Intra-patient comparison of parietal pleural biopsies by rigid forceps, flexible forceps and cryoprobe obtained during medical thoracoscopy: a prospective series of 80 cases with pleural effusion.

Background: There is only few data available on the use of cryotechnique during medical thoracoscopy.

Methods: Medical thoracoscopy was performed in consecutive patients with pleural effusion. Prospectively, biopsies were taken by rigid forceps, flexible forceps and cryoprobe.

[Implementation of an early geriatric rehabilitation in acute inpatient pneumology].

Background: In order to counter the rapidly developing loss of function especially in elderly patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD) the concept "early geriatric rehabilitation in acute inpatient pneumology" was developed. An essential aspect of the project was a targeted approach making use of multi-professional expertise and standards.

Methods: This 1-year feasibility study included a total of 58 patients with AE-COPD in advanced age (mean: 74.

Life as a cosmic imperative?

The origin of life on Earth may be divided into two stages separated by the first appearance of replicable molecules, most probably of RNA. The first stage depended exclusively on chemistry. The second stage likewise involved chemistry, but with the additional participation of selection, a necessary concomitant of inevitable replication accidents.

Local and systemic effects of angiotensin receptor blockade in an emphysema mouse model.

Objectives: COPD with emphysema causes marked neurohumoral activation. Angiotensin II receptors are highly expressed within the lung and interfere with mechanisms involved in the progression of emphysema. This study examined the effects of an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) on pulmonary and systemic manifestations of emphysema in a mouse model.