Supported arm training in patients recently weaned from mechanical ventilation.

Study Objectives: To evaluate the effects of early exercise training in patients recovering from acute respiratory failure needing mechanical ventilation (MV).

Design: Prospective, randomized, and controlled study.

Setting: Three respiratory intermediate ICUs (RIICUs).

Tumour necrosis factor family genes in a phenotype of COPD associated with emphysema.

Genetic factors are believed to play a role in the individual susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) family genes have been widely investigated but inconsistent results may lie either in the genetic heterogeneity of populations or in the poor phenotype definition. A genetic study was performed using a narrower phenotype of COPD.

Endogenous nitric oxide in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF): relation to functional impairment and nitrate-containing therapies.

We assessed the levels of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) according to the functional impairment and the use of nitrate-containing agents. Forty patients (age 55+/-9 years) were classified according to the NYHA classes I-II (n=18, group 1) and classes III-IV (n=22, group 2), and to the use of nitrate-containing drugs (Nitrate+, Nitrate-). Twenty-two healthy age-related subjects served as controls (group 3).

Tumor necrosis factor gene complex in COPD and disseminated bronchiectasis.

Background: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a potent proinflammatory cytokine with increased levels in the sputum of COPD subjects. Two biallelic TNF gene complex polymorphisms have been described: LtalphaNcoI, in the first intron of the lymphotoxin alpha (previously referred to as TNF-beta) gene, and TNF-308, in the promoter region of the TNF-alpha gene. Higher levels of TNF production are associated with allele 1 of LtalphaNcoI (LtalphaNcoI*1) and with allele 2 of TNF-308 (TNF-308*2).

alpha 1-antitrypsin TAQ I polymorphism and alpha 1-antichymotrypsin mutations in patients with obstructive pulmonary disease.

Obstructive pulmonary disease is a multifactorial condition deriving from the interaction of environmental and genetic factors. From biochemical knowledge of the basis of the disease, alpha 1-antitrypsin and alpha 1-antichymotrypsin are considered two likely candidate genes. We therefore designed an association study comprising 232 unrelated Italian individuals divided as follows: 89 individuals with obstructive lung disease (66 with COPD and 23 with disseminated bronchiectasis) and 143 controls (45 patients with non-obstructive lung disease and 98 healthy individuals).