Pneumoconiosises: modern view.

The article is devoted to the actual problem - dust diseases of the lungs. The peculiarities of occurrence and course of pulmonary lesions that have a significant place in the overall structure of occupational morbidity are considered. Modern approaches to treatment, diagnostics and prevention issues in pneumoconiosis are discussed.

Clinical releveance of hemorrhagic component of endobronchial inflammation in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation.

Aim: The study aimed at investigating the relationship between severe exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hemorrhagic component of endobronchial inflammation.

Materials And Methods: Clinico-endoscopic characteristics of 118 patients presenting with severe infectious exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bloody expectorations and endoscopically confirmed hemorrhagic component of endobronchial inflammation have been analyzed. All patients underwent a series (5-6) of bronchoscopic examinations accompanied by collection of bronchoalveolar lavage specimens to reveal the presence of acid-resistant mycobacteria and to determine the bacterial flora.

A Sexual Barrier Intervention for HIV+/- Zambian Women: Acceptability and Use of Vaginal Chemical Barriers.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to (a) assess the efficacy of a culturally tailored behavioral intervention to increase use and acceptability of sexual barrier products among HIV+ and HIV- Zambian women, (b) compare group versus individual interventions to increase barrier use and acceptability, and (c) validate the role of cultural factors as facilitators or impediments to sexual risk reduction. METHODS: A sample of 150 HIV+ and HIV- Zambian women was recruited from the University Teaching Hospital HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre, randomized into one of three conditions, and assessed at baseline and 6 months. Group and individual intervention participants attended a 3-session intervention plus pre- and post-HIV test counseling; control participants received pre- and post-test counseling only.