Traction Bronchiectasis/Bronchiolectasis is Associated with Interstitial Lung Abnormality Mortality

PURPOSE

To investigate if the presence and severity of traction bronchiectasis/bronchiolectasis are associated with poorer survival in subjects with ILA.

METHOD

The study included 3,594 subjects (378 subjects with ILA and 3,216 subjects without ILA) in AGES-Reykjavik Study. Chest CT scans of 378 subjects with ILA were evaluated for traction bronchiectasis/bronchiolectasis, defined as dilatation of bronchi/bronchioles within areas demonstrating ILA. Traction bronchiectasis/bronchiolectasis Index (TBI) was assigned as: TBI = 0, ILA without traction bronchiectasis/bronchiolectasis: TBI = 1, ILA with bronchiolectasis but without bronchiectasis or architectural distortion: TBI = 2, ILA with mild to moderate traction bronchiectasis: TBI = 3, ILA and severe traction bronchiectasis and/or honeycombing. Overall survival (OS) was compared among the subjects in different TBI groups and those without ILA.

RESULTS

The median OS was 12.93 years (95%CI; 12.67 - 13.43) in the subjects without ILA; 11.95 years (10.03 - not reached) in TBI-0 group; 8.52 years (7.57 - 9.30) in TBI-1 group; 7.63 years (6.09 - 9.10) in TBI-2 group; 5.40 years (1.85 - 5.98) in TBI-3 group. The multivariable Cox models demonstrated significantly shorter OS of TBI-1, TBI-2, and TBI-3 groups compared to subjects without ILA (P < 0.0001), whereas TBI-0 group had no significant OS difference compared to subjects without ILA, after adjusting for age, sex, and smoking status.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence and severity of traction bronchiectasis/bronchiolectasis are associated with shorter survival. The traction bronchiectasis/bronchiolectasis is an important contributor to increased mortality among subjects with ILA.

Overlap of Genetic Risk between Interstitial Lung Abnormalities and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Rationale: Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) are associated with the highest genetic risk locus for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF); however, the extent to which there are unique associations among individuals with ILAs or additional overlap with IPF is not known.Objectives: To perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of ILAs.Methods: ILAs and a subpleural-predominant subtype were assessed on chest computed tomography (CT) scans in the AGES (Age Gene/Environment Susceptibility), COPDGene (Genetic Epidemiology of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD]), Framingham Heart, ECLIPSE (Evaluation of COPD Longitudinally to Identify Predictive Surrogate End-points), MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), and SPIROMICS (Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study) studies. We performed a GWAS of ILAs in each cohort and combined the results using a meta-analysis. We assessed for overlapping associations in independent GWASs of IPF.Measurements and Main Results: Genome-wide genotyping data were available for 1,699 individuals with ILAs and 10,274 control subjects. The MUC5B (mucin 5B) promoter variant rs35705950 was significantly associated with both ILAs (P = 2.6 × 10^-27) and subpleural ILAs (P = 1.6 × 10^-29). We discovered novel genome-wide associations near IPO11 (rs6886640, P = 3.8 × 10^-8) and FCF1P3 (rs73199442, P = 4.8 × 10^-8) with ILAs, and near HTRE1 (rs7744971, P = 4.2 × 10^-8) with subpleural-predominant ILAs. These novel associations were not associated with IPF. Among 12 previously reported IPF GWAS loci, five (DPP9, DSP, FAM13A, IVD, and MUC5B) were significantly associated (P < 0.05/12) with ILAs.Conclusions: In a GWAS of ILAs in six studies, we confirmed the association with a MUC5B promoter variant and found strong evidence for an effect of previously described IPF loci; however, novel ILA associations were not associated with IPF. These findings highlight common genetically driven biologic pathways between ILAs and IPF, and also suggest distinct ones.

Imperceptible magnetic sensor matrix system integrated with organic driver and amplifier circuits

Artificial electronic skins (e-skins) comprise an integrated matrix of flexible devices arranged on a soft, reconfigurable surface. These sensors must perceive physical interaction spaces between external objects and robots or humans. Among various types of sensors, flexible magnetic sensors and the matrix configuration are preferable for such position sensing. However, sensor matrices must efficiently map the magnetic field with real-time encoding of the positions and motions of magnetic objects. This paper reports an ultrathin magnetic sensor matrix system comprising a 2 × 4 array of magnetoresistance sensors, a bootstrap organic shift register driving the sensor matrix, and organic signal amplifiers integrated within a single imperceptible platform. The system demonstrates high magnetic sensitivity owing to the use of organic amplifiers. Moreover, the shift register enabled real-time mapping of 2D magnetic field distribution.

Molecular identification of fungi microfossils in a Neoproterozoic shale rock

Precambrian fossils of fungi are sparse, and the knowledge of their early evolution and the role they played in the colonization of land surface are limited. Here, we report the discovery of fungi fossils in a 810 to 715 million year old dolomitic shale from the Mbuji-Mayi Supergroup, Democratic Republic of Congo. Syngenetically preserved in a transitional, subaerially exposed paleoenvironment, these carbonaceous filaments of ~5 μm in width exhibit low-frequency septation (pseudosepta) and high-angle branching that can form dense interconnected mycelium-like structures. Using an array of microscopic (SEM, TEM, and confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy) and spectroscopic techniques (Raman, FTIR, and XANES), we demonstrated the presence of vestigial chitin in these fossil filaments and document the eukaryotic nature of their precursor. Based on those combined evidences, these fossil filaments and mycelium-like structures are identified as remnants of fungal networks and represent the oldest, molecularly identified remains of Fungi.

Radiographic pulmonary vessel volume, lung function and airways disease in the Framingham Heart Study

Radiographic abnormalities of the pulmonary vessels, such as vascular pruning, are common in advanced airways disease, but it is unknown if pulmonary vascular volumes are related to measures of lung health and airways disease in healthier populations.In 2388 participants of the Framingham Heart Study computed tomography (CT) sub-study, we calculated total vessel volumes and the small vessel fraction using automated CT image analysis. We evaluated associations with measures of lung function, airflow obstruction on spirometry and emphysema on CT. We further tested if associations of vascular volumes with lung function were present among those with normal forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity.In fully adjusted linear and logistic models, we found that lower total and small vessel volumes were consistently associated with worse measures of lung health, including lower spirometric volumes, lower diffusing capacity and/or higher odds of airflow obstruction. For example, each standard deviation lower small vessel fraction (indicating more severe pruning) was associated with a 37% greater odds of obstruction (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.11-1.71, p=0.004). A similar pattern was observed in the subset of participants with normal spirometry.Lower total and small vessel pulmonary vascular volumes were associated with poorer measures of lung health and/or greater odds of airflow obstruction in this cohort of generally healthy adults without high burdens of smoking or airways disease. Our findings suggest that quantitative CT assessment may detect subtle pulmonary vasculopathy that occurs in the setting of subclinical and early pulmonary and airways pathology.

Imaging Patterns Are Associated with Interstitial Lung Abnormality Progression and Mortality

Rationale: Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) are radiologic abnormalities on chest computed tomography scans that have been associated with an early or mild form of pulmonary fibrosis. Although ILA have been associated with radiologic progression, it is not known if specific imaging patterns are associated with progression or risk of mortality. Objectives: To determine the role of imaging patterns on the risk of death and ILA progression. Methods: ILA (and imaging pattern) were assessed in 5,320 participants from the AGES-Reykjavik Study, and ILA progression was assessed in 3,167 participants. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with ILA progression, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess time to mortality. Measurements and Main Results: Over 5 years, 327 (10%) had ILA on at least one computed tomography, and 1,435 (45%) did not have ILA on either computed tomography. Of those with ILA, 238 (73%) had imaging progression, whereas 89 (27%) had stable to improved imaging; increasing age and copies of MUC5B genotype were associated with imaging progression. The definite fibrosis pattern was associated with the highest risk of progression (odds ratio, 8.4; 95% confidence interval, 2.7-25; P = 0.0003). Specific imaging patterns were also associated with an increased risk of death. After adjustment, both a probable usual interstitial pneumonia and usual interstitial pneumonia pattern were associated with an increased risk of death when compared with those indeterminate for usual interstitial pneumonia (hazard ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.4; P = 0.001; hazard ratio, 3.9; 95% confidence interval, 2.3-6.8;P < 0.0001), respectively. Conclusions: In those with ILA, imaging patterns can be used to help predict who is at the greatest risk of progression and early death.

Interstitial lung abnormality in stage IV non-small cell lung cancer: A validation study for the association with poor clinical outcome

Purpose

The presence of interstitial lung abnormality (ILA) at diagnosis of stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients has previously shown to be associated with shorter overall survival (OS). The present study aimed to validate the association between ILA and shorter OS in a larger cohort of treatment-naïve stage IV NSCLC patients.

Materials and methods

This study includes 484 patients (205 men and 279 women) with a pathological diagnosis of stage IV NSCLC with pretreatment baseline CT available for review. ILA was visually scored on the baseline chest CT with a 3-point scale (0=no ILA, 1=indeterminate for ILA, 2 = ILA) as published previously. Clinical characteristics and overall survival (OS) were compared in patients with ILA score 2 vs. those with ILA score 0 or 1.

Results

ILA was present (score 2) on baseline CT in 19 of 484 patients (3.9%, 95%CI2.4-6.1%). Patients with ILA were significantly older (p = 0.0008) and more commonly male (p = 0.03) compared to those with ILA score 0 or 1. Patients with ILA score 2 showed significantly shorter OS compared to those with ILA score 0 or 1 (median OS 9.95 months vs. 16.95 months; p = 0.0002). In multivariate analyses, baseline ILA score 2 remained significant as a marker for shorter OS (HR = 2.09, p = 0.004) after adjustments for age (HR = 1.48; p = 0.001), gender (HR = 1.22, p = 0.06), and smoking (HR = 0.79; p = 0.051).

Conclusions

ILA on baseline CT at diagnosis of stage IV NSCLC patients was associated with shorter OS (HR = 2.09, p = 0.004), validating ILA as an independent marker for poor clinical outcome.

M1b Disease in the 8th Edition of TNM Staging of Lung Cancer: Pattern of Single Extrathoracic Metastasis and Clinical Outcome

The 8th edition of TNM staging of lung cancer revised M staging and defined M1b disease with single extrathoracic metastasis, to be distinguished from M1c with multiple extrathoracic metastases in one or more organs. This new distinct category of M1b disease consists of patients with a single extrathoracic metastasis, thus consisting of a strictly defined oligometastatic disease. This article reports the prevalence of M1b disease among patients with stage IV non‐small cell lung cancer, focusing on the clinical characteristics and patterns of single extrathoracic metastasis and relationships with overall survival.

Background.

The 8th edition of TNM staging of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has revised M classification and defined M1b disease with single extrathoracic metastasis, which is distinguished from M1c with multiple extrathoracic metastases. We investigated the prevalence, characteristics, and overall survival (OS) of M1b disease in patients with stage IV NSCLC.

Methods.

The study reviewed the medical records and imaging studies of 567 patients with stage IV NSCLC to determine M stage using the 8th edition of TNM staging. Clinical characteristics and OS were compared according to M stages.

Results.

Among 567 patients, 57 patients (10%) had M1b disease, whereas 119 patients (21%) had M1a disease and 391 patients (69%) had M1c disease. Squamous histology was more common in M1b (16%) than in M1a (6%) and M1c (6%; p = .03). The median OS of patients with M1b disease was 14.8 months, compared with 22.6 months for patients with M1a and 13.4 months for those with M1c disease (p < .0001). Significant OS differences of M1b compared with single‐organ M1c and multiorgan M1c groups were noted (single‐organ M1c vs. M1b: hazard ratio [HR], 1.49; p = .02; multiorgan M1c vs. M1b: HR, 1.57; p = .01) in multivariable analyses adjusting for smoking and systemic therapy types. Among patients with M1b disease, the brain was the most common site of single metastasis (28/57; 49%), followed by bone (16/57; 28%). Single brain metastasis was more frequently treated with local treatment (p < .0001).

Conclusion.

M1b disease was noted in 10% of patients with stage IV NSCLC. Squamous histology was more common in M1b group than others. The brain was the most common site of single metastasis and was often treated locally.

Implications for Practice.

The newly defined group of M stage consists of a unique subset among patients with stage IV non‐small cell lung cancer that can be studied further to optimize treatment approaches.

Incidental nonneoplastic parenchymal findings in patients undergoing lung resection for mass lesions

The prevalence of incidental nonneoplastic lung disease in patients undergoing resection for mass lesions is unknown. We determined the prevalence and characteristics of parenchymal findings in patients with lung nodules, aiming to increase awareness of findings that could potentially impact patient management. A total of 397 patients with benign or malignant mass lesions with available presurgical chest computed tomography scans resected between January 2001 and July 2015 were included. Retrospective histologic assessment of parenchymal abnormalities in at least 1 section of grossly normal lung was performed for each case by 2 pulmonary pathologists and correlated with original pathology reports, clinical history, and radiologic findings. A total of 233 women and 164 men underwent resections for carcinomas (78%) or benign nodules (22%). One hundred one (25%) patients showed parenchymal abnormalities, including 14 patients with multiple findings. The most common abnormal findings were fibrotic interstitial changes (10%), including usual interstitial pneumonia (1%), followed by granulomatous processes (8%). Other findings included aspiration (4%), intravascular thrombi (2%), Langerhans cell histiocytosis (1.5%), constrictive bronchiolitis (1%), atypical lymphoid infiltrates (1%), and amyloidosis (0.5%). Abnormalities were more likely to have been documented in the original pathology report by pulmonary pathologists (68%) than by general pathologists (15%) (P < .0001). Cases with histologic parenchymal abnormalities were more likely to show radiologic interstitial lung abnormalities than those without (16% versus 5%; P = .001). Evaluation of background lung parenchyma may yield valuable and unanticipated information in patients undergoing surgical resections for lung masses that may correlate with radiographic interstitial lung abnormalities and influence clinical management.

Decreased and slower diaphragmatic motion during forced breathing in severe COPD patients: Time-resolved quantitative analysis using dynamic chest radiography with a flat panel detector system

OBJECTIVE

To assess the diaphragmatic motion in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients during forced breathing by time-resolved quantitative analysis using dynamic chest radiography and to demonstrate the characteristics and the difference from that in normal subjects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-one COPD patients and a matched control of 31 normal subjects on age, sex, height, and weight, who underwent chest radiographs during forced breathing using dynamic chest radiography, were included in this study. COPD patients were classified based on the criteria of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) (GOLD 1, n = 3; GOLD 2, n = 12; GOLD 3, n = 13; GOLD 4, n = 3). We measured excursions and peak motion speeds of the diaphragms for each participant. We compared the results among GOLD 1/2, GOLD 3/4 groups and normal subjects and investigated associations between the data, and participants' demographics, or pulmonary function.

RESULTS

The excursions of bilateral diaphragms were significantly decreased in the GOLD 3/4 group relative to normal subjects (right, 39.8 ± 15.3 mm vs. 52.7 ± 15.1 mm, P = 0.030; left, 43.7 ± 14.0 mm vs. 56.9 ± 15.5 mm, P = 0.017; mean ± standard deviation) and the GOLD 1/2 group (right, 39.8 ± 15.3 mm vs. 54.4 ± 16.7 mm, P = 0.036; left, 43.7 ± 14.0 mm vs. 60.5 ± 13.9 mm, P = 0.008). The peak motion speeds of the left diaphragm in the inspiratory phase were slower in the GOLD 1/2 group than in normal subjects (24.5 ± 8.0 mm/s vs. 33.6 ± 14.0 mm/s, P =  0.038), and in the GOLD 3/4 group than in normal subjects (25.6 ± 6.8 mm/s vs. 33.6 ± 14.0 mm/s, P =  0.067). The excursions of the diaphragms showed correlation with VC, %VC, and FEV₁, while the peak motion speeds showed no significant correlation with pulmonary function tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Time-resolved quantitative analysis of diaphragms with dynamic chest radiography indicated differences in diaphragmatic motion between COPD groups and normal subjects during forced breathing. The excursions of the diaphragms during forced breathing were significantly lower in the GOLD 3/4 group than those in the GOLD 1/2 group and normal subjects.

Interstitial lung abnormalities and physical function

The term interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) was coined to define a precursory stage of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and encompasses a set of radiological changes seen in interstitial lung diseases (ILD) but are often of lesser magnitude [1]. ILA have been associated with age, many environmental and genetic risk factors and pulmonary symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis [1, 2]. ILA have also been associated with reduced exercise capacity and self-reported health and function [3–5].

Reductions in objectively measured physical function are associated with interstitial lung abnormalitieshttp://ow.ly/azAW30kMhqv

Exposure to Traffic Emissions and Fine Particulate Matter and Computed Tomography Measures of the Lung and Airways

BACKGROUND

Exposure to ambient air pollution has been associated with lower lung function in adults, but few studies have investigated associations with radiographic lung and airway measures.

METHODS

We ascertained lung volume, mass, density, visual emphysema, airway size, and airway wall area by computed tomography (CT) among 2,545 nonsmoking Framingham CT substudy participants. We examined associations of home distance to major road and PM2.5 (2008 average from a spatiotemporal model using satellite data) with these outcomes using linear and logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, height, weight, census tract median household value and population density, education, pack-years of smoking, household tobacco exposure, cohort, and date. We tested for differential susceptibility by sex, smoking status (former vs. never), and cohort.

RESULTS

The mean participant age was 60.1 years (standard deviation 11.9 years). Median PM2.5 level was 9.7 µg/m (interquartile range, 1.6). Living <100 m from a major road was associated with a 108 ml (95% CI = 8, 207) higher lung volume compared with ≥400 m away. There was also a log-linear association between proximity to road and higher lung volume. There were no convincing associations of proximity to major road or PM2.5 with the other pulmonary CT measures. In subgroup analyses, road proximity was associated with lower lung density among men and higher odds of emphysema among former smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

Living near a major road was associated with higher average lung volume, but otherwise, we found no association between ambient pollution and radiographic measures of emphysema or airway disease.

Robust water desalination membranes against degradation using high loads of carbon nanotubes

Chlorine resistant reverse osmosis (RO) membranes were fabricated using a multi-walled carbon nanotube-polyamide (MWCNT-PA) nanocomposite. The separation performance of these membranes after chlorine exposure (4800 ppm·h) remained unchanged (99.9%) but was drastically reduced to 82% in the absence of MWCNT. It was observed that the surface roughness of the membranes changed significantly by adding MWCNT. Moreover, membranes containing MWCNT fractions above 12.5 wt.% clearly improved degradation resistance against chlorine exposure, with an increase in water flux while maintaining salt rejection performance. Molecular dynamics and quantum chemical calculations were performed in order to understand the high chemical stability of the MWCNT-PA nanocomposite membranes, and revealed that high activation energies are required for the chlorination of PA. The results presented here confirm the unique potential of carbon nanomaterials embedded in polymeric composite membranes for efficient RO water desalination technologies.

Interstitial lung abnormalities and self-reported health and functional status

We investigated the association between interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) and self-reported measures of health and functional status in 5764 participants from the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik study. The associations of ILA to activities of daily living (ADLs), general health status and physical activity were explored using logistic regression models. Participants with ILA were less likely to be independent in ADLs (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.55 to 0.90) to have good or better self-reported health (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.52 to 0.82) and to participate in physical activity (OR 0.72; CI 0.56 to 0.91). The results demonstrate ILA's association with worsening self-reported health and functional status.

Electrochemical microdevices for rapid and on-site determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration of antibiotics

A tool for rapid selection of appropriate antibiotics may be useful to maximize the benefits of their effectiveness against severe infectious diseases.

A rapid mitochondrial toxicity assay utilizing rapidly changing cell energy metabolism

Drug-induced liver injury is a major cause of safety-related drug-marketing withdrawals. Several drugs have been reported to disrupt mitochondrial function, resulting in hepatotoxicity. The development of a simple and effective in vitro assay to identify the potential for mitochondrial toxicity is thus desired to minimize the risk of causing hepatotoxicity and subsequent drug withdrawal. An in vitro test method called the "glucose-galactose" assay is often used in drug development but requires prior-culture of cells over several passages for mitochondrial adaptation, thereby restricting use of the assay. Here, we report a rapid version of this method with the same predictability as the original method. We found that replacing the glucose in the medium with galactose resulted in HepG2 cells immediately shifting their energy metabolism from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation due to drastic energy starvation; in addition, the intracellular concentration of ATP was reduced by mitotoxicants when glucose in the medium was replaced with galactose. Using our proposed rapid method, mitochondrial dysfunction in HepG2 cells can be evaluated by drug exposure for one hour without a pre-culture step. This rapid assay for mitochondrial toxicity may be more suitable for high-throughput screening than the original method at an early stage of drug development.

Pleural abnormalities in the Framingham Heart Study: prevalence and CT image features

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of pleural abnormalities in the general population is an epidemiologically important index of asbestos exposure, which has not been investigated since a radiography-based study in 1980.

METHODS

We examined 2633 chest CT scans (mean 59.2 years, 50% female) from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) for the presence and image characteristics of pleural plaques and diffuse pleural thickening. Demographics and pulmonary function were stratified by the presence of pleural abnormalities in association with interstitial lung abnormalities.

RESULTS

Pleural abnormalities were present in 1.5% (95% CI 1.1% to 2.1%). Pleural lesions were most commonly bilateral (90.0%), multiple (77.5%), calcified (97.5%) and commonly involved posterior (lower: 92.5%, middle: 87.5%), anterior (upper: 77.5%, middle: 77.5%) and diaphragmatic areas (72.5%). Participants with pleural abnormalities were significantly older (75.7 years, p <0.0001), male (92.5%, p <0.0001), former or current smokers (80.0%, p <0.001) with higher pack-years (33.3, p <0.0001). No significant reduction was noted in pulmonary function measures (p=0.07-0.94) when adjusted for the associated covariates, likely due to small number of cases with pleural abnormalities. Information about prior history of asbestos exposure and occupation was not available.

CONCLUSIONS

Pleural plaques and diffuse pleural thickening are present on CT in 1.5% of the FHS cohort. The current prevalence of the pleural abnormalities is smaller than that reported in the previous population-based study using chest radiography, likely representing lower asbestos exposure in recent decades. The posterior portion of the pleura is most frequently involved but the anterior portion is also commonly involved.

The MUC5B promoter polymorphism is associated with specific interstitial lung abnormality subtypes

The MUC5B promoter polymorphism (rs35705950) has been associated with interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) in white participants from the general population; whether these findings are replicated and influenced by the ILA subtype is not known. We evaluated the associations between the MUC5B genotype and ILA in cohorts with extensive imaging characterisation.We performed ILA phenotyping and MUC5B promoter genotyping in 5308 and 9292 participants from the AGES-Reykjavik and COPDGene cohorts, respectively.We found that ILA was present in 7% of participants from the AGES-Reykjavik, 8% of non-Hispanic white participants from COPDGene and 7% of African-American participants from COPDGene. Although the MUC5B genotype was strongly associated (after correction for multiple testing) with ILA (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.8-2.4, p=1×10^-26), there was evidence of significant heterogeneity between cohorts (I²=81%). When narrowed to specific radiologic subtypes, (e.g. subpleural ILA), the MUC5B genotype remained strongly associated (OR 2.6, 95% CI 2.2-3.1, p=1×10^-30) with minimal heterogeneity (I²=0%). Although there was no evidence that the MUC5B genotype influenced survival, there was evidence that MUC5B genotype improved risk prediction for possible usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) or a UIP pattern in non-Hispanic white populations.The MUC5B promoter polymorphism is strongly associated with ILA and specific radiologic subtypes of ILA, with varying degrees of heterogeneity in the underlying populations.

Wireless EEG patch sensor on forehead using on-demand stretchable electrode sheet and electrode-tissue impedance scanner

A wireless electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor using a stretchable electrode sheet and electrode-tissue impedance measurement module is presented herein. The sensor can be attached to the forehead using biocompatible gel with the electrode sheet. The sensor is compactly designed for 3 cm × 9 cm × 6 mm with weight of 12 g. Impedance scanning circuit is also proposed to evaluate the skin surface condition before EEG measurements. We developed the impedance scanning board for 3 cm × 5 cm × 3 mm, with weight of 5.6 g. Results show that the proposed system demonstrates a promising performance in diagnosing the Alzheimer's disease using frequency domain analysis.

Development and Progression of Interstitial Lung Abnormalities in the Framingham Heart Study

RATIONALE

The relationship between the development and/or progression of interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) and clinical outcomes has not been previously investigated.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the risk factors for, and the clinical consequences of, having ILA progression in participants from the Framingham Heart Study.

METHODS

ILA were assessed in 1,867 participants who had serial chest computed tomography (CT) scans approximately 6 years apart. Mixed effect regression (and Cox) models were used to assess the association between ILA progression and pulmonary function decline (and mortality).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

During the follow-up period 660 (35%) participants did not have ILA on either CT scan, 37 (2%) had stable to improving ILA, and 118 (6%) had ILA with progression (the remaining participants without ILA were noted to be indeterminate on at least one CT scan). Increasing age and increasing copies of the MUC5B promoter polymorphism were associated with ILA progression. After adjustment for covariates, ILA progression was associated with a greater FVC decline when compared with participants without ILA (20 ml; SE, ±6 ml; P = 0.0005) and with those with ILA without progression (25 ml; SE, ±11 ml; P = 0.03). Over a median follow-up time of approximately 4 years, after adjustment, ILA progression was associated with an increase in the risk of death (hazard ratio, 3.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-10.9; P = 0.01) when compared with those without ILA.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that ILA progression in the Framingham Heart Study is associated with an increased rate of pulmonary function decline and increased risk of death.

Galectin-3 Is Associated with Restrictive Lung Disease and Interstitial Lung Abnormalities

RATIONALE

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) has been implicated in the development of pulmonary fibrosis in experimental studies, and Gal-3 levels have been found to be elevated in small studies of human pulmonary fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to study whether circulating Gal-3 concentrations are elevated early in the course of pulmonary fibrosis.

METHODS

We examined 2,596 Framingham Heart Study participants (mean age, 57 yr; 54% women; 14% current smokers) who underwent Gal-3 assessment using plasma samples and pulmonary function testing between 1995 and 1998. Of this sample, 1,148 underwent subsequent volumetric chest computed tomography.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Higher Gal-3 concentrations were associated with lower lung volumes (1.4% decrease in percentage of predicted FEV1 per 1 SD increase in log Gal-3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8-2.0%; P < 0.001; 1.2% decrease in percentage of predicted FVC; 95% CI, 0.6-1.8%; P < 0.001) and decreased diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (2.1% decrease; 95% CI, 1.3-2.9%; P < 0.001). These associations remained significant after multivariable adjustment (P ≤ 0.008 for all). Compared with the lowest quartile, participants in the highest Gal-3 quartile were more than twice as likely to have interstitial lung abnormalities visualized by computed tomography (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.49-4.76; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated Gal-3 concentrations are associated with interstitial lung abnormalities coupled with a restrictive pattern, including decreased lung volumes and altered gas exchange. These findings suggest a potential role for Gal-3 in early stages of pulmonary fibrosis.