Aging and Susceptibility to Pulmonary Disease.

The lungs are continually subjected to noxious and inert substances, are immunologically active, and are in a constant state of damage and repair. This makes the pulmonary system particularly vulnerable to diseases of aging. Aging can be understood as random molecular damage that is unrepaired and accumulates over time, resulting in cellular defects and tissue dysfunction.

Follow-up Soon After Discharge May Not Reduce COPD Readmissions.

We evaluated whether visiting a primary care provider (PCP) or medical subspecialist within 10 days of discharge reduces 30-day readmissions following hospitalization for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Data were retrospectively collected from electronic health records for AECOPD-related hospitalizations at an urban, academic medical center for patients 40 years of age or older between June 2011 and June 2016. Primary outcome was probability of all-cause 30-day readmission.

Is aging a "comorbidity" of asthma?

The aging population is growing at an unparalleled rate. Asthma is common in the elderly (age over 65 years) and can be more severe with little chance for remission. Asthma in older individuals is often under-diagnosed, misdiagnosed and frequently under-treated.

Can an Emergency Department Observation Unit Reduce Hospital Admissions for COPD Exacerbation?

Studies on observation unit (OU) use to avoid a hospital admission from the emergency department (ED) have found variable effects on health care resource utilization, and these effects have not been studied in acute exacerbation of chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (AECOPD). We retrospectively collected data for all AECOPD-related ED visits (age > 40) to an urban, academic medical center between February 2013 and April 2017. We examined the total proportion of visits admitted to the hospital before and after availability of an OU and the proportion of visits discharged directly from the ED using segmented regression analysis.

Epidemiology of and impact of insecticide spraying on Chagas disease in communities in the Bolivian Chaco.

Background: Chagas disease control campaigns relying upon residual insecticide spraying have been successful in many Southern American countries. However, in some areas, rapid reinfestation and recrudescence of transmission have occurred.

Methodology/principal Findings: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in the Bolivian Chaco to evaluate prevalence of and risk factors for T.