Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Pediatr Res 2020 Jul 3. Epub 2020 Jul 3.

Biomedical Research, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA.

Background: The current methods for assessment of thoracoabdominal asynchrony (TAA) require offline analysis on the part of physicians (respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP)) or require experts for interpretation of the data (sleep apnea detection).

Methods: To assess synchrony between the thorax and abdomen, the movements of the two compartments during quiet breathing were measured using pneuRIP. Fifty-one recordings were obtained: 20 were used to train a machine-learning (ML) model with elastic-net regularization, and 31 were used to test the model's performance. Read More

Pediatr Pulmonol 2020 Jul 3. Epub 2020 Jul 3.

Departments of Pediatrics-Division of Pulmonology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) administration to pregnant women for threatened preterm labor is standard obstetric care to reduce neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and the associated respiratory morbidity. While ACS stimulates surfactant production in the fetal lung, the effects of ACS upon the subsequent growth and development of the lung are unclear. Follow-up studies outside of the neonatal period have been primarily limited to spirometry, and most subjects evaluated were born prematurely. Read More

Can J Cardiol 2020 Jun 29. Epub 2020 Jun 29.

Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Labatt Family Heart Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, , Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address:

Background: Up to 25% of children with congenital heart disease are obese, which may have negative physiologic consequences for patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF).

Methods: Patients with rTOF who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing from 2007-2018 were reviewed. Complex rTOF patients were excluded. Read More

Chest 2020 Jun 29. Epub 2020 Jun 29.

Divisão de Pneumologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address:

Background: Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) determines reduced exercise capacity. The speculated mechanisms of exercise impairment in PLCH are ventilatory and cardiocirculatory limitations, including pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Research Question: What are the mechanisms of exercise limitation, the exercise capacity and the prevalence of dynamic hyperinflation (DH) and PH in PLCH?

Study Design And Methods: In a cross-sectional study, PLCH patients underwent an incremental treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise test with an evaluation of DH, pulmonary function tests, and transthoracic echocardiography. Read More

Arch Environ Occup Health 2020 Jul 2:1-9. Epub 2020 Jul 2.

School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA.

We sought to measure bicyclists' roadway exposures to particulate matter and assess whether those exposures are associated with reduced pulmonary function. Thirty-one (31) volunteer participants riding bicycles on selected routes were tracked using the Global Positioning System. Personal exposures to particulate matter (PM-10) were measured during the rides and pulmonary function tests were administered at baseline, immediately after the ride, and 2 and 6-24 hours later. 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 4;52(2):176-179. Epub 2020 Jun 4.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ataturk University School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey.

Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a respiratory syndrome that manifests during sleep. For the auditory system to be able to function normally, the inner ear and cochlear nerve require healthy oxygen support. The purpose of this study was to assess the hearing function of patients with OSAS and to reveal the relationship between polysomnographic parameters and hearing test results. 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

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

Respir Care 2020 Jun 30. Epub 2020 Jun 30.

Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Cleveland, Ohio.

Background: Although specific guidelines exist for diagnosing COPD on the basis of spirometry testing data (FEV/FVC < 0.70 or above the lower limit of normal), the literature suggests that overdiagnosis is common. Whether overdiagnosis increases 30-d readmission rates has not yet been explored. Read More

Allergy Asthma Proc 2020 Jul;41(4):296-300

Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.

Underlying lung disease, especially asthma, has recently been found to be associated with a higher risk of hospitalization with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the most commonly used controller medications in patients with asthma. It is unclear whether ICS use increases the risk for severe COVID-19 infection. Read More

PLoS One 2020 30;15(6):e0235308. Epub 2020 Jun 30.

Department of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy Unit, University of Medical Science, Poznań, Poland.

Background: Respiratory system diseases are some of the most common pathologies worldwide. Although osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) is used predominantly to treat other pathologies, certain OMT techniques have been shown to improve patients' respiratory function.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of osteopathic techniques on breathing. Read More

Allergol Int 2020 Jun 26. Epub 2020 Jun 26.

Department of Respiratory Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan; Allergy Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan.

Background: Condition of asthma in patients with asthma and concomitant seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) deteriorates during the Japanese cedar pollen (JCP) season. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods: We analyzed seasonal variations in eicosanoid levels in the airways of patients with asthma and concomitant SAR sensitized to JCP (N = 29, BA-SAR-JCP group) and those not sensitized (N = 13, BA-AR-non-JCP group) during the JCP season. Read More

Respir Res 2020 Jun 29;21(1):163. Epub 2020 Jun 29.

Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 52 East Meihua Rd, Zhuhai City, 519000, China.

Objective: This study investigated the influence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on lung function in early convalescence phase.

Methods: A retrospective study of COVID-19 patients at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were conducted, with serial assessments including lung volumes (TLC), spirometry (FVC, FEV1), lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO),respiratory muscle strength, 6-min walking distance (6MWD) and high resolution CT being collected at 30 days after discharged.

Results: Fifty-seven patients completed the serial assessments. Read More

Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020 Jun 24;17(12). Epub 2020 Jun 24.

Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich (LMU), 80802 Munich, Germany.

Local spirometric prediction equations are of great importance for interpreting lung function results and deciding on the management strategies for respiratory patients, yet available data from African countries are scarce. The aim of this study was to collect lung function data using spirometry in healthy adults living in Maputo, Mozambique and to derive first spirometric prediction equations for this population. We applied a cross-sectional study design. Read More

Lancet Respir Med 2020 Jun 26. Epub 2020 Jun 26.

Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tobacco Cessation and Respiratory Diseases Prevention, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Beijing, China; Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. Electronic address:

Background: Small airway dysfunction is a common but neglected respiratory abnormality. Little is known about its prevalence, risk factors, and prognostic factors in China or anywhere else in the world. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of small airway dysfunction using spirometry before and after bronchodilation, both overall and in specific population subgroups; assess its association with a range of lifestyle and environmental factors (particularly smoking); and estimate the burden of small airway dysfunction in China. Read More

Biomed Res Int 2020 2;2020:6537462. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University & National Clinical Research Base of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830000, China.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most frequent form of irreversible interstitial pneumonia with unknown etiology, is characterized by massive remodeling of lung architecture and followed by progressive loss of lung function. However, the key regulatory genes and the specific signaling pathways involved in the onset and progression of IPF still remain unclear. The present study is aimed at investigating the key role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) involved in the pathogenesis of IPF through the integrated analysis of three gene expression profiles from the GEO dataset (GSE2052, GSE44723, and GSE24206). Read More

Fukushima J Med Sci 2020 Jun 27. Epub 2020 Jun 27.

Department of Pediatrics, Fukushima Medical University.

Objective: There are few lung function tests available to evaluate bronchial asthma in infants and toddlers. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the measurement of exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) levels is applicable to evaluate infants and toddlers with stable asthma and during acute asthma attack.

Methods: A one-way valve breath sampling bag was developed to collect the exhaled air of infants and toddlers. Read More

Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2020 Jun 27. Epub 2020 Jun 27.

Division of Immunology, Allergy Section, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.

Acid anhydrides are used by chemical industries as plasticizers. Trimellitic acid (TMA) is an acid anhydride widely utilized in factories to produce paints, varnishes, and plastics. In addition to causing direct irritant effects, TMA can augment antibody responses in exposed factory workers leading to occupational asthma. Read More

Int J Cardiol 2020 Jun 25. Epub 2020 Jun 25.

Adult Congenital Heart Disease Department, Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland.

Objective: We employed echocardiographic tissue characterization for the assessment of single ventricle systolic function and examined its relationship with cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) performance in the Fontan circulation.

Methods: 40 consecutive adult Fontan patients (16 female, 24 male; mean age 26.3 ± 5. Read More

Thorac Surg Clin 2020 Aug 22;30(3):241-247. Epub 2020 May 22.

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

Preoperative evaluation before thoracic surgery aims to separate those patients who will tolerate surgery and those who are not surgical candidates. Predicted postoperative pulmonary function testing helps make this distinction. The preoperative period represents a time for patient engagement and physical optimization to improve postoperative outcomes. Read More

Cent Eur J Public Health 2020 Jun;28(2):120-123

Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.

Objective: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is defined as the capacity of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems to meet the oxygen demands of the body during physical work. Poor CRF is connected with a higher risk for the development of various noninfectious diseases such as cardiovascular disease or malignancies. The standard test for the assessment of CRF is exercise testing with the measurement of maximal oxygen consumption (VO max). Read More

Pediatr Pulmonol 2020 Jun 27. Epub 2020 Jun 27.

Juliana Children's Hospital, HAGA teaching Hospital, the Hague, the Netherlands.

Background: Diagnosis and follow-up of respiratory diseases traditionally rely on pulmonary function tests (PFT), which are currently performed in hospitals and require trained personnel. Smartphone connected spirometers, like the Air Next spirometer, have been developed to aid in the home-monitoring of patients with pulmonary disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the technical validity and usability of the Air Next spirometer in pediatric patients. Read More

Sleep Breath 2020 Jun 27. Epub 2020 Jun 27.

Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Gongti South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China.

Purpose: The current study was conducted to explore the clinical features and risk factors of patients with asthma complicated by obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

Methods: Patients with asthma who underwent polysomnography in our hospital from August 2017 to December 2019 were enrolled in the study. Data on demographics, pulmonary function testing, polysomnography, blood gases, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were compared between the two groups. Read More

J Occup Environ Med 2020 Jun 24. Epub 2020 Jun 24.

Department of Health and Human Physiological Sciences, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA (Dr Mathias, Dr Graham, Dr Smith); Public Safety Occupational Health Center, 12099 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA (Dr Stewart) and Illinois Fire Service Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA (Dr Smith).

Objective: To examine changes in pulmonary function over a 5-year period in US firefighters.

Methods: Spirometry values from occupational medical exams separated by 5 years (2009-2016) were examined from 662 career firefighters in Virginia. Predicted values and expected 5-year changes in one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC were estimated using reference equations generated from NHANES III data. Read More

Pediatr Pulmonol 2020 Jun 26. Epub 2020 Jun 26.

Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.

Despite early diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) through newborn screening, a substantial proportion of infants and young children with CF still demonstrate physiologic and structural evidence of lung disease progression, such as obstructive airway disease and bronchiectasis. The growing availability of highly effective CF transmembrane conductance regulatory modulator therapy to the vast majority of people with CF has led to the potential to alter the natural history of CF lung disease, but in order to assess the full impact of these therapies on CF lung disease and to help guide treatment, sensitive measures of early and mild disease are needed. Chest imaging using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is one approach, but technologic barriers and/or concern about exposure to ionizing radiation may limit its use. Read More

Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2020 Jun 26. Epub 2020 Jun 26.

A wide variety of drugs and substances have the potential to damage the respiratory system by different mechanisms. Clofazimine is an anti-leprosy drug that is normally only prescribed for a few years. It has a very long half-life, and crystalline deposition of the drug in various tissues has been documented. Read More

Turk Thorac J 2020 May;21(3):193-200

Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara Turkey.

The recommendation of conducting pulmonary function tests (PFTs) from different societies during and after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic was rated by the experts of the Turkish Thoracic Society (TTS) and presented as the TTS experts consensus report. Information about the topic has been provided.Globally, as of mid-May 2020, there have been over 4. Read More

Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020 3;8:549. Epub 2020 Jun 3.

Laboratory for Biological Characterisation of Advanced Materials (LBCAM), Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.

When assessing the risk and hazard of a non-pharmaceutical compound, the first step is determining acute toxicity, including toxicity following inhalation. Inhalation is a major exposure route for humans, and the respiratory epithelium is the first tissue that inhaled substances directly interact with. Acute inhalation toxicity testing for regulatory purposes is currently performed only in rats and/or mice according to OECD TG403, TG436, and TG433 test guidelines. Read More

BMC Pulm Med 2020 Jun 24;20(1):181. Epub 2020 Jun 24.

Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China.

Background: Torsade de pointes (TdP) is a malignant arrhythmia that can be induced by QT internal prolongation due to a variety of factors. Here we report an elderly patient with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) had sudden TdP during hospitalization, which was caused by multiple factors such as osimertinib, moxifloxacin and patient self-factors.

Case Presentation: An 85-year-old man with advanced NSCLC with brain andbone metastasis was initially treated with gefitinib targeted therapy. Read More

Rev Paul Pediatr 2020 19;38:e2018397. Epub 2020 Jun 19.

Instituto Nacional de Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.

Objective: To verify the association between quality of life, functional capacity and clinical and nutritional status in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Methods: Cross-sectional study, including patients from eight to 18 years old with CF. Quality of life, functional capacity, nutritional status and clinical status were evaluated with the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire; the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and manual gripping force (MGF); the height percentiles for age and body mass index for age and respiratory function test, respectively. Read More

Pulm Circ 2020 Jul-Sep;10(3). Epub 2020 Jun 11.

DRK Kliniken Berlin, Department Cardiology, Berlin, Germany.

This prospective study compared exercise test and intravenous fluid challenge in a single right heart catheter procedure to detect latent diastolic heart failure in patients with echocardiographic heart failure with preserved ejection function. We included 49 patients (73% female) with heart failure with preserved ejection function and pulmonary artery wedge pressure ≤15 mmHg. A subgroup of 26 patients had precapillary pulmonary hypertension. Read More

Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2020 Jun 22. Epub 2020 Jun 22.

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, 20, Seohyeon-ro 180 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seoungnam-si 13590, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.

Objective: Patients with stroke may experience pulmonary dysfunction that reduces movement of the muscles involved in postural control and respiration. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between postural control and respiratory muscle strength using pulmonary function testing. We sought to identify the respiratory function parameters that predict the functional outcomes patients with stroke at discharge. Read More

Geriatr Psychol Neuropsychiatr Vieil 2020 Jun 23. Epub 2020 Jun 23.

Département de médecine interne, Hôpital civil, Clinique médicale B, Hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, France.

Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious medical condition subsequently complicating many other common diseases. PH seems to be increasing in the elderly; however, it has been poorly studied in this group. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic and prognosis features as well as management of pre-capillary PH in the elderly compared to young subjects. Read More

J Cyst Fibros 2020 Jun 20. Epub 2020 Jun 20.

CF Centre Copenhagen, Paediatric Pulmonary Service, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark. Electronic address:

Hypothesis: Using increase in the lung clearance index (LCI) as a trigger for bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and associated antimicrobial treatment might benefit clinical outcomes in children with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Methods: A 2-year, longitudinal, interventional, randomized, controlled pilot study with quarterly visits in 5-18 years old children with CF. LCI and z-scores for the forced expired volume in 1 s (zFEV) and body mass index (zBMI) were obtained at every visit, CF Questionnaire-revised (CFQ-R) yearly and BAL and chest computed tomography at first and last visit. Read More

Cell Commun Signal 2020 Jun 23;18(1):98. Epub 2020 Jun 23.

Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji Universtiy School Of Medicine, Shanghai, China.

Background And Purpose: Targeted therapy and immunotherapy have led to dramatic change in the treatment of lung cancer, however, the overall 5-year survival rate of lung cancer patients is still suboptimal. It is important to exploit new potential of molecularly targeted therapies. High-frequency somatic mutations in KEAP1/NRF2 (27. Read More

J Appl Physiol (1985) 2020 07;129(1)

Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, GReD, Translational Approach to Epithelial Injury and Repair, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, Ophthalmology, Clermont-Ferrand, France.

Undersea Hyperb Med 2020 Second Quarter;47(2):181-187

Department of Neurosurgery, Changhai Hospital, Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai China.

Objectives: To determine whether hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy be effective to improve hypoxemia for severe COVID-19 pneumonia patients.

Methods: Two male patients ages 57 and 64 years old were treated. Each met at least one of the following criteria: shortness of breath; respiratory rate (RR) ≥30 breaths/minute; finger pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) ≤93% at rest; and oxygen index (P/F ratio: PaO2/FiO2 ≤300 mmHg). Read More

Undersea Hyperb Med 2020 Second Quarter;47(2):177-179

Medical Director and Division Chief, Hyperbaric Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, UtahU.S.

Recently the internet has been abuzz with new ideas to treat COVID-19, including hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy, undoubtedly driven by the fact that until recently there have been few therapeutic options for this highly contagious and often lethal infection. . . Read More

PLoS One 2020 23;15(6):e0234972. Epub 2020 Jun 23.

Department Rheumatology, University Hospital of Nancy, Nancy, France.

Objective: To evaluate prevalence of structural lesions, synovitis and bone marrow lesions (BMLs) on MRI performed with a 0.3T imaging system in patients with erosive hand osteoarthritis (EHOA) and to compare them to the anatomic radiographic Verbruggen-Veys score (VV).

Design: For this Cross-sectional study, fifty-five EHOA patients were studied with 0. Read More

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2020 Jun 23;90(2). Epub 2020 Jun 23.

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There is a need of consensus about the pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with COVID-19 after discharge from acute care. To facilitate the knowledge of the evidence and its translation into practice, we developed suggestions based on experts' opinion. A steering committee identified areas and questions sent to experts. Read More

Acta Paediatr 2020 Jun 21. Epub 2020 Jun 21.

Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergy Unit, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, F-59000, Lille, France.

Aim: To assess quality of life (QoL) in children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and to compare it with oesophageal atresia (OA).

Methods: A cross-sectional study in CDH children (≥ 7 years) was conducted in Lille University Hospital, France, from January 2013 to April 2014. History, lung function (rest, exercise), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory questionnaires (PedsQoL 4. Read More

Biosci Trends 2020 Jun 21. Epub 2020 Jun 21.

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

This study aimed to determine the clinical significance of Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) in patients with COVID-19, so as to find a marker with high sensitivity, specificity and easy detection to evaluate the lung injury and inflammation of COVID-19. Sixty-three COVID-19 patients and 43 non-COVID-19 patients with similar clinical phenotypes and/or imaging findings were enrolled to test the levels of KL-6 using chemiluminescent immunoassay. In addition, the blood gas, imaging and lymphocyte factors tests were collected from all participants. Read More

Chest 2020 Jun 2. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

Public Health Service, Regional Directorate of the Department of Health and Families of Andalusia in Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.

Background: Silicosis is rapidly emerging in high-income countries in relation to the replacement of natural stone with artificial stone, especially in the manufacturing and installation of kitchen and bathroom countertops. Progression of this form of silicosis following the cessation of exposure is unknown.

Research Question: The objective of this study was to determine the radiologic progression and lung function in individuals with artificial stone silicosis. Read More

Turk J Pediatr 2020 ;62(3):387-393

Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital, İzmir, Turkey.

Background And Objectives: Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is a toxic substance in henna. Oral intake of this substance causes severe systemic toxicity. To the best of our knowledge there are no studies in the literature conducted only on children exposed to henna intoxication. Read More

Pneumologie 2020 Jun 17;74(6):371-373. Epub 2020 Jun 17.

Abteilung für Kardiologie, Rhythmologie und konservative Intensivmedizin, Augusta-Krankenhaus Düsseldorf, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf.

History:  An 80-year old female was referred to our hospital with left internal carotid artery stenosis and a childhood history of hemoptysis.

Investigations And Diagnosis:  The ECG showed 2nd degree Mobitz atrio-ventricular block. The chest x-ray and computerized tomography identified a shift of the mediastinum and the heart to the left. Read More

Intern Emerg Med 2020 Jun 15. Epub 2020 Jun 15.

Cardiovascular Department, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Piazza OMS 1, Bergamo, Italy.

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and neurocognitive impairment (NI) are a typical feature of HF (heart failure), especially with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). So far, very few data exist regarding changes in the severity of SDB, the degree of NI, and the diastolic function in acute HF (AHF) patients and during follow up. In a population of 24 AHF patients (12 with reduced ejection fraction-HFrEF- and 12 HFpEF) with SDB a complete echocardiogram, a set of NI tests, and a polysomnography were performed in the acute phase and after 90 days. Read More

J Bras Pneumol 2020 Jun 15;46(3):e20200116. Epub 2020 Jun 15.

. Pulmonary Function Laboratory and Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology and Sleep Medicine, Kingston Health Science Center & Queen's University, Kingston (ON) Canada.

Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2020 Jun;24(6):553-555

Respiratory Physiology Unit, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Cochin Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France, , Email:

Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2020 Jun;24(6):568-569

Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.