Thorax
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Asthmatic airways have a characteristic deposition of connective tissue under the epithelial basement membrane, but the mediators involved in this alteration are unknown. Several authors have postulated that transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) could be overexpressed in asthmatic airways. ⋯ While TGF-beta 1 mRNA and protein are abundantly expressed in human lungs, there is no clear difference in expression between the airways of asthmatic subjects and those of smokers with and without COPD.
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Case Reports
Spontaneous migration of totally implanted venous catheter systems from subclavian into jugular veins.
Two cases of migration of totally implanted catheter systems are described. The complication is potentially life threatening.