Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Eur J Anaesthesiol 2020 Jun 30. Epub 2020 Jun 30.

From the Department of Anaesthesiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands (KHJMM, FvL, VGBL, RJS, SEH).

Background: Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery is associated with mortality and major adverse postoperative cardiovascular events. The effect of postoperative troponin concentrations on patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is unknown.

Objective: The study examined the association between immediate postoperative troponin concentrations and self-reported HRQoL 1 year after surgery. Read More

Crit Care Med 2020 Jun 23. Epub 2020 Jun 23.

National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

Objectives: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 is becoming a worldwide pandemic. Mechanical ventilation is lifesaving for respiratory distress, this study was designed to delineate the clinical features of the coronavirus disease 2019 patients with mechanical ventilation from a national cohort in China.

Design: Prospective observational study. Read More

Respirology 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

School of Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.

Qual Life Res 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, 1400 Main St. W., Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada.

Purpose: Preference-based measures can provide measurements of health-related quality of life and be utilized for cost-effectiveness analyses of interventions in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether generic preference-based measures are reliable, valid, and responsive in COPD.

Methods: A systematic review was performed using the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines. Read More

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Department of Public Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran.

The present study aimed to survey the spatial and temporal trends of ambient concentration of PM and to estimate mortality attributed to short- and long-term exposure to PM in Isfahan from March 2014 to March 2019 using the AirQ software. The hourly concentrations of PM were obtained from the Isfahan Department of Environment and Isfahan Air Quality Monitoring Center. Then, the 24-h mean concentration of PM for each station was calculated using the Excel software. Read More

Eur Heart J Case Rep 2020 Jun 3;4(3):1-5. Epub 2020 May 3.

Department of Cardiology, St George's University Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London SW17 0QT, UK.

Background: Troponin is a crucial biomarker for the diagnosis of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). It rises in response to myocardial injury from significant acute myocardial ischaemia caused by obstructive coronary artery disease ['classical' myocardial infarction (MI)]. However, raised levels have also been noted in conditions not recognized as classical ACS. Read More

Open Access Emerg Med 2020 26;12:173-180. Epub 2020 Jun 26.

Marienkrankenhaus Kassel, Kassel, Germany.

Introduction: Hypercapnia is an indicator of ventilatory exhaustion. There is some disagreement regarding whether hypercapnia is also a predictor of mortality. In this prospective study, we aimed to investigate whether hypercapnia can predict in-hospital and 1-year mortality rates in patients with dyspnea or pulmonary diseases. Read More

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2020 26;15:1507-1517. Epub 2020 Jun 26.

Department of Respiratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.

Short-term exposure to major air pollutants can increase the risk of acute exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. However, evidence on the mechanism of acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) caused by air pollutants is still limited. A total of 78 patients with stable COPD and 58 healthy controls were recruited in Peking University Third Hospital in China from December 2014 to January 2015. Read More

Eur Respir J 2020 Jul 2;56(1). Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK

Patient Educ Couns 2020 Jun 18. Epub 2020 Jun 18.

Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands; Department of Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.

Objective: Identifying patient characteristics predicting categories of patient adherence to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation action plans.

Methods: Data were obtained from self-treatment intervention groups of two COPD self-management trials. Patients with ≥1 exacerbation and/or ≥1 self-initiated prednisolone course during one-year follow-up were included. Read More

BMC Infect Dis 2020 Jul 2;20(1):465. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, Department of Health Metrics Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.

Background: Since 2011, the Global Influenza Hospital Surveillance Network (GIHSN) has used active surveillance to prospectively collect epidemiological and virological data on patients hospitalized with influenza virus infection. Here, we describe influenza virus strain circulation in the GIHSN participant countries during 2017-2018 season and examine factors associated with complicated hospitalization among patients admitted with laboratory-confirmed influenza illness.

Methods: The study enrolled patients who were hospitalized in a GIHSN hospital in the previous 48 h with acute respiratory symptoms and who had symptoms consistent with influenza within the 7 days before admission. Read More

Ther Adv Respir Dis 2020 Jan-Dec;14:1753466620932507

Department of Pneumology, University Medicine Essen-Ruhrlandklinik, Essen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.

Background: Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) valve implantation can be achieved by targeting severely hyperinflated and emphysematously destructed lung areas in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. Lack of collateral ventilation (CV) is important for good outcomes with BLVR. CV can be measured using the catheter-based Chartis system. Read More

Environ Int 2020 Jun 29;143:105895. Epub 2020 Jun 29.

Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, South Korea; Environmental Health Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea. Electronic address:

Background: Studies evaluating the role of long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) development showed inconsistent results and were limited to Western countries. We aimed to determine the association between long-term exposure to PM and COPD development in metropolitan cities in Korea, which have higher PM levels than those in Western country studies.

Methods: We constructed a retrospective cohort (elderly aged over 65 years who resided in 7 metropolitan cities in 2008) using Korea health insurance data. Read More

Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2020 Jun 29:103486. Epub 2020 Jun 29.

Department of Respiratory Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark; The Pulmonary Research Centre, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark; The Clinical Institute, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark.

Purpose: This study evaluates agreement between carbon dioxide measured arterial (PaCO) and transcutaneous (PtcCO) over time, by repeated successive measures, taking into consideration the inherent variability of arterial measurements.

Methods And Results: 11 patients receiving LTOT, with severe to very severe COPD in a stable phase were studied. Repeated arterial blood samples were drawn and PtcCO measured simultaneously at the ear lobe. Read More

Ann Vasc Surg 2020 Jun 29. Epub 2020 Jun 29.

Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS) and Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto.

Introduction: The recommendations about the preferred type of elective repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) still divides guidelines committees, even nowadays. The aim is to assess outcomes after AAA repair focusing on differences between endovascular (EVAR) and open repair (OSR).

Methods: Observational retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients submitted to elective AAA repair at a tertiary centre, 2009-2015. Read More

Clin Exp Allergy 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.

Background: Adult-onset asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are heterogeneous diseases caused by complex gene-environment interactions. A functional single nucleotide polymorphism of cadherin-related family member 3 (CDHR3), known as a receptor of rhinovirus-C, is associated with childhood-onset asthma especially in atopic individuals.

Objective: Here, we identified risk factors for adult-onset asthma and COPD, focusing on the impact of the CDHR3 variant in atopic individuals. Read More

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020 Jul 3;69(26):809-814. Epub 2020 Jul 3.

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are respiratory conditions associated with a significant economic cost among U.S. adults (1,2), and up to 44% of asthma and 50% of COPD cases among adults are associated with workplace exposures (3). Read More

Hum Vaccin Immunother 2020 Jul 2:1-8. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Leuven University Vaccinology Center , Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.

Upon exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases, certain individuals are at increased risk for complications due to preexisting diseases, age or immunosuppressive treatment. Vaccination against influenza, pneumococcal disease and hepatitis B (for some groups) is advised in addition to standard vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. We estimated the vaccination coverage and determinants of recommended vaccinations in patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 (n = 173) and type 2 (n = 177), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (n = 138), heart failure (n = 200), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n = 187), HIV (n = 201) or solid organ transplantation (SOT) (n = 201) in a monocentric study. Read More

Exp Lung Res 2020 Jul 2:1-12. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt.

There is a lack of guidance on inhaler device selection and how to individualize inhaler choice when prescribed for the first-time. To compare different inhalers regarding ease of use and number of counseling attempts needed for correct handling in subjects with a first experience to such inhalers; also, to investigate if there is a correlation between total correct steps achievements and patient demographics/clinical variables. An open-label, non-drug interventional, cross-over study was conducted including 180 Egyptian patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Read More

Ann Am Thorac Soc 2020 Jul 2. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

St Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Keenan Research Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Rationale: Diaphragm function is a key determinant of dyspnea in COPD; however, it is rarely assessed in clinical practice. Lung hyperinflation can also impair diaphragm function. Ultrasound can assess the activity, function and the force reserve of the diaphragm. Read More

Clin Rheumatol 2020 Jul 1. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, #8 Gong-Ti South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China.

Objective: This paper is aimed at investigating the clinical characteristics of primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP).

Methods: The demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory and radiological findings, treatment, and prognosis from 15 cases of pSS-LIP patients were retrospectively analyzed. The data were compared with t test, χ test, and Pearson/Spearman correlation analysis. Read More

World Allergy Organ J 2020 Jun 23;13(6):100130. Epub 2020 Jun 23.

Makerere University Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.

Background: The burden of asthma in Africa is high, and yet the disease is not universally prioritised. Data on allergic asthma and its impact on asthma morbidity are limited in Africa. Our aim was to describe the distribution of skin prick positivity among asthmatics in Eastern Africa. Read More

Eurasian J Med 2020 Jun 2;52(2):166-170. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Ataturk University School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey.

Objective: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with a decrease in the survival rate of patients with COPD. Our aim was to investigate whether PH impairs the functional capacity and symptoms in patients with COPD. In addition, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between the functional capacity and symptoms score in patients with COPD. Read More

Eurasian J Med 2020 Jun 9;52(2):161-165. Epub 2020 Jun 9.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Balikesir University Faculty Science and Art, Balikesir, Turkey.

Objective: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and arylesterase (ARE) enzymes have an important role in the prevention of oxidative stress which is related to the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). PON1 levels vary widely among individuals and ethnic groups, which is in part associated with polymorphisms.

Materials And Methods: We investigated PON1 and ARE activity and phenotype distribution in COPD patients and healthy individuals. Read More

Eurasian J Med 2020 Jun 2;52(2):126-131. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

Department of Radiology, Health Sciences University, Tepecik Educational and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the angiographic findings and outcomes of bronchial artery embolization in tuberculosis patients and to compare them with those of non-tuberculosis patients.

Materials And Methods: Patients who underwent bronchial artery embolization in a single interventional radiology department with hemoptysis were reviewed. A total of 89 patients (66 males and 23 females; mean age 52. Read More

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2020 25;15:1495-1505. Epub 2020 Jun 25.

Karolinska Institute, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Stockholm, Sweden.

Background: Both single factors and composite measures have been suggested to predict mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and there is a need to analyze the relative importance of each variable.

Objective: To explore the predictors of mortality for patients with COPD in relation to respiratory, cardiac, and malignant causes, as well as all causes of death.

Methods: After merging the Swedish Respiratory Tract Register (SRTR) and the Swedish Cause of Death Register, patients with respiratory, cardiac, and other causes of death were identified. Read More

BMJ Open 2020 Jul 1;10(7):e035811. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Maladies Respiratoires, Univ Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France.

Objectives: Presently, those outcomes that should be prioritised for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation studies remain unclear. In order to coordinate multicentre studies on eosinophilia-driven corticosteroid therapy for patients hospitalised for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD), we aimed to find consensus among experts in the domain regarding the prioritisation of outcomes.

Design: A modified Delphi study was proposed to recognised COPD experts. Read More

Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul) 2020 Jul 18;83(3):234-241. Epub 2020 Jun 18.

Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.

Background: The fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) test is useful in asthma patients. However, a few studies on its usefulness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients have been reported. We analyzed the FENO level distribution and clinical characteristics according to the FENO level in COPD patients. Read More

Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul) 2020 Jul 18;83(3):175-184. Epub 2020 Jun 18.

Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and the Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.

Quantitative sputum cytometry facilitates in assessing the nature of bronchitis associated with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is not assessed in most clinical trials that evaluate the effectiveness of strategies to prevent or to treat exacerbations. While up to a quarter of exacerbations may be associated with raised eosinophil numbers, the vast majority of exacerbations are associated with neutrophilic bronchitis that may indicate airway infections. Read More

Healthcare (Basel) 2020 Jun 29;8(3). Epub 2020 Jun 29.

School of Health Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA.

The obesity epidemic in the United States has been well documented and serves as the basis for a number of health interventions across the nation. However, those who have served in the U.S. Read More

J Fungi (Basel) 2020 Jun 29;6(3). Epub 2020 Jun 29.

Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a chronic fungal infection of the lung associated with high morbidity and mortality. The CPA Research network (CPAnet) registry established in 2018 is an international multicenter collaboration aiming to improve CPA knowledge and patient care. This study's aim was to describe the data collection process and content of CPAnet registry with preliminary clinical data. Read More

Tanaffos 2019 Apr;18(4):329-337

Critical Care Quality Improvement Research Center, Shahid Modarres Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Background: Many pharmacological and behavioral therapies have been investigated to improve oxygenation in the intensive care unit (ICU). In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the purpose of therapy is to correct the ventilation perfusion (V/Q) mismatch. Agents, such as calcium blockers, can affect both ventilation and vasculature. Read More

Tanaffos 2019 Apr;18(4):294-309

Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Background: The relationship between dietary pattern and the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been described; however, the exclusive role of dietary factors remains controversial. Hence, we conducted this systematic meta-analysis to clarify the role of some nutrients and antioxidant vitamins in the risk of COPD.

Materials And Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched for studies evaluating the associations between COPD outcome measures, symptoms, and mortality, and intake of fruits and vegetables, fiber, fish, n-3 or n-6 fatty acids, and antioxidant vitamins in adults. Read More

Transpl Infect Dis 2020 Jul 1:e13398. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Dept. Respiratory Disease, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.

Cutibacterium (C.) acnes, a Gram-positive bacterium that is part of the commensal flora, is increasingly noticed as an opportunistic pathogen in serious infections in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. The indolent character and often difficult identification because of its slow growth contribute to delayed diagnosis or underdiagnosis. Read More

J Perioper Pract 2020 Jul 1:1750458920925346. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.

Introduction: The careful selection of patients for hernia repair in ambulatory surgery centres is critical to prevent unanticipated inpatient admissions. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors associated with inpatient admission.

Methods: A multivariable logistic regression was performed utilising the ACS NSQIP database from 2007 to 2016. Read More

Clin Sci (Lond) 2020 Jul;134(13):1631-1635

Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu City 807-8555, Fukuoka, Japan.

Lung macrophages (LMs) are key immune effector cells that protect the lung from inhaled particulate matter, noxious gases and pathogens. In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), there is an abundance of macrophages in airspaces and lung tissues suggesting that they play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Furthermore, macrophage phenotype and functional properties are altered in COPD toward a more pro-inflammatory state, characterized by reduced pathogen recognition and processing ability and dysfunctional tissue repair qualities. Read More

Laeknabladid 2020 Jul;106(7):352-361

Department of Radiology Karolinska University Hospital Stockholm, Sweden.

Bronchiectasis is a disease that is characterized by permanent bronchial dilation. This can be localized or diffuse in the lungs. The disease can occur at any age and causes cough, sputum production and repeated infections. Read More

Med Decis Making 2020 Jul 1:272989X20932145. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Institute for Medical Technology Assessment (iMTA), Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands.

. Evaluation of personalized treatment options requires health economic models that include multiple patient characteristics. Patient-level discrete-event simulation (DES) models are deemed appropriate because of their ability to simulate a variety of characteristics and treatment pathways. Read More

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2020 23;15:1481-1493. Epub 2020 Jun 23.

Vladivostok Branch of Federal State Budgetary Science Institution "Far Eastern Scientific Center of Physiology and Pathology of Respiration" - Institute of Medical Climatology and Rehabilitative Treatment, Vladivostok, Russia.

Currently, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The determination of immune mechanisms of inflammation in the disease presents an important challenge for fundamental medical research. According to modern views, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), among which TLR2 and TLR4 play a key role, are one of the essential components of inflammatory process in COPD. Read More

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2020 22;15:1471-1479. Epub 2020 Jun 22.

Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China.

Background: Proper inhaler technique is highly relevant to the effective management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The tiotropium bromide spray (TBS) (Spiriva Respimat) is a soft mist inhaler (SMI) preferred by patients to pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs) because of its convenience in use. However, the technique of using TBS inhaler in the real world is unclear. Read More

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2020 19;15:1449-1464. Epub 2020 Jun 19.

Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi City, Guizhou, People's Republic of China.

Objective: To reveal the risk factors, the symptom distribution characteristics, the clinical values of white blood cell counts (WBC counts), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) combined with depression and/or anxiety.

Methods: The study included prospective cross-sectional and case-control studies, and was executed in the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou, China. Previously diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients who admitted to the hospital with AECOPD, patients with depression and/or anxiety, and healthy people were enrolled in the study. Read More

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2020 19;15:1435-1448. Epub 2020 Jun 19.

Center for Diagnosis of Inherited Alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy.

Nutritional problems are an important part of rehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. COPD patients often present with malnutrition, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis with possible onset of cachexia, with an inadequate dietary intake and a poor quality of life. Moreover, diet plays a pivotal role in patients with COPD through three mechanisms: regulation of carbon dioxide produced/oxygen consumed, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Read More

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2020 19;15:1425-1434. Epub 2020 Jun 19.

The First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.

Background: Obstructive ventilatory disturbances occur in both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a typical disease representative of peripheral airway obstruction, and central airway obstruction (CAO). Pulmonary function tests (PFTs), which depend on patient effort, are traditionally used to evaluate lung function. The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is an effort-independent method for examining lung function during tidal breathing. Read More

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2020 19;15:1415-1423. Epub 2020 Jun 19.

Department of Medical Psychology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands.

Introduction: Self-management (SM) is a core component of well-being and perceived health for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Most theories on SM share that self-efficacy, illness-perception and coping are determinants of SM behavior. Optimal support to improve SM should be tailored to the individual patient's level of these determinants as SM abilities vary between patients. Read More

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2020 16;15:1391-1401. Epub 2020 Jun 16.

Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China.

Purpose: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) regulate other RNA transcripts by competing for shared microRNAs, which play roles in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the role of circRNAs in COPD remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the expression profile and the role of circRNAs in COPD. Read More

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2020 15;15:1377-1390. Epub 2020 Jun 15.

NIHR Nottingham BRC Respiratory Theme, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham, UK.

Introduction: Osteoporosis and bone fractures are common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. Current national guidance on COPD management recommends addressing bone health in patients, however, does not detail how. This consensus outlines key elements of a structured approach to managing bone health and fracture risk in patients with COPD. Read More

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2020 12;15:1367-1375. Epub 2020 Jun 12.

Lung Research Institute of Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, South Korea.

Background And Objective: Maintaining adequacy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care is essential to sustain an adequate level of care. We aimed to assess the current status of COPD quality control and the influence of inhaler changes on disease-related health care utilization.

Methods: The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) nationwide database for reimbursed insurance claims from all medical institutions in South Korea from May 2014 to April 2017 was investigated. Read More

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2020 12;15:1357-1365. Epub 2020 Jun 12.

Respiratory Medicine Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.

Background: Non-typeable (NTHi) is the most commonly found pathogen in the lower respiratory airways of patients with COPD. NTHi is predominantly regarded as an intracellular pathogen; however, like most pathogens, it can exist and co-exist in two broad forms: cell-associated (intracellularly or adhered to cells) or cell-dissociated (biofilm dispersed or planktonic). We sought to investigate if cell-dissociated NTHi can be detected from the sputum of COPD patients and assess this relationship to disease severity and airway inflammation. Read More

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2020 12;15:1349-1356. Epub 2020 Jun 12.

Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil.

Rationale: Frailty in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients has been associated with a higher rate of incidents, longer duration of hospitalization, poorer quality of life, and higher mortality.

Objective: To measure the prevalence of frailty among COPD patients and to evaluate associated variables.

Methods: A cross-sectional study. Read More

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2020 10;15:1335-1347. Epub 2020 Jun 10.

Insaf - Respiratory Research Institute GmbH, Wiesbaden, Germany.

Background: LABA (long-acting β2-agonists) and/or LAMA (long-acting muscarinic antagonists) represent the first treatment options for patients with symptomatic COPD. Although both display different mechanisms of activity, in combination they have a stronger broncho-dilating effect than monotherapy; hence, a combination of both LABA and LAMA is particularly recommended for patients whose symptoms cannot be sufficiently improved by a single active ingredient. To date, only few data have been collected regarding the therapeutic outcomes of approved LABA/LAMA fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) under everyday (real-life) conditions in non-clinical trial settings. Read More