Prognostic Nutritional Index Associates with the Severity of Silicosis:A Study from a Tertiary Class A Prevention and Treatment Institute for Occupational Diseases in China

Pneumoconiosis is a group of heterogeneous fibrotic lung diseases caused by inorganic mineral dust and includes coal workers’pneumoconiosis and silicosis.Silicosis involves diffuse or nodular interstitial pulmonary fibrosis caused by exposure to asbestos or silica dust.China is thought to have the highest number of silicosis cases,with 6,000 new cases reported annually^([1]).Currently,the clinical diagnosis and monitoring of silicosis relies mainly on a history of occupational exposure and radiological abnormalities^([2]).Therefore,determining further indicators is crucial to reflect the severity of silicosis.

Impact of continuous care on cardiac function in patients with lung cancer complicated by coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND Despite sharing similar pathogenic factors,cancer and coronary heart disease(CHD)occur in comparable populations at similar ages and possess similar susceptibility factors.Consequently,it is increasingly commonplace for patients to experience the simultaneous occurrence of cancer and CHD,a trend that is steadily rising.AIM To determine the impacts of continuing care on lung cancer patients with CHD following percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).METHODS There were 94 lung cancer patients with CHD following PCI who were randomly assigned to the intervention group(n=38)and the control group(n=41).In the intervention group,continuing care was provided,while in the control group,routine care was provided.An evaluation of cardiac and pulmonary function,medication compliance,a 6-min walk test,and patient quality of life was performed.RESULTS Differences between the two groups were significant in left ventricular ejection fraction,6-min walk test,oxygen uptake,quality of life and medication compliance(P<0.05).In comparison with the control group,the enhancement in the intervention group was more significant.The intervention group had more patients with high medication compliance than the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).CONCLUSION After undergoing PCI,lung patients with CHD could benefit from continued care in terms of cardiac and pulmonary function,medications compliance,and quality of life.

Impact of interleukin 6 levels on acute lung injury risk and disease severity in critically ill sepsis patients

BACKGROUND Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by a dysregulation of the host response to infection that can lead to acute lung injury(ALI)and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS).Interleukin 6(IL-6)is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of sepsis and its complications.AIM To investigate the relationship among plasma IL-6 levels,risk of ALI,and disease severity in critically ill patients with sepsis.METHODS This prospective and observational study was conducted in the intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital between January 2021 and December 2022.A total of 83 septic patients were enrolled.Plasma IL-6 levels were measured upon admission using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The development of ALI and MODS was monitored during hospitalization.Disease severity was evaluated by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II(APACHE II)and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)scores.RESULTS Among the 83 patients with sepsis,38(45.8%)developed ALI and 29(34.9%)developed MODS.Plasma IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients who developed ALI than in those without ALI(median:125.6 pg/mL vs 48.3 pg/mL;P<0.001).Similarly,patients with MODS had higher IL-6 levels than those without MODS(median:142.9 pg/mL vs 58.7 pg/mL;P<0.001).Plasma IL-6 levels were strongly and positively correlated with APACHE II(r=0.72;P<0.001)and SOFA scores(r=0.68;P<0.001).CONCLUSIONElevated plasma IL-6 levels in critically ill patients with sepsis were associated with an increased risk of ALI andMODS.Higher IL-6 levels were correlated with greater disease severity,as reflected by higher APACHE II andSOFA scores.These findings suggest that IL-6 may serve as a biomarker for predicting the development of ALI anddisease severity in patients with sepsis.

Predictors of disease recurrence after radical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage IIb-IIIa squamous cell lung cancer:A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND Lung cancer(LC)is a global medical,social and economic problem and is one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of mortality from malignant neoplasms.LC is characterized by an aggressive course,and in the presence of disease recurrence risk factors,patients,even at an early stage,may be indicated for adjuvant therapy to improve survival.However,combined treatment does not always guarantee a favorable prognosis.In this regard,establishing predictors of LC recurrence is highly important both for determining the optimal treatment plan for the patients and for evaluating its effectiveness.AIM To establish predictors of disease recurrence after radical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage IIb-IIIa lung squamous cell carcinoma(LSCC).METHODS A retrospective case-control cohort study included 69 patients with LSCC who underwent radical surgery at the Orenburg Regional Clinical Oncology Center from 2009 to 2018.Postoperatively,all patients received adjuvant chemotherapy.Histological samples of the resected lung were stained with Mayer's hematoxylin and eosin and examined under a light microscope.Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify predictors associated with the risk of disease recurrence.Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to discriminate between patients with a high risk of disease recurrence and those with a low risk of disease recurrence.Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method.The log-rank test was used to compare survival curves between patient subgroups.Differences were considered to be significant at P<0.05.RESULTS The following predictors of a high risk of disease recurrence in patients with stage IIb-IIa LSCC were established:a low degree of tumor differentiation[odds ratio(OR)=7.94,95%CI=1.08-135.81,P=0.049];metastases in regional lymph nodes(OR=5.67,95%CI=1.09-36.54,P=0.048);the presence of loose,fine-fiber connective tissue in the tumor stroma(OR=21.70,95%CI=4.27-110.38,P=0.0002);and fragmentation of the tumor solid component(OR=2.53,95%CI=1.01-12.23,P=0.049).The area under the curve of the predictive model was 0.846(95%CI=0.73-0.96,P<0.0001).The sensitivity,accuracy and specificity of the method were 91.8%,86.9%and 75.0%,respectively.In the group of patients with a low risk of LSCC recurrence,the 1-,2-and 5-year disease-free survival(DFS)rates were 84.2%,84.2%and 75.8%,respectively,while in the group with a high risk of LSCC recurrence the DFS rates were 71.7%,40.1%and 8.2%,respectively(P<0.00001).Accordingly,in the first group of patients,the 1-,2-and 5-year overall survival(OS)rates were 94.7%,82.5%and 82.5%,respectively,while in the second group of patients,the OS rates were 89.8%,80.1%and 10.3%,respectively(P<0.00001).CONCLUSION The developed method allows us to identify a group of patients at high risk of disease recurrence and to adjust to ongoing treatment.

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis–associated lung disease: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Lung damage in systemic juvenile arthritis(sJIA)is one of the contemporary topics in pediatric rheumatology.Several previous studies showed the severe course and fatal outcomes in some patients.The information about interstitial lung disease(ILD)in the sJIA is scarce and limited to a total of 100 cases.AIM To describe the features of sJIA patients with ILD in detail.METHODS In the present retrospective cohort study,information about 5 patients less than 18-years-old with sJIA and ILD were included.The diagnosis of sJIA was made according to the current 2004 and new provisional International League of Associations for Rheumatology criteria 2019.ILD was diagnosed with chest computed tomography with the exclusion of other possible reasons for concurrent lung involvement.Macrophage activation syndrome(MAS)was diagnosed with HLH-2004 and 2016 EULAR/ACR/PRINTO Classification Criteria and hScores were calculated during the lung involvement.RESULTS The onset age of sJIA ranged from 1 year to 10 years.The time interval before ILD ranged from 1 mo to 3 years.The disease course was characterized by the prevalence of the systemic features above articular involvement,intensive rash(100%),persistent and very active MAS(hScore range:194-220)with transaminitis(100%),and respiratory symptoms(100%).Only 3 patients(60%)developed a clubbing phenomenon.All patients(100%)had pleural effusion and 4 patients(80%)had pericardial effusion at the disease onset.Two patients(40%)developed pulmonary arterial hypertension.Infusion-related reactions to tocilizumab were observed in 3(60%)of the patients.One patient with trisomy 21 had a fatal disease course.Half of the remaining patients had sJIA remission and 2 patients had improvement.Lung disease improved in 3 patients(75%),but 1 of them had initial deterioration of lung involvement.One patient who has not achieved the sJIA remission had the progressed course of ILD.No cases of hyper-eosinophilia were noted.Four patients(80%)received canakinumab and one(20%)tocilizumab at the last follow-up visit.CONCLUSION ILD is a severe life-threatening complication of sJIA that may affect children of different ages with different time intervals since the disease onset.Extensive rash,serositis(especially pleuritis),full-blown MAS with transaminitis,lymphopenia,trisomy 21,eosinophilia,and biologic infusion reaction are the main predictors of ILD.The following studies are needed to find the predictors,pathogenesis,and treatment options,for preventing and treating the ILD in sJIA patients.

Effect of N-Acetylcysteine Combined with Lung Rehabilitation Therapy on Exercise Endurance and Quality of Life of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis-Related Interstitial Lung Disease

Objective:To explore the effect of N-acetylcysteine combined with lung rehabilitation therapy on exercise endurance and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease(RA-ILD).Methods:Fifty-six patients with RA-ILD admitted to Xijing Hospital from May 2022 to January 2024 were randomly divided into two groups:a non-rehabilitation group and a pulmonary rehabilitation group,with 28 patients in each group.Both groups received routine treatment.Additionally,the non-rehabilitation group received N-acetylcysteine treatment,while the lung rehabilitation group received lung rehabilitation treatment in addition to N-acetylcysteine.The improvement in exercise endurance and dyspnea between the two groups after treatment was compared and the quality of life of the patients was observed.Results:After treatment,the exercise endurance score in the lung rehabilitation group(335.67±45.29)was higher than that in the non-rehabilitation group(P<0.05).The dyspnea score in the lung rehabilitation group(0.72±0.16)was lower than that in the non-rehabilitation group(P<0.05).Additionally,FVC(3.18±0.58 L),FEV1(2.28±0.56 L),FEV1/FVC(69.69±5.56),and DLCO(60.53±5.92 mL/mmHg/min)were higher in the lung rehabilitation group compared to the non-rehabilitation group after treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion:Lung rehabilitation therapy combined with N-acetylcysteine treatment can effectively improve dyspnea symptoms,lung function,and exercise endurance in patients with RA-ILD.This approach helps to improve patient’s quality of life and is beneficial for their prognosis.

Molecular mechanisms and cellular process in signal transduction pathway related to air pollutants in obstructive lung diseases:A mini-review

Exposure to air pollutants such as PM_(10),PM_(2.5),PM_(0.1),O_(3),CO,NO2,and SO_(2),and biological pollutants are important factors causing the evolution and furtherance of obstructive lung diseases(OLD),including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Asthma is the most frequent chronic inflammatory airway disease,characterized by breathlessness,wheezing,chest tightness,and cough,together with the presence of exaggerated expiratory airflow fluctuation that varies over time.COPD is a heterogeneous lung condition characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea,cough,expectoration,and/or exacerbations due to abnormalities of the airways and/or alveoli that cause persistent,often progressive,airflow obstruction.Understanding the molecular mechanisms and cellular processes based on the development of OLD on exposure to air pollutants will provide insights into the solution of pathogenesis,prevention,and treatment of these conditions.The molecular mechanisms and cellular process involved in signal transduction pathway plays a role in the binding of extracellular signaling molecules and ligands to receptors placed on the cell surface or on the inner side cell that trigger inflammation that occurs,especially when something important enters the cell to bring into a cascade response.This binding then alters the cell metabolism,shape,and gene expression in the airway.This review aimed to reveal the effect of air pollutants on the molecular mechanisms and cellular processes involved in the signal transduction pathways in OLD.

Pulmonary rehabilitation protocols in urgent lung transplantation patients

BACKGROUND:Prolonged invasive respiratory support and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)in patients requiring urgent lung transplantation(ULTx)present signifi cant challenges to clinical practice due to severe underlying diseases and complex conditions.The aim of the study was to report the clinical outcomes of patients who received ULTx and followed the perioperative rehabilitation protocol implemented in a lung transplant center.METHODS:A retrospective analysis was conducted in ULTx patients who required preoperative invasive mechanical ventilation(IMV)and ECMO between January 2018 and January 2023.Data were retrieved from electronic medical records at our lung transplant center.RESULTS:Fourteen patients(mean age 57.43±10.97 years;12 males,2 females)underwent ULTx with bridging ECMO and IMV.The mean body mass index was 23.94±3.33 kg/m²,and the mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(APACHE)II score was 21.50±3.96.The Nutritional Risk Screening 2002(NRS 2002)scores were≥3.ULTx was performed after an 8.5-day waiting period(interquartile interval[IQR]5.0-26.5 d).Following the surgeries,the average lengths of ECMO and IMV were 1.0(IQR 1.0-2.0)d and 5.0(IQR 3.0-7.3)d,respectively.The total length of hospital stay was 60.1±30.8 d,with an average intensive care unit stay of 38.3±22.9 d and post-operative hospitalization stay of 45.8±26.1 d.Two patients died within 30 d after ULTx,with a 30-day survival rate of 85.71%.CONCLUSION:Patients receiving ULTx showed an acceptable short-term survival rate,validating the practicality and safety of the treatment protocols implemented in our center.

Primary biliary cholangitis presenting with granulomatous lung disease misdiagnosed as lung cancer:A case report

BACKGROUND There are few cases of pulmonary granulomatous changes secondary to primary biliary cirrhosis(PBC).No case of granulomatous lung disease secondary to PBC misdiagnosed as lung cancer had been reported.CASE SUMMARY A middle-aged woman presented with lung nodules and was misdiagnosed with lung cancer by positron emission tomography/computed tomography.She underwent left lobectomy,and the pathology of the nodules showed granulomatous inflammation,which was then treated with antibiotics.However,a new nodule appeared.Further investigation with lung biopsy and liver serology led to the diagnosis of PBC,and chest computed tomography indicated significant reduction in the pulmonary nodule by treatment with methylprednisolone and ursodeoxycholic acid.CONCLUSION Diagnosis of pulmonary nodules requires integrating various clinical data to avoid unnecessary pulmonary lobectomy.

Microvascular alterations of the ocular surface and retina in connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease

AIM:To examine the disparities in macular retinal vascular density between individuals with connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease(CTD-ILD)and healthy controls(HCs)by optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)and to investigate the changes in microvascular density in abnormal eyes.METHODS:For a retrospective case-control study,a total of 16 patients(32 eyes)diagnosed with CTD-ILD were selected as the ILD group.The 16 healthy volunteers with 32 eyes,matched in terms of age and sex with the patients,were recruited as control group.The macular retina’s superficial retinal layer(SRL)and deep retinal layer(DRL)were examined and scanned using OCTA in each individual eye.The densities of retinal microvascular(MIR),macrovascular(MAR),and total microvascular(TMI)were calculated and compared.Changes in retinal vascular density in the macular region were analyzed using three different segmentation methods:central annuli segmentation method(C1-C6),hemispheric segmentation method[uperior right(SR),superior left(SL),inferior left(IL),and inferior right(IR)],and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study(ETDRS)methods[superior(S),inferior(I),left(L),and right(R)].The data were analyzed using Version 9.0 of GraphPad prism and Pearson analysis.RESULTS:The OCTA data demonstrated a statistically significant difference(P<0.05)in macular retinal microvessel density between the two groups.Specifically,in the SRL and DRL analyses,the ILD group exhibited significantly lower surface density of MIR and TMI compared to the HCs group(P<0.05).Furthermore,using the hemispheric segmentation method,the ILD group showed notable reductions in SL,SR,and IL in the superficial retina(P<0.05),as well as marked decreases in SL and IR in the deep retina(P<0.05).Similarly,when employing the ETDRS method,the ILD group displayed substantial drops in superficial retinal S and I(P<0.05),along with notable reductions in deep retinal L,I,and R(P<0.05).In the central annuli segmentation method,the ILD group exhibited a significant decrease in the superficial retinal C2-4 region(P<0.05),whereas the deep retina showed a notable reduction in the C3-5 region(P<0.05).Additionally,there was an observed higher positive likelihood ratio in the superficial SR region and deep MIR.Furthermore,there was a negative correlation between conjunctival vascular density and both deep and superficial retinal TMI(P<0.001).CONCLUSION:Patients with CTD-ILD exhibits a significantly higher conjunctival vascular density compared to the HCs group.Conversely,their fundus retinal microvascular density is significantly lower.Furthermore,CTD-ILD patients display notably lower superficial and deep retinal vascular density in comparison to the HCs group.The inverse correlation between conjunctival vascular density and both superficial and deep retinal TMI suggests that detecting subtle changes in ocular microcirculation could potentially serve as an early diagnostic indicator for connective tissue diseases,thereby enhancing disease management.

Role of diaphragmatic ultrasound in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Assessing diaphragm function status is vital for diagnosing and treating acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD).Diaphrag-matic ultrasound has become increasingly important due to its non-invasive nature,absence of radiation exposure,widespread availability,prompt results,high accuracy,and repeatability at the bedside.The diaphragm is a crucial respiratory muscle.Decline or dysfunction of the diaphragm can lead to dyspnea and even respiratory failure in AECOPD patients.In this editorial,we comment on an article,retrospectively analyzed ninety-four acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients who received mechanical ventilation from January 2022 to December 2023.The study found that the diaphragm thickening fraction,an index from diaphragm ultrasound,can better predict the outcome of non-invasive ventilation in patients with AECOPD.The value of non-invasive ventilation in treating respiratory failure caused by AECOPD has been widely acknowledged.Diaphragmatic dysfunction diagnosed with ultrasound is asso-ciated with prolonged mechanical ventilation and weaning times and higher mortality.

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing assay for identifying pathogens in lung cancer patients

Background:For patients with lung cancer,timely identification of new lung lesions as infectious or non-infectious,and accurate identification of pathogens is very important in improving OS of patients.As a new auxiliary examination,metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)is believed to be more accurate in diagnosing infectious diseases in patients without underlying diseases,compared with conventional microbial tests(CMTs).We designed this study tofind out whether mNGS has better performance in distinguishing infectious and non-infectious diseases in lung cancer patients using bronchoalveolar lavagefluid(BALF).Materials and Methods:This study was a real-world retrospective review based on electronic medical records of lung cancer patients with bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL)and BALF commercial mNGS testing as part of clinical care from 1 April 2019 through 30 April 2022 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University.164 patients were included in this study.Patients were categorized into the pulmonary non-infectious disease(PNID)group(n=64)and the pulmonary infectious disease(PID)group(n=100)groups based onfinal diagnoses.Results:BALF mNGS increased the sensitivity rate by 60%compared to CMTs(81%vs.21%,p<0.05),whereas there was no significant difference in specificity(75%vs.98.4%,p>0.1).Among the patients with PID,bacteria were the most common cause of infection.Fungal infections occurred in 32%of patients,and Pneumocystis Yersini was most common.Patients with Tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs)therapy possess longer overall survival(OS)than other anti-cancer agents,the difference between TKIs and immuno-checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)was insignificant(median OS TKIs vs.ICIs vs.Anti-angiogenic vs.Chemo vs.Radiotherapy=76 vs.84 vs.61 vs.58 vs.60).Conclusions:our study indicates that BALF mNGS can add value by improving overall sensitivity in lung cancer patients with potential pulmonary infection,and was outstanding in identifying Pneumocystis infection.It could be able to help physicians adjust the follow-up treatment to avoid the abuse of antibiotics.

Clinical evolution of antisynthetase syndrome-associated interstitial lung disease after COVID-19 in a man with Klinefelter syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND This study presents a case of rapidly developing respiratory failure due to antisynthetase syndrome(AS)following coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)in a 33-year-old man diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome(KS).CASE SUMMARY A 33-year-old man with a diagnosis of KS was admitted to the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine of a tertiary hospital in China for fever and shortness of breath 2 wk after the onset of COVID-19.Computed tomography of both lungs revealed diffuse multiple patchy heightened shadows in both lungs,accompanied by signs of partial bronchial inflation.Metagenomic next-generation sequencing of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid suggested absence of pathogen.A biopsy specimen revealed organizing pneumonia with alveolar septal thickening.Additionally,extensive auto-antibody tests showed strong positivity for anti-SSA,anti-SSB,anti-Jo-1,and anti-Ro-52.Following multidisciplinary discussions,the patient received a final diagnosis of AS,leading to rapidly progressing respiratory failure.CONCLUSION This study underscores the clinical progression of AS-associated interstitial lung disease subsequent to viral infections such as COVID-19 in patients diagnosed with KS.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Tao Hong Si Wu Tang in mice with lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND Lung cancer(LC)combined with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)is a common combination of comorbidities.Anti-inflammation and modulation of oxidative/antioxidative imbalance may prevent COPD-induced LC,and are also crucial to the treatment of LC combined with COPD.Modern studies have shown that Tao Hong Si Wu Tang(THSW)has vasodilatory,anti-inflammatory,anti-fatigue,anti-shock,immunoregulatory,lipid-reducing,micronutrient-supplementing,and anti-allergy effects.AIM To observe the effects of THSW on COPD and LC in mice.METHODS A total of 100 specific pathogen-free C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into five groups:Blank control group(group A),model control group(group B),THSW group(group C),IL-6 group(group D),and THSW+IL-6 group(group E),with 20 mice in each group.A COPD mouse model was established using fumigation plus lipopolysaccharide intra-airway drip,and an LC model was replicated by in situ inoculation using the Lewis cell method.RESULTS The blank control group exhibited a clear alveolar structure.The model control and IL-6 groups had thickened alveolar walls,with smaller alveolar lumens,interstitial edema,and several inflammatory infiltrating cells.Histopathological changes in the lungs of the THSW and THSW+IL-6 groups were less than those of the model control group.The serum IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αlevels and IL-6R,JAK,p-JAK,STAT1/3,p-STAT1/3,FOXO,p-FOXO,and IL-7R expression levels in lung tissues of mice in the rest of the groups were significantly higher than those of the blank control group(P<0.01).Compared with the model control group,the IL-6 group demonstrated significantly higher levels for the abovementioned proteins in the serum and lung tissues(P<0.01),and the THSW group had significantly higher serum IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αlevels and IL-7R expression levels in lung tissues(P<0.01)but significantly decreased IL-6R,JAK,p-JAK,STAT1/3,p-STAT1/3,FOXO,p-FOXO,and IL-7R levels(P<0.01).CONCLUSION THSW reduces the serum IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αlevels in the mouse model with anti-inflammatory effects.Its antiinflammatory mechanism lies in inhibiting the overactivation of the JAK/STAT1/3 signaling pathway.

Nodular Pulmonary Amyloidosis with Interstitial Lung Disease—Case Report and Literature Review

Amyloidosis is a rare spectrum of disease which involves deposition of misfolded extracellular proteins (amyloids) in various body organs leading to progressive organ dysfunction. Clinical presentation can be variable depending on the organ involved and type of protein. Amyloidosis can be classified based on quantity, type, and location of these proteins. Amyloid light-chain amyloidosis develops in the bone marrow, producing abnormal forms of light-chain proteins, which cannot be broken down. These proteins transform into amyloid fibrils and form amyloid deposits in different organs. Pulmonary amyloidosis is uncommonly diagnosed since it is rarely symptomatic. Diagnosis of pulmonary amyloidosis is usually made in the setting of systemic amyloidosis;however, it may present as localised pulmonary disease. Localized pulmonary Amyloidosis can present as nodular, cystic, or tracheobronchial amyloidosis. Depending on the degree of the interstitial involvement, it may affect alveolar gas exchange and cause respiratory symptoms. This is a case of a 47-year-old female with background history of interstitial lung disease presenting with progressive shortness of breath. Computed tomography scan revealed bilateral pulmonary nodules. The patient was referred to our thoracic surgery team with the suspicion of bronchogenic malignancy with metastasis. Diagnostic video assisted wedge resection was performed for this patient, and histology confirmed pulmonary amyloidosis of nodular type. Amyloid deposition simulates both inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. Definitive diagnosis requires biopsy confirmation therefore early detection and commencing the patient on appropriate treatment pathway may help in symptomatic relief and better outcome.

Correlation Analysis Between Changes of D-Dimer Level and Rheumatoid Arthritis Complicated with Interstitial Lung Disease

Objective:To explore the correlation between the change of D-dimer level and rheumatoid arthritis complicated with interstitial lung disease.Methods:From January 2022 to February 2024,20 rheumatoid arthritis patients complicated with interstitial lung disease(interstitial lung disease group),20 rheumatoid arthritis patients without interstitial lung disease(without interstitial lung disease group),and 20 healthy people(control group)in Xijing Hospital were selected for this study.The fasting venous blood of the three groups of subjects was collected and their D-dimer,C-reactive protein(CRP),rheumatoid factor(RF),and erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)were detected.Subsequently,the correlation between each index and rheumatoid arthritis complicated with interstitial lung disease was analyzed.Results:The D-dimer level of the interstitial lung disease group was significantly higher than the other two groups(P<0.05).The D-dimer level of the group without interstitial lung disease was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05).CRP levels in the interstitial lung disease group and the group without interstitial lung disease were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The ESR and RF levels of the interstitial lung disease group were significantly higher than the other two groups(P<0.05).The levels of ESR and RF levels of the group without interstitial lung disease were significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:D-dimer levels of rheumatoid arthritis patients are higher than those of healthy individuals,and those complicated with interstitial lung disease present even higher levels.This finding shows that there is a correlation between D-dimer levels and rheumatoid arthritis with interstitial lung disease,which may facilitate the evaluation and diagnosis of this disease.

Association between the Lung Immune Prognostic Index and mortality in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy-associated interstitial lung disease

Objective:To explore the association between the Lung Immune Prognostic Index(LIPI)and 1-year all-cause mortality in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy related interstitial lung disease(IIM-ILD).Methods:Patients who were diagnosed with IIM-ILD at West China Hospital,Sichuan University from January 2008 to December 2021 were retrospectively included and categorized into three groups based on LIPI.Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were conducted to explore potential association between the LIPI and patients'mortality.Results:A total of 1116 patients were screened,and 830 were included in this study.The multivariable Cox analysis showed that,compared with patients with poor LIPI,the hazard ratio(HR)for all-cause 1-year mortality was 0.22(95%CI 0.05-0.93,P=0.04)for patients in the good LIPI group(LDH<250 IU/L and dNLR<3).After excluding patients lost to follow-up within one year,a similar result was found for LIPI(HR 0.20,95%CI 0.05-0.86;P=0.03).Conclusions:Good LIPI was independently associated with decreased risk of all-cause 1-year mortality in patients with IIM-ILD.This easy-to-obtain index might be served as a potential marker for assessing the prognosis of IIM-ILD.

Protective effect of sevoflurane on lung function of elderly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)is a common respiratory disorder that affects the elderly population and increases the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications(PPCs)after major surgeries.Sevoflurane is a volatile anesthetic that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and attenuate lung injury in animal models.AIM To evaluate the protective effect of sevoflurane on the lung function of elderly COPD patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty(THA).METHODS In this randomized controlled trial,we randomly assigned 120 elderly patients with COPD,who were scheduled for THA,to receive either sevoflurane(sevoflurane group)or propofol(propofol group)as the maintenance anesthetic.The primary outcome was the incidence of PPCs within seven days after surgery.The secondary outcomes were changes in the lung function parameters,inflammatory markers,oxidative stress markers,and postoperative pain scores.RESULTS The results showed that the incidence of PPCs was significantly lower in the sevoflurane group than in the propofol group(10%vs 25%,P=0.02).Furthermore,the decline in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s,forced vital capacity,and peak expiratory flow was significantly lesser in the sevoflurane group than in the propofol group at 24 h and 48 h after surgery(P<0.05).The interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-alpha,malondialdehyde,and 8-hydroxy-2α-deoxyguanosine levels were significantly lower in the sevoflurane group than in the propofol group at 24 h after surgery(P<0.05).The sevoflurane group showed significantly lower postoperative pain scores than the propofol group at 6 h,12 h,and 24 h after surgery(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Sevoflurane protects the lung function of elderly COPD patients undergoing THA under general anesthesia by reducing the incidence of PPCs,attenuating inflammatory and oxidative stress responses,and alleviating postoperative pain.

Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 and anti-Ro52 antibody-dual positive dermatomyositis accompanied by rapidly lung disease:Three case reports

BACKGROUND Clinically amyopathic deramatomyositis was manifested as the various cutaneous dermatomyositis(DM)manifestations without muscle weakness.Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5(anti-MDA5)and anti-Ro52 antibody-dual positive clinically amyopathic DM patients are at a high risk of developing rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease,and they exhibit an immensely high half-year mortality.CASE SUMMARY We presented three patients with anti-MDA5 and anti-Ro52 antibody-dual positive DM patients and we reviewed the previous studies on the link between anti-MDA5 and anti-Ro52 antibody-dual positive DM.Although we aggressively treated these patients similarly,but they all exhibited different prognoses.We reviewed the importance of clinical cutaneous rashes as well as the pathogenesis and treatment in the dual positive anti-MDA5 and anti-Ro52 associated DM.CONCLUSION Patients with anti-MDA5 anti-Ro52 antibody-dual positive DM should be accurately diagnosed at an early stage and should be treated aggressively,thus,the patient’s prognosis can be significantly modified.

Cutaneous Cryptococcosis Arising in a Patient with Idiopathic Lung Disease: Related Illnesses or “Ticks and Fleas”

Cryptococcus is a yeast typically found in bird feces such as pigeon droppings. Infection may occur through inhalation of spores or via direct inoculation into the skin. Typically there is a history of immunosuppression, but cases are also reported in immunocompetent hosts. Cryptococcus may manifest as pulmonary disease or primary cutaneous infection, but dissemination to a systemic illness is the most life-threatening concern. We present the case of a 71-year-old man with a four-year history of idiopathic lung disease, treated with oral prednisone and mycophenolate, presents with a new onset skin rash on the right wrist. He has a history of cleaning and clearing barns and sheds after a recent storm devastated the area. Birds and bats were present in these structures while he was working. Initial therapy failed, and subsequent biopsy showed the presence of Cryptococcus yeast. Further investigation yielded a positive, low titer Cryptococcus antigen screen but negative blood cultures. This case illustrates three valuable facets of patient care. Ideally, one diagnosis will explain all of the clinical presentation, but when that is not the case then multiple etiologies must be explored. Sometimes first-line therapy is ineffective, and the clinician should not be afraid to recognize that and change course. Importantly with skin lesions, failure to respond to treatment or worsening of the lesion in the face of topical and/or oral steroids should lead one to consider the possibility of infection, particularly in an immunosuppressed patient, and prompt biopsy is prudent.