Chest
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Comparative Study
Ciliated cultures from patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia do not produce nitric oxide or inducible nitric oxide synthase during early infection.
The mechanism behind why patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) exhibit low nasal and exhaled nitric oxide (NO) remains unknown. One hypothesis is that reduced NO biosynthesis is caused by a defect in one or more NO synthases (NOSs). In healthy cells, the biosynthesis of NO is increased following exposure to respiratory pathogens. Here, we aimed to investigate whether ciliated epithelial cells from patients with PCD increase NO production following pneumococcal infection. ⋯ These results suggest that the biosynthesis of NO in ciliated cells from patients with PCD is abnormal following early bacterial challenge, suggesting an abnormality in the function of inducible NOS in PCD.
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We investigated microRNA expression profiles of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) specimens to identify novel microRNA that are potentially involved in the oncogenic transformation of human pleural cells. ⋯ Further investigation and validation of our microRNA database of MPM may elucidate previously unrecognized molecular pathways and/or mechanisms by identifying novel microRNAs that are involved in malignant transformation. Our study has now found miR-1 to be one of these MPM-associated microRNAs, with potential pathogenic and therapeutic significance.
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Uncertainty exists about a safe dose limit to minimize radiation-induced cancer. Maximum occupational exposure is 20 mSv/y averaged over 5 years with no more than 50 mSv in any single year. Radiation exposure to the general population is less, but the average dose in the United States has doubled in the past 30 years, largely from medical radiation exposure. We hypothesized that patients in a mixed-use surgical ICU (SICU) approach or exceed this limit and that trauma patients were more likely to exceed 50 mSv because of frequent diagnostic imaging. ⋯ Radiation levels frequently exceeded occupational exposure standards. CT imaging contributed the most exposure. Health-care providers must practice efficient stewardship of radiologic imaging in all critically ill and injured patients. Diagnostic benefit must always be weighed against the risk of cumulative radiation dose.