Estrogen contributes to sex differences in M2a macrophages during multi-walled carbon nanotube-induced respiratory inflammation.

Lung diseases characterized by type 2 inflammation are reported to occur with a female bias in prevalence/severity in both humans and mice. This includes previous work examining multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-induced eosinophilic inflammation, in which a more exaggerated M2a phenotype was observed in female alveolar macrophages (AMs) compared to males. The mechanisms responsible for this sex difference in AM phenotype are still unclear, but estrogen receptor (ER) signaling is a likely contributor.

Respiratory syncytial virus surveillance in the United States, 2007-2012: results from a national surveillance system.

Background: Annual respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) outbreaks throughout the US exhibit variable patterns in onset, peak month of activity and duration of season. RSVAlert, a US surveillance system, collects and characterizes RSV test data at national, regional, state and local levels.

Methods: RSV test data from 296 to 666 laboratories from 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico (as of 2010) were collected during the 2007-2008 to 2011-2012 RSV seasons.

Laboratory testing trends for respiratory syncytial virus, 2007-2011.

Background: Antigen detection tests have been the most common diagnostic assay used to detect and diagnose respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The utility and increased sensitivity of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests have been reported; however, their use in US hospital laboratories is not well characterized.

Objective: To describe changes in RSV test types used by US hospital-affiliated laboratories, focusing on PCR testing prevalence.