bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asbestos and the lung in the 21st century: an update
Authors: Prazakova Silvie , Thomas Paul S. , Sandrini Alessandra , Yates Deborah H. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe asbestos‐related disorders (ARDs) are currently of significant occupational and public health concern. Asbestos usage has been banned in most developed countries, but asbestos is still used in many developing countries and the number of cases of ARDs worldwide is rising. Many countries are now experiencing an epidemic of ARDs that is the legacy of occupational exposure in the 1960s–1980s because of the long latency period between asbestos exposure and manifestation of disease. It is likely that asbestos‐related mortality and morbidity will continue to increase. Although the most feared complications of asbestos inhalation are the malignant conditions such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, asbestos inhalation more frequently results in benign conditions such as pleural plaques, diffuse pleural thickening, and asbestosis (pulmonary fibrosis due to asbestos exposure). Over recent years, there have been changes in the epidemiology of mesothelioma, in clinical management of ARDs and developments in new techniques for early detection of malignancy. This review provides an update on the respiratory manifestations of asbestos exposure and also considers advances in screening methods that may affect future management in the workplace.
Vitamin D status and dietary intake in a Swedish COPD population
Authors: Måhlin Carolina , von Sydow Henrik , Osmancevic Amra , Emtner Margareta , Grönberg Anne M. , Larsson Sven , Slinde Frode 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIntroductionEmerging evidence indicates that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a poorer vitamin D status than the general population, possibly affecting several comorbidities. In northern latitudes, these problems could be even more accentuated wintertime because of the low ultraviolet B radiation.ObjectivesTo examine the dietary intake of vitamin D and the levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OH‐D) in a COPD population compared with a reference group in Swedish settings.MethodsNinety‐eight COPD patients (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/vital capacity ratio < 0.65) recruited from the outpatient clinics at the university hospitals in Gothenburg and Uppsala, Sweden were included in this cross‐sectional study. The reference group (149 individuals) was randomly selected from the Swedish National Registry. The serum concentrations of 25‐OH‐D, intact parathyroid hormone, creatinine and calcium were measured. A trained dietitian conducted a dietary history interview to evaluate food intake of vitamin D, prescribed drugs and supplements containing vitamin D.Results and ConclusionsThe mean serum concentration of 25‐OH‐D was significantly higher in the reference group (57.6 ± 23 nmol/L) compared with the COPD group (51.5 ± 22 nmol/L) (P = 0.039). The dietary intake was predominantly below the recommendations in both groups. Mean total daily intake of vitamin D and mean daily supplementation of vitamin D was significantly higher in the COPD group (P = 0.012 and P = 0.030, respectively).Low intake of vitamin D and low serum levels of 25‐OH‐D are common in both COPD patients and an elderly Swedish population. Monitoring vitamin D status and possibly routinely treating COPD patients with vitamin D and calcium should be considered to minimise the risk of severe vitamin D deficiency among COPD patients.
Can platelet indices predict obstruction level of pulmonary vascular bed in patients with acute pulmonary embolism?
Authors: Günay Ersin , Sarinc Ulasli Sevinc , Kacar Emre , Halici Bilal , Unlu Ebru , Tünay Kamil , Ozkececi Gulay , Koken Tulay , Unlu Mehmet 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIntroductionComputed tomography pulmonary arterial obstruction index ratio (CTPAOIR) is related with the severity of pulmonary embolism (PE). Platelet indices including mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) are reported to be increased in acute PE.ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between CTPAOIR and platelet indices and the utility of these parameters in the determination of PE severity.Materials and Methods We retrospectively analysed the demographic data, clinical probability scores, laboratory data and echocardiographic findings of 63 acute PE patients who were diagnosed by pulmonary arterial computed tomography angiography.ResultsThe hospital records of 38 (60.3%) male and 25 (39.7%) female patients with acute PE and 29 (58%) male and 21 (42%) female healthy control were evaluated (P = 0.803). The mean value of MPV, PDW levels, platelet counts and red cell distribution width levels were higher in PE groups than in control subjects (P < 0.05). Massive PE was present in 33.3% of PE patients. There were statistically significant differences in terms of hospital length of stay (HLS), mean value of MPV, CTPAOIR and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) in addition to systolic arterial pressure between massive and submassive PE patients (P < 0.05 for all). CTPAOIR was positively correlated with HLS, clinical probability scores, D‐Dimer level, MPV, PDW levels and sPAP.ConclusionPlatelet indices, MPV and PDW, can be used for the determination of disease severity, and lead to therapeutic strategies for PE patients.
Elevation of serum procalcitonin in patients after chemical pleurodesis with intrapleural injection of OK‐432
Authors: Xu Bing‐ling , Yu Jin‐quan , Tang Ke‐jing , Liu Da‐yue , Kuang Yu‐kun 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIntroductionIn patients with refractory pleural effusion or pneumothorax, fever and elevated level of white blood cell count (WBC) are frequently observed after chemical pleurodesis with intrapleural injection of OK‐432, which make it difficult to differentiate whether it was from the side effects of OK‐432 or concurrent bacterial infection.ObjectiveProcalcitonin (PCT) levels were measured before and after pleurodesis so as to discuss whether PCT is useful for distinguishing between the side effects of OK‐432 and concurrent bacterial infection.MethodTwenty‐six patients with refractory pleural effusion or pneumothorax who underwent chemical pleurodesis with intrapleural injection of OK‐432 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University between August 2010 and August 2012 were included in our study. Levels of PCT and WBC were measured before and after pleurodesis.ResultOf all 26 patients, 22 patients were with refractory pleural effusion, and the other four were with pneumothorax. The median serum levels of PCT and WBC elevated from 0.155 to 1.470 ng/mL (P = 0.009) and from 5.920 to 10.475 × 109/L (P = 0.000), respectively. No patient was given antibiotics and fever subsided.ConclusionIntrapleural injection of OK‐432 could increase the serum level of PCT and WBC with no bacterial infection. The serum PCT level may not be useful to distinguish whether fever was caused by the side effects of OK‐432 or concurrent bacterial infection.
Characteristic features of pulmonary function test, CT volume analysis and MR perfusion imaging in COPD patients with different HRCT phenotypes
Authors: Fan Li , Xia Yi , Guan Yu , Zhang Tie‐feng , Liu Shi‐yuan 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIntroductionComputed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide detailed anatomic structures and quantitative function information for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).ObjectivesTo prospectively clarify characteristics of pulmonary function test (PFT), CT volume parameters and magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion imaging in COPD patients with different high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) phenotypes.Methods Sixty‐two patients performed PFT, CT and MR perfusion imaging. COPD was classified into three phenotypes according to HRCT quantitative findings: A, E and M phenotype. Total lung volume (TLV), total emphysema volume (TEV) and emphysema index (EI) were quantitated by HRCT. In cases of perfusion defects (PDs), the shape and size were evaluated. The contrast between the normal lung and PDs was quantified by calculating their signal intensity ratio (RSI = SIPD/SInormal). The correlation was performed between PFT, CT and MR perfusion.ResultsThere were 42 A phenotype, 9 E phenotype and 11 M phenotype. There was significant difference in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) between A and M phenotype (P < 0.05). TEV and EI of A phenotype (0.4 ± 0.4 L and 8.0% ± 4.3%) were lower than those of E (1.0 ± 0.3 L and 18.6% ± 3.2%) or M phenotype (0.9 ± 0.2 L and 17.5% ± 1.7%). MR perfusion images showed circumscribed or diffuse patchy PDs. RSI of A phenotype was higher than that of E phenotype (20.3% ± 8.5% vs 11.8% ± 5.4%; P = 0.006). TEV and EI were moderate negatively correlated with diffusion function parameters. RSI was strongly correlated with FEV1% (A) and FEV1/FVC (M). FEV1/FVC was strongly correlated with TEV or EI (E).ConclusionThere were different features and correlations between PFT, CT volume and MR perfusion in different phenotype, indicating each phenotype may have novel imaging method guiding clinical management.
Epidemiology and distribution of interstitial lung diseases in Turkey
Authors: Musellim Benan , Okumus Gulfer , Uzaslan Esra , Akgün Metin , Cetinkaya Erdogan , Turan Onur , Akkoclu Atila , Hazar Armagan , Kokturk Nurdan , Calisir Haluk Celalettin ,   Turkish Interstitial Lung Diseases Group
Published: May 2013

AbstractIntroductionThere is very few data on the epidemiological features of interstitial lung diseases (ILD) in the literature. These studies on this subject suffer from limited number of patients.ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological features of ILD in Turkey.MethodsFifty‐four investigators, 31 centres in 19 cities from six regions of Turkey, participated in the study. Two thousand two hundred forty‐five newly diagnosed patients (51.8% females), led by Turkish Thoracic Society Clinical Problems Study Group, enrolled in this prospective study.ResultsThe mean age was 51.8 ± 16.7 years. The mean age among males was 50.5 ± 18.6 years and 53.0 ± 14.6 years among females (P < 0.001). 23.8% of the cases had ILD with known causes, while 39.4% were in granulomatous group, 23.7% were idiopathic, and 4.4% were in the unclassified group. Overall, histopathologically confirmed diagnosis rate was 40.4%. Sarcoidosis was the most common disease (37%), whereas cases with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) constituted 19,9% of patients. 53% of the sarcoidosis patients were females, and the ratio reaches to 75% under 50 years of age (for this group, IPF ratio is %3). In contrast, sarcoidosis and IPF ratios were equal in males (25%). Sarcoidosis was 8% in men over 50, while IPF was %45.ConclusionThe overall incidence of ILD in Turkey was computed to be 25.8/100 000.
Lung transplant outcomes in cystic fibrosis patients with pre‐operative Mycobacterium abscessus respiratory infections
Authors: Lobo Leonard J. , Chang Lydia C. , Esther Charles R. , Gilligan Peter H. , Tulu Zeynep , Noone Peadar G. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundMycobacterium abscessus in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is considered a contraindication to lung transplantation. We examine the post‐transplant outcomes of CF patients with M. abscessus pre‐transplant.MethodsCF patients transplanted at the University of North Carolina from 1992 to 2012 were retrospectively examined. Patients with at least one respiratory sample positive for M. abscessus prior to transplantation were included. Data collected included age, FEV1, body mass index (BMI), systemic steroid use, diabetes mellitus, ventilatory assistance, co‐existent CF pathogens, imaging, post‐transplant complications, and survival.Results (n = 13)At transplant, mean age was 24.6 yr, mean BMI was 18.1 kg/m2, six had 3+ positive smears for M. abscessus, and three were ventilator dependent. All met American Thoracic Society microbiological criteria for disease pre‐transplant. Three patients developed M. abscessus‐related complications, with clearance of the organism following treatment. Survival post‐transplant shows 77% alive at one yr, 64% at three yr, and 50% at five yr; none died of M. abscessus. The survival data showed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.8) compared with a contemporaneously transplanted population of CF patients without M. abscessus (n = 154).ConclusionLung transplantation, with favorable survival, is possible in CF patients with M. abscessus. Even if M. abscessus recurs, local control and clearance is possible.
Tacrolimus plus mycophenolate mofetil vs. cyclosporine plus everolimus in deceased donor kidney transplant recipients: three‐yr results of a single‐center prospective clinical trial
Authors: Favi Evaldo , Spagnoletti Gionata , Salerno Maria P. , Pedroso José A. , Romagnoli Jacopo , Citterio Franco 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe compared in kidney transplantation two immunosuppressive regimens: tacrolimus plus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (TAC) and everolimus plus low‐dose cyclosporine (EVE). Sixty consecutive patients received TAC (30 patients) or EVE (30 patients) as immunosuppressive regimen; all subjects also received induction with basiliximab and corticosteroids. After three‐yr follow‐up, no difference was found in patient and graft survival (PTS: TAC: 97% vs. EVE: 100%; GS: TAC: 93% vs. EVE: 93%). The incidence of acute rejection was higher in the EVE group but the difference was not statistically significant (17% vs. 23%, p = ns). Patients in EVE showed higher serum cholesterol (205 ± 41 vs. 235 ± 41 mg/dL, p = 0.0012) and lower hemoglobin concentration (13.6 ± 1.4 vs. 12.4 ± 1.9, p = 0.01). Renal function was not significantly different in the two groups (3 Y creatinine: TAC 1.4 ± 0.8 vs. EVE 1.6 ± 0.8 mg/dL, p = ns). Treatment discontinuation was higher in the EVE group (TAC 17 vs. EVE 36%, p = ns). Our data show that in the middle‐term follow‐up, an immunosuppressive regimen with tacrolimus plus MMF has a similar efficacy and safety profile in comparison with the combination of low‐exposure cyclosporine plus everolimus. Further follow up could evidence the benefits related to the anti‐proliferative effects of everolimus.
Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs second study (DAWN2™): Cross‐national comparisons on barriers and resources for optimal care—healthcare professional perspective
Authors: Holt R. I. G. , Nicolucci A. , Kovacs Burns K. , Escalante M. , Forbes A. , Hermanns N. , Kalra S. , Massi‐Benedetti M. , Mayorov A. , Menéndez‐Torre E. , Munro N. , Skovlund S. E. , Tarkun I. , Wens J. , Peyrot M. ,   the DAWN2 Study Group
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimsThe second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2) study sought cross‐national comparisons of perceptions on healthcare provision for benchmarking and sharing of clinical practices to improve diabetes care.MethodsIn total, 4785 healthcare professionals caring for people with diabetes across 17 countries participated in an online survey designed to assess diabetes healthcare provision, self‐management and training.ResultsBetween 61.4 and 92.9% of healthcare professionals felt that people with diabetes needed to improve various self‐management activities; glucose monitoring (range, 29.3–92.1%) had the biggest country difference, with a between‐country variance of 20%. The need for a major improvement in diabetes self‐management education was reported by 60% (26.4–81.4%) of healthcare professionals, with a 12% between‐country variance. Provision of diabetes services differed among countries, with many healthcare professionals indicating that major improvements were needed across a range of areas, including healthcare organization [30.6% (7.4–67.1%)], resources for diabetes prevention [78.8% (60.4–90.5%)], earlier diagnosis and treatment [67.9% (45.0–85.5%)], communication between team members and people with diabetes [56.1% (22.3–85.4%)], specialist nurse availability [63.8% (27.9–90.7%)] and psychological support [62.7% (40.6–79.6%)]. In some countries, up to one third of healthcare professionals reported not having received any formal diabetes training. Societal discrimination against people with diabetes was reported by 32.8% (11.4–79.6%) of participants.ConclusionsThis survey has highlighted concerns of healthcare professionals relating to diabetes healthcare provision, self‐management and training. Identifying between‐country differences in several areas will allow benchmarking and sharing of clinical practices.
Insulin degludec improves glycaemic control with lower nocturnal hypoglycaemia risk than insulin glargine in basal–bolus treatment with mealtime insulin aspart in Type 1 diabetes (BEGIN® Basal–Bolus Type 1): 2‐year results of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Bode B. W. , Buse J. B. , Fisher M. , Garg S. K. , Marre M. , Merker L. , Renard E. , Russell‐Jones D. L. , Hansen C. T. , Rana A. , Heller S. R. ,   BEGIN Basal–Bolus Type 1 Trial Investigators
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimsThe goal of this study was to compare the long‐term safety and efficacy of the basal insulin analogue, insulin degludec with insulin glargine (both with insulin aspart) in Type 1 diabetes, over a 2‐year time period.MethodsThis open‐label trial comprised a 1‐year main trial and a 1‐year extension. Patients were randomized to once‐daily insulin degludec or insulin glargine and titrated to pre‐breakfast plasma glucose values of 3.9–4.9 mmol/l.ResultsThe rate of nocturnal confirmed hypoglycaemia was 25% lower with insulin degludec than with insulin glargine (P = 0.02). Rates of confirmed hypoglycaemia, severe hypoglycaemia and adverse events, and reductions in glycated haemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose were similar between groups. Despite achieving similar glycaemic control, insulin degludec‐treated patients used 12% less basal and 9% less total daily insulin than did insulin glargine‐treated patients (P < 0.01).ConclusionsLong‐term basal therapy using insulin degludec in Type 1 diabetes required lower doses and was associated with a 25% lower risk for nocturnal hypoglycaemia than insulin glargine.
Targeting inflammatory pathways in myocardial infarction
Authors: Christia Panagiota , Frangogiannis Nikolaos G. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAcute cardiomyocyte necrosis in the infarcted heart generates damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), activating complement and Toll‐Like Receptor (TLR)/Interleukin (IL)‐1 signalling and triggering an intense inflammatory reaction. Infiltrating leucocytes clear the infarct from dead cells, while activating reparative pathways that lead to formation of a scar. As the infarct heals the ventricle remodels, the geometric, functional and molecular alterations associated with postinfarction remodelling are driven by the inflammatory cascade and are involved in the development of heart failure. Because unrestrained inflammation in the infarcted heart induces matrix degradation and cardiomyocyte apoptosis, timely suppression of the postinfarction inflammatory reaction may be crucial to protect the myocardium from dilative remodelling and progressive dysfunction. Inhibition and resolution of postinfarction inflammation involve mobilization of inhibitory mononuclear cell subsets and require activation of endogenous STOP signals. Our manuscript discusses the basic cellular and molecular events involved in initiation, activation and resolution of the postinfarction inflammatory response, focusing on identification of therapeutic targets. The failure of anti‐integrin approaches in patients with myocardial infarction and a growing body of experimental evidence suggest that inflammation may not increase ischaemic cardiomyocyte death, but accentuates matrix degradation causing dilative remodelling. Given the pathophysiologic complexity of postinfarction remodelling, personalized biomarker‐based approaches are needed to target patient subpopulations with dysregulated inflammatory and reparative responses. Inhibition of pro‐inflammatory signals (such as IL‐1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1) may be effective in patients with defective resolution of postinfarction inflammation who exhibit progressive dilative remodelling. In contrast, patients with predominant hypertrophic/fibrotic responses may benefit from anti‐TGF strategies.
Land use intensification in grasslands: higher trophic levels are more negatively affected than lower trophic levels
Authors: Herbst Christine , Wäschke Nicole , Barto E. Kathryn , Arnold Sabrina , Geuß Daniel , Halboth Ivonne , Reschke Sabina , Sänger Jakob , Meiners Torsten , Obermaier Elisabeth 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIncreasing land use intensity and human influence are leading to a reduction in plant and animal species diversity. However, little is known about how these changes may affect higher trophic levels, apart from simply reducing species numbers. Here we investigated, over 3 years, the influence of different land practices on a tritrophic system in grassland habitats. The system consisted of the host plant Plantago lanceolata L. (Plantaginaceae), two monophagous weevils, Mecinus labilis Herbst and Mecinus pascuorum Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and their parasitoid Mesopolobus incultus Walker (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). At over 70 sites across three geographic regions in Germany, we measured plant species diversity and vegetation structure, as well as abundance of P. lanceolata, the two weevils, and the parasitoid. Land use intensity (fertilization) and type (mowing vs. grazing) negatively affected not only plant species richness but also the occurrence of the two specialized herbivores and their parasitoid. In contrast, land use had a mostly positive effect on host plant size, vegetation structure, and parasitization rate. This study reveals that intensification of land use influences higher trophic organisms even without affecting the availability of the host plant. The observed relationships between land use, vegetation complexity, and the tritrophic system are not restricted locally; rather they are measureable along a broad range of environmental conditions and years throughout Germany. Our findings may have important implications for the conservation of insect species of nutrient‐poor grasslands.
Ozone and SIRT3: an unexplored paradigm
Authors: Syed Deeba N. , Mukhtar Hasan 
Published: May 2013

AbstractExposure to environmentally relevant doses of ozone induces oxidative stress and is associated with adverse effects at tissue level. Delineating the role of sirtuin3, involved in cellular energy homoeostasis, in the response of skin to ozone can be a step towards developing prevention strategies against cutaneous pathologies.