Changes in the behavior of sputum viscoelasticity due to differences in macroscopic appearance of sputum brought about by stirring and those due to the addition of an expectorant to purulent sputum in vitro, were studied in a coaxial cylinder rheometer. First, initial results from stirring the sputum indicated the following: Samples of untreated sputum showed no obvious differences among the th...

The hyaluronidase inhibiting property of blood serum has been found to be increased in such diverse clinical states as infectious diseases of bacterial and viral origin (1-4), neoplastic disease (5, 6), and the postpartum state in women (7) as well as in several of the so-called "collagen diseases" of unknown etiology, notably rheumatic fever (8, 9), disseminated lupus erythematosis (2) and der...

BACKGROUND Cysteamine has recently been shown to have in vitro properties potentially therapeutically beneficial in cystic fibrosis (CF). In this study we investigated the antimicrobial and mucolytic activity of cysteamine against the complex biologic matrix of CF sputum. METHODS Sputum samples were obtained from 23 CF adults. Sputum polymicrobial content after in vitro exposure to cysteamine...

Trastuzumab remains an important drug in the management of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpressing breast cancer (BC). Several studies reported resistance mechanisms to trastuzumab, including impaired HER2-accessibility caused by mucin 4 (MUC4). Previously, we demonstrated an increase of Zirconium-89-radiolabeled-trastuzumab (89Zr-Trastuzumab) accumulation when MUC4-overe...

Identifying patients at risk of exacerbations and managing them appropriately to reduce this risk represents an important clinical challenge. Numerous treatments have been assessed for the prevention of exacerbations and their efficacy may differ by patient phenotype. Given their centrality in the treatment of COPD, there is strong rationale for maximizing bronchodilation as an initial strategy...

CONTINUOUS E F F I C I E N T TRACHEOBRONchid toilet after thoracotomy is universally recognized as an important feature of patient care to promote rapid mcovery of respiratory stability and prevent complication. This is accomplished by unhesitating application of vigorous methods to stimulate f q u c n t cough and deep breathing. The contrast between the aggmsive attitude toward respiratory eco...