bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcitriol Regulates the Differentiation of IL-9–Secreting Th9 Cells by Modulating the Transcription Factor PU.1
Authors: Vyas Shachi Pranjal , Hansda Arman Kunwar , Kaplan Mark H. , Goswami Ritobrata 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Vitamin D can modulate the innate and adaptive immune system. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with various autoimmune diseases. Th9 cells are implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous autoimmune diseases. Thus, we investigated the role of calcitriol (active metabolite of vitamin D) in the regulation of Th9 cell differentiation. In this study, we have unraveled the molecular mechanisms of calcitriol-mediated regulation of Th9 cell differentiation. Calcitriol significantly diminished IL-9 secretion from murine Th9 cells associated with downregulated expression of the Th9-associated transcription factor, PU.1. Ectopic expression of VDR in Th9 cells attenuated the percentage of IL-9–secreting cells. VDR associated with PU.1 in Th9 cells. Using a series of mutations, we were able to dissect the VDR domain involved in the regulation of the Il9 gene. The VDR–PU.1 interaction prevented the accessibility of PU.1 to the Il9 gene promoter, thereby restricting its expression. However, the expression of Foxp3, regulatory T cell–specific transcription factor, was enhanced in the presence of calcitriol in Th9 cells. When Th9 cells are treated with both calcitriol and trichostatin A (histone deacetylase inhibitor), the level of IL-9 reached to the level of wild-type untreated Th9 cells. Calcitriol attenuated specific histone acetylation at the Il9 gene. In contrast, calcitriol enhanced the recruitment of the histone modifier HDAC1 at the Il9 gene promoter. In summary, we have identified that calcitriol blocked the access of PU.1 to the Il9 gene by reducing its expression and associating with it as well as regulated the chromatin of the Il9 gene to regulate expression.
LOS SENTIDOS DE PERTENENCIA DE LOS JÓVENES QUE PARTICIPAN EN EL MOVIMIENTO MASORTÍ EN LA CIUDAD AUTÓNOMA DE BUENOS AIRES. PERCEPCIONES SOBRE EL MOVIMIENTO Y LA “COMUNIDAD”
Authors: Lerner Vanesa Cynthia 
Published: January 2020

En este artículo se analizan los sentidos de pertenencia de los jóvenes que participan en el movimiento masortí en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires en la actualidad. Sus percepciones sobre el movimiento masortí en general y sobre su “comunidad” en particular muestran que no siempre existe una relación lineal entre ambos. Para ello se utilizó una metodología cualitativa, valiéndose del enfoque interpretativo. Por medio de observaciones participantes y de 32 entrevistas semi-estructuradas en profundidad realizadas entre febrero de 2016 y septiembre de 2017 se pudo evidenciar el modo en que las dinámicas de centralización y descentralización del movimiento masortí inciden en sus construcciones identitarias.
Role of quantitative CT in predicting postoperative FEV1 and chronic dyspnea in patients undergoing lung resection
Authors: Papageorgiou Chrysovalantis V. , Antoniou Dimosthenis , Kaltsakas Georgios , Koulouris Nikolaos G. 
Published: January 2020

Lung resection is the mainstay of treatment in patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer. However, lung cancer patients often suffer from comorbidities and the respiratory reserve should be carefully evaluated preoperatively in order to avoid postoperative complications. Forced expiratory vol- ume in 1 second (FEV1) is considered to be an index that depicts the patient’s respiratory efficacy and its prediction has a key role in the preoperative evaluation of lung cancer patients with impaired lung function. Prediction of postoperative FEV1 is currently possible with the use of perfusion radionuclide lung scanning. Quantitative CT is the analysis of data acquired during nor- mal chest CT scan using the system’s software. By applying a dual threshold of -500 to -910 Hounsfield Units, functional lung volumes are estimated and postoperative FEV1 can be predicted by reducing the preoperative measurement by the fraction of the part to be resected. Studies have shown that preoperative predictions correlate well with the actual postoperative measurements. Additionally, quantitative CT results are in good agreement with perfusion scintigraphy predictions. Newer radiological techniques such as perfusion MRI and co-registered SPECT/CT have also been used in the preoperative evaluation with similar results. In conclusion, chest CT which is obligatory for staging, can be used for quantitative analysis of the already available data. It is technically simple, providing an accurate prediction of postoperative FEV1. Thus, quantitative CT appears to be a useful tool in the preoperative evaluation of lung cancer patients undergoing lung resection.
Effects of climatic changes and urban air pollution on the rising trends of respiratory allergy and asthma
Authors: D'Amato Gennaro 
Published: January 2020

Over the past two decades there has been increasing interest in studies regarding effects on human health of climate changes and urban air pollution. Climate change induced by anthropogenic warming of the earth’s atmosphere is a daunt- ing problem and there are several observations about the role of urbanization, with its high levels of vehicle emissions and other pollutants, and westernized lifestyle with respect to the rising frequency of respiratory allergic diseases observed in most industrialized countries. There is also evidence that asthmatic subjects are at increased risk of developing exacerbations of bronchial obstruction with exposure to gaseous (ozone, nitrogen diox- ide, sulfur dioxide) and particulate inhalable components of air pollution.
A change in the genetic predisposition is an unlikely cause of the increasing frequency in allergic diseases because genetic changes in a population require several generations. Consequently, environmental factors such as climate change and indoor and outdoor air pollution may contribute to explain the increasing frequency of respiratory allergy and asthma. Since concentrations of airborne allergens and air pollutants are frequently increased contemporaneously, an enhanced IgE-mediated response to aeroallergens and enhanced airway inflammation could account for the increas- ing frequency of allergic respiratory diseases and bronchial asthma. Scientific societies such as the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, European Respiratory Society and the World Allergy Organization have set up committees and task forces to produce documents to focalize attention on this topic, calling for prevention measures.
Renal transplant improves pulmonary hypertension in patients with end stage renal disease
Authors: Bozbas Serife Savas , Kanyilmaz Suleyman , Akcay Sule , Bozbas Huseyin , Altin Cihan , Karacaglar Emir , Muderrisoglu Haldun , Haberal Mehmet 
Published: January 2020

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is present in a sig- nificant proportion of patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and is of prognostic importance. Data on the effect of renal transplant on PH is very limited. In this study, the aim was to examine the effect of renal transplant on systolic pul- monary artery pressure (SPAP) determined by Doppler echocardiography.
Methods: Analysis was performed on the records of 500 con- secutive patients who underwent renal transplant at our cen- ter between the years 1999 to 2008. The prevalence of PH in the preoperative assessment period was established. Patients were diagnosed as having PH when measured SPAP values were > 35 mm Hg.
Results: Pulmonary hypertension was detected in 85 of the 500 (17%) patients under pre-transplant evaluation. At post-transplant follow up Doppler echocardiographic exam- ination was performed on 50 of the 85 patients. After exclu- sion of 8 cases (1 due to massive pulmonary thromboem- boli; 7 due to graft failure requiring dialysis therapy) analy- ses were performed on 42 patients who had undergone both pre- and post-transplant echocardiographic examination. Mean SPAP at pre-transplant evaluation was 45.9 ± 8.8 mm Hg and in 6 (14.3%) cases SPAP was above 50 mm Hg. Compared to pre-transplant values, a significant decrease was observed in mean SPAP values in an average of 53 months of postoperative follow up (41.8 ± 7.4 mm Hg vs. 45.9 ± 8.8 mm Hg, p < 0.0001).
Conclusion: These findings indicate that patients with ESRD accompanied by PH may benefit from renal transplant. Further research is required for more concrete conclusions to be drawn on this subject.
Does asthma control as assessed by the asthma control test reflect airway inflammation?
Authors: Bora Mine , Alpaydin Aylin Ozgen , Yorgancioglu Arzu , Akkas Gizem , Isisag Aydın , Coskun Aysın Sakar , Celik Pınar 
Published: January 2020

Background and aims: The treatment of asthmatic patients is particularly focused on the control of symptoms as well as functional and inflammatory parameters. In our study, we investigated the relationship between the asthma control test (ACT) which evaluates symptoms and airway inflammation and functional parameters.
Materials and methods: Stable asthmatic patients admitted to our pulmonary outpatient clinic were enrolled in the study consecutively and underwent the ACT, pulmonary function tests and methacholine bronchial provocation test (MBPT). Additionally, fractional exhaled nitric oxide level (FeNO) and induced sputum cell distribution were assessed. All these parameters were re-evaluated at the third month after adjusting medications of the patients according to baseline ACT scores.
Results: Of the 101 patients screened, we analyzed 83 who proceeded to the follow up visit. At the baseline visit, 8 were totally controlled, 36 partially controlled and 39 uncontrolled according to ACT. At the follow up visit, 10 were totally controlled, 39 partially controlled and 34 uncontrolled. Comparison of the two visits in terms of all parameters revealed significant reductions only in the percentages of patients with MBPT positivity (p = 0.029) and FeNO levels > 20 ppb (p = 0.025) at follow up. The percentages of patients with FeNO > 20 ppb, MBPT positivity, induced sputum eosinophilia or induced sputum neutrophilia did not show significant differences between totally controlled, partially controlled and uncontrolled groups at both baseline and follow up visits.
Conclusion: Although the ACT scores did not show significant correlations with the airway inflammation parameters tested in this study, a marked reduction in the percentage of patients with MBPT positivity and FeNO > 20 ppb at follow up may suggest the importance of the control concept in the management of asthma.
Chronic ingestion of alcohol modulates expression of ubiquitin editing enzyme A20 in lung macrophages
Authors: Huang Quan-Yong , Chen Yu-Chuan , Liu Shui-Ping 
Published: January 2020

Background: Alcohol abuse is involved in the pathogenesis of multiple organ disorders; the underlying mechanism is incompletely understood. The ubiquitin editing enzyme A20 is involved in regulating activities in the cell. Suppression of A20 is suggested as one factor in the initiation of inflammation. This study investigates the mechanism by which chronic alcohol consumption modulates the levels of ubiquitin editing enzyme A20 in macrophages and further contributes to induce endothelial barrier dysfunction in the lung.
Methods: Mice were gavage-fed with 40% alcohol daily for 0- 3 weeks. Airway macrophages were collected by lung lavage. Expression of ubiquitin editing enzyme A20 in isolated macrophages was assessed at both mRNA and protein levels. The endothelial barrier function of the lung was evaluated by the Evans blue method.
Results: Mice treated with alcohol for 3 weeks showed an increase in cell infiltration in the lung in response to exposure to peptidoglycan; over 80% of the infiltrated cells were macrophages. Furthermore, we observed that A20 level was suppressed in macrophages of mice treated with alcohol; the levels of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6 and nuclear factor kappa B in macrophage were increased. In addition, the endothelial barrier function of the lung was compromised, showing excessive infiltration of Evans blue in the lung indicating lung edema. Pretreatment with synthesized A20 inhibited alcohol-induced lung endothelial barrier dysfunction.
Conclusions: We conclude that chronic alcohol ingestion disturbs the endothelial barrier function in the lung by modulating macrophage properties. Increase in A20 in the cell may have potential for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.
Re-admissions to hospital and patient satisfaction among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after telemedicine video consultation - a retrospective pilot study
Authors: Saleh Safaa , Larsen Jan Petter , Bergsåker-Aspøy Johannes , Grundt Heidi 
Published: January 2020

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of acute hospital admissions. The main object of our study was to evaluate the effects of telemedicine video-consultation (TVC) on the frequency of hospital re-admissions due to COPD exacerbations. Our secondary aim was to assess the impact of TVC on the length of re-admission stays within 6 and 12 months follow up after TVC. Patient satisfaction was also evaluated.
Methods: The study was a retrospective observational study of COPD patients who after hospital discharge or during outpatient treatment for acute COPD exacerbations, were monitored for 2 weeks by TVC at home by a specialist nurse at the hospital during a pilot project period. Retrospectively, we compared the frequencies (chi-square test) and durations of hospital re-admissions (paired t-test) due to COPD exacerbations within 6 and 12 months follow up after TVC to comparable events 6 and 12 months prior to TVC.
Results: Among 99 patients followed for 6 months after TVC, 56 were followed for totally 12 months. The number of patients re-admitted and the number of re-admissions due to COPD exacerbations were not reduced within 6 or 12 months post-TVC, as compared to 6 and 12 months pre-TVC. The mean length of re-admission stays within 12 months post-TVC was markedly reduced as compared to pre-TVC. Patients hospitalised the last 6 and 12 months pre-TVC, had significantly shorter re-admission stays, p = 0.033 and p = 0.001, respectively. Patient satisfaction was high.
Conclusion: Despite the failure to demonstrate reduced frequency of re-admissions within 6 and 12 months post-TVC, the re-admission length within 12 months post-TVC was markedly reduced as compared to pre-TVC. The patient satisfaction was high. Future prospective, randomised, controlled trials must be performed before TVC can be recommended in COPD management.
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

Background: Chlamydia psittaci (Cp) is a respiratory pathogen capable of inducing acute pulmonary zoonotic disease (psittacosis) or persistent infection. To elucidate the pathogenesis of this infection, a translational large animal model was recently introduced by our group. This study aims at quantifying and differentiating pulmonary dysfunction and acid–base imbalances induced by Cp.
Methods: Forty-two calves were grouped in (i) animals inoculated with Cp (n = 21) and (ii) controls shaminoculated with uninfected cell culture (n = 21). For pulmonary function testing, impulse oscillometry, capnography, and FRC (functional residual capacity) measurement were applied to spontaneously breathing animals. Variables of acid–base status were assessed in venous blood using both (i) traditional Henderson-Hasselbalch and (ii) strong ion approach.
Results: Both obstructive and restrictive pulmonary disorders were induced in calves experimentally inoculated with Cp. Although disorders in respiratory mechanics lasted for 8–11 days, the pattern of spontaneous breathing was mainly altered in the period of acute illness (until 4 days post inoculation, dpi). Expiration was more impaired than inspiration, resulting in elevated FRC. Ventilation was characterised by a reduction in tidal volume (−25%) combined with an increased percentage of dead space volume and a significant reduction of alveolar volume by 10%. Minute ventilation increased significantly (+50%) due to a compensatory doubling of respiratory rate. Hyperventilatory hypocapnia at 2–3 dpi resulted in slightly increased blood pH at 2 dpi. However, the acid–base equilibrium was additionally influenced by metabolic components, i.e. the systemic inflammatory response, all of which were detected with help of the strong ion theory. Decreased concentrations of albumin (2–10 dpi), a negative acute-phase marker, resulted in a decrease in the sum of non-volatile weak acids (Atot), revealing an alkalotic effect. This was counterbalanced by acidic effects of decreased strong ion difference (SID), mediated by the interplay between hypochloraemia (alkalotic effect) and hyponatraemia (acidic effect).
Conclusions: This bovine model was found to be suitable for studying pathophysiology of respiratory Cp infection and may help elucidating functional host-pathogen interactions in the mammalian lung.
Audit on the appropriateness of integrated COPD management: the “ALT-BPCO” project
Authors: Nardini Stefano , Cicchitto Gaetano , De Benedetto Fernando , Donner Claudio F. , Polverino Mario , Sanguinetti Claudio M. , Visconti Alberto , The ALT-BPCO Group And on behalf of 
Published: January 2020

Background: Non communicable chronic diseases (including respiratory ones) are the leading cause of deathand disability. To cope with them we need to redesign the health system, improving primary prevention, screening, and outpatient services, while fully integrating different branches of the health service. The Italian Ministry of Health published extended guidelines on integrated COPD management (COPD-GL) in 2010. In2011 a condensed version was produced. These documents define appropriateness of management regarding both the specialist and the health service.
Methods: An internal audit on how clinical practice conforms to COPD-GL standards was implemented in one Italian region involving 29 respiratory units (RU) (65.8% of the total regional RU): data were collected from the clinical database at time zero and after 6 months. In the meantime, specialists of RU underwent education on COPD-GL.
Results: At time zero, significant gaps between current practice and recommendations emerged both in medical practice (mean agreement 25%) and in the health organization (48%). At month 6 the gaps were reduced more in clinical practice (60.7%) than in organization (54.7%).
Conclusions: It is easier to resolve the gaps in specialist clinical practice than the organizational gaps, changing which is the politicians’ task. Correcting specialists’ inappropriateness may be worthless if this is not accompanied by improvement of the organizational obstacles. The search for appropriateness should not be limited only to specialists or to a strict control of drug prescription but should include all the organizational aspects. Implementation of COPD-GL calls for actions on the part of both specialists and the health system.
CAT correlates positively with respiratory rate and is a significant predictor of the impact of COPD on daily life of patients: a cross sectional study
Authors: Becker Cíntia , Schäfer Janaína , Carvalho Lisiane L. , Vitiello Isabel P. , Da Silva Andréa L.G. 
Published: January 2020

Background: The pathophysiological changes of COPD tend to worsen with progression, triggering limiting symptoms and implying the decrease in the activities of daily living and quality of life. The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) is a questionnaire designed to measure the impact of COPD on the health status. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the disease through the CAT in a Brazilian sample of COPD patients and to correlate symptoms at rest with the CAT score in these patients.
Methods: Study of cases with COPD patients was conducted by pulmonary rehabilitation program (RP). Respiratory rate (RR) and symptoms (dyspnea by Modified Borg Scale Dyspnea Index; symptoms by CAT) were analyzed at the beginning of the RP.
Results: The study analyzed 28 COPD patients, both genders, age 65.93 ± 7.84 years and many patients ranging from severe and very severe disease. The majority of patients were rated by CAT with low impact-disease (n = 13/46, 4%); medium (n = 11/39, 3%) and the high impact-diseases were observed in a few subjects (n = 4/14.3%). The difference between all CAT scores was significant, p = 0.000. There was a positive correlation between respiratory rate and CAT scores impact-level (r = 0.585, p = 0.001). The results obtained by the Borg Scale revealed a high presence of symptoms in these COPD patients but no association with CAT.
Conclusion: The CAT is a sensitive tool to assess the current health status of COPD patients, and in Southern Brazil it is positively correlated with respiratory rate.
A novel biomarker in the diagnosis of parapneumonic effusion: neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin
Authors: Gümüs Aziz , Ozkaya Sevket , Ozyurt Songul , Cınarka Halit , Kirbas Aynur , Sahin Unal 
Published: January 2020

Background: The protein neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a mediator synthesized and released by neutrophils. Its physiological function is as yet unclear. Levels in blood increase in several inflammatory diseases. High serum values indicate poor prognosis for several diseases. Pleural effusion may appear as the result of various pathologies. The most common cause is heart failure (HF). Other common causes include parapneumonic (PPE) and malignant (MPE) pleural effusions, and pulmonary embolism. Tubercular effusion (TE) is commonly encountered in Turkey and similar developing countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of NGAL, a current inflammation marker, in discriminating between different etiological diseases that cause pleural effusion.
Methods: The study was performed at the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Medicine Chest Diseases Clinic. One hundred patients were included in the study, 25 with parapneumonic effusion, 25 with heart failure-related effusion, 25 with tubercular effusion and 25 with cancer-related effusion. NGAL was measured in patients’ serum and pleural fluids.
Results: Serum NGAL levels in PPE (171 ± 56 ng/ml) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than those in HF (86 ±31 ng/ml), CA (103 ± 42 ng/ml) and TE (63 ± 19 ng/ml). Pleural NGAL levels were also significantly higher in PPE compared to HF, MPE and TE (p < 0.001). Serum NGAL levels exhibited a positive correlation with white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, C-reactive protein (CRP), sedimentation, serum LDH, creatinine, pleural leukocyte and pleural neutrophil numbers. The most significant correlation was between NGAL level and WBC (p < 0.001, r = 0.579). Both serum and pleural NGAL levels are highly effective in differentiating patients with PPE from those without PPE (AUC: 0.910 and 0.790, respectively).
Conclusions: NGAL can be used in the diagnosis of diseases with an acute inflammatory course. Serum and pleural NGAL levels can differentiate PPE from other diseases causing pleural fluid with high sensitivity and specificity.