Lumbar spine abnormalities in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.

Previous studies suggested cervical spondylosis as a risk factor for development of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). We aimed to assess lumbar disc degeneration in patients with OSA and correlate the findings with symptoms and disease severity. Twenty-seven patients with OSA and 29 non-OSA controls underwent sleep studies and lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the 24-item Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) questionnaires.

Prevalence of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in association with the occurrence of acute exacerbations.

Background: Based on current evidence, vaccination is recommended against the influenza virus and pneumococcus to avoid serious acute exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the rate of their vaccination coverage is still suboptimal. To determine the prevalence and effectiveness of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in COPD patients, and to prove its hypothetical association with the decreasing number of acute exacerbations.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, population-based cohort study.

Decreased Levels of Anti-Aging Klotho in Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

The klotho protein is secreted primarily by the kidneys. It is responsible for phosphate homeostasis and has an anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative stress role. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with an enhanced systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, but mechanisms that regulate these processes are poorly understood.

Assessment of the circulating klotho protein in lung cancer patients.

The anti-aging factor, klotho has been identified as a tumor suppressor in various human cancers, including lung cancer. In vitro studies provided evidence that klotho expression influences the characteristics of lung cancer cells, however, in vivo results are lacking. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether circulating klotho protein might serve as a potential biomarker of lung cancer.

Assessment of the Anti-Aging Klotho Protein in Patients with COPD Undergoing Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with the accelerated aging of the lung. The protein klotho has been implicated in longevity, and there is some evidence that it might be involved in the pathomechanism of chronic respiratory diseases. Therefore, we aimed to examine whether the clinical condition of COPD patients is reflected in plasma klotho concentration.

Exhaled breath condensate pH decreases following oral glucose tolerance test.

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH is a widely measured non-invasive marker of airway acidity. However, some methodological aspects have not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on EBC pH in attempt to better standardize its measurement.

Plasma VEGF levels and their relation to right ventricular function in pulmonary hypertension.

A protective role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on right heart function has been reported only in animal studies of pulmonary hypertension. Twenty patients with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension and fifteen healthy volunteers were involved. Plasma VEGF levels were compared to right heart parameters.

Exhaled breath volatile alterations in pregnancy assessed with electronic nose.

Context: Pregnancy-linked accelerated metabolism and oxidative stress may alter the exhaled volatile compound pattern ("breathprint"). Electronic noses can distinguish "breathprints" associated with different disorders.

Objective: This is the first study assessing alterations in "breathprint" during gestation.