Thorax
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Asthmatic airways have a characteristic deposition of connective tissue under the epithelial basement membrane, but the mediators involved in this alteration are unknown. Several authors have postulated that transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) could be overexpressed in asthmatic airways. ⋯ While TGF-beta 1 mRNA and protein are abundantly expressed in human lungs, there is no clear difference in expression between the airways of asthmatic subjects and those of smokers with and without COPD.
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Case Reports
Spontaneous migration of totally implanted venous catheter systems from subclavian into jugular veins.
Two cases of migration of totally implanted catheter systems are described. The complication is potentially life threatening.
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The "Escort" spirometer is a lightweight, hand held spirometer employing a Fleisch pneumotachograph. Measurements of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) are obtained from a single FVC manoeuvre. Results are displayed on a small liquid crystal display, but there is no graphical display. The performance of the Escort spirometer has been compared with that of a wedge bellows spirometer (Vitalograph S model) and a Wright PEF meter. ⋯ The Escort spirometer compares extremely well with a wedge bellows spirometer for measurement of FEV1 and FVC, whilst yielding results of PEF from an FVC manoeuvre which are comparable to those obtained from a Wright meter. It can be recommended for use as a portable hand held spirometer.
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At present the diagnosis of pulmonary allograft rejection is made after examination of transbronchial biopsy specimens; this method is highly invasive. A study was performed to determine whether immunological parameters measured in peripheral blood or bronchoalveolar lavage samples correlate with the histological diagnosis of rejection. ⋯ Measurement of parameters of donor specific immunoreactivity can yield data which are indicative of severe pulmonary allograft rejection. These methods make use of samples which can be obtained by minimally invasive methods. Measurement of the plasma level of donor reactive IgG antibody appears to be the most useful assay. However, each of the in vitro assays used during this series of experiments was less sensitive to the onset of rejection than was routine histological examination.
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A study was performed to determine whether daily and weekly variations in the levels of smoke and sulphur dioxide (SO2) in Birmingham are related to hospital admissions for asthma and acute respiratory diseases. ⋯ Daily variations in smoke and SO2 levels are significantly associated with hospital admissions for asthma and respiratory disease during winter in Birmingham at levels of air pollutants within the EC guide levels. This association was independent of potential confounding effects of weather (temperature, pressure, humidity) and suggests that current levels of air pollution can still produce significant health effects.