A retrospective multicenter analysis on redo-laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery: conservative or conversion fundoplication?

Background: Nearly 20% of patients who undergo hiatal hernia (HH) repair and anti-reflux surgery (ARS) report recurrent HH at long-term follow-up and may be candidates for redo surgery. Current literature on redo-ARS has limitations due to small sample sizes or single center experiences. This type of redo surgery is challenging due to rare but severe complications.

Piezo-Electrochemical Energy Harvesting with Lithium-Intercalating Carbon Fibers.

The mechanical and electrochemical properties are coupled through a piezo-electrochemical effect in Li-intercalated carbon fibers. It is demonstrated that this piezo-electrochemical effect makes it possible to harvest electrical energy from mechanical work. Continuous polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibers that can work both as electrodes for Li-ion batteries and structural reinforcement for composites materials are used in this study.

Co-culture of human bronchial fibroblasts and CD4+ T cells increases Th17 cytokine signature.

Background: Airway inflammation is an important characteristic of asthma and has been associated with airway remodelling and bronchial hyperreactivity. The mucosal microenvironment composed of structural cells and highly specialised extracellular matrix is able to amplify and promote inflammation. This microenvironment leads to the development and maintenance of a specific adaptive response characterized by Th2 and Th17.

Simvastatin inhibits TGFβ1-induced fibronectin in human airway fibroblasts.

Background: Bronchial fibroblasts contribute to airway remodelling, including airway wall fibrosis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 plays a major role in this process. We previously revealed the importance of the mevalonate cascade in the fibrotic response of human airway smooth muscle cells.

AP-1 overexpression impairs corticosteroid inhibition of collagen production by fibroblasts isolated from asthmatic subjects.

Asthma is characterized by airway remodeling associated with an increase in the deposition of ECM proteins such as type I collagen. These components are mainly produced by fibroblasts. Inhaled corticosteroids are considered the cornerstone of asthma therapy.

Crosstalk between T cells and bronchial fibroblasts obtained from asthmatic subjects involves CD40L/alpha 5 beta 1 interaction.

Background: Allergic asthma is characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells into the airways. T cell-derived cytokines regulate both airway inflammation and remodelling. In the human airways, T cell-fibroblast interactions may have a role in regulating inflammation and remodelling.

CysLT1-R expression following allergen provocation in asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) contribute to allergic and inflammatory diseases through CysLT(1)-R. We aimed to assess CysLT(1)-R mRNA expression in induced sputum of rhinitics with or without asthma before and following allergen challenges. Both groups underwent nasal and "low dose" lung allergen challenges.

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin-induced human asthmatic airway epithelial cell proliferation through an IL-13-dependent pathway.

Background: Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) plays a pivotal role in the initiation of allergic airway inflammation. This cytokine is produced by several cell types, including human epithelial cells.

Objective: We sought to determine the effect of TSLP on proliferation and repair of epithelial cells isolated from asthmatic patients and healthy subjects.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression in uvular tissues differs between snorers and apneic patients.

Background: Inflammatory changes such as subepithelial edema and excessive inflammatory cell infiltration have been observed in uvular tissues of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) subjects. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin-6 are elevated in the serum of apneic patients and have been proposed as mediators of muscle weakness. TNF-alpha has been shown to affect diaphragm contractility in mice and rabbit in vivo.

Increased T-cell survival by structural bronchial cells derived from asthmatic subjects cultured in an engineered human mucosa.

Background: Interaction between lymphocytes and structural cells has been proposed as a key factor in regulating inflammation in asthma.

Objective: This study was designed to investigate the effect of epithelial cells and fibroblasts on T-lymphocyte survival by using a 3-dimensional tissue-engineered model.

Methods: Engineered human bronchial mucosal tissues were produced by using fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and autologous T cells from asthmatic and healthy donors.

TGF-beta suppresses EGF-induced MAPK signaling and proliferation in asthmatic epithelial cells.

Epithelial damage is an important pathophysiologic feature of asthma. Bronchial epithelium damage results in release of growth factors such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1) that may affect epithelial cell proliferation. The objective of our study is to evaluate the importance of TGF-beta(1) in regulating epithelial cell repair in asthma.

Low molecular weight heparin self-injection training: assessment of feasibility, tolerance and economic analysis in emergency departments.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess low molecular weight heparin auto-injection skills of self-supporting patients, taught by a nurse through a rapid demonstration in an emergency department.

Methods: The study was a prospective, multicentre study, carried out in emergency departments. It included all ambulatory attending patients over 18 years of age, who were given a lower limb cast in an emergency ward and provided with limited orthopaedic treatment.