bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of p53 and bcl-2 abnormalities in operable non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Laudanski J. , Niklinska W. , Burzykowski T. , Chyczewski L. , Niklinski J. 
Published: October 2002

The association of p53 abnormalities and bcl-2 protein expression with clinical data and prognosis in 102 patients with resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was investigated.Deoxyribonucleic acid analysis of exons 5–8 of the p53 gene showed mutations (p53-M) in 47% of resected NSCLC, serum p53 antibodies (p53-Abs) were detected in 25%, p53 protein overexpression (p53-PE) in 54% and bcl-2 protein overexpression (bcl-2-PE) in 48%. A statistically significant association was found between p53-PE, serum p53-Abs and the presence of a p53 gene alteration. No significant associations were found between results of the p53-M, p53-Abs, bcl-2-PE tests and clinicopathological parameters. In the case of the p53-PE test there were significantly fewer positive results for adenocarcinoma than for squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma.Survival analysis showed that both p53 abnormalities and negative staining for bcl-2, when analysed separately, were associated with poor overall survival. In a multivariate analysis, only the positive result of the p53-M test remained an independent, statistically significant, unfavourable prognostic factor for survival. When the p53 mutation test was removed from the model, positive results of the p53-PE test and the p53-Abs test became statistically significant, unfavourable prognostic factors.To conclude, among p53 and bcl-2 abnormalities, only p53 gene mutations seem to have a strong and independent effect on prognosis. When deoxyribonucleic acid sequence information is not available, p53 protein expression and the presence of p53 antibodies in serum may be used to obtain important prognostic information.
Respiratory symptoms in European animal farmers
Authors: Radon K. , Danuser B. , Iversen M. , Jörres R. , Monso E. , Opravil U. , Weber C. , Donham K.J. , Nowak D. 
Published: October 2002

Farmers are known to be at high risk for the development of occupational airway disease. The aim of this European study was to determine which airway symptoms predominate in different types of animal farmers (cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep) and to compare the prevalence of symptoms to the general population.A total of 6,156 randomly selected animal farmers in Denmark, Germany (Schleswig-Holstein, Niedersachsen), Switzerland, and Spain completed a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms and farming characteristics in 1995–1997. The prevalence of general respiratory symptoms was compared to the results of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) obtained in the same regions.Pig farmers were at highest risk for the development of work-related symptoms. A significant dose-response relationship between daily hours worked inside animal houses and symptoms was established for pig and poultry farmers. Additionally, self-reported nasal allergies (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 3.92 (3.26–4.71)) and nasal irritation during work (3.98 (3.35–4.73)) were shown to be associated with the development of chronic phlegm. The prevalence of wheezing, shortness of breath, asthma and nasal allergies was signficantly lower among all farmers in the age group 20–44 yrs than among the general population. However, the prevalence of usually bringing up phlegm in winter among farmers was significantly higher than in the general population (9.4 (8.3–10.5%)versus7.5 (6.5–8.5%)).Individual factors have been shown to be related to the prevalence of chronic phlegm among farmers. Additionally, this study could support the hypothesis that farming could be negatively related to allergic diseases.
The use of positive pressure devices by physiotherapists
Authors: Denehy L. , Berney S. 
Published: October 2002

The aim of this paper is to review the indications for use by physiotherapists, such as physiological rationale and the comparative efficacy of intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). A brief discussion of nasal intermittent positive airway pressure is also included.The use of IPPB for post operative prophylaxis has not been supported in the literature. In patients with low lung volumes resulting from neuromuscular disease or spinal injury, IPPB may be useful in the acute phase to improve tidal volume and cough effectiveness.The physiological benefits of CPAP to improve lung volumes are well documented in the literature. Physiotherapists use CPAP as an intermittent application in patients with low lung volumes following surgery. It is predominantly used as a second line intervention in the presence of refractory atelectasis and poor gas exchange. It may also be indicated in other patient groups with similar physiological problems.Nasal intermittent positive airway pressure combines the beneficial effects of intermittent positive pressure breathing and continuous positive airway pressure. There have been many studies evaluating its effectiveness. These have been supportive for patients with neuromuscular disease and sleep disordered breathing, but more research is needed in patients with acute respiratory failure.
Outcome of COPD patients with mild daytime hypoxaemia with or without sleep-related oxygen desaturation
Authors: Chaouat A. , Weitzenblum E. , Kessler R. , Schott R. , Charpentier C. , Levi-Valensi P. , Zielinski J. , Delaunois L. , Cornudella R. , Moutinho dos Santos J. 
Published: October 2002

The aim of the present study was to compare the evolution of pulmonary haemodynamics and of arterial blood gases in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with mild-to-moderate hypoxaemia, with or without sleep-related oxygen desaturation.COPD patients with daytime arterial oxygen partial pressure in the range 56–69 mmHg were included prospectively. Sleep-related oxygen desaturation was defined as spending ≥30% of the nocturnal recording time with arterial oxygen saturation <90%.From the 64 patients included, 35 were desaturators (group 1) and 29 were nondesaturators (group 2). At baseline (t0), patients with sleep-related desaturation had a significantly higher daytime (mean±sd) arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure (Pa,CO2) (44.9±4.9 mmHgversus41.0±4.1 mmHg, p=0.001) whereas mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was similar in the two groups. After 2 yrs (t2) of follow-up, 22 desaturators and 14 nondesaturators could be re-evaluated, including pulmonary haemodynamic measurements. None of the nondesaturator patients became desaturators att2. The difference between the two groups in terms of daytimePa,CO2was still present att2. The mean changes in mPAP fromt0tot2were similar between the two groups, as were the rates of death or requirement for long-term oxygen therapy (American Thoracic Society criteria) during follow-up of up to 6 yrs.The presence of sleep-related oxygen desaturation is not a transitional state before the worsening of daytime arterial blood gases, but is a characteristic of some chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients who have a higher daytime arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure. Such isolated nocturnal hypoxaemia or sleep-related worsening of moderate daytime hypoxaemia does not appear to favour the development of pulmonary hypertension, nor to lead to worsening of daytime blood gases.
Diesel exhaust enhances airway responsiveness in asthmatic subjects
Authors: Nordenhäll C. , Pourazar J. , Ledin M-C. , Levin J-O. , Sandström T. , Ädelroth E. 
Published: October 2002

Particulate matter (PM) pollution has been associated with negative health effects, including exacerbations of asthma following exposure to PM peaks. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of short-term exposure to diesel exhaust (DE) in asthmatics, by specifically addressing the effects on airway hyperresponsiveness, lung function and airway inflammation.Fourteen nonsmoking, atopic asthmatics with stable disease, on continuous treatment with inhaled corticosteroids, were included. All were hyperresponsive to methacholine. Each subject was exposed to DE (particles with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of 10 µm (PM10) 300 µg·m−3) and air during 1 h on two separate occasions. Lung function was measured before and immediately after the exposures. Sputum induction was performed 6 h, and methacholine inhalation test 24 h, after each exposure.Exposure to DE was associated with a significant increase in the degree of hyperresponsiveness, as compared to after air, of 0.97 doubling concentrations at 24 h after exposure (p<0.001). DE also induced a significant increase in airway resistance (p=0.004) and in sputum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 (p=0.048). No changes were detected in sputum levels of methyl-histamine, eosinophil cationic protein, myeloperoxidase and IL-8.This study indicated that short-term exposure to diesel exhaust, equal to high ambient levels of particulate matter, is associated with adverse effects in asthmatic airways, even in the presence of inhaled corticosteroid therapy. The increase in airway responsiveness may provide an important link to epidemiological findings of exacerbations of asthma following exposure to particulate matter.
The role of environmental and occupational exposures in Turkish immigrants with fibre-related disease
Authors: Dumortier P. , Göcmen A. , Laurent K. , Manço A. , De Vuyst P. 
Published: October 2002

Environmental exposure to tremolite and erionite causes endemic diseases of the lung and pleura in Turkey. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of these exposures and further occupational exposures on fibre-related diseases in Turkish immigrants living in Belgium.The study included 51 males and 17 females that emigrated <1–38 yrs ago. Most of them (n=46) had nonmalignant pleural lesions, one had asbestosis and one had mesothelioma. Environmental asbestos exposure was likely for the majority of patients (60%), but there were also reports of possible occupational asbestos (n=14) and erionite (n=2) exposure.Tremolite was the main fibre type in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Elevated concentrations of amosite or crocidolite were detected in only two patients. The delay elapsed since the end of the environmental exposure had no influence on the asbestos body or the tremolite fibre concentrations in the BALF of Turkish immigrants.Most fibre-related diseases in Turkish immigrants are probably due to environmental rather than occupational exposure. Precise information about geographical origin and occupation should be obtained when investigating these patients. Mineralogical analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid gives valuable information on the type and intensity of exposure, especially in patients with both environmental and occupational exposure.
Expression of discoidin domain receptor 1 tyrosine kinase on the human bronchial epithelium
Authors: Sakamoto O. , Suga M. , Suda T. , Ando M. 
Published: October 2002

Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) tyrosine kinases constitute a novel family of receptors characterized by a unique structure in the ectodomain (discoidin-I domain). The DDR1 ligand is the extracellular matrix protein collagen.To identify receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) involved in control of growth and differentiation of human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells, a polymerase chain reaction-based search for RTKs in HBE cells was performed. DDR1 was the most abundant clone identified. Northern analysis detected a 3.6 kb DDR1 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expressed in HBE cells and transformed HBE lines, BET-1A and BEAS-2B. In addition, fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analyses using an anti-DDR1 antibody showed that DDR1 was expressed on HBE cells and two HBE lines.Immunohistochemical staining using human bronchial tissue demonstrated that DDR1 was mainly expressed at the basolateral cell surface of the bronchial epithelium. Furthermore, immunostaining of type IV collagen, a major component of the basement membrane, clearly showed that the basement membrane was closely attached to the basal surface of the bronchial epithelium.Since collagen binds to and activates discoidin domain receptor 1 tyrosine kinase, colocalization of discoidin domain receptor 1 and its ligand type IV collagen demonstrates a potential interaction of discoidin domain receptor 1 on the bronchial epithelium with type IV collagen. Further study of this interaction may define the functional significance of the collagen-discoidin domain receptor 1 signalling pathway in health and in disease.
Importance of sleep stage- and body position-dependence of sleep apnoea in determining benefits to auto-CPAP therapy
Authors: Sériès F. , Marc I. 
Published: October 2002

The influence of sleep stage- and body position-dependence of sleep apnoea on treatment efficacy and compliance between conventional continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and auto CPAP therapy was evaluated.Thirty-three newly treated sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS) patients were randomly allocated to conventional or auto-CPAP therapy. Six patients of each treatment group were classified as having sleep stage- and body position-dependent obstructive breathing abnormalities according to the results of the baseline sleep study.After 3 weeks of treatment, the Epworth sleepiness score tended to be higher (p=0.08) and the ability to stay awake lower (p=0.02) in patients with dependent breathing abnormalities treated with fixed CPAP, than in the other patients. The effective pressure/time index was significantly lower in sleep stage- and body position-dependent patients treated with fixed CPAP, than in the other patients (p=0.02). The number of hours the machine was turned on and a positive pressure applied, tended to be smaller in dependent patients treated with fixed CPAP than in independent patients of this treatment group and in patients treated with auto-CPAP. A night-to-night variability index (VI) of positive pressure changes was obtained in the auto-CPAP group. This index significantly decreased with time in the dependent patients while it remained unchanged in the independent group.It is concluded that auto-continuous positive airway pressure may have specific indications in a subset of obstructive sleep apnoea patients with sleep stage- and body position dependent nocturnal breathing abnormalities.
Lung cancer in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Park J. , Kim D.S. , Shim T.S. , Lim C-M. , Koh Y. , Lee S.D. , Kim W.S. , Kim W.D. , Lee J.S. , Song K.S. 
Published: October 2002

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was reported to be associated with increased risk of lung cancer as a result of the occurrence of atypical or dysplastic epithelial changes in fibrosis which progressed to invasive malignancy. In that situation, the cancer will develop in the area of major fibrosis. To investigate the direct relationship between fibrosis and cancer development, the real concordance rate of the two lesions in the chest computed tomography (CT) was analysed and compared to the histological types of lung cancer.The subjects included 63 patients with combined lung cancer and IPF (IPF-CA), 218 patients with lone IPF, and 2,660 patients with primary lung cancer. All patients were diagnosed at Asan Medical Center during the same period.The age, percentage of smokers, and the male sex were significantly higher in IPF-CA compared with lone IPF. The odds ratio of smoking was 2.71 compared to nonsmoking IPF controls. In IPF-CA, 56% of the cancer was located in the periphery of the lung and 52% in the upper lobe. The majority of the cancers (64%) were found in the nonfibrotic area at chest CT. The most frequent cell type was squamous cell carcinoma (35%), and there was no significant difference in the cancer cell type between IPF-CA and total lung cancer population.These findings suggest that in combined lung cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients, the features of the lung cancer are similar to the total lung cancer population.
Changes in bronchial inflammation during acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
Authors: Gompertz S. , O'Brien C. , Bayley D.L. , Hill S.L. , Stockley R.A. 
Published: October 2002

There are little data describing noncellular changes in bronchial inflammation during exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. The relationship between sputum colour and airway inflammation at presentation has been assessed during an exacerbation in patients with chronic bronchitis and a primary care diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Sputum myeloperoxidase, neutrophil elastase, leukotriene B4(LTB4), interleukin-8 (IL-8), sol:serum albumin ratio and serum C-reactive protein were measured in patients presenting with an exacerbation and mucoid (n=27) or purulent sputum (n=42).Mucoid exacerbations were associated with little bronchial or systemic inflammation at presentation, and sputum bacteriology was similar to that obtained in the stable state. Purulent exacerbations were associated with marked bronchial and systemic inflammation (p<0.025 for all features) and positive sputum cultures (90%). Resolution was related to a significant reduction in LTB4(p<0.01), but no change in IL-8, suggesting that LTB4may be more important in neutrophil recruitment in these mild, purulent exacerbations. In the stable state, IL-8 remained higher in patients who had experienced a purulent exacerbation (2p<0.02).The presented results indicate that exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, defined by sputum colour, differ in the degree of bronchial and systemic inflammation. Purulent exacerbations are related to bacterial infection, and are associated with increased neutrophilic inflammation and increased leukotriene B4concentrations.
Effects of ventilation, humidity and temperature on airway responsiveness to methacholine in rats
Authors: Arantes-Costa F.M. , Zoriki S. , Santos M.H.C. , Kobata C.H.P. , Vieira J.E. , Martins M.A. 
Published: October 2002

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction is associated with heat and water loss from the airways. It is not known whether these conditions can influence the response to bronchoactive agonists. The effects of different degrees of alveolar ventilation on the pulmonary response to methacholine and the role of humidity and temperature in this response were evaluated.Wistar rats were anaesthetized, tracheostomized and mechanically ventilated. Increasing doses of methacholine were infused intravenously and respiratory system resistance (Rrs) and elastance (Ers) were measured. The rats were ventilated with dry air at 13°C, dry air at 37°C, humid air at 13°C and humid air at 37°C. These four groups were further divided into three subgroups with a respiratory frequency adjusted to reach a carbon dioxide tension in arterial blood of 30, 40 and 50 mmHg.Temperature, humidity and level of alveolar ventilation did not influence the position of the dose/response curve to methacholine. However, the maximal changes inErswere significantly lower in the rats ventilated with humid air. In addition, maximal changes inErswere significantly higher in the rats with lower alveolar ventilation. These differences were not observed for maximal values ofRrs.The pulmonary response to methacholine in normal rats is significantly affected by the humidity of inspired air and the level of alveolar ventilation. This influence is more intense in the small airways and/or distal airspaces. This suggests that exercise or hyperventilation can change the behaviour of airway smooth muscle.
Occupational asthma caused by chloramines in indoor swimming-pool air
Authors: Thickett K.M. , McCoach J.S. , Gerber J.M. , Sadhra S. , Burge P.S. 
Published: October 2002

The first series of three workers who developed occupational asthma following exposure to airborne chloramines in indoor chlorinated swimming pools is reported. Health problems of swimmers in indoor pools have traditionally been attributed to the chlorine in the water. Chlorine reacts with bodily proteins to form chloramines; the most volatile and prevalent in the air above swimming pools is nitrogen trichloride.Two lifeguards and one swimming teacher with symptoms suggestive of occupational asthma kept 2-hourly measurements of peak expiratory flow at home and at work, analysed using the occupational asthma system (OASYS) plotter, and/or had specific bronchial challenge testing to nitrogen trichloride, or a workplace challenge.Air measurement in one of the pools showed the nitrogen trichloride levels to be 0.1−0.57 mg·m−3, which was similar to other studies. Two workers had peak expiratory flow measurements showing occupational asthma (OASYS-2 scores 2.88 and 3.8), both had a positive specific challenge to nitrogen trichloride at 0.5 mg·m−3with negative challenges to chlorine released from sodium hypochlorite. The third worker had a positive workplace challenge.Swimming-pool asthma due to airborne nitrogen trichloride can occur in workers who do not enter the water because of this chloramine. The air above indoor swimming pools therefore needs to be assessed and managed as carefully as the water.
Evaluating the effects of asthma therapy on childhood growth: principles of study design
Authors: Price J. , Hindmarsh P. , Hughes S. , Efthimiou J. 
Published: October 2002

Inhaled corticosteroids have been established as the most effective treatment for childhood asthma. However, concerns persist regarding their potential effects on growth and, most importantly, final height.To assess their effects on growth, inhaled corticosteroids can be compared with placebo (type 1 study), nonsteroidal anti-asthma therapy (type 2 study), another inhaled corticosteroid (type 3 study) or “real-life” anti-asthma therapy (type 4 study). Owing to the difficulties in obtaining final height data, several different surrogate measures have often been used: short-term lower leg growth, longer-term statural height growth velocity, childhood height and predicted final height.This paper discusses the choice of end point, key trial design issues (including selection and number of subjects in the active and control populations) duration of assessments and methods for measuring height and data analysis, in the context of the different study types.Specific study design recommendations have been developed after consideration of these factors, and these principles will be used to guide the interpretation of previously published growth studies.