MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 5000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest headlines from journals and sites in the Respiratory Medicine category. Sat, 17 May 2008 12:52:45 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id= http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107820.php Pulmo BioTech Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: PLMO.OB) has announced details of the methodology and purpose of its Phase I Human Trials with its PulmoBind Molecular Imaging technology for the diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism and Pulmonary Hypertension. The work will be carried out by the Pulmo BioTech subsidiary, PulmoScience Inc., and the title of the work is: "Phase I Study of the Use of PulmoBind for Molecular Imaging of the Pulmonary Circulation. (Source: Asthma / Respiratory News From Medical News Today) <p>&nbsp;</p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p> Asthma / Respiratory News From Medical News Today news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1447696 Sat, 17 May 2008 07:00:00 +0100 1447696 http://dx.doi.org/10.1002%2Fppul.20823 Airway obstruction is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with pulmonary artery sling (PAS). Early identification of PAS is imperative for prompt initiation of appropriate treatments.Our aim was to investigate the prevalence and clinical impact of PAS on school-aged children through a large-scale pre-sports participation cardiovascular screening (PPCVS) study.A total of 186,213 school-aged children underwent portable two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) study in a PPCVS study between 2001 and 2004 in Taichung City, Taiwan. We prospectively collected data on the prevalence of PSA, demographics, clinical features, tracheo-bronchial anomalies (TBA), on computed tomography (CT), pulmonary function test (PFT), follow-up data in 1 year, and clinical outcomes.PAS was identified in 11 children (8 males/3 females) with a median age of 13 years (range: 7.2-13.7 years). The prevalence of PAS was 1 in 17,000 school-aged children. The majority of children with PAS had recurrent broncho-pulmonary infections (90.9%) and asthmatic cough (81.8%), which had a low positive predictive value of PAS ( (Source: Pediatric Pulmonology) Pediatric Pulmonology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1448461 Sat, 17 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1448461 http://www.medwire-news.md/48/74994/Respiratory/Could_persistent_HRV_infection_be_linked_to_increased_asthma_severity_.html Asthmatics who are seemingly free of respiratory infections still harbor human rhinovirus in their lungs significantly more often than non-asthmatic individuals, according to results published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. (Source: MedWire News - Respiratory) MedWire News - Respiratory news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1446617 Fri, 16 May 2008 16:33:45 +0100 1446617 http://www.clinpulm.com/pt/re/clnpulmed/abstract.00045413-200805000-00013.htm Pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma is a serious and potentially fatal complication of AIDS/HIV infection. We report a case of immune reconstitution syndrome due to pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma after initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy.Page: 185DOI: 10.1097/CPM.0b013e318170f849Authors: French, Aimee N. MD; Richman, Mark MD, MPH; Kamangar, Nader MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM (Source: Clinical Pulmonary Medicine) Clinical Pulmonary Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1445683 Fri, 16 May 2008 15:10:17 +0100 1445683 http://www.clinpulm.com/pt/re/clnpulmed/abstract.00045413-200805000-00012.htm Page: 183DOI: 10.1097/CPM.0b013e3181729d89Authors: Spiegler, Peter MD, FCCP; Kessler-Reyes, Heather MD, MPH (Source: Clinical Pulmonary Medicine) Clinical Pulmonary Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1445682 Fri, 16 May 2008 15:10:17 +0100 1445682 http://www.clinpulm.com/pt/re/clnpulmed/abstract.00045413-200805000-00011.htm Page: 182DOI: 10.1097/CPM.0b013e3181729d77Authors: Spiegler, Peter MD (Source: Clinical Pulmonary Medicine) <p>&nbsp;</p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p> Clinical Pulmonary Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1445681 Fri, 16 May 2008 15:10:17 +0100 1445681 http://www.clinpulm.com/pt/re/clnpulmed/abstract.00045413-200805000-00010.htm Page: 181DOI: 10.1097/CPM.0b013e3181729d67Authors: Shalshin, Alex MD; Spiegler, Peter MD (Source: Clinical Pulmonary Medicine) Clinical Pulmonary Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1445680 Fri, 16 May 2008 15:10:17 +0100 1445680 http://www.clinpulm.com/pt/re/clnpulmed/abstract.00045413-200805000-00009.htm Indications for bronchoscopy are based on training experience and evidence-based medicine when available. In this article, we review the available literature on flexible bronchoscopy in patients with cardiac disease.Page: 177DOI: 10.1097/CPM.0b013e3181728367Authors: Boyd, Michael MD; Blair, Russell MD; Perry, C David MD; Chin, Robert MD; Conforti, John DO (Source: Clinical Pulmonary Medicine) Clinical Pulmonary Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1445679 Fri, 16 May 2008 15:10:17 +0100 1445679 http://www.clinpulm.com/pt/re/clnpulmed/abstract.00045413-200805000-00008.htm Actinomycosis is a chronic, suppurative granulomatous infection, which is usually caused by Actinomyces israelii, a member of flora in the oropharynx and normal intestinal tract. This infection is one of the most misdiagnosed diseases, even among experienced clinicians, and its early recognition is essential for avoiding disseminated infection. We present 3 cases to analyze the clinical manifestations and factors that may contribute to a prompt diagnosis of the pulmonary involvement in actinomycosis.Page: 173DOI: 10.1097/CPM.0b013e318170f7fdAuthors: Santos, Jose Wellington Alves dos MD, PhD; Nascimento, Douglas Zaione MS; Guerra, Vinicius Andre MS; Vassoler, Ronaldo Manfredini MS; Simon, Tiago Teixeira MD; Machado, Fabiani Palagi MS; Schaich, Felipe MS; Marchiori, Roseane Cardoso MD; Schvarcz da Silva, Lauro Vinicius MD (Source: Clinical Pulmonary Medicine) Clinical Pulmonary Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1445678 Fri, 16 May 2008 15:10:17 +0100 1445678 http://www.clinpulm.com/pt/re/clnpulmed/abstract.00045413-200805000-00007.htm Lung infections represent a huge burden to the healthcare system, and optimizing antibiotic therapy may enable improved patient outcomes. This structured review analyzes the published literature on lung penetration of time-dependent antibiotics administered by continuous infusion.Page: 167DOI: 10.1097/CPM.0b013e3181729d3dAuthors: Roberts, Jason A. BPharm (Hons) *+++; Paratz, Jennifer D. PhD *+; Paratz, Elizabeth D. *; Boots, Rob J. PhD *+; Lipman, Jeffrey MD *+ (Source: Clinical Pulmonary Medicine) Clinical Pulmonary Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1445677 Fri, 16 May 2008 15:10:17 +0100 1445677 http://www.clinpulm.com/pt/re/clnpulmed/abstract.00045413-200805000-00006.htm Pulmonary arterial hypertension is an increasingly diagnosed condition. Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition, right ventricular failure may develop because of disease progression or an intercurrent illness. The diagnostic evaluation of right ventricular failure and awareness of the pathophysiologic concept of ventricular interdependence are important for the cardiopulmonary/critical care specialist to be familiar with when caring for these patients.Page: 161DOI: 10.1097/CPM.0b013e3181729d51Authors: Foley, Raymond J. DO (Source: Clinical Pulmonary Medicine) <p>&nbsp;</p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p> Clinical Pulmonary Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1445676 Fri, 16 May 2008 15:10:17 +0100 1445676 http://www.clinpulm.com/pt/re/clnpulmed/abstract.00045413-200805000-00005.htm Preserving oral health is a major challenge in patients intubated for a prolonged period of time. Failure to do so increases the risk for dental plaque formation and accumulation of microbial growth in the oral cavity, which in turn increases the risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia. This article summarizes current insights on the impact of bad oral health and oral care practices.Page: 153DOI: 10.1097/CPM.0b013e3181729250Authors: Blot, Stijn PhD *+; Vandijck, Dominique MA ++; Labeau, Sonia MNSc +++ (Source: Clinical Pulmonary Medicine) Clinical Pulmonary Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1445675 Fri, 16 May 2008 15:10:17 +0100 1445675 http://www.clinpulm.com/pt/re/clnpulmed/abstract.00045413-200805000-00004.htm Recently, much has changed in the diagnosis and management of adult tracheosophageal fistula. We update the practitioner towards a modern approach to this disease entity utilizing a multidisciplinary approach while highlighting recent advances.Page: 145DOI: 10.1097/CPM.0b013e3181728336Authors: Singh, Jaspal MD, MHS *; Olcese, Vanessa A. MD, PhD +; D'Amico, Thomas A. MD +; Wahidi, Momen M. MD * (Source: Clinical Pulmonary Medicine) Clinical Pulmonary Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1445674 Fri, 16 May 2008 15:10:17 +0100 1445674 http://www.clinpulm.com/pt/re/clnpulmed/abstract.00045413-200805000-00003.htm This is the largest case series of patients with hot tub lung to date and the first series with quantitative environmental sampling and longitudinal clinical follow-up. Recognition of clinical manifestations has important public health implications for users and workers exposed to indoor warm water pools and spas.Page: 138DOI: 10.1097/CPM.0b013e3181728350Authors: Glazer, Craig MD, MSPH *; Martyny, John PhD, CIH +; Rose, Cecile MD, MPH + (Source: Clinical Pulmonary Medicine) Clinical Pulmonary Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1445673 Fri, 16 May 2008 15:10:17 +0100 1445673 http://www.clinpulm.com/pt/re/clnpulmed/abstract.00045413-200805000-00002.htm Detection of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in the respiratory tract of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) is frequent, but it is not known whether it corresponds to bronchial contamination from mouth and/or throat, local tracheobronchial excretion of HSV, or true HSV lung involvement (bronchopneumonitis) with its own morbidity and mortality. HSV bronchopneumonitis seems to be a common manifestation. Its diagnosis remains difficult because of nonspecific clinical, biological, and radiological symptoms. HSV bronchopneumonitis seems to be associated with longer duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay, but the efficacy of a specific antiviral agent in this population remains to be determined.Page: 132DOI: 10.1097/CPM.0b013e318170f819Authors: Luyt, Charles-Edouard MD, PhD; Combes, Alain MD, PhD; Nieszkowska, Ania MD; Trouillet, Jean-Louis MD; Chastre, Jean MD (Source: Clinical Pulmonary Medicine) Clinical Pulmonary Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1445672 Fri, 16 May 2008 15:10:17 +0100 1445672 http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/573673?src=rss Readers and author further discuss the benefits of poetry in medicine. The Medscape Journal of Medicine (Source: Medscape Pulmonary Medicine Headlines) <p>&nbsp;</p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p> Medscape Pulmonary Medicine Headlines info http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1445199 Fri, 16 May 2008 14:04:19 +0100 1445199 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107602.php An antibiotic commonly used to treat acne can prevent tissue damage caused by lung diseases such as emphysema, researchers have found.A team of researchers from the Universities of Leeds and California, San Diego, studying a protein called VEGF have found that doxycyline - used to treat common ailments such as acne, sinusitis and urinary tract infections - also boosts the body's ability to protect against damage to the lungs. (Source: Asthma / Respiratory News From Medical News Today) Asthma / Respiratory News From Medical News Today news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1443932 Fri, 16 May 2008 09:00:00 +0100 1443932 http://www.medicinenet.com/guide.asp?s=rss&a=89524&k=Lung_Conditions_General Title: Acne Drug Prevents Tissue Damage From EmphysemaCategory: Health NewsCreated: 5/16/2008 2:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 5/16/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Lungs General) MedicineNet Lungs General consumer http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1448417 Fri, 16 May 2008 07:00:00 +0100 1448417 http://dx.doi.org/10.1002%2Fppul.20826 Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), is a rare congenital disease group, and contained Kartageners syndrome. This syndrome is characterized with situs viscerum inversus, sinusitis and bronchiectasis. In some elderly patients, broncholithiasis may be associated with PCD. The coexistence of early adolescence PCD and broncolithiasis has not been reported yet. We report here a case of a 14-year-old early adolescent male who had typically presented as PCD-based Kartageners syndrome and developed broncholithiasis which diagnosed with computed tomography. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Pulmonology) Pediatric Pulmonology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1448463 Fri, 16 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1448463 http://dx.doi.org/10.1002%2Fppul.20833 Non-atopic asthma is the predominant phenotype in non-affluent parts of Latin America. We recently reported that infestation with Ascaris lumbricoides increased the risk of non-atopic asthma in less affluent areas of Brazil but the mechanism is unclear. The present study was conducted to determine whether helminth infestation is associated with heightened bronchial responsiveness (BHR), a common finding in asthma. A random sample of 50 asthmatic and 50 non-asthmatic controls (mean age 10.1 years) were selected from a larger cohort (n = 1,011) without knowledge of their helminth infestation status. Three stool samples were collected from each child on different days and each sample was analyzed by the Kato-Katz method for quantitative determination of helminth eggs. Bronchial provocation tests were performed with inhaled 4.5% hypertonic saline using the ISAAC Phase II standardized protocol. There was no difference between the prevalence of positive BHR in the asthmatics (20.4%) compared with the controls (14.6%) (P = 1.0). Helminth infestation was detected in 24.0% of children, with A. lumbricoides being the most common. Children with high load infestation ([ge]100 eggs/g) were five times more likely to have BHR than children with low load or no infestation. Despite the small sample size the results of the present study suggest that the link between high load helminth infestation and non-atopic asthma may be mediated via heightened bronchial responsiveness, possibly due to an inflammatory response to the pulmonary phase of the helminth life cycle. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Pulmonology) Pediatric Pulmonology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1448462 Fri, 16 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1448462 http://www.medwire-news.md/48/74993/Respiratory/Green_tea_could_attenuate_OSA-derived_cognitive_deficits_.html Compounds in green tea might help fight the cognitive deficits caused by obstructive sleep apnea, researchers report. (Source: MedWire News - Respiratory) <p>&nbsp;</p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p> MedWire News - Respiratory news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1446619 Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100 1446619 http://www.medwire-news.md/48/74995/Respiratory/HRV_infections_cause_airway_remodeling_.html Human rhinovirus infections might contribute to the development of airway remodeling, and thus play a role in the airway hyperresponsiveness that underlies asthma, study findings indicate. (Source: MedWire News - Respiratory) MedWire News - Respiratory news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1446618 Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100 1446618 http://www.clinpulm.com/pt/re/clnpulmed/abstract.00045413-200805000-00001.htm Hyperglycemia is associated with poor outcomes in patients admitted to hospital with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Systemic glucocorticoids are now a standard therapy for severe exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but they may cause hyperglycemia via different mechanisms. The balance between these issues is described in our article.Page: 127DOI: 10.1097/CPM.0b013e318170f82eAuthors: Tryfon, Stavros MD *; Papanas, Nikolaos MD + (Source: Clinical Pulmonary Medicine) Clinical Pulmonary Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1445671 Thu, 15 May 2008 23:48:08 +0100 1445671 http://www.medwire-news.md/48/74960/Respiratory/Primary_care_patients_confused_about_COPD.html Primary care patients at risk for or with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have a poor understanding of the disease, and many consider lung cancer to be the primary threat to their health, US researchers report. (Source: MedWire News - Respiratory) MedWire News - Respiratory news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1443368 Thu, 15 May 2008 11:23:04 +0100 1443368 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107443.php Scientists have for the first time pinpointed a protein that explains how smoking can directly lead to genetic changes that cause cancer - research published in the British Journal of Cancer* reveals.Researchers have now discovered that the production of a protein called FANCD2 is slowed when lung cells are exposed to cigarette smoke. Low levels of FANCD2 leads to DNA damage, triggering cancer. (Source: Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today) Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1443661 Thu, 15 May 2008 09:00:00 +0100 1443661 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107423.php The Minister for Health and Children, Ms. Mary Harney T.D., is to introduce legislation to allow for the introduction of combined text and photo warnings on tobacco products. The European Commission indicated in the 2001 Directive on the Manufacture, Presentation and Sale of Tobacco Products that they would adopt rules for the use of colour photographs to depict the health consequences of smoking. (Source: Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today) <p>&nbsp;</p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p> Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1443662 Thu, 15 May 2008 08:00:00 +0100 1443662 http://www.medicinenet.com/guide.asp?s=rss&a=89518&k=Asthma_General Title: Does Asthma Increase Adult Suicide Risk?Category: Health NewsCreated: 5/15/2008Last Editorial Review: 5/15/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Asthma General) MedicineNet Asthma General consumer http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1447565 Thu, 15 May 2008 07:00:00 +0100 1447565 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107177.php Asthma is associated with higher suicidal thoughts with attempted suicide, but does not seem to be linked with suicidal thoughts without attempts, according to a report published this month in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). (Source: Asthma / Respiratory News From Medical News Today) Asthma / Respiratory News From Medical News Today news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1440863 Thu, 15 May 2008 07:00:00 +0100 1440863 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107424.php Girls and children exposed to tobacco smoke respond particularly well to montelukast (Singulair) according to researchers at National Jewish Medical and Research Center. Associate Professor of Pediatrics Nathan Rabinovitch, MD, and his colleagues also identified two biomarkers that may help physicians predict even more precisely which patients will benefit from montelukast. (Source: Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today) Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1440607 Thu, 15 May 2008 07:00:00 +0100 1440607 http://www.springerlink.com/content/592h313646qw1565/ Abstract&nbsp;&nbsp;Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by repeated cessations of breathing during sleep. Major symptoms of this disease are excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, and witnessed apnea. Most of the patients are treated with CPAP. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the factors affecting adherence to the CPAP treatment. Seventy-one patients were enrolled to this study. Patients were divided into three groups according to CPAP usage. Group I consisted of patients who had never used CPAP, group II consisted of patients who had used CPAP occasionally, and group-III patients had used CPAP treatment regularly. Group-III patients had higher apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) than groups I and II (respectively, 56.6 ± 27.7, 26.3 ± 7.5, and 32.3 ± 7.06; p &lt; 0.000 for both). Oxygen desaturation index was significantly higher in group-III patients comparing to groups I and II (44.6 ± 22.3, 15.9 ± 8.3, and 25.6 ± 9.5; p &lt; 0.000 for all). Our findings have shown that only very severe patients use the CPAP device regularly (mean AHI 56.6 ± 27.7). Compliance to CPAP treatment seemed to be poor in patients with moderate to severe, AHI about 30, OSAS. Considering the well-established benefits of CPAP treatment in patients with true indications, patients should be encouraged to use CPAP regularly, and complications of OSAS should be keynoted. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11325-008-0188-4Authors Ozkan Yetkin, Inonu University Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine 44069 Malatya TurkeyErdogan Kunter, Malatya Military Hospital Department of Pulmonary Medicine Malatya TurkeyHakan Gunen, Inonu University Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine 44069 Malatya Turkey Journal Sleep and BreathingOnline ISSN 1522-1709Print ISSN 1520-9512 (Source: Sleep and Breathing) Sleep and Breathing journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1448558 Thu, 15 May 2008 06:38:14 +0100 1448558 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=18483418&dopt=Abstract <table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"/><td align="right"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Display&dopt=PubMed_PubMed&from_uid=18483418">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table> <p><b>Platelets Enhance Endothelial Adhesiveness in High Tidal Volume Ventilation.</b></p> <p>Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2008 May 15;</p> <p>Authors: Yiming MT, Lederer DJ, Sun L, Huertas A, Issekutz AC, Bhattacharya S</p> <p>Although platelets induce lung inflammation leading to acute lung injury (ALI), the extent of platelet-endothelial cell (EC) interactions remains poorly understood. Here, in a ventilation-stress model of lung inflammation, we show platelet-EC interactions are important. We obtained freshly isolated lung endothelial cells (FLECs) from isolated, blood-perfused rat lungs exposed to ventilation at low tidal volume (LV) or stress-inducing high tidal volume (HV). Immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation studies revealed HV-induced increases in cell-surface vWf expression on FLEC. This increased expression was inhibited by platelet removal from the lung perfusion and by including a P-selectin blocking antibody in the lung perfusion. The expression was also blocked in lungs from P-selectin knockout (P sel(-/-)) mice perfused with autologous blood, but not with heterologous wild type blood containing P-selectin-expressing platelets. These findings indicate that in ventilation stress, platelets transfer vWf to the EC surface and that platelet P-selectin plays a critical role in this transfer. Further evidence for such intercellular transfers was the HV-induced FLEC expressions of platelet glycoprotein 1b-alpha and of platelet P-selectin. We conclude that in ventilation stress, platelets deposit leukocyte- and platelet-binding proteins on the EC surface, thereby establishing the proinflammatory phenotype of the vascular lining.</p> <p>PMID: 18483418 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]</p> (Source: Am J Respir Cell Mol...) <p>&nbsp;</p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p> Am J Respir Cell Mol... journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1448420 Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1448420 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=18483419&dopt=Abstract <table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"/><td align="right"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Display&dopt=PubMed_PubMed&from_uid=18483419">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table> <p><b>Modulation of the Inflammatory Response to S. pneumoniae in a Model of Acute Lung Tissue Infection.</b></p> <p>Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2008 May 15;</p> <p>Authors: Xu F, Droemann D, Rupp J, Shen H, Wu X, Goldmann T, Hippenstiel S, Zabel P, Dalhoff K</p> <p>Rationale: Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading pathogen of community-acquired pneumonia and is a main cause of infectious deaths. However, little is known about host-pathogen interaction in human lung tissue. Objectives: We tested the hypothesis that human alveolar macrophages (AMs) and alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) are important for initiating the host response against S. pneumoniae and we evaluated the role of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR4 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in the inflammatory response after pneumococcal infection. Measurements and Main results: We established a novel model of acute S. pneumoniae infection using vital human lung specimens. In situ hybridization analysis showed that S. pneumoniae DNA was detected in 80-90% of AMs and 15-30% of AECs after in vitro infection accompanied by increased expression of inflammatory cytokines. Enhanced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and increased TLR2 and 4 mRNA expression were observed in infected lung tissue. 30-50% of AMs and 10-20% of AECs showed evidence of apoptosis 24 h after pneumococcal infection. After macrophage deactivation with Clodronate/liposomes, infected lung tissue exhibited a significantly decreased release of inflammatory mediators. Inhibition of p38 MAPK signaling markedly reduced inflammatory cytokine release from human lungs whereas TLR2 blockade revealed only minor effects. Conclusions: AMs are central resident immune cells during S. pneumoniae infection and are the main source of early proinflammatory cytokine release. p38 MAPK holds a major role in pathogen-induced pulmonary cytokine release and is a potential molecular target to modulate overwhelming lung inflammation.</p> <p>PMID: 18483419 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]</p> (Source: Am J Respir Cell Mol...) Am J Respir Cell Mol... journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1448419 Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1448419 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=18483420&dopt=Abstract <table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"/><td align="right"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Display&dopt=PubMed_PubMed&from_uid=18483420">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table> <p><b>Nasal Epithelial Cells as Surrogates of Bronchial Epithelial Cells in Airway Inflammation Studies.</b></p> <p>Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2008 May 15;</p> <p>Authors: McDougall CM, Blaylock MG, Douglas JG, Brooker RJ, Helms PJ, Walsh GM</p> <p>Rationale: The nose is an attractive source of airway epithelial cells, particularly in populations where bronchoscopy may not be possible. However, substituting nasal cells for bronchial epithelial cells in the study of airway inflammation depends upon comparability of responses and evidence for this is lacking. Objectives: To determine whether nasal epithelial cell inflammatory mediator release and receptor expression reflect those of bronchial epithelial cells. Methods: Paired cultures of undifferentiated nasal and bronchial epithelial cells were obtained from brushings from 35 subjects, including 5 children. Cells were subject to morphologic and immunocytochemical assessment. Mediator release from resting and cytokine-stimulated cell monolayers was determined as was cell surface receptor expression. Results: Nasal and bronchial cells had identical epithelial morphology and uniform expression of cytokeratin 19. There were no differences in constitutive expression of CD44, ICAM-1, alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5. Despite significantly higher constitutive release of IL-8, IL-6, RANTES and MMP-9 from nasal compared to bronchial cells, the increments in release of all studied mediators in response to stimulation with IL-1beta and TNFalpha were similar and there were significant positive correlations between nasal and bronchial cell secretion of IL-6, RANTES, VEGF, MCP-1, MMP-9 and TIMP-1. Conclusions: Despite differences in absolute mediator levels, the responses of nasal and bronchial epithelial cells to cytokine stimulation were similar, expression of relevant surface receptors was comparable and there were significant correlations between nasal and bronchial cell mediator release. Therefore, nasal epithelial cultures constitute an accessible surrogate for studying lower airway inflammation.</p> <p>PMID: 18483420 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]</p> (Source: Am J Respir Cell Mol...) Am J Respir Cell Mol... journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1448418 Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1448418 http://respiratory-research.com/content/9/1/40 Background: We previously demonstrated that chronic pulmonary infection with Cryptococcus neoformans results in enhanced allergic inflammation and airway hyperreactivity in a rat model. Because the cell wall of C. neoformans consists of chitin, and since acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) has recently been implicated as a novel mediator of asthma, we sought to determine whether such infection induces chitinase activity and expression of AMCase in the rat. Methods: We utilized a previously-established model of chronic C. neoformans pulmonary infection in the rat to analyze the activity, expression and localization of AMCase. Results: Our studies indicate that intratracheal inoculation of C. neoformans induces chitinase activity within the lung and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of infected rats. Chitinase activity is also elicited by pulmonary infection with other fungi (e.g. C. albicans), but not by the inoculation of dead organisms. Enhanced chitinase activity reflects increased AMCase expression by airway epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages. Systemic cryptococcosis is not associated with increased pulmonary chitinase activity or AMCase expression. Conclusions: Our findings indicate a possible link between respiratory fungal infections, including C. neoformans, and asthma through the induction of AMCase. (Source: Respiratory Research - Latest articles) Respiratory Research - Latest articles journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1445653 Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1445653 http://www.medwire-news.md/48/74962/Respiratory/Asthma_linked_to_increased_suicidal_attempts.html Asthma is associated with increased suicidal thoughts with attempted suicide, but does not seem to be linked to suicidal thoughts without attempts, researchers report. (Source: MedWire News - Respiratory) MedWire News - Respiratory news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1443370 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100 1443370 http://www.medwire-news.md/48/74961/Respiratory/Parental_IgE_levels_offer_a_clue_to_childrens_allergy_risk_.html There is a strong association between parents' and children's immunoglobulin E levels, according to the results of a US study. (Source: MedWire News - Respiratory) <p>&nbsp;</p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p> MedWire News - Respiratory news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1443369 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100 1443369 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107308.php Eli Lilly and Company announced the scaling-up of an existing partnership with the World Medical Association (WMA) by providing a grant of $998,773 to expand training courses for physicians on multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Tuberculosis (TB) is a preventable disease that kills close to two million people every year and infects an estimated nine million more. Of these, nearly 500,000 have multidrug-resistant TB. (Source: Asthma / Respiratory News From Medical News Today) Asthma / Respiratory News From Medical News Today news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1440864 Wed, 14 May 2008 17:00:00 +0100 1440864 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107399.php Legislation that would allow FDA to regulate flavored tobacco products would exempt regulation of menthol cigarettes, which are widely used among blacks, the New York Times reports. (Source: Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today) Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1440608 Wed, 14 May 2008 13:00:00 +0100 1440608 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107350.php Alabama has joined 39 other states and the District of Columbia in requiring that all newborns be screened for cystic fibrosis at birth. "We congratulate Alabama for initiating a newborn screening program for cystic fibrosis," said Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. "More than 40 states are now screening for the disease. (Source: Cystic Fibrosis News From Medical News Today) Cystic Fibrosis News From Medical News Today news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1440862 Wed, 14 May 2008 12:00:00 +0100 1440862 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107326.php Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute researchers have pinpointed the protein that can lead to genetic changes that cause lung cancer.The research is published in the British Journal of Cancer.Researchers discovered that the production of a protein called FANCD2 is slowed when lung cells are exposed to cigarette smoke. Low levels of FANCD2 leads to DNA damage, triggering cancer. (Source: Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today) Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1440609 Wed, 14 May 2008 11:00:00 +0100 1440609 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107320.php The ongoing battle against natural, environmental and man-made pollutants affects more than 34 million Americans and racks up costs of nearly $20 billion in health care expenses and lost productivity. As part of National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month, Homewatch CareGivers, a leading worldwide provider of in-home care services for people of all ages, offers families and the caregivers who support them a five-step approach that can help reduce the impact of asthma. (Source: Asthma / Respiratory News From Medical News Today) <p>&nbsp;</p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p> Asthma / Respiratory News From Medical News Today news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1440865 Wed, 14 May 2008 10:00:00 +0100 1440865 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107298.php A toxic gas present in air pollution and tobacco smoke plays a significant role in triggering tuberculosis infection, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).The UAB study focused on carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas present in tobacco smoke, and vehicle and manufacturing plant emissions. Also, CO is produced naturally in brushfires and volcanic gas. (Source: Asthma / Respiratory News From Medical News Today) Asthma / Respiratory News From Medical News Today news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1440867 Wed, 14 May 2008 09:00:00 +0100 1440867 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107302.php Lunar dust could be more than a housekeeping issue for astronauts who visit the moon. Their good health may depend on the amount of exposure they have to the tiny particles.To prepare for a return to the moon, researchers with the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) are evaluating how dust deposits in the lungs in reduced gravity in order to assess the health risk of long-term exposure to the particles. (Source: Asthma / Respiratory News From Medical News Today) Asthma / Respiratory News From Medical News Today news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1440866 Wed, 14 May 2008 09:00:00 +0100 1440866 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107231.php Geri Jenkins, RN President of the California Nurses Association, and nurse at UC San Diego Medical Center; called on voters to reject attacks by tobacco, oil, predatory lenders and health insurance companies on Assembly candidate Marty Block. "Voters need to know that the bad guys are trying to fool them," said Geri Jenkins, RN. "The Civil Justice Reform PAC is nothing more than a front for nearly $839,000 in dirty money. (Source: Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today) Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1440611 Wed, 14 May 2008 08:00:00 +0100 1440611 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107266.php The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), representing nearly 70,000 physician assistants (PAs) practicing in the U.S., is pleased to join other national organizations in endorsing the Public Health Service-sponsored guidelines on Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update. (Source: Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today) Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1440610 Wed, 14 May 2008 08:00:00 +0100 1440610 http://www.medicinenet.com/cystic_fibrosis/article.htm Title: Cystic FibrosisCategory: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 5/14/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Asthma General) <p>&nbsp;</p><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsored Message:</i></b> Find out how you can <a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/medicalsponsorship.php" target="_self">get your message across here</a> by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.</p> MedicineNet Asthma General consumer http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1440612 Wed, 14 May 2008 07:00:00 +0100 1440612 http://www.springerlink.com/content/a367612426511521/ Abstract&nbsp;&nbsp;The effects of mechanical ventilation on the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) have not been systematically investigated and the anticipated changes such as rightward P and QRS axes shifts, reduced QRS voltage, and slow R-wave progression are not supported by definitive data. We sought to determine the effects of mechanical ventilation on the surface ECG in hemodynamically stable adults without active cardiopulmonary disease. Seventeen patients in good overall health who were undergoing elective outpatient surgery had serial ECGs done preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. No clinically significant changes in QRS or P-wave axis were detected. R-wave progression was not altered and there were no significant differences in the QRS amplitudes pre-, intra-, or postoperatively in either the precordial or limb leads. The present study shows that hemodynamically stable patients without active cardiopulmonary disease undergoing elective surgery demonstrate relatively minor ECG changes from baseline despite the addition of positive pressure ventilation. Clinicians should not assume that substantial changes in P wave or QRS axis or amplitude in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation are due to the effects of positive pressure ventilation alone. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00408-008-9094-6Authors Jason Elinoff, National Institutes of Health Critical Care Medicine Department Bethesda MD 20892 USADaniel Talmor, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine Boston MA 02215 USABalachundhar Subramaniam, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine Boston MA 02215 USADimitrios Karmpaliotis, Piedmont Hospital Cardiology of Georgia, Fuqua Heart Center Atlanta GA 30309 USAAry L. Goldberger, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Interdisciplinary Medicine/Biotechnology Boston MA 02215 USAAtul Malhotra, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Pulmonary/Critical Care and Sleep Divisions 75 Francis St Boston MA 02115 USA Journal LungOnline ISSN 1432-1750Print ISSN 0341-2040 (Source: Lung) Lung journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1445507 Wed, 14 May 2008 06:10:54 +0100 1445507 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=18480428&dopt=Abstract <table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"/><td align="right"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Display&dopt=PubMed_PubMed&from_uid=18480428">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table> <p><b>Cluster Analysis and Clinical Asthma Phenotypes.</b></p> <p>Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2008 May 14;</p> <p>Authors: Haldar P, Pavord ID, Shaw DE, Berry MA, Thomas M, Brightling CE, Wardlaw AJ, Green RH</p> <p>RATIONALE: Heterogeneity in asthma expression is multidimensional, including variability in clinical, physiological and pathological parameters. Classification requires consideration of these disparate domains in a unified model. OBJECTIVES: To explore the application of a multivariate mathematical technique, k-means cluster analysis, for identifying distinct phenotypic groups. METHODS: We performed k-means cluster analysis in three independent asthma populations. Clusters of a population managed in primary care (n=184) with predominantly mild to moderate disease, were compared with a refractory asthma population managed in secondary care (n=187). We then compared differences in asthma outcomes (exacerbation frequency and change in corticosteroid dose at 12 months) between clusters in a third population of 68 subjects with predominantly refractory asthma, clustered at entry into a randomised trial comparing a strategy of minimising eosinophilic inflammation (inflammation guided strategy) with standard care. RESULTS: Two clusters (early onset atopic and obese, non-eosinophilic) were common to both asthma populations. Two clusters characterised by marked discordance between symptom expression and eosinophilic airway inflammation (early onset symptom predominant and late onset inflammation predominant) were specific to refractory asthma. Inflammation guided management was superior for both discordant subgroups leading to a reduction in exacerbation frequency in the inflammation predominant cluster [3.53 (SD 1.18) vs 0.38 (SD 0.13) exacerbation/patient/year, p=0.002] and a dose reduction of inhaled corticosteroid in the symptom predominant cluster (mean difference 1829microg beclomethasone equivalent/ day (95% CI 307 - 3349 microg) p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Cluster analysis offers a novel multidimensional approach for identifying asthma phenotypes that exhibit differences in clinical response to treatment algorithms.</p> <p>PMID: 18480428 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]</p> (Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine) American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1446944 Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1446944 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=18480429&dopt=Abstract <table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td align="left"/><td align="right"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Display&dopt=PubMed_PubMed&from_uid=18480429">Related Articles</a></td></tr></table> <p><b>Integrating Palliative and Critical Care: Evaluation of a Quality Improvement Intervention.</b></p> <p>Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2008 May 14;</p> <p>Authors: Curtis JR, Treece PD, Nielsen EL, Downey L, Shannon SE, Braungardt T, Owens D, Steinberg KP, Engelberg RA</p> <p>RATIONALE: Palliative care in the ICU is an important focus for quality improvement. METHODS: We performed a single-hospital, before-after study of a quality-improvement intervention to improve palliative care in the ICU. The intervention consisted of clinician education, local champions, academic detailing, feedback to clinicians, and system support. Consecutive patients who died in the ICU were identified pre- (n= 253) and post-intervention (n=337). Families completed Family Satisfaction (FS-ICU) and Quality of Dying and Death (QODD) surveys. Nurses completed the QODD. The QODD and FS-ICU were scored from 0 to 100. We used Mann-Whitney tests to assess family results and hierarchical linear modeling for nurse results. RESULTS: There were 590 patients who died in the ICU or within 24 hours of transfer; 496 had an identified family member. The response rate for family was 55% (275 of 496) and for nurses 89% (523/590). The primary outcome, the family-QODD, showed a trend toward improvement (pre 62.3, post 67.1), but was not statistically significant (p=0.09). Family satisfaction increased but not significantly. The nurse-QODD showed significant improvement (pre 63.1, post 67.1; p&lt;0.01) and there was a significant reduction in ICU days prior to death (pre 7.2, post 5.8; p&lt;0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant improvement in family-assessed quality of dying or in family satisfaction with care, but significant improvement in nurse-assessed quality of dying and reduction in ICU length of stay with an intervention to integrate palliative care in the ICU. Improving family ratings may require interventions that have more direct contact with family members.</p> <p>PMID: 18480429 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]</p> (Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine) American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1446943 Wed, 14 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1446943 http://www.medwire-news.md/48/74928/Respiratory/Breastfeeding_has_no_effect_on_risk_for_atopy_in_later_childhood.html There is no evidence for either a deleterious effect or a protective effect of breastfeeding on the risk for allergic disease at ages 7-8 years, according to researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Respiratory) MedWire News - Respiratory news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1440297 Wed, 14 May 2008 01:17:44 +0100 1440297