bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beirut Air Pollution and Health Effects - BAPHE study protocol and objectives
Authors: Nakhlé Myriam Mrad , Farah Wehbeh , Ziade Nelly , Abboud Maher , Coussa-Koniski Marie-Louise , Annesi-Maesano Isabella 
Published: January 2020

Background: Recent studies investigating the health effects of air pollution have proven an existing impact aroundand below international air quality guidelines and standards. These studies were based on accessible data from official registers managed by public authorities. The protocol followed in BAPHE project is described; its benefits and disadvantages are presented and discussed in this paper.
Methods: Based on the review of several international studies we developed a custom made approach in BAPHE (Beirut Air Pollution and Health Effects) project in order to analyze the short term health effects of air pollution taking into consideration the lack of data availability from official sources.
Results: PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were measured in Beirut for the period starting from the 1st of January 2012 to the 31st of December 2012. The annual average concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 exceeded WHO’s annual average limits by 150 % and 200 %, respectively. Health data for 11,567 individuals were collected over 12 months. A variation of hospital admission causes was observed by age categories and gender.
Conclusions: This article presents a simple protocol and the descriptive results of its application in the frame of an eco-epidemiological study in Lebanon. We believe that this work is not only important on a local scale, but it could be helpful for environmental epidemiological studies in other countries.
Effects of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides on airway inflammation of lungs in an asthma mouse model
Authors: Lin Rongjun , Liu Xiaomei , Meng Yan , Xu Mei , Guo Jianping 
Published: January 2020

Background: Asthma is a serious chronic inflammatory disease affecting 300 million people worldwide. This aim of this study to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects of Laminaria japonica extract in the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse asthma model.
Methods: A mouse asthma model was established in SPF Kunming mice by OVA-sensitization followed by inhalation of aerosol allergen for two weeks. Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJPS) were given by gavage feeding at 50 mg/kg/day during OVA inhalation challenge period, and their effect on asthma was compared with the standard treatment of Budesonide inhalation. The total inflammatory cells and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. Histopathological changes in lung tissue were studied and scored to determine the degree of inflammation. Levels of IL-12, IL-13, and TGF-β1 in BALF as well as serum levels of IgE were measured. Expressions of IL-12, IL-13, and TGF-β1 in lung tissues were assessed.
Results: Highly inflammatory lungs infiltrated with significant increased eosinophils were observed in OVAinduced asthmatic mice. The OVA treated mice presented with a lower level of IL-12 and higher levels of IL-13 and TGF-β1 in BALF and lung tissues, as well as an increased level of the serum IgE. Treatment with LJPS (Group B) significantly decreased the numbers of eosinophils in the BALF (P<0.05) and alleviated lung inflammation compared to the untreated asthma mice (Group A). It also reduced the serum IgE levels, increased expression of IL-12, and decreased the expression of IL-13 and TGF-β1 in BALF and lung (Both P < 0.05) compared with the group A.
Conclusions: LJPS can significantly inhibit airway inflammation of asthmatic mice, adjust the balance of cytokines, and improve the pulmonary histopathological condition. Our data suggested that LJPS might be a potential therapeutic reagent for allergic asthma.
Does additional antimicrobial treatment have a better effect on URTI cough resolution than homeopathic symptomatic therapy alone? A real-life preliminary observational study in a pediatric population
Authors: Zanasi Alessandro , Cazzato Salvatore , Mazzolini Massimiliano , Ierna Carla Maria Sofia , Mastroroberto Marianna , Nardi Elena , Morselli-Labate Antonio Maria 
Published: January 2020

Background. The effectiveness of a homeopathic syrup on cough has been demonstrated in an adult population in a previous double-blind randomized study. The present prospective observational study investigated children affected by wet acute cough caused by non-complicated URTIs, comparing those who received the homeopathic syrup versus those treated with the homeopathic syrup plus antibiotic. Objectives. The aims were: 1) to assess whether the addition of antibiotics to a symptomatic treatment had a role in reducing the severity and duration of acute cough in a pediatric population, as well as in improving cough resolution; 2) to verify the safety of the two treatments.
Methods. Eighty-five children were enrolled in an open study: 46 children received homeopathic syrup alone for 10 days and 39 children received homeopathic syrup for 10 days plus oral antibiotic treatment (amoxicillin/clavulanate, clarithromycin, and erythromycin) for 7 days. To assess cough severity we used a subjective verbal category-descriptive (VCD) scale.
Results. Cough VCD score was significantly (P < 0.001) reduced in both groups starting from the second day of treatment (−0.52 ± 0.66 in the homeopathic syrup group and −0.56 ± 0.55 in children receiving homeopathic syrup plus oral antibiotic treatment). No significant differences in cough severity or resolution were found between the two groups of children in any of the 28 days of the study. After the first week (day 8) cough was completely resolved in more than one-half of patients in both groups. Two children (4.3 %) reported adverse effects in the group treated with the homeopathic syrup alone, versus 9 children (23.1 %) in the group treated with the homeopathic syrup plus antibiotics (P = 0.020).
Conclusions. Our data confirm that the homeopathic treatment in question has potential benefits for cough in children as well, and highlight the strong safety profile of this treatment. Additional antibiotic prescription was not associated with a greater cough reduction, and presented more adverse events than the homeopathic syrup alone.
DNA damage and cellular abnormalities in tuberculosis, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Gonçalves da Silva Andréa Lúcia , Bresciani Maribel Josimara , Karnopp Thaís Evelyn , Weber Augusto Ferreira , Ellwanger Joel Henrique , Pêgas Henriques João Antonio , De Moura Valim Andréia Rosane , Gonçalves Possuelo Lia 
Published: January 2020

Background: Tuberculosis (TB), Lung Cancer (LC) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) affect millions of individuals worldwide. Monitoring of DNA damage in pathological situations has been investigated because it can add a new dimension to clinical expression and may represent a potential target for therapeutic intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate DNA damage and the frequency of cellular abnormalities in TB, LC and COPD patients by comparing them to healthy subjects.
Methods: The detection of DNA damage by a buccal micronucleus cytome assay was investigated in patients with COPD (n = 28), LC (n = 18) and TB (n = 22) and compared to control individuals (n = 17).
Results: The COPD group had a higher frequency of apoptotic cells compared to TB and LC group. The TB group showed a higher frequency of DNA damage, defect in cytokinesis, apoptotic and necrotic cells. Patients with LC had low frequency of chromosomal aberrations than TB and COPD patients.
Conclusion: COPD patients showed cellular abnormalities that corresponded to cell death by apoptosis and necrosis, while patients with TB presented defects in cytokinesis and dysfunctions in DNA repair that resulted in the formation of micronucleus (MN) besides apoptotic and necrotic cells. Patients with COPD, TB and LC had a low frequency of permanent DNA damage.
The BODECOST Index (BCI): a composite index for assessing the impact of COPD in real life
Authors: Dal Negro Roberto W. , Celli Bartolome R. 
Published: January 2020

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive condition which is characterized by a dramatic socio-economic impact. Several indices were extensively investigated in order to asses the mortality risk in COPD, but the utilization of health care resources was never included in calculations. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of annual cost of care on COPD mortality at three years, and to develop a comprehensive index for easy calculation of mortality risk in real life.
Methods: COPD patients were anonymously and automatically selected from the local institutional Data Base. Selection criteria were: COPD diagnosis; both genders; age ≥ 40 years; availability of at least one complete clinical record/year, including history; clinical signs; complete lung function, therapeutic strategy, health BODE index; Charlson Comorbidity Index, and outcomes, collected at the first visit, and over the following 3-years. At the first visit, the health annual cost of care was calculated in each patient for the previous 12 months, and the survival rate was also measured over the following 3 years. The hospitalization and the exacerbation rate were implemented to the BODE index and the novel index thus obtained was called BODECOST index (BCI), ranging from 0 to 10 points. The mean cost for each BCI step was calculated and then compared to the corresponding patients’ survival duration. Parametrical, non parametrical tests, and linear regression were used; p < 0.05 was accepted as the lower limit of significance.
Results: At the first visit, the selected 275 patients were well matched for all variables by gender. The overall mortality over the 3 year survey was 40.4 % (n = 111/275). When compared to that of BODE index (r = 0.22), the total annual cost of care and the number of exacerbations showed the highest regression value vs the survival time (r = 0.58 and r = 0.44, respectively). BCI score proved strictly proportional to both the cost of care and the survival time in our sample of COPD patients.
Discussion: BCI takes origin from the implementation of the BODE index with the two main components of the annual cost of care, such as the number of hospitalizations and of exacerbations occurring yearly in COPD patients, and their corresponding economic impact. In other words, higher the BCI score, shorter the survival and higher the cost, these trends being strictly linked.
Conclusions: BCI is a novel composite index which helps in predicting the impact of COPD at 3 years in real life, both in terms of patients’ survival and of COPD economic burden.
Increased expression of A Proliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL) in lung leukocytes and alveolar epithelial cells in COPD patients with non small cell lung cancer: a possible link between COPD and lung cancer?
Authors: Owen Caroline A. , Polverino Francesca , Laucho-Contreras Maria , Quintero Joselyn Rojas , Divo Miguel , Pinto-Plata Victor , Sholl Lynette , De-Torres Juan P. , Celli Bartolome R. 
Published: January 2020

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by an excessive activation of the adaptive immune system and, in particular, uncontrolled expansion of the B-cell pool. One of the key promoters of B cell expansion is A PRoliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL). APRIL has been strongly linked to non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) onset and progression previously. However, little is known about the expression of APRIL in the lungs of COPD patients.
Methods: Using immuno-fluorescence staining, the expression of APRIL was assessed in sections of lungs from 4 subjects with primary diagnosis of COPD (FEV1 33 ± 20 % predicted), 4 subjects with primary diagnosis of NSCLC, 4 subjects diagnosed with both COPD and NSCLC, smokers without COPD or NSCLC and 3 healthy never-smokers. The percentage of B cells, alveolar macrophages (AMs) and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in the lung and alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) that stained positively for APRIL was quantified using epi-fluorescence microscopy and image analysis software.
Results: The percentage of APRIL-expressing B cells, AMs, PMNs and alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) was higher in patients having both COPD and NSCLC than in patients with either COPD or NSCLC alone, SC or NSC (p < 0.03 for all comparisons). The percentage of APRIL-expressing AMs and AECs (but not in B cells) was higher in patients with NSCLC alone than in patients with COPD alone. The percentage of APRIL-expressing AECs (but not B cells or AMs) was higher in COPD patients than in SC and NSC (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). The percentage of APRIL-expressing B cells, AMs and AECs cells was similar in NSC and SC.
Conclusion: The percentage of APRIL-expressing B cells, AMs and AECs is higher in the lungs of patients with both COPD and NSCLC than in patients with COPD or NSCLC alone or control subjects. These findings suggest that APRIL may contribute to the pathogenesis of both COPD and NSCLC, and possibly to the development of NSCLC in patients with established COPD.
Erratum to: Recent advances in capsule-based dry powder inhaler technology
Authors: Lavorini Federico , Pistolesi Massimo , Usmani Omar S. 
Published: January 2020

After publication of the article it was brought to our attention that resistance values of Breezahler (0.15 cmH2O/
L/min) and Handihaler (0.22 cmH2O/L/min) are incorrect.... [more]
Could eosinophilia predict clinical severity in nasal polyps?
Authors: Altun Eren , Aslan Figen , Paksoy Serpil , Turan Gulay 
Published: January 2020

Background: Although nasal polyps are one of the most frequent diseases, their etiopathogenesis remains unclear. Since eosinophils are the main inflammatory cells in the substantial proportion of nasal polyp tissues, they are considered potentially responsible for the etiopathogenesis and prognosis of the disease. Aim of this study was to investigate the relation between mucosal and peripheral eosinophilia and their relation with disease severity in nasal polyps.
Methods: The study included 53 patients with nasal polyps who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. Preoperative Lund-MacKay computed tomography (CT) scores and the Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores of the patients were recorded. Nasal polyp tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, eosinophil counts were performed using high-power field (HPF, 400×) under the light microscope, and the patients were grouped as those with high mucosal eosinophil count and those with low mucosal eosinophil count.
Results: The mean Lund-MacKay CT score and the mean Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score were higher in the patients with high mucosal eosinophil count than in those with low mucosal eosinophil count. Likewise, the mean Lund-MacKay CT score and the mean Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores were significantly higher in the patients with high peripheral eosinophil count than in those with low peripheral eosinophil count (p < 0.05 for both). Moreover, the mean peripheral eosinophil count was significantly higher in the patients with high mucosal eosinophil count than in those with low mucosal eosinophil count (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Mucosal and peripheral eosinophilia can be used as a marker to predict disease severity in nasal polyps.
Case-finding for alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency in Kazakh patients with COPD
Authors: Ferrarotti Ilaria , Zhumagaliyeva Ardak , Ottaviani Stefania , Greulich Timm , Gorrini Marina , Vogelmeier Claus , Karazhanova Ludmila , Nurgazina Gulmira , DeSilvestri Annalisa , Kotke Victor , Barzon Valentina , Zorzetto Michele , Corsico Angelo 
Published: January 2020

Background: Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is an under-diagnosed condition in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to screen for AATD in Kazakh patients with COPD using dried blood spot specimens.
Methods: The alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) concentration was determined by nephelometry, PCR was used to detect PiS and PiZ alleles; and isoelectric focusing was used to confirm questionable genotype results and detect rare AAT variants.
Results: To this aim, 187 Kazakh subjects with COPD were recruited. Blood samples were collected as dried blood spot. Genotyping of 187 samples revealed 3 (1.6%) PI*MZ and 1 (0.53%) PI*MS, Phenotyping identified also two sample (1.1%) with phenotype PiMI. Allelic frequencies of pathological mutations Z, S and I resulted 0.8%, 0.3%, 0.5%, respectively, in COPD Kazakh population.
Conclusions: This study proved that AATD is present in the Kazakh population. These results support the general concept of targeted screening for AAT deficiency in countries like Kazakhstan, with a large population of COPD patients and low awareness among care-givers about this genetic condition.
Nasal muco-ciliary transport time alteration: efficacy of 18B glycyrrhetinic acid
Authors: Passali Desiderio , Cappello Chiara , Passali Giulio Cesare , Cingi Cemal , Sarafoleanu Codrut 
Published: January 2020

Background: Mucociliary clearance is the main self-clearing system of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. This is a very important means of non specific defence against continuous organic and inorganic contamination conveyed by air. It works by trapping particles and microorganisms in the mucus and then by transporting the mucous film to the pharynx where it is eliminated with a cough or swallowed. Its congenital or acquired abnormalities are involved in the occurrence of widespread infectious and often severe nose and paranasal sinuses diseases; generally concerning the rhinopharyngealtubal district. Restoring mucociliary clearance of the nasal epithelium when altered thus represents a key therapeutic tool against rhinosinus chronic diseases. This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of the inhalation of a natural compound (Narivent® nasal spray) in chronic vasomotor rhinitis.
Methods: The study involved 79 patients suffering from chronic vasomotor rhinitis presenting an increased mucociliary clearance time. Patients were randomized into 2 groups: a first group of 49 subjects and a second group of 30 subjects. The first group was treated with a nasal spray (Narivent® nasal spray) (2 sprays per nostril twice a day) for 30 days. The second group was treated with a nasal spray containing isotonic solution in the same way and for the same period of the first group. Nasal Mucociliary transport time was measured in the patients of both groups before treatment, after 15 days of treatment, and at the end of the 30 days treatment.
Results: The study shows how one of the treatments carried out determines a major objective reduction of the mucociliary clearance time in the patients under examination, using the method which involves the use of an insoluble coloured tracer (vegetable carbon), bringing the values back within normal range. At the end of the study we objectivated an increase in the rate of mucociliary transport in 97.9% percentage of patients we enrolled.
Conclusions: This study shows the effectiveness of treatment with natural extracts with nasal mucosa restoring function in the treatment of chronic vasomotor rhinitis, a nasal inflammatory disease characterized by morphological and functional alteration of the normal nasal mucosa.
The patient needing prolonged mechanical ventilation: a narrative review
Authors: Ambrosino Nicolino 
Published: January 2020

Background: Progress in management has improved hospital mortality of patients admitted to the intensive care
units, but also the prevalence of those patients needing weaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation, and of
ventilator assisted individuals. The result is a number of difficult clinical and organizational problems for patients,
caregivers and health services, as well as high human and financial resources consumption, despite poor long-term
outcomes. An effort should be made to improve the management of these patients. This narrative review
summarizes the main concepts in this field.
Main body: There is great variability in terminology and definitions of prolonged mechanical ventilation.
There have been several recent developments in the field of prolonged weaning: ventilatory strategies, use of
protocols, early mobilisation and physiotherapy, specialised weaning units.
There are few published data on discharge home rates, need of home mechanical ventilation, or long-term survival
of these patients.
Whether artificial nutritional support improves the outcome for these chronic critically ill patients, is unclear and
controversial how these data are reported on the optimal time of initiation of parenteral vs enteral nutrition.
There is no consensus on time of tracheostomy or decannulation. Despite several individualized, non-comparative
and non-validated decannulation protocols exist, universally accepted protocols are lacking as well as randomised
controlled trials on this critical issue. End of life decisions should result from appropriate communication among
professionals, patients and surrogates and national legislations should give clear indications.
Conclusion: Present medical training of clinicians and locations like traditional intensive care units do not appear
enough to face the dramatic problems posed by these patients. The solutions cannot be reserved to professionals
but must involve also families and all other stakeholders. Large multicentric, multinational studies on several aspects
of management are needed.
Influenza and influenza-like syndromes: the subjects’ beliefs, the attitude to prevention and treatment, and the impact in Italian general population
Authors: Dal Negro Roberto W. , Zanasi Alessandro , Turco Paola , Povero Massimiliano 
Published: January 2020

Background: Influenza and influenza-like syndromes (I-LSs) are infectious diseases occurring on a seasonal basis
which can lead to upper (URTI) and lower respiratory tract illness (LRTI) of different severity. The approach to these disorders is unfortunately not uniform. Aim of the study was to investigate real-life people beliefs, the attitude to their prevention and treatment, and their impact in general population.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey via Computer Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI) was carried out using a specific questionnaire investigating influenza episode rates, subjects behavior in case of influenza and I-LSs, and prescribed therapy.
Results: 1,202 subjects completed the questionnaire: median age was 46, 49% male, 20% active smokers. 57% of respondents experienced at least one episode of influenza or I-LS in the previous 12 months; episodes were usually homemanaged, shorter than 2 weeks and more frequent in fall and winter (73% of the total). GP resulted the first health-care option (56%); almost 3% of respondents referred to the emergency room, and hospitalization occurred in 1%. Mucolytics resulted the most prescribed drugs (55%) followed by antibiotics and aerosol therapy (37–38%). Even if more than 70% of subjects considered vaccination essential, only 14% received influenza vaccination yearly and almost 60% had never received vaccination. Approximately 36% of respondents regarded homeopathy (namely Oscillococcinum) as an helpful alternative because of perceived as safer.
Conclusions: Seasonal prevalence of I-LSs and influenza partially overlap. As virus identification is not a common procedure in daily practice, only a clinical discrimination is possible. Antibiotic prescription is still too high and largely inappropriate. Influenza vaccination is strongly encouraged, but different strategies are also used. Other approaches are receiving increasing attention in general population, and subjects’ willingness to spend out-of-pocket for effective remedies is also increasing. The discrepancy between subjects’ beliefs and health care actions likely reflects the insufficiency of institutional preventive strategies. In general, the approach to influenza and I-LSs appear variable and highly dependent of subjects’ and their GPs’ cultural beliefs.