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Frontiers in Public Health 2024Biodiversity has been recognized as a positive contributor to human health and wellbeing. Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two most significant global health...
BACKGROUND
Biodiversity has been recognized as a positive contributor to human health and wellbeing. Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two most significant global health burdens, and understanding their relationship with biodiversity forms an essential step toward promoting biodiversity conservation and human health.
METHODS
The species richness of birds is a common indicator of biodiversity, given their vast numbers, distinctive distribution, and acute sensitivity to environmental disturbances. This ecological study utilized avian observation data derived from the eBird database, human health data from the International Health Metrics and Evaluation, and county-level statistics, including population characteristics, socio-economics, healthcare service, residential environment, and geographic and climatic characteristics in 2014. We aimed to extensively explore the individual associations between biodiversity (i.e., avian species richness) and age-standardized cause-specific mortalities for different types of cancers (29 conditions) and cardiovascular diseases (10 conditions) across the United States (US).
RESULTS
Our multiple regression analyses that adjusted for a variety of socio-demographic and geographical factors showed that increased rarefied species richness of birds was associated with reduced mortality rates for three of the five most common cancers, namely, tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer, breast cancer (in women only), and colon and rectal cancer. For cardiovascular conditions, a similar relationship was observed for ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease-the two most frequent causes of mortality. This study provided extended details regarding the beneficial effects of biodiversity on human health.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; Biodiversity; Cardiovascular Diseases; Female; Male; United States; Birds; Animals; Middle Aged; Aged; Adult
PubMed: 38746003
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1368017 -
Experimental and Clinical... Apr 2024Bronchiectasis is characterized by abnormal, persistent, and irreversible enlargement of the bronchi. Many etiological factors have been described, but there are limited...
OBJECTIVES
Bronchiectasis is characterized by abnormal, persistent, and irreversible enlargement of the bronchi. Many etiological factors have been described, but there are limited data on the development of bronchiectasis after organ transplantation. Our study is the first to study evaluate the frequency of bronchiectasis in heart and liver transplants as well as kidney transplants. Our aim is to analyze the frequency of bronchiectasis development after solid-organ transplant and the characteristics of the cases and to evaluate potential relationships.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed data of patients who underwent solid-organ transplant at the Başkent University Faculty of Medicine Hospital through the hospital electronic information system. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data and thoracic computed tomography scans were evaluated.
RESULTS
The study included 468 patients (151 females/317 males). Kidney transplant was performed in 61.5% (n = 207), heart transplant in 20.3% (n = 95), and liver transplant in 18.2% (n = 85) of patients. Development of bronchiectasis was detected in only 13 patients (2.7%). We determined a 13.64-fold risk of developing bronchiectasis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 10.08-fold risk in patients with pneumonia by multivariate regression analyzes, in which all possible risk factors for the development of bronchiectasis after transplant were evaluated.
CONCLUSIONS
The pathophysiology of transplantassociated bronchiectasis has not yet been clarified. Underlying diseases, recurrent pulmonary infections, and potential effects from immunosuppressive drugs may contribute to the pathogenesis of bronchiectasis. Further prospective studies are needed to include long-term health outcomes in transplant patients with and without bronchiectasis.
Topics: Humans; Bronchiectasis; Retrospective Studies; Male; Female; Risk Factors; Middle Aged; Adult; Treatment Outcome; Liver Transplantation; Turkey; Heart Transplantation; Kidney Transplantation; Time Factors; Risk Assessment; Aged; Organ Transplantation; Young Adult; Hospitals, University; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
PubMed: 38742320
DOI: 10.6002/ect.2023.0131 -
Translational Cancer Research Apr 2024Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TPO) is a rare, benign, chronic disorder of unknown etiology. It is characterized by submucosal nodules, often calcified,...
BACKGROUND
Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TPO) is a rare, benign, chronic disorder of unknown etiology. It is characterized by submucosal nodules, often calcified, which predominantly affect the anterolateral aspects of the trachea and main bronchi, while sparing the posterior bronchial wall. The co-occurrence of TPO and lung cancer is exceedingly rare. This report presents a case of TPO association with early-stage lung cancer, which was managed through surgical intervention. No active treatment was undertaken for the TPO.
CASE DESCRIPTION
A patient presented with a nodule in the right upper lobe, which was identified during a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, suggestive of early-stage lung cancer. Concurrently, multiple calcifications in the cartilaginous rings of the trachea were noted. Bronchoscopy revealed distinctive "pebblestone" nodules along the anterior and lateral tracheal walls, indicative of extensive TPO. The patient underwent bronchofiberscopy, which showed patency in the bronchial lumen of the right lung's upper lobe. A biopsy was not undertaken during this procedure. Comprehensive preoperative tests, including a blood biochemical examination, tumor-marker tests, lung-function tests, head-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, abdominal ultrasound, and whole-body bone emission CT revealed no significant abnormalities. Despite this, the patient declined a whole-body positron emission tomography (PET)-CT scan. Given the potential malignancy of nodules in the right lung's upper lobe, the lobectomy for lung cancer was carried out, a procedure that would have proceeded irrespective of the presence or absence of TPO. Preoperative planning for potential tracheal intubation difficulties involved consultation with the anesthesiologist, resulting in a smooth intraoperative process. The pathology confirmed invasive adenocarcinoma. Post-surgery, the patient developed an infection in the right lung's lower lobe, identified as pseudomonas aeruginosa and through sputum culture and bronchoscopic lavage. Treatment with meropenem for 2 weeks, as guided by drug sensitivity results and respiratory advice, led to an improvement, allowing for discharge. A follow-up lung CT four months post-operation showed inflammation absorption in the right lower lobe.
CONCLUSIONS
Surgical resection in cases of TPO association with lung cancer may have an increased risk of postoperative pulmonary infection. Proactive intraoperative sputum aspiration by anesthesiologists and the postoperative reinforcement of anti-infection measures, guided by drug sensitivity results, are recommended.
PubMed: 38737686
DOI: 10.21037/tcr-24-410 -
Open Life Sciences 2024Endobronchial leiomyomas are rare benign neoplasms of the lungs that arise from the smooth muscle cells of the bronchi and bronchioles. While surgical resection is the...
Endobronchial leiomyomas are rare benign neoplasms of the lungs that arise from the smooth muscle cells of the bronchi and bronchioles. While surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for these tumors, bronchoscopic interventional therapies are also effective and can help preserve lung function in certain cases. A 40-year-old male patient presented with a persistent cough and sputum production for over 4 months. A chest computed tomography scan revealed nodular lesions in the lower lobe bronchus, later confirmed as an endobronchial leiomyoma. The patient refused surgical intervention and opted for minimally invasive bronchoscopic treatments, including electric snare resection, argon plasma coagulation, and balloon dilation, resulting in a successful outcome with no recurrence during follow-up. Clinicians should consider bronchoscopic interventions as a viable treatment option for endobronchial leiomyomas patients who are either ineligible for surgical resection or opt not to undergo surgery.
PubMed: 38737105
DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0845 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2024Micro- and nanoplastic particles, including common forms like polyethylene and polystyrene, have been identified as relevant pollutants, potentially causing health...
Micro- and nanoplastic particles, including common forms like polyethylene and polystyrene, have been identified as relevant pollutants, potentially causing health problems in living organisms. The mechanisms at the cellular level largely remain to be elucidated. This study aims to visualize nanoplastics in bronchial smooth muscle (BSMC) and small airway epithelial cells (SAEC), and to assess the impact on mitochondrial metabolism. Healthy and asthmatic human BSMC and SAEC in vitro cultures were stimulated with polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) of 25 or 50 nm size, for 1 or 24 h. Live cell, label-free imaging by holotomography microscopy and mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis assessment were performed. Furthermore, 25 and 50 nm NPs were shown to penetrate SAEC, along with healthy and diseased BSMC, and they impaired bioenergetics and induce mitochondrial dysfunction compared to cells not treated with NPs, including changes in oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate. NPs pose a serious threat to human health by penetrating airway tissues and cells, and affecting both oxidative and glycolytic metabolism.
Topics: Humans; Mitochondria; Bronchi; Epithelial Cells; Glycolysis; Nanoparticles; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; Cells, Cultured; Polystyrenes; Asthma; Muscle, Smooth; Microplastics; Oxygen Consumption
PubMed: 38731941
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094724 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Apr 2024(Mhyo) is the causative agent of porcine enzootic pneumonia (EP), as well as one of the main pathogens involved in the porcine respiratory disease complex. The...
(Mhyo) is the causative agent of porcine enzootic pneumonia (EP), as well as one of the main pathogens involved in the porcine respiratory disease complex. The host-pathogen interaction between Mhyo and infected pigs is complex and not completely understood; however, improving the understanding of these intricacies is essential for the development of effective control strategies of EP. In order to improve our knowledge about this interaction, laser-capture microdissection was used to collect bronchi, bronchi-associated lymphoid tissue, and lung parenchyma from animals infected with different strains of Mhyo, and mRNA expression levels of different molecules involved in Mhyo infection (ICAM1, IL-8, IL-10, IL-23, IFN-α, IFN-γ, TGF-β, and TNF-α) were analyzed by qPCR. In addition, the quantification of Mhyo load in the different lung compartments and the scoring of macroscopic and microscopic lung lesions were also performed. Strain-associated differences in virulence were observed, as well as the presence of significant differences in expression levels of cytokines among lung compartments. IL-8 and IL-10 presented the highest upregulation, with limited differences between strains and lung compartments. IFN-α was strongly downregulated in BALT, implying a relevant role for this cytokine in the immunomodulation associated with Mhyo infections. IL-23 was also upregulated in all lung compartments, suggesting the potential involvement of a Th17-mediated immune response in Mhyo infections. Our findings highlight the relevance of Th1 and Th2 immune response in cases of EP, shedding light on the gene expression levels of key cytokines in the lung of pigs at a microscopic level.
PubMed: 38731294
DOI: 10.3390/ani14091290 -
Airway management of a patient with Mounier-Kuhn syndrome during general anesthesia - A case report.Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Apr 2024Mounier-Kuhn syndrome (MKS) is a rare disorder characterized by abnormal dilation of the trachea and main bronchi. MKS can be easily missed on chest X-rays, making...
BACKGROUND
Mounier-Kuhn syndrome (MKS) is a rare disorder characterized by abnormal dilation of the trachea and main bronchi. MKS can be easily missed on chest X-rays, making diagnosis difficult. Under general anesthesia, challenges such as airway leakage or collapse during mechanical ventilation may complicate the achievement of adequate tidal volumes.
CASES
A 94-year-old woman requiring emergency hemiarthroplasty of the hip under general anesthesia was admitted. Preoperative chest X-rays revealed dilation of the trachea and main bronchi, but the patient exhibited no respiratory symptoms. We diagnosed her with MKS and opted for an 8.0-mm-inner-diameter reinforced tracheal tube. We positioned the cuff in the subglottic area, inflating it while monitoring for air leakage. Throughout the surgery, adequate tidal volume was maintained.
CONCLUSIONS
Anesthesiologists must conduct a comprehensive evaluation of patients with MKS, including a review of chest radiographs, and establish a meticulous anesthesia plan prior to surgery.
PubMed: 38725171
DOI: 10.17085/apm.23172 -
PloS One 2024With recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, the practical role of lung MRI is expanding despite the inherent challenges of the thorax. The...
BACKGROUND
With recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, the practical role of lung MRI is expanding despite the inherent challenges of the thorax. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the current status of the concurrent dephasing and excitation (CODE) ultrashort echo-time sequence and the T1-weighted volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) sequence in the evaluation of thoracic disease by comparing it with the gold standard computed tomography (CT).
METHODS
Twenty-four patients with lung cancer and mediastinal masses underwent both CT and MRI including T1-weighted VIBE and CODE. For CODE images, data were acquired in free breathing and end-expiratory images were reconstructed using retrospective respiratory gating. All images were evaluated through qualitative and quantitative approaches regarding various anatomical structures and lesions (nodule, mediastinal mass, emphysema, reticulation, honeycombing, bronchiectasis, pleural plaque and lymphadenopathy) inside the thorax in terms of diagnostic performance in making specific decisions.
RESULTS
Depiction of the lung parenchyma, mediastinal and pleural lesion was not significant different among the three modalities (p > 0.05). Intra-tumoral and peritumoral features of lung nodules were not significant different in the CT, VIBE or CODE images (p > 0.05). However, VIBE and CODE had significantly lower image quality and poorer depiction of airway, great vessels, and emphysema compared to CT (p < 0.05). Image quality of central airways and depiction of bronchi were significantly better in CODE than in VIBE (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005). In contrast, the depiction of the vasculature was better for VIBE than CODE images (p = 0.003). The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were significant greater in VIBE than CODE except for SNRlung and SNRnodule (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Our study showed the potential of CODE and VIBE sequences in the evaluation of localized thoracic abnormalities including solid pulmonary nodules.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Lung Neoplasms; Aged; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Adult; Lung; Retrospective Studies; Breath Holding
PubMed: 38722966
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296696 -
Monaldi Archives For Chest Disease =... May 2024Benign endobronchial tumors are rare clinical entities characterized by considerable variability in etiology and clinical presentation. The authors report four cases of...
Benign endobronchial tumors are rare clinical entities characterized by considerable variability in etiology and clinical presentation. The authors report four cases of endobronchial hamartomas treated and followed up from 2018 to 2023. Three of these cases, with identical endobronchial localization in the right lower lobe, were radically treated in flexible bronchoscopy with the only use of biopsy forceps. Another case with a different localization in the left main bronchus was treated with a laser through rigid bronchoscopy. In addition, the authors outline the main interventional pulmonological strategies for the treatment of benign tumors with endobronchial growth based on the existing literature.
PubMed: 38722173
DOI: 10.4081/monaldi.2024.2875 -
Respirology Case Reports May 2024A 60-year-old man was noted to have an elevated lesion in the right mainstem bronchus on chest computed tomography (CT) during his annual medical checkup 3 years...
A 60-year-old man was noted to have an elevated lesion in the right mainstem bronchus on chest computed tomography (CT) during his annual medical checkup 3 years previously. The lesion had gradually increased in size. FDG-PET showed no accumulation. Bronchoscopy revealed 5 nodular smooth surface protrusions on the ventral surface of the right mainstem bronchus, with the largest lesion that measured 5 mm in diameter. Biopsy showed diffuse infiltration of small lymphocytes, positive for CD20 and subsequently diagnosed with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. The lesions disappeared on chest CT after radiotherapy, and no recurrence has been observed after 5 years. We reviewed 48 cases of endobronchial MALT lymphoma in the literature and provided a comprehensive review of the literature to date including our case.
PubMed: 38721113
DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.1369