European Respiratory Society guideline on various aspects of quality in lung cancer care.

This European Respiratory Society guideline is dedicated to the provision of good quality recommendations in lung cancer care. All the clinical recommendations contained were based on a comprehensive systematic review and evidence syntheses based on eight PICO (Patients, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes) questions. The evidence was appraised in compliance with the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach.

Chest wall stabilization and rib fixation using a nitinol screwless system in selected patients after blunt trauma: long-term results in a single-centre experience.

Objectives: First experiences with rib fixation using nitinol, in terms of reliability and morbidity, influence on pain control and quality of life (QOL), in a large series of selected patients after blunt chest trauma.

Methods: Data of all patients who had undergone rib fixation by the use of nitinol were retrospectively analysed in terms of indications, morbidity and in-hospital mortality. Pain status and health-related QOL were assessed preoperatively, when possible, at discharge and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-surgery using visual analogous scale and short form 12 questionnaires.

Field application of a novel active-passive sampling technique for the simultaneous measurement of a wide range of contaminants in water.

A first test of the field capabilities of a novel in situ sampling technique combining active and passive sampling (APS) was conducted in the sea. The proof-of-concept device uses a pump to draw water into a diffusion cell where dissolved target substances are accumulated onto sorbents which are selective for different classes of contaminants (i.e.

Epidemiology, Etiology and Prevention of Postpneumonectomy Pleural Empyema.

Background: Pleural empyema after pneumonectomy still poses a serious postoperative complication. A broncho-pleural fistula is often detected. Despite various therapeutic options developed over the last five decades it remains a major surgical challenge.

Treatment Optimization of Post-pneumonectomy Pleural Empyema.

Introduction: Pleural empyema after pneumonectomy still poses a serious postoperative complication. A bronchopleural fistula is often detected. Despite various therapeutic options developed during the last five decades it remains a major surgical challenge.