Topic Review
Lysophosphatidic Acid
Extracellular lysophospholipids (lysophosphatidic acid, lysophosphatidylcholine, sphingosine 1-phosphate, etc.), which are synthesized from phospholipids in the cell membrane, act as lipid mediators, and mediate various cellular responses in constituent cells in the respiratory system, such as contraction, proliferation, migration, and cytoskeletal organization. In addition to these effects, the expression of the adhesion molecules is enhanced by these extracellular lysophospholipids in pulmonary endothelial cells. These effects are exerted via specific G protein-coupled receptors. 
  • 200
  • 25 Jan 2024
Topic Review
SVTLB in Undetermined Interstitial Lung Disease
Thoracoscopic surgical biopsy has shown excellent histological characterization of undetermined interstitial lung diseases, although the morbidity rates reported are not negligible. In  delicate patients with interstitial lung disease and restrictive ventilatory impairment, morbidity is thought to be due at least in part to tracheal intubation with single-lung mechanical ventilation; therefore, spontaneous ventilation thoracoscopic lung biopsy (SVTLB) has been proposed as a potentially less invasive surgical option. 
  • 58
  • 22 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Ten Issues for Updating in Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Community-acquired pneumonia represents the third-highest cause of mortality in industrialized countries and the first due to infection. Although guidelines for the approach to this infection model are widely implemented in international health schemes, information continually emerges that generates controversy or requires updating its management.
  • 86
  • 22 Jan 2024
Topic Review
High-Flow Nasal-Cannula and Pulmonary-Rehabilitation in ILD
High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has emerged as a crucial therapeutic strategy for hypoxemic patients both in acute and chronic settings. Indeed, HFNC therapy is able to deliver higher fractions of inspired oxygen (FiO2) with a heated and humidified gas flow ranging from 20 up to 60 L per minute, in a more comfortable way for the patient in comparison with Conventional Oxygen Therapy (COT). In fact, the flow keeps the epithelium of the airways adequately moisturized, thus positively affecting the mucus clearance. Finally, the flow is able to wash out the carbon dioxide in the dead space of the airways; this is also enhanced by a modest positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) effect. 
  • 102
  • 09 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Pulmonary Hypertension Screening Methods for ILD Patients
Heightened suspicion for pulmonary hypertension (PH) arises when the advancement of dyspnoea in interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients diverges from the expected pattern of decline in pulmonary function parameters. The complexity of PH associated with ILD (PH-ILD) diagnostics is emphasized by the limitations of transthoracic echocardiography in the ILD population, necessitating the exploration of alternative diagnostic approaches. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) emerges as a promising tool, offering insights into hemodynamic parameters and providing valuable prognostic information. The potential of biomarkers, alongside pulmonary function and cardiopulmonary exercise tests, is explored for enhanced diagnostic and prognostic precision.
  • 97
  • 08 Jan 2024
Topic Review
High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy as an Adjuvant Therapy
High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a respiratory support technique that delivers a controlled concentration of oxygen with high flow, heat, and humidity via the nasal pathway. As it has many physiological effects, its use has increased for a variety of clinical indications.
  • 84
  • 04 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Role of Food in QoL of COPD Patients
The diet has been described as a modifiable risk factor for the development and progression of chronic diseases, and emerging evidence increasingly highlights its preventive and therapeutic role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While the association between underlying conditions such as metabolic disorders, obesity, diabetes, etc., and diet is natural, the direct impact is not as obvious in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The quality of poor nutrition and the development of nutrient deficiencies in respiratory diseases, including COPD, can be correlated with disease-specific factors such as worsening respiratory symptoms. These symptoms can be improved through dietary interventions, leading to positive changes in the pathogenesis of the disease and the quality of life for patients.
  • 206
  • 02 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Pathogenetic Basis of Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a particularly aggressive cancer arising from mesothelial cells lining the thoracic (pleura) cavity whose development has been related to the exposure to carcinogenic biopersistent mineral fibers, mainly asbestos. Pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive disease with diffuse nature, low median survival, and prolonged latency presenting difficulty in prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment. 
  • 81
  • 26 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Smoking Cessation Pharmacotherapy and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Tobacco smoking has been a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Smoking is a chronic relapsing disease and pharmacotherapy is a main component of smoking cessation. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and smoking both increase the risk of CVD and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There are few existing data examining how pharmacological treatment, such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion, and varenicline, affect smokers suffering with OSA and especially their cardiovascular effects.
  • 218
  • 21 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Thoracentesis for the Management of Pleural Effusions
Pleural effusion refers to the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which can occur due to various underlying medical conditions. It is a relatively common finding, with approximately 1.5 million cases reported annually in the United States. Common causes include congestive heart failure, bacterial pneumonia, and malignancy. Thoracentesis, also known as needle thoracostomy or pleural tap, was first described by American physician Henry Ingersoll Bowditch in 1852 and involves the removal of excess pleural fluid for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It is often the preferred initial procedure for diagnosis and management of pleural effusions, with approximately 178,000 thoracenteses performed in the United States annually.
  • 202
  • 19 Dec 2023
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