Chest
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A 64-year-old male former smoker with a history of prostate cancer presented to our pulmonary clinic, complaining of nonproductive cough for 10 years. Prior evaluation included treatment for upper airway cough syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux, stopping angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, and initiation of inhaled β-agonists. Esophageal pH monitoring indicated silent reflux, and proton pump inhibitor therapy was started. ⋯ Physical examination produced unremarkable results, with no evidence of lymphadenopathy. Pulmonary function tests showed a pseudo-restrictive pattern with air trapping, hyperreactivity, and incomplete bronchodilator responsiveness: FEV1, 2.48 L (69% of predicted); FVC, 3.57 L (75% of predicted); FEV1/FVC, 92%; total lung capacity, 7.00 L (100% of predicted); and residual volume, 3.05 L (136% of predicted). Laboratory studies, including a complete metabolic panel, prostate-specific antigen test, and complete blood count, yielded normal results.
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A 34-year-old white woman who was 30 weeks' pregnant initially presented to her primary care physician with a cough for which she was given antibiotics, but she had persistent symptoms. These were followed by chest pain, as a result of which she was referred to our department. ⋯ Review of systems was otherwise negative. She had a three-pack-year smoking history, but denied smoking during her current pregnancy.
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Comparative Study
Acute impact of tobacco versus electronic cigarette smoking on oxidative stress and vascular function.
The vascular safety of electronic cigarettes (e-Cigarettes) must still be clarified. We compared the impact of e-Cigarettes vs traditional tobacco cigarettes on oxidative stress and endothelial function in healthy smokers and nonsmoker adults. ⋯ Our study showed that both cigarettes have unfavorable effects on markers of oxidative stress and FMD after single use, although e-Cigarettes seemed to have a lesser impact. Future studies are warranted to clarify the chronic vascular effects of e-Cigarette smoking.
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Platelet transfusions are commonly used in critically ill patients, but transfusion thresholds, count increments, and predictors of ineffectual transfusions remain unclear. ⋯ Platelet transfusions were commonly used in the ICU when platelet counts were ≥ 50 × 10(9)/L. One platelet transfusion increased platelet count by 23 × 10(9)/L. One in five transfusions was ineffectual, and ABO incompatibility was identified as a modifiable risk factor. These data can help direct efforts to reduce platelet overuse and improve transfusion quality.
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Geographic clusters in prevalence and hospitalizations for COPD have been identified at national, state, and county levels. The study objective is to identify county-level geographic accessibility to pulmonologists for adults with COPD. ⋯ County-level geographic variations in pulmonologist access for adults with COPD suggest that those adults with limited access will have to depend on care from primary care physicians.