bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Induction of type-IIA secretory phospholipase A2 in animal models of acute lung injury
Authors: Attalah H.L. , Wu Y. , Alaoui-El-Azher M. , Thouron F. , Koumanov K. , Wolf C. , Brochard L. , Harf A. , Delclaux C. , Touqui L. 
Published: September 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of type-II secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA) in alveolar space and its possible role in the destruction of surfactant in three rat models of acute lung injury.Alveolar instillation of either lipopolysaccaride or livePseudomonas aeruginosaresulted in a significant increase in lung oedema and in a decrease in static compliance of the respiratory system together with alveolar-neutrophil influx as compared with healthy control rats.The upregulation of messenger ribonucleic acid and sPLA2-IIA by the lung was evident. This was associated with surfactant degradation and a decrease in large:small ratio of surfactant aggregates in bacteria-instilled rats. A negative correlation between compliance and sPLA2-IIA activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was shown. By contrast, during alpha naphthylthiourea-induced injury, neither alveolar-neutrophil influx nor increase in sPLA2-IIA activity was observed.Additional experiments in rats treated with a specific inhibitor of type-II secretory phospholipase A2 activity (3 acetamine-1-benzyl-2 ethylindolyl-5 oxy; propane phosphonic acid (LY311727)) demonstrated no improvement in physiological parameters despite a biochemical effect, suggesting that its activity is only one of the multiple factors involved in the pathophysiology of lung injury.
Spectral oscillations of RR intervals in sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome patients
Authors: Dingli K. , Assimakopoulos T. , Wraith P.K. , Fietze I. , Witt C. , Douglas N.J. 
Published: September 2008

A recent study has shown that daytime heart rate variability is reduced in obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) patients. In the present study, the hypothesis was that sympathovagal balance around apnoeas/hypopnoeas and nocturnal autonomic activity are altered in OSAHS patients.Frequency- and time-domain analyses of RR intervals were performed to monitor sympathovagal activity noninvasively. Fourteen untreated OSAHS patients and seven healthy subjects underwent overnight polysomnography.Low (LF) and total (TF) frequency power increased 2 min around the end of apnoeas/hypopnoeas (LF 229±38 ms2, TF 345±45 ms2) compared with undisturbed sleep (LF 106±18 ms2, TF 203±23 ms2). The increase in high frequency (HF) power was not significant. LF increase was proportionally higher than the HF increase (normalised LF (LFn) 67±1 units, normalised HF (HFn) 33±1 units) compared with undisturbed sleep (LFn 52±2 units, HFn 48±2 units). RR duration did not change around apnoeas/hypopnoeas (RR 904±28 ms). The LF and TF power increase was greater around arousal-inducing (LF 260±45 ms2, TF 390±65 ms2) compared with self-terminating (LF 161±31 ms2, TF 249±40 ms2) apnoeas/hypopnoeas; the LF and LFn increases were significant in both groups compared with undisturbed sleep and HF power differences were nonsignificant. RR intervals were longer around self-terminating apnoeas/hypopnoeas (RR 914±29 ms); the differences were not significant compared with undisturbed sleep. RR interval spectral power was not influenced by the event type. RR duration decreased (912±28 ms) and LF, HF and TF power increased (LF 111±16 ms2, HF 62±6 ms2, TF 173±21 ms2) across patients, compared with healthy controls (RR 1138±91 ms, LF 57±3 ms2, HF 35±3 ms2, TF 91±6 ms2). LFn and HFn did not change significantly.Sympathetic activity increases around apnoeas/hypopnoeas. The recurrent nocturnal fluctuations of sympathovagal balance and the overall increase of nocturnal autonomic activity may be of importance in the development of cardiovascular disease in sleep apnoea patients.
Decreased haem oxygenase-1 and increased inducible nitric oxide synthase in the lung of severe COPD patients
Authors: Maestrelli P. , Páska C. , Saetta M. , Turato G. , Nowicki Y. , Monti S. , Formichi B. , Miniati M. , Fabbri L.M. 
Published: September 2008

Oxidant/antioxidant imbalance is implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).The current study examined the expression of antioxidant and pro-oxidant enzymes, haem oxygenases (HO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) respectively, in patients with severe COPD and control smokers without lung function impairment. Immunoreactivity for HO-1, HO-2, iNOS and nitric oxide-derived oxidants expressed as nitrotyrosine (N-Tyr) was quantified in peripheral lung.HO-1+ alveolar macrophages were decreased in severe COPD compared to control smokers, whereas no difference was observed in iNOS+ macrophages. In contrast, severe patients had significantly higher numbers of iNOS+ cells in alveolar walls. These iNOS+ cells were identified as type 2 pneumocytes and their number was inversely related to HO-1+ macrophages. There were no significant differences in N-Tyr immunostaining between the two groups. However, the rate of protein nitration in lungtissue was directly related to iNOS expression and associated with lower valuesofforced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity. HO-2 was constitutively expressed by type 2 pneumocytes and these cells were increased in severe COPD.In conclusion, the results suggest that the enzymes involved in the oxidative stressresponse may have a different role in the lung defence and that imbalance betweenhaemoxygenase-1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase may be associated withthe development of severe impairment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Prognostic features of residual pleural thickening in parapneumonic pleural effusions
Authors: Jiménez Castro D. , Díaz G. , Pérez-Rodríguez E. , Light R.W. 
Published: September 2008

The objective of the study was the identification of predictive factors for the development of residual pleural thickening (RPT) in patients with parapneumonic effusion.The design of the prospective study involved investigating patients with parapneumonic pleural effusions diagnosed between March 1991 and December 2000 in the respiratory department of Hospital Ramón y Cajal (Madrid, Spain) which is a 1,500 tertiary-care hospital.The clinical and radiological characteristics and measurements of microbiological and biochemical variables in the pleural fluid taken from the patients were studied. RPT was defined in a posteroanterior chest radiograph as pleural thickening of ≥10 mm measured at the lateral chest wall at the level of an imaginary line, tangent to the diaphragmatic dome.A total of 48 of the 348 patients studied (13.79%) were found to have RPT. Among the factors studied, only presence of pus in the pleural space, Fine classes IV and V, temperature ≥38°C and delayed resolution of pleural effusions after diagnosis (>15 days) were independently associated with the risk of RPT.This study showed that significant residual pleural thickening was not a common complication of parapneumonic pleural effusions. There are certain risk factors for the development of residual pleural thickening. However, this complication was not associated with long-term functional repercussions in the series of patients involved in this study.
Coxiella burnetiipneumonia
Authors: Marrie T.J. 
Published: September 2008

This report reviews the pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestation of infections due toCoxiella burnetii.Q fever, a zoonosis, is due to infection withC. burnetii. This spore-forming microorganism is a small Gram-negative coccobacillus that is an obligate intracellular parasite. The most common animal reservoirs are goats, cattle, sheep, cats, and occasionally dogs. The organism reaches high concentrations in the placenta of infected animals. Aerosolisation occurs at the time of parturition and infection follows inhalation of this aerosol. There are three distinct clinical syndromes of the acute form of the illness: nonspecific febrile illness, pneumonia, and hepatitis. The chronic form of Q fever is almost always endocarditis, but occasionally it is manifest as hepatitis, osteomyelitis or endovascular infection.The pneumonic form of the illness can range from very mild-to-severe pneumonia requiring assisted ventilation. Multiple round opacities are a common finding on chest radiography. Treatment with doxycycline or a fluoroquinolone is preferred. Susceptibility to macrolides is variable.In conclusion,Coxiella burnetiipneumonia should be considered when there is a suitable exposure history and when outbreaks of a pneumonic illness are being investigated.
Endothelial cells modulate eosinophil surface markers and mediator release
Authors: Dallaire M-J. , Ferland C. , Pagé N. , Lavigne S. , Davoine F. , Laviolette M. 
Published: September 2008

Migration from blood to tissue modulates eosinophil function, possibly through interactions with endothelial cells.The effects of contact with and migration through endothelial cells on eosinophil expression of surface markers and release of leukotriene C4were evaluated.A small proportion (2.6%) of eosinophils spontaneously migrated through endothelial cell monolayers. Activation of endothelial cells by interleukin (IL)-4 or IL-1β slightly increased this migration (to 12.4%), which became much greater when a chemoattractant was placed in the lower chamber (84.3%). However, the chemotactic effect was downregulated by pretreating endothelial cells with interferon gamma (IFN-γ; 63.1%). At baseline, 5% of eosinophils expressed CD69; this increased to 30.7% in culture on untreated endothelial cells and to 50.9% on IL-1β-pretreated endothelial cells. This effect was mediated through intercellular adhesion molecule-1/CD11b interaction. Eosinophil migration through endothelial cells further increased CD69 expression to 63.9% and also increased CD35 expression from 83.3 to 91.3%. Upon stimulation, eosinophils that had migrated through endothelial cells produced more leukotriene C4than control cells (872.4 and 103.9 pg·mL−1, respectively). Endothelial cell pretreatment with IL-4 or IL-1β further increased leukotriene C4release (1,789.1 and 2,895.1 pg·mL−1, respectively), whereas pretreatment with IFN-γ decreased it (293.7 pg·mL−1).These data show thatin vitrointeractions with endothelial cells upregulate eosinophil membrane receptor expression and mediator release and that these effects are differently modulated by T-helper cell type 1 and 2 cytokines. These eosinophil modulations may play an important role in asthma pathogenesis.
Predicting sleep apnoea syndrome from heart period: a time-frequency wavelet analysis
Authors: Roche F. , Pichot V. , Sforza E. , Court-Fortune I. , Duverney D. , Costes F. , Garet M. , Barthélémy J-C. 
Published: September 2008

Heart rate fluctuations are a typical finding during obstructive sleep apnoea, characterised by bradycardia during the apnoeic phase and tachycardia at the restoration of ventilation. In this study, a time-frequency domain analysis of the nocturnal heart rate variability (HRV) was evaluated as the single diagnostic marker for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS).The predictive accuracy of time-frequency HRV variables (wavelet (Wv) decomposition parameters from level 2 (Wv2) to level 256 (Wv256)) obtained from nocturnal electrocardiogram Holter monitoring were analysed in 147 consecutive patients aged 53.8±11.2 yrs referred for possible OSAS.OSAS was diagnosed in 66 patients (44.9%) according to an apnoea/hypopnoea index ≥10. Using receiver-operating characteristic curves analysis, the most powerful predictor variable was Wv32 (W 0.758, p<0.0001), followed by Wv16 (W 0.729, p<0.0001) and Wv64 (W 0.700, p<0.0001). Classification and Regression Trees methodology generated a decision tree for OSAS prediction including all levels of Wv coefficients, from Wv2 to Wv256 with a sensitivity reaching 92.4% and a specificity of 90.1% (percentage of agreement 91.2%) with this nonparametric analysis.Time-frequency parameters calculated using wavelet transform and extracted from the nocturnal heart period analysis appeared as powerful tools for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome diagnosis.
Pulmonary echinococcosis
Authors: Morar R. , Feldman C. 
Published: September 2008

Echinococcosis or hydatid disease is caused by larvae of the tapewormEchinococcus. Four species are recognised and the vast majority of infestations in humans are caused byE. granulosus.E. granulosuscauses cystic echinococcosis, which has a worldwide distribution. Humans are exposed less frequently toE. multilocularis, which causes alveolar echinococcosis.E. vogeliandE. oligarthrusare rare species and cause polycystic echinococcosis.In cystic echinococcosis, humans are an accidental host and are usually infected by handling an infected dog. The liver and lungs are the most frequently involved organs. Pulmonary disease appears to be more common in younger individuals. Although most patients are asymptomatic, some may occasionally expectorate the contents of the cyst or develop symptoms related to compression of the surrounding structures. Other symptoms of hydatid disease can result from the release of antigenic material and secondary immunological reactions that develop from cyst rupture. The cysts are characteristically seen as solitary or multiple circumscribed or oval masses on imaging. Detection of antibody directed against specific echinococcal antigens is found in only approximately half of patients with pulmonary cysts. Surgical excision of the cyst is the treatment of choice whenever feasible.
Reduced eosinophil apoptosis in induced sputum correlates with asthma severity
Authors: Duncan C.J.A. , Lawrie A. , Blaylock M.G. , Douglas J.G. , Walsh G.M. 
Published: September 2008

This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between induced sputum eosinophil apoptosis and clinical severity score, airway obstruction and symptom scores in patients with chronic stable asthma.Altogether, 41 chronic stable asthmatic subjects of varying severity defined by Aas score and 17 control subjects underwent spirometry, symptom questionnaire and successful sputum induction. Sputum was processed and cytospins prepared for light microscopy to determine normal and apoptotic eosinophils.Mild asthmatic subjects had a significantly lower percentage sputum eosinophils and a significantly higher eosinophil apoptotic ratio (AR) than moderate or chronic severe asthmatics. Severe asthmatic subjects had a significantly greater age, duration of asthma and sputum eosinophil count·mL−1than mild asthmatic subjects. Asthmatic subjects' symptom scores, severity scores and age inversely correlated with AR and the percentage of sputum eosinophils. Baseline forced expiratory volume in one second inversely correlated with percentage sputum eosinophils and positively correlated with AR.The study demonstrates a relationship between reduced sputum eosinophil apoptosis and increased clinical severity of chronic stable asthma, providing additional evidence that eosinophil apoptosis may be important in the resolution of eosinophilic airway inflammation in asthma.
Evaluation of bronchoalveolar cells in pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis
Authors: Fornazim M.C. , Balthazar A. , Quagliato R. , Mamoni R.L. , Garcia C. , Blotta M.H.S.L. 
Published: September 2008

To investigate the local immune response, the cellular infiltrate and cytokine levels were analysed in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from patients with pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis. The group consisted of 19 patients aged 34–65 yrs. The diagnosis was confirmed by demonstration of the fungus in the sputum or BAL fluid and by serological tests.Cytospin preparations showed an increased number of lymphocytes and neutrophils in BAL. A higher number of CD8+ lymphocytes were observed in BAL compared with peripheral blood. Alveolar macrophages (AM) expressed approximately three-fold more major histocompatibility class II, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and B7-2 molecules on their surfaces than their circulating counterparts, indicating that they had differentiated into activated macrophages inside the lungs.Cultured AM produced higher levels of interleukin (IL)‐6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1α than peripheral blood monocytes. BAL fluid contained low but detectable amounts of IL‐6, TNF‐α and MIP‐1α, and specific antibodies toParacoccidioides brasiliensis, mainly of the immunoglobulin G2isotype.As macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α was shown to selectively attract CD8+ T‐cells and this population was elevated in bronchoalveolar lavage, the data suggest that, besides macrophages, CD8+ T‐cells may have an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis.
Adrenal suppression from high-dose inhaled fluticasone propionate in children with asthma: Fig. 1.—
Authors: Sim D. , Griffiths A. , Armstrong D. , Clarke C. , Rodda C. , Freezer N. 
Published: September 2008

This cross-sectional study was designed to examine the prevalence of adrenocortical suppression in children with asthma treated with high-dose inhaled fluticasone propionate (FP).Children and adolescents (n=50) with asthma, treated with inhaled FP at a dose of ≥1,000 mg a day for ≥6 months, were enrolled. Early morning serum cortisol was performed. Subjects with a serum cortisol of <400 nmol·L−1had a tetracosactrin stimulation test.Fifty subjects of mean age 13.1 yrs were treated with a mean dose of 924.7 µg·m−2·day−1FP for a mean duration of 2 yrs. Of the 50 subjects, 36 (72%) had serum cortisol levels of <400 nmol·L−1and underwent tetracosactrin stimulation test. Of these, 6 (17%) demonstrated a less than two-fold increase in serum cortisol from baseline and peak cortisol level of ≤550 nmol·L−1at 30 or 60 min poststimulation. There was a significant negative correlation between the dose of FP·m−2and stimulated peak cortisol level.Biochemical evidence of adrenocortical insufficiency was demonstrated in 12% of the subjects, indicating that high-dose fluticasone propionate use may be associated with dose-dependent adrenocortical suppression.
A short daytime test using correlation dimension for respiratory movement in OSAHS
Authors: Miyata M. , Burioka N. , Sako T. , Suyama H. , Fukuoka Y. , Tomita K. , Higami S. , Shimizu E. 
Published: September 2008

In order to examine the pathology in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS), the nonlinear properties of respiratory movement and breath-to-breath variations during resting wakefulness with eyes closed was investigated.Recording of the respiratory movement using inductive plethysmography was performed on 14 patients with OSAHS and 13 control subjects for 2 h in the supine position during daytime. To calculate the correlation dimension (D2) for respiratory movement, an algorithm proposed by Grassberger and Procaccia was applied. The indices of breath-to-breath variations were estimated. To calculate D2 and breath-to-breath variations, two different segments were selected (200 s each).The value of D2 for respiratory movement in patients with OSAHS was significantly greater than that in control subjects. In the case of ≥2.0 of D2 for respiratory movement, the sensitivity and specificity of detecting the presence of OSAHS was 85.7% and 76.9%, respectively. On the basis of breath-to-breath variations, only the coefficient of variation of expiratory time for respiratory movement in patients with OSAHS was significantly greater than that in the control subjects.In conclusion, the measurements of correlation dimensions for respiratory movement with a brief period during wakefulness may be a useful index for identifying patients with obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome.
Characterisation of pleural inflammation occurring after primary spontaneous pneumothorax
Authors: De Smedt A. , Vanderlinden E. , Demanet C. , De Waele M. , Goossens A. , Noppen M. 
Published: September 2008

The aim of this study was to examine the inflammatory reaction occurring in the pleural space of patients suffering from primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) using pleural lavage, which was performed in patients with PSP and in healthy control subjects (essential hyperhidrosis patients undergoing thoracoscopy for sympathicolysis treatment). Cellular and solute composition of lavage fluid, peripheral blood and parietal pleural biopsies were analysed.PSP lavage fluid showed an increase in all differentiated leucocytes, but most strikingly eosinophils and neutrophils. In the blood of patients with PSP, the total number of leucocytes and the absolute number of eosinophils, neutrophils and monocytes were also significantly increased. The time in which air was present in the pleural space was positively correlated with the increase of eosinophils in lavage fluid, parietal pleura and blood. Eosinophilic cationic protein was elevated after PSP and strongly correlated with the absolute number of lavage eosinophils. Chemo and cytokine analysis in lavage fluid showed differences in concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐12p40, tumour necrosis factor‐α and RANTES, but not of eotaxin. Surprisingly, high levels of lipopolysaccharide binding protein were also measured.Primary spontaneous pnumothorax is associated with a substantial pleural inflammatory reaction. The authors hypothesise that mechanical stretch factors, lipopolysaccharide binding protein/lipopolysaccharide complexes or other environmental components trigger pleural inflammation after primary spontaneous pnumothorax.
Lung function 5 yrs after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation conditioned with busulphan and cyclophosphamide
Authors: Lund M.B. , Brinch L. , Kongerud J. , Boe J. 
Published: September 2008

Long-term data on lung function after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) are inconclusive. Previously, a persistent reduction in gas transfer 1 yr after allogeneic BMT with busulphan and cyclophosphamide conditioning was reported by the current authors. In the present study this reduction was examined to see if it was permanent, transient or progressive.Prospectively, 43 consecutive adult patients with malignant blood disorders undertook lung function measurements prior to BMT, at 3 month intervals during the 1st yr after BMT and finally after 5 yrs.Mean baseline lung function values were >90% predicted. Within the 1st yr after BMT a transient decline in lung volumes and a persistent reduction in gas transfer were observed. After 5 yrs, baseline values were restored for all variables, except in four patients who developed obliterative bronchiolitis. Acute leukaemia and smoking were independently associated with gas transfer reductions at baseline and during the 1st yr after BMT.Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation with busulphan and cyclophosphamide conditioning was associated with a reduction in gas transfer 1 yr after bone marrow transplantation but baseline values were usually restored after 5 yrs. Since recovery may be gradual and slow, an observation period >1 yr is required before drawing conclusions concerning the development of a permanent reduction in lung function after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation conditioned with busulphan and cyclophosphamide.