U.S. National Library of Medicine (NIH) Archives - Page 8 of 55

February 29, 2016

A highly sensitive and selective impedimetric aptasensor for interleukin-17 receptor A.

A highly sensitive and selective impedimetric aptasensor for interleukin-17 receptor A.

Biosens Bioelectron. 2016 Feb 18;81:80-86

Authors: Jo H, Kim SK, Youn H, Lee H, Lee K, Jeong J, Mok J, Kim SH, Park HS, Ban C

Abstract
Interleukin-17 receptor A (IL-17RA) has been recognized as a valuable biomarker for diverse diseases, including autoimmune diseases. In this work, an electrochemical biosensor with great sensitivity and selectivity toward IL-17RA was fabricated using an IL-17RA aptamer (Kd=14.00nM) for the first time. The aptasensor was manufactured using electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles, and then quantitative detection of IL-17RA was performed based on impedimetry. The developed sensor exhibited a superior analytical performance for IL-17RA with a wide dynamic range of 10-10,000pg/mL in buffer and a detection limit of 2.13pg/mL, which is lower than that of commercially available ELISA kits. In addition, we validated the high specificity of the designed aptasensor to only IL-17RA, which showed good sensitivity even in human serum solution. Furthermore, the detection of the differentiated HL-60 cells expressing IL-17RA was successfully performed. Clinical applicability of the sensor was also demonstrated utilizing neutrophils separated from asthma patients. It is expected that the fabricated aptasensor will become an excellent diagnostic platform for IL-17RA-mediated diseases.

PMID: 26921556 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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February 24, 2016

Effect of smoking status on the efficacy of the SMART regimen in high risk asthma.

Effect of smoking status on the efficacy of the SMART regimen in high risk asthma.

Respirology. 2016 Feb 21;

Authors: Pilcher J, Patel M, Reddel HK, Pritchard A, Black P, Shaw D, Holt S, Weatherall M, Beasley R

Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The optimal management of people with asthma with a significant smoking history is uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine whether the efficacy/safety profile of single combination inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long acting beta-agonist (LABA) inhaler maintenance and reliever therapy is influenced by smoking status.
METHODS: We undertook secondary analyses from an open-label 24-week randomized study of 303 high risk adult asthma patients randomized to budesonide/formoterol 200/6-µg-metred dose inhaler for maintenance (two actuations twice daily) and either budesonide/formoterol 200/6-µg-metred dose inhaler one actuation (‘single ICS/LABA maintenance and reliever therapy (SMART)’ regimen) or salbutamol 100?µg 1-2 actuations for symptom relief (‘Standard’ regimen). Smoking status was classified in to three groups, as ‘current’, ‘ex’ or ‘never’, and a smoking/treatment interaction term tested for each outcome variable. The primary outcome variable was number of participants with at least one severe exacerbation.
RESULTS: There were 59 current, 97 ex and 147 never smokers included in the analyses. The smoking status/treatment interaction term was not statistically significant for any of the outcome measures. With adjustment for smoking status, the number of participants with severe exacerbations was lower with the SMART regimen (OR 0.45, 95% CI: 0.26-0.77, P?=?0.004; P value for interaction between smoking status and treatment 0.29).
CONCLUSION: We conclude that the favourable safety/efficacy profile of the SMART regimen applies to patients with high risk asthma, irrespective of smoking status.

PMID: 26897389 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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February 23, 2016

New approaches to qualitative interviewing: Development of a card sort technique to understand subjective patterns of symptoms and responses.

New approaches to qualitative interviewing: Development of a card sort technique to understand subjective patterns of symptoms and responses.

Int J Nurs Stud. 2016 Jan 9;

Authors: Mammen JR, Norton SA, Rhee H, Butz AM

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ability to elicit individuals’ perceptions of complex behavioral processes can be challenging, as it hinges not only upon the skill of the researcher, but also upon assumptions of a shared language and individuals’ ability to recall, analyze, and effectively communicate events. In a case-based qualitative-descriptive study about teens’ experiences of asthma self-management, we found that variations in terminology and descriptions of events, symptoms, and responses made it difficult to understand teens’ experiences of asthma. In particular, teens’ conceptualization of their asthma symptoms and self-management responses differed from situation to situation, from other teens in the study, from the interviewer, and from prior reports in the literature. These differences across many levels made it difficult to identify patterns in individual processes of self-management, and among teens in general..
OBJECTIVES: To address these challenges, we developed a card sorting activity to facilitate in-depth exploration of teens’ experiences of asthma.
DESIGN: Case-based qualitative description.
SETTING: Teen-parent dyads (N=28) were recruited from the community, Emergency Department, Pediatric Pulmonary Department, and prior study subjects of a major medical center.
METHODS: Teens first identified and then sequenced their own unique sets of asthma symptoms and self-management responses. Teens then developed contextually grounded narratives using the card sort they had created as a visual aid.
RESULTS: This technique not only allowed us to bridge teen-interviewer communication barriers and develop shared terminology, but also resulted in a visible sequence of asthma symptoms and self-management responses.
CONCLUSIONS: The card sort technique facilitated researcher-teen discussion and enabled comparison of self-management patterns across teens in our study. This technique is potentially useful for other areas of research exploring behavioral processes with complex and individual-specific experiences, in particular those involving sequences of events and self-management responses. This paper delineates the development, utility, and potential applications of the symptom-response card sorting technique for research and clinical practice.

PMID: 26897540 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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February 22, 2016

The dangers of widespread nitric oxide screening for primary ciliary dyskinesia.

The dangers of widespread nitric oxide screening for primary ciliary dyskinesia.

Thorax. 2016 Feb 19;

Authors: Collins SA, Behan L, Harris A, Gove K, Lucas JS

Abstract
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is underdiagnosed and requires complex testing at specialist diagnostic centres. Measurement of nasal nitric oxide (nNO) has good sensitivity and specificity screening for PCD, but is currently usually measured at PCD centres rather than prior to referral. Proposals to include NO testing for asthma diagnoses could widen access to PCD screening if nasal mode analysers are available. Data from 282 consecutive referrals to our PCD diagnostic centre (31 PCD positive) were used to model predictive values for nNO testing with varying pretest probability and showed that predictive values were good in the referral population, but extending screening to more general populations would result in excessive false positives that may overwhelm diagnostic services. Although nNO remains a useful test, a ‘normal’ result with classical clinical history should still be considered for further testing.

PMID: 26896442 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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February 20, 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells induce suppressive macrophages through phagocytosis in a mouse model of asthma.

Mesenchymal stem cells induce suppressive macrophages through phagocytosis in a mouse model of asthma.

Stem Cells. 2016 Feb 17;

Authors: Braza F, Dirou S, Forest V, Sauzeau V, Hassoun D, Chesné J, Cheminant-Muller MA, Sagan C, Magnan A, Lemarchand P

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) immunosuppressive functions make them attractive candidates for anti-inflammatory therapy in allergic asthma. However the mechanisms by which they ensure therapeutic effects remain to be elucidated. In an acute mouse model of house dust mite (Der f)-induced asthma, one i.v. MSC injection was sufficient to normalize and stabilize lung function in Der f-sensitized mice as compared to control mice. MSC injection decreased in vivo airway responsiveness and decreased ex vivo carbachol-induced bronchial contraction, maintaining bronchial expression of the inhibitory type 2 muscarinic receptor. To evaluate in vivo MSC survival, MSCs were labelled with PKH26 fluorescent marker prior to i.v. injection, and 1 to 10 days later total lungs were digested to obtain single-cell suspensions. 91.5?±?2.3% and 86.6?±?6.3% of the recovered PKH26(+) lung cells expressed specific macrophage markers in control and Der f mice respectively, suggesting that macrophages had phagocyted in vivo the injected MSCs. Interestingly, only PKH26(+) macrophages expressed M2 phenotype, while the innate PKH26(-) macrophages expressed M1 phenotype. Finally, the remaining 0.5% PKH26(+) MSCs expressed 10 to 100 fold more COX-2 than before injection, suggesting in vivo MSC phenotype modification. Together, the results of this study indicate that MSCs attenuate asthma by being phagocyted by lung macrophages, which in turn acquire a M2 suppressive phenotype. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID: 26891455 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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February 18, 2016

Advancements in Devices and Particle Engineering in Dry Powder Inhalation Technology.

Advancements in Devices and Particle Engineering in Dry Powder Inhalation Technology.

Curr Top Med Chem. 2016 Feb 15;

Authors: Vadakkan MV, Vinod Kumar GS

Abstract
Dry powder inhalers (DPI) attracted the attention of pharmaceutical field due to its enlarging market share in inhalable formulations. These formulations also pose patient compliance and good shelf life. Earlier DPI formulations were intended for local effect in lung (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases), whereas 21st century witnessed formulations intended for systemic effect too. A better understanding of physiology of lung and fluidics of air flow helped in targeting alveoli using DPI technology. Modern characterization tools also accelerated the research pace. In addition to the synthetic molecules, DPI also was proved to be a better system for delivering biological molecules including vaccines. This review includes the mechanisms of drug deposition, advancements in the fields of DPI devices, various characterization tools and particle engineering. In this review we have related the chronological advancement of inhalational technology starting from 1788 AD to the present.

PMID: 26876523 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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February 17, 2016

Post-vaccination myositis and myocarditis in a previously healthy male.

Post-vaccination myositis and myocarditis in a previously healthy male.

Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2016;12:6

Authors: Cheng MP, Kozoriz MG, Ahmadi AA, Kelsall J, Paquette K, Onrot JM

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The immunological literature has been redefining clinical phenomena as hypotheses emerge regarding causal links between triggers, immunologic manifestations, and their specific inflammatory cascades. Of late, autoimmune manifestations that appear to be caused by an external adjuvant have been grouped into a complex syndrome referred to as autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA). This syndrome may present with diverse clinical problems, which may include neurocognitive impairment, inflammatory musculoskeletal changes, and constitutional symptoms. There is evidence in the literature linking vaccines to different auto-immune manifestations. Vaccines have not traditionally been reported to trigger ASIA, although reports are emerging linking the human papilloma virus and hepatitis B vaccines to it.
CASE PRESENTATION: We report the first suspected case of ASIA in a previously healthy patient who received the Fluad seasonal influenza vaccine, which contains the MF59 adjuvant. He presented to hospital with profound weakness and was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis. He also had elevated troponin-I and extensive cardiac investigations enabled the diagnosis of myocarditis. His infectious and rheumatologic work-ups were negative. He responded well to conservative management and did not require immune suppressive therapy.
CONCLUSION: Given the benefits of the influenza vaccine, and the low incidence of clinically significant complications, we encourage ongoing seasonal influenza immunization. However, ongoing surveillance is required to evaluate the occurrence of rare adverse events, including ASIA.

PMID: 26877725 [PubMed]

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February 16, 2016

Children Hospitalized with Rhinovirus Bronchiolitis Have Asthma-Like Characteristics.

Children Hospitalized with Rhinovirus Bronchiolitis Have Asthma-Like Characteristics.

J Pediatr. 2016 Feb 11;

Authors: Mansbach JM, Clark S, Teach SJ, Gern JE, Piedra PA, Sullivan AF, Espinola JA, Camargo CA

Abstract
Children with bronchiolitis often are considered a homogeneous group. However, in a multicenter, prospective study of 2207 young children hospitalized for bronchiolitis, we found that children with respiratory syncytial virus detected differ from those with rhinovirus detected; the latter patients resemble older children with asthma, including more frequent treatment with corticosteroids.

PMID: 26875009 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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February 9, 2016

The epidemiology of asthma and its comorbidities in Poland – Health problems of patients with severe asthma as evidenced in the Province of Lodz.

The epidemiology of asthma and its comorbidities in Poland – Health problems of patients with severe asthma as evidenced in the Province of Lodz.

Respir Med. 2016 Jan 20;

Authors: Panek M, Mokros ?, Pietras T, Kuna P

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Population studies supply interesting data regarding the epidemiology, comorbidity and risk factors of asthma, which have direct clinical implications for patients.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the work was to evaluate the degree of severity of asthma in the studied group, the levels of anti-asthma treatment, the prevalence of asthma comorbidities and their influence on the clinical course of the illness.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study encompassed 451 participants: 52.11% were asthma patients (study group) and 47.89% were healthy subjects (controls). Respiratory function tests, ACT™ test and skin prick tests were performed.
RESULTS: Asthma severity was mild in 14.89%, moderate in 49.36% and severe in 35.74%. Oral GCS were used by 29%, inhalers 44%, LABA 68%, SABA 67%, LAMA 6%, SAMA 14% and MX 16%. Rhinitis and allergy were significantly more common in patients. GERD and neurological diseases were risk factors for asthma, and GERD significantly intensified the risk of severe asthma. GERD, atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischaemic heart disease and other cardiac diseases, lipid disorders, COPD, and the presence of any neoplastic disease significantly worsened the degree of asthma control.
DISCUSSION: Severe asthma was a significant clinical issue in over 35% of cases. The most commonly-used group of drugs were LABAs, while inhaled GCS and LAMA were uncommon, especially among severe cases. A significant problem was the high percentage of systemic GCS used by severe cases. The most important risk factor for asthma, including its severe form, is GERD. Numerous comorbid conditions significantly worsen the degree of asthma control.

PMID: 26852088 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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February 8, 2016

A link: Allergic rhinitis, Asthma & Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

A link: Allergic rhinitis, Asthma & Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Autoimmun Rev. 2016 Feb 3;

Authors: Sin E, Anand P, Frieri M

Abstract
This review has discussed a link between allergic rhinitis, asthma and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a case report in this area. A clear link with symptoms of allergic rhinitis, asthma and SLE exists. Several articles found on pubmed in the literature are listed on allergic rhinitis and allergy, Th1-immune responses, mast cells in autoimmunity, total immunoglobulin E levels in lupus, atopic diseases and SLE are reviewed. In addition, risks and correlations, genetic predisposition, environmental factors, immune regulation, elevated serum IgE levels, regulatory B cells for both allergic and autoimmune diseases are mentioned, Asthma and the vascular endothelial cell growth factor, asthma and autoimmune diseases, allergy and autoimmunity, neutrophils, innate and adaptive immunity in the development of SLE, the (Tim) gene family, complement activation in SLE and immunomodulation, hypersensitivity reactions in autoimmunity are discussed.

PMID: 26851551 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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