“
“Background Few published studies have analyzed serum lidocaine levels and individual patient characteristics

affecting metabolism after application of compounded topical anesthetics. Objective To measure serum lidocaine levels during and cutaneous side effects after standardized application of 23% lidocaine/7% tetracaine compounded anesthetic to the face of healthy volunteers. Methods and Materials Fifty-two volunteers were enrolled, and compounded 23% lidocaine/7% tetracaine ointment was applied to their faces for 2hours. Lidocaine levels were determined every 30minutes during application and for 2hours after removal. APR-246 Follow-up telephone calls 3days later assessed cutaneous side effects. Results Median peak lidocaine level was 1.15 mu g/mL, and the highest peak lidocaine level in an individual was 3.4 PND-1186 mw mu g/mL. Higher serum lidocaine levels were found in men (p<.01), nonwhite volunteers (p=.02), and those with larger facial surface area (p=.04). Age and body mass index did not affect lidocaine levels. Irritant contact dermatitis was common, resulting in hyperpigmentation in some patients. Conclusion Facial surface area, male

sex, and nonwhite ethnicity were associated with higher serum lidocaine levels after topical application of lidocaine. Compounded anesthetics containing lidocaine should be used with caution under the direct supervision of a physician.”
“Background:

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is performed as a definitive treatment of acute and chronic liver failure. The prevalence of acute and chronic kidney diseases is substantially higher in this population secondary to diverse etiologies. Combined kidney-liver transplantation (CKLT) is widely performed in some centers,

even though there are no definitive studies which support or contradict this practice.

Methods:

We comprehensively reviewed OLT as well as CKLT data from US transplant centers provided by United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS).

Results:

The incidence of CKLT as a percentage of total OLTs performed has been increasing, especially in the post-MELD era (2002 Blebbistatin in vivo and after). Moreover, there is a great disparity among centers in regard to percentage of CKLTs to total OLTs.

Conclusion:

We conclude that there is much difference of opinion among US transplant centers as to indications for CKLT. A more scientific approach to this problem including studies to assess the role of kidney biopsy in determining renal outcome after OLT is needed.”
“Reversible assembly of magnetized particles and cells has been proposed and implemented. The approach is based on magnetized particles or magnetically labeled cell immobilization in an array of individual particle/cell for optical counting. The device has been tested for few types of magnetic particles and one water-borne pathogen: Giardia Lamblia. An individual particle immobilization efficiency of 92% was achieved.

The overarching goal of the article is aimed at raising the awareness of basic researchers, as well as clinicians, to the versatility of this emerging alternative animal model of cancer.”
“The surface of a polypropylene (PP) film was activated

with chemical, electrochemical, and physical methods, and the effectiveness of these methods was compared. The effects of PP activation were assessed with attenuated total reflection IR spectroscopy (ATR-IR), SEM microscopy, and an analysis, based on the liquid contact angle, of the free energy components of the surface. The activation of the PP surface, which was dependent on the oxidizing medium, increased the energy of the PP surface layer and formed new chemical (carbonyl) groups, which were identified by IR (ATR) absorption spectroscopy and confirmed by selective surface dyeing. The treatments were ranked in the following order of increasing NCT-501 Metabolism inhibitor effectiveness: BI 6727 cost UV irradiation < 3M nitric acid < 30% hydrogen peroxide < silver nitrate (electrochemical method) < chromic mixture. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122: 2071-2080, 2011″
“This study investigates bipolar and nonpolar resistive-switching of HfO2 with various metal electrodes. Supported by convincing physical and electrical evidence, it is our contention that the composition of conducting filaments in HfO2 strongly depends upon the metal electrodes.

Nonpolar resistive-switching with the Ni electrode is attributed to the migration of metal cations and the corresponding electrochemical metallization. Conversely, oxygen-deficient filaments induced by anion migration are responsible for bipolar resistive-switching. It was also found that the characteristic nature of the

conducting filaments influences many aspects of switching characteristics, including the switching power, cycling variations, and retention at elevated temperatures. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3567915]“
“The Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center (MMPC) Consortium was established to address the need AG-881 solubility dmso to characterize the growing number of mouse models of metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity. A goal of the MMPC Consortium is to propose standard methods for assessing metabolic phenotypes in mice. In this article, we discuss issues pertaining to the design and performance of various tests of glucose metabolism. We also propose guidelines for the description of methods, presentation of data and interpretation of results. The recommendations presented in this article are based on the experience of the MMPC Consortium and other investigators.”
“In this work, we report the obtaining of an ecological imprinted polymer for the selective sorption of xanthine derivatives (caffeine and theobromine) from aqueous solutions, through an innovative approach. Poly (vinyl alcohol) [PVA]-xanthine films have been obtained by aqueous solution casting.

(Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2010;110:691-697)”
“Background: Despite some problems related to accuracy and applicability of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), they are currently the best option in areas with limited laboratory services for improving case management through parasitological diagnosis and reducing over-treatment. This

study was conducted in areas with declining malaria burden to assess; 1) the accuracy of RDTs when used at different community settings, 2) the impact of using RDTs on anti-malarial dispensing by community-owned resource persons (CORPs) and 3) adherence of CORPs to treatment guidelines by providing treatment based on RDT results.

Methods: Data were obtained from: 1) a longitudinal study of passive case detection of fevers using CORPs in six villages in Korogwe; and 2) cross-sectional surveys (CSS) in BIBF 1120 clinical trial six villages of Korogwe and Muheza districts, northeastern, Tanzania. Performance of RDTs was compared GSK461364 purchase with microscopy as a gold standard, and factors affecting their accuracy were explored using a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results: Overall sensitivity and specificity of RDTs in the longitudinal study (of 23,793 febrile cases; 18,154 with microscopy and RDTs results) were 88.6% and 88.2%, respectively. In the CSS, the sensitivity

was significantly lower (63.4%; chi(2) = 367.7, p < 0.001), while the specificity was significantly higher (94.3%; chi(2) = 143.1, p < 0.001) when compared to the longitudinal study. As determinants of sensitivity of RDTs in both BMS-754807 studies, parasite density of < 200 asexual parasites/mu l was significantly associated with high risk of false negative RDTs (OR >= 16.60, p < 0.001), while the risk of false negative test was significantly lower among cases with fever (axillary

temperature >= 37.5 degrees C) (OR <= 0.63, p <= 0.027). The risk of false positive RDT (as a determinant of specificity) was significantly higher in cases with fever compared to afebrile cases (OR >= 2.40, p < 0.001). Using RDTs reduced anti-malarials dispensing from 98.9% to 32.1% in cases aged >= 5 years.

Conclusion: Although RDTs had low sensitivity and specificity, which varied widely depending on fever and parasite density, using RDTs reduced over-treatment with anti-malarials significantly. Thus, with declining malaria prevalence, RDTs will potentially identify majority of febrile cases with parasites and lead to improved management of malaria and non-malaria fevers.”
“The enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) is rate-limiting for metabolism of cholesterol; it plays an important role in endogenous cholesterol biosynthesis. We used DNA sequencing technology and created restriction site PCR-RFLP to detect HMGCR SNPs in an F-2 resource population of Gushi chicken and Anka broilers.

The structure of the ThFe11C2 compound has three inequivalent iron sites with different local

environment. A strongly enhanced magnetic moment is observed on certain Fe positions, coexisting with much lower magnetic moments on other iron positions of the lattice. Band structure calculations indeed show that the Fe magnetic moments depend strongly on the local environment. The average Fe magnetic moment obtained from these calculations is in good agreement with the experimental average Fe moment obtained from magnetization measurements. The orbital contribution to the magnetic moment is found to be especially large on https://www.selleckchem.com/products/ABT-888.html the Fe 4b position. Comparing calculated hyperfine fields with experimental results, it is found that the calculated and experimental hyperfine fields are correlated. However, similarly to the results reported before for elemental Fe, the magnitude of all calculated Fe selleck compound hyperfine fields is about 25% smaller. The agreement with the Mossbauer measurements is improved by scaling the core polarization contribution and by estimating the orbital valence d-electrons contribution to the magnetic hyperfine fields using the local spin density approximation+dynamical mean field theory calculated

orbital moments. VC 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3567923]“
“A graft copolymer was synthesized by graft copolymerization of starch with styrene (St) and butyl acrylate (BA), using ferrous sulfate-hydrogen peroxide redox initiation system. The starch was pregelled in the presence of acrylonitrile (AN) in aqueous alkali at high temperature before graft polymerization. Major factors affecting the polymerization reaction were investigated. It was found that a graft copolymer with higher percentage conversion (PC), graft efficiency (GE) and

graft percentage (GP) was obtained by controlling the initiator concentration, concentration, and ratio of monomers and polymerization temperature. The optimum conditions were as follows: H(2)O(2) concentration, 12%; monomer concentration, 120%; St/BA ratio, 1 : 1; polymerization temperature, 65 degrees C. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and NMR analyses were used to gain information IPI-549 concentration on the structure of the products. It was demonstrated that St, BA, and AN had been successfully grafted onto starch and -CN had been saponified into -CONH(2) and -COO(-) to a certain degree when pregelling. Scanning electron microscope micrographs showed the coarse structure and broad network. The graft polymerization took place on the surface of starch granule and led to amorphization of the starch structure. Graft polymer had better thermal stability and was endowed with pseudo-plasticity. It was observed that the starch graft copolymer offers good properties such as water resistance as surface-sizing agent. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Total fatty acid content was greatest (P < 0.001) for CONC and least (P < 0.001) for PA. Supplementation of grazing cattle increased (P < 0.001) total fatty acid content compared with PA, but concentrations were less (P < 0.001) than for CONC. Myristic and palmitic acid contents were greater ( P < 0.001) for CONC than for PO and PC, which were greater (P < 0.001) than for PA. HKI-272 Stearic acid content was greater (P < 0.01) for PO than for CONC,

PC, and PA. Finishing on CONC increased (P < 0.001) total MUFA content by 68% compared with PA. Corn grain supplementation increased (P < 0.001) MUFA content compared with PA; in contrast, MUFA content did not differ (P > 0.05) between PO and PA. Corn oil supplementation increased (P < 0.001) trans-11 vaccenic acid content in subcutaneous fat by 1.2-, 1.7- and 5.6-fold relative to PA, PC, and CONC, respectively. Concentrations of the cis-9, trans-11 CLA isomer were 54, 58, and 208% greater (P < 0.01) for PO than for PA, PC, and CONC, respectively. CB-839 Proteases inhibitor Corn grain supplementation to grazing steers did not alter (P > 0.05) the cis-9, trans-11 CLA isomer compared

with PA. Oil supplementation increased (P < 0.001) linoleic acid (C18:2) content by 56, 98 and 262% compared with CONC, PC, and PA, respectively. Relative mRNA expression of SCD was upregulated (P < 0.001) by 46-, 18- and 7-fold, respectively, for CONC, PC, and PO compared with PA. Relative FASN mRNA expression was also upregulated (P = 0.004) by 9- and 5-fold, respectively, for CONC and PC compared with PA. Grain feeding, either on CONC or supplemented on pasture, upregulated FASN and SCD mRNA to increase MUFA and

de VX-689 price novo fatty acids in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Upregulation of SCD with grain feeding and reduced tissue CLA concentrations suggest that the decreased CLA concentrations were the result of limited substrate (trans-11 vaccenic acid) availability.”
“The surface modification of sulfur-prevulcanized natural rubber (SPNR) sheets by the polyethyleneimine-functionalized-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA/PEI) nanoparticles was successfully performed via a simple dipping method. The percentage of surface coverage (Cs) of the nanoparticles on SPNR sheets was found to be affected by a variation of nanoparticle latex concentrations and immersion times. The adsorption isotherm of PMMA/PEI nanoparticles on SPNR sheets was analyzed and found to fit well to the Freundlich model. After coating, it can be observed that the presence of PMMA/PEI nanoparticles on SPNR surface had no effects over the SPNR mechanical properties e.g., tensile strength, elongation at break, and hardness. On the other hand, the coated SPNR sheets showed a reduction of surface friction coefficients and interfacial adhesion up to 45 and 59%, respectively.

46% referral rate of hyperbilirubinemi babies was much lower. The combined DPOAE/AABR screening technique revealed a referral rate of 5.03%, a false-positive rate of 2% and a false-negative rate of 0.06%. The false-positive rate was well below the suggested 3% of the American Academy of Pediatric. Comparisons of the referral rate, false-positive rate and false-negative rate of two hearing screening protocols (DPOAE alone and combined DPOAE/AABR) revealed significant differences (t-test, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.01). 91 infants (3.03% of the NICU babies) who failed the combined DPOAE/AABR

screening were confirmed on hearing impairment. Of 22 babies who passed DPOAE screening but failed the AABR screening had a severe to profound hearing loss based on classic ABR. These patients BMS-754807 mouse (24% of the NICU babies with hearing losses) with hyperbilirubinemia and asphyxia problems

at newborn stage were diagnosed as auditory neuropathy based on evaluations of DPOAE screening passed, abnormal ABR and absent middle-ear muscle reflexes (MMR).

Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the use of a combination of DPOAE and AABR testing ensures high sensitivity and acceptable specificity, and predict the AN profile in Quisinostat price NICU babies. Our efforts identified 22 NICU babies with auditory neuropathy who hopefully will benefit from early remediation of their hearing deficit. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Ionic liquids (us) are regarded as non-molecular solvents, as they are composed entirely of cations and anions. ILs possess several excellent unique properties (e.g., low volatility, high thermal stability,

specific electrochemical characteristics, easy design, tunable viscosity, and miscibility with water or organic solvents). These properties make ILs attractive candidates for various analytical applications, the number of publications on which has increased exponentially in the past decade.

This article presents an overview of representative applications of ILs in advances in analytical chemistry that benefited from the unique properties of ILs, including the development Tipifarnib manufacturer achieved by using ILs as extraction solvents, dissolution solvents and separation media. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“The aim of the study was to find the safe zone of posterior semicircular canal resection that can avoid structure damage in suboccipital retrosigmoid sinus approach for acoustic neuroma. One hundred twenty subjects (72 male and 48 female subjects) were involved in this study anonymously. Five parameters are measured in computed tomography: L-1 is the line that goes through the common bony crus and parallel to the plane that contains posterior semicircular canal at axial plane. L-2 is the middle sagittal line at axial plane. A is the point of posterior wall of the internal auditory canal at the level of the common bony crus. B is the intersection point of L-1 and posterior wall of auditory canal.

In the case of 4-bromobenzyl bromide a formation was found of a side bisbenzylation product, 1,3-bis(4-bromophenyl)-2,2-bis(methoxy-NNO-azoxy)propane.”
“Objectives: Lingual thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC) are rare and liable to be missed in a cursory clinical examination. This study aimed to report the details of lingual TGDC from the authors’ series and

review existing literature on the entity.

Methods: A 12 year retrospective survey of all cases of thyroglossal duct selleck chemicals anomalies managed at a tertiary teaching hospital was conducted to identify those with lingual TGDC. Their clinical presentation, investigations, diagnosis and management were analysed. Case series from anecdotal published English literature were critically reviewed with particular regard to diagnosis and management.

Results: Of 78 cases of thyroglossal duct anomalies, 3 were lingual TGDC. All were females. One neonate presented with feeding difficulty and was clinically misdiagnosed as a ranula.

The two older children presented with a cyst at the foramen caecum. The varied imaging and diagnostic dilemma are presented. The older children PR-171 clinical trial had cysts abutting the hyoid and were managed with transoral excision and a Sistrunk procedure; the neonate was managed with transoral excision only. This report also reviews the YM155 price sparse literature and discusses specific issues in their treatment. The differential diagnoses encompass a wide array of developmental and neoplastic entities. Specific anatomic imaging with USG/CT/MRI and functional evaluation with radionuclide thyroid scan are essential investigative modalities. Besides a classical Sistrunk procedure and simple transoral excision, newer less invasive treatment options including marsupialisation and alcohol ablation have

been reported.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the diagnosis and management of lingual TGDC needs to be individualised depending on their presentation and anatomic location. The Sistrunk’s procedure is ideal for those in close proximity to the hyoid; however complete cyst excision would suffice in the rest. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“In reactions of bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-endo-2-ylmethylamine with 2-[(2-allylphenoxy)methyl]oxirane alongside the product of amine monoalkylation a compound was obtained and isolated by chromatography on silica gel resulting from the reaction of the monoalkylated substance with the initial epoxide. The structure of new aminoalcohols and the regiochemistry of the oxirane opening were examined using IR, 1H NMR, and mass spectra. The features of the reaction mechanism were considered applying quantum-chemical calculations in the level of theory PCM/B3LYP/6-3aG(d).

Recent studies from retrospective or postmarketing surveillance studies have suggested that patients who receive GH therapy may not have increased mortality. Recent studies regarding mortality in paediatric patients treated with GH are conflicting and this area needs further study.SummaryThere are several important limitations of available data regarding mortality in hypopituitarism and even more so in the impact of GH therapy, which need to be taken into account when interpreting the available data. The data regarding mortality

in patients treated with GH as children is an area of much debate and will need further studies to clarify, given the conflicting reports in recent studies.”
“Objective: Oxidative stress (OS) plays a key role in perinatal brain damage. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of melatonin

as a neuroprotective click here drug by investigating the influence of melatonin on OS and inflammation biomarkers in an animal model of cerebral ABT-263 supplier hypoxia-ischemia. Methods: Five minutes after hypoxic-ischemic (HI) injury melatonin was administered to 28 rats (HI-Mel group). At the same time, 28 hypoxic-ischemic rats were vehicle-treated (V-HI group). Five rats were used as sham operated controls (CTL). OS biomarkers: isoprostanes (IsoPs), neuroprostanes (NPs) and neurofurans (NFs), and microglial activation markers (glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP] and monoclonal antirat CD68 [ED1]) were measured in the cerebral cortex of the two lobes. Results: A significant increase of IsoPs on the left

see more lobe was observed in V-HI after 1 hour (h) from HI injury (p < 0.001); a significant increase of NPs on both side (p < 0.05) and a significant increase of NFs on the left (p < 0.05) were also observed in V-HI after 24 h. A significant increase of IsoPs on the left (p < 0.05) and of NPs on both lobes (p < 0.05) were observed in HI-Mel after 48 h. The ED1 and GFAP expression was lower in the HI-Mel brain tissue. Conclusions: Melatonin reduces OS and inflammatory cells recruitment and glial cells activation in cerebral cortex after neonatal HI damage. These results lay the groundwork for future clinical studies in infants.”
“This study evaluates the clinical significance of re-elevation of T-wave in patients with ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Resolution of ST elevation within 24 h after reperfusion is associated with better outcome. However, little is known about the serial electrocardiography (ECG) changes and their significance. Seventy-five patients (52 men; 66 +/- 1 years) with the first anterior STEMI in whom 12-lead ECG was recorded every day from day 0 to day 8 after PCI were studied. JT interval was quartered (points 1-5), and the deviations from isoelectric line at each point were analyzed in leads V2, V3, and V4.

A 25-mu L aliquot of each suspension was deposited

in the center of wounds created on the Graftskin. Sections were incubated at various time points, and a biopsy was then taken from the wounded and inoculated area. Sections were visualized with light (hematoxylin and eosin) and epifluorescent microscopy (calcofluor white and ethidium bromide).

RESULTS

Biofilm Elafibranor supplier was observed on the wound model. Biofilm formation was dependent on time of Graftskin exposure to the bacteria. Biofilm was visualized in the S. aureus group at an earlier time point than in the P. aeruginosa group.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated biofilm formation in vitro using a wound model. This model may provide a basis on which future

studies may explore therapeutic modalities to prevent MAPK inhibitor and eradicate pathogenic bacterial biofilm.

The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.”
“This study investigated the expression pattern of galectin-3 (Gal-3) in mouse endometrium during early pregnancy and its function during embryo implantation. The expression of Gal-3 was measured at the mRNA level using real-time PCR and at the protein level using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The expression of Gal-3 mRNA and protein in the pregnant group was higher than in the non-pregnant group, and mRNA and protein expression reached their maximum levels on days 4 and 2, respectively. Immunohistochemistry results showed that Gal-3 protein presented in luminal epithelium and glandular Nutlin-3 chemical structure epithelium and reached its maximum on days 6-8 and days 2-4 after pregnancy, respectively. The number of embryos implanted decreased substantially when Gal-3 was knocked down in mouse endometrium. In conclusion, increased Gal-3 expression after pregnancy is required for embryo implantation. (C) 2011, Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“BACKGROUND

AND OBJECTIVE

Various types of allogenic skin substitutes composed of cryopreserved keratinocytes, fibroblasts, or both have been used for treatments of diabetic foot ulcers, but the effects have generally not been dramatic because cryopreservation impairs cell activities. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the use of non-cryopreserved fresh human fibroblast allografts in treating diabetic foot ulcers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human dermal fibroblasts from healthy teenagers were cultured and applied over the foot ulcers of 37 patients with diabetes. Control treatment was performed in 18 patients. Eight weeks after treatment, the percentages of complete healing, mean healing times, and patient satisfaction were compared, with follow-up ranging from 6 to 40 months.

RESULTS

Our study showed that 83.8% of the treated group and 50.0% of the control group experienced complete healing. The times required for complete healing were 30.9 +/- 10.

The level of significance

was alpha = 0.01 (after Bonferroni correction for 5 comparisons).

Results. All 3 stabilization techniques significantly decreased range of motion across C0-C2 compared to the intact spine (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference among the 3 stabilization methods in flexion/extension and axial rotation. In lateral bending, the technique using C2 crossing laminar screws demonstrated a trend toward increased range of motion compared to the other 2 techniques. CT scans in both axial and sagittal views demonstrated greater proximity to the vertebral artery in the pedicle and transarticular screw techniques compared to the crossing laminar screw technique.

Conclusion. Occipitoatlantoaxial stabilization

techniques using C2 crossing laminar screws, C2 pedicles screws, and C1-C2 transarticular DZNeP cell line screws offer similar bio-mechanical stability. Using the C2 crossing find more laminar screw technique may offer an advantage over the other techniques due to the reduction of the risk to the vertebral artery during C2 screw placement.”
“Pasteurella multocida serotype A:3 is a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen, one of the causative agents of shipping fever of cattle. In this study, outer membrane protein H (ompH) and Pasteurella lipoprotein E (plpE) genes were cloned and plpEC-ompH fusion was constructed and expressed in Escherichia coil. Recombinant PlpE, OmpH and PlpEC-OmpH fusion proteins were purified and formulated with oil-based and oil-based CpG ODN adjuvants. Antibody responses in mice vaccinated with recombinant PlpE and PlpEC-OmpH proteins formulated with both adjuvants were significantly (p < 0.05) increased. However, a significant (p < 0.05) increment in serum IFN-gamma level was only observed upon immunization with oil-based CpG formulations. Protectivity of the vaccines were evaluated via intraperitoneal challenge

of mice with 10 LD50 of P. multocida A:3. The recombinant proteins PlpE and PlpEC-OmpH fusion conferred 100% protection when formulated with TPCA-1 ic50 oil-based CpG ODN while the protectivity was found to be 80% and 60%, respectively when only oil-based adjuvant was used in respective formulations. These findings indicated that the recombinant PIPE or PlpEC-OmpH fusion proteins formulated with oil-based CpG ODN adjuvant are possible acellular vaccine candidates against shipping fever. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death in the developed world and associated with a high individual and socioeconomic burden. Despite emerging preventive efforts and ongoing clinical trials, the frequency and mortality of COPD are expected to continue to rise over the next decades.