Breathing-swallowing discoordination is associated with frequent exacerbations of COPD.

Introduction: Impaired coordination between breathing and swallowing (breathing-swallowing discoordination) may be a significant risk factor for the exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We examined breathing-swallowing discoordination in patients with COPD using a non-invasive and quantitative technique and determined its association with COPD exacerbation.

Methods: We recruited 65 stable outpatients with COPD who were enrolled in our prospective observational cohort study and did not manifest an apparent swallowing disorder.

Electron Microscopy and X-ray Analysis of Cr-Containing Precipitates Synthesized by Newly Isolated Actinobacterium, Flexivirga alba ST13(T.).

Chromium(Cr) precipitate synthesized by Cr(VI)-reducing bacterium Flexivirga alba ST13(T) was examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The strain showed altered-morphology after exposing to Cr(VI) in minimal medium. The resultant precipitate included bacterial pellet and needle-like structure which was similar to the structure made from Cr(OH)3 precipitate.