to DMARDs

Arthritis and Rheumatism — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:Tofacitinib monotherapy at ≥3 mg BID was efficacious in the treatment of patients with active RA over 24 weeks and demonstrated a manageable safety profile. © 2011 American College of Rheumatology. (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)

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Associations between respiratory illnesses and secondhand smoke exposure in flight attendants: a cross-sectional analysis of the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute Survey

Environmental Health — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Background: Secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) is associated with increased risk of respiratory illness, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Prior to smoking bans on airlines in the late 1980s, flight attendants were exposed to a significant amount of SHS. In the present study, we examine associations between flight attendant SHS exposure and development of respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular disease. Methods: Between December 2006 and October 2010, three hundred sixty-two flight attendants completed an online questionnaire with information regarding experience as a flight attendant, medical history, smoking history, and SHS exposure. Rates of illnesses in flight attendants were compared with an age and smoking history matched population sample from NHANES 2005-2006. Logistic regression a...

Safety of immunomodulatory therapy in patients with bronchiectasis associated with rheumatic disease and IBD: a retrospective and cohort analysis

Clinical Rheumatology — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 05:51:30 +0100

Abstract Rheumatic diseases as well as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been associated with the occurrence of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). There are few data on NCFB and adverse events from immunosuppressive or biological response modifier therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or IBD and NCFB. We identified 37 patients with NCFB and rheumatic disease, and nine patients with inflammatory bowel disease that received immunomodulatory treatment. We retrospectively analysed adverse pulmonary events. In nine patients with RA, the association between disease activity score (DAS) and spirometry was analysed in a small cohort study. Pulmonary side effects occurred in 50% of patients, most commonly respiratory infections, and resulted in a change of ...

BRONCHITIS AND ASTHMA AIDE (Aconitum Napellus, Calcium Sulfide, Spongia Officinalis Skeleton, Roasted, Tin) Tablet [Nature'S Way Products, Inc.]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Sep 19, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Invasive pneumococcal disease

Archives of Disease in Childhood - Education and Practice — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Introduction Streptococcus pneumoniae, the pneumococcus, is a Gram-positive diplococcus with more than 90 serotypes determined by the polysaccharide composition of its capsule. It is carried asymptomatically in approximately 50% of people.1 It can cause both non-invasive and invasive disease. Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) refers to disease in which the bacterium enters a sterile site such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), pleural fluid, joint fluid or pericardial fluid. Non-invasive disease includes otitis media, sinusitis and bronchitis. Among infectious diseases, IPD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children and adults. Vaccination against pneumococcal infection was introduced into the UK routine childhood immunisation programme in 2006 with Prevenar 7 (Pfizer, T...

Changes in nonstructural protein 3 are associated with attenuation in avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus

Virus Genes — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 06:01:57 +0100

Abstract Full-length genome sequencing of pathogenic and attenuated (for chickens) avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strains of the same serotype was conducted to identify genetic differences between the pathotypes. Analysis of the consensus full-length genome for three different IBV serotypes (Ark, GA98, and Mass41) showed that passage in embryonated eggs, to attenuate the viruses for chickens, resulted in 34.75–43.66% of all the amino acid changes occurring in nsp 3 within a virus type, whereas changes in the spike glycoprotein, thought to be the most variable protein in IBV, ranged from 5.8 to 13.4% of all changes. The attenuated viruses did not cause any clinical signs of disease and had lower replication rates than the pathogenic viruses of the sam...

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Characteristics of Chinese patients with cough in primary care centre

Journal of Translational Medicine — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Causes and outcomes of cough differed with ages and time in this particular national study, while successful and precise diagnosis and management of cough in primary care settings need to be further improved in China. (Source: Journal of Translational Medicine)

Draft NICE guidance recommends clinical trial for roflumilast in severe COPD

NeLM - News — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: NICE Area: News The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published draft guidance (appraisal consultation document, ACD) for consultation on the use of roflumilast for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The ACD makes the following recommendations (direct from source): 1. Roflumilast is recommended only in the context of research as part of a clinical trial for adults with severe COPD (for the purposes of this guidance defined as forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] post-bronchodilator less than 50% predicted) associated with chronic bronchitis with a history of frequent exacerbations as an add-on to bronchodilator treatment. 2. Such research should be designed to generate robust evidenc...

Low concentrations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D associated with increased risk for chronic bronchitis among US adults.

The British Journal of Nutrition — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, low serum 25(OH)D levels are associated with the increased risk of chronic bronchitis among US adults. The present results provide support for continuing research on the role of vitamin D in lung diseases. PMID: 21899806 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The British Journal of Nutrition)

Medical Acoustics, UB Reaching COPD Patients With New Lung Flute

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:00:00 +0100

An easy-to-use device developed by a local biomedical company is providing relief to Buffalo-area patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The Lung Flute, one of Popular Science magazine's best 100 innovations of 2009, is a hand-held device that employs sound-wave technology to break up mucus in the lungs. The device is distributed by Medical Acoustics, a Western New York firm that has partnered with the University at Buffalo for years on research and development... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

A homeopathic remedy for early COPD

Respiratory Medicine — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

“Let’s Diagnose COPD Early!” was the title of an editorial written by the late great Doctor Tom Petty over 35 years ago. Towards the end of his editorial, promoting the widespread use of office spirometry to detect COPD, he stated, “It must be honestly admitted that studies to establish the value of early or so-called preventive therapy are yet to be established.” The U.S. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute and the American Thoracic Society then held a workshop on screening programs for early diagnosis of airway obstruction to discuss the “rapidly developing confusion about pathophysiologic abnormalities associated with early airway obstruction.” The eminent group of respiratory scientists at the 1973 workshop included Doctors Nicholas Anthonisen, Margaret Becklake, Soni...

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Tenth Anniversary of 9/11 Brings Greater Threat Of Mesothelioma, More Awareness of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 21:32:17 +0100

The official opening Sunday of the National 9/11 Memorial on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack at the World Trade Center in New York City is designed to help America remember, but it will also provide some closure for families of those who died. There will be no closure for the illnesses left behind. Although tens of thousands more – first responders, volunteer workers, residents nearby – have been suffering for years from a wide range of physical and psychological ailments related to 9/11, the real death toll from the attack will not be known fully for decades to come. The threat of mesothelioma, the slow-developing cancer caused by an exposure to asbestos, is just beginning. The much-chronicled “World Trade Center Cough,” a respiratory ailment that has dogged t...

Mucin granule-associated proteins in human bronchial epithelial cells: the airway goblet cell "granulome"

Respiratory Research — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Background: Excess mucus in the airways leads to obstruction in diseases such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, and cystic fibrosis. Mucins, the highly glycosolated protein components of mucus, are stored in membrane-bound granules housed in the cytoplasm of airway epithelial "goblet" cells until they are secreted into the airway lumen via an exocytotic process. Precise mechanism(s) of mucin secretion, including the specific proteins involved in the process, have yet to be elucidated. Previously, we have shown that the Myristoylated Alanine-Rich C Kinase Substrate (MARCKS) protein regulates mucin secretion by orchestrating translocation of mucin granules from the cytosol to the plasma membrane, where the granules dock, fuse and release their contents into the airway lumen. Associated with MAR...

Risk factors for respiratory work disability in a cohort of pulp mill workers exposed to irritant gases

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This cohort study of pulp mill workers found that irritant peak exposure during gassing episodes was a strong predictor of changing work due to respiratory problems, even after adjustment for asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic rhinitis. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

What Causes Coughs?

PediatricEducation.org — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:22:52 +0100

Discussion “A cough is a voluntary or involuntary explosive expiration. After a deep inspiration, the glottis is closed and the expiratory muscles contract, compressing the lung and raising intrapulmonary pressure above the atmospheric pressure. The glottis then opens, and gas is expelled at a rapid rate.” Acute coughs are commonly due to upper respiratory tract diseases in children of all ages – often because of post-nasal rhinorrhea. Chronic coughs may be more difficult to determine the cause of and may require more investigation, consultation, and/or empiric trials of medication including radiographic imaging of chest or sinuses, spirotometry, sweat chloride, methacholine challenge, bronchoscopy, gastroscopy, immunodeficiency testing, etc. Children with congenital abn...

SerratioPeptidase is a potent anti-inflammatory enzyme

NaturalNews.com — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) Proteolytic enzymes are specific enzymes that metabolize protein. These enzymes are naturally produced by the human body and other living organisms and help carry out essential functions. Supplementing with these enzymes has shown to have a favorable anti-inflammatory effect on the tissues of the body. A unique enzyme named serratiopeptidase is now emerging as one of the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements.Serratiopeptidase is an enzyme isolated from a non-pathogenic bacteria called enterobacteria Serratia E15. This enzyme makes its inhabitants in the intestine of the silkworm. Silkworms go through a transformational process within a cocoon that turns them into moths. It is this specific enzyme that is used by the silkworm to dissolve the cocoon and reemerge as a moth.S...

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Office-related antibiotic prescribing for persons aged ≤14 years --- United States, 1993--1994 to 2007--2008.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which found that antibiotic prescribing rates for persons aged ≤14 years who had visited physician offices decreased 24% from 300 antibiotic courses per 1,000 office visits in 1993--1994 to 229 antibiotic courses per 1,000 office visits in 2007--2008. Among the five acute respiratory infections (ARIs) examined, antibiotic prescribing rates decreased 26% for pharyngitis and 19% for nonspecific upper respiratory infection (common cold); prescribing rates for otitis media, bronchitis, and sinusitis did not change significantly. Although the overall antibiotic prescribing rate for persons aged ≤14 years has decreased, the rate remains inappropriately high. Further efforts are needed to decrease inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for pe...

Pediatricians Prescribing Fewer Antibiotics to Kids

About.com Pediatrics — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:32:22 +0100

Antibiotic overuse is a well known problem, especially when it leads to antibiotic resistance and bacteria that can cause infections that are difficult to treat. That is why the CDC's Get Smart about Antibiotics Campaign has tried to educate parents that their kids don't need antibiotics when they have "viral infections, such as a cold, most sore throats, acute bronchitis and many sinus or ear infections."...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Pediatrics)

Late recognized nail aspiration in a child: case report.

Turkish Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery : TJTES — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cobanoğlu U, Can M, Birincioğlu I, Edirne Y, Melek M Abstract Foreign body (FB) aspiration is common in children aged 0-3 years. Our case, a 2.5-year-old girl, presented with sudden onset of cough, fever and sputum; she had been treated twice for acute bronchitis four months ago. Resisting complaints led to an esophagoscopic examination in our Chest Surgery Clinic after a chest X-ray suggested FB in the esophagus, but no FB could be detected. A lateral chest X-ray revealed a FB with its sharp end targeting the trachea and its round end to the right hemithorax. Removal of the FB with forceps was not possible during rigid bronchoscopy. The FB was removed by thoracotomy and bronchotomy under general anesthesia. The removed FB was a nail measuring 6 cm in length. This case r...

Drastic changes in the tissue-specific expression of secreted phospholipases A2 in chicken pulmonary disease.

Biochimie — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Karray A, Ben Ali Y, Boujelben J, Amara S, Carrière F, Gargouri Y, Bezzine S Abstract Infectious bronchitis is one of the most important diseases in poultry and it causes major economic losses. Infectious bronchitis is an acute, highly contagious, viral disease of chickens, characterized by rales, coughing, and sneezing. Because secreted phospholipases A2 (sPLA2) are involved in inflammatory processes, the gene expressions of sPLA2s were investigated in both healthy chickens and chickens with infectious bronchitis and lung inflammation. The draft chicken genome was first scanned using human sPLA2 sequences to identify chicken sPLA2s (ChPLA2), chicken total mRNA were isolated and RT-PCR experiments were performed to amplify and then sequence orthologous cDNAs. Full-length ...

Preresection serum C-reactive protein measurement and survival among patients with resectable non–small cell lung cancer

The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Preoperative CRP level greater than 20 mg/L is significantly associated with worse survival than undetectable CRP in patients with stage I or II non–small cell lung cancer. (Source: The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery)

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Bird Fancier's Lung: A State-of-the-Art Review

Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:49:17 +0100

Abstract Bird fancier's lung (BFL) resulting from avian antigen exposure is a very common form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Its pathogenesis is modified by genetic polymorphisms located within the major histocompatibility complex, and also by smoking, which may decrease serum antibody response to inhaled antigen. Acute, subacute, and chronic presentations of BFL are recognized, but often overlap clinically. Continued antigen exposure in the chronic phase portends a worse prognosis. Chronic bronchitis symptoms may be part of the BFL clinical spectrum, and rhinitis may suggest an allergic component. The diagnosis of BFL is enhanced by a high index of suspicion of exposure to avian antigen, recurrent symptomatic episodes occurring 4–8 h after exposure, inspiratory ...

Protracted Bacterial Bronchitis in Young Children: Association with Airway Malacia

The Journal of Pediatrics — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: High colony counts of potentially pathogenic bacteria associated with neutrophilia in the BAL identifies protracted bacterial bronchitis. The predominance of airway malacia in these patients suggests an etiologic role for those airway anomalies. The potential for chronic airway damage from protracted bacterial bronchitis warrants further investigation. (Source: The Journal of Pediatrics)

Melatonin suppresses acrolein‐induced IL‐8 production in human pulmonary fibroblasts

Journal of Pineal Research — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 22:10:54 +0100

In this study, we investigated whether melatonin suppresses acrolein‐induced IL‐8 secretion in human pulmonary fibroblasts (HPFs). It was found that acrolein‐induced IL‐8 production was accompanied by increased levels of phosphorylation of Akt and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK1/2) in HPFs, and that melatonin suppressed IL‐8 production in HPFs. These results suggest that melatonin suppresses acrolein‐induced IL‐8 production via ERK1/2 and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt signal inhibition in human pulmonary fibroblasts. (Source: Journal of Pineal Research)

Mango ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.) - A promising spice for phytochemicals and biological activities.

Journal of Biosciences — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 05:36:16 +0100

This article brings to light the major active components present in C. amada along with their biological activities that may be important from the pharmacological point of view. PMID: 21857121 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Biosciences)

In vitro metabolism in Sprague-Dawley rat liver microsomes of forsythoside A in different compositions of Shuang-Huang-Lian.

Fitoterapia — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zhou W, Di LQ, Shan JJ, Bi XL, Chen LT, Wang LC, Cai BC Abstract Shuang-Huang-Lian (SHL), a traditional Chinese formula containing Lonicerae japonicae flos (LJF), Scutellariae radix (SR) and Forsythiae fructus (FF), is commonly used to treat acute upper respiratory tract infection, acute bronchitis and light pneumonia. Forsythoside A is one of the main active ingredients in Forsythiae fructus, a key herb in SHL. In the present study, effects of different compositions in SHL on the in vitro metabolism in Sprague-Dawley rat liver microsomes of forsythoside A were investigated. The observations from Sprague-Dawley rat liver microsomes in the presence of β-NADPH or UDPGA that forsythoside A may be the substrates of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP1A2, UGT1A6, UGT1A3, UGT1A1 and UGT1A9; Ch...

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European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption (ESAC): disease-specific quality indicators for outpatient antibiotic prescribing

Quality and Safety in Health Care — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion All proposed disease-specific quality indicators for outpatient antibiotic prescribing have face validity and are potentially applicable. They could be used to better describe antibiotic use and assess the quality of antibiotic prescribing patterns in ambulatory care. (Source: Quality and Safety in Health Care)

Delayed asthma attack clue

NHS News Feed — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:40:00 +0100

Conclusion This animal research contributes important new information to the biological understanding of LAR in mice and rats, some of which may be applicable to humans in the future. Through their work the authors of this study have demonstrated the importance of the role of sensory neurones in LAR, and they have identified specific biological molecules (TRPA1 channels) that seem to be important in this process in rats and mice. However, it is not clear whether the findings of this animal study will be directly applicable to humans yet as further experiments on human asthma patients may be needed to better understand the processes in people. This knowledge can potentially guide further research aiming to use anticholinergic drugs to reduce the symptoms of human asthma. As systematic revie...

The evolving spectrum of pulmonary disease in responders to the World Trade Center tragedy

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:59:27 +0100

AbstractOn September 11, 2001, events at the World Trade Center (WTC) exposed residents of New York City to WTC dust and products of combustion and pyrolysis. The majority of WTC‐exposed fire department rescue workers experienced a substantial decline in airflow over the first 12 months post‐9/11, in addition to the normal age‐related decline that affected all responders, followed by a persistent plateau in pulmonary function in the 6 years thereafter. The spectrum of the resulting pulmonary diseases consists of chronic inflammation, characterized by airflow obstruction, and expressing itself in different ways in large and small airways. These conditions include irritant induced asthma, non‐specific chronic bronchitis, aggravated pre‐existing obstructive lung disease (asthma or C...

The impact of traffic air pollution on bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and mortality after lung transplantation

Thorax — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Traffic-related air pollution appears to constitute a serious risk of BOS and mortality after lung transplantation. (Source: Thorax)

High Salt Intake and Risk of Chronic Bronchitis: The Copenhagen Male Study—A 10-Year Followup

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:06:35 +0100

Objective. The role of salt intake as a risk factor for asthma, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and other bronchial symptoms has been addressed in a number of studies. Collectively, these studies indicate an increased risk of bronchial symptoms with high consumption of salt, but the issue remains controversial. We tested prospectively the hypothesis that salt intake would be an independent risk factor for chronic bronchitis (CB). Design. A 10-year prospective study of 2,183 men aged 46 to 65 years without any relevant lung symptoms at baseline. Main Outcome. Chronic bronchitis. Results. During the 10-year followup, the overall incidence of CB was 7.1% among men without any relevant lung symptoms at baseline. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, controlling for age, smoking habits...

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Phylogenetic analysis of the S1 glycoprotein gene of infectious bronchitis viruses isolated in China during 2009–2010

Virus Genes — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 06:05:31 +0100

Abstract As part of our ongoing surveillance program, 40 field strains of avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) were isolated from dead or diseased chicken flocks in different areas of China between 2009 and 2010. S1 glycoprotein genes of these strains were sequenced and analyzed with 38 strains published in GenBank. S1 genes of these isolated strains and the vaccine strains showed nucleotide homologies ranging from 65.2 to 82% and amino acid homologies ranging from 58.4 to 81.9%. Meanwhile, Chinese IBV strains isolated in this study, which were mainly nephropathogenic, could be separated into six variant lineages (CH I–CH VI), and current vaccine strains used in China formed Mass variant lineage that is evolutionarily distant from Chinese isolates. Moreover, CK/CH/GD/...

Increased protein-energy intake promotes anabolism in critically ill infants with viral bronchiolitis: a double-blind randomised controlled trial

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Increasing protein and energy intakes promotes protein anabolism in critically ill infants in the first days after admission. Since this is an important target of nutritional support, increased protein and energy intakes should be preferred above standard intakes in these infants. Dutch Trial Register number: NTR 515. (Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood)

Coronavirus nsp6 proteins generate autophagosomes from the endoplasmic reticulum via an omegasome intermediate.

Autophagy — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 17:18:43 +0100

Authors: Cottam EM, Maier HJ, Manifava M, Vaux LC, Chandra-Schoenfelder P, Gerner W, Britton P, Ktistakis NT, Wileman T Autophagy is a cellular response to starvation which generates autophagosomes to carry cellular organelles and long-lived proteins to lysosomes for degradation. Degradation through autophagy can provide an innate defence against virus infection, or conversely autophagosomes can promote infection by facilitating assembly of replicase proteins. We demonstrate that the avian coronavirus, Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) activates autophagy. A screen of individual IBV non-structural proteins (nsps) showed that autophagy was activated by IBV nsp6. This property was shared with nsp6 of mammalian coronaviruses Mouse Hepatitis Virus, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Vir...

Analysis of cases of severe respiratory failure in children with influenza (H1N1) 2009 infection in Japan

Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 06:18:12 +0100

Abstract Influenza (H1N1) 2009 occurred in Mexico in April 2009, quickly spread around the world, and was found in Japan in May. Many pediatric patients experienced encephalopathy, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and severe pneumonia. The subjects of this study were 31 pediatric patients who needed mechanical ventilation due to respiratory failure caused by influenza (H1N1) 2009 as reported to the Emergency Medical Information Center of the Japan Pediatric Society in Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan from August 1 to December 31, 2009. The diagnosis of influenza (H1N1) 2009 infection was based on positive results of a real-time polymerase chain reaction. No patient was diagnosed as having a bacterial infection. The average arterial PaO2/FiO2 ratio was significantly decrease...

Acute bronchitis therapy with ivy leaves extracts in a two-arm study. A double-blind, randomised study vs. an other ivy leaves extract

Phytomedicine — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Ivy leaves extracts are authorised in medicinal products for the treatment of acute bronchitis. Different studies and the long experience on the market show safety and efficacy of this drug. A double-blind, randomised study was conducted to assess the efficacy and tolerability of ivy leaves soft extract with an other ivy leaves extract. 590 patients with acute bronchitis participated in this study. They were treated with test or comparator for 7 days (±1). The Bronchitis Severity Score (BSS) decreased gradually and to a similar extent from Day 1 to Day 7 in both treatment groups. Starting from values of 6.2–6.3±1.2, the BSS decreased by approximately 4.7–4.9 points until Day 7, so that patients left the study with a mean BSS of 1.4–1.6. The BSS subscales cough, sputum, rh...

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Evaluation of Odontogenic Maxillary Sinusitis Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: Three Case Reports

Journal of Endodontics — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These cases show the utility of CBCT scanning in evaluating patients presenting with concurrent sinus and dental complaints. In these three patients, maxillary sinusitis of odontogenic origin responded well to the eradication of dental etiology. (Source: Journal of Endodontics)

Protein‐losing enteropathy resolved by percutaneous intervention

Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe extracardiac total cavopulmonary connection is the final stage of palliation of hearts with single‐ventricle physiology. Protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE) and plastic bronchitis are catastrophic sequale that may occur in patients with the total cavopulmonary connection and may complicate the early and long‐term follow‐up. Here we report on the successful treatment of a 16‐year boy affected by PLE by percutaneous closure of a persistent anterograde pulmonary blood flow by using an 8‐mm Amplatzer VSD Occluder. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions)

Prospective, Longitudinal Study of Plastic Bronchitis Cast Pathology and Responsiveness to Tissue Plasminogen Activator

Pediatric Cardiology — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 15:49:04 +0100

Abstract Plastic bronchitis (PB) is a rare disease that often occurs in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) who have undergone staged single-ventricle palliation. It is characterized by the formation of rubbery “casts” in the airways. PB treatment frequently includes inhaled tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). However, the efficacy of tPA to reduce cast burden is unknown. This is further complicated by our lack of knowledge of cast composition. We obtained spontaneously expectorated PB casts from children (n = 4) with CHD and one adult patient with idiopathic PB. Pathological assessment was made from paraffin-preserved samples. Casts were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or tPA. Cast response to tPA was assessed by changes in cast weight ...

Non-inferiority clinical trials: Practical issues and current regulatory perspective

Indian Journal of Pharmacology — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Sandeep K GuptaIndian Journal of Pharmacology 2011 43(4):371-374Non-inferiority clinical trials are being performed with an increasing frequency now-a-days, because it helps in finding a new treatment that have approximately the same efficacy, but may offer other benefits such as better safety profile. Non-inferiority clinical trials aim to demonstrate that the test product is no worse than the comparator by more than a pre-specified small amount. There are several fundamental differences between non-inferiority and superiority trials. Some practical issues concerning the non-inferiority trials are assay sensitivity, choice of the non-inferiority margin, sample size estimation, choice of active-control, and analysis of non-inferiority clinical trials. For serious infections such as hospita...

Serum and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Endothelin‐1 Concentrations as Diagnostic Biomarkers of Canine Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Serum ET1 can differentiate dogs with IPF from dogs with EBP or CB. ET1 can be detected in BALF of dogs with IPF. (Source: Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine)

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Hospital admissions for asthma and acute bronchitis in El Paso, Texas: Do age, sex, and insurance status modify the effects of dust and low wind events?

Environmental Research — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that there were respiratory health effects associated with dust and low wind events in El Paso, with stronger impacts among children and poor adults. Girls and boys with acute bronchitis were differentially sensitive to dust and low wind events. PMID: 21782162 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Environmental Research)

Rhinitis phenotypes correlate with different symptom presentation and risk factor patterns of asthma

Respiratory Medicine — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Summary: Background: Asthma and rhinitis frequently coexist, but no population study has previously determined the relationship between nasal comorbidities and symptom expression and risk factors of asthma.Methods: In 2008, a postal questionnaire on respiratory health was sent to 30 000 randomly selected subjects aged 16–75 years in West Sweden; 29218 could be traced and 18 087 (62%) responded. The questionnaire included questions on asthma, rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, respiratory symptoms and possible determinants.Results: Prevalence of allergic rhinitis in asthma was 63.9% and of asthma in allergic rhinitis 19.8%. Prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis in asthma was 8.4% and of asthma in chronic rhinosinusitis 24.4%. Asthma subjects with chronic rhinitis, or chronic rhinosinusiti...

Beta2-agonists for acute bronchitis.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:00:03 +0100

Authors: Becker LA, Hom J, Villasis-Keever M, van der Wouden JC There are no clearly effective treatments for the cough of acute bronchitis. Beta2-agonists are often prescribed, perhaps because clinicians suspect many patients also have reversible airflow restriction contributing to the symptoms. PMID: 21735384 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

The NETT: Part I- Lessons Learned about Emphysema.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Criner GJ, Cordova F, Sternberg AL, Martinez FJ NETT was a multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial that compared optimal medical treatment, including pulmonary rehabilitation, to optimal medical treatment plus Lung volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS). It was the largest and most complete collection of patient demographic, clinical, physiologic and radiographic data ever compiled in severe emphysema. NETT investigated the effects of optimal medical management and LVRS on short and long-term survival, as well as lung function, exercise performance and quality of life. NETT also provided much information regarding the evaluation and prognosis of severe emphysema; specifically the important negative influences that hyperinflation and small airways disease have on survival....

Single-stage Operation for Giant Substernal Goiter with Severe Coronary Artery Disease.

Annals of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wexler S, Yamane K, Fisher KW, Diehl JT, Hirose H Abstract A 76-year-old female, with a history of asthma and tracheal bronchitis, presented with a non-ST elevation, myocardial infarction. Chest x-ray on admission showed a widened mediastinum, which was further evaluated with a computed tomography (CT) scan. It disclosed a giant substernal goiter compressing the trachea and the ascending aorta. Cardiac catheterization showed significant coronary disease unsuitable for percutaneous intervention; thus, the patient was scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting. Single stage thyroidectomy immediately followed by coronary artery bypass was performed. After surgery, her upper airway symptoms were improved, and no cardiac events were noted. Collaboration between otolaryngolog...

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Effects of Second Hand Smoke

About.com Pediatrics — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:01:13 +0100

Over 5 million kids are exposed to second hand smoke in their homes. This is despite the fact that a lot is known about the effects of second hand smoke and how it effects kids, including an increased risk of SIDS, more frequent and severe asthma attacks, and more ear infections and respiratory infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Pediatrics)

Recombinational histories of avian infectious bronchitis virus and turkey coronavirus

Archives of Virology — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 05:49:53 +0100

Abstract Phylogenetic analysis of complete genomes of the avian coronaviruses avian infectious bronchitis (AIBV) and turkey coronavirus (TCoV) supported the hypothesis that numerous recombination events have occurred between these viruses. Although the two groups of viruses differed markedly in the sequence of the spike protein, the gene (S) encoding this protein showed no evidence of positive selection or of an elevated mutation rate. Rather, the data suggested that recombination events have homogenized the portions of the genome other than the S gene between the two groups of viruses, while continuing to maintain the two distinct, anciently diverged versions of the S gene. The latter hypothesis was supported by a phylogeny of S proteins from representative coronaviruses, i...

Non Prescribed Sale of Antibiotics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross Sectional Study

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We observed that an antibiotic could be obtained in Riyadh without a medical prescription or an evidence-based indication with associated potential clinical risks. Strict enforcement and adherence to existing regulations are warranted. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Breaking news: FDA approves only once-daily LABA for COPD

Drug Topics - Top News — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

FDA has approved once-daily indacaterol inhalation powder (Arcapta Neohaler, Novartis) 75 µg for the long-term maintenance bronchodilator treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. Arcapta is not indicated for acute deteriorations of COPD or to treat asthma. (Source: Drug Topics - Top News)

The impact of living arrangements and deinstitutionalisation in the health status of persons with intellectual disability in Europe

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Discussion Particular illnesses were found to be highly prevalent in PWID. There were important differences between different living arrangements depending on the level of formal support available and the stage of deinstitutionalisation. PWID are in need of tailored primary health programs that guarantee their access to quality health and health promotion and the preventative health actions of vaccination programs, systematic health checks, specific screenings and nutritional controls. Extensive national health surveys and epidemiological studies of PWID in the EC member states are urgently needed in order to reduce increased morbidity rates among this population. (Source: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research)

Induction of cystic oviducts and protection against early challenge with infectious bronchitis virus serotype D388 (genotype QX) by maternally derived antibodies and by early vaccination.

Avian Pathology — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: de Wit JJ, Nieuwenhuisen-van Wilgen J, Hoogkamer A, van de Sande H, Zuidam GJ, Fabri TH Since the end of 2003, strains of the D388 serotype (QX genotype) of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) have caused considerable damage to the Dutch poultry industry. In order to better understand the pathogenesis of infection caused by this infectious bronchitis variant and to be able to support the poultry industry with substantiated advice to prevent or decrease the damage caused by the D388 strain, several vaccination and challenge experiments were performed in young specific pathogen free layers, young layers with maternally derived antibodies against the D388 strain and young commercial broiler breeders. The experiments confirmed the field observations that the D388 strain of the QX ge...

Patterns of antimicrobial use for respiratory tract infections in older residents of long-term care facilities

NeLM - Care of Older People — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society Area: Evidence > Medicines Management > References Objectives: To describe patterns of antimicrobial use for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in older residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Design: Data from a prospective, randomised, controlled study of the effect of vitamin E supplementation on RTIs conducted from Apr 1998 to Aug 2001 were analysed. Setting: 33 LTCFs in the greater Boston area, USA. Participants: 617 subjects aged 65 and older residing in LTCFs. Measurements: RTIs, categorisd as acute bronchitis, pneumonia, common cold, influenza-like illness, pharyngitis and sinusitis, were studied for appropriateness of antimicrobial use, type of antibiotics used and factors associated with their use.&nbs...

Novartis Receives FDA Approval For Arcapta™ Neohaler™, A Novel Once-daily Bronchodilator For Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Novartis announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved once-daily Arcapta™ Neohaler™ (indacaterol inhalation powder) 75 mcg for the long-term maintenance bronchodilator treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. Arcapta is not indicated for acute deteriorations of COPD or to treat asthma... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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FDA Approves Arcapta Neohaler To Treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 07:00:00 +0100

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Arcapta Neohaler (indacaterol inhalation powder) for the long term, once-daily maintenance bronchodilator treatment of airflow obstruction in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. COPD is a serious lung disease that makes breathing difficult. Symptoms can include breathlessness, chronic cough and excessive phlegm... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Comparison of lung T(2) * during free-breathing at 1.5 T and 3.0 T with ultrashort echo time imaging.

Magnetic Resonance in Medicine — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Yu J, Xue Y, Song HK Assessment of lung effective transverse relaxation time (T(2) *) may play an important role in the detection of structural and functional changes caused by lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. While T(2) * measurements have been conducted in both animals and humans at 1.5 T, studies on human lung at 3.0 T have not yet been reported. In this work, ultrashort echo time imaging technique was applied for the measurement and comparison of T(2) * values in normal human lungs at 1.5 T and 3.0 T. A 2D ultrashort echo time pulse sequence was implemented and evaluated in phantom experiments, in which an eraser served as a homogeneous short T(2) * sample. For the in vivo study, five normal human subjects were imaged at both field strengths and the ...

Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) induced mucin production by airway epithelium

AJP: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In this study, we used both in vitro and in vivo models to demonstrate the robust inductions of mucin production by V2O5. Furthermore, the follow-up mechanistic study revealed a novel v-raf-1 murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 1-IKK-NF-B pathway that mediated V2O5-induced mucin production. Most interestingly, the reactive oxygen species and the classical mucin-inducing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-MAPK pathway appeared not to be involved in this process. Thus the V2O5-induced mucin production may represent a novel EGFR-MAPK-independent and environmental toxicant-associated MO model. Complete elucidation of the signaling pathway in this model will not only facilitate the development of the treatment for V2O5-associated occupational diseases but also advance our understanding ...

Drug utilization patterns and reported health status in ethnic German migrants (Aussiedler) in Germany: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study is to investigate drug consumption patterns of ethnic German migrants (Aussiedler) and their current health status. Methods: A cross-sectional study nested into a cohort of 18,621 individuals aged 20-70 years who migrated to Germany from the former Soviet Union between 1990 and 2005 was conducted. Data on consumption of drugs, drug handling, major health risk factors, and one-year disease prevalence were obtained for 114 individuals through a self-administered questionnaire and phone interviews. Results were compared to the data on the German population derived from the Disease Analyzer database and Robert Koch Institute annual reports. Direct age standardization, test of differences, Chi-square test, and descriptive statistics were applied as appropriate. For d...