Gene expression profiling for molecular distinction and characterization of laser captured primary lung cancers.

Methods: We examined gene expression profiles of tumor cells from 29 untreated patients with lung cancer (10 adenocarcinomas (AC), 10 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), and 9 small cell lung cancer (SCLC)) in comparison to 5 samples of normal lung tissue (NT). The European and American methodological quality guidelines for microarray experiments were followed, including the stipulated use of laser capture microdissection for separation and purification of the lung cancer tumor cells from surrounding tissue.

Results: Based on differentially expressed genes, different lung cancer samples could be distinguished from each other and from normal lung tissue using hierarchical clustering.

[Sleep apnea syndrome--hypertension--cardiac failure].

Especially middle-aged persons frequently suffer from sleep-related breathing disorders. In particular, in sleep apnea syndrome various interactions are known concerning the development or deterioration of hypertension. Cardiac failure may as well be a consequence of a sleep apnea syndrome.

Combined broncho-oesophagoscopy for diagnosis of HIV-associated disorders.

The aim of the study was to characterize the value of combined endoscopy of tracheobronchial tree and oesophagus within 1 session for diagnosis of HIV-associated disorders. Hospitalized HIV-positive patients who underwent combined flexible broncho-oesophagoscopies between 1999 and 2002 in 2 units for infectious diseases were studied retrospectively. 54 HIV patients were analysed; 89% were at stage CDC C, 79% were male, mean age was 40 y.

Altered blood rheology in obstructive sleep apnea as a mediator of cardiovascular risk.

Background: Cardiovascular complications are common in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Blood rheology is a major determent of coagulation and an established risk factor for cardiovascular events. Since nocturnal hypoxemia could influence parameters of blood rheology, we hypothesized that OSA alters blood rheology independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.