New immunohistochemical markers in the differential diagnosis of nonsmall cell lung carcinoma

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to investigate Napsin-A, NTRK-1, NTRK-2, Desmoglein-3, and Desmocollin-3 in the differential diagnosis and prognosis of nonsmall cell lung cancer. Materials and methods: The expression of Napsin-A, NTRK-1, NTRK-2, and Desmoglein-3 was examined by immunohistochemistry in 50 squamous cell carcinomas and 50 adenocarcinomas. Desmocollin-3 was investigated in 29 squamous cell carcinoma and 29 adenocarcinoma cases. Associations between expression profiles of Napsin-A, NTRK-1, NTRK-2, Desmoglein-3, and Desmocollin-3 in lung cancers and clinicopathological variables were analyzed. Results: Napsin-A staining was statistically significant in detecting adenocarcinomas versus squamous cell carcinomas. The sensitivity of Napsin-A for adenocarcinomas was 96% and the specificity was 100%. NTRK-2 and Desmocollin-3 staining were statistically significant in detecting squamous cell carcinomas versus adenocarcinomas. Desmoglein-3, Napsin-A, and NTRK-2 had no effect on survival. Disease-free survival time was significantly shorter in cases that were moderately positive with NTRK-1. Conclusion: Our data suggest that Napsin-A, NTRK-2, and Desmocollin-3 are useful markers in the differentiation of nonsmall cell lung cancer. © TÜBİTAK

Effects of CPAP on right ventricular myocardial performance index in obstructive sleep apnea patients without hypertension

OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) might cause right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. We aimed to determine the effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on right ventricular myocardial performance index (MPI) in OSA patients without hypertension. METHODS: 49 subjects without hypertension, diabetes mellitus, any cardiac and pulmonary disease had overnight polysomnography and echocardiography. In 18 moderate-severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15) patients, right ventricular free wall diameter (RVFWD) was measured by M-mode, and right ventricular MPI was calculated as (isovolumic contraction time+ isovolumic relaxation time) / pulmonary ejection time using Doppler at baseline and after 6 months CPAP therapy. RESULTS: Mean age was 46.5 ± 4.9 year. Patients had high body mass index (BMI: 30.6 ± 4,0 kg/m(2)), but there was no change in either BMI or blood pressures after 6 months. Right ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters were in normal limits at baseline, and did not change after CPAP usage. Baseline RVFWD (7.1 ± 2.1 mm) significantly decreased after CPAP therapy (6.2 ± 1.7 mm, p < 0.001). 15 of patients (83%) had right ventricular diastolic dysfunction at baseline, and it was completely improved in 11 of them (73%) by CPAP usage. Right ventricular global dysfunction was shown in 11 patients (61%) with a high MPI (62.2 ± 9.3%) at baseline; and MPI was significantly decreased after CPAP therapy (47.3 ± 8.4%, p < 0.0001), and it was completely corrected in 4 of them (36%). CONCLUSION: CPAP therapy significantly decreases RVFWD and improves right ventricular diastolic and global functions (MPI) in OSA patients without hypertension

Long term effects of tear gases on respiratory system: Analysis of 93 cases

Aim. This study aimed to assess the long-term respiratory effects of tear gases among the subjects with history of frequent exposure. Materials and Methods. A questionnaire by NIOSH and pulmonary function tests was performed in 93 males exposed to the tear gases frequently and 55 nonexposed subjects. Results. The mean numbers of total exposure and last 2 years exposure were 8.4 ± 6.4 times, 5.6 ± 5.8 times, respectively. Tear gas exposed subjects were presented with a higher rate for cough and phlegm more than 3 months (24.7% versus 11.3%, &gt; 0.05). Mean FEV1/FVC and % predicted MMFR in smoker exposed subjects are significantly lower than those in smoker controls (81.7% versus 84.1%, = 0.046 and 89.9% versus 109.6%, = 0.0004, resp.). % predicted MMFR in nonsmoker exposed subjects is significantly lower than that in nonsmoker controls (99.4% versus 113.1%, = 0.05). Odds ratios for chest tightness, exercise dyspnea, dyspnea on level ground, winter morning cough, phlegm, and daily phlegm were increased almost 2 to 2.5 folds among tear gas exposed subjects. Conclusion. The rates for respiratory complaints were high in the case of the exposure to the tear gases previously. Tears gas exposed subjects were found to be under the risk for chronic bronchitis

Environmental asbestos disease: Pleural plaque volume measurement with chest tomography is There a correlation between pulmonary function?

Objectives: Chest X-ray is correlated with pulmonary function of asbestos related disease. These correlations limited by low specific and sensitive. Computed tomography (CT) more sensitive. There was no adopted for the measurement of CT. Our aim in this study was to determine correlation between pleural plaque (PP) volume and lung function for use improving classification with CT. Methods: The study included 75 patients with environmental asbestos exposure. PP areas measured in patients were divided by the patient lung area to determine PP ratio with CT. Diffusing capacity and six minute walking distance (6MWD) measured and evaluated quality of life. Results: PP identified in 66 (88%) of the patients with CT. PP most frequently noted in the front right quadrant and had an average plaque volume of 7729,17 mm3. Plaque ratio taken as the percentage of the ratio to the lung volume, mean plaque percentage was 0,37±0,45% (0,003-2,3). In 12(18,1%) of the patients, asbestosis not seen with chest X-ray was detected with CT. Conclusions: PP volume and ratios were not statistically significantly correlated with respiratory functions, exercise capacity, cumulative amount of exposure. Patient of asbestos disease total lung capacity was lower, 6MWD distance was shorter and quality of life was poorer. © Mattioli 1885

Bilateral pneumothorax following acute inhalation injury

Introduction. Inhalation injury can be thermal andor chemical. We report bilateral pneumothorax following acute inhalation injury. Case report.A male worker in an upholstery factory was confined in the tanning machine for 15 min. The device was used to contain sodium sulfate, sulfur dioxide, and sulfuric acid. On admission, he was confused with Glasgow coma scale score as 9. His vital signs were as follows: blood pressure, 80/58 mmHg; pulse rate, 114 bpm; respiratory rate, 30 bpm; temperature, 37.1°C; and oxygen saturation, 48%. He was intubated. Physical examination disclosed extensive subcutaneous emphysema on the neck and pinkish foamy discharge from the mouth. Chest X-ray showed bilateral pneumothoraces and pneumomediastinum that warranted bilateral tube thoracostomy. Bronchoscopy demonstrated web-shaped hyperemic areas on the upper airway mucosa with aphtous lesions in the base. Extensive hemorrhage and edema were evident around epiglottis. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit and mechanically ventilated. He was discharged without any sequelae on day 8.Conclusion.Exposure to irritant gases such as sulfuric acid and sulfur dioxide can cause severe pulmonary injury leading to pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. © 2009 Informa UK, Ltd