Chest
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Cigarette smoking is a major environmental contributor to COPD, but understanding its epigenetic regulation of oxidative genes involved in the pathogenesis of COPD remains elusive. ⋯ Cigarette smoke-induced hypermethylation of the GCLC promoter is related to the initiation and progression of COPD. Our finding may provide a new strategy for COPD intervention by developing demethylation agents targeting GCLC hypermethylation.
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Patients with COPD suffer from chronic dyspnea, which is commonly perceived as highly aversive and threatening. Moreover, COPD is often accompanied by disease-specific fears and avoidance of physical activity. However, little is known about structural brain changes in patients with COPD and respective relations with disease duration and disease-specific fears. ⋯ Patients with COPD demonstrated gray matter decreases in brain areas relevant for the processing of dyspnea, fear, and antinociception. These structural brain changes were partly related to longer disease duration and greater disease-specific fears, which might contribute to a less favorable course of the disease.
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An estimated 700 million people suffer from mosquito-borne diseases worldwide. Various types of mosquito repellents are widely used to prevent mosquito bites. The objectives of this study were (1) to measure the indoor levels of particulate matter < 2.5 μm in mean aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) during the burning of mosquito coils (MCs) and study the impact of indoor ventilation patterns; and (2) to study and compare the prevalence of respiratory ailments in homes using different types of mosquito repellents. ⋯ Burning of MCs produces indoor levels of PM2.5 and CO that are higher than those reported during the burning of biomass fuels for cooking purposes and may be associated with respiratory morbidity.
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A 39-year-old white woman with a history of adult-onset asthma, chronic sinusitis, and nasal polyposis presented to the ED with dyspnea and left lower extremity weakness and pain. Three months prior to her presentation she had an uncomplicated delivery of her second child, but during her pregnancy she experienced increasing asthma symptoms and nasal congestion. These symptoms progressed after delivery despite treatment with albuterol inhalers and antibiotics.