Regional Lung Ventilation Analysis Using Temporally Resolved Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Objective: We propose a computer-aided method for regional ventilation analysis and observation of lung diseases in temporally resolved magnetic resonance imaging (4D MRI).

Methods: A shape model-based segmentation and registration workflow was used to create an atlas-derived reference system in which regional tissue motion can be quantified and multimodal image data can be compared regionally. Model-based temporal registration of the lung surfaces in 4D MRI data was compared with the registration of 4D computed tomography (CT) images.

IgG1 Fc N-glycan galactosylation as a biomarker for immune activation.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Fc N-glycosylation affects antibody-mediated effector functions and varies with inflammation rooted in both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Worldwide, communicable and non-communicable diseases tend to segregate geographically. Therefore, we studied whether IgG Fc N-glycosylation varies in populations with different environmental exposures in different parts of the world.

Assessing health-related quality of life in COPD: comparing generic and disease-specific instruments with focus on comorbidities.

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) influences different aspects of patient's health-related quality of life (HRQL). While disease-specific HRQL instruments focus on symptoms and functional impairments, generic instruments cover a broader view on health. This study compares the generic EQ-5D-3 L and two disease-specific questionnaires (St.

Identification of a new locus at 16q12 associated with time to asthma onset.

Background: Asthma is a heterogeneous disease in which age of onset plays an important role.

Objective: We sought to identify the genetic variants associated with time to asthma onset (TAO).

Methods: We conducted a large-scale meta-analysis of 9 genome-wide association studies of TAO (total of 5462 asthmatic patients with a broad range of age of asthma onset and 8424 control subjects of European ancestry) performed by using survival analysis techniques.

The German COPD cohort COSYCONET: Aims, methods and descriptive analysis of the study population at baseline.

Background: The German COPD cohort study COSYCONET ("COPD and SYstemic consequences-COmorbidities NETwork") investigates the interaction of lung disease, comorbidities and systemic inflammation. Recruitment took place from 2010 to 2013 in 31 study centers. In addition to the baseline visit, follow-up visits are scheduled at 6, 18, 36 and 54 months after baseline.

Chitinase activation in patients with fungus-associated cystic fibrosis lung disease.

Background: Chitinases have recently gained attention in the field of pulmonary diseases, particularly in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but their potential role in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF)-associated lung disease remains unclear.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess chitinase activity systemically and in the airways of patients with CF and asthma compared with healthy subjects. Additionally, we assessed factors that regulate chitinase activity within the lungs of patients with CF.

Defects in TRPM7 channel function deregulate thrombopoiesis through altered cellular Mg(2+) homeostasis and cytoskeletal architecture.

Mg(2+) plays a vital role in platelet function, but despite implications for life-threatening conditions such as stroke or myocardial infarction, the mechanisms controlling [Mg(2+)]i in megakaryocytes (MKs) and platelets are largely unknown. Transient receptor potential melastatin-like 7 channel (TRPM7) is a ubiquitous, constitutively active cation channel with a cytosolic α-kinase domain that is critical for embryonic development and cell survival. Here we report that impaired channel function of TRPM7 in MKs causes macrothrombocytopenia in mice (Trpm7(fl/fl-Pf4Cre)) and likely in several members of a human pedigree that, in addition, suffer from atrial fibrillation.

Physical Activity Levels and Domains Assessed by Accelerometry in German Adolescents from GINIplus and LISAplus.

Background: Physical activity (PA) is a well-known and underused protective factor for numerous health outcomes, and interventions are hampered by lack of objective data. We combined accelerometers with diaries to estimate the contributions to total activity from different domains throughout the day and week in adolescents.

Methods: Accelerometric and diary data from 1403 adolescents (45% male, mean age 15.

Physical activity is not associated with spirometric indices in lung-healthy German youth.

In lung disease, physical activity improves lung function and reduces morbidity. However, healthy populations are not well studied. We estimate the relationship between spirometric indices and accelerometric physical activity in lung-healthy adolescents.

No further increase in the parent reported prevalence of allergies in Bavarian preschool children: Results from three cross-sectional studies.

Background: After three decades of an increase in the prevalence of asthma and allergies, new findings show a plateau in the prevalence of industrialized nations. The objective of this study was to determine whether there was a change in the parent reported prevalence of asthma and allergies among Bavarian preschool children since 2004.

Methods: A parent questionnaire was administered as part of the Bavarian school entrance examination in three cross-sectional studies from 2004/2005, 2006/2007 and 2012/2013.

Neighbourhood and physical activity in German adolescents: GINIplus and LISAplus.

Introduction: Impact of neighbourhood on physical activity (PA) is under-investigated in European adolescents, and few studies have used objective data on both exposures and outcomes. Therefore we investigated the association between objectively measured neighbourhood characteristics and PA in 15-year-old German adolescents.

Methods: Study populations comprised of 688 adolescents residing in the urban Munich area and 504 from the rural Wesel area from the GINIplus and LISAplus birth cohorts.

Microbial colonization and lung function in adolescents with cystic fibrosis.

With intensified antibiotic therapy and longer survival, patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are colonized with a more complex pattern of bacteria and fungi. However, the clinical relevance of these emerging pathogens for lung function remains poorly defined. The aim of this study was to assess the association of bacterial and fungal colonization patterns with lung function in adolescent patients with CF.

Metabolomics profiling reveals novel markers for leukocyte telomere length.

Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is considered one of the most predictive markers of biological aging. The aim of this study was to identify novel pathways regulating LTL using a metabolomics approach. To this end, we tested associations between 280 blood metabolites and LTL in 3511 females from TwinsUK and replicated our results in the KORA cohort.

ω-3 fatty acids contribute to the asthma-protective effect of unprocessed cow's milk.

Background: Living on a farm has repeatedly been shown to protect children from asthma and allergies. A major factor involved in this effect is consumption of unprocessed cow's milk obtained directly from a farm. However, this phenomenon has never been shown in a longitudinal design, and the responsible milk components are still unknown.

Direct and indirect costs of COPD and its comorbidities: Results from the German COSYCONET study.

Background: Reliable up-to-date estimates regarding the economic impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are lacking. This study investigates COPD excess healthcare utilization, work absenteeism, and resulting costs within the German COPD cohort COSYCONET.

Methods: Data from 2139 COPD patients in GOLD grade 1-4 from COSYCONET were compared with 1537 lung-healthy control subjects from the population-based KORA platform.

Mibefradil represents a new class of benzimidazole TRPM7 channel agonists.

Transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M, member 7 (TRPM7) is a bi-functional protein comprising an ion channel moiety covalently linked to a protein kinase domain. Currently, the prevailing view is that a decrease in the cytosolic Mg(2+) concentration leads to activation of divalent cation-selective TRPM7 currents. TRPM7 plays a role in immune responses, hypotension, tissue fibrosis, and tumor progression and, therefore, represents a new promising therapeutic target.

Sixteen new lung function signals identified through 1000 Genomes Project reference panel imputation.

Lung function measures are used in the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In 38,199 European ancestry individuals, we studied genome-wide association of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC with 1000 Genomes Project (phase 1)-imputed genotypes and followed up top associations in 54,550 Europeans. We identify 14 novel loci (P<5 × 10(-8)) in or near ENSA, RNU5F-1, KCNS3, AK097794, ASTN2, LHX3, CCDC91, TBX3, TRIP11, RIN3, TEKT5, LTBP4, MN1 and AP1S2, and two novel signals at known loci NPNT and GPR126, providing a basis for new understanding of the genetic determinants of these traits and pulmonary diseases in which they are altered.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome following cardiovascular surgery: current concepts and novel therapeutic approaches.

Purpose Of Review: This review gives an update on current treatment options and novel concepts on the prevention and treatment of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in cardiovascular surgery patients.

Recent Findings: The only proven beneficial therapeutic options in ARDS are those that help to prevent further ventilator-induced lung injury, such as prone position, use of lung-protective ventilation strategies, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. In the future also new approaches like mesenchymal cell therapy, activation of hypoxia-elicited transcription factors or targeting of purinergic signaling may be successful outside the experimental setting.

Allergic manifestation 15 years after early intervention with hydrolyzed formulas--the GINI Study.

Background: Data on the long-term impact of hydrolyzed formulas on allergies are scarce.

Objective: To assess the association between early intervention with hydrolyzed formulas in high-risk children and allergic outcomes in adolescence.

Methods: GINI trial participants (n = 2252) received one of four formulas in the first four months of life as breastmilk substitute if necessary: partial or extensive whey hydrolyzate (pHF-W, eHF-W), extensive casein hydrolyzate (eHF-C) or standard cow's milk formula (CMF) as reference.

Molecular mechanisms underlying variations in lung function: a systems genetics analysis.

Background: Lung function measures reflect the physiological state of the lung, and are essential to the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The SpiroMeta-CHARGE consortium undertook the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) so far (n=48,201) for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and the ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) in the general population. The lung expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) study mapped the genetic architecture of gene expression in lung tissue from 1111 individuals.

Cost-components of lung cancer care within the first three years after initial diagnosis in context of different treatment regimens.

Objectives: Although lung cancer is of high epidemiological relevance in Germany, evidence on its economic implications is scarce. Sound understanding of current care structures and associated expenditures is required to comprehensively judge the additional benefit of novel interventions in lung cancer care. Adopting a payer perspective, our study aims to analyze expenditures for individuals with incident lung cancer.