Cyclooxygenase-2-linked attenuation of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and intravascular thrombosis

Exogenous prostacyclin is effective in reducing pulmonary vascular resistance in some forms of human pulmonary hypertension (PH). To explore whether endogenous prostaglandins played a similar role in pulmonary hypertension, we examined the effect of deleting cyclooxygenase (COX)-gene isoforms in a chronic hypoxia model of PH. Pulmonary hypertension, examined by direct measurement of right ventricular end systolic pressure (RVESP), right ventricular hypertrophy (n = 8), and hematocrit (n = 3), was induced by 3 weeks of hypobarichypoxia in wild-type and COX-knockout (KO) mice. RVESP was increased in wild-type hypoxic mice compared with normoxic controls (24.4 ± 1.4 versus 13.8 ± 1.9 mm Hg; n = 8; p < 0.05). COX-2 KO mice showed a greater increase in RVESP following hypoxia (36.8 ± 2.7 mm Hg; p < 0.05). Urinary thromboxane (TX)B2 excretion increased following hypoxia (44.6 ± 11.1 versus 14.7 ± 1.8 ng/ml; n = 6; p < 0.05), an effect that was exacerbated by COX-2 gene disruption (54.5 ± 10.8 ng/ml; n = 6). In contrast, the increase in 6-keto-prostacyclin1α excretion following hypoxia was reduced by COX-2 gene disruption (29 ± 3 versus 52 ± 4.6 ng/ml; p < 0.01). Tail cut bleed times were lower following hypoxia, and there was evidence of intravascular thrombosis in lung vessels that was exacerbated by disruption of COX-2 and reduced by deletion of COX-1. The TXA2/endoperoxide receptor antagonist ifetroban (50 mg/kg/day) offset the effect of deleting the COX-2 gene, attenuating the hypoxia-induced rise in RVESP and intravascular thrombosis. COX-2 gene deletion exacerbates pulmonary hypertension, enhances sensitivity to TXA2, and induces intravascular thrombosis in response to hypoxia. The data provide evidence that endogenous prostaglandins modulate the pulmonary response to hypoxia. Copyright © 2008 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

Joseph Maiden and the national and transnational circulation of Wattle Acacia spp

During the nineteenth century and in the early years of the twentieth century wattle was circulated by botanists, botanical institutions, interested individuals, commercial seedsmen and government authorities. Wattle bark was used in the production of leather and was the subject of debate regarding its commercial development and conservation in Australia. It was also trialled in many other locations including America, New Zealand, Hawaii and Russia. In the process, South Africa became a major producer of wattle bark for a global market. At the same time wattle was also promoted as a symbol of Australian nationalism. This paper considers this movement of wattles, wattle material and wattle information by examining the career of one active agent in these botanical transfers: Joseph Maiden. In doing so it demonstrates that these seemingly different uses of the wattle overlap transnational and national spheres.

Isolation of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) from household water and shower aerosols in patients with pulmonary disease caused by NTM

It has been postulated that susceptible individuals may acquire infection with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) from water and aerosol exposure. This study examined household water and shower aerosols of patients with NTM pulmonary disease. The mycobacteria isolated from clinical samples from 20 patients included M. avium (5 patients), M. intracellulare (12 patients), M. abscessus (7 patients), M. gordonae (1 patient), M. lentiflavum (1 patient), M. fortuitum (1 patient), M. peregrinum (1 patient), M. chelonae (1 patient), M. triplex (1 patient), and M. kansasii (1 patient). One-liter water samples and swabs were collected from all taps, and swimming pools or rainwater tanks. Shower aerosols were sampled using Andersen six-stage cascade impactors. For a subgroup of patients, real-time PCR was performed and high-resolution melt profiles were compared to those of ATCC control strains. Pathogenic mycobacteria were isolated from 19 homes. Species identified in the home matched that found in the patient in seven (35%) cases: M. abscessus (3 cases), M. avium (1 case), M. gordonae (1 case), M. lentiflavum (1 case), and M. kansasii (1 case). In an additional patient with M. abscessus infection, this species was isolated from potable water supplying her home. NTM grown from aerosols included M. abscessus (3 homes), M. gordonae (2 homes), M. kansasii (1 home), M. fortuitum complex (4 homes), M. mucogenicum (1 home), and M. wolinskyi (1 home). NTM causing human disease can be isolated from household water and aerosols. The evidence appears strongest for M. avium, M. kansasii, M. lentiflavum, and M. abscessus. Despite a predominance of disease due to M. intracellulare, we found no evidence for acquisition of infection from household water for this species.

Immunization with a MOMP-based vaccine protects mice against a Pulmonary Chlamydia challenge and identifies a disconnection between infection and pathology

Chlamydia pneumoniae is responsible for up to 20% of community acquired pneumonia and can exacerbate chronic inflammatory diseases. As the majority of infections are either mild or asymptomatic, a vaccine is recognized to have the greatest potential to reduce infection and disease prevalence. Using the C. muridarum mouse model of infection, we immunized animals via the intranasal (IN), sublingual (SL) or transcutaneous (TC) routes, with recombinant chlamydial major outer membrane protein (MOMP) combined with adjuvants CTA1-DD or a combination of cholera toxin/CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide (CT/CpG). Vaccinated animals were challenged IN with C. muridarum and protection against infection and pathology was assessed. SL and TC immunization with MOMP and CT/CpG was the most protective, significantly reducing chlamydial burden in the lungs and preventing weight loss, which was similar to the protection induced by a previous live infection. Unlike a previous infection however, these vaccinations also provided almost complete protection against fibrotic scarring in the lungs. Protection against infection was associated with antigen-specific production of IFNγ, TNFα and IL-17 by splenocytes, however, protection against both infection and pathology required the induction of a similar pro-inflammatory response in the respiratory tract draining lymph nodes. Interestingly, we also identified two contrasting vaccinations capable of preventing infection or pathology individually. Animals IN immunized with MOMP and either adjuvant were protected from infection, but not the pathology. Conversely, animals TC immunized with MOMP and CTA1-DD were protected from pathology, even though the chlamydial burden in this group was equivalent to the unimmunized controls. This suggests that the development of pathology following an IN infection of vaccinated animals was independent of bacterial load and may have been driven instead by the adaptive immune response generated following immunization. This identifies a disconnection between the control of infection and the development of pathology, which may influence the design of future vaccines.

Pulmonary embolism in the emergency department : a Singaporean nursing case review

Introduction The presentation of pulmonary embolism to the emergency department (ED) can prove challenging because of the myriad of potential disease processes that mimic its signs and symptoms. The incidence of pulmonary embolism and indeed the mortality associated with it is relatively high. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial in off-setting the potential deleterious effects associated with this condition. The aim of this article is to present a nursing case review of a patient presenting to the ED with a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Method We chose to use a case review to highlight the nursing and medical care that was provided for a patient who presented to the emergency department acutely with dyspnoea, chest pain and pyrexia. The use of case reviews are useful in reporting unusual or rare cases and this format is typically seen more in medicine than in nursing. They can naturally take one of two formats—a single case report or a series of case reports; in this case we opted to report on a single case. Discussion The gentleman in question was an ambulance admissionto the ED with a three day history of chest pain, shortness of breath and one episode of syncope which brought him to the ED. Over the course of his admission a variety of treatment modalities were used successfully to alleviate the problem. More notable from a nursing perspective was the use of diagnostic tools as an interpretation to guide his care and provide a platform from which a deeper understanding and appreciation of the intricacies the critically ill patient often presents. Conclusion We found the use of case review very enlightening in understanding the disease process and the decision-making that accompanies this. Whilst our patient was successfully rehabilitated home, we learnt a lot from the experience which has been most beneficial in supporting our understanding of pulmonary embolism.

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of a polymer based controlled release dry powder inhaler formulation for pulmonary delivery

This thesis described the synthesis of an L-leucine conjugate of the biodegradable polymer, chitosan and its potential application for the development of controlled release nanoparticulate dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations. The study demonstrated that the physicochemical properties of conjugated chitosan nanoparticles had favourable effects on the dispersibility and controlled release profile of a model drug. The toxicity profile of the nanoparticulate formulation revealed promising outcome for its use in pulmonary delivery. The chitosan conjugate produced in this project would be useful for the application of polymer nanoparticulate systems for efficient lung delivery of drugs.

Pulmonary innate immunity in children with protracted bacterial bronchitis

Objective To determine bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) levels of 3 innate immunity components (human alpha-defensin-2 [hBD2], mannose-binding lectin [MBL], and surfactant protein-A [SP-A], the relationship with airway neutrophilia and infection, and cytokine production of stimulated BAL cells in children with current protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB), children with resolved PBB (PBB well), and controls. Study design BAL of 102 children (mean age 2.8 years) fulfilling predefined criteria of current PBB (n=61), PBB well (n=20), and controls (n=21) was cultured (quantitative bacteriology) and viruses examined by polymerase chain reaction. hBD2, MBL, and SP-A were measured, and cytokine production of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BAL cells were determined. Results Median hBD2 and MBL levels were significantly higher in the current PBB group (hBD2 = 164.4, IQR 0-435.5pg/mL; MBL = 1.7, 0.4-4ng/mL) than in the PBB well group (hBD2 = 0, IQR 0-85.2; MBL = 0.6, IQR 0.03-2.9) and controls (hBD2 = 3.6, IQR 0-126; MBL = 0.4, IQR 0.02-79). hBD2 was significantly higher in children with airway infection (n = 54; median 76.9, IQR 0-397.3) compared with those without (n = 48; 0, IQR 0-236.3), P=0.04. SP-A levels and cytokine production of stimulated BAL cells were similar between groups. Conclusion In children's airways, hBD2, but not MBL and SP-A, relates to inflammation and infection. In children with PBB, mechanisms involving airway hBD2 and MBL are augmented. These pulmonary innate immunity components and the ability of BAL cells to respond to stimuli are unlikely to be deficient.

Serotonin 5-HT2B receptors are required for bone-marrow contribution to pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease characterized by lung endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling. Recently, bone marrow progenitor cells have been localized to PAH lungs, raising the question of their role in disease progression. Independently, serotonin (5-HT) and its receptors have been identified as contributors to the PAH pathogenesis. We hypothesized that 1 of these receptors, 5-HT(2B), is involved in bone marrow stem cell mobilization that participates in the development of PAH and pulmonary vascular remodeling. A first study revealed expression of 5-HT(2B) receptors by circulating c-kit(+) precursor cells, whereas mice lacking 5-HT(2B) receptors showed alterations in platelets and monocyte-macrophage numbers, and in myeloid lineages of bone marrow. Strikingly, mice with restricted expression of 5-HT(2B) receptors in bone marrow cells developed hypoxia or monocrotaline-induced increase in pulmonary pressure and vascular remodeling, whereas restricted elimination of 5-HT(2B) receptors on bone marrow cells confers a complete resistance. Moreover, ex vivo culture of human CD34(+) or mice c-kit(+) progenitor cells in the presence of a 5-HT(2B) receptor antagonist resulted in altered myeloid differentiation potential. Thus, we demonstrate that activation of 5-HT(2B) receptors on bone marrow lineage progenitors is critical for the development of PAH.

Synthesis and toxicological evaluation of a chitosan‑L‑leucine conjugate for pulmonary drug delivery applications

Herein are reported the synthesis of a conjugate of chitosan with L-leucine, the preparation of nanoparticles from both chitosan and the conjugate for use in pulmonary drug delivery, and the in vitro evaluation of toxicity and inflammatory effects of both the polymers and their nanoparticles on the bronchial epithelial cell line, BEAS-2B. The nanoparticles, successfully prepared both from chitosan and the conjugate, had a diameter in the range of 10−30 nm. The polymers and their nanoparticles were tested for their effects on cell viability by MTT assay, on trans-epithelial permeability by using sodium fluorescein as a fluid phase marker, and on IL-8 secretion by ELISA. The conjugate nanoparticles had a low overall toxicity (IC50 = 2 mg/mL following 48 h exposure; no induction of IL-8 release at 0.5 mg/mL concentration), suggesting that they may be safe for pulmonary drug delivery applications.

Increased platelet-derived microparticles in the coronary circulation of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty patients

Platelet-derived microparticles that are produced during platelet activation are capable of adhesion and aggregation. Endothelial trauma that occurs during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) may support platelet-derived microparticle adhesion and contribute to development of restenosis. We have previously reported an increase in platelet-derived microparticles in peripheral arterial blood with angioplasty. This finding raised concerns regarding the role of plateletderived microparticles in restenosis, and therefore the aim of this study was to monitor levels in the coronary circulation. The study population consisted of 19 angioplasty patients. Paired coronary artery and sinus samples were obtained following heparinization, following contrast administration, and subsequent to all vessel manipulation. Platelet-derived microparticles were identified with an anti-CD61 (glycoprotein IIIa) fluorescence-conjugated antibody using flow cytometry. There was a significant decrease in arterial platelet-derived microparticles from heparinization to contrast administration (P 0.001), followed by a significant increase to the end of angioplasty (P 0.004). However, there was no significant change throughout the venous samples. These results indicate that the higher level of platelet-derived microparticles after angioplasty in arterial blood remained in the coronary circulation. Interestingly, levels of thrombin–antithrombin complexes did not rise during PTCA. This may have implications for the development of coronary restenosis post-PTCA, although this remains to be determined.

Nutritional support in chronic obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) a randomised trial

Rationale Nutritional support is effective in managing malnutrition in COPD (Collins et al., 2012) leading to functional improvements (Collins et al., 2013). However, comparative trials of first line interventions are lacking. This randomised trial compared the effectiveness of individualised dietary advice by a dietitian (DA) versus oral nutritional supplements (ONS). Methods A target sample of 200 stable COPD outpatients at risk of malnutrition (‘MUST’; medium + high risk) were randomised to either a 12-week intervention of ONS (ONS: ~400 kcal/d, ~40 g/d protein) or DA with supportive written advice. The primary outcome was quality of life (QoL) measured using St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire with secondary outcomes including handgrip strength, body weight and nutritional intake. Both the change from baseline and the differences between groups was analysed using SPSS version 20. Results 84 outpatients were recruited (ONS: 41 vs. DA: 43), 72 completed the intervention (ONS: 33 vs. DA: 39). Mean BMI was 18.2 SD 1.6 kg/m2, age 72.6 SD 10 years, FEV1% predicted 36 SD 15% (severe COPD). In comparison to the DA group, the ONS group experienced significantly greater improvements in protein intakes above baseline values at both week 6 (+21.0 SEM 4.3 g/d vs. +0.52 SEM 4.3 g/d; p < 0.001) and week 12 (+19.0 SEM 5.0 g/d vs. +1.0 SEM 3.6 g/d; p = 0.033;ANOVA). QoL and secondary outcomes remained stable at 12 weeks in both groups with slight improvements in the ONS group but no differences between groups. Conclusion In outpatients at risk of malnutrition with severe COPD, nutritional support involving either ONS or DA appears to maintain in tritional status, functional capacity and QoL. However, larger trials, and earlier, multi-modal nutritional interventions for an extended duration should be explored.

The effectiveness of dietary counselling versus oral nutrition supplements in improving nutritional intake in malnourished patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

The evidence for nutritional support in COPD is almost entirely based on oral nutritional supplements (ONS) yet despite this dietary counseling and food fortification (DA) are often used as the first line treatment for malnutrition. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of ONS vs. DA in improving nutritional intake in malnourished outpatients with COPD. 70 outpatients (BMI 18.4 SD 1.6 kg/m2, age 73 SD 9 years, severe COPD) were randomised to receive a 12-week intervention of either ONS or DA (n 33 ONS vs. n 37 DA). Paired t-test analysis revealed total energy intakes significantly increased with ONS at week 6 (+302 SD 537 kcal/d; p = 0.002), with a slight reduction at week 12 (+243 SD 718 kcal/d; p = 0.061) returning to baseline levels on stopping supplementation. DA resulted in small increases in energy that only reached significance 3 months post-intervention (week 6: +48 SD 623 kcal/d, p = 0.640; week 12: +157 SD 637 kcal/d, p = 0.139; week 26: +247 SD 592 kcal/d, p = 0.032). Protein intake was significantly higher in the ONS group at both week 6 and 12 (ONS: +19.0 SD 25.0 g/d vs. DA: +1.0 SD 13.0 g/d; p = 0.033 ANOVA) but no differences were found at week 26. Vitamin C, Iron and Zinc intakes significantly increased only in the ONS group. ONS significantly increased energy, protein and several micronutrient intakes in malnourished COPD patients but only during the period of supplementation. Trials investigating the effects of combined nutritional interventions are required.

The effect of deprivation and disease-severity on malnutrition risk in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Deprivation has previously been shown to be an independent risk factor for the high prevalence of malnutrition observed in COPD (Collins et al., 2010). It has been suggested the socioeconomic gradient observed in COPD is greater than any other chronic disease (Prescott & Vestbo, 1999). The current study aimed to examine the infl uence of disease severity and social deprivation on malnutrition risk in outpatients with COPD. 424 COPD outpatients were screened using the ‘Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool’ (‘MUST’). COPD disease severity was recorded in accordance with the GOLD criteria and deprivation was established according to the patient’s geographical location (postcode) at the time of nutritional screening using the UK Government’s Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). IMD ranks postcodes from 1 (most deprived) to 32,482 (least deprived). Disease severity was posi tively associated with an increased prevalence of malnutrition risk (p < 0.001) both within and between groups, whilst rank IMD was negatively associated with malnutrition (p = 0.020), i.e. those residing in less deprived areas were less likely to be malnourished. Within each category of disease severity the prevalence of malnutrition was two-fold greater in those residing in the most deprived areas compared to those residing in the least deprived areas. This study suggests that deprivation and disease severity are independent risk factors for malnutrition in COPD both contributing to the widely variable prevalence of malnutrition. Consideration of these issues could assist with the targeted nutritional management of these patients.