ETB receptor polymorphism is associated with airway obstruction.

Background: Endothelin-1 (EDN1) has been involved in the development of airway obstruction and inflammation in asthma. Several polymorphisms have been identified among the genes encoding for preproET1, an inactive precursor of ET-1, and for ETA (EDNRA) and ETB (EDNRB), the two receptors for EDN1. In the present work, we hypothesised that molecular variation in these genes could be a major determinant of the degree of bronchial obstruction.

Mechanical ventilation in patients with acute ischemic stroke: survival and outcome at one year.

Objective: To assess the prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke who require mechanical ventilation and to determine early factors influencing mortality.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Medical intensive care unit with a cerebrovascular emergency unit in a university-affiliated hospital.