Key role of activated platelets in the enhanced adhesion of circulating leucocyte-platelet aggregates to the dysfunctional endothelium in early-stage COPD.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), usually caused by long-term tobacco smoking, is independently associated with systemic inflammation. However, little is known about the systemic inflammatory status of patients with early-stage COPD (classified as GOLD 1) and long-term smokers with normal lung function (LF). Here, we characterised the early changes in the associated inflammatory state in patients with GOLD 1 and in long-term smokers with normal LF.

Comparative performance of the Platelia Antigen and Galactomannan antigen Virclia Monotest immunoassays in serum and lower respiratory tract specimens: a "real-life" experience.

The Platelia Aspergillus Antigen immunoassay is the "gold standard" for Aspergillus galactomannan (GLM) measurement in sera and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). We evaluated the performance of the Aspergillus GLM antigen Virclia Monotest compared to the Platelia assay. A total of 535 specimens [320 sera, 86 bronchial aspirates (BAs), 70 BAL, and 59 tracheal aspirates (TAs)] from 177 adult patients (72 hematological, 32 Intensive Care Unit, and 73 hospitalized in other wards) were processed for GLM testing upon clinical request.

Indeterminate pulmonary nodules and prior malignancy: survival and recurrence after surgery in newly diagnosed stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Surgical excision biopsy remains the only reliable option in most cases of indeterminate pulmonary nodules, particularly in cancer survivors for whom surgery provides local control of pulmonary metastasis and the best chance of cure for early-stage lung cancer. Nevertheless, unnecessary surgeries remain a concern and the prognosis of newly diagnosed lung cancer might be influenced by the history of previous malignancy. We aimed to analyze the outcomes of resected indeterminate pulmonary nodules in patients with and without previous malignancy, and the impact of prior cancer history on survival and recurrence in stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Frequency and characteristics of asthma in smokers attending smoking cessation units in Spain.

Introduction: The interaction between smoking and asthma impairs lung function and increases airflow obstruction severity. The identification of smoking patterns in smokers with and without asthma is crucial to provide the best care strategies. The aims of this study are to estimate asthma frequency, describe asthma features, and characterize smoking in smokers attending smoking cessation units.

Sample Treatment with Trypsin for RT-LAMP COVID-19 Diagnosis.

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in a global health emergency. Given its rapid spread and high number of infected individuals, a diagnostic tool for a rapid, simple, and cost-effective detection was essential. In this work, we developed a COVID-19 diagnostic test, that incorporates a human internal control, based on the Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP).

Clinical Profile and Determinants of Mortality in Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease Admitted for COVID-19.

Background: Concern has risen about the effects of COVID-19 in interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients. The aim of our study was to determine clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of ILD patients admitted for COVID-19.

Methods: Ancillary analysis of an international, multicenter COVID-19 registry (HOPE: Health Outcome Predictive Evaluation) was performed.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Telomeres.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology with a highly compromised prognosis and a significant mortality rate within a few years of diagnosis. Despite being idiopathic, it has been shown that telomeric shortening could play an important role in its etiopathogenesis. Mutations in telomere-related genes have been identified, but they are not always present despite telomere shortening.

Lung function and radiological findings 1 year after COVID-19: a prospective follow-up.

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has already affected more than 400 million people, with increasing numbers of survivors. These data indicate that a myriad of people may be affected by pulmonary sequelae of the infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate pulmonary sequelae in patients with bilateral COVID-19 pneumonia according to severity 1 year after hospital discharge.

Waveforms Analysis in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis for Enhanced Efficacy of Mechanically Assisted Coughing.

Background: Effectiveness of mechanical assisted coughing with insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) depends largely on severity of bulbar dysfunction, which can generate different upper-airway responses. The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of graphs generated by MI-E in ALS to detect airway obstruction and set parameters to achieve an effective mechanically assisted coughing.

Methods: This was a prospective study enrolling patients with ALS.

Lung Fibrosis and Fibrosis in the Lungs: Is It All about Myofibroblasts?

In the lungs, fibrosis is a growing clinical problem that results in shortness of breath and can end up in respiratory failure. Even though the main fibrotic disease affecting the lung is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which affects the interstitial space, there are many fibrotic events that have high and dangerous consequences for the lungs. Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), excessive allergies, clearance of infection or COVID-19, all are frequent diseases that show lung fibrosis.

Aspirin Therapy on Prophylactic Anticoagulation for Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Analysis of the HOPE-COVID-19 Registry.

Background COVID-19 is an infectious illness, featured by an increased risk of thromboembolism. However, no standard antithrombotic therapy is currently recommended for patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The aim of this study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of additional therapy with aspirin over prophylactic anticoagulation (PAC) in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and its impact on survival.

ROX index as predictor of high flow nasal cannula therapy success in acute respiratory failure due to SARS-CoV-2.

Background: High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) therapy is useful treatment in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF). The ROX index (ratio of pulse oximetry/fraction of inspired oxygen to respiratory rate) has been evaluated to predict success of HFNC in patients with pneumonia.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether the ROX Index could predict HFNC therapy success in patients with ARF due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

Prevalence and 30-Day Mortality in Hospitalized Patients With Covid-19 and Prior Lung Diseases.

Introduction: Patients with pre-existing respiratory diseases in the setting of COVID-19 may have a greater risk of severe complications and even death.

Methods: A retrospective, multicenter, cohort study with 5847 COVID-19 patients admitted to hospitals. Patients were separated in two groups, with/without previous lung disease.