Clinical identification of malignant pleural effusions.

Introduction: Pleural effusions frequently signal disseminated cancer. Diagnostic markers of pleural malignancy at presentation that would assess cancer risk and would streamline diagnostic decisions remain unidentified.

Methods: A consecutive cohort of 323 patients with pleural effusion (PE) from different etiologies were recruited between 2013 and 2017 and was retrospectively analyzed.

Low muscle mass is associated with a higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease-specific mortality in cancer survivors.

Objectives: Individuals with prior cancer diagnosis are more likely to have low muscle mass (LMM) than their cancer-free counterparts. Understanding the effects of LMM on the prognosis of cancer survivors can be clinically important. The aim of this study was to investigate whether risks for all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific mortality differ by status of LMM in cancer survivors and a matched cohort without cancer history.

The impact of osteoporosis and vertebral compression fractures on mortality and association with pulmonary function in COPD: A meta-analysis.

Objective: Osteoporosis is highly prevalent among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and most commonly presents as a vertebral compression fracture (VCF). Our objective was to quantify the effect of osteoporosis and VCFs on the mortality and pulmonary function tests (PFTs), such as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV) and forced vital capacity (FVC), of patients with COPD.

Methods: A PubMed/Medline search was conducted using the search terms "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease", "osteoporosis" and "vertebral compression fracture".

Prevalence, Contribution to Disease Burden and Management of Comorbid Depression and Anxiety in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Narrative Review.

Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are common comorbidities of individuals suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), though they are frequently underdiagnosed and consequently undertreated. To that end we sought to identify the impact of co-morbid anxiety and depression in COPD patients and evaluate recent evidence regarding the management of such cases. A Pubmed search was conducted for relevant original articles with emphasis on the past 5 years.

Measles-associated pneumonia and hepatitis during the measles outbreak of 2018.

Background Between 2017 and 2018, Greece experienced a measles outbreak, affecting >3000 patients, most of which were unvaccinated. Measles-associated pneumonia (MAP) is the most common serious compilation of the disease, but very few recent reports regarding its presentation are available. Materials and Methods Between January and May 2018, 11 adult patients presented to our department with acute measles virus infection, hypoxia and findings on chest X-ray.

Review of the association between periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in smokers.

Both periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are among the most common diseases associated with smoking. These conditions frequently present alongside comorbidities including diabetes, coronary heart disease, duodenal ulcer, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, osteoporosis and muscle atrophy. Chronic inflammation contributes to the pathology of both periodontitis and COPD, and in patients suffering from both conditions treatment of periodontitis may lead to relief from COPD symptoms as well.

Prevalence of Comorbid Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Individuals Suffering from Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review.

The disease burden associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder is substantial, with affected individuals having a shorter life expectancy and a high risk of severe physical comorbid conditions. These individuals are more likely to smoke and have a longer smoking history compared to the general population. Furthermore, use of antipsychotic drugs has also been linked to active smoking.

EBUS: Faster, cheaper and most effective in lung cancer staging.

The use of endobronchial ultrasound trans-bronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) as the initial diagnostic and staging procedure in patients with suspected, non-metastatic lung cancer has gained substantial support, and is now recommended by numerous guidelines. Whereas considerable attention has been pointed to the reductions in costs achieved by EBUS-TBNA, that has not been the case for some of its more significant benefits, namely the reduction of the diagnostic work-up time and its ability to accurately assess and restage lymph nodes, which were previously stated incorrectly by CT or PET scan. Both these benefits translate into improved outcomes for patients, as delays are reduced, futile surgeries are prevented and curable operations can be performed on patients previously excluded by CT or PET scan.

Association between the severity of newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in patients without overt cardiovascular disease.

Objective: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) has been associated with both subclinical and accelerated atherosclerosis; however, it still remains unknown whether this association is unique or is mediated by the higher burden of co-existing cardio-metabolic disorders frequently seen in patients with OSA.

Patients And Methods: A total of 40 subjects without clinically diagnosed cardiovascular disease (CVD) referred for polysomnography test were included in the study. Subjects with apnea/hypopnea index (AHI > 15/h) were classified as moderate/severe OSA.

Computed tomography cephalometric and upper airway measurements in patients with OSA and erectile dysfunction.

Purpose: Erectile dysfunction (ED) has been linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study used computed tomography (CT) to identify cephalometric and upper airway anatomic features in patients with OSA that correlate with the presence of ED.

Methods: In this prospective study, 20 CT cephalometric and upper airway measurements, most commonly associated with OSA, were analyzed in 53 age- and BMI-matched consecutive eligible subjects.

The impact of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on renin and aldosterone.

Objective: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) is a respiratory disorder characterized by recurrent airflow obstruction caused by total or partial collapse of the upper airway. OSAS is an established independent factor of cardiovascular risk together with other risk factors such as smoking and increased lipids. The aim of our study was to measure serum levels of aldosterone and renin in OSAS patients that did not suffer from arterial hypertension and compare them to matched healthy subjects in order to reveal the impact of chronic intermittent hypoxia on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Experience and limited lighting may affect sleepiness of tunnel workers.

Background: Working on shifts, especially on a night shift, influences the endogenous sleep regulation system leading to diminished sleep time and increased somnolence. We attempted to evaluate the impact of shifts on sleepiness and correlate the sleepiness score to the experience in a shift schedule.

Materials And Methods: This cross-sectional study consists of 42 male and 2 female workers involved in a tunnel construction.

Pleural mesothelioma in a young male patient.

We present the case of a 33-year-old male patient suffering from lymphocytic pleural effusion, as a result of pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor of the pleura that is mainly caused by chronic exposure to asbestos fibers and more than 40 years of exposure are needed to develop the disease. Early studies on the relationship of asbestos and mesothelioma were issued in the 1960s.

The impact of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome severity on physical performance and mental health. The use of SF-36 questionnaire in sleep apnea.

Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disorder defined by repeated episodes of airflow cessation (apneas)leading to arterial hypoxemia and sleep disruption. OSAS has been associated with increased morbidity, mortality and diminished quality of life so far. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the impact of OSAS on patients' Quality of Life, as measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36).

The role of Beta-arrestins in respiratory pathophysiology and tumorigenesis: going a step beyond the cell surface.

Beta-arrestins are small cytosolic proteins that have been known so far as negative feedback regulators of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). This receptor superfamily, characterized by a heptahelical transmembrane motif, mediates the signals of a multitude of extracellular ligands including chemokines, cytokines, hormones and growth factors. Beta-arrestins "arrest" the GPCR signaling capability through its desensitization and internalization.

Sex hormone alterations and systemic inflammation in a group of male COPD smokers and their correlation with the +138 insA/delA endothelin-1 gene polymorphism. A case-control study.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by the presence of a low-grade systemic inflammation that is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous extrapulmonary manifestations, such as hypogonadism. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a molecule that demonstrates pro-inflammatory properties and can augment the airway and systemic inflammation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ET-1 gene that increase ET-1 serum levels are an important area of investigation.

An unexpected pulmonary arterial aneurysm in a COPD patient.

We present a case of an idiopathic pulmonary artery aneurysm in an asymptomatic patient who was treated for an irrelevant medical condition. Pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAA) are quite rare and can either be congenital or acquired. Congenital aneurysms are usually associated with cardiac malformations leading to pulmonary hypertension.

Association of ET-1 gene polymorphisms with COPD phenotypes in a Caucasian population.

Background And Aim: The phenotypic expression of COPD consists of pulmonary emphysema and chronic bronchitis. An imprecise phenotypic definition may result in inconsistencies among genetic studies regarding COPD pathogenesis. Endothelin-1 gene polymorphisms have been linked to increased susceptibility of COPD development.

An unexpected pulmonary infection in a patient with gastric tube interposition, reconstruction of the hypopharynx and gastric-hypopharyngeal anastomosis.

Pulmonary infection by Nocardia spp. has been recognized the last decades. Nocardia is an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals; nevertheless, it has been recognized as an uncommon pathogen in immunocompetent patients.

Endothelin-1 polymorphisms involved in impaired exercise tolerance in COPD patients. A pilot study.

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide that may lead to impaired exercise tolerance. In this study we exhibit the relationship between two endothelin-1 (+134 3A/4A and G198T) SNPs involved in COPD and their association to impaired exercise tolerance.

Materials And Methods: The study population consisted of 22 COPD smokers and 32 smoking controls which underwent pulmonary function tests to assess forced expiratory volume for 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), as well as cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and respiratory manifestations do not present lung function disorders during cardiopulmonary exercise test.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been associated with a variety of pulmonary manifestations, but it is unclear if gastroesophageal reflux causes any abnormality in pulmonary function. Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is a specialized method that is used to evaluate respiratory function during exercise. The aim of this study was to reveal any abnormality of pulmonary function in patients with GERD and respiratory symptoms.

Decline in FEV1 related to genetic polymorphisms (+138insA/delA and Lys198Asn) of the endothelin-1 gene in COPD. A pilot study.

Background: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor and bronchoconstrictor but it has been shown to have also proinflammatory properties. Its ability to attract inflammatory cells in its site of production, upregulates the synthesis of adhesion molecules and stimulates the release of cytokines. The fact that cytokines have the ability to induce its synthesis and release, creates a dynamic loop for self-preservation and augmentation of the airway inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), even after the ceasing of the noxious stimulus, i.