bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between peripheral muscle strength, exercise performance, and physical activity in daily life in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Rausch-Osthoff Anne-Kathrin , Kohler Malcolm , Sievi Noriane A. , Clarenbach Christian F. , Van Gestel Arnoldus J.R. 
Published: January 2020

Background: Resistance training of peripheral muscles has been recommended in order to increase muscle strength in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). However, whether peripheral muscle strength is associated with exercise performance (EP) and physical activity in daily life (PADL) in these patients needs to be investigated. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether strength of the quadriceps muscle (QS) is associated with EP and daily PADL in patients with COPD.
Methods: We studied patients with COPD (GOLD A-D) and measured maximal isometric strength of the left QS. PADL was measured for 7 days with a SenseWear-Pro® accelerometer. EP was quantified by the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), the number of stands in the Sit-to-Stand Test (STST), and the handgrip-strength. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine possible associations between QS, PADL and EP.
Results: In 27 patients with COPD with a mean (SD) FEV1 of 37.6 (17.6)% predicted, QS was associated with 6MWD, STST, and handgrip-strength but not with PADL. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that QS was independently associated with the 6MWD (β = 0.42, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.84, p = 0.019), STST (β = 0.50, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.86, p = 0.014) and with handgrip-strength (β = 0.45, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.84, p = 0.038).
Conclusions: Peripheral muscle strength may be associated with exercise performance but not with physical activity in daily life. This may be due to the fact that EP tests evaluate patients’ true abilities while PADL accelerometers may not.
Bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: research activity in Arab countries
Authors: Sweileh Waleed M. , Al-Jabi Samah W. , Zyoud Sa’ed H. , Sawalha Ansam F. 
Published: January 2020

Background: Chronic respiratory diseases, like bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are a worldwide health problem. Quantitative and qualitative assessment of asthma and COPD-related research from Arab countries has not been explored and there are few internationally published reports on such field. The main objectives of this study were to analyze research output originating from Arab countries in the field of bronchial asthma and COPD.
Methods: Original scientific articles or reviews published from the 22 Arab countries were screened using specific words pertaining to asthma and COPD using Scopus database and search engine. Research productivity was evaluated based on: (a) total and trends of contribution of each Arab country to asthma and COPD research and (b) journals in which researchers from Arab countries published their research.
Results: The total number of original research and review articles published globally about bronchial asthma and COPD was 163,964. The leading country in bronchial asthma and COPD research was United States of America (38,632; 23.56%). Worldwide, Turkey ranked 19th while Israel and Iran ranked 25th and 29th respectively. Among Arab countries, Egypt and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia came on positions 39th and 43rd, respectively. A total of 1,304 documents about bronchial asthma and COPD were published from Arab countries which represents 0.8% of the global research output. Research in bronchial asthma was almost double that in COPD. Research from Arab countries was low and showed a significant increase after 2000. Approximately 12% of research activity in asthma and COPD from Arab countries was published in Saudi Medical Journal, Annals of Saudi Medicine, Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal and Tunisie Medicale. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a total publication of 353 (27.07%) ranked first among the Arab countries while University of Kuwait was the most productive institution with a total of 123 (9.43%) documents.
Conclusions: The present data showed relatively low research productivity about bronchial asthma and COPD in Arab countries. Research output can be improved by investing more in international and national collaborative research projects in the field of asthma and COPD.
Correction: Evaluation of pulmonary dysfunctions and acid–base imbalances induced by Chlamydia psittaci in a bovine model of respiratory infection
Authors: Ostermann Carola , Linde Susanna , Siegling-Vlitakis Christiane , Reinhold Petra 
Published: January 2020

Correction about the publication of our article by Ostermann C, Linde S, Siegling-Vlitakis C, Reinhold P: Evaluation of pulmonary dysfunctions and acid–base imbalances induced by Chlamydia psittaci in a bovine model of respiratory infection. Multidiscip Respir Med 2014, 9:10.
Obstructive sleep apnea and pulmonary function in patients with severe obesity before and after bariatric surgery: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Aguiar Isabella C. , Freitas jr. Wilson R. , Santos Israel R. , Apostolico Nadua , Nacif Sergio R. , Urbano Jéssica Julioti , Teixeira Fonsêca Nina , Rodrigues Thuler Fabio , Jirjoss Ilias Elias , Kassab Paulo , Leitão Filho Fernando S.S. , Laurino Neto Rafael M. , Malheiros Carlos A. , Insalaco Giuseppe , Donner Claudio F. , Oliveira Luis Vicente F. 
Published: January 2020

Background: The increasing prevalence of obesity in both developed and developing countries is one of the most serious public health problems and has led to a global epidemic. Obesity is one of the greatest risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is found in 60 to 70% of obese patients mainly due to the buildup of fat tissue in the upper portion of the thorax and neck. The aim of the present randomized clinical trial is to assess daytime sleepiness, sleep architecture and pulmonary function in patients with severe obesity before and after bariatric surgery.
Methods: This randomized, controlled trial, was designed, conducted, and reported in accordance with the standards of The CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) Statement. Patients were divided into a bariatric surgery group and control group. The clinical evaluation was performed at the Sleep Laboratory of the Nove de JulhoUniversity (Sao Paulo, Brazil) and consisted of the collection of clinical data, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), measurements of neck and abdomen circumferences, spirometry, maximum ventilatory pressure measurements, standard overnight polysomnography (PSG) and the administration of the Berlin Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale.
Results: Fifty-two patients participated in the present study and performed PSG. Out of these, 16 underwent bariatric surgery. After surgery, mean BMI decreased from 48.15 ± 8.58 to 36.91 ± 6.67 Kg/m2. Significant differences were found between the preoperative and postoperative periods regarding neck (p < 0.001) and waist circumference (p < 0.001), maximum inspiratory pressure (p = 0.002 and p = 0.004) and maximum expiratory pressure (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002) for women and men, respectively, as well as sleep stage N3 (p < 0.001), REM sleep (p = 0.049) and the apnea-hypopnea index (p = 0.008).
Conclusions: Bariatric surgery effectively reduces neck and waist circumference, increases maximum ventilatory pressures, enhances sleep architecture and reduces respiratory sleep disorders, specifically obstructive sleep apnea, in patients with severe obesity.
Trial registration: The protocol for this study was registered with the World Health Organization (Universal Trial Number: U1111-1121-8873) and Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials – ReBEC (RBR-9k9hhv).
Evaluation of reactive oxygen metabolites in patients with non-small cell lung cancer after chemotherapy
Authors: Wakabayashi Toru , Kawashima Tatsuo , Matsuzawa Yasuo 
Published: January 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) after chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its association with response to treatment.
Methods: Fifty-eight untreated NSCLC patients and twenty-three healthy subjects were selected for the study. Patients received two courses of platinum-based chemotherapy and were evaluated for oxidative stress and treatment response. As a marker of reactive oxygen species, ROMs levels were measured using the d-ROMs test.
Results: ROMs level (mean ± standard deviation) before chemotherapy in NSCLC patients (416 ± 135 U.CARR) was significantly elevated (p = 0.016) compared to normal healthy subjects (320 ± 59 U.CARR). Patients who responded to chemotherapy showed significantly decreased (p = 0.014) ROMs levels after chemotherapy, whereas patients who had stable disease or progressive disease showed no change in ROMs level (p = 0.387).
Conclusions: NSCLC patients had significantly elevated ROMs levels before chemotherapy compared with normal healthy subjects. Chemotherapy may suppress ROMs production in responders but not in non-responders. ROMs level may be a predictor of clinical outcome in patients receiving chemotherapy for NSCLC.
Diagnostic delay of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in China
Authors: Jing Hui , Tan Wanming , Deng Yunfeng , Gao Dachuan , Li Liang , Lu Zhiming , Graviss Edward A. , Ma Xin 
Published: January 2020

Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection is an emerging, but neglected public health concern in China.
Findings: To investigate diagnostic delay of NTM diseases in China, we analyzed 91 patients with pulmonary NTM infection in Shandong Province. The median diagnostic delay time of the analyzed patients was 84 days, which was significantly associated with rural inhabitance (135 days vs. 73 days of urban inhabitance, p < 0.01) and lower level of first visiting hospitals/clinics (70 and 82 days of tertiary and secondary hospitals/clinics respectively vs. 120 days of primary hospitals/clinics, p < 0.05). M. farcinogenes was isolated from a 79-year-old male patient, which is the first report of pulmonary infection in humans.
Conclusions: Our results indicate a significant diagnostic delay of NTM diseases in China, especially for rural patients with limited access to higher-level healthcare services.
Experience with exercise right heart catheterization in the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension: a retrospective study
Authors: Keusch Stephan , Bucher Anina , Müller-Mottet Séverine , Hasler Elisabeth , Maggiorini Marco , Speich Rudolf , Ulrich Silvia 
Published: January 2020

Background: Data on exercise pulmonary hemodynamics in healthy people and patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) are rare. We analyzed exercise right heart catheterization (RHC) data in a symptomatic collective referred with suspected PH to characterize the differential response by diagnostic groups, to correlate resting with exercise hemodynamics, and to evaluate safety.
Methods: This is a retrospective single-center study reviewing data from patients in whom an exercise RHC was performed between January 2006 and January 2013. Patients with follow-up RHC under PH -therapy were excluded.
Results: Data from 101 patients were analyzed, none of them had an adverse event. In 35% we detected a resting PH (27.8% precapillary, 6.9% postcapillary). Exercise PH (mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) >30 mmHg at exercise) was found in 38.6%, whereas in 25.7% PH was excluded. We found a remarkable number of exercise PH in scleroderma patients, the majority being postcapillary. 83% of patients with mPAP-values between 20 and 24.9 mmHg at rest had exercise PH. Patients with resting PH had worse hemodynamics and were older compared with exercise PH ones.
Conclusion: In this real-life experience in symptomatic patients undergoing exercise RHC for suspected PH, we found that exercise RHC is safe. The facts that the vast majority of patients with mPAP-values between 20 and 24.9 mmHg at rest had exercise PH and the older age of patients with resting PH may indicate that exercise PH is a precursor of resting PH. Whether earlier treatment start in patients with exercise PH would stabilize the disease should be addressed in future studies.
Metabolomic profile of amniotic fluid to evaluate lung maturity: the diaphragmatic hernia lamb model
Authors: Pelizzo Gloria , Ballico Maurizio , Mimmi Maria Chiara , Peirò José Louis , Marotta Mario , Federico Costanzo , Andreatta Erika , Nakib Ghassan , Sampaolesi Maurilio , Zambaiti Elisa , Calcaterra Valeria 
Published: January 2020

Background: Tracheal occlusion (TO) stimulates lung growth in fetuses affected with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) although the processes involved in lung maturation still remain unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the metabolomic profile of amniotic fluid (AF) following TO in fetal lamb model in order to obtain an indirect view of mechanisms involved in pulmonary reversal hypoplasia and biochemical maturity in response to fetal TO.
Methods: Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry was performed on lamb AF samples at: age I (70 days’gestation); age II (102 days’ gestation); age III (136 days’ gestation). CDH was induced at age I and TO at age II.
Results: Betaine, choline, creatinine were found significantly increased during gestation in the control group. The CDH group showed choline (p =0.007) and creatinine (p =0.004) decreases during pregnancy. In the TO group choline and creatinine profiles were restored.
Conclusions: Alveolar tissue and fetal global growth ameliorated after TO. Metabolomics provided useful information on biochemical details during lung maturation. Metabolomic profiling would help to identify the best time to perform TO, in order to increase survival of CDH affected patients.
Ambulatory pulse oximetry monitoring in Japanese COPD outpatients not receiving oxygen therapy
Authors: Minami Seigo , Yamamoto Suguru , Ogata Yoshitaka , Nakatani Takeshi , Takeuchi Yoshiko , Hamaguchi Masanari , Koba Taro , Komuta Kiyoshi 
Published: January 2020

Background: It remains unknown whether desaturation profiles during daily living are associated with prognosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Point measurements of resting oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO2) and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) are not sufficient for assessment of desaturation during activities of daily living. A small number of studies continuously monitored oxygen saturation throughout the day during activities of daily living in stable COPD patients. This study aims to analyse the frequency of desaturation in COPD outpatients, and investigate whether the desaturation profile predicts the risk of exacerbation.
Methods: We studied stable COPD outpatients not receiving supplemental oxygen therapy. Baseline assessments included clinical assessment, respiratory function testing, arterial blood gas analysis, body mass index, and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT). Patients underwent 24-hour ambulatory monitoring of SpO2 during activities of daily living. Exacerbations of COPD and death from any cause were recorded.
Results: Fifty-one patients were enrolled in the study, including 12 current smokers who were excluded from the analyses in case high serum carboxyhaemoglobin concentrations resulted in inaccurately high SpO2 readings. The mean percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (%FEV1) was 50.9%. The mean proportion of SpO2values below 90% was 3.0% during the day and 7.4% during the night. There were no daytime desaturators, defined as ≥ 30% of daytime SpO2 values below 90%. Twenty-one exacerbations occurred in 13 patients during the mean follow-up period of 26.4 months. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses did not detect any significant factors associated with exacerbation.
Conclusions: Our 24-hour ambulatory oximetry monitoring provided precise data regarding the desaturation profiles of COPD outpatients. Both daytime and nighttime desaturations were infrequent. The proportion of ambulatory SpO2 values below 90% was not a significant predictor of exacerbation.
Effect of β2 -adrenergic receptor gene Arg16Gly polymorphisms on response to long-acting β2-agonist in Chinese Han asthmatic patients
Authors: Qiu Yuying , Zhang Deping , Qin Yu , Yin Kai-Sheng 
Published: January 2020

Background: To evaluate the effect of variation of the Arg16Gly polymorphism of the β2-adrenergic receptor gene on clinical response to salmeterol administered with fluticasone propionate in Chinese Han asthmatic patients.
Methods: Moderate persistent asthmatic patients (n = 62) currently receiving short-acting β2-agonists were administered twice-daily therapy with salmeterol/fluticasone propionate 50/250 μg in a single inhaler for 12 weeks, followed by a 2-to-4-day run-out period. Using direct DNA sequencing, five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter and coding block regions of β2-adrenergic receptor gene were determined in 62 subjects and haplotypes were combined.
Results: There was sustained and significant improvement (p < 0.001) over baseline in all measures of asthma control in subjects receiving salmeterol and fluticasone, regardless of Arg16Gly genotype. However, there was no significant difference in the improvement among three genotypes (p > 0.05). Responses to salmeterol did not appear to be modified by haplotype pairs (p > 0.05). During the run-out period, all subjects had similar decreases in measures of asthma control, with no differences between genotypes (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: Response to salmeterol does not vary with Arg16Gly polymorphisms after chronic dosing with inhaled corticosteroids in Chinese Han asthmatic patients.
Ventilatory response to exercise of elite soccer players
Authors: Di Paco Adriano , Catapano Giosuè A. , Vagheggini Guido , Mazzoleni Stefano , Levi Micheli Matteo , Ambrosino Nicolino 
Published: January 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of ventilatory parameters in maximal exercise performance in elite soccer players.
Methods: From September 2009 to December 2012, 90 elite soccer players underwent evaluation of lung function test and ergospirometry by means of an incremental symptom-limited treadmill test. Results were analyzed according to i) maximal exercise velocity performed (Hi-M: high-performers, >18.65 km/h; Lo-M: low-performers, <18.65 km/h) and ii) usual role in the team.
Results: Hi-M showed higher peak minute ventilation (V_ Epeak: 158.3 ± 19.5 vs 148.0 ± 18.54 L/min, p = 0.0203), and forced expiratory volume at first second (5.28 ± 0.50 vs 4.89 ± 0.52 liters, p < 0.001) than Lo-M, independently of playing role. Moreover, a significant correlation between peak oxygen uptake and V_ E (r = 0.57, p < 0.001) was found.
Conclusions: Ventilatory response plays a role in the assessment of exercise capacity in elite soccer players.
Peripheral muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with moderate to severe asthma
Authors: Ramos Elisangela , Franco de Oliveira Luis Vicente , Borghi Silva Audrey , Peres Costa Ivan , Ferrari Correa João Carlos , Costa Dirceu , Alves Vera Lucia , Donner Claudio F. , Stirbulov Roberto , Arena Ross , Malosa Sampaio Luciana 
Published: January 2020

Background: The adequate control of asthma includes the absence of nocturnal symptoms, minimal use of medication, normal or nearly normal lung function and no limitations to physical activity. The choice of a more sedentary lifestyle can lead to physical de-conditioning, thereby aggravating asthma symptoms and increasing the risk of obesity.
Methods: This study aimed at performing a battery of function-related assessments in patients with asthma and comparing them to a healthy control group. A prospective, transversal and case–control study was designed. It was set up at Santa Casa de Misericórdia Hospital – Sao Paulo and Nove de Julho University on a population of outpatients. Subjects of the study were patients affected by moderate to severe asthma. A case–control study was carried out involving 20 patients with moderate to severe asthma and 15 healthy individuals (control group). All participants underwent body composition analysis (BMI and BIA) and a controlled walk test (Shuttle test), resistance muscle test (1RM) and answered a physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). The group with asthma also answered a questionnaire addressing the clinical control of the illness (ACQ).
Results: In comparison to the control group (unpaired Student’s t-test), the patients with asthma had a significantly higher BMI (31.09 ± 5.98 vs. 26.68 ± 7.56 kg/m2) and percentage of body fat (38.40 ± 6.75 vs. 33.28 ± 8.23%) as well as significantly lower values regarding distance traveled on the walk test (369 ± 110 vs. 494 ± 85 meters) and metabolic equivalents (3.74 ± 0.87 vs. 4.72 ± 0.60). A strong correlation was found between the distance completed and peripheral muscle strength (r: 0.57, p < 0.05) and METs (Metabolic equivalents – minutes/week) and peripheral muscle strength of 1RM (r: 0.61, p = 0.009).
Conclusions: The individuals with asthma had lower functional capacity and levels of physical activity as well as a higher percentage of body fat compared to healthy individuals. This suggests that such patients have a reduced physical performance stemming from a sedentary lifestyle. Despite the existence of few studies reporting moderate to severe asthmatic patients and functional capacity assessment, it is clear that the assessment presented in the current study is a valid and accessible tool in clinical practice.
Medical malpractice, defensive medicine and role of the “media” in Italy
Authors: Toraldo Domenico M. , Vergari Ughetta , Toraldo Marta 
Published: January 2020

Background: For many years until now, Italy has been subjected to an inconsistent and contradictory media campaign. On one hand the “media” present us with bold and reassuring messages about the progress of medical science; on the other hand they are prone to kneejerk criticism every time medical treatment does not have the desired effect, routinely describing such cases as glaring examples of “malasanità”, an Italian word of recent coinage used to denote medical malpractice. Newspaper reports of legal proceedings involving health treatment are frequently full of errors and lack any scientific basis.
Data sources: The published data confirm the unsustainably high number of lawsuits against doctors and medical structures, accompanied by demands for compensation arising from true or alleged medical errors or mistakes blamed on the work of health structures.
Conclusions and implications: Currently Italian citizens have a greater awareness of their right to health than in the past, and patients’ expectations have risen. A discrepancy is emerging between the current state of medical science and the capacities of individual doctors and health structures. Lastly, there is a need for greater monitoring of the quality of health care services and a greater emphasis on health risk prevention.
Invasive candidiasis presenting multiple pulmonary cavitary lesions on chest computed tomography
Authors: Yasuda Yuichiro , Tobino Kazunori , Asaji Mina , Yamaji Yoshikazu , Tsuruno Kosuke 
Published: January 2020

We herein report a case of invasive candidiasis presenting rare findings on chest computed tomography (CT). The chest CT scan showed multiple small cavitary lesions and nodules with surrounding ground-glass opacity, and also bilateral pleural effusion. Although this CT finding is thought as specific for pulmonary aspergillosis, two sets of blood culture specimens were drawn which yielded Candida albicans in our case. Antifungal therapy was started and the chest CT findings showed a remarkable improvement. To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing multiple pulmonary cavitary lesions in invasive candidiasis.