Effects of eccentric, concentric and eccentric/concentric training on muscle function and mass, functional performance, cardiometabolic health, quality of life and molecular adaptations of skeletal muscle in COPD patients: a multicentre randomised trial.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third cause of death worldwide. COPD is characterised by dyspnoea, limited exercise tolerance, and muscle dysfunction. Muscle dysfunction has been linked to dysregulation between muscle protein synthesis, myogenesis and degradation mechanisms.

[Gender differences in clinical features and performance of sleep questionnaires in adults with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome].

Background: Women with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAS) are less likely to be assessed or to receive an appropriate diagnosis, and they may have poorer quality of life and survival rates.

Aim: To assess gender-specific clinical differences in adult patients with OSAS.

Material And Methods: A standardized clinical questionnaire and four sleep questionnaires (Berlin, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, STOP and STOP-Bang) were administered and anthropometric data were measured.

[Immunocompetent adults hospitalized for a community-acquired pneumonia: Serum C-reactive protein as a prognostic marker].

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) is used to monitor patients' response during treatment of infectious diseases. Morbidity and mortality associated with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is high, particularly in hospitalized patients. Better risk prediction during hospitalization could improve management and ultimately reduce mortality rates.

[Features of community-acquired pneumonia in immunocompetent hospitalized adults according to the causal agent].

Background: Molecular biological techniques allow the identification of more pathogens associated with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Aim: To compare clinical and laboratory parameters of patients with CAP caused by different groups of pathogens.

Material And Methods: In a prospective study, immunocompetent adult patients hospitalized with CAP were tested for the presence of a broad range of possible respiratory pathogens using bacterial cultures, polymerase chain reaction, urinary antigen testing and serology.

[Accuracy of sleep questionnaires for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome screening].

Background: Simple but accurate tools should be used to identify patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), aiming at an early detection and prevention of serious consequences.

Aim: To assess the predictive value of four sleep questionnaires (Berlin, Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS], STOP, and STOP-Bang) in the screening of patients with OSAS.

Material And Methods: The four sleep questionnaires were administered to 1,050 snorers aged 56 ± 15 years (68% males) assessed at a sleep clinic.

[Risk factors for the development of lung cancer in a cohort of adult smokers].

Background: Identifying risk factors for lung cancer in the population could improve the cost-effectiveness of early detection programs using thoracic computed tomography (CT).

Aim: To examine the risk factors of lung cancer in a cohort of adult smokers.

Patients And Methods: An annual clinical and respiratory functional assessment, chest computed tomography for three years and clinical follow up for five years was carried out in 270 patients aged 65 ± 9 years, 55% males, active or former smokers of 10 or more pack-years.

[Importance of respiratory virus in immunocompetent adult patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia].

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a relevant worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality in adult population, however its etiology is often not identified and therapy is empirical.

Aim: To assess the etiology of CAP in immunocompetent adult hospitalized patients using conventional and molecular diagnostic methods.

Material And Methods: We prospectively studied 240 adult patients who were hospitalized for CAP to identify the microbial etiology.