Panminerva medica
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of two mechanical insufflation-exsufflation devices in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a preliminary study.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower motor neurons and resulting in progressive skeletal muscle weakness. Weak cough and difficulty in clearing secretions are often the cause of pulmonary infections and acute respiratory failure. Cough assistance is commonly used to provide support in coughing for patients with ALS. ⋯ The cough-assist device with EFA technology performed better than a traditional MI/E device in ALS patients regarding respiratory function and cough efficacy, although number of exacerbations and acceptability of the two devices was similar. Following these promising preliminary results, further investigation is required in a larger cohort to confirm the superiority of EFA technology associated with a MI/E device.
-
To detect HOXD9 levels in cervical cancer species and to explore the relationship between HOXD9 level and prognosis in cervical cancer patients. We also verify the influence of HOXD9 on metastatic abilities in cervical cancer. ⋯ HOXD9 is upregulated in cervical cancer species. Its level is closely linked to metastasis rate and poor prognosis in cervical cancer patients. Through positively regulating HMCN1 level, HOXD9 stimulates migratory and invasive capacities in cervical cancer cells.
-
Fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (fHP) is a frequently misdiagnosed fibrosing interstitial pneumonia, which often remains undiagnosed due to the lack of uniformity of diagnostic criteria. Its features are similar to those of other ILDs, especially idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and biomarkers with potential clinical value have been proposed. We reviewed the recent literature on serum and BAL biomarkers, focusing on their clinical role in the diagnosis and management of fHP. ⋯ The manuscripts of interest selected by our search were limited in number and proposed different clinical biomarkers in serum (IgG antibodies, macrophage inflammatory proteins-1, epithelial cell proteins) and BAL (lymphocytes, T-cell mediators). This is the first review to summarize all the serum and BAL biomarkers for fHP proposed in the literature. This review summarized the main biomarkers investigated in fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis because an urgent aim of subsequent research will be to validate and standardize them for diagnostic purposes.
-
Our aim was to summarize the available literature on three yet unsolved questions, namely: 1) the dilemma surrounding definition of sarcopenic obesity (SO), especially in young adults; 2) the potential impact of this phenotype on weight-loss programme outcomes; and 3) the strategies for optimum management (prevention/treatment) of SO in clinical practice. ⋯ Our findings have clinical implications since they may help in screening, managing and improving the weight-loss outcomes of patients with SO in clinical settings.
-
Non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) is effective for symptom relief and respiratory support in patients with respiratory insufficiency, severe comorbidities and no indication to intubation. Experience with NIV as the ceiling of treatment in severely compromised novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients is lacking. ⋯ NIV and physiotherapy are a viable treatment option for patients with severe COVID-19 and severe comorbidities.