{"title":"Case Report—Escherichia coli Pericarditis after Recent COVID-19 Pneumonia","authors":"Xinhang Tu, N. Saleh, Raymond M. Young","doi":"10.3390/jor3020010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jor3020010","url":null,"abstract":"Before the widespread use of antibiotics, purulent pericarditis was not uncommon and was predominantly a complication of bacterial pneumonia. We present a rare case of Escherichia coli (E. coli) purulent pericarditis without a clear source after a recent COVID-19 infection. Background: COVID-19 has been affecting millions of people worldwide since the outbreak in December 2019, and its involvement in multiple organ systems has been observed and studied. Multiple cardiac complications have been reported, most significantly the virus’ ability to induce acute coronary syndrome and myocarditis. Pericardial disease has also been reported but less frequently. COVID-19 infection is associated with a higher risk of secondary bacterial infection, but it is rare to see purulent pericarditis in the setting of a recent COVID-19 infection. Objective: Our case report depicts a patient who developed E. coli purulent pericarditis in the setting of a recent COVID-19 infection. It indicates a possible association between COVID-19 infection with dysregulation of the immune system.","PeriodicalId":284235,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Respiration","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129947606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Howard Yu, Sahil Zaveri, M. Pillai, H. Taluru, M. Schaible, S. Chaddha, Asad Ahmed, Said Tfaili, P. Geraghty
{"title":"The Role of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor in Counteracting the Immunopathology of Acute and Chronic Lung Inflammatory Diseases","authors":"Howard Yu, Sahil Zaveri, M. Pillai, H. Taluru, M. Schaible, S. Chaddha, Asad Ahmed, Said Tfaili, P. Geraghty","doi":"10.3390/jor3020009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jor3020009","url":null,"abstract":"Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a member of the IL-6 cytokine family, is highly expressed throughout the body in multiple tissues and cell types. LIF is primarily known to induce the differentiation of myeloid leukemia cells, but recent studies show that LIF has many other functions, including playing multiple roles in cancer and normal physiology. LIF expression is linked to cellular proliferation, metastasis, inflammation, and chemoresistance. LIF expression and secretion are triggered by many means and its downstream signaling can vary based on tissue types. Recent publications suggest that LIF may play a role in pulmonary diseases and its regulation is altered through external factors, such as cigarette smoke, inflammation stimuli, or infections. This review outlines the current knowledge of the function of LIF protein, mediators of LIF expression, receptors it interacts with, downstream LIF signaling, and possible pulmonary outcomes mediated by LIF.","PeriodicalId":284235,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Respiration","volume":"39 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123361182","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiaoliang Wang, Zachary Wright, Jiayan Wang, G. Song
{"title":"Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Developing Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Its Complications","authors":"Xiaoliang Wang, Zachary Wright, Jiayan Wang, G. Song","doi":"10.3390/jor3020008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jor3020008","url":null,"abstract":"Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) commonly report gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, and limited data suggest a relationship between OSA and GERD-related complications. To investigate this association, we performed a population-based analysis using National Inpatient Sample (NIS) data for 7,159,694 patients. After adjusting for risk factors, OSA patients had a significantly higher incidence of GERD (32.3%) compared to those without OSA (15.0%, p < 0.01). OSA patients also had a higher risk of developing GERD-related complications, including non-erosive esophagitis, erosive esophagitis, esophageal stricture, and Barrett’s esophagus with and without dysplasia. Therefore, our results emphasize the importance of early detection and management of GERD and its complications in patients with OSA, particularly those with additional risk factors such as obesity and smoking.","PeriodicalId":284235,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Respiration","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129181469","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Bidirectional Association between Psoriasis and Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis","authors":"Ashley Garcia, P. Ramdass, M. Ramos-Nino","doi":"10.3390/jor3020007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jor3020007","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Studies have shown an increased risk of asthma in patients with psoriasis and vice versa. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the pooled association between these two chronic inflammatory diseases. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted through March 2023. Risk ratios (RRs) and prevalence were calculated. Results: A total of 11 studies comprising 110,978 patients with psoriasis and 1,898,071 controls were included in the first meta-analysis. The prevalence of asthma in patients with psoriasis was 9.2% (0.075, 0.110), and the pooled risk ratio (RR) was 1.43 (1.23,1.66). Subgroup analysis showed that older patients (≥50 years) have a higher pooled risk of asthma [RR 1.59 (1.41, 1.79)] than younger patients (20–49 years) [RR 1.23 (1.07,1.41)]. In addition, a significantly higher risk of asthma was seen in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis [RR 1.48 (1.17, 1.88)) when compared to their controls than those with mild psoriasis [RR 1.28 (1.14, 1.44)]. A total of 3 studies comprising 468,869 asthma patients and 11,063,349 control were included in the second meta-analysis. The prevalence of psoriasis in asthma patients was 1.3%, 0.004, 0.029), and the pooled risk ratio was 1.23 (1.02,1.47). Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides clear evidence for the bidirectional association between asthma and psoriasis.","PeriodicalId":284235,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Respiration","volume":"131 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114661954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Dust Exposure and Respiratory Health among Selected Factories in Ethiopia: Existing Evidence, Current Gaps and Future Directions","authors":"A. Asgedom","doi":"10.3390/jor3020006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jor3020006","url":null,"abstract":"Workers who are working in dusty environments might be associated with respiratory health problems. In Ethiopia, factories processing wood, textile, coffee, flour, cement and other materials are associated with dust emission. Furthermore, despite the adoption of the International Labor Organization (ILO) convention, the available constitution and labor proclamation, there are a lot of gaps in terms of occupational health and safety measures in Ethiopia. The current review aims to examine the existing evidence, current challenges and future direction regarding dust exposure and respiratory health in selected Ethiopian factories. Searches of peer-reviewed articles with full-length papers were made in online databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Google Scholar with a key words “Dust exposure”, “Respiratory health”, “Respiratory symptom”, “Ethiopia” and “Factory workers” from January 2000 to March 2023. The review found that excessive dust exposure is associated with a high prevalence of respiratory health problems. Lack of personal protective equipment and absence of safety and health training were the main occupational health deficits identified in most factories. Actions that focus on these deficiencies are commendable. Interventions focused on safety and health trainings, and the provision of adequate personal protective equipment of the required quality is recommended. In addition, administrative solutions and longitudinal studies on dust exposure and respiratory health are suggested.","PeriodicalId":284235,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Respiration","volume":"69 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122206197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Adhya Mehta, Amrin Kharawala, S. Nagraj, Sam Apple, Diego Barzallo, Majd Al Deen Alhuarrat, Cesar Joel Benites Moya, S. Vikash, P. Zoumpourlis, Sophia Xesfingi, D. Varrias, Yunus Emre Demirhan, L. Palaiodimos, D. Karamanis
{"title":"Invasive Mechanical Ventilation and Death Was More Likely in Patients with Lower LDL Cholesterol Levels during COVID-19 Hospitalization: A Retrospective Propensity-Matched Cohort Study","authors":"Adhya Mehta, Amrin Kharawala, S. Nagraj, Sam Apple, Diego Barzallo, Majd Al Deen Alhuarrat, Cesar Joel Benites Moya, S. Vikash, P. Zoumpourlis, Sophia Xesfingi, D. Varrias, Yunus Emre Demirhan, L. Palaiodimos, D. Karamanis","doi":"10.3390/jor3020005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jor3020005","url":null,"abstract":"Hyperlipidemia has been associated with worse outcomes in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, lower LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels have been associated with increased COVID-19 severity and mortality. We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients with COVID-19 admitted to New York City Health and Hospitals from 1 March 2020 to 31 October 2020, comparing pre-COVID-19 LDL-C levels or LDL-C levels obtained during COVID-19 hospitalization, with the need for invasive mechanical ventilation and death. Propensity score matching was performed using logistic regression models, and standardized mean differences were calculated. A total of 3020 patients (median age 61 years; 36% women) were included. In the matched cohort, on multivariate logistic regression analysis, LDL was inversely associated with in-hospital death (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.986–0.999, p = 0.036). As a categorical variable, LDL > 70 mg/dL was associated with 47% lower likelihood of invasive mechanical ventilation (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.29–0.95, p = 0.034). No significant association between pre-COVID-19 LDL and death or invasive mechanical ventilation was found (OR: 1.00, 95% CI 0.99–1.01, p = 0.833). Low LDL-C level measured during COVID-19 was associated with a higher likelihood of invasive mechanical ventilation and in-hospital death. A similar association was not found between pre-COVID-19 LDL-C and these outcomes. LDL-C levels obtained during COVID-19 are likely not reflective of the baseline lipid profile.","PeriodicalId":284235,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Respiration","volume":"26 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115074850","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N. S. Raliphaswa, D. Ramathuba, T. Luhalima, S. A. Mulondo, T. Malwela, A. R. Tshililo, Julia L Mafumo, M. Maputle, M. Maluleke, Takalani E Mbedzi, H. Shilubane, N. Ndou, K. G. Netshisaulu, Mutshinyalo Lizzy Netshikweta
{"title":"Barriers to Effective Communication between Patients, Relatives, and Health Care Professionals in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic at Public Hospitals in Limpopo Province","authors":"N. S. Raliphaswa, D. Ramathuba, T. Luhalima, S. A. Mulondo, T. Malwela, A. R. Tshililo, Julia L Mafumo, M. Maputle, M. Maluleke, Takalani E Mbedzi, H. Shilubane, N. Ndou, K. G. Netshisaulu, Mutshinyalo Lizzy Netshikweta","doi":"10.3390/jor3010004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jor3010004","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Effective communication between health care professionals, admitted patients, and their families is crucial to improving the health care outcomes and patient satisfaction. Hence, barriers to effective communication cause a lot of confusion, frustration, and misunderstanding. The study aimed to identify the perceived barriers to effective communication between patients, their families, and health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic in public hospitals in Limpopo Province. The study was conducted in rural areas of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. Methodology: A qualitative exploratory descriptive method was adopted to explore and describe the barriers of effective communication among patients, relatives, and health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic in public hospitals in the Vhembe District. Eleven (11) participants were purposively selected. Unstructured in-depth individual interviews were used to collect data and analyzed using thematic analysis following Tesch’s eight steps. Results: The study findings revealed that there was ineffective communication by health care professionals. This was discussed under three themes that emerged: poor communication of diagnosis and prognosis and treatment outcomes; lack of accurate knowledge regarding the virus morphology, variant, and treatment protocols; and the inconsistencies in the dissemination of COVID-19 protocols. Conclusions: Full communication benefits both patients, relatives, and health care professionals as knowledge and understanding are enhanced through communication. Therefore, health care professionals should provide the patients and their relatives with full information about the disease and the visitation protocols to be followed. The study contribution was to explore barriers to effective communication to the patients and relatives by the health care professionals.","PeriodicalId":284235,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Respiration","volume":"309 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133513464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Current Knowledge and Challenges of Particle Size Measurements of Mainstream E-Cigarette Aerosols and their Implication on Respiratory Dosimetry","authors":"Hua Jiang, Xiang Gao, Yong Gao, Yatao Liu","doi":"10.3390/jor3010003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jor3010003","url":null,"abstract":"The E-cigarette has been promoted as an alternative nicotine delivery device with potentially fewer toxicant emissions. The objective of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the particle size distribution (PSD) of e-cigarette emissions and to analyze the knowledge gaps between existing particle size measurements and the vision toward harm reduction from e-cigarette use. Here, we focus on firstly describing the physical parameters used to characterize PSD, followed by comparing particle size measurement approaches, investigating the factors that impact the PSD of e-cigarette mainstream aerosols, and conclude by linking size distribution to the respiratory dosimetry by demonstrating the modeling results of particle deposition in the respiratory tract. This review calls for a harmonized testing protocol to conduct inter-comparisons and further understand e-cigarette particle sizes. Among the influencing factors investigated, puff topography, operation power, flavorings, PG/VG ratio, and nicotine strength impose a substantial impact on the PSD, but the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully investigated. The effects brought by the type of device refill and nicotine are yet inconclusive due to lack of evidence. Coil aging has no significant impact on the PSD of e-cigarette aerosols within the coil lifetime. Lastly, while computational models of particle deposition have been adopted to profile the deposition of e-cigarette mainstream emissions, existing models have limited applicability and generality when dealing with e-cigarette aerosols that have high volatility and hygroscopicity, which can dynamically evaporate or grow during the transport process. Additionally, the size-dependent chemical composition (e.g., nicotine and harmful and potentially harmful constituents) of e-cigarette aerosols is unknown, impeding the understanding of the health effects of e-cigarette use. Therefore, it is essential for future studies to bridge these knowledge gaps and unveil the mechanisms determining PSD and respiratory deposition.","PeriodicalId":284235,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Respiration","volume":"25 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115742214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Journal of Respiration in 2022","authors":"","doi":"10.3390/jor3010002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jor3010002","url":null,"abstract":"High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]","PeriodicalId":284235,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Respiration","volume":"24 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114318184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aman Nagar, Shubhajeet Roy, J. Bajpai, A. Verma, S. Kant
{"title":"An Interesting Case of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis Resulting in Type II Respiratory Failure","authors":"Aman Nagar, Shubhajeet Roy, J. Bajpai, A. Verma, S. Kant","doi":"10.3390/jor3010001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jor3010001","url":null,"abstract":"Aspergillus fumigatus can cause an immunological hypersensitivity reaction known as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), which often worsens asthma and cystic fibrosis patients’ conditions. In India, where tuberculosis (TB) is endemic, a significant proportion of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) patients are misdiagnosed as pulmonary TB before reaching a diagnosis of ABPA due to long-lasting symptoms. We discuss an uncommon presentation of ABPA with type II respiratory failure in a 48-year-old asthmatic female. Given this, one can speculate on the importance of ABPA presenting with respiratory failure since these cases are rare and diagnosed quite late, which can also prove fatal.","PeriodicalId":284235,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Respiration","volume":"40 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133229898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}