bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Walking with continuous positive airway pressure: Fig. 1—
Authors: Dieperink W. , Goorhuis J. F. , de Weerd W. , Hazenberg A. , Zijlstra J. G. , Nijsten M. W. N. 
Published: April 2006

A ventilator-dependent child had been in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) ever since birth. As a result, she had fallen behind considerably in her development.After 18 months, continuous positive airway pressure was successfully administeredviaa tracheostomy tube with a novel lightweight device. This enabled her to walk in the PICU. With this device, the child was discharged home where she could walk with an action range of 10 m. Subsequently, her psychomotor development improved remarkably.To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report of a patient, adult or paediatric, who could actually walk with a sufficient radius of action while receiving long-term respiratory support.
Incidence of asthma among workers exposed to sulphur dioxide and other irritant gases
Authors: Andersson E. , Knutsson A. , Hagberg S. , Nilsson T. , Karlsson B. , Alfredsson L. , Torén K. 
Published: April 2006

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether repeated peak exposure (gassings) to sulphur dioxide (SO2) and other irritant gases increases the risk of new-onset asthma. A questionnaire was sent to 4,112 sulphite workers, of whom 1,919 completed the questionnaire and 396 completed the short-form questionnaire, which was sent out as a last reminder. A sample of 130 nonrespondents completed a telephone interview using the short-form questionnaire.The incidence of adult-onset, physician-diagnosed asthma during employment duration was analysed in relation to exposure to SO2and gassings giving rise to respiratory symptoms. Incidence rates, as well as incidence rate ratios with 95% confidence interval (CI), were calculated. Further Cox regression models were used allowing assessment of hazard ratios (HR) stratified for sex and adjusted for atopy, smoking habits and age.The incidence rate for asthma among sulphite mill workers reporting gassings of SO2was 6.2 out of 1,000 person-yrs, compared with 1.9 out of 1,000 person-yrs among subjects unexposed to SO2and any gassings (HR (95% CI) 4.0 (2.1–7.7)). Among males reporting gassings to SO2, the HR (95% CI) for asthma was 5.8 (2.6–13) compared with unexposed males.In conclusion, repeated peak exposure to sulphur dioxide increased the incidence of asthma during work in sulphite pulp mills, which supports the hypothesis of irritant-induced asthma.
Interleukin-10 polymorphism in position -1082 and acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Gong M. N. , Thompson B. T. , Williams P. L. , Zhou W. , Wang M. Z. , Pothier L. , Christiani D. C. 
Published: April 2006

The GG genotype of the interleukin (IL)-10 promoter polymorphism in position -1082 (-1082GG) has been associated with increased IL-10 production. The current authors hypothesised that the-1082GGgenotype is associated with the development of, and outcomes in, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).A nested case–control study was conducted in 211 Caucasian cases of ARDS and 429 controls who were admitted to an intensive care unit with sepsis, trauma, aspiration or massive transfusions. Cases were followed for organ failure and 60-day mortality.The-1082GGgenotype was associated with the development of ARDS, but only in the presence of a significant interaction between the-1082GGgenotype and age. Among patients with ARDS, the-1082GGgenotype was associated with decreased severity of illness on admission, lower daily organ dysfunction scores and lower 60-day mortality.In conclusion, the high interleukin-10-producing-1082GGgenotype may be associated with variable odds for acute respiratory distress syndrome development depending on age. Among those with acute respiratory distress syndrome, the-1082GGgenotype is associated with lower mortality and organ failure. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Genetic association between COPD and polymorphisms in TNF, ADRB2 and EPHX1
Authors: Brøgger J. , Steen V. M. , Eiken H. G. , Gulsvik A. , Bakke P. 
Published: April 2006

There is evidence of a hereditary component in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A number of genetic association studies have been performed to find susceptibility genes of COPD.The current authors performed a case–control, genetic-association study and a meta-analysis of 16 studies, involving seven polymorphisms in three well-studied genes: microsomal epoxide hydroxylase (EPHX1); tumour necrosis factor; and β2-adrenoreceptor. A total of 492 Caucasian smokers and former smokers were recruited from hospital databases and population cohort studies.In the present study, a protective effect of the EPHX1 Tyr113His polymorphism was found (homozygous odds ratio (OR) 0.5). In the meta-analysis, homozygotes for this single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) also had a pooled OR of 0.5. The same effect has been found in several lung cancer studies. Effects for other candidate SNPs were weak or statistically insignificant, and probable genotyping error was common.In conclusion, the present data and meta-analysis support a role for microsomal epoxide hydroxylase in the aetiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Mixed community-acquired pneumonia in hospitalised patients
Authors: de Roux A. , Ewig S. , García E. , Marcos M. A. , Mensa J. , Lode H. , Torres A. 
Published: April 2006

The role of mixed community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is controversial. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence, principal microbial patterns, clinical predictors and course of mixed CAP.The current study included 1,511 consecutive hospitalised patients with CAP. Of these, 610 (40%) patients had an established aetiology. One pathogen was demonstrated in 528 patients and 82 (13%) patients had mixed pneumonia. Cases including CAP, by a pyogenic bacteria and a complete paired serology for “atypicals”, revealed that 82 (13%) patients had definite single pyogenic pneumonia and 28 patients (5%) had mixed pyogenic pneumonia.In patients with mixed CAP,Streptococcus pneumoniaewas the most prevalent microorganism (44 out of 82; 54%). The most frequent combination wasS. pneumoniaewithHaemophilus influenzae(17 out of 82; 21%). Influenza virus A andS. pneumoniae(five out of 28; 18%) was the most frequent association in the mixed pyogenic pneumonia group. No clinical predictors for mixed pneumonias could be identified. Patients with mixed pyogenic pneumonia more frequently developed shock when compared with patients with single pyogenic pneumonia (18versus4%).In conclusion, mixed pneumonia occurs in >10% of cases with community-acquired pneumonia requiring hospitalisation.
Symptom burden of sleep-disordered breathing in mild-to-moderate congestive heart failure patients
Authors: Hastings P. C. , Vazir A. , O'Driscoll D. M. , Morrell M. J. , Simonds A. K. 
Published: April 2006

The symptom burden resulting from sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in patients with mild-to-moderate congestive heart failure (CHF) is unclear. The current authors monitored 24-h activity levels and compared subjective and objective measures of daytime sleepiness in 39 CHF patients, New York Heart Association class 2–3, on optimal medication. A total of 22 patients were classified as SDB (apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) median (range) 22.3 (16.6–100) events·h−1), and 17 as no SDB (NoSDB; AHI 3.7 (0–12.3) events·h−1). SDB was defined as AHI ≥15 events·h−1. Patients were assessed by 24-h activity monitoring (actigraphy) for a period of up to 14 days, a single objective sleepiness test (Oxford Sleep Resistance test) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale.The duration of daytime activity was significantly shorter in the SDB group compared with the NoSDB group. The SDB group also had increased time in bed and poorer sleep quality, as shown by the fragmentation index. Objectively the SDB group when compared with the NoSDB group were significantly sleepier, subjectively the groups did not differ. The amount of napping was similar for both groups.Despite the lack of subjective symptoms of daytime sleepiness, congestive heart failure patients with sleep-disordered breathing were objectively sleepier during the day and had reduced daytime activity with longer periods in bed and poorer sleep quality when compared with those without sleep-disordered breathing.
Antioxidant status in patients with sleep apnoea and impact of continuous positive airway pressure treatment
Authors: Barceló A. , Barbé F. , de la Peña M. , Vila M. , Pérez G. , Piérola J. , Durán J. , Agustí A. G. N. 
Published: April 2006

The episodes of hypoxia/re-oxygenation associated with the respiratory disturbances observed in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) may induce the generation of oxygen free radicals. Indeed, several studies suggest that OSAS is associated with oxidative stress. The present study tested the hypothesis that patients with OSAS have an alteration in antioxidant defences.The plasma levels of total antioxidant status (TAS), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), vitamins A, E, B12and folate, and homocysteine were determined in 47 patients with OSAS and 37 healthy subjects. Of these, 27 patients who used continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for >4 h·night−1were re-examined 12 months later.Patients with OSAS had lower TAS (1.4±0.16versus1.50±0.10 mmol·L−1), vitamin A (64±19versus74±17 μg·dL−1) and vitamin E levels (1,525±499versus1,774±503 μg·dL−1), and increased values of GGT (42±22versus32±16 U·L−1) than controls. There was no difference between groups in GPX, homocysteine, vitamin B12and folate plasma levels. CPAP treatment normalised the levels of TAS (1.50±0.13 mmol·L−1) and the activity of GGT (30±14 U·L−1) without any influence on vitamins levels.In conclusion, the results indicate that patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome have a decreased antioxidant capacity that is partially reversed by continuous positive airway pressure treatment.
Sources of variation in forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity
Authors: Chinn S. , Jarvis D. , Svanes C. , Burney P. 
Published: April 2006

Published prediction equations for lung function differ considerably, but the components of population variation responsible for the differences are unknown.Data were analysed for 6,323 never-smoking adults who did not report wheeze or asthma, from 42 centres participating in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. Means and components of variance were estimated for males and females aged 20–24 yrs, and the relationships with age and height were examined in those aged 25–44 yrs.Mean lung function for those aged 20–24 yrs differed between centres, but variation could not be wholly attributed to differences in population or equipment. The maximum difference in means by equipment type was 101 mL for FVC in males. Equipment differences were not statistically significant adjusted for country, but differences in mean forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity by country, adjusted for instrument, were statistically significant in males. Differences between centres in relation to age and height had less influence on predicted values.In conclusion, there are unexplained differences in lung function between ethnically similar nonsmoking symptom-free populations. Neither national reference curves nor those based on the same ethnic group can be guaranteed to give accurate norms of lung health.
Mechanisms of dyspnoea and its language in patients with asthma
Authors: Laveneziana P. , Lotti P. , Coli C. , Binazzi B. , Chiti L. , Stendardi L. , Duranti R. , Scano G. 
Published: April 2006

This study hypothesises that regardless of the global score of dyspnoea intensity, different descriptors may be selected by asthmatic patients during short cardiopulmonary exercise test (sCPET) and methacholine (Mch) inhalation. It also examines whether different qualitative dyspnoea sensations can help explain the underlying mechanisms of the symptom.Minute ventilation (V′E), tidal volume (VT) and inspiratory capacity (IC) were measured in 22 stable asthmatic patients, and the sensation of dyspnoea during Mch inhalation and sCPET was quantitatively (Borg scale) and qualitatively (descriptors) assessed. The work rate and oxygen uptake (V′O2) were also measured during sCPET.Airway obstruction and hyperinflation, as measured by IC reduction, were the best correlates for dyspnoea with Mch. During sCPET, changes in WR,V′O2,V′EandVTsignificantly correlated with Borg score, withV′Ebeing the best predictor of dyspnoea; IC decreased in eight patients. Furthermore, chest tightness (68%) was the highest reported descriptor during Mch inhalation, whereas work/effort (72%) was the highest during sCPET.In conclusion, obstruction/hyperinflation and work rate are highly reliable predictors of Borg rating of dyspnoea during methacholine inhalation and short cardiopulmonary exercise testing, respectively. Regardless of the global score of intensity dyspnoea, different descriptors may be selected by patients during short cardiopulmonary exercise testing and methacholine inhalation. Various qualities of dyspnoea result from different pathophysiological abnormalities.
Continuous positive airway pressure treatment for sleep apnoea: compliance increases with time in continuing users
Authors: Sucena M. , Liistro G. , Aubert G. , Rodenstein D. O. , Pieters T. 
Published: April 2006

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the best treatment for sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS). In the 1990s, many authors reported on daily compliance, but all of the studies utilised relatively short periods of follow-up that did not exceed a few years.The mean annual rate of CPAP use in patients with SAS was prospectively recorded. In the current study, the results are presented along with compliance data from patients who started CPAP between 1991 and 1998 and were still using it by the end of 2003. The cohort was chosen in order to obtain ≥5 yrs of follow-up for each patient. In total, there were 204 patients. For the whole group, mean±sdcompliance reached 321±90 and 393±84 min after 1 and 10 yrs, respectively.There was no significant change in the first 2 yrs, with a significant increase from the third year onwards. Compliance, or its evolution over time, was not correlated either to the baseline polysomnographical data (except slightly for the CPAP pressure), to the difference of these data before and under CPAP therapy, to the age of retirement or to changes in the marital status.In conclusion, very long-term compliance with continuous positive airway pressure increases by a mean of 8 min·day−1per year of follow-up in patients with sleep apnoea syndrome.
Do respiratory symptoms predict job choices in teenagers?
Authors: Radon K. , Huemmer S. , Dressel H. , Windstetter D. , Weinmayr G. , Weiland S. , Riu E. , Vogelberg C. , Leupold W. , von Mutius E. , Goldberg M. , Nowak D. 
Published: April 2006

Existing guidelines advise adolescents with asthma and allergies against high-risk occupations. The aim of the current authors' analyses was to investigate the resulting self-selection in a prospective cohort study.The participants of Phase II of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood in Germany (aged 9–11 yrs at baseline) were re-contacted after 7 yrs (response rate was 77%) and were asked to complete a questionnaire, which included items on atopic diseases. The subjects were also asked about the type of job they would like to have in the future (preferred job choice). Exposure to agents with potential asthma risk was evaluated using a job exposure matrix. The analyses were restricted to those in school-based vocational training programmes without occupational exposures.A total of 33% of subjects chose jobs with high asthma risk, 23% selected low asthma risk jobs and the remaining adolescents indicated jobs without known asthma risk (reference category). There were no statistically significant associations between asthma, allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis and selecting jobs with asthma risk. Participants with allergic rhinitis tended to select high risk jobs less frequently.In conclusion, self-selection into low risk jobs seems to play a minor role in teenagers with asthma or allergies.
The neutrophilic and fibrinolytic response to talc can predict the outcome of pleurodesis
Authors: Psathakis K. , Calderón-Osuna E. , Romero-Romero B. , Martin-Juan J. , Romero-Falcón A. , Rodriguez-Panadero F. 
Published: April 2006

It was hypothesised that monitoring neutrophil andd-dimer (DD) levels into the pleural fluid, after talc instillation, could predict the outcome of pleurodesis.The current authors investigated a total of 168 patients with malignant pleural effusion, who were treated with talc poudrage. According to the outcome the patients were categorised into one of two groups, either successful or failed pleurodesis. In all cases, pleural fluid neutrophils and DDswere determined on serial measurements at 0, 3, 24 and 48 h after the procedure. The time course of these parameters was assessed in both groups and the time point at which they could better predict the outcome was further explored.Neutrophils rose rapidly after talc poudrage in both groups, reaching a plateau at 24 h, although in successful pleurodesis this response was significantly higher. DD dropped markedly at 24 h in the group with the successful outcome, but it did not show significant changes in the other group. A cut-off value of 61% for neutrophils and 61 mg·L−1for the DD at 24 h yielded the best prognosis for successful pleurodesis.The current authors conclude that serial measurements of neutrophil andd-dimer values into the pleural fluid after talc poudrage could be used as predictors of the outcome of pleurodesis.
Crackle-sound recording to monitor airway closure and recruitment in ventilated pigs
Authors: Peták F. , Habre W. , Babik B. , Tolnai J. , Hantos Z. 
Published: April 2006

It was hypothesised that the recruitment of atelectatic lung areas is signified by changes in the airway and tissue mechanics, and by the appearance of crackle activity attributed to the sudden reopening of collapsed airways. The authors also assumed that the acoustic activity is an earlier indicator of lung recruitment than the change in the overall mechanical state of the lungs.Six thoracotomised and mechanically ventilated mini-pigs were studied. Low-frequency pulmonary impedance was measured at end-expiratory pauses at transpulmonary pressures of 4 and 1 hPa to estimate airway resistance (Raw) and the coefficient of lung tissue elastance (H), and tracheal sounds were recorded during subsequent slow inflations to 30 hPa, in the control state and following increasing doses ofi.v.methacholine (Mch).RawandHwere higher at baseline and increased more in response to Mch at 1 hPa than at 4 hPa. The crackles detected during the subsequent inflations were concentrated around and associated with the development of the lower knee of the pressure–volume curve. The number of crackles increased faster following the Mch doses and reached statistical significance earlier thanRawandH.Crackle recording during mechanical ventilation can be employed as a simple method with which to monitor lung recruitment–derecruitment.
Outcomes and markers in the assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Jones P. W. , Agusti A. G. N. 
Published: April 2006

The clinical presentation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is highly variable, reflecting the interaction of a complex range of pathological changes including both pulmonary and systemic effects.The consequences of COPD experienced by the patient (i.e.its outcomes) include: symptoms, weight loss, exercise intolerance, exacerbations, health-related quality of life, health resource use and death. No single measure can reflect the variety of pathological effects or adequately describe the nature or severity of COPD.Currently, there are few validated markers for assessing COPD and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment. The forced expiratory volume in one second has been used as a global marker of COPD, but it does not fully reflect the burden of COPD on patients. New markers are needed to better characterise the full clinical spectrum of the disease and to guide the development and assessment of new and more effective therapies.This article considers the distinction between outcomes and markers, the various ways in which markers are used and the need for new markers in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The process of marker selection and validation is reviewed and potential new biological, physiological and symptomatic markers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are assessed.
Comparison of the influence of different rehabilitation programmes on clinical, spirometric and spiroergometric parameters in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rasova K , Havrdova E , Brandejsky P , Zálišová M , Foubikova B , Martinkova P 
Published: April 2006

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the effect of four different programmes on spiroergometric, spirometric and clinical parameters in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.Methods One hundred and twelve MS patients were divided into four groups. The first group underwent neurophysiologically based physiotherapy, the second aerobic training, the third combined therapy (neurophysiologically based physiotherapy and aerobic training) and the fourth did not change any habits. Seventeen patients did not finish the study. Patients were examined on impairment (Expanded Disability Status Scale), disability (Barthel Index), handicap (Environment Status Scale), quality of life (Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life), fatigue (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory Score), respiratory function (spirometric parameters on spirometry) and physical fitness (spiroergometric parameters on a bicycle ergometer).Results The patients who participated in one of our training programmes showed a significant improvement of the examined parameters in comparison to those who did not change their present habits. Each of the four training programmes had a different impact on the parameters, which means that each of them had a different effect. The neurophysiologically based physiotherapy had the greatest impact on impairment, and the aerobic training on spirometric and spiroergometric parameters. All methods (the neurophysiologically based physiotherapy, the aerobic training and the combined programme) had an impact on fatigue.