Sample records for lung clearance models

  1. Modeling accumulations of particles in lung during chronic inhalation exposures that lead to impaired clearance

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wolff, R.K.; Griffith, W.C. Jr.; Cuddihy, R.G.

    Chronic inhalation of insoluble particles of low toxicity that produce substantial lung burdens of particles, or inhalation of particles that are highly toxic to the lung, can impair clearance. This report describes model calculations of accumulations in lung of inhaled low-toxicity diesel exhaust soot and high-toxicity Ga2O3 particles. Lung burdens of diesel soot were measured periodically during a 24-mo exposure to inhaled diesel exhaust at soot concentrations of 0, 0.35, 3.5, and 7 mg m-3, 7 h d-1, 5 d wk-1. Lung burdens of Ga2O3 were measured for 1 y after a 4-wk exposure to 23 mg Ga2O3 m-3, 2more » h d-1, 5 d wk-1. Lung burdens of Ga2O3 were measured for 1 y both studies using inhaled radiolabeled tracer particles. Simulation models fit the observed lung burdens of diesel soot in rats exposed to the 3.5- and 7-mg m-3 concentrations of soot only if it was assumed that clearance remained normal for several months, then virtually stopped. Impaired clearance from high-toxicity particles occurred early after accumulations of a low burden, but that from low-toxicity particles was evident only after months of exposure, when high burdens had accumulated in lung. The impairment in clearances of Ga2O3 particles and radiolabeled tracers was similar, but the impairment in clearance of diesel soot and radiolabeled tracers differed in magnitude. This might have been related to differences in particle size and composition between the tracers and diesel soot. Particle clearance impairment should be considered both in the design of chronic exposures of laboratory animals to inhaled particles and in extrapolating the results to people.« less

  2. Lung-clearance classification of radionuclides in calcined phosphate rock dust

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kalkwarf, D.R.; Jackson, P.O.

    1984-08-01

    Lung-clearance classifications for /sup 210/Pb and /sup 210/Po in airborne dust from elemental phosphorus plants were estimated for use with the lung clearance model proposed by the ICRP Task Group on Lung Dynamics. Estimates were based on measurements of dissolution rates for these radionuclides from sized dust samples into simulated lung fluid at 37/sup 0/C. The estimates were expressed in the classification terms of the model, i.e., D, W and Y, indicating lung clearance half-times of 0 to 10 days, 11 to 100 days and more than 100 days. Dust samples were obtained from two plants in the western Unitedmore » States, and dissolution trials were conducted on fractions containing particles with aerodynamic equivalent diameters (AED) of 0 to 3 ..mu..m and of 3 to 10 ..mu..m. The /sup 210/Pb and /sup 210/Po in each of these fractions were classified 100% Class Y. The specific activities of both radionuclides increased with decreasing AED of the particles. 11 references, 1 figure, 4 tables.« less

  3. Hyperglycemia impedes lung bacterial clearance in a murine model of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes

    PubMed Central

    Hunt, William R.; Zughaier, Susu M.; Guentert, Dana E.; Shenep, Melissa A.; Koval, Michael; McCarty, Nael A.

    2013-01-01

    Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is the most common comorbidity associated with cystic fibrosis (CF), impacting more than half of patients over age 30. CFRD is clinically significant, portending accelerated decline in lung function, more frequent pulmonary exacerbations, and increased mortality. Despite the profound morbidity associated with CFRD, little is known about the underlying CFRD-related pulmonary pathology. Our aim was to develop a murine model of CFRD to explore the hypothesis that elevated glucose in CFRD is associated with reduced lung bacterial clearance. A diabetic phenotype was induced in gut-corrected CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) knockout mice (CFKO) and their CFTR-expressing wild-type littermates (WT) utilizing streptozotocin. Mice were subsequently challenged with an intratracheal inoculation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1) (75 μl of 1–5 × 106 cfu/ml) for 18 h. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected for glucose concentration and cell counts. A portion of the lung was homogenized and cultured as a measure of the remaining viable PAO1 inoculum. Diabetic mice had increased airway glucose compared with nondiabetic mice. The ability to clear bacteria from the lung was significantly reduced in diabetic WT mice and control CFKO mice. Critically, bacterial clearance by diabetic CFKO mice was significantly more diminished compared with nondiabetic CFKO mice, despite an even more robust recruitment of neutrophils to the airways. This finding that CFRD mice boast an exaggerated, but less effective, inflammatory cell response to intratracheal PAO1 challenge presents a novel and useful murine model to help identify therapeutic strategies that promote bacterial clearance in CFRD. PMID:24097557

  4. CO2 clearance by membrane lungs.

    PubMed

    Sun, Liqun; Kaesler, Andreas; Fernando, Piyumindri; Thompson, Alex J; Toomasian, John M; Bartlett, Robert H

    2018-05-01

    Commercial membrane lungs are designed to transfer a specific amount of oxygen per unit of venous blood flow. Membrane lungs are much more efficient at removing CO 2 than adding oxygen, but the range of CO 2 transfer is rarely reported. Commercial membrane lungs were studied with the goal of evaluating CO 2 removal capacity. CO 2 removal was measured in 4 commercial membrane lungs under standardized conditions. CO 2 clearance can be greater than 4 times that of oxygen at a given blood flow when the gas to blood flow ratio is elevated to 4:1 or 8:1. The CO 2 clearance was less dependent on surface area and configuration than oxygen transfer. Any ECMO system can be used for selective CO 2 removal.

  5. Radioaerosol lung clearance in patients with active pulmonary sarcoidosis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jacobs, M.P.; Baughman, R.P.; Hughes, J.

    1985-05-01

    Pulmonary radioaerosol clearance rate of /sup 99m/Tc diethylenetriamine pentacetate (DTPA) in 14 patients with untreated sarcoidosis was compared with /sup 67/Ga lung scan and increased lymphocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Nine healthy nonsmoking subjects had a mean DTPA clearance rate of 1.18%/min (range, 0.54 to 1.60%/min). Eight of 14 patients with sarcoidosis had clearance rates greater than 1.60%/min. Of those 8 patients with abnormal DTPA clearance, 4 had positive gallium scans, 4 had more than 17% lymphocytes in the BAL fluid, and 3 had both tests positive. To study the cause of abnormal DTPA clearance, 23 subjects (includingmore » 3 normal controls, all 14 patients with sarcoidosis, and 6 patients with localized disease on chest roentgenogram) underwent both DTPA clearance studies and BAL for quantitation of the amount of albumin in lung fluid. There was a positive correlation between the rate of DTPA clearance and the albumin concentration in lung fluid (r = 0.87, p less than 0.01).« less

  6. Alveolar Edema Fluid Clearance and Acute Lung Injury

    PubMed Central

    Berthiaume, Yves; Matthay, Michael A.

    2009-01-01

    Although lung-protective ventilation strategies have substantially reduced mortality of acute lung injury patients there is still a need for new therapies that can further decrease mortality in patients with acute lung injury. Studies of epithelial ion and fluid transport across the distal pulmonary epithelia have provided important new concepts regarding potential new therapies for acute lung injury. Overall, there is convincing evidence that the alveolar epithelium is not only a tight epithelial barrier that resists the movement of edema fluid into the alveoli, but it is also actively involved in the transport of ions and solutes, a process that is essential for edema fluid clearance and the resolution of acute lung injury. The objective of this article is to consider some areas of recent progress in the field of alveolar fluid transport under normal and pathologic conditions. Vectorial ion transport across the alveolar and distal airway epithelia is the primary determinant of alveolar fluid clearance. The general paradigm is that active Na+ and Cl− transport drives net alveolar fluid clearance, as demonstrated in several different species, including the human lung. Although these transport processes can be impaired in severe lung injury, multiple experimental studies suggest that upregulation of Na+ and Cl− transport might be an effective therapy in acute lung injury. We will review mechanisms involved in pharmacological modulation of ion transport in lung injury with a special focus on the use of β-adrenergic agonists which has generated considerable interest and is a promising therapy for clinical acute lung injury. PMID:17604701

  7. Supine lung clearance of Tc-99m DTPA and HMPAO aerosols

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chia-Hung Kao; Hui-Tzu Lin; Shu-Ling Yu

    1995-07-01

    The speed of Tc-99m DTPA/HMPAO radioaerosol clearance from the lungs that is represented as a slope from lungs to blood was measured in 23 male normal controls using commercial lung radioaerosol delivery units in the supine position in order to avoid the influences of gravity. The right lung was selected and three regions of interest were created for equal subdivisions of the upper, middle, and lower third. The results show that the clearance of Tc-99m DTPA/HMPAO aerosols in the upper lung is lowest. The difference between upper and lower lungs for Tc-99m DTPA/HMPAO aerosol clearances are significant. The clearance ofmore » Tc-99m DTPA aerosols was significantly faster than those of Tc-99m HMPAO in any region. The authors conclude that, although the effect of gravity disappears in the supine position in our study, the differences of aerosol clearance in different regions are still significant. Lipophilic Tc-99m HMPAO aerosols were slower than those of hydrophilic Tc-99m DTPA, which suggests there are at least two different mechanisms. 22 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.« less

  8. Evaluation of lung clearance of inhaled pertechnegas.

    PubMed

    Fanti, S; Compagnone, G; Pancaldi, D; Franchi, R; Corbelli, C; Marengo, M; Onofri, C; Galassi, R; Levorato, M; Monetti, N

    1996-02-01

    Pertechnegas is a new ventilation agent produced by modifying the atmosphere of combustion of Technegas. Due to its rapid disappearance from the lungs, Pertechnegas has been suggested as useful in measuring pulmonary epithelial permeability. This study aimed to assess the reliability of ventilation scans with Pertechnegas to evaluate alveolar-capillary permeability. Six non-smokers with no evidence of pulmonary disease were investigated. Scintigraphic data were used to evaluate the site of Pertechnegas deposition (by assessing the Penetration Index [PI] of the gas), its clearance rate (by calculating the time to half-clearance [T1/2]) and its lung distribution (by means of a pixel-by-pixel analysis. PI measurements produced a mean value of 88.8 +/- 13.3% (range 69-117%). Time activity curves showed a fast clearance in all cases (mean T1/2 = 10.7 +/- 2.1 min, range 8.1-14.3 min). Comparison of statistical indices of uniform deposition (skewness and kurtosis) indicated satisfactory homogeneity of Pertechnegas distribution throughout the lungs. These data show that after inhalation Pertechnegas has a peripheral deposition and a homogeneous distribution in the lungs and is rapidly cleared through the alveolar-capillary barrier. In conclusion Pertechnegas can be recommended as a potential radiopharmaceutical for studying the pulmonary epithelial barrier.

  9. Lung clearance index is a repeatable and sensitive indicator of radiological changes in bronchiectasis.

    PubMed

    Rowan, Stephen A; Bradley, Judy M; Bradbury, Ian; Lawson, John; Lynch, Tom; Gustafsson, Per; Horsley, Alex; O'Neill, Katherine; Ennis, Madeleine; Elborn, J Stuart

    2014-03-01

    In bronchiectasis there is a need for improved markers of lung function to determine disease severity and response to therapy. To assess whether the lung clearance index is a repeatable and more sensitive indicator of computed tomography (CT) scan abnormalities than spirometry in bronchiectasis. Thirty patients with stable bronchiectasis were recruited and lung clearance index, spirometry, and health-related quality of life measures were assessed on two occasions, 2 weeks apart when stable (study 1). A separate group of 60 patients with stable bronchiectasis was studied on a single visit with the same measurements and a CT scan (study 2). In study 1, the intervisit intraclass correlation coefficient for the lung clearance index was 0.94 (95% confidence interval, 0.89 to 0.97; P < 0.001). In study 2, the mean age was 62 (10) years, FEV1 76.5% predicted (18.9), lung clearance index 9.1 (2.0), and total CT score 14.1 (10.2)%. The lung clearance index was abnormal in 53 of 60 patients (88%) and FEV1 was abnormal in 37 of 60 patients (62%). FEV1 negatively correlated with the lung clearance index (r = -0.51, P < 0.0001). Across CT scores, there was a relationship with the lung clearance index, with little evidence of an effect of FEV1. There were no significant associations between the lung clearance index or FEV1 and health-related quality of life. The lung clearance index is repeatable and a more sensitive measure than FEV1 in the detection of abnormalities demonstrated on CT scan. The lung clearance index has the potential to be a useful clinical and research tool in patients with bronchiectasis.

  10. Domiciliary humidification improves lung mucociliary clearance in patients with bronchiectasis.

    PubMed

    Hasani, A; Chapman, T H; McCool, D; Smith, R E; Dilworth, J P; Agnew, J E

    2008-01-01

    Inspired air humidification has been reported to show some benefit in bronchiectatic patients. We have investigated the possibility that one effect might be to enhance mucociliary clearance. Such enhancement might, if it occurs, help to lessen the risks of recurrent infective episodes. Using a radioaerosol technique, we measured lung mucociliary clearance before and after 7 days of domiciliary humidification. Patients inhaled high flow saturated air at 37 degrees C via a patient-operated humidification nasal inhalation system for 3 h per day. We assessed tracheobronchial mucociliary clearance from the retention of (99m)Tc-labelled polystyrene tracer particles monitored for 6 h, with a follow-up 24-h reading. Ten out of 14 initially recruited patients (age 37-75 years; seven females) completed the study (two withdrew after their initial screening and two prior to the initial clearance test). Seven patients studied were non-smokers; three were ex-smokers (1-9 pack-years). Initial tracer radioaerosol distribution was closely similar between pre- and post-treatment. Following humidification, lung mucociliary clearance significantly improved, the area under the tracheobronchial retention curve decreased from 319 +/- 50 to 271 +/- 46%h (p < 0.07). Warm air humidification treatment improved lung mucociliary clearance in our bronchiectatic patients. Given this finding plus increasing laboratory and clinical interest in humidification mechanisms and effects, we believe further clinical trials of humidification therapy are desirable, coupled with analysis of humidification effects on mucus properties and transport.

  11. Continuum-kinetic-microscopic model of lung clearance due to core-annular fluid entrainment

    PubMed Central

    Mitran, Sorin

    2013-01-01

    The human lung is protected against aspirated infectious and toxic agents by a thin liquid layer lining the interior of the airways. This airway surface liquid is a bilayer composed of a viscoelastic mucus layer supported by a fluid film known as the periciliary liquid. The viscoelastic behavior of the mucus layer is principally due to long-chain polymers known as mucins. The airway surface liquid is cleared from the lung by ciliary transport, surface tension gradients, and airflow shear forces. This work presents a multiscale model of the effect of airflow shear forces, as exerted by tidal breathing and cough, upon clearance. The composition of the mucus layer is complex and variable in time. To avoid the restrictions imposed by adopting a viscoelastic flow model of limited validity, a multiscale computational model is introduced in which the continuum-level properties of the airway surface liquid are determined by microscopic simulation of long-chain polymers. A bridge between microscopic and continuum levels is constructed through a kinetic-level probability density function describing polymer chain configurations. The overall multiscale framework is especially suited to biological problems due to the flexibility afforded in specifying microscopic constituents, and examining the effects of various constituents upon overall mucus transport at the continuum scale. PMID:23729842

  12. Continuum-kinetic-microscopic model of lung clearance due to core-annular fluid entrainment

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mitran, Sorin, E-mail: mitran@unc.edu

    2013-07-01

    The human lung is protected against aspirated infectious and toxic agents by a thin liquid layer lining the interior of the airways. This airway surface liquid is a bilayer composed of a viscoelastic mucus layer supported by a fluid film known as the periciliary liquid. The viscoelastic behavior of the mucus layer is principally due to long-chain polymers known as mucins. The airway surface liquid is cleared from the lung by ciliary transport, surface tension gradients, and airflow shear forces. This work presents a multiscale model of the effect of airflow shear forces, as exerted by tidal breathing and cough,more » upon clearance. The composition of the mucus layer is complex and variable in time. To avoid the restrictions imposed by adopting a viscoelastic flow model of limited validity, a multiscale computational model is introduced in which the continuum-level properties of the airway surface liquid are determined by microscopic simulation of long-chain polymers. A bridge between microscopic and continuum levels is constructed through a kinetic-level probability density function describing polymer chain configurations. The overall multiscale framework is especially suited to biological problems due to the flexibility afforded in specifying microscopic constituents, and examining the effects of various constituents upon overall mucus transport at the continuum scale.« less

  13. Continuum-kinetic-microscopic model of lung clearance due to core-annular fluid entrainment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mitran, Sorin

    2013-07-01

    The human lung is protected against aspirated infectious and toxic agents by a thin liquid layer lining the interior of the airways. This airway surface liquid is a bilayer composed of a viscoelastic mucus layer supported by a fluid film known as the periciliary liquid. The viscoelastic behavior of the mucus layer is principally due to long-chain polymers known as mucins. The airway surface liquid is cleared from the lung by ciliary transport, surface tension gradients, and airflow shear forces. This work presents a multiscale model of the effect of airflow shear forces, as exerted by tidal breathing and cough, upon clearance. The composition of the mucus layer is complex and variable in time. To avoid the restrictions imposed by adopting a viscoelastic flow model of limited validity, a multiscale computational model is introduced in which the continuum-level properties of the airway surface liquid are determined by microscopic simulation of long-chain polymers. A bridge between microscopic and continuum levels is constructed through a kinetic-level probability density function describing polymer chain configurations. The overall multiscale framework is especially suited to biological problems due to the flexibility afforded in specifying microscopic constituents, and examining the effects of various constituents upon overall mucus transport at the continuum scale.

  14. Clearance of chrysotile asbestos from human lung

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Churg, A.; DePaoli, L.

    1988-01-01

    In contrast to amphibole asbestos, chrysotile asbestos fails to accumulate in human lungs. The reason for this phenomenon is not known. To examine this problem, we extracted chrysotile and tremolite fibers from the lungs of 11 chrysotile miners and millers whose last exposure was within 2 years of death and 12 chrysotile miners and millers whose last exposure was greater than 12 years (7 with last exposure 12-15 years and 5 with last exposure 22-25 years) before death. Fibers were extracted by bleach digestion, and concentrations, compositions, and sizes were determined by analytical electron microscopy. Native UICC Canadian chrysotile wasmore » used as a composition standard. Compared to the standard, there was minor loss of magnesium at 2 years and additional very slight loss after 12 years. The ratio of chrysotile to tremolite concentration did not change with time. There was also no evidence of increasing fiber length with time from last exposure. These data indicate that accumulation of amphibole compared to chrysotile in human lungs does not reflect either long-term dissolution of chrysotile or long-term preferential clearance of chrysotile compared to amphibole. Contrary to results of animal studies, fiber length in humans does not increase with time since last exposure. These findings imply that the failure of chrysotile to accumulate in human lungs reflects events that occur early after exposure rather than long-term clearance mechanisms.« less

  15. Retention and clearance of inhaled ceramic fibres in rat lungs and development of a dissolution model.

    PubMed Central

    Yamato, H; Hori, H; Tanaka, I; Higashi, T; Morimoto, Y; Kido, M

    1994-01-01

    Male Wistar rats were exposed to aluminium silicate ceramic fibres by inhalation to study pulmonary deposition, clearance, and dissolution of the fibres. Rats were killed at one day, one month, three months, and six months after the termination of exposure. After exposure, fibres greater than 50 microns in length were seen with a scanning electron microscope in the alveolar region of the lung. Fibres were recovered from the lungs with a low temperature ashing technique and their number, diameter, and length were measured by scanning electron microscopy. The number of fibres remaining in the lungs declined exponentially with time after exposure and their silicon content also fell. The geometric median diameter of fibres decreased linearly with time. By six months after exposure, the surface of fibres recovered from the lungs had an eroded appearance. The results suggest that ceramic fibres are physically cleared from the lung and that they show signs of dissolution. Finally, the results were used to develop a theoretical model of fibre dissolution that gives a satisfactory fit to the experimental data. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 5 PMID:8199672

  16. Lung clearance of /sup 99m/Tc-DTPA in patients with acute lung injury and pulmonary edema

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Coates, G.; O'Brodovich, H.; Dolovich, M.

    1988-07-01

    Several acute and chronic conditions that alter the integrity of the pulmonary epithelium increased the rate of absorption or clearance into the circulation of small solutes deposited in the alveoli. Technetium 99m diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid can be deposited in the lungs as a submicronic aerosol and its rate of clearance measured with a gamma camera or simple probe. This clearance technique is currently being used to evaluate patients who have developed pulmonary edema and also to detect those patients from a high risk group who are likely to develop adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Its role in the evaluation ofmore » patients with pulmonary edema is still under active investigation. It is clear that a single measurement in patients who smoke is not useful, but repeated measurements may provide important information. The lung clearance measurement is very sensitive to changes in epithelial integrity but is not specific for ARDS. It may be most useful in combination with other predictive tests or when the clearance rate is normal. 54 references.« less

  17. Circadian Clearance of a Fungal Pathogen from the Lung Is Not Based on Cell-intrinsic Macrophage Rhythms.

    PubMed

    Chen, Shan; Fuller, Kevin K; Dunlap, Jay C; Loros, Jennifer J

    2018-02-01

    Circadian rhythms govern immune cell function, giving rise to time-of-day variation in the recognition and clearance of bacterial or viral pathogens; to date, however, no such regulation of the host-fungal interaction has been described. In this report, we use murine models to explore circadian control of either fungal-macrophage interactions in vitro or pathogen clearance from the lung in vivo. First, we show that expression of the important fungal pattern recognition receptor Dectin-1 ( clec7a), from either bone marrow-derived or peritoneum-derived macrophages, is not under circadian regulation at either the level of transcript or cell surface protein expression. Consistent with this finding, the phagocytic activity of macrophages in culture against spores of the pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus also did not vary over time. To account for the multiple cell types and processes that may be coordinated in a circadian fashion in vivo, we examined the clearance of A. fumigatus from the lungs of immunocompetent mice. Interestingly, animals inoculated at night demonstrated a 2-fold enhancement in clearance compared with animals inoculated in the morning. Taken together, our data suggest that while molecular recognition of fungi by immune cells may not be circadian, other processes in vivo may still allow for time-of-day differences in fungal clearance from the lung.

  18. Comparative Analysis of Amphotericin B Lipid Complex and Liposomal Amphotericin B Kinetics of Lung Accumulation and Fungal Clearance in a Murine Model of Acute Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis▿

    PubMed Central

    Lewis, Russell E.; Liao, Guangling; Hou, Jinggou; Chamilos, Georgios; Prince, Randall A.; Kontoyiannis, Dimitrios P.

    2007-01-01

    The reformulation of amphotericin B (AMB) into a lipid complex (AMB lipid complex [ABLC]) or liposomal carrier (liposomal AMB [L-AMB]) changes the rate and extent of drug distribution to the lung. The importance of pharmacokinetic differences among the various lipid AMB formulations in the treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) remains unknown. We compared the kinetics of AMB lung accumulation and fungal clearance of ABLC- and L-AMB-treated mice with acute IPA. BALB/c mice were immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide and cortisone before intranasal inoculation with 1.5 × 106 Aspergillus fumigatus 293 conidia. ABLC or L-AMB was administered in daily intravenous doses (1, 5, or 10 mg/kg of body weight), starting 12 h after infection and continuing until day 5. At predetermined times (0, 24, 72, and 120 h), mice were euthanized, and lungs were harvested for determinations of lung fungal burdens (quantitative PCR) and total AMB lung tissue concentrations. Both ABLC and L-AMB were effective at reducing lung fungal burdens at doses of ≥5 mg/kg/day. Clearance of A. fumigatus during the first 24 h was associated with AMB tissue concentrations of >4 μg/g. At 5 mg/kg/day, ABLC produced a more rapid fungal clearance than did L-AMB, but at the end of therapy, fungal burden reductions were similar for both formulations and were not improved with higher dosages. These data suggest that ABLC delivers active AMB to the lung more rapidly than does L-AMB, resulting in faster Aspergillus clearance in an experimental model of IPA. However, pharmacodynamic differences between the two formulations were less apparent when mice were dosed at 10 mg/kg/day. PMID:17261624

  19. Clearance of polonium-210-enriched cigarette smoke from the rat trachea and lung.

    PubMed

    Cohen, B S; Harley, N H; Tso, T C

    1985-06-30

    The distribution and clearance of alpha radioactivity in the lungs of rats were measured after inhalation of smoke from cigarettes highly enriched in 210Po. Female Fischer rats were exposed daily for 6 months to smoke from cigarettes with 500 times the normal content of 210Po. Control rats were exposed to standard cigarette smoke. Animals were serially withdrawn and killed. After necropsy the trachea, major bronchi, larynx, and nasopharynx were examined for surface alpha activity by an etched track technique utilizing cellulose nitrate detectors. Areas of accumulated activity were seen on samples of larynx from rats exposed to the 210Po-enriched cigarettes. No other local accumulations were seen on the airways. The lower lungs were analyzed radiochemically for 210Po. Both radiochemical analysis and track measurements showed highly elevated activity concentrations in rats exposed to the 210Po-enriched cigarettes. Following withdrawal from smoking, both short- and long-term clearance components were seen. The parameters which fit the postexposure data for clearance of the lung burden cannot fit the buildup during the exposure period.

  20. The effects of selected air pollutants on clearance of titanic oxide particles from the lungs of rats.

    PubMed

    Ferin, J; Leach, L J

    1975-09-01

    A procedure utilizing the lung clearance kinetics of titanic oxide (TiO2) particles was used to determine the effects of inhaled sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NO x) on particle clearance. The procedure is reproducible and mainly tests clearance mechanisms involving alveolar macrophages and the mucociliary transport system at the alveolobronchial clearance pathway. At low SO2 or NOx exposures enhanced particle clearance was observed. Lung clearance was depressed at 15 and 24 ppm of NO2 after 22 exposures as well as at 20 ppm of SO2 after 11 exposures, and also at 1 ppm of SO2 after 25 exposures. Dose-response curves for the SO2 and NOx exposures showed differences explainable by the routes by which these gases reach the alveolar macrophages.

  1. Carbon Nanotubes in the Human Respiratory Tract-Clearance Modeling.

    PubMed

    Sturm, Robert

    2017-03-01

    Clearance of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT, diameter: 5 nm) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT, diameter: 50 nm) in the respiratory tract was predicted for various age groups (infants, children, adolescents, and adults). The model was founded on the assumption that lung clearance takes place in three distinct phases: (i) fast mucociliary clearance, (ii) slow bronchial clearance, and (iii) alveolar clearance. To each of these phases a specific fraction of deposited particles was attributed, the amount of which depended on particles' geometry and particles' deposition sites in the respiratory system. Clearance velocities were expressed by respective clearance half-times ranging from several hours in the case of fast clearance to tens of days in the case of slow clearance. Results of the simulations clearly demonstrate that for the specific deposition scenario (sitting, nasal breathing) considered here fast clearance fraction exhibits a slight decrease with increasing age, but total clearance times (i.e. time spans, within which 100% of the deposited particulate mass are removed) are rather constant among the age groups. Nanotubes deposited in the respiratory bronchioles and alveoli are usually subject to a long-term storage in these structures and, thus, may trigger malignant transformations in adjacent cells and tissues. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society.

  2. Clearance of polonium-210-enriched cigarette smoke from the rat trachea and lung

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cohen, B.S.; Harley, N.H.; Tso, T.C.

    The distribution and clearance of alpha radioactivity in the lungs of rats were measured after inhalation of smoke from cigarettes highly enriched in /sup 210/Po. Female Fischer rats were exposed daily for 6 months to smoke from cigarettes with 500 times the normal content of /sup 210/Po. Control rats were exposed to standard cigarette smoke. Animals were serially withdrawn and killed. After necropsy the trachea, major bronchi, larynx, and nasopharynx were examined for surface alpha activity by an etched track technique utilizing cellulose nitrate detectors. Areas of accumulated activity were seen on samples of larynx from rats exposed to themore » /sup 210/Po-enriched cigarettes. No other local accumulations were seen on the airways. The lower lungs were analyzed radiochemically for /sup 210/Po. Both radiochemical analysis and track measurements showed highly elevated activity concentrations in rats exposed to the /sup 210/Po-enriched cigarettes. Following withdrawal from smoking, both short- and long-term clearance components were seen. The parameters which fit the postexposure data for clearance of the lung burden cannot fit the buildup during the exposure period.« less

  3. Biodistribution and Clearance of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Quantitative Three-Dimensional Cryo-Imaging After Intravenous Infusion in a Rat Lung Injury Model.

    PubMed

    Schmuck, Eric G; Koch, Jill M; Centanni, John M; Hacker, Timothy A; Braun, Rudolf K; Eldridge, Marlowe; Hei, Derek J; Hematti, Peiman; Raval, Amish N

    2016-12-01

    : Cell tracking is a critical component of the safety and efficacy evaluation of therapeutic cell products. To date, cell-tracking modalities have been hampered by poor resolution, low sensitivity, and inability to track cells beyond the shortterm. Three-dimensional (3D) cryo-imaging coregisters fluorescent and bright-field microcopy images and allows for single-cell quantification within a 3D organ volume. We hypothesized that 3D cryo-imaging could be used to measure cell biodistribution and clearance after intravenous infusion in a rat lung injury model compared with normal rats. A bleomycin lung injury model was established in Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 12). Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) labeled with QTracker655 were infused via jugular vein. After 2, 4, or 8 days, a second dose of hMSCs labeled with QTracker605 was infused, and animals were euthanized after 60, 120, or 240 minutes. Lungs, liver, spleen, heart, kidney, testis, and intestine were cryopreserved, followed by 3D cryo-imaging of each organ. At 60 minutes, 82% ± 9.7% of cells were detected; detection decreased to 60% ± 17% and 66% ± 22% at 120 and 240 minutes, respectively. At day 2, 0.06% of cells were detected, and this level remained constant at days 4 and 8 postinfusion. At 60, 120, and 240 minutes, 99.7% of detected cells were found in the liver, lungs, and spleen, with cells primarily retained in the liver. This is the first study using 3D cryo-imaging to track hMSCs in a rat lung injury model. hMSCs were retained primarily in the liver, with fewer detected in lungs and spleen. Effective bench-to-bedside clinical translation of cellular therapies requires careful understanding of cell fate through tracking. Tracking cells is important to measure cell retention so that delivery methods and cell dose can be optimized and so that biodistribution and clearance can be defined to better understand potential off-target toxicity and redosing strategies. This article demonstrates, for the first

  4. A preliminary study of the effect of guaiphenesin on mucociliary clearance from the human lung

    PubMed Central

    Thomson, M. L.; Pavia, D.; McNicol, M. W.

    1973-01-01

    Thomson, M. L., Pavia, D., and McNicol, M. W. (1973).Thorax, 28, 742-747. A preliminary study of the effect of guaiphenesin on mucociliary clearance from the human lung. The effect of guaiphenesin (administered as Robitussin1) on mucociliary clearance has been assessed in 15 subjects from the rate of removal from the lung of previously inhaled radioactive tracer particles. The guaiphenesin was compared with a positive control preparation consisting of the guaiphenesin vehicle only in two double-blind crossover trials. The first trial examined eight aged `healthy' volunteer subjects and the second trial examined seven chronic bronchitic patients. Sequential gamma counts were made from the whole lung by scintillation counters for 6 hours after inhalation and the chest was also scanned rectilinearly. In the first 5 hours after inhalation the mean rate of removal of particles and therefore of secretions was faster after guaiphenesin than after the control preparation. This difference was not statistically significant in the healthy volunteers but achieved significance (P <0·05) in the chronic bronchitic patients. Lung scans after inhaling the tracer aerosol indicated that on average the initial penetration of the particles into the lung was similar in the guaiphenesin and control runs. The faster clearance after guaiphenesin was unlikely to be due to bulk movements of mucus caused by coughing since the mean frequency of coughing during the experiment was somewhat less after the drug. PMID:4595814

  5. Reticuloendothelial clearance of blood-borne particulates: relevance to experimental lung microembolization and vascular injury.

    PubMed

    Niehaus, G D; Schumacker, P R; Saba, T M

    1980-04-01

    The rapid increase in sheep lung vascular permeability observed during Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia may be due to embolization of the pulmonary microvasculature by bloodborne particulates. Since alterations in lung microvascular permeability during mild septicemia in sheep may reflect inefficient RES phagocytic clearance of bacteria as well as products of bacterial induced intravascular coagulation, the opsonic and phagocytic aspects of RES function in sheep (30-50 kg) were compared to other species. RES function was evaluated by both the clearance and relative organ uptake of gelatinized I(131) RE test lipid emulsion and gelatinized colloidal carbon. Immunoreactive opsonic a(2)SB glycoprotein levels were determined by electroimmunoassay. The phagocytic index for RES clearance of the gelatinized (500 mg/kg) test lipid in sheep was 0.019 +/- 0.002 corresponding to a half-time of 16.65 +/- 1.74 minutes. With colloidal carbon (64 mg/kg), the phagocytic index in sheep was 0.080 +/- 0.026, corresponding to a half-time of 6.16 +/- 1.99 minutes. The per cent of injected lipid emulsion (%ID) in major RE organs, on a total organ basis (TO), was: liver = 15.69 +/- 1.65%; spleen = 2.09 +/- 0.78%. Localization in the lung = 31.39 +/- 6.2%. The per cent of carbon localized in major RE organs (%ID/TO) was: liver = 21.37 +/- 1.9%; spleen = 1.95 +/- 0.55%. Localization in the lung = 32.70 +/- 4.55%. In contrast, clearance and organ distribution of the blood-borne test microparticles in rats and dogs at the same relative challenging dose revealed a much more intense and rapid liver and spleen RES uptake with minimal lung localization (1-2%). Immunoreactive opsonic protein concentrations varied greatly with species and directly correlated with efficiency of RES function. Levels observed were: dog = 1285 +/- 135 microg/ml; mouse = 1077 +/- 67 microg/ml; rat = 400 +/- 31 microg/ml; human = 297 +/- 10 microg/ml; and sheep = 184 +/- 13 microg/ml. After intravenous particulate

  6. Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) Accelerates Collagen Degradation and Clearance from Lungs in Mice*

    PubMed Central

    Fan, Ming-Hui; Zhu, Qiang; Li, Hui-Hua; Ra, Hyun-Jeong; Majumdar, Sonali; Gulick, Dexter L.; Jerome, Jacob A.; Madsen, Daniel H.; Christofidou-Solomidou, Melpo; Speicher, David W.; Bachovchin, William W.; Feghali-Bostwick, Carol; Puré, Ellen

    2016-01-01

    Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a disease characterized by progressive, unrelenting lung scarring, with death from respiratory failure within 2–4 years unless lung transplantation is performed. New effective therapies are clearly needed. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a cell surface-associated serine protease up-regulated in the lungs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as well as in wound healing and cancer. We postulate that FAP is not only a marker of disease but influences the development of pulmonary fibrosis after lung injury. In two different models of pulmonary fibrosis, intratracheal bleomycin instillation and thoracic irradiation, we find increased mortality and increased lung fibrosis in FAP-deficient mice compared with wild-type mice. Lung extracellular matrix analysis reveals accumulation of intermediate-sized collagen fragments in FAP-deficient mouse lungs, consistent with in vitro studies showing that FAP mediates ordered proteolytic processing of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-derived collagen cleavage products. FAP-mediated collagen processing leads to increased collagen internalization without altering expression of the endocytic collagen receptor, Endo180. Pharmacologic FAP inhibition decreases collagen internalization as expected. Conversely, restoration of FAP expression in the lungs of FAP-deficient mice decreases lung hydroxyproline content after intratracheal bleomycin to levels comparable with that of wild-type controls. Our findings indicate that FAP participates directly, in concert with MMPs, in collagen catabolism and clearance and is an important factor in resolving scar after injury and restoring lung homeostasis. Our study identifies FAP as a novel endogenous regulator of fibrosis and is the first to show FAP's protective effects in the lung. PMID:26663085

  7. Effect of SO/sub 2/ on the clearance of Listeria monocytogenes from the lungs of emphysematous hamsters

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Trimpe, K.L.; Weiss, H.; Zwilling, B.S.

    1986-10-01

    The effect of sulfur dioxide on the clearance of Listeria monocytogenes from normal and emphysematous hamsters was assessed by measuring the number of colony forming units recovered from whole lung homogenates. Continuous exposure to SO/sub 2/ after intratracheal instillation of Listeria significantly altered the clearance of viable bacteria from the lungs of emphysematous but not normal hamsters. Pre-exposure of hamsters to SO/sub 2/ for 2 weeks prior to respiratory infection had similar effects. The emphysematous hamsters exposed to SO/sub 2/ had a lower average number of Listeria in the lungs after the first week of infection than control groups. Thismore » effect appears to result from the combined influence of the SO/sub 2/, the Listeria infection, and the emphysematous condition within the lungs.« less

  8. Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) Accelerates Collagen Degradation and Clearance from Lungs in Mice.

    PubMed

    Fan, Ming-Hui; Zhu, Qiang; Li, Hui-Hua; Ra, Hyun-Jeong; Majumdar, Sonali; Gulick, Dexter L; Jerome, Jacob A; Madsen, Daniel H; Christofidou-Solomidou, Melpo; Speicher, David W; Bachovchin, William W; Feghali-Bostwick, Carol; Puré, Ellen

    2016-04-08

    Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a disease characterized by progressive, unrelenting lung scarring, with death from respiratory failure within 2-4 years unless lung transplantation is performed. New effective therapies are clearly needed. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a cell surface-associated serine protease up-regulated in the lungs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as well as in wound healing and cancer. We postulate that FAP is not only a marker of disease but influences the development of pulmonary fibrosis after lung injury. In two different models of pulmonary fibrosis, intratracheal bleomycin instillation and thoracic irradiation, we find increased mortality and increased lung fibrosis in FAP-deficient mice compared with wild-type mice. Lung extracellular matrix analysis reveals accumulation of intermediate-sized collagen fragments in FAP-deficient mouse lungs, consistent within vitrostudies showing that FAP mediates ordered proteolytic processing of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-derived collagen cleavage products. FAP-mediated collagen processing leads to increased collagen internalization without altering expression of the endocytic collagen receptor, Endo180. Pharmacologic FAP inhibition decreases collagen internalization as expected. Conversely, restoration of FAP expression in the lungs of FAP-deficient mice decreases lung hydroxyproline content after intratracheal bleomycin to levels comparable with that of wild-type controls. Our findings indicate that FAP participates directly, in concert with MMPs, in collagen catabolism and clearance and is an important factor in resolving scar after injury and restoring lung homeostasis. Our study identifies FAP as a novel endogenous regulator of fibrosis and is the first to show FAP's protective effects in the lung. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  9. Impaired clearance of influenza A virus in obese, leptin receptor deficient mice is independent of leptin signaling in the lung epithelium and macrophages.

    PubMed

    Radigan, Kathryn A; Morales-Nebreda, Luisa; Soberanes, Saul; Nicholson, Trevor; Nigdelioglu, Recep; Cho, Takugo; Chi, Monica; Hamanaka, Robert B; Misharin, Alexander V; Perlman, Harris; Budinger, G R Scott; Mutlu, Gökhan M

    2014-01-01

    During the recent H1N1 outbreak, obese patients had worsened lung injury and increased mortality. We used a murine model of influenza A pneumonia to test the hypothesis that leptin receptor deficiency might explain the enhanced mortality in obese patients. We infected wild-type, obese mice globally deficient in the leptin receptor (db/db) and non-obese mice with tissue specific deletion of the leptin receptor in the lung epithelium (SPC-Cre/LepR fl/fl) or macrophages and alveolar type II cells (LysM-Cre/Lepr fl/fl) with influenza A virus (A/WSN/33 [H1N1]) (500 and 1500 pfu/mouse) and measured mortality, viral clearance and several markers of lung injury severity. The clearance of influenza A virus from the lungs of mice was impaired in obese mice globally deficient in the leptin receptor (db/db) compared to normal weight wild-type mice. In contrast, non-obese, SP-C-Cre+/+/LepR fl/fl and LysM-Cre+/+/LepR fl/fl had improved viral clearance after influenza A infection. In obese mice, mortality was increased compared with wild-type mice, while the SP-C-Cre+/+/LepR fl/fl and LysM-Cre+/+/LepR fl/fl mice exhibited improved survival. Global loss of the leptin receptor results in reduced viral clearance and worse outcomes following influenza A infection. These findings are not the result of the loss of leptin signaling in lung epithelial cells or macrophages. Our results suggest that factors associated with obesity or with leptin signaling in non-myeloid populations such as natural killer and T cells may be associated with worsened outcomes following influenza A infection.

  10. The role of lung inflation and sodium transport in airway liquid clearance during lung aeration in newborn rabbits.

    PubMed

    Siew, Melissa L; Wallace, Megan J; Allison, Beth J; Kitchen, Marcus J; te Pas, Arjan B; Islam, M Sirajul; Lewis, Robert A; Fouras, Andreas; Yagi, Naoto; Uesugi, Kentaro; Hooper, Stuart B

    2013-04-01

    Recent phase-contrast X-ray imaging studies suggest that inspiration primarily drives lung aeration and airway liquid clearance at birth, which questions the role of adrenaline-induced activation of epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs). We hypothesized that pressures generated by inspiration have a greater role in airway liquid clearance than do ENaCs after birth. Rabbit pups (30 d of gestation) were delivered and sedated, and 0.1 ml of saline (S) or amiloride (Am; an ENaC inhibitor) was instilled into the lungs before mechanical ventilation. Two other groups (30 d of gestation) were treated similarly but were also given adrenaline (S/Ad and Am/Ad) before mechanical ventilation. Amiloride and adrenaline did not affect functional residual capacity (FRC) recruitment (P > 0.05). Amiloride increased the rate of FRC loss between inflations (Am: -5.2 ± 0.6 ml/kg/s), whereas adrenaline reduced the rate of FRC loss (S/Ad: -1.9 ± 0.3 ml/kg/s) as compared with saline-treated controls (S: -3.5 ± -0.6 ml/kg/s; P < 0.05). These data indicate that inspiration is a major determinant of airway liquid clearance and FRC development during positive pressure ventilation. Although ENaC inhibition and adrenaline administration had no detectable effect on FRC development, ENaC may help to prevent liquid from re-entering the airways during expiration.

  11. Pooled population pharmacokinetic model of imipenem in plasma and the lung epithelial lining fluid

    PubMed Central

    Rizk, Matthew L.; Lala, Mallika; Chavez‐Eng, Cynthia; Visser, Sandra A. G.; Kerbusch, Thomas; Danhof, Meindert; Rao, Gauri; van der Graaf, Piet H.

    2016-01-01

    Aims Several clinical trials have confirmed the therapeutic benefit of imipenem for treatment of lung infections. There is however no knowledge of the penetration of imipenem into the lung epithelial lining fluid (ELF), the site of action relevant for lung infections. Furthermore, although the plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) of imipenem has been widely studied, most studies have been based on selected patient groups. The aim of this analysis was to characterize imipenem plasma PK across populations and to quantify imipenem ELF penetration. Methods A population model for imipenem plasma PK was developed using data obtained from healthy volunteers, elderly subjects and subjects with renal impairment, in order to identify predictors for inter‐individual variability (IIV) of imipenem PK. Subsequently, a clinical study which measured plasma and ELF concentrations of imipenem was included in order to quantify lung penetration. Results A two compartmental model best described the plasma PK of imipenem. Creatinine clearance and body weight were included as subject characteristics predictive for IIV on clearance. Typical estimates for clearance, central and peripheral volume, and inter‐compartmental clearance were 11.5 l h–1, 9.37 l, 6.41 l, 13.7 l h–1, respectively (relative standard error (RSE) <8%). The distribution of imipenem into ELF was described using a time‐independent penetration coefficient of 0.44 (RSE 14%). Conclusion The identified lung penetration coefficient confirms the clinical relevance of imipenem for treatment of lung infections, while the population PK model provided insights into predictors of IIV for imipenem PK and may be of relevance to support dose optimization in various subject groups. PMID:26852277

  12. Pooled population pharmacokinetic model of imipenem in plasma and the lung epithelial lining fluid.

    PubMed

    van Hasselt, J G Coen; Rizk, Matthew L; Lala, Mallika; Chavez-Eng, Cynthia; Visser, Sandra A G; Kerbusch, Thomas; Danhof, Meindert; Rao, Gauri; van der Graaf, Piet H

    2016-06-01

    Several clinical trials have confirmed the therapeutic benefit of imipenem for treatment of lung infections. There is however no knowledge of the penetration of imipenem into the lung epithelial lining fluid (ELF), the site of action relevant for lung infections. Furthermore, although the plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) of imipenem has been widely studied, most studies have been based on selected patient groups. The aim of this analysis was to characterize imipenem plasma PK across populations and to quantify imipenem ELF penetration. A population model for imipenem plasma PK was developed using data obtained from healthy volunteers, elderly subjects and subjects with renal impairment, in order to identify predictors for inter-individual variability (IIV) of imipenem PK. Subsequently, a clinical study which measured plasma and ELF concentrations of imipenem was included in order to quantify lung penetration. A two compartmental model best described the plasma PK of imipenem. Creatinine clearance and body weight were included as subject characteristics predictive for IIV on clearance. Typical estimates for clearance, central and peripheral volume, and inter-compartmental clearance were 11.5 l h(-1) , 9.37 l, 6.41 l, 13.7 l h(-1) , respectively (relative standard error (RSE) <8%). The distribution of imipenem into ELF was described using a time-independent penetration coefficient of 0.44 (RSE 14%). The identified lung penetration coefficient confirms the clinical relevance of imipenem for treatment of lung infections, while the population PK model provided insights into predictors of IIV for imipenem PK and may be of relevance to support dose optimization in various subject groups. © 2016 The British Pharmacological Society.

  13. Protectin DX increases alveolar fluid clearance in rats with lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury.

    PubMed

    Zhuo, Xiao-Jun; Hao, Yu; Cao, Fei; Yan, Song-Fan; Li, Hui; Wang, Qian; Cheng, Bi-Huan; Ying, Bin-Yu; Smith, Fang Gao; Jin, Sheng-Wei

    2018-04-27

    Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a life-threatening critical syndrome resulting largely from the accumulation of and the inability to clear pulmonary edema. Protectin DX, an endogenously produced lipid mediator, is believed to exert anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution effects. Protectin DX (5 µg/kg) was injected i.v. 8 h after LPS (14 mg/kg) administration, and alveolar fluid clearance was measured in live rats (n = 8). In primary rat ATII epithelial cells, protectin DX (3.605 × 10 -3  mg/l) was added to the culture medium with LPS for 6 h. Protectin DX improved alveolar fluid clearance (9.65 ± 1.60 vs. 15.85 ± 1.49, p < 0.0001) and decreased pulmonary edema and lung injury in LPS-induced lung injury in rats. Protectin DX markedly regulated alveolar fluid clearance by upregulating sodium channel and Na, K-ATPase protein expression levels in vivo and in vitro. Protectin DX also increased the activity of Na, K-ATPase and upregulated P-Akt via inhibiting Nedd4-2 in vivo. In addition, protectin DX enhanced the subcellular distribution of sodium channels and Na, K-ATPase, which were specifically localized to the apical and basal membranes of primary rat ATII cells. Furthermore, BOC-2, Rp-cAMP, and LY294002 blocked the increased alveolar fluid clearance in response to protectin DX. Protectin DX stimulates alveolar fluid clearance through a mechanism partly dependent on alveolar epithelial sodium channel and Na, K-ATPase activation via the ALX/PI3K/Nedd4-2 signaling pathway.

  14. Clearance of Hepatitis C Virus Prior to Lung Transplantation: A Case Report.

    PubMed

    Shafii, A E; Harris, D D; Baz, M

    2017-09-01

    Hepatitis C virus (HCV) continues to be considered a relative contraindication to lung transplantation due to concerns of progression of liver disease with the introduction of immunosuppression. Since the recent introduction of effective antiviral therapy for HCV, new approaches in the management of the HCV-positive recipient are being utilized in liver transplantation to clear HCV pre- and post-transplant. Herein, we report use of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for HCV clearance prior to lung transplantation in a patient with usual interstitial pneumonia. Listing for transplant was delayed until completion of HCV treatment, and he subsequently required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to transplantation due to progressive hypoxia. With antiviral cure rates exceeding 90%, HCV should no longer be considered a relative contraindication to lung transplant, and timing of antiviral treatment should consider the progressive nature of the recipient's lung disease. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Predicting lung dosimetry of inhaled particleborne benzo[a]pyrene using physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling

    PubMed Central

    Campbell, Jerry; Franzen, Allison; Van Landingham, Cynthia; Lumpkin, Michael; Crowell, Susan; Meredith, Clive; Loccisano, Anne; Gentry, Robinan; Clewell, Harvey

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a by-product of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and plant/wood products, including tobacco. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for BaP for the rat was extended to simulate inhalation exposures to BaP in rats and humans including particle deposition and dissolution of absorbed BaP and renal elimination of 3-hydroxy benzo[a]pyrene (3-OH BaP) in humans. The clearance of particle-associated BaP from lung based on existing data in rats and dogs suggest that the process is bi-phasic. An initial rapid clearance was represented by BaP released from particles followed by a slower first-order clearance that follows particle kinetics. Parameter values for BaP-particle dissociation were estimated using inhalation data from isolated/ventilated/perfused rat lungs and optimized in the extended inhalation model using available rat data. Simulations of acute inhalation exposures in rats identified specific data needs including systemic elimination of BaP metabolites, diffusion-limited transfer rates of BaP from lung tissue to blood and the quantitative role of macrophage-mediated and ciliated clearance mechanisms. The updated BaP model provides very good prediction of the urinary 3-OH BaP concentrations and the relative difference between measured 3-OH BaP in nonsmokers versus smokers. This PBPK model for inhaled BaP is a preliminary tool for quantifying lung BaP dosimetry in rat and humans and was used to prioritize data needs that would provide significant model refinement and robust internal dosimetry capabilities. PMID:27569524

  16. Bayesian modelling of lung function data from multiple-breath washout tests.

    PubMed

    Mahar, Robert K; Carlin, John B; Ranganathan, Sarath; Ponsonby, Anne-Louise; Vuillermin, Peter; Vukcevic, Damjan

    2018-05-30

    Paediatric respiratory researchers have widely adopted the multiple-breath washout (MBW) test because it allows assessment of lung function in unsedated infants and is well suited to longitudinal studies of lung development and disease. However, a substantial proportion of MBW tests in infants fail current acceptability criteria. We hypothesised that a model-based approach to analysing the data, in place of traditional simple empirical summaries, would enable more efficient use of these tests. We therefore developed a novel statistical model for infant MBW data and applied it to 1197 tests from 432 individuals from a large birth cohort study. We focus on Bayesian estimation of the lung clearance index, the most commonly used summary of lung function from MBW tests. Our results show that the model provides an excellent fit to the data and shed further light on statistical properties of the standard empirical approach. Furthermore, the modelling approach enables the lung clearance index to be estimated by using tests with different degrees of completeness, something not possible with the standard approach. Our model therefore allows previously unused data to be used rather than discarded, as well as routine use of shorter tests without significant loss of precision. Beyond our specific application, our work illustrates a number of important aspects of Bayesian modelling in practice, such as the importance of hierarchical specifications to account for repeated measurements and the value of model checking via posterior predictive distributions. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  17. Effect of increased surface hydrophobicity via drug conjugation on the clearance of inhaled PEGylated polylysine dendrimers.

    PubMed

    Haque, Shadabul; McLeod, Victoria M; Jones, Seth; Fung, Sandy; Whittaker, Michael; McIntosh, Michelle; Pouton, Colin; Owen, David J; Porter, Christopher J H; Kaminskas, Lisa M

    2017-10-01

    PEGylated polylysine dendrimers are attractive and well tolerated inhalable drug delivery platforms that have the potential to control the release, absorption kinetics and lung retention time of conjugated drugs. The clinical application of these systems though, would likely require partial substitution of surface PEG groups with drug molecules that are anticipated to alter their lung clearance kinetics and clearance pathways. In the current study, we therefore evaluated the impact of increased surface hydrophobicity via substitution of 50% surface PEG groups with a model hydrophobic drug (α-carboxyl OtButylated methotrexate) on the lung clearance of a Generation 5 PEGylated polylysine dendrimer in rats. PEG substitution with OtBu-methotrexate accelerated lung clearance of the dendrimer by increasing polylysine scaffold catabolism, improving systemic absorption of the intact dendrimer and low molecular weight products of scaffold catabolism, and enhancing mucociliary clearance. These results suggest that the conjugation of hydrophobic drug on the surface of a PEGylated dendrimer is likely to accelerate lung clearance when compared to a fully PEGylated dendrimer. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. {sup 99m}Tc DTPA aerosol clearances in the assessment of radiation injury top the lung

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Halkar, R.K.; Raghab, A.; Higazi, E.

    1994-05-01

    In a prospective study, 36 patients with inoperable lung Ca. (sq. cells-24, adeno-5, largecell-2, unknown-5) underwent pre and post radiation {sup 99m}Tc DTPA aerosol clearance studies. The aim was to evaluate the value of aerosol clearance in the prediction of radiation injury to the regions other than the radiation field. Aerosol study was done using a commercially available nebulizer, dynamic images were obtained (30 sec/frame) in the posterior projection for a duration of 45 min. ROIs were drawn on upper, mid and lower zones on either lung, and time activity curves were generated. Using a linear fit, clearance half timemore » (t{sub 1/2}) was calculated, for all six curves. The difference between pre and post radiation (t{sub 1/2}) was compared to the clinical follow up of each patient and a difference of more than 15 minutes was considered positive. Of the 36 patients 12 had a t{sub 1/2} difference of more than 15 minutes. Of these 5 patients had radiation pulmonlitis and the remaining 7 had respiratory failure due to infection and uremia. 24 patients had a t{sub 1/2} difference of less than 15 minutes and their clinical follow-up did not reveal any evidence of pulmonary radiation injury during this period. The results indicate that the clearance of Tc-99m DTPA aerosols is effective for excluding radiation pulmonlitis.« less

  19. Rapid clearance of surfactant-associated palmitic acid from the lungs of developing and adult animals.

    PubMed

    Tabor, B; Ikegami, M; Yamada, T; Jobe, A

    1990-03-01

    Palmitic acid is a minor component of natural surfactant and has been used to modify lipid extracts of natural surfactants to optimize their in vitro surface properties. The metabolic fate of palmitic acid in surfactant is unknown. The clearance of surfactant-associated radiolabeled palmitic acid after intratracheal administration was investigated with trace doses of surfactant in the adult rabbit and with trace and treatment doses in the 28-d fetal rabbit and the 132-d fetal sheep. Palmitic acid was cleared rapidly from the airways, with less than 2% of the radiolabel recovered as free palmitic acid in the alveolar wash by 1 h in all models. Recovery as free palmitic acid in the total lung at 2 h was 2% in the adult rabbit and 3% both doses in the preterm rabbit. In the preterm sheep, the recovery as free palmitic acid in the total lung was approximately 2% of the trace dose and 1% of the treatment dose by 5 h. Between 5 and 15% of the instilled palmitic acid was used as substrate for phospholipid synthesis by the lung in the different models. About 30% of the palmitate derived label was recovered in lipid extracts of liver 30 min after tracheal instillation of labeled surfactant in adult rabbits, whereas only 5-10% of the palmitate derived label was found in liver lipids in the preterm animals. In contrast to palmitic acid, radiolabeled triglyceride was cleared much more slowly from the airspaces and lungs of preterm sheep. Inasmuch as large amounts of palmitic acid are cleared rapidly from airspaces and lung tissue, it will not have a prolonged effect on the surface properties of surfactant but it may serve as a precursor for lung lipid metabolism.

  20. Use of lung toxicity and lung particle clearance to estimate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for a fiber glass chronic inhalation study in the rat.

    PubMed

    Hesterberg, T W; McConnel, E E; Miiller, W C; Chevalier, J; Everitt, J; Thevenaz, P; Fleissner, H; Oberdörster, G

    1996-07-01

    Short-term toxicity and lung clearance were assessed in rats exposed by inhalation to size-selected fibrous glass (FG) for 13 weeks. Results from this study and from a recent FG chronic inhalation study are presented here as guidelines for the selection of a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for chronic inhalation studies of fibers. Fischer 344 rats were exposed using nose-only inhalation chambers, 6 hr/day, 5 days/week, for 13 weeks to one of five concentrations of FG (36, 206, 316, 552, or 714 fibers/cc; expressed gravimetrically, 3, 16, 30, 45, or 60 mg/m3) or to filtered air. Rats were then held for an additional 10 weeks of postexposure recovery. Test fiber was size-selected from glass wool having a chemical composition representative of building insulation. Rats were terminated at 7, 13, 19, and 23 weeks after the onset of exposure to evaluate pulmonary pathology, lung epithelium cell proliferation, lung fiber burden, and lung lavage cells and chemistry. The effect of fiber inhalation on lung clearance of innocuous microspheres was also evaluated: following fiber exposure, six rats/group were exposed to 85Sr-labeled 3.0-microns polystyrene microspheres by intratracheal inhalation and then monitored for whole-body radioactivity during the 10-week recovery period. Data from the short-term study support the choice of 30 mg/m3 as the MTD for the previous chronic FG study and also provide indicators of long-term lung toxicity and functional impairment that can be used to estimate the MTD for future chronic fiber inhalation studies.

  1. Structure and Function of the Mucus Clearance System of the Lung

    PubMed Central

    Button, Brenda M.; Button, Brian

    2013-01-01

    In cystic fibrosis (CF), a defect in ion transport results in thick and dehydrated airway mucus, which is difficult to clear, making such patients prone to chronic inflammation and bacterial infections. Physiotherapy using a variety of airway clearance techniques (ACTs) represents a key treatment regime by helping clear the airways of thickened, adhered, mucus and, thus, reducing the impact of lung infections and improving lung function. This article aims to bridge the gap between our understanding of the physiological effects of mechanical stresses elicited by ACTs on airway epithelia and the reported effectiveness of ACTs in CF patients. In the first part of this review, the effects of mechanical stress on airway epithelia are discussed in relation to changes in ion transport and stimulation in airway surface layer hydration. The second half is devoted to detailing the most commonly used ACTs to stimulate the removal of mucus from the airways of patients with CF. PMID:23751214

  2. A model of clearance rate regulation in mussels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fréchette, Marcel

    2012-10-01

    Clearance rate regulation has been modelled as an instantaneous response to food availability, independent of the internal state of the animals. This view is incompatible with latent effects during ontogeny and phenotypic flexibility in clearance rate. Internal-state regulation of clearance rate is required to account for these patterns. Here I develop a model of internal-state based regulation of clearance rate. External factors such as suspended sediments are included in the model. To assess the relative merits of instantaneous regulation and internal-state regulation, I modelled blue mussel clearance rate and growth using a DEB model. In the usual standard feeding module, feeding is governed by a Holling's Type II response to food concentration. In the internal-state feeding module, gill ciliary activity and thus clearance rate are driven by internal reserve level. Factors such as suspended sediments were not included in the simulations. The two feeding modules were compared on the basis of their ability to capture the impact of latent effects, of environmental heterogeneity in food abundance and of physiological flexibility on clearance rate and individual growth. The Holling feeding module was unable to capture the effect of any of these sources of variability. In contrast, the internal-state feeding module did so without any modification or ad hoc calibration. Latent effects, however, appeared transient. With simple annual variability in temperature and food concentration, the relationship between clearance rate and food availability predicted by the internal-state feeding module was quite similar to that observed in Norwegian fjords. I conclude that in contrast with the usual Holling feeding module, internal-state regulation of clearance rate is consistent with well-documented growth and clearance rate patterns.

  3. Does the Clearance of Inhaled (99m)Tc-Sestamibi Correlate with Multidrug Resistance Protein 1 Expression in the Human Lung?

    PubMed

    Mohan, Hosahalli K; Routledge, Thomas; Cane, Paul; Livieratos, Lefteris; Ballinger, James R; Peters, Adrien M

    2016-09-01

    Purpose To examine the relation between the lung elimination rate of inhaled technetium 99m ((99m)Tc)-sestamibi and immunohistochemical expression of bronchopulmonary multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) and permeability glycoprotein (P-gp) and assess the repeatability of the inhaled (99m)Tc-sestamibi clearance technique. Materials and Methods (99m)Tc-sestamibi is a known substrate for P-gp and MRP1, which are established cellular drug efflux transporters. The elimination rate of (99m)Tc-sestamibi from the lungs after inhalation as an aerosol has been hypothesized to be regulated by expression of these transporters. Institutional ethics committee approval was received for this prospective study. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. The clearance of inhaled (99m)Tc-sestamibi from the lungs of 13 patients due to undergo surgery for primary lung cancer (five of 13) or spontaneous pneumothorax (eight of 13) was estimated after dynamic imaging of the lungs during a period of 40 minutes. The time taken to clear 50% of inhaled sestamibi (T1/2) was compared with a semiquantitative immunohistochemical assessment (grade 0-3) of MRP1 and P-gp expression in the lung by using parametric and nonparametric tests. The study was repeated in five participants to assess the repeatability of the technique by using a Bland Altman analysis method. Results MRP1 expression was seen in 12 of 13 patients, while P-gp expression was seen in only two. The mean (99m)Tc-sestamibi elimination rate was faster in patients (n = 6) with low levels of MRP1 expression (grade 0-1) and mean T1/2 of 105 minutes ± 20 (standard deviation), compared with those with higher levels of MRP1 expression (grade 2-3, n = 7) and mean T1/2 of 149 minutes ± 28 (P = .008). Bland-Altman analysis revealed excellent agreement between test and retest values. Conclusion Inhaled (99m)Tc-sestamibi clearance study is a repeatable technique demonstrating significant correlation with MRP1 expression in

  4. Long-term clearance from small airways in patients with cystic fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Lindström, M; Camner, P; Falk, R; Hjelte, L; Philipson, K; Svartengren, M

    2005-02-01

    Impaired mucociliary clearance is a hallmark of cystic fibrosis (CF). Early morphological changes first appear in the small airways. Lung clearance was investigated in 11 young CF adults with mild-to-moderate lung disease using a method depositing particles mainly in the small airways. Radiolabelled Teflon particles (6 microm) were inhaled with an extremely slow inhalation flow, 0.05 L x s(-1). Lung retention was measured immediately following inhalations and, on four occasions up to 21 days. The results were compared with data from healthy subjects. The lung retention at 24 h in % of deposition was 67% (95% confidence interval 58-76) in the CF patients, compared to 48% (42-53) in the healthy subjects. Clearance on days 1-7 was larger in the CF patients, 22% (15-29) compared to the healthy subjects, 14% (12-16). No difference was observed between the CF patients and the healthy subjects in the slow clearance phase at day 7 to day 21, representing small airway clearance. Impaired mucociliary clearance in CF patients results in increased 24-h retention and a prolonged rapid clearance phase. The results of the study do not support the current authors' hypothesis that clearance from small airways is slower in cystic fibrosis patients compared to healthy subjects. Furthermore, the data suggest that mucociliary transport is not the dominant clearance mechanism in small airways.

  5. Imaging Lung Clearance of Radiolabeled Tumor Cells to Study Mice with Normal, Activated or Depleted Natural Killer (NK) Cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kulkarni, P. V.; Bennett, M.; Constantinescu, A.; Arora, V.; Viguet, M.; Antich, P.; Parkey, R. W.; Mathews, D.; Mason, R. P.; Oz, O. K.

    2003-08-01

    Lung clearance of 51CR and 125I iododeoxyuridine (IUDR) labeled cancer cells assess NK cell activity. It is desirable to develop noninvasive imaging technique to assess NK activity in mice. We labeled target YAC-1 tumor cells with 125I, 111In, 99mTc, or 67Ga and injected I.V. into three groups of BALB/c mice. Animals were treated with medium (group I), 300mg/kg cyclophosmamide (CY) to kill NK cell (group II), or anti-LY49C/1) (ab')2 mAb to augment NK function (group III). Lungs were removed 15 min or 2 h later for tissue counting. Control and treated mice were imaged every 5 min with a scintillating camera for 1 h after 15 min of infusion of the 111In labeled cells. Lung clearance increased after 15 min (lodging: 60-80%) and (2 h retention: 3-7%). Similar results were obtained with all the isotopes studied. Images distinguished the control and treated mice for lung activity. Cells labeled with 111In, 99mTc or 67Ga are cleared similar to those labeled with 51Cr or 125I. NK cell destruction of tumor cells may be assessed by noninvasive imaging method either by SPECT (99mTc, 111In, 67Ga) or by PET (68Ga).

  6. The metabolic clearance of progesterone in the pregnant rat: Absence of a physiological role for the lung

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Waddell, B.J.; Bruce, N.W.

    1989-06-01

    The metabolic clearance rate (MCR) of progesterone is among the highest for all steroid hormones studied, yet it is difficult to apportion this high MCR to specific organ contributions. The isolated lung has been shown to metabolize progesterone, and since this tissue receives the entire cardiac output, potentially it could make a major contribution to the overall MCR. This possibility was examined in the present study by measuring lung extraction of (3H)progesterone under steady-state conditions in the intact pregnant rat. Anesthetized rats (n = 6) were infused with (3H)progesterone via a femoral vein for 100 min on Day 16 ofmore » pregnancy. After the onset of steady state (40 min), four blood samples were obtained at 20-min intervals from the right ventricle and from the aorta, and the concentrations of (3H)progesterone and its metabolites were determined. Throughout the sampling period, mean arterial pressure and heart rate remained stable (two-way analysis of variance), as did the production rate (3.76 +/- 0.35 mg/day; mean +/- SEM) and the MCR (34.8 +/- 3.5 ml/min) of progesterone. Despite this high rate of clearance, there was no difference between the concentration of (3H)progesterone in arterial and right ventricular blood, indicating no net extraction of progesterone during passage through the lung. Furthermore, there was no change in the concentration of either lipid-soluble or aqueous-soluble (3H)progesterone metabolites during trans-lung passage. These observations demonstrate that the lung does not contribute to the MCR of progesterone when measured under physiological and steady-state conditions. Therefore, the relationship, MCR (ml/min) = whole-body extraction (%) x cardiac output (ml/min), is upheld for progesterone in the rat.« less

  7. The interplay of lung surfactant proteins and lipids assimilates the macrophage clearance of nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Ruge, Christian A; Schaefer, Ulrich F; Herrmann, Jennifer; Kirch, Julian; Cañadas, Olga; Echaide, Mercedes; Pérez-Gil, Jesús; Casals, Cristina; Müller, Rolf; Lehr, Claus-Michael

    2012-01-01

    The peripheral lungs are a potential entrance portal for nanoparticles into the human body due to their large surface area. The fact that nanoparticles can be deposited in the alveolar region of the lungs is of interest for pulmonary drug delivery strategies and is of equal importance for toxicological considerations. Therefore, a detailed understanding of nanoparticle interaction with the structures of this largest and most sensitive part of the lungs is important for both nanomedicine and nanotoxicology. Astonishingly, there is still little known about the bio-nano interactions that occur after nanoparticle deposition in the alveoli. In this study, we compared the effects of surfactant-associated protein A (SP-A) and D (SP-D) on the clearance of magnetite nanoparticles (mNP) with either more hydrophilic (starch) or hydrophobic (phosphatidylcholine) surface modification by an alveolar macrophage (AM) cell line (MH-S) using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Both proteins enhanced the AM uptake of mNP compared with pristine nanoparticles; for the hydrophilic ST-mNP, this effect was strongest with SP-D, whereas for the hydrophobic PL-mNP it was most pronounced with SP-A. Using gel electrophoretic and dynamic light scattering methods, we were able to demonstrate that the observed cellular effects were related to protein adsorption and to protein-mediated interference with the colloidal stability. Next, we investigated the influence of various surfactant lipids on nanoparticle uptake by AM because lipids are the major surfactant component. Synthetic surfactant lipid and isolated native surfactant preparations significantly modulated the effects exerted by SP-A and SP-D, respectively, resulting in comparable levels of macrophage interaction for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic nanoparticles. Our findings suggest that because of the interplay of both surfactant lipids and proteins, the AM clearance of nanoparticles is essentially the same, regardless of different

  8. Experimental models for studying mucociliary clearance.

    PubMed

    King, M

    1998-01-01

    Respiratory tract mucus is a viscoelastic gel, the rheological properties of which are determined mainly by its content of mucous glycoproteins and water. The rheology and quantity of mucus, in concert with ciliary factors, are the major determinants of mucociliary clearance. A wide range of animal models for studying the secretion and clearance of mucus are available. Ex vivo models, such as the frog palate or excised bovine trachea, provide direct, meaningful data regarding the clearability of mucus. Rodent models of chronic bronchitis, based on irritant gas or cigarette smoke exposure, show important features of the human condition in a relatively short time. The rheological characterization of mucus is made difficult by the small quantities obtainable, particularly from normal animals. Large animal models, such as the dog or sheep, although more expensive, offer many advantages, such as the ability to carry out long-term serial measurements, and to make integrated measurements of the clearance of mucus, ciliary function, epithelial ion transport, and the rheology of mucus in the same preparation.

  9. Anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa IgY antibodies augment bacterial clearance in a murine pneumonia model.

    PubMed

    Thomsen, K; Christophersen, L; Bjarnsholt, T; Jensen, P Ø; Moser, C; Høiby, N

    2016-03-01

    Oral prophylactic therapy by gargling with pathogen-specific egg yolk immunoglobulins (IgY) may reduce the initial airway colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. IgY antibodies impart passive immunization and we investigated the effects of anti-P. aeruginosa IgY antibodies on bacterial eradication in a murine pneumonia model. P. aeruginosa pneumonia was established in Balb/c mice and the effects of prophylactic IgY administration on lung bacteriology, clinical parameters and subsequent inflammation were compared to controls. Prophylactic administration of IgY antibodies targeting P. aeruginosa significantly reduced the bacterial burden by 2-log 24h post-infection compared to controls and was accompanied by significantly reduced clinical symptom scores and successive inflammatory cytokine profile indicative of diminished lung inflammation. Passive immunization by anti-P. aeruginosa IgY therapy facilitates promptly bacterial clearance and moderates inflammation in P. aeruginosa lung infection and may serve as an adjunct to antibiotics in reducing early colonization. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  10. Dynamic modelling and experimental study of cantilever beam with clearance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, B.; Jin, W.; Han, L.; He, Z.

    2012-05-01

    Clearances occur in almost all mechanical systems, typically such as the clearance between slide plate of gun barrel and guide. Therefore, to study the clearances of mechanisms can be very important to increase the working performance and lifetime of mechanisms. In this paper, rigid dynamic modelling of cantilever with clearance was done according to the subject investigated. In the rigid dynamic modelling, clearance is equivalent to the spring-dashpot model, the impact of beam and boundary face was also taken into consideration. In ADAMS software, the dynamic simulation was carried out according to the model above. The software simulated the movement of cantilever with clearance under external excitation. Research found: When the clearance is larger, the force of impact will become larger. In order to study how the stiffness of the cantilever's supporting part influences natural frequency of the system, A Euler beam which is restricted by a draught spring and a torsion spring at its end was raised. Through numerical calculation, the relationship between natural frequency and stiffness was found. When the value of the stiffness is close to the limit value, the corresponding boundary condition is illustrated. An ADAMS experiment was carried out to check the theory and the simulation.

  11. A comparison of the lung clearance kinetics of solid lipid nanoparticles and liposomes by following the 3H-labelled structural lipids after pulmonary delivery in rats.

    PubMed

    Haque, Shadabul; Whittaker, Michael; McIntosh, Michelle P; Pouton, Colin W; Phipps, Simon; Kaminskas, Lisa M

    2018-04-01

    The utility of biodegradable nanosized drug carriers for the local and controlled delivery of therapeutics to the lungs has prompted significant interest in the development of inhalable nanomedicines. Still, little is known about how these systems are cleared from the lungs, including the kinetics of the structural lipids. Most preclinical and clinical studies to date have evaluated the lung clearance of loaded drugs, which in many cases poorly reflects the kinetics of the nanocarrier, or the bulk-labelled particles. This study therefore aimed to describe and compare the pulmonary pharmacokinetic behaviour and patterns of lung clearance of two commonly explored inhalable nanocarriers (anionic ∼150 nm liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles [SLNs]) in rats by following the 3 H-labelled structural lipids (phosphatidylcholine and tristearin respectively). The data showed that SLNs and liposomes were cleared from the lungs at similar rates, despite SLNs being deposited after intratracheal instillation in the upper respiratory track, and primarily via the mucociliary escalator, but this process was more pronounced for SLNs. Structural lipids were mainly associated with plasma proteins rather than nanocarrier in plasma. The lipids also exhibit prolonged lung exposure and are associated with the lung tissue (rather than BALF) over 2 weeks. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. [The respiratory system--its self-cleaning system. General mechanisms of clearance].

    PubMed

    Mustajbegović, J; Zuskin, E

    1998-01-01

    The behaviour of particles and deposition in different parts of respiratory system are described. Listed are factors which contribute to the deposition of particles in the lungs and upper areas of the respiratory system. The general mechanisms of lung clearance and their action such as cough, mucociliary transport, alveolar clearance and immunological system are reported. Particularly is stressed the necessity of coordination of all defense mechanisms in order to maintain normal respiratory function.

  13. In vitro dissolution of strontium titanate to estimate clearance rates in human lungs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anderson, Jeri Lynn

    At the In-Tank Precipitation facility (ITP) of the Savannah River Site, strontium and other radionuclides are removed from high-level radioactive waste and sent to the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF). Strontium removal is accomplished by ion-exchange using monosodium titanate slurry which creates a form of strontium titanate with unknown solubility characteristics. In the case of accidental inhalation of a compound containing radioactive strontium, the ICRP, in Publication 66, recommends using default values for rates of absorption into body fluids at the lungs in the absence of reliable human or animal data. The default value depends on whether the absorption is considered to be fast, moderate, or slow (Type F, M, or S). Current dose assessment for an individual upon inadvertent exposure to airborne radioactive strontium assumes that all strontium compounds are Type F (soluble) or Type S (insoluble). Pure high-fired strontium titanate (SrTiOsb3) is considered Type S. The purpose of this project was to determine the solubility of strontium titanate in the form created at the ITP facility. An in vitro dissolution study was done with a precipitate simulant and with several types of strontium titanate and the results were compared. An in vivo study was also performed with high-fired SrTiOsb3 in rats. The data from both studies were used independently to assign the compounds to absorption type based on criteria specified in ICRP 71. Results of the in vitro studies showed that the DWPF simulant should be assigned to Type M and the strontium titanate should be assigned to Type S. It is possible the difference in the DWPF simulant is due to the other chemicals present. Results of the in vivo study verified that SrTiOsb3 should be assigned to Type S. Lung clearance data of SrTiOsb3 from rats showed that 85% cleared within the first 24 hours and the remaining 15% with a half-time of 130 days. The initial rapid clearance is attributed to deposition in airways as

  14. The role of airway macrophages in apoptotic cell clearance following acute and chronic lung inflammation.

    PubMed

    Grabiec, Aleksander M; Hussell, Tracy

    2016-07-01

    Acute and chronic inflammatory responses in the lung are associated with the accumulation of large quantities of immune and structural cells undergoing apoptosis, which need to be engulfed by phagocytes in a process called 'efferocytosis'. Apoptotic cell recognition and removal from the lung is mediated predominantly by airway macrophages, though immature dendritic cells and non-professional phagocytes, such as epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells, can also display this function. Efficient clearance of apoptotic cells from the airways is essential for successful resolution of inflammation and the return to lung homeostasis. Disruption of this process leads to secondary necrosis of accumulating apoptotic cells, release of necrotic cell debris and subsequent uncontrolled inflammatory activation of the innate immune system by the released 'damage associated molecular patterns' (DAMPS). To control the duration of the immune response and prevent autoimmune reactions, anti-inflammatory signalling cascades are initiated in the phagocyte upon apoptotic cell uptake, mediated by a range of receptors that recognise specific phospholipids or proteins externalised on, or secreted by, the apoptotic cell. However, prolonged activation of apoptotic cell recognition receptors, such as the family of receptor tyrosine kinases Tyro3, Axl and MerTK (TAM), may delay or prevent inflammatory responses to subsequent infections. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in our understanding of the mechanism controlling apoptotic cell recognition and removal from the lung in homeostasis and during inflammation, the contribution of defective efferocytosis to chronic inflammatory lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and cystic fibrosis, and implications of the signals triggered by apoptotic cells in the susceptibility to pulmonary microbial infections.

  15. Real-time X-ray Imaging of Lung Fluid Volumes in Neonatal Mouse Lung.

    PubMed

    Van Avermaete, Ashley E; Trac, Phi T; Gauthier, Theresa W; Helms, My N

    2016-07-18

    At birth, the lung undergoes a profound phenotypic switch from secretion to absorption, which allows for adaptation to breathing independently. Promoting and sustaining this phenotype is critically important in normal alveolar growth and gas exchange throughout life. Several in vitro studies have characterized the role of key regulatory proteins, signaling molecules, and steroid hormones that can influence the rate of lung fluid clearance. However, in vivo examinations must be performed to evaluate whether these regulatory factors play important physiological roles in regulating perinatal lung liquid absorption. As such, the utilization of real time X-ray imaging to determine perinatal lung fluid clearance, or pulmonary edema, represents a technological advancement in the field. Herein, we explain and illustrate an approach to assess the rate of alveolar lung fluid clearance and alveolar flooding in C57BL/6 mice at post natal day 10 using X-ray imaging and analysis. Successful implementation of this protocol requires prior approval from institutional animal care and use committees (IACUC), an in vivo small animal X-ray imaging system, and compatible molecular imaging software.

  16. Long-term clearance from small airways in subjects with ciliary dysfunction.

    PubMed

    Lindström, Maria; Falk, Rolf; Hjelte, Lena; Philipson, Klas; Svartengren, Magnus

    2006-05-20

    The objective of this study was to investigate if long-term clearance from small airways is dependent on normal ciliary function. Six young adults with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) inhaled 111 Indium labelled Teflon particles of 4.2 microm geometric and 6.2 microm aerodynamic diameter with an extremely slow inhalation flow, 0.05 L/s. The inhalation method deposits particles mainly in the small conducting airways. Lung retention was measured immediately after inhalation and at four occasions up to 21 days after inhalation. Results were compared with data from ten healthy controls. For additional comparison three of the PCD subjects also inhaled the test particles with normal inhalation flow, 0.5 L/s, providing a more central deposition. The lung retention at 24 h in % of lung deposition (Ret24) was higher (p < 0.001) in the PCD subjects, 79 % (95% Confidence Interval, 67.6;90.6), compared to 49% (42.3;55.5) in the healthy controls. There was a significant clearance after 24 h both in the PCD subjects and in the healthy controls with equivalent clearance. The mean Ret24 with slow inhalation flow was 73.9 +/- 1.9% compared to 68.9 +/- 7.5% with normal inhalation flow in the three PCD subjects exposed twice. During day 7-21 the three PCD subjects exposed twice cleared 9% with normal flow, probably representing predominantly alveolar clearance, compared to 19% with slow inhalation flow, probably representing mainly small airway clearance. This study shows that despite ciliary dysfunction, clearance continues in the small airways beyond 24 h. There are apparently additional clearance mechanisms present in the small airways.

  17. Mechanisms underlying the redistribution of particles among the lung's alveolar macrophages during alveolar phase clearance

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lehnert, B.E.; Oritz, J.B.; Steinkamp, J.A.

    1991-01-01

    In order to obtain information about the particle redistribution phenomenon following the deposition of inhaled particles, as well as to obtain information about some of the mechanisms that may be operable in the redistribution of particles, lavaged lung free cell analyses and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analyses of lung tissue and were performed using lungs from rats after they were subchronically exposed to aerosolized dioxide (TiO{sub 2}). TEM analyses indicated that the in situ autolysis of particle-containing Alveolar Macropages (AM) is one important mechanism involved in the redistribution of particles. Evidence was also obtained that indicated that the engulfment ofmore » one particle-containing phagocyte by another phagocyte also occurs. Another prominent mechanism of the particle redistribution phenomenon may be the in situ proliferation of particle-laden AM. We used the macrophage cell line J774A.1 as a surrogate for AM to investigate how different particulate loads in macrophages may affect their abilities to proliferate. These in vitro investigations indicated that the normal rate of proliferation of macrophages is essentially unaffected by the containment of relatively high particulate burdens. Overall, the results of our investigations suggest that in situ autolysis of particle-containing AM and the rephagocytosis of freed particles by other phagocytes, the phagocytosis of effete and disintegrating particle-containing phagocytes by other AM, and the in situ division of particle-containing AM are likely mechanisms that underlie the post-depositional redistribution of particles among the lung's AM during alveolar phase clearance. 19 refs., 8 figs., 2 tabs.« less

  18. Lung Macrophages “Digest” Carbon Nanotubes Using a Superoxide/Peroxynitrite Oxidative Pathway

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    In contrast to short-lived neutrophils, macrophages display persistent presence in the lung of animals after pulmonary exposure to carbon nanotubes. While effective in the clearance of bacterial pathogens and injured host cells, the ability of macrophages to “digest” carbonaceous nanoparticles has not been documented. Here, we used chemical, biochemical, and cell and animal models and demonstrated oxidative biodegradation of oxidatively functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes via superoxide/NO* → peroxynitrite-driven oxidative pathways of activated macrophages facilitating clearance of nanoparticles from the lung. PMID:24871084

  19. Rate-Based Model Predictive Control of Turbofan Engine Clearance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    DeCastro, Jonathan A.

    2006-01-01

    An innovative model predictive control strategy is developed for control of nonlinear aircraft propulsion systems and sub-systems. At the heart of the controller is a rate-based linear parameter-varying model that propagates the state derivatives across the prediction horizon, extending prediction fidelity to transient regimes where conventional models begin to lose validity. The new control law is applied to a demanding active clearance control application, where the objectives are to tightly regulate blade tip clearances and also anticipate and avoid detrimental blade-shroud rub occurrences by optimally maintaining a predefined minimum clearance. Simulation results verify that the rate-based controller is capable of satisfying the objectives during realistic flight scenarios where both a conventional Jacobian-based model predictive control law and an unconstrained linear-quadratic optimal controller are incapable of doing so. The controller is evaluated using a variety of different actuators, illustrating the efficacy and versatility of the control approach. It is concluded that the new strategy has promise for this and other nonlinear aerospace applications that place high importance on the attainment of control objectives during transient regimes.

  20. Dendritic cells modulate lung response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a murine model of sepsis-induced immune dysfunction.

    PubMed

    Pène, Frédéric; Zuber, Benjamin; Courtine, Emilie; Rousseau, Christophe; Ouaaz, Fatah; Toubiana, Julie; Tazi, Asmaa; Mira, Jean-Paul; Chiche, Jean-Daniel

    2008-12-15

    Host infection by pathogens triggers an innate immune response leading to a systemic inflammatory response, often followed by an immune dysfunction which can favor the emergence of secondary infections. Dendritic cells (DCs) link innate and adaptive immunity and may be centrally involved in the regulation of sepsis-induced immune dysfunction. We assessed the contribution of DCs to lung defense in a murine model of sublethal polymicrobial sepsis (cecal ligature and puncture, CLP). In this model, bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) retained an immature phenotype, associated with decreased capacity of IL-12p70 release and impaired priming of T cell lymphocytes. Eight days after CLP surgery, we induced a secondary pulmonary infection through intratracheal instillation of 5 x 10(6) CFUs of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Whereas all sham-operated mice survived, 80% of post-CLP mice died after secondary pneumonia. Post-CLP mice exhibited marked lung damage with early recruitment of neutrophils, cytokine imbalance with decreased IL-12p70 production, and increased IL-10 release, but no defective bacterial lung clearance, while systemic bacterial dissemination was almost constant. Concomitant intrapulmonary administration of exogenous BMDCs into post-CLP mice challenged with P. aeruginosa dramatically improved survival. BMDCs did not improve bacterial lung clearance, but delayed neutrophil recruitment, strongly attenuated the early peak of TNF-alpha and restored an adequate Il-12p70/IL-10 balance in post-CLP mice. Thus, adoptive transfer of BMDCs reversed sepsis-induced immune dysfunction in a relevant model of secondary P. aeruginosa pneumonia. Unexpectedly, the mechanism of action of BMDCs did not involve enhanced antibacterial activity, but occurred by dampening the pulmonary inflammatory response.

  1. The clinical utility of lung clearance index in early cystic fibrosis lung disease is not impacted by the number of multiple-breath washout trials

    PubMed Central

    Foong, Rachel E.; Harper, Alana J.; King, Louise; Turkovic, Lidija; Davis, Miriam; Clem, Charles C.; Davis, Stephanie D.; Ranganathan, Sarath; Hall, Graham L.

    2018-01-01

    The lung clearance index (LCI) from the multiple-breath washout (MBW) test is a promising surveillance tool for pre-school children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Current guidelines for MBW testing recommend that three acceptable trials are required. However, success rates to achieve these criteria are low in children aged <7 years and feasibility may improve with modified pre-school criteria that accepts tests with two acceptable trials. This study aimed to determine if relationships between LCI and clinical outcomes of CF lung disease differ when only two acceptable MBW trials are assessed. Healthy children and children with CF aged 3–6 years were recruited for MBW testing. Children with CF also underwent bronchoalveolar lavage fluid collection and a chest computed tomography scan. MBW feasibility increased from 46% to 75% when tests with two trials were deemed acceptable compared with tests where three acceptable trials were required. Relationships between MBW outcomes and markers of pulmonary inflammation, infection and structural lung disease were not different between tests with three acceptable trials compared with tests with two acceptable trials. This study indicates that pre-school MBW data from two acceptable trials may provide sufficient information on ventilation distribution if three acceptable trials are not possible. PMID:29707562

  2. Chest physiotherapy can affect the lung clearance index in cystic fibrosis patients.

    PubMed

    Grosse-Onnebrink, Joerg; Mellies, Uwe; Olivier, Margarete; Werner, Claudius; Stehling, Florian

    2017-05-01

    The lung clearance index (LCI) is determined by multiple-breath washout lung function (MBW). It is increasingly used as an endpoint in clinical trials. Chest physiotherapy (CP) is part of routine cystic fibrosis (CF) care. Whether the LCI is useful in detecting short-term treatment effects of CP has not been sufficiently investigated. We assessed the short-term influence of CP with highly standardized high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) on the LCI in CF patients. In this randomized controlled study, the LCI was obtained in 20 CF patients (7-34 years) hospitalized for infective pulmonary exacerbation prior to and immediately after a single treatment of HFCWO. Twenty-one control group CF patients (7-51 years) received no treatment. We calculated the coefficient of repeatability (CR) to estimate the clinical relevance of possible treatment effects. HFCWO improved (ie, decreased) the LCI by a median of 0.9 (range -0.45; 3.47; P = 0.002); the LCI decreased in 15 of 20 intervention group patients. In five patients the decrease in LCI exceeded the CR (2.15), indicating a clinically relevant treatment effect; in five patients the LCI increased but did not exceed the CR. The LCI did not change significantly in the control group patients. HFCWO can have a short-term decreasing effect on the LCI, but the treatment response is heterogeneous. In future trials using LCI as an endpoint, the timing of CP in relation to MBW should be considered a possible bias. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  3. Differences in amyloid-β clearance across mouse and human blood-brain barrier models: kinetic analysis and mechanistic modeling.

    PubMed

    Qosa, Hisham; Abuasal, Bilal S; Romero, Ignacio A; Weksler, Babette; Couraud, Pierre-Oliver; Keller, Jeffrey N; Kaddoumi, Amal

    2014-04-01

    Alzheimer's disease (AD) has a characteristic hallmark of amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation in the brain. This accumulation of Aβ has been related to its faulty cerebral clearance. Indeed, preclinical studies that used mice to investigate Aβ clearance showed that efflux across blood-brain barrier (BBB) and brain degradation mediate efficient Aβ clearance. However, the contribution of each process to Aβ clearance remains unclear. Moreover, it is still uncertain how species differences between mouse and human could affect Aβ clearance. Here, a modified form of the brain efflux index method was used to estimate the contribution of BBB and brain degradation to Aβ clearance from the brain of wild type mice. We estimated that 62% of intracerebrally injected (125)I-Aβ40 is cleared across BBB while 38% is cleared by brain degradation. Furthermore, in vitro and in silico studies were performed to compare Aβ clearance between mouse and human BBB models. Kinetic studies for Aβ40 disposition in bEnd3 and hCMEC/D3 cells, representative in vitro mouse and human BBB models, respectively, demonstrated 30-fold higher rate of (125)I-Aβ40 uptake and 15-fold higher rate of degradation by bEnd3 compared to hCMEC/D3 cells. Expression studies showed both cells to express different levels of P-glycoprotein and RAGE, while LRP1 levels were comparable. Finally, we established a mechanistic model, which could successfully predict cellular levels of (125)I-Aβ40 and the rate of each process. Established mechanistic model suggested significantly higher rates of Aβ uptake and degradation in bEnd3 cells as rationale for the observed differences in (125)I-Aβ40 disposition between mouse and human BBB models. In conclusion, current study demonstrates the important role of BBB in the clearance of Aβ from the brain. Moreover, it provides insight into the differences between mouse and human BBB with regards to Aβ clearance and offer, for the first time, a mathematical model that describes

  4. Differences in amyloid-β clearance across mouse and human blood-brain barrier models: Kinetic analysis and mechanistic modeling

    PubMed Central

    Qosa, Hisham; Abuasal, Bilal S.; Romero, Ignacio A.; Weksler, Babette; Couraud, Pierre-Oliver; Keller, Jeffrey N.; Kaddoumi, Amal

    2014-01-01

    Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has a characteristic hallmark of amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation in the brain. This accumulation of Aβ has been related to its faulty cerebral clearance. Indeed, preclinical studies that used mice to investigate Aβ clearance showed that efflux across blood-brain barrier (BBB) and brain degradation mediate efficient Aβ clearance. However, the contribution of each process to Aβ clearance remains unclear. Moreover, it is still uncertain how species differences between mouse and human could affect Aβ clearance. Here, a modified form of the brain efflux index method was used to estimate the contribution of BBB and brain degradation to Aβ clearance from the brain of wild type mice. We estimated that 62% of intracerebrally injected 125I-Aβ40 is cleared across BBB while 38% is cleared by brain degradation. Furthermore, in vitro and in silico studies were performed to compare Aβ clearance between mouse and human BBB models. Kinetic studies for Aβ40 disposition in bEnd3 and hCMEC/D3 cells, representative in vitro mouse and human BBB models, respectively, demonstrated 30-fold higher rate of 125I-Aβ40 uptake and 15-fold higher rate of degradation by bEnd3 compared to hCMEC/D3 cells. Expression studies showed both cells to express different levels of P-glycoprotein and RAGE, while LRP1 levels were comparable. Finally, we established a mechanistic model, which could successfully predict cellular levels of 125I-Aβ40 and the rate of each process. Established mechanistic model suggested significantly higher rates of Aβ uptake and degradation in bEnd3 cells as rationale for the observed differences in 125I-Aβ40 disposition between mouse and human BBB models. In conclusion, current study demonstrates the important role of BBB in the clearance of Aβ from the brain. Moreover, it provides insight into the differences between mouse and human BBB with regards to Aβ clearance and offer, for the first time, a mathematical model that describes A

  5. Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling as a Tool To Characterize the Decrease in Ciprofloxacin Free Interstitial Levels Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Lung Infection in Wistar Rats

    PubMed Central

    Torres, Bruna G. S.; Helfer, Victória E.; Bernardes, Priscila M.; Macedo, Alexandre José; Nielsen, Elisabet I.; Friberg, Lena E.

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Biofilm formation plays an important role in the persistence of pulmonary infections, for example, in cystic fibrosis patients. So far, little is known about the antimicrobial lung disposition in biofilm-associated pneumonia. This study aimed to evaluate, by microdialysis, ciprofloxacin (CIP) penetration into the lungs of healthy and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm-infected rats and to develop a comprehensive model to describe the CIP disposition under both conditions. P. aeruginosa was immobilized into alginate beads and intratracheally inoculated 14 days before CIP administration (20 mg/kg of body weight). Plasma and microdialysate were sampled from different animal groups, and the observations were evaluated by noncompartmental analysis (NCA) and population pharmacokinetic (popPK) analysis. The final model that successfully described all data consisted of an arterial and a venous central compartment and two peripheral distribution compartments, and the disposition in the lung was modeled as a two-compartment model structure linked to the venous compartment. Plasma clearance was approximately 32% lower in infected animals, leading to a significantly higher level of plasma CIP exposure (area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity, 27.3 ± 12.1 μg · h/ml and 13.3 ± 3.5 μg · h/ml in infected and healthy rats, respectively). Despite the plasma exposure, infected animals showed a four times lower tissue concentration/plasma concentration ratio (lung penetration factor = 0.44 and 1.69 in infected and healthy rats, respectively), and lung clearance (CLlung) was added to the model for these animals (CLlung = 0.643 liters/h/kg) to explain the lower tissue concentrations. Our results indicate that P. aeruginosa biofilm infection reduces the CIP free interstitial lung concentrations and increases plasma exposure, suggesting that plasma concentrations alone are not a good surrogate of lung concentrations. PMID:28461311

  6. Lung-clearance mechanisms following inhalation of acid sulfates

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wolff, R.K.; Muggenburg, B.A.; Silbaugh, S.A.

    1982-08-01

    These studies have indicated that acute exposures (1-6 hrs) to sulfuric acid at levels of 0.5 to 1.0 mg/m/sup 3/ can produce impairments in mucous clearance. The impairments can last for up to a week following a 1 hr exposure. These effects and studies by others suggest that high sulfate levels in polluted conditions may be one factor in observed increases of hospital visits for respiratory problems. Long term exposures to elevated levels of sulfates resulting in decreases of clearance could also be an initiating factor in producing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These studies have also shown that itmore » is the larger size fraction (0.6 to 1.0 ..mu..m) of sulfuric acid mist in the urban aerosol which is predominantly responsible for at least the acute effects.« less

  7. Effects of nitrogen dioxide on respiratory tract clearance in the ferret

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rasmussen, R.E.; Mannix, R.C.; Oldham, M.J.

    1994-01-01

    During growth and development, young children are periodically exposed to relatively high concentrations of various air contaminants, including tobacco smoke and environmental pollutants generated by fossil fuel use. The effects of these exposures on respiratory function and lung development are difficult to determine because of interindividual variation and lack of accurate dosimetry. To provide information on the effects of chronic exposure to a common indoor and outdoor pollutant during lung development, a study was performed to assess the effects of exposure to two concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO[sub 2]; 0.5 or 10 ppm) on tracer particle clearance from the airwaysmore » of ferrets exposed during postnatal respiratory tract development. Separate groups of ferrets were exposed nose-only to the test atmospheres or clean air 4 h/d, 5 d/wk, for either 8 or 15 wk. Those animals exposed for 8 wk were subsequently housed in a filtered air environment until the particle clearance measurements commenced at 3 wk prior to the end of the 15-wk exposure protocol. Radiolabeled ([sup 51]Cr) tracer particles were deposited in the respiratory tract of all animals by inhalation, and the clearance rates from the head and thoracic regions were separately monitored for 18 d. No significant effects of the NO[sub 2] exposure on head airways clearance were seen. In contrast, the rates of particle clearance from the thorax of both the 8- and 15-wk groups exposed to 10 ppm NO[sub 2] were significantly reduced, and did not differ from each other. Thoracic clearance was also reduced in animals exposed to 0.5 ppm, but the rate was not significantly different from that of the clean air exposed controls. These results show that NO[sub 2] at moderate concentrations caused highly significant changes in the deep lung of the juvenile ferret, and suggest that impairment of the clearance function may be only slowly recovered after chronic exposure. 35 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.« less

  8. Influence of Particle Size on Persistence and Clearance of Aerosolized Silver Nanoparticles in the Rat Lung

    PubMed Central

    Anderson, Donald S.; Patchin, Esther S.; Silva, Rona M.; Uyeminami, Dale L.; Sharmah, Arjun; Guo, Ting; Das, Gautom K.; Brown, Jared M.; Shannahan, Jonathan; Gordon, Terry; Chen, Lung Chi; Pinkerton, Kent E.; Van Winkle, Laura S.

    2015-01-01

    The growing use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in consumer products raises concerns about potential health effects. This study investigated the persistence and clearance of 2 different size AgNPs (20 and 110 nm) delivered to rats by single nose-only aerosol exposures (6 h) of 7.2 and 5.4 mg/m3, respectively. Rat lung tissue was assessed for silver accumulations using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), autometallography, and enhanced dark field microscopy. Involvement of tissue macrophages was assessed by scoring of silver staining in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Silver was abundant in most macrophages at 1 day post-exposure. The group exposed to 20 nm AgNP had the greatest number of silver positive BALF macrophages at 56 days post-exposure. While there was a significant decrease in the amount of silver in lung tissue at 56 days post-exposure compared with 1 day following exposure, at least 33% of the initial delivered dose was still present for both AgNPs. Regardless of particle size, silver was predominantly localized within the terminal bronchial/alveolar duct junction region of the lung associated with extracellular matrix and within epithelial cells. Inhalation of both 20 and 110 nm AgNPs resulted in a persistence of silver in the lung at 56 days post-exposure and local deposition as well as accumulation of silver at the terminal bronchiole alveolar duct junction. Further the smaller particles, 20 nm AgNP, produced a greater silver burden in BALF macrophages as well as greater persistence of silver positive macrophages at later timepoints (21 and 56 days). PMID:25577195

  9. Effect of bronchopulmonary lavage on lung retention and clearance of particulate material in hamsters

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ellender, M.; Hodgson, A.; Wood, K.L.

    Hamsters were exposed to an aerosol of fused aluminosilicate particles (FAP) labeled with [sup 57]CO. Three groups of animals were given bronchopulmonary lavage, beginning at either 1 week, 1 month, or 6 months after exposure. Each treated group was lavaged eight times over a period of 25 days. Each lavage involved 10 saline washes of the lungs. For each group, about 60-70% of the body content of [sup 57]CO at the start of lavage treatment was removed; nearly half of this was recovered in the first two lavages. A positive correlation was demonstrated between the macrophage content and [sup 57]Comore » activity of the washings. The subsequent fractional clearance rate of [sup 57]Co from lavaged animals was not significantly different from that in a group of untreated control animals. 30 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.« less

  10. Transitional probability-based model for HPV clearance in HIV-1-positive adolescent females.

    PubMed

    Kravchenko, Julia; Akushevich, Igor; Sudenga, Staci L; Wilson, Craig M; Levitan, Emily B; Shrestha, Sadeep

    2012-01-01

    HIV-1-positive patients clear the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection less frequently than HIV-1-negative. Datasets for estimating HPV clearance probability often have irregular measurements of HPV status and risk factors. A new transitional probability-based model for estimation of probability of HPV clearance was developed to fully incorporate information on HIV-1-related clinical data, such as CD4 counts, HIV-1 viral load (VL), highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and risk factors (measured quarterly), and HPV infection status (measured at 6-month intervals). Data from 266 HIV-1-positive and 134 at-risk HIV-1-negative adolescent females from the Reaching for Excellence in Adolescent Care and Health (REACH) cohort were used in this study. First, the associations were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazard model, and the variables that demonstrated significant effects on HPV clearance were included in transitional probability models. The new model established the efficacy of CD4 cell counts as a main clearance predictor for all type-specific HPV phylogenetic groups. The 3-month probability of HPV clearance in HIV-1-infected patients significantly increased with increasing CD4 counts for HPV16/16-like (p<0.001), HPV18/18-like (p<0.001), HPV56/56-like (p = 0.05), and low-risk HPV (p<0.001) phylogenetic groups, with the lowest probability found for HPV16/16-like infections (21.60±1.81% at CD4 level 200 cells/mm(3), p<0.05; and 28.03±1.47% at CD4 level 500 cells/mm(3)). HIV-1 VL was a significant predictor for clearance of low-risk HPV infections (p<0.05). HAART (with protease inhibitor) was significant predictor of probability of HPV16 clearance (p<0.05). HPV16/16-like and HPV18/18-like groups showed heterogeneity (p<0.05) in terms of how CD4 counts, HIV VL, and HAART affected probability of clearance of each HPV infection. This new model predicts the 3-month probability of HPV infection clearance based on CD4 cell counts and other HIV-1-related

  11. A parameters optimization method for planar joint clearance model and its application for dynamics simulation of reciprocating compressor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hai-yang, Zhao; Min-qiang, Xu; Jin-dong, Wang; Yong-bo, Li

    2015-05-01

    In order to improve the accuracy of dynamics response simulation for mechanism with joint clearance, a parameter optimization method for planar joint clearance contact force model was presented in this paper, and the optimized parameters were applied to the dynamics response simulation for mechanism with oversized joint clearance fault. By studying the effect of increased clearance on the parameters of joint clearance contact force model, the relation of model parameters between different clearances was concluded. Then the dynamic equation of a two-stage reciprocating compressor with four joint clearances was developed using Lagrange method, and a multi-body dynamic model built in ADAMS software was used to solve this equation. To obtain a simulated dynamic response much closer to that of experimental tests, the parameters of joint clearance model, instead of using the designed values, were optimized by genetic algorithms approach. Finally, the optimized parameters were applied to simulate the dynamics response of model with oversized joint clearance fault according to the concluded parameter relation. The dynamics response of experimental test verified the effectiveness of this application.

  12. A Reduced Model for Prediction of Thermal and Rotational Effects on Turbine Tip Clearance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kypuros, Javier A.; Melcher, Kevin J.

    2003-01-01

    This paper describes a dynamic model that was developed to predict changes in turbine tip clearance the radial distance between the end of a turbine blade and the abradable tip seal. The clearance is estimated by using a first principles approach to model the thermal and mechanical effects of engine operating conditions on the turbine sub-components. These effects are summed to determine the resulting clearance. The model is demonstrated via a ground idle to maximum power transient and a lapse-rate takeoff transient. Results show the model demonstrates the expected pinch point behavior. The paper concludes by identifying knowledge gaps and suggesting additional research to improve the model.

  13. Ethanol Alters Alveolar Fluid Balance via Nadph Oxidase (NOX) Signaling to Epithelial Sodium Channels (ENaC) in the Lung

    PubMed Central

    Downs, Charles A.; Kreiner, Lisa H.; Eaton, Amity F.; Johnson, Nicholle M.; Brown, Lou Ann

    2013-01-01

    Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with increased incidence of ICU-related morbidity and mortality, primarily from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, the mechanisms involved are unknown. One explanation is that alcohol regulates epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) via oxidant signaling to promote a pro- injury environment. We used small rodent models to mimic acute and chronic alcohol consumption and tested the hypothesis that ethanol (EtOH) would affect lung fluid clearance by up-regulating ENaC activity in the lung. Fluorescence labeling of rat lung slices and in vivo mouse lung revealed an increase in ROS production in response to acute EtOH exposure. Using western blots and fluorescein-5-maleimide labeling, we conclude that EtOH exposure modifies cysteines of α-ENaC while data from single channel patch clamp analysis confirm that 0.16% EtOH increased ENaC activity in rat alveolar cells. In vivo lung fluid clearance demonstrated a latent increase in fluid clearance in mice receiving EtOH diet. Ethanol mice given a tracheal instillation of LPS demonstrated early lung fluid clearance compared to caloric control mice and C57Bl/6 mice. Standard biochemical techniques reveal that chronic EtOH consumption resulted in greater protein expression of the catalytic gp91phox subunit and the obligate Rac1 protein. Collectively these data suggest that chronic EtOH consumption may lead to altered regulation of ENaC, contributing to a ‘pro-injury’ environment in the alcohol lung. PMID:23382956

  14. Effects of Chinese medicinal herbs on a rat model of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection.

    PubMed

    Song, Z; Johansen, H K; Moser, C; Høiby, N

    1996-05-01

    The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of two kinds of Chinese medicinal herbs, Isatis tinctoria L (ITL) and Daphne giraldii Nitsche (DGN), on a rat model of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection mimicking cystic fibrosis (CF). Compared to the control group, both drugs were able to reduce the incidence of lung abscess (p < 0.05) and to decrease the severity of the macroscopic pathology in lungs (p < 0.05). In the great majority of the rats, the herbs altered the inflammatory response in the lungs from an acute type inflammation, dominated by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), to a chronic type inflammation, dominated by mononuclear leukocytes (MN). DGN also improved the clearance of P. aeruginosa from the lungs (p < 0.03) compared with the control group. There were no significant differences between the control group and the two herbal groups with regard to serum IgG and IgA anti-P. aeruginosa sonicate antibodies. However, the IgM concentration in the ITL group was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.03). These results suggest that the two medicinal herbs might be helpful to CF patients with chronic P. aeruginosa lung infection, DGN being the most favorable.

  15. Radiolabel ratio method for measuring pulmonary clearance of intratracheal bacterial challenges

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    LaForce, F.M.; Boose, D.S.

    Calculation of bacterial clearance is a fundamental step in any study of in situ lung antibacterial defenses. A method is described whereby about 85% of a radiolabeled bacterial inoculum was consistently introduced into the bronchopulmonary tree of a mouse by the intratracheal route. Mice were then killed 1 and 4 hours later; their lungs were removed aseptically and homogenized, and viable bacteria and radiolabel counts were determined. Radiolabel counts fell slowly, and more than 80% of the original radiolabel was still present in homogenized lung samples from animals sacrificed 4 hours after challenge. Bacteria/isotope ratios for the bacterial inoculum andmore » homogenized lung samples from animals sacrificed immediately after challenge were very similar. Bacterial clearance values were the same whether computed from bacterial counts alone or according to a radiolabel ratio method whereby the change in the bacteria/isotope ratio in ground lung aliquots was divided by a similar ratio from bacteria used to inoculate animals. Some contamination resulted from oral streptococci being swept into the bronchopulmonary free during the aspiration process. This contamination was not a problem when penicillin was incorporated into the agar and penicillin-resistant strains were used for the bacterial challenges.« less

  16. Interstitial distribution of charged macromolecules in the dog lung: a kinetic model.

    PubMed

    Parker, J C; Miniati, M; Pitt, R; Taylor, A E

    1987-01-01

    A mathematic model was constructed to investigate conflicting physiologic data concerning the charge effect of continuous capillaries to macromolecules in the lung. We simulated the equilibration kinetics of lactate dehydrogenase (MR 4.2 nM) isozymes LDH 1 (pI = 5.0) and LDH 5 (pI = 7.9) between plasma and lymph using previously measured permeability coefficients, lung tissue distribution volumes (VA) and plasma concentrations (CP) in lung tissue. Our hypothesis is that the fixed anionic charges in interstitium, basement membrane, and cell surfaces determine equilibration rather than charged membrane effects at the capillary barrier, so the same capillary permeability coefficients were used for both isozymes. Capillary filtration rates and protein fluxes were calculated using conventional flux equations. Initial conditions at baseline and increased left atrial pressures (PLA) were those measured in animal studies. Simulated equilibration of isozymes over 30 h in the model at baseline capillary pressures accurately predicted the observed differences in lymph/plasma concentration ratios (CL/CP) between isotopes at 4 h and equilibration of these ratios at 24 h. Quantitative prediction of isozyme CL/CP ratios was also obtained at increased PLA. However, an additional cation selective compartment representing the surface glycocalyx was required to accurately simulate the initial higher transcapillary clearances of cationic LDH 5. Thus experimental data supporting the negative barrier, positive barrier, and no charge barrier hypotheses were accurately reproduced by the model using only the observed differences in interstitial partitioning of isozymes without differences in capillary selectivity.

  17. Use of mouse models to study the mechanisms and consequences of RBC clearance

    PubMed Central

    Hod, E. A.; Arinsburg, S. A.; Francis, R. O.; Hendrickson, J. E.; Zimring, J. C.; Spitalnik, S. L.

    2013-01-01

    Mice provide tractable animal models for studying the pathophysiology of various human disorders. This review discusses the use of mouse models for understanding red-blood-cell (RBC) clearance. These models provide important insights into the pathophysiology of various clinically relevant entities, such as autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, haemolytic transfusion reactions, other complications of RBC transfusions and immunomodulation by Rh immune globulin therapy. Mouse models of both antibody- and non-antibody-mediated RBC clearance are reviewed. Approaches for exploring unanswered questions in transfusion medicine using these models are also discussed. PMID:20345515

  18. Vitamin E does not prevent exercise-induced increase in pulmonary clearance.

    PubMed

    Lorino, A M; Paul, M; Cocea, L; Scherrer-Crosbie, M; Dahan, E; Meignan, M; Atlan, G

    1994-11-01

    It has been observed that sustained exercise results in a prolonged increase in alveolar epithelial permeability, as assessed by the pulmonary clearance rate of aerosolized 99mTc-labeled diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (Lorino et al. J. Appl. Physiol. 67: 2055-2059, 1989). The involvement of lipid peroxidation in this increased permeability was tested in seven nonsmoking volunteers by comparing the exercise-induced increases in pulmonary 99mTc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetate clearance before and after a 3-wk supplementation with oral vitamin E (1,000 IU/day), according to a protocol designed as a single-blind crossover study. The 60-min exercise was performed on a treadmill at a constant load corresponding to 80% of maximal O2 uptake. Administration of vitamin E, a very important antioxidant, did not reduce the exercise-induced increase in lung clearance, suggesting that the exercise-induced increase in lung epithelial permeability does not primarily result from the occurrence of lipid peroxidation in the alveolar membrane. This result thus corroborates the hypothesis of an alteration of the intercellular tight junctions due to the mechanical effects of hyperventilation.

  19. Effect of increased surface tension and assisted ventilation on /sup 99m/Tc-DTPA clearance

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jefferies, A.L.; Kawano, T.; Mori, S.

    1988-02-01

    Experiments were performed to determine the effects of conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) and high-frequency oscillation (HFO) on the clearance of technetium-99m-labeled diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (/sup 99m/Tc-DTPA) from lungs with altered surface tension properties. A submicronic aerosol of /sup 99m/Tc-DTPA was insufflated into the lungs of anesthetized, tracheotomized rabbits before and 1 h after the administration of the aerosolized detergent dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (OT). Rabbits were ventilated by one of four methods: 1) spontaneous breathing; 2) CMV at 12 cmH2O mean airway pressure (MAP); 3) HFO at 12 cmH2O MAP; 4) HFO at 16 cmH2O MAP. Administration of OT resulted in decreasedmore » arterial PO2 (PaO2), increased lung wet-to-dry weight ratios, and abnormal lung pressure-volume relationships, compatible with increased surface tension. /sup 99m/Tc-DTPA clearance was accelerated after OT in all groups. The post-OT rate of clearance (k) was significantly faster (P less than 0.05) in the CMV at 12 cmH2O MAP (k = 7.57 +/- 0.71%/min (SE)) and HFO at 16 cmH2O MAP (k = 6.92 +/- 0.61%/min) groups than in the spontaneously breathing (k = 4.32 +/- 0.55%/min) and HFO at 12 cmH2O MAP (4.68 +/- 0.63%/min) groups. The clearance curves were biexponential in the former two groups. We conclude that pulmonary clearance of /sup 99m/Tc-DTPA is accelerated in high surface tension pulmonary edema, and this effect is enhanced by both conventional ventilation and HFO at high mean airway pressure.« less

  20. Smoke Exposure Exacerbates an Ethanol-Induced Defect in Mucociliary Clearance of Streptococcus pneumoniae

    PubMed Central

    Vander Top, Elizabeth A.; Wyatt, Todd A.; Gentry-Nielsen, Martha J.

    2005-01-01

    Background Alcoholics and smokers are particularly susceptible to pulmonary infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, the pneumococcus. Infection begins when pneumococci colonizing the nasopharynx are aspirated into the lower respiratory tract. The major host defense against this movement is the mucociliary clearance apparatus. Both cigarette smoke and ethanol (EtOH) exposure alter ciliary beating and protein kinase activity in the respiratory mucosa in vitro, but their effects on bacterial clearance in the intact animal have not been determined. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed twice daily for 12 weeks to either the smoke generated from 30 cigarettes (smoke-exposed) or room air (sham-exposed). For the last five weeks of smoke exposure, the rats were fed Lieber-DeCarli liquid diets containing 0%, 16%, 26% or 36% EtOH calories. The rats then were infected intranasally with S. pneumoniae, and movement of the organisms into the lower respiratory tract was quantified by plate counts of the trachea and lungs four hours later. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) analysis was performed on tracheal ring explants from each animal before and after stimulation with the β-agonist isoproterenol, and tracheal epithelial cell protein kinase C (PKC) activity was measured. Results Ingestion of any of the EtOH-containing diets resulted in a dose-dependent increase in movement of S. pneumoniae into the rats’ lungs. This EtOH-induced defect was augmented further by concurrent smoke exposure, although smoke exposure alone had little effect on S. pneumoniae movement. Smoke, but not EtOH exposure, activated tracheal epithelial cell PKC. Increased movement of organisms into lungs correlated with a decrease in CBF, and loss of the ciliary response to isoproterenol. Conclusion EtOH ingestion in our model facilitates movement of S. pneumoniae into rats’ lungs, a phenomenon exacerbated by concurrent smoke exposure. Furthermore, the organism’s movement into the lungs

  1. Increased Glyburide Clearance in the Pregnant Mouse Model

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Lin; Zhang, Yi; Hebert, Mary F.; Unadkat, Jashvant D.

    2010-01-01

    Glyburide (GLB) is an oral sulfonylurea, commonly used for the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus. It has been reported that the clearance of GLB in pregnant women is significantly higher than that in nonpregnant women. The molecular mechanism by which pregnancy increases the clearance of GLB is not known, but it may be caused by increased CYP3A activity. Because liver tissue from pregnant women is not readily available, in the present study, we investigated the mechanism of such pregnancy-related changes in GLB disposition in a mouse model. We demonstrated that the systemic clearance of GLB in pregnant mice was increased approximately 2-fold (p < 0.01) compared with nonpregnant mice, a magnitude of change similar to that observed in the clinical study. Plasma protein binding of GLB in mice was not altered by pregnancy. The half-life of GLB depletion in hepatic S-9 fractions of pregnant mice was significantly shorter than that of nonpregnant mice. Moreover, GLB depletion was markedly inhibited by ketoconazole, a potent inhibitor of mouse Cyp3a, suggesting that GLB metabolism in mice is primarily mediated by hepatic Cyp3a. These data suggest that the increased systemic clearance of GLB in pregnant mice is likely caused by an increase in hepatic Cyp3a activity during pregnancy, and they provide a basis for further mechanistic understanding and analysis of pregnancy-induced alterations in the disposition of GLB and drugs that are predominantly and extensively metabolized by CYP3A/Cyp3a. PMID:20558597

  2. Novel lanthanide-labeled metal oxide nanoparticles improve the measurement of in vivo clearance and translocation.

    PubMed

    Abid, Aamir D; Anderson, Donald S; Das, Gautom K; Van Winkle, Laura S; Kennedy, Ian M

    2013-01-10

    The deposition, clearance and translocation of europium-doped gadolinium oxide nanoparticles in a mouse lung were investigated experimentally. Nanoparticles were synthesized by spray flame pyrolysis. The particle size, crystallinity and surface properties were characterized. Following instillation, the concentrations of particles in organs were determined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The protein corona coating the nanoparticles was found to be similar to the coating on more environmentally relevant nanoparticles such as iron oxide. Measurements of the solubility of the nanoparticles in surrogates of biological fluids indicated very little propensity for dissolution, and the elemental ratio of particle constituents did not change, adding further support to the contention that intact nanoparticles were measured. The particles were intratracheally instilled into the mouse lung. After 24 hours, the target organs were harvested, acid digested and the nanoparticle mass in each organ was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The nanoparticles were detected in all the studied organs at low ppb levels; 59% of the particles remained in the lung. A significant amount of particles was also detected in the feces, suggesting fast clearance mechanisms. The nanoparticle system used in this work is highly suitable for quantitatively determining deposition, transport and clearance of nanoparticles from the lung, providing a quantified measure of delivered dose.

  3. Clearance of free silica in rat lungs by spraying with chinese herbal kombucha.

    PubMed

    Fu, Nai-Fang; Luo, Chang-Hui; Wu, Jun-Cai; Zheng, Yan-Yan; Gan, Yong-Jin; Ling, Jian-An; Liang, Heng-Qiu; Liang, Dan-Yu; Xie, Jing; Chen, Xiao-Qin; Li, Xian-Jun; Pan, Rui-Hui; Chen, Zuo-Xing; Jiang, Sheng-Jun

    2013-01-01

    The effects of spraying with kombucha and Chinese herbal kombucha were compared with treatments with tetrandrine in a rat silicosis model. Silica dust (50 mg) was injected into the lungs of rats, which were then treated with one of the experimental treatments for a month. The rats were then killed and the effects of the treatments were evaluated by examining the extent and severity of the histopathological lesions in the animals' lungs, measuring their organ coefficients and lung collagen contents, determining the dry and wet weights of their lungs, and measuring the free silica content of the dried lungs. In addition, lavage was performed on whole lungs taken from selected rats, and the numbers and types of cells in the lavage fluid were counted. The most effective treatment in terms of the ability to reduce lung collagen content and minimize the formation of pulmonary histopathological lesions was tetrandrine treatment, followed by Chinese herbal kombucha and non-Chinese herbal kombucha. However, the lavage fluid cell counts indicated that tetrandrine treatment had severe adverse effects on macrophage viability. This effect was much less pronounced for the kombucha and Chinese herbal kombucha treatments. Moreover, the free silica levels in the lungs of animals treated with Chinese herbal kombucha were significantly lower than those for any other silica-exposed group. These preliminary results indicate that spraying with Chinese herbal kombucha preparations can effectively promote the discharge of silica dust from lung tissues. Chinese herbal kombucha inhalation may thus be a useful new treatment for silicosis and other pneumoconiosis diseases.

  4. Clearance of Free Silica in Rat Lungs by Spraying with Chinese Herbal Kombucha

    PubMed Central

    Fu, Nai-fang; Luo, Chang-hui; Wu, Jun-cai; Zheng, Yan-yan; Gan, Yong-jin; Ling, Jian-an; Liang, Heng-qiu; Liang, Dan-yu; Xie, Jing; Chen, Xiao-qin; Li, Xian-jun; Pan, Rui-hui; Chen, Zuo-Xing; Jiang, Sheng-jun

    2013-01-01

    The effects of spraying with kombucha and Chinese herbal kombucha were compared with treatments with tetrandrine in a rat silicosis model. Silica dust (50 mg) was injected into the lungs of rats, which were then treated with one of the experimental treatments for a month. The rats were then killed and the effects of the treatments were evaluated by examining the extent and severity of the histopathological lesions in the animals' lungs, measuring their organ coefficients and lung collagen contents, determining the dry and wet weights of their lungs, and measuring the free silica content of the dried lungs. In addition, lavage was performed on whole lungs taken from selected rats, and the numbers and types of cells in the lavage fluid were counted. The most effective treatment in terms of the ability to reduce lung collagen content and minimize the formation of pulmonary histopathological lesions was tetrandrine treatment, followed by Chinese herbal kombucha and non-Chinese herbal kombucha. However, the lavage fluid cell counts indicated that tetrandrine treatment had severe adverse effects on macrophage viability. This effect was much less pronounced for the kombucha and Chinese herbal kombucha treatments. Moreover, the free silica levels in the lungs of animals treated with Chinese herbal kombucha were significantly lower than those for any other silica-exposed group. These preliminary results indicate that spraying with Chinese herbal kombucha preparations can effectively promote the discharge of silica dust from lung tissues. Chinese herbal kombucha inhalation may thus be a useful new treatment for silicosis and other pneumoconiosis diseases. PMID:24023583

  5. Effect of airway clearance techniques on the efficacy of the sputum induction procedure.

    PubMed

    Elkins, M R; Lane, T; Goldberg, H; Pagliuso, J; Garske, L A; Hector, E; Marchetto, L; Alison, J A; Bye, P T P

    2005-11-01

    Sputum induction is used in the early identification of tuberculosis (TB) and pneumocystis infections of the lung. Although manual physiotherapy techniques to clear the airways are often incorporated in the sputum induction procedure, their efficacy in this setting is unknown. This randomised, crossover trial enrolled adults referred for sputum induction for suspected TB and pneumocystis infections of the lung. All participants underwent two sputum induction procedures, inhaling 3% saline via ultrasonic nebuliser. During one randomly allocated procedure, airway clearance techniques (chest wall percussion, vibration, huffing) were incorporated. In total, 59 participants completed the trial. The airway clearance techniques had no significant effect on how the test was tolerated, the volume expectorated or the quality of the sample obtained (assessed by the presence of alveolar macrophages). The techniques did not significantly affect how often the test identified a suspected organism, nor the sensitivity or specificity of sputum induction. In conclusion, the study was unable to demonstrate any effect of airway clearance techniques on the sputum induction procedure. The results provide some justification for not including airway clearance techniques as part of the sputum induction procedure.

  6. Planar rigid-flexible coupling spacecraft modeling and control considering solar array deployment and joint clearance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Yuanyuan; Wang, Zilu; Wang, Cong; Huang, Wenhu

    2018-01-01

    Based on Nodal Coordinate Formulation (NCF) and Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation (ANCF), this paper establishes rigid-flexible coupling dynamic model of the spacecraft with large deployable solar arrays and multiple clearance joints to analyze and control the satellite attitude under deployment disturbance. Considering torque spring, close cable loop (CCL) configuration and latch mechanisms, a typical spacecraft composed of a rigid main-body described by NCF and two flexible panels described by ANCF is used as a demonstration case. Nonlinear contact force model and modified Coulomb friction model are selected to establish normal contact force and tangential friction model, respectively. Generalized elastic force are derived and all generalized forces are defined in the NCF-ANCF frame. The Newmark-β method is used to solve system equations of motion. The availability and superiority of the proposed model is verified through comparing with numerical co-simulations of Patran and ADAMS software. The numerical results reveal the effects of panel flexibility, joint clearance and their coupling on satellite attitude. The effects of clearance number, clearance size and clearance stiffness on satellite attitude are investigated. Furthermore, a proportional-differential (PD) attitude controller of spacecraft is designed to discuss the effect of attitude control on the dynamic responses of the whole system.

  7. Lung tumor motion prediction during lung brachytherapy using finite element model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shirzadi, Zahra; Sadeghi Naini, Ali; Samani, Abbas

    2012-02-01

    A biomechanical model is proposed to predict deflated lung tumor motion caused by diaphragm respiratory motion. This model can be very useful for targeting the tumor in tumor ablative procedures such as lung brachytherapy. To minimize motion within the target lung, these procedures are performed while the lung is deflated. However, significant amount of tissue deformation still occurs during respiration due to the diaphragm contact forces. In the absence of effective realtime image guidance, biomechanical models can be used to estimate tumor motion as a function of diaphragm's position. To develop this model, Finite Element Method (FEM) was employed. To demonstrate the concept, we conducted an animal study of an ex-vivo porcine deflated lung with a tumor phantom. The lung was deformed by compressing a diaphragm mimicking cylinder against it. Before compression, 3D-CT image of this lung was acquired, which was segmented and turned into FE mesh. The lung tissue was modeled as hyperelastic material with a contact loading to calculate the lung deformation and tumor motion during respiration. To validate the results from FE model, the motion of a small area on the surface close to the tumor was tracked while the lung was being loaded by the cylinder. Good agreement was demonstrated between the experiment results and simulation results. Furthermore, the impact of tissue hyperelastic parameters uncertainties in the FE model was investigated. For this purpose, we performed in-silico simulations with different hyperelastic parameters. This study demonstrated that the FEM was accurate and robust for tumor motion prediction.

  8. Animal Models of Fibrotic Lung Disease

    PubMed Central

    Lawson, William E.; Oury, Tim D.; Sisson, Thomas H.; Raghavendran, Krishnan; Hogaboam, Cory M.

    2013-01-01

    Interstitial lung fibrosis can develop as a consequence of occupational or medical exposure, as a result of genetic defects, and after trauma or acute lung injury leading to fibroproliferative acute respiratory distress syndrome, or it can develop in an idiopathic manner. The pathogenesis of each form of lung fibrosis remains poorly understood. They each result in a progressive loss of lung function with increasing dyspnea, and most forms ultimately result in mortality. To better understand the pathogenesis of lung fibrotic disorders, multiple animal models have been developed. This review summarizes the common and emerging models of lung fibrosis to highlight their usefulness in understanding the cell–cell and soluble mediator interactions that drive fibrotic responses. Recent advances have allowed for the development of models to study targeted injuries of Type II alveolar epithelial cells, fibroblastic autonomous effects, and targeted genetic defects. Repetitive dosing in some models has more closely mimicked the pathology of human fibrotic lung disease. We also have a much better understanding of the fact that the aged lung has increased susceptibility to fibrosis. Each of the models reviewed in this report offers a powerful tool for studying some aspect of fibrotic lung disease. PMID:23526222

  9. Histaminergic regulation of natural killer cell-mediated clearance of tumour cells in mice.

    PubMed

    Asea, A; Hermodsson, S; Hellstrand, K

    1996-01-01

    Treatment of Swiss albino mice with histamine enhanced the clearance of natural killer (NK)-cell sensitive YAC-1 lymphoma and B16/F10 melanoma cells from lung tissue in vivo, but did not affect the elimination of NK-cell-insensitive P815 mastocytoma cells. The effect of histamine was apparently mediated by H2-type histamine receptors (H2R) since it was blocked by ranitidine, and H2R antagonist. Histamine did not affect clearance of tumour cells in animals depleted of NK cells in vivo by treatment with antibodies to asialo-GM1 or NK1.1. The effect of histamine was time-dependent: pretreatment with histamine for 3 h significantly augmented the clearance of YAC-1 cells, whereas, pretreatment with histamine for 5 min was ineffective. Histamine potentiated the anti-tumour properties of NK-cell activators such as interleukin-2 (IL-2) or interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) in vivo. None of these lymphokines significantly affected the clearance of YAC-1 cells unless animals were concomitantly treated with histamine. Treatment with ranitidine alone reduced the in vivo clearance of YAC-1 cells from lungs but did not affect the clearance of NK-cell-insensitive P815 cells. Effects of ranitidine on NK-cell function in vivo were not shared by a chemical control to ranitidine, AH20239AA, thus indicating that the inhibition of NK-cells results from H2R antagonism rather than non-specific toxicity. It is concluded that histaminergic mechanisms may be involved in the regulation of NK cell function in vivo.

  10. High tidal volume ventilation induces NOS2 and impairs cAMP- dependent air space fluid clearance.

    PubMed

    Frank, James A; Pittet, Jean-Francois; Lee, Hyon; Godzich, Micaela; Matthay, Michael A

    2003-05-01

    Tidal volume reduction during mechanical ventilation reduces mortality in patients with acute lung injury and the acute respiratory distress syndrome. To determine the mechanisms underlying the protective effect of low tidal volume ventilation, we studied the time course and reversibility of ventilator-induced changes in permeability and distal air space edema fluid clearance in a rat model of ventilator-induced lung injury. Anesthetized rats were ventilated with a high tidal volume (30 ml/kg) or with a high tidal volume followed by ventilation with a low tidal volume of 6 ml/kg. Endothelial and epithelial protein permeability were significantly increased after high tidal volume ventilation but returned to baseline levels when tidal volume was reduced. The basal distal air space fluid clearance (AFC) rate decreased by 43% (P < 0.05) after 1 h of high tidal volume but returned to the preventilation rate 2 h after tidal volume was reduced. Not all of the effects of high tidal volume ventilation were reversible. The cAMP-dependent AFC rate after 1 h of 30 ml/kg ventilation was significantly reduced and was not restored when tidal volume was reduced. High tidal volume ventilation also increased lung inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) expression and air space total nitrite at 3 h. Inhibition of NOS2 activity preserved cAMP-dependent AFC. Because air space edema fluid inactivates surfactant and reduces ventilated lung volume, the reduction of cAMP-dependent AFC by reactive nitrogen species may be an important mechanism of clinical ventilator-associated lung injury.

  11. Reducing Bottlenecks to Improve the Efficiency of the Lung Cancer Care Delivery Process: A Process Engineering Modeling Approach to Patient-Centered Care.

    PubMed

    Ju, Feng; Lee, Hyo Kyung; Yu, Xinhua; Faris, Nicholas R; Rugless, Fedoria; Jiang, Shan; Li, Jingshan; Osarogiagbon, Raymond U

    2017-12-01

    The process of lung cancer care from initial lesion detection to treatment is complex, involving multiple steps, each introducing the potential for substantial delays. Identifying the steps with the greatest delays enables a focused effort to improve the timeliness of care-delivery, without sacrificing quality. We retrospectively reviewed clinical events from initial detection, through histologic diagnosis, radiologic and invasive staging, and medical clearance, to surgery for all patients who had an attempted resection of a suspected lung cancer in a community healthcare system. We used a computer process modeling approach to evaluate delays in care delivery, in order to identify potential 'bottlenecks' in waiting time, the reduction of which could produce greater care efficiency. We also conducted 'what-if' analyses to predict the relative impact of simulated changes in the care delivery process to determine the most efficient pathways to surgery. The waiting time between radiologic lesion detection and diagnostic biopsy, and the waiting time from radiologic staging to surgery were the two most critical bottlenecks impeding efficient care delivery (more than 3 times larger compared to reducing other waiting times). Additionally, instituting surgical consultation prior to cardiac consultation for medical clearance and decreasing the waiting time between CT scans and diagnostic biopsies, were potentially the most impactful measures to reduce care delays before surgery. Rigorous computer simulation modeling, using clinical data, can provide useful information to identify areas for improving the efficiency of care delivery by process engineering, for patients who receive surgery for lung cancer.

  12. Improved Temperature Dynamic Model of Turbine Subcomponents for Facilitation of Generalized Tip Clearance Control

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kypuros, Javier A.; Colson, Rodrigo; Munoz, Afredo

    2004-01-01

    This paper describes efforts conducted to improve dynamic temperature estimations of a turbine tip clearance system to facilitate design of a generalized tip clearance controller. This work builds upon research previously conducted and presented in and focuses primarily on improving dynamic temperature estimations of the primary components affecting tip clearance (i.e. the rotor, blades, and casing/shroud). The temperature profiles estimated by the previous model iteration, specifically for the rotor and blades, were found to be inaccurate and, more importantly, insufficient to facilitate controller design. Some assumptions made to facilitate the previous results were not valid, and thus improvements are presented here to better match the physical reality. As will be shown, the improved temperature sub- models, match a commercially validated model and are sufficiently simplified to aid in controller design.

  13. Reduced bacterial colony count of anaerobic bacteria is associated with a worsening in lung clearance index and inflammation in cystic fibrosis.

    PubMed

    O'Neill, Katherine; Bradley, Judy M; Johnston, Elinor; McGrath, Stephanie; McIlreavey, Leanne; Rowan, Stephen; Reid, Alastair; Bradbury, Ian; Einarsson, Gisli; Elborn, J Stuart; Tunney, Michael M

    2015-01-01

    Anaerobic bacteria have been identified in abundance in the airways of cystic fibrosis (CF) subjects. The impact their presence and abundance has on lung function and inflammation is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the colony count of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, lung clearance index (LCI), spirometry and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) in patients with CF. Sputum and blood were collected from CF patients at a single cross-sectional visit when clinically stable. Community composition and bacterial colony counts were analysed using extended aerobic and anaerobic culture. Patients completed spirometry and a multiple breath washout (MBW) test to obtain LCI. An inverse correlation between colony count of aerobic bacteria (n = 41, r = -0.35; p = 0.02), anaerobic bacteria (n = 41, r = -0.44, p = 0.004) and LCI was observed. There was an inverse correlation between colony count of anaerobic bacteria and CRP (n = 25, r = -0.44, p = 0.03) only. The results of this study demonstrate that a lower colony count of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria correlated with a worse LCI. A lower colony count of anaerobic bacteria also correlated with higher CRP levels. These results indicate that lower abundance of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria may reflect microbiota disruption and disease progression in the CF lung.

  14. An Evaluation of the Venous Equilibrium Model for Hepatic Clearance using Isolated Perfused Rainbow Trout Livers

    EPA Science Inventory

    The venous equilibrium model is widely used to describe hepatic clearance (CLH) of chemicals metabolized by the liver. If chemical delivery to the tissue does not limit CLH, this model predicts that CLH will approximately equal the product of intrinsic metabolic clearance and a t...

  15. Particle clearance and histopathology in lungs of C3H/HeJ mice administered beryllium/copper alloy by intratracheal instillation.

    PubMed

    Benson, J M; Holmes, A M; Barr, E B; Nikula, K J; March, T H

    2000-08-01

    Beryllium/copper (BeCu) alloys are commonly used in the electronics, automotive, consumer, defense, and aerospace industries. Some individuals exposed occupationally to BeCu alloys have developed chronic beryllium disease. However, little is known of the toxicity and fate of BeCu alloys in the respiratory tract. To begin to address this question, we investigated the pulmonary toxicity and clearance of BeCu alloy (2% Be; 98% Cu) in mice. Groups of 40 female C3H/HeJ mice were administered 12.5, 25, and 100 microg BeCu alloy or 2 and 8 microg Be metal by intratracheal instillation. Mice were sacrificed at 1 h and 1, 7, 14, and 28 days postinstillation. Left lungs were evaluated for histopathological change. Right lungs were analyzed for Be and Cu content. Twenty-five percent of the high-dose BeCu mice and 7.5% of the mid-dose BeCu mice died within 24 h of dosing. Acute pulmonary lesions included acute alveolitis and interstitial inflammation. Type II epithelial cell hyperplasia and centriacinar fibrosis were present by 7 days after dosing. Lesions persisted through 28 days after instillation. No lesions attributable to alloy exposure were present in liver or kidney. Be metal instillation caused no deaths and minimal pulmonary changes over the time studied, indicating that the pulmonary lesions were due to Cu rather than Be. Cu cleared the lung with a half-time of 0. 5-2 days. Be cleared with a half-time of several weeks or longer. Results of this study suggest that exposure to BeCu alloy is more acutely toxic to lung than Be metal. The results of tissue analyses also indicate that, while the Cu component of the alloy clears the lung rapidly, Be is retained and may accumulate upon repeated exposure.

  16. Micromechanical model of lung parenchyma hyperelasticity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Concha, Felipe; Sarabia-Vallejos, Mauricio; Hurtado, Daniel E.

    2018-03-01

    Mechanics plays a key role in respiratory physiology, as lung tissue cyclically deforms to bring air in and out the lung, a life-long process necessary for respiration. The study of regional mechanisms of deformation in lung parenchyma has received great attention to date due to its clinical relevance, as local overstretching and stress concentration in lung tissue is currently associated to pathological conditions such as lung injury during mechanical ventilation therapy. This mechanical approach to lung physiology has motivated the development of constitutive models to better understand the relation between stress and deformation in the lung. While material models proposed to date have been key in the development of whole-lung simulations, either they do not directly relate microstructural properties of alveolar tissue with coarse-scale behavior, or they require a high computational effort when based on real alveolar geometries. Furthermore, most models proposed to date have not been thoroughly validated for anisotropic deformation states, which are commonly found in normal lungs in-vivo. In this work, we develop a novel micromechanical model of lung parenchyma hyperelasticity using the framework of finite-deformation homogenization. To this end, we consider a tetrakaidecahedron unit cell with incompressible Neo-Hookean structural elements that account for the alveolar wall tissue responsible for the elastic response, and derive expressions for its effective coarse-scale behavior that directly depend on the alveolar wall elasticity, reference porosity, and two other geometrical coefficients. To validate the proposed model, we simulate the non-linear elastic response of twelve representative volume elements (RVEs) of lung parenchyma with micrometric dimensions, whose geometry is obtained from micrometric computed-tomography reconstructions of murine lungs. We show that the proposed micromechanical model accurately captures the RVEs response not only for isotropic

  17. Depressed reticuloendothelial clearance of platelets in rats after trauma.

    PubMed

    Kaplan, J E; Moon, D G; Minnear, F L; Saba, T M

    1984-02-01

    Platelet microembolization may contribute to microcirculatory and organ damage following trauma and shock. It is hypothesized that posttraumatic reticuloendothelial depression predisposes to such microembolization by failure to clear altered platelets from the circulation. The present study evaluated the short-term (1 h) clearance and organ localization of radiolabeled homologous damaged platelets in normal rats and in rats following sublethal Noble-Collip drum trauma. Platelets were collected in citrated platelet-rich plasma from normal rats and labeled with 51Cr in citrated saline. Platelets were altered by repeated centrifugation in protein-free medium. These platelets differed functionally and morphologically from normal platelets. Disappearance of iv injected damaged platelets conformed to a two-compartment exponential clearance. Velocity of clearance in the rapid compartment correlated with hepatic platelet localization, whereas velocity of clearance in the second compartment correlated with splenic platelet localization. Clearance rate of the rapid compartment was depressed at 1 h after trauma and elevated at 24 h. These changes were associated with a decrease in hepatic platelet localization at 1 h and an increase above normal at 24 h. Splenic platelet localization was decreased by 3 h following trauma. Pulmonary platelet localization was increased at all times following trauma. It is concluded that the posttrauma state is associated with a defect in the reticuloendothelial system clearance of altered platelets, which may augment embolization of platelets in the lung.

  18. The Pulmonary Clearance of Bacteria by Calves and Mice

    PubMed Central

    Lillie, L. E.; Thomson, R. G.

    1972-01-01

    Using a modified aerosol generator, white mice and calves were exposed to aerosols of viable Staphylococcus aureus and Pasteurella haemolytica and the clearance of the inhaled organisms by the lungs of the experimental animals was measured. Fifty-seven percent of inhaled S. aureus were cleared in two hours by the mouse lungs, 79% were cleared in four hours and 93% were cleared in eight hours. Fifty-six percent of inhaled P. haemolytica were cleared in two hours by the mouse lungs, 76% were cleared in four hours and 93% were cleared in eight hours. Seventy percent of inhaled S. aureus were cleared in two hours by the calf lungs, 90% were cleared in four hours and 95% were cleared in eight hours. Seventy-five percent of inhaled P.haemolytica were cleared in two hours by the calf lungs, 90% were cleared in four hours and 92% were cleared in eight hours. ImagesFig. 1.Fig. 2.Fig. 4.Fig. 5. PMID:4259926

  19. Biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of Mad2 siRNA-loaded EGFR-targeted chitosan nanoparticles in cisplatin sensitive and resistant lung cancer models.

    PubMed

    Nascimento, Ana Vanessa; Gattacceca, Florence; Singh, Amit; Bousbaa, Hassan; Ferreira, Domingos; Sarmento, Bruno; Amiji, Mansoor M

    2016-04-01

    The present study focuses on biodistribution profile and pharmacokinetic parameters of EGFR-targeted chitosan nanoparticles (TG CS nanoparticles) for siRNA/cisplatin combination therapy of lung cancer. Mad2 siRNA was encapsulated in EGFR targeted and nontargeted (NTG) CS nanoparticles by electrostatic interaction. The biodistribution of the nanoparticles was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively in cisplatin (DDP) sensitive and resistant lung cancer xenograft model. TG nanoparticles showed a consistent and preferential tumor targeting ability with rapid clearance from the plasma to infiltrate and sustain within the tumor up to 96 h. They exhibit a sixfold higher tumor targeting efficiency compared with the NTG nanoparticles. TG nanoparticles present as an attractive drug delivery platform for RNAi therapeutics against NSCLC.

  20. On a PCA-based lung motion model

    PubMed Central

    Li, Ruijiang; Lewis, John H; Jia, Xun; Zhao, Tianyu; Liu, Weifeng; Wuenschel, Sara; Lamb, James; Yang, Deshan; Low, Daniel A; Jiang, Steve B

    2014-01-01

    Respiration-induced organ motion is one of the major uncertainties in lung cancer radiotherapy and is crucial to be able to accurately model the lung motion. Most work so far has focused on the study of the motion of a single point (usually the tumor center of mass), and much less work has been done to model the motion of the entire lung. Inspired by the work of Zhang et al (2007 Med. Phys. 34 4772–81), we believe that the spatiotemporal relationship of the entire lung motion can be accurately modeled based on principle component analysis (PCA) and then a sparse subset of the entire lung, such as an implanted marker, can be used to drive the motion of the entire lung (including the tumor). The goal of this work is twofold. First, we aim to understand the underlying reason why PCA is effective for modeling lung motion and find the optimal number of PCA coefficients for accurate lung motion modeling. We attempt to address the above important problems both in a theoretical framework and in the context of real clinical data. Second, we propose a new method to derive the entire lung motion using a single internal marker based on the PCA model. The main results of this work are as follows. We derived an important property which reveals the implicit regularization imposed by the PCA model. We then studied the model using two mathematical respiratory phantoms and 11 clinical 4DCT scans for eight lung cancer patients. For the mathematical phantoms with cosine and an even power (2n) of cosine motion, we proved that 2 and 2n PCA coefficients and eigenvectors will completely represent the lung motion, respectively. Moreover, for the cosine phantom, we derived the equivalence conditions for the PCA motion model and the physiological 5D lung motion model (Low et al 2005 Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. 63 921–9). For the clinical 4DCT data, we demonstrated the modeling power and generalization performance of the PCA model. The average 3D modeling error using PCA was within

  1. On a PCA-based lung motion model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Ruijiang; Lewis, John H.; Jia, Xun; Zhao, Tianyu; Liu, Weifeng; Wuenschel, Sara; Lamb, James; Yang, Deshan; Low, Daniel A.; Jiang, Steve B.

    2011-09-01

    Respiration-induced organ motion is one of the major uncertainties in lung cancer radiotherapy and is crucial to be able to accurately model the lung motion. Most work so far has focused on the study of the motion of a single point (usually the tumor center of mass), and much less work has been done to model the motion of the entire lung. Inspired by the work of Zhang et al (2007 Med. Phys. 34 4772-81), we believe that the spatiotemporal relationship of the entire lung motion can be accurately modeled based on principle component analysis (PCA) and then a sparse subset of the entire lung, such as an implanted marker, can be used to drive the motion of the entire lung (including the tumor). The goal of this work is twofold. First, we aim to understand the underlying reason why PCA is effective for modeling lung motion and find the optimal number of PCA coefficients for accurate lung motion modeling. We attempt to address the above important problems both in a theoretical framework and in the context of real clinical data. Second, we propose a new method to derive the entire lung motion using a single internal marker based on the PCA model. The main results of this work are as follows. We derived an important property which reveals the implicit regularization imposed by the PCA model. We then studied the model using two mathematical respiratory phantoms and 11 clinical 4DCT scans for eight lung cancer patients. For the mathematical phantoms with cosine and an even power (2n) of cosine motion, we proved that 2 and 2n PCA coefficients and eigenvectors will completely represent the lung motion, respectively. Moreover, for the cosine phantom, we derived the equivalence conditions for the PCA motion model and the physiological 5D lung motion model (Low et al 2005 Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. 63 921-9). For the clinical 4DCT data, we demonstrated the modeling power and generalization performance of the PCA model. The average 3D modeling error using PCA was within 1

  2. Salmeterol improves fluid clearance from alveolar-capillary membrane in COPD patients: a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Di Marco, Fabiano; Guazzi, Marco; Sferrazza Papa, Giuseppe Francesco; Vicenzi, Marco; Santus, Pierachille; Busatto, Paolo; Piffer, Federico; Blasi, Francesco; Centanni, Stefano

    2012-02-01

    The cardiovascular component associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) plays a major role in disease prognosis, accounting for 25% of the deaths. Experimental and initial clinical data suggest that beta-adrenergic agonists accelerate fluid clearance from the alveolar airspace, with potentially positive effects on cardiogenic and noncardiogenic pulmonary oedema. This pilot study investigated the acute effects of the long-acting beta-2 agonist, salmeterol, on alveolar fluid clearance after rapid saline intravenous infusion by evaluating diffusive and mechanical lung properties. Ten COPD and 10 healthy subjects were treated with salmeterol or placebo 4 h before the patient's mechanical and diffusive lung properties were measured during four non consecutive days, just before and after a rapid saline infusion, or during a similar period without an infusion. In both COPD and healthy subjects, rapid saline infusion with placebo or salmeterol premedication lead to a significant decrease in diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). Nonetheless, salmeterol pretreatment lead to a significantly reduced gas exchange impairment caused by saline infusion (-64% of DLCO reduction compared with placebo), whereas it did not affect changes in FEV1. In the control setting with no infusion, we found no significant change in either DLCO or mechanical properties of the lung. Salmeterol appears to provide a protective effect, not related to bronchodilation, against an acute alveolar fluid clearance challenge secondary to lung fluid overload in COPD patients. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Integrated Turbine Tip Clearance and Gas Turbine Engine Simulation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chapman, Jeffryes W.; Kratz, Jonathan; Guo, Ten-Huei; Litt, Jonathan

    2016-01-01

    Gas turbine compressor and turbine blade tip clearance (i.e., the radial distance between the blade tip of an axial compressor or turbine and the containment structure) is a major contributing factor to gas path sealing, and can significantly affect engine efficiency and operational temperature. This paper details the creation of a generic but realistic high pressure turbine tip clearance model that may be used to facilitate active tip clearance control system research. This model uses a first principles approach to approximate thermal and mechanical deformations of the turbine system, taking into account the rotor, shroud, and blade tip components. Validation of the tip clearance model shows that the results are realistic and reflect values found in literature. In addition, this model has been integrated with a gas turbine engine simulation, creating a platform to explore engine performance as tip clearance is adjusted. Results from the integrated model explore the effects of tip clearance on engine operation and highlight advantages of tip clearance management.

  4. Absorption and Clearance of Pharmaceutical Aerosols in the Human Nose: Development of a CFD Model.

    PubMed

    Rygg, Alex; Longest, P Worth

    2016-10-01

    The objective of this study was to develop a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to predict the deposition, dissolution, clearance, and absorption of pharmaceutical particles in the human nasal cavity. A three-dimensional nasal cavity geometry was converted to a surface-based model, providing an anatomically-accurate domain for the simulations. Particle deposition data from a commercial nasal spray product was mapped onto the surface model, and a mucus velocity field was calculated and validated with in vivo nasal clearance rates. A submodel for the dissolution of deposited particles was developed and validated based on comparisons to existing in vitro data for multiple pharmaceutical products. A parametric study was then performed to assess sensitivity of epithelial drug uptake to model conditions and assumptions. The particle displacement distance (depth) in the mucus layer had a modest effect on overall drug absorption, while the mucociliary clearance rate was found to be primarily responsible for drug uptake over the timescale of nasal clearance for the corticosteroid mometasone furoate (MF). The model revealed that drug deposition in the nasal vestibule (NV) could slowly be transported into the main passage (MP) and then absorbed through connection of the liquid layer in the NV and MP regions. As a result, high intersubject variability in cumulative uptake was predicted, depending on the length of time the NV dose was left undisturbed without blowing or wiping the nose. This study has developed, for the first time, a complete CFD model of nasal aerosol delivery from the point of spray formation through absorption at the respiratory epithelial surface. For the development and assessment of nasal aerosol products, this CFD-based in silico model provides a new option to complement existing in vitro nasal cast studies of deposition and in vivo imaging experiments of clearance.

  5. Reduced Bacterial Colony Count of Anaerobic Bacteria Is Associated with a Worsening in Lung Clearance Index and Inflammation in Cystic Fibrosis

    PubMed Central

    Bradley, Judy M.; Johnston, Elinor; McGrath, Stephanie; McIlreavey, Leanne; Rowan, Stephen; Reid, Alastair; Bradbury, Ian; Einarsson, Gisli

    2015-01-01

    Anaerobic bacteria have been identified in abundance in the airways of cystic fibrosis (CF) subjects. The impact their presence and abundance has on lung function and inflammation is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the colony count of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, lung clearance index (LCI), spirometry and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) in patients with CF. Sputum and blood were collected from CF patients at a single cross-sectional visit when clinically stable. Community composition and bacterial colony counts were analysed using extended aerobic and anaerobic culture. Patients completed spirometry and a multiple breath washout (MBW) test to obtain LCI. An inverse correlation between colony count of aerobic bacteria (n = 41, r = -0.35; p = 0.02), anaerobic bacteria (n = 41, r = -0.44, p = 0.004) and LCI was observed. There was an inverse correlation between colony count of anaerobic bacteria and CRP (n = 25, r = -0.44, p = 0.03) only. The results of this study demonstrate that a lower colony count of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria correlated with a worse LCI. A lower colony count of anaerobic bacteria also correlated with higher CRP levels. These results indicate that lower abundance of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria may reflect microbiota disruption and disease progression in the CF lung. PMID:25992575

  6. Lung scintigraphy in differential diagnosis of peripheral lung cancer and community-acquired pneumonia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Krivonogov, Nikolay G.; Efimova, Nataliya Y.; Zavadovsky, Konstantin W.; Lishmanov, Yuri B.

    2016-08-01

    Ventilation/perfusion lung scintigraphy was performed in 39 patients with verified diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and in 14 patients with peripheral lung cancer. Ventilation/perfusion ratio, apical-basal gradients of ventilation (U/L(V)) and lung perfusion (U/L(P)), and alveolar capillary permeability of radionuclide aerosol were determined based on scintigraphy data. The study demonstrated that main signs of CAP were increases in ventilation/perfusion ratio, perfusion and ventilation gradient on a side of the diseased lung, and two-side increase in alveolar capillary permeability rate for radionuclide aerosol. Unlike this, scintigraphic signs of peripheral lung cancer comprise an increase in ventilation/perfusion ratio over 1.0 on a side of the diseased lung with its simultaneous decrease on a contralateral side, normal values of perfusion and ventilation gradients of both lungs, and delayed alveolar capillary clearance in the diseased lung compared with the intact lung.

  7. Lung clearance index to monitor treatment response in pulmonary exacerbations in preschool children with cystic fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Rayment, Jonathan H; Stanojevic, Sanja; Davis, Stephanie D; Retsch-Bogart, George; Ratjen, Felix

    2018-05-01

    Antibiotic treatment for pulmonary symptoms in preschool children with cystic fibrosis (CF) varies among clinicians. The lung clearance index (LCI) is sensitive to early CF lung disease, but its utility to monitor pulmonary exacerbations in young children has not been assessed. We aim to (1) understand how LCI changes during lower respiratory tract symptoms relative to a recent clinically stable measurement, (2) determine whether LCI can identify antibiotic treatment response and (3) compare LCI changes to changes in spirometric indices. LCI and spirometry were measured at quarterly clinic visits over a 12-month period in preschool children with CF. Symptomatic visits were identified and classified as treated or untreated. Treatment response was estimated using propensity score matching methods. 104 symptomatic visits were identified in 78 participants. LCI increased from baseline in both treated (mean relative change +23.8% (95% CI 16.2 to 31.4)) and untreated symptomatic visits (mean relative change +11.2% (95% CI 2.4 to 19.9)). A significant antibiotic treatment effect was observed when LCI was used as the outcome measure (average treatment effect -15.5% (95% CI -25.4 to -5.6)) but not for z-score FEV 1 . LCI significantly deteriorated with pulmonary symptoms relative to baseline and improved with antibiotic treatment. These data suggest that LCI may have a role in the routine clinical care of preschool children with CF. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  8. Secretion clearance strategies in Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Units.

    PubMed

    Ntoumenopoulos, George; Hammond, Naomi; Watts, Nicola R; Thompson, Kelly; Hanlon, Gabrielle; Paratz, Jennifer D; Thomas, Peter

    2017-06-26

    To describe the processes of care for secretion clearance in adult, intubated and mechanically ventilated patients in Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Units (ICUs). A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted through the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Clinical Trials Group (ANZICS CTG) Point Prevalence Program. Forty-seven ICUs collected data from 230 patients intubated and ventilated on the study day. Secretion clearance techniques beyond standard suctioning were used in 84/230 (37%) of patients during the study period. Chest wall vibration 34/84 (40%), manual lung hyperinflation 24/84 (29%), chest wall percussion 20/84 (24%), postural drainage/patient positioning 17/84 (20%) and other techniques including mobilisation 15/84 (18%), were the most common secretion clearance techniques employed. On average (SD), patients received airway suctioning 8.8 (5.0) times during the 24-h study period. Mucus plugging events were infrequent (2.7%). The additional secretion clearance techniques were provided by physiotherapy staff in 24/47 (51%) ICUs and by both nursing and physiotherapy staff in the remaining 23/47 (49%) ICUs. One-third of intubated and ventilated patients received additional secretion clearance techniques. Mucus plugging events were infrequent with these additional secretion clearance approaches. Prospective studies must examine additional secretion clearance practices, prevalence of mucus plugging episodes and impact on patient outcomes. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. siRNA delivery targeting to the lung via agglutination-induced accumulation and clearance of cationic tetraamino fullerene.

    PubMed

    Minami, Kosuke; Okamoto, Koji; Doi, Kent; Harano, Koji; Noiri, Eisei; Nakamura, Eiichi

    2014-05-12

    The efficient treatment of lung diseases requires lung-selective delivery of agents to the lung. However, lung-selective delivery is difficult because the accumulation of micrometer-sized carriers in the lung often induces inflammation and embolization-related toxicity. Here we demonstrate a lung-selective delivery system of small interfering RNA (siRNA) by controlling the size of carrier vehicle in blood vessels. The carrier is made of tetra(piperazino)fullerene epoxide (TPFE), a water-soluble cationic tetraamino fullerene. TPFE and siRNA form sub-micrometer-sized complexes in buffered solution and these complexes agglutinate further with plasma proteins in the bloodstream to form micrometer-sized particles. The agglutinate rapidly clogs the lung capillaries, releases the siRNA into lung cells to silence expression of target genes, and is then cleared rapidly from the lung after siRNA delivery. We applied our delivery system to an animal model of sepsis, indicating the potential of TPFE-based siRNA delivery for clinical applications.

  10. siRNA delivery targeting to the lung via agglutination-induced accumulation and clearance of cationic tetraamino fullerene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Minami, Kosuke; Okamoto, Koji; Doi, Kent; Harano, Koji; Noiri, Eisei; Nakamura, Eiichi

    2014-05-01

    The efficient treatment of lung diseases requires lung-selective delivery of agents to the lung. However, lung-selective delivery is difficult because the accumulation of micrometer-sized carriers in the lung often induces inflammation and embolization-related toxicity. Here we demonstrate a lung-selective delivery system of small interfering RNA (siRNA) by controlling the size of carrier vehicle in blood vessels. The carrier is made of tetra(piperazino)fullerene epoxide (TPFE), a water-soluble cationic tetraamino fullerene. TPFE and siRNA form sub-micrometer-sized complexes in buffered solution and these complexes agglutinate further with plasma proteins in the bloodstream to form micrometer-sized particles. The agglutinate rapidly clogs the lung capillaries, releases the siRNA into lung cells to silence expression of target genes, and is then cleared rapidly from the lung after siRNA delivery. We applied our delivery system to an animal model of sepsis, indicating the potential of TPFE-based siRNA delivery for clinical applications.

  11. siRNA delivery targeting to the lung via agglutination-induced accumulation and clearance of cationic tetraamino fullerene

    PubMed Central

    MINAMI, Kosuke; OKAMOTO, Koji; DOI, Kent; HARANO, Koji; NOIRI, Eisei; NAKAMURA, Eiichi

    2014-01-01

    The efficient treatment of lung diseases requires lung-selective delivery of agents to the lung. However, lung-selective delivery is difficult because the accumulation of micrometer-sized carriers in the lung often induces inflammation and embolization-related toxicity. Here we demonstrate a lung-selective delivery system of small interfering RNA (siRNA) by controlling the size of carrier vehicle in blood vessels. The carrier is made of tetra(piperazino)fullerene epoxide (TPFE), a water-soluble cationic tetraamino fullerene. TPFE and siRNA form sub-micrometer-sized complexes in buffered solution and these complexes agglutinate further with plasma proteins in the bloodstream to form micrometer-sized particles. The agglutinate rapidly clogs the lung capillaries, releases the siRNA into lung cells to silence expression of target genes, and is then cleared rapidly from the lung after siRNA delivery. We applied our delivery system to an animal model of sepsis, indicating the potential of TPFE-based siRNA delivery for clinical applications. PMID:24814863

  12. Pediatric Lung Transplantation.

    PubMed

    Sweet, Stuart C

    2017-06-01

    Pediatric lung transplant is a viable option for treatment of end-stage lung disease in children, with > 100 pediatric lung transplants reported to the Registry of the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation each year. Long-term success is limited by availability of donor organs, debilitation as a result of chronic disease, impaired mucus clearance resulting from both surgical and pharmacologic interventions, increased risk for infection resulting from immunosuppression, and most importantly late complications, such as chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Opportunities for investigation and innovation remain in all of these domains: (1) Ex vivo lung perfusion is a promising technology with the potential for increasing the lung donor pool, (2) evolving extracorporeal support strategies coupled with effective rehabilitation will effectively bridge critically ill patients to transplant, and most importantly, (3) research efforts intended to increase our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of chronic lung allograft dysfunction will ultimately lead to the development of effective therapies to prevent or treat the variety of chronic lung allograft dysfunction presentations. Copyright © 2017 by Daedalus Enterprises.

  13. Lung scintigraphy in differential diagnosis of peripheral lung cancer and community-acquired pneumonia

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Krivonogov, Nikolay G., E-mail: kng@cardio-tomsk.ru; Efimova, Nataliya Y., E-mail: efimova@cardio-tomsk.ru; Zavadovsky, Konstantin W.

    Ventilation/perfusion lung scintigraphy was performed in 39 patients with verified diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and in 14 patients with peripheral lung cancer. Ventilation/perfusion ratio, apical-basal gradients of ventilation (U/L(V)) and lung perfusion (U/L(P)), and alveolar capillary permeability of radionuclide aerosol were determined based on scintigraphy data. The study demonstrated that main signs of CAP were increases in ventilation/perfusion ratio, perfusion and ventilation gradient on a side of the diseased lung, and two-side increase in alveolar capillary permeability rate for radionuclide aerosol. Unlike this, scintigraphic signs of peripheral lung cancer comprise an increase in ventilation/perfusion ratio over 1.0 on amore » side of the diseased lung with its simultaneous decrease on a contralateral side, normal values of perfusion and ventilation gradients of both lungs, and delayed alveolar capillary clearance in the diseased lung compared with the intact lung.« less

  14. Chloride transport-driven alveolar fluid secretion is a major contributor to cardiogenic lung edema

    PubMed Central

    Solymosi, Esther A.; Kaestle-Gembardt, Stefanie M.; Vadász, István; Wang, Liming; Neye, Nils; Chupin, Cécile Julie Adrienne; Rozowsky, Simon; Ruehl, Ramona; Tabuchi, Arata; Schulz, Holger; Kapus, Andras; Morty, Rory E.; Kuebler, Wolfgang M.

    2013-01-01

    Alveolar fluid clearance driven by active epithelial Na+ and secondary Cl− absorption counteracts edema formation in the intact lung. Recently, we showed that impairment of alveolar fluid clearance because of inhibition of epithelial Na+ channels (ENaCs) promotes cardiogenic lung edema. Concomitantly, we observed a reversal of alveolar fluid clearance, suggesting that reversed transepithelial ion transport may promote lung edema by driving active alveolar fluid secretion. We, therefore, hypothesized that alveolar ion and fluid secretion may constitute a pathomechanism in lung edema and aimed to identify underlying molecular pathways. In isolated perfused lungs, alveolar fluid clearance and secretion were determined by a double-indicator dilution technique. Transepithelial Cl− secretion and alveolar Cl− influx were quantified by radionuclide tracing and alveolar Cl− imaging, respectively. Elevated hydrostatic pressure induced ouabain-sensitive alveolar fluid secretion that coincided with transepithelial Cl− secretion and alveolar Cl− influx. Inhibition of either cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) or Na+-K+-Cl− cotransporters (NKCC) blocked alveolar fluid secretion, and lungs of CFTR−/− mice were protected from hydrostatic edema. Inhibition of ENaC by amiloride reproduced alveolar fluid and Cl− secretion that were again CFTR-, NKCC-, and Na+-K+-ATPase–dependent. Our findings show a reversal of transepithelial Cl− and fluid flux from absorptive to secretory mode at hydrostatic stress. Alveolar Cl− and fluid secretion are triggered by ENaC inhibition and mediated by NKCC and CFTR. Our results characterize an innovative mechanism of cardiogenic edema formation and identify NKCC1 as a unique therapeutic target in cardiogenic lung edema. PMID:23645634

  15. Regulation of ENaC-mediated alveolar fluid clearance by insulin via PI3K/Akt pathway in LPS-induced acute lung injury.

    PubMed

    Deng, Wang; Li, Chang-Yi; Tong, Jin; Zhang, Wei; Wang, Dao-Xin

    2012-03-30

    Stimulation of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) increases Na(+) transport, a driving force of alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) to keep alveolar spaces free of edema fluid that is beneficial for acute lung injury (ALI). It is well recognized that regulation of ENaC by insulin via PI3K pathway, but the mechanism of this signaling pathway to regulate AFC and ENaC in ALI remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of insulin on AFC in ALI and clarify the pathway in which insulin regulates the expression of ENaC in vitro and in vivo. A model of ALI (LPS at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg) with non-hyperglycemia was established in Sprague-Dawley rats receiving continuous exogenous insulin by micro-osmotic pumps and wortmannin. The lungs were isolated for measurement of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), total lung water content(TLW), and AFC after ALI for 8 hours. Alveolar epithelial type II cells were pre-incubated with LY294002, Akt inhibitor and SGK1 inhibitor 30 minutes before insulin treatment for 2 hours. The expressions of α-,β-, and γ-ENaC were detected by immunocytochemistry, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting. In vivo, insulin decreased TLW, enchanced AFC, increased the expressions of α-,β-, and γ-ENaC and the level of phosphorylated Akt, attenuated lung injury and improved the survival rate in LPS-induced ALI, the effects of which were blocked by wortmannin. Amiloride, a sodium channel inhibitor, significantly reduced insulin-induced increase in AFC. In vitro, insulin increased the expressions of α-,β-, and γ-ENaC as well as the level of phosphorylated Akt but LY294002 and Akt inhibitor significantly prevented insulin-induced increase in the expression of ENaC and the level of phosphorylated Akt respectively. Immunoprecipitation studies showed that levels of Nedd4-2 binding to ENaC were decreased by insulin via PI3K/Akt pathway. Our study demonstrated that insulin alleviated pulmonary edema and

  16. Pharmacoepidemiologic investigation of clonazepam relative clearance by mixed-effect modeling using routine clinical pharmacokinetic data in Japanese patients.

    PubMed

    Yukawa, Eiji; Satou, Masayasu; Nonaka, Toshiharu; Yukawa, Miho; Ohdo, Shigehiro; Higuchi, Shun; Kuroda, Takeshi; Goto, Yoshinobu

    2002-01-01

    The effects of drug-drug interactions on clonazepam clearance were examined through a retrospective analysis of serum concentration data from pediatric and adult epileptic patients. Patients received clonazepam as monotherapy or in combination with other antiepileptic drugs. A total of 259 serum clonazepam concentrations gathered from 137 patients were used in a population analysis of drug-drug interactions on clonazepam clearance. Data were analyzed using a nonlinear mixed-effects modeling (NONMEM) technique. The final model describing clonazepam clearance was CL = 152 x TBW(-0.181) x DIF, where CL is clearance (ml/kg/h), TBWis total body weight (kg), and DIF (drug interaction factor) is a scaling factor for concomitant medication with a value of 1 for patients on clonazepam monotherapy, 1.18 for those patients receiving concomitant administration of clonazepam and one antiepileptic drug (carbamazepine or valproic acid), and 2.12 x TBW(-0.119) for those patients receiving concomitant administration of clonazepam and more than two antiepileptic drugs. Clonazepam clearance decreased in a weight-related fashion in children, with minimal changes observed in adults. Concomitant administration of clonazepam and carbamazepine resulted in a 22% increase in clonazepam clearance. Concomitant administration of clonazepam and valproic acid resulted in a 12% increase in clonazepam clearance. Concomitant administration of clonazepam with two or more antiepileptic drugs resulted in a 23% to 75% increase in clonazepam clearance.

  17. 24 CFR 3285.305 - Clearance under homes.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 24 Housing and Urban Development 5 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Clearance under homes. 3285.305... URBAN DEVELOPMENT MODEL MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION STANDARDS Foundations § 3285.305 Clearance under homes. A minimum clearance of 12 inches must be maintained between the lowest member of the main frame...

  18. 24 CFR 3285.305 - Clearance under homes.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 24 Housing and Urban Development 5 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Clearance under homes. 3285.305... URBAN DEVELOPMENT MODEL MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION STANDARDS Foundations § 3285.305 Clearance under homes. A minimum clearance of 12 inches must be maintained between the lowest member of the main frame...

  19. 24 CFR 3285.305 - Clearance under homes.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 24 Housing and Urban Development 5 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Clearance under homes. 3285.305... URBAN DEVELOPMENT MODEL MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION STANDARDS Foundations § 3285.305 Clearance under homes. A minimum clearance of 12 inches must be maintained between the lowest member of the main frame...

  20. 24 CFR 3285.305 - Clearance under homes.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 24 Housing and Urban Development 5 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Clearance under homes. 3285.305... URBAN DEVELOPMENT MODEL MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION STANDARDS Foundations § 3285.305 Clearance under homes. A minimum clearance of 12 inches must be maintained between the lowest member of the main frame...

  1. 24 CFR 3285.305 - Clearance under homes.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 24 Housing and Urban Development 5 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Clearance under homes. 3285.305... URBAN DEVELOPMENT MODEL MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION STANDARDS Foundations § 3285.305 Clearance under homes. A minimum clearance of 12 inches must be maintained between the lowest member of the main frame...

  2. Biomechanical interpretation of a free-breathing lung motion model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Tianyu; White, Benjamin; Moore, Kevin L.; Lamb, James; Yang, Deshan; Lu, Wei; Mutic, Sasa; Low, Daniel A.

    2011-12-01

    The purpose of this paper is to develop a biomechanical model for free-breathing motion and compare it to a published heuristic five-dimensional (5D) free-breathing lung motion model. An ab initio biomechanical model was developed to describe the motion of lung tissue during free breathing by analyzing the stress-strain relationship inside lung tissue. The first-order approximation of the biomechanical model was equivalent to a heuristic 5D free-breathing lung motion model proposed by Low et al in 2005 (Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. 63 921-9), in which the motion was broken down to a linear expansion component and a hysteresis component. To test the biomechanical model, parameters that characterize expansion, hysteresis and angles between the two motion components were reported independently and compared between two models. The biomechanical model agreed well with the heuristic model within 5.5% in the left lungs and 1.5% in the right lungs for patients without lung cancer. The biomechanical model predicted that a histogram of angles between the two motion components should have two peaks at 39.8° and 140.2° in the left lungs and 37.1° and 142.9° in the right lungs. The data from the 5D model verified the existence of those peaks at 41.2° and 148.2° in the left lungs and 40.1° and 140° in the right lungs for patients without lung cancer. Similar results were also observed for the patients with lung cancer, but with greater discrepancies. The maximum-likelihood estimation of hysteresis magnitude was reported to be 2.6 mm for the lung cancer patients. The first-order approximation of the biomechanical model fit the heuristic 5D model very well. The biomechanical model provided new insights into breathing motion with specific focus on motion trajectory hysteresis.

  3. Scintigraphic results in patients with lung transplants: a prospective comparative study.

    PubMed

    Humplik, B I; Sandrock, D; Aurisch, R; Richter, W-St; Ewert, R; Munz, D L

    2005-04-01

    We addressed the feasibility of scintigraphy in the postoperative monitoring of lung transplants. 37 patients (22 women, 15 men, 37 +/- 15 years) in good clinical condition were examined after lung transplantation. Scintigraphic procedures for assessing ventilation (133Xe), perfusion (99mTc microspheres) and aerosol-inhalation (99mTc aerosol) were performed for all patients. The findings were compared with those of established diagnostic modalities. All lung transplants showed homogeneous ventilation but with a non-physiologic difference of over 20% between both pulmonary lobes in one-third of the cases. There was a difference between the impairement of perfusion and ventilation in the presence of an impaired Euler-Liljestrand reflex in 14/37 (38%) patients. Furthermore, bronchoscopy and aerosol-inhalation scans often did not correlate, e. g. a bronchoscopically evident stenosis was not necessarily associated with an increased activity, and vice versa. Although peripheral mucociliary clearance was preserved after transplantation, stasis in central airways resulted in significantly impaired global clearance. Ventilation and perfusion scintigraphy reveal in a significant number of lung recipients pathologic findings and therefore can be recommended for postoperative monitoring. From a clinical point of view aerosol-inhalation scintigraphy (clearance) is not of any additional value.

  4. Clearance Rate and BP-ANN Model in Paraquat Poisoned Patients Treated with Hemoperfusion

    PubMed Central

    Hu, Lufeng; Hong, Guangliang; Ma, Jianshe; Wang, Xianqin; Lin, Guanyang; Zhang, Xiuhua; Lu, Zhongqiu

    2015-01-01

    In order to investigate the effect of hemoperfusion (HP) on the clearance rate of paraquat (PQ) and develop a clearance model, 41 PQ-poisoned patients who acquired acute PQ intoxication received HP treatment. PQ concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). According to initial PQ concentration, study subjects were divided into two groups: Low-PQ group (0.05–1.0 μg/mL) and High-PQ group (1.0–10 μg/mL). After initial HP treatment, PQ concentrations decreased in both groups. However, in the High-PQ group, PQ levels remained in excess of 0.05 μg/mL and increased when the second HP treatment was initiated. Based on the PQ concentrations before and after HP treatment, the mean clearance rate of PQ calculated was 73 ± 15%. We also established a backpropagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) model, which set PQ concentrations before HP treatment as input data and after HP treatment as output data. When it is used to predict PQ concentration after HP treatment, high prediction accuracy (R = 0.9977) can be obtained in this model. In conclusion, HP is an effective way to clear PQ from the blood, and the PQ concentration after HP treatment can be predicted by BP-ANN model. PMID:25695058

  5. Lung retention and metabolic fate of inhaled benzo(a)pyrene associated with diesel exhaust particles

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sun, J.D.; Wolff, R.K.; Kanapilly, G.M.

    The effect of ultrafine, insoluble, carrier particles on the lung retention and metabolic fate of inhaled PAHs was investigated with a radiolabeled model PAH, (/sup 3/H)benzo(a)pyrene (/sup 3/H-BaP). Fischer-344 rats were exposed (30 min) by nose-only inhalation to /sup 3/H-BaP adsorbed (approximately 0.1% by mass) onto diesel engine exhaust particles. The total mass concentration of these aerosols was 4-6 micrograms/liter of air with a mass median diameter of 0.14 micron. Lung clearance of the inhaled particle-associated /sup 3/H radioactivity occurred in two phases. The initially rapid clearance of this inhaled radiolabel had a half-time of less than 1 hr. Themore » second, long-term component of lung clearance had a half-time of 18 +/- 2 days and represented 50 +/- 2% of the /sup 3/H radioactivity that had initially deposited in lungs. In contrast, previous inhalation studies with a pure /sup 3/H-BaP aerosol showed that greater than 99% of the /sup 3/H radioactivity deposited in lungs was cleared within 2 hr after exposure. By HPLC analysis, the majority of diesel soot-associated /sup 3/H radioactivity retained in lungs was BaP (65-76%) with smaller amounts of BaP-phenol (13-17%) and BaP-quinone (5-18%) metabolites also being detected. No other metabolites of BaP were detected in lungs of exposed rats. Tissue distribution and excretion patterns of /sup 3/H radioactivity were qualitatively similar to previous inhalation studies with /sup 3/H-BaP coated Ga2O3 aerosols. These findings suggest that inhaled PAHs may be retained in lungs for a greater period of time when these compounds are associated with diesel engine exhaust particles. These results may have significant implications for the health risks that may be involved with human exposure to particle-associated organic pollutants.« less

  6. Comparison of the behavior of stainless and mild steel manual metal arc welding fumes in rat lung.

    PubMed

    Kalliomäki, P L; Junttila, M L; Kalliomäki, K K; Lakomaa, E L; Kivelä, R

    1983-04-01

    The lung retention and clearance of manual metal arc (MMA) stainless steel and mild steel welding fumes were determined in the rat. The exposure simulated the actual welding situation. The duration of exposure in the "nose-only" exposure chamber was 1 h/workday for one, two, three, or four weeks in the retention study and for four weeks in the clearance study. The concentration of exogenous iron was determined by the magnetic measuring method. Instrumental neutron activation analysis was applied to determine the concentration of total iron, chromium, and nickel in the lungs. The results indicated that the lung retention and clearance patterns for the two types of welding fumes were different. A linear relationship was observed between the amount of stainless steel MMA welding fume retained in the lungs and the duration of exposure, whereas the retention of mild steel MMA welding fume in the lung was saturated as a function of the cumulative exposure time rates. The maximum amount of lung-retained contaminants was 880 micrograms for stainless steel MMA welding fume and 220 micrograms for mild steel MMA fume.

  7. Fish oil feeding delays influenza virus clearance and impairs production of interferon-gamma and virus-specific immunoglobulin A in the lungs of mice.

    PubMed

    Byleveld, P M; Pang, G T; Clancy, R L; Roberts, D C

    1999-02-01

    Ingestion of fish oil can suppress the inflammatory response to injury and may impair host resistance to infection. To investigate the effect of a diet containing fish oil on immunity to viral infection, 148 BALB/c mice were fed diets containing 3 g/100 g of sunflower oil with either 17 g/100 g of fish oil or beef tallow for 14 d before intranasal challenge with live influenza virus. At d 1 and d 5 after infection, the mice fed fish oil had higher lung viral load and lower body weight (P < 0.05). In addition to the greater viral load and weight loss at d 5 after infection, the fish oil group consumed less food (P < 0.05) while the beef tallow group was clearing the virus, had regained their preinfection weights and was returning to their preinfection food consumption. The fish oil group had impaired production of lung interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G and lung IgA-specific antibodies (all P < 0. 05) although lung IFN-alpha/beta and the relative proportions of bronchial lymph node CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes did not differ between groups after infection. The present study demonstrates a delay in virus clearance in mice fed fish oil associated with reduced IFN-gamma and antibody production and a greater weight loss and suppression of appetite following influenza virus infection. However, differences observed during the course of infection did not affect the ultimate outcome as both groups cleared the virus and returned to preinfection food consumption and body weight by d 7.

  8. 99mTc-zolmitriptan: radiolabeling, molecular modeling, biodistribution and gamma scintigraphy as a hopeful radiopharmaceutical for lung nuclear imaging.

    PubMed

    Rashed, H M; Marzook, F A; Farag, H

    2016-12-01

    Lung imaging radiopharmaceuticals are helpful agents for measuring pulmonary blood flow and allow detection of pulmonary embolism and lung cancer. The goal of this study was to develop a novel potential radiopharmaceutical for lung imaging. Zolmitriptan (a selective serotonin receptor agonist) was successfully labeled with 99m Tc via direct labeling method under reductive conditions studying different factors affecting the labeling efficiency. 99m Tc-zolmitriptan was obtained with a maximum labeling yield of 92.5 ± 0.61 % and in vitro stability up to 24 h. Molecular modeling was done to predict the structure of 99m Tc-zolmitriptan and ensure that radiolabeling did not affect binding ability of zolmitriptan to its receptor. Biodistribution studies showed that maximum lung uptake of 99m Tc-zolmitriptan was 23.89 ± 1.2 % injected dose/g tissue at 15 min post-injection and retention in lungs remained high up to 1 h, whereas the clearance from mice appeared to proceed mainly via the renal pathway. Scintigraphic images confirmed the biodistribution results showing a high resolution lung image with low accumulation of radioactivity in other organs except kidneys and urinary bladder. 99m Tc-zolmitriptan is not a blood product and so it is more safe than the currently available 99m Tc-MAA, and its lung uptake is higher than that of the recently discovered 123 I-IPMPD, 99m Tc(CO) 5 I and 99m Tc-DHPM. So, 99m Tc-zolmitriptan could be used as a hopeful radiopharmaceutical for lung scintigraphic imaging.

  9. Controls Considerations for Turbine Active Clearance Control

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Melcher, Kevin J.

    2004-01-01

    This presentation discusses active control of turbine tip clearance from a control systems perspective. It is a subset of charts that were presented at the 2003 meeting of the International Society of Air Breathing Engines which was held August 31 through September 5 in Cleveland, Ohio. The associated reference paper is cited at the end of the presentation. The presentation describes active tip clearance control research being conducted by NASA to improve turbine engine systems. The target application for this effort is commercial aircraft engines. However, it is believed that the technologies developed as part of this research will benefit a broad spectrum of current and future turbomachinery. The first part of the presentation discusses the concept of tip clearance, problems associated with it, and the benefits of controlling it. It lays out a framework for implementing tip clearance controls that enables the implementation to progress from purely analytical to hardware-in-the-loop to fully experimental. And it briefly discusses how the technologies developed will be married to the previously described ACC Test Rig for hardware-in-the-loop demonstrations. The final portion of the presentation, describes one of the key technologies in some detail by presenting equations and results for a functional dynamic model of the tip clearance phenomena. As shown, the model exhibits many of the clearance dynamics found in commercial gas turbine engines. However, initial attempts to validate the model identified limitations that are being addressed to make the model more realistic.

  10. Calculation of tip clearance effects in a transonic compressor rotor

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chima, R. V.

    1996-01-01

    The flow through the tip clearance region of a transonic compressor rotor (NASA rotor 37) was computed and compared to aerodynamic probe and laser anemometer data. Tip clearance effects were modeled both by gridding the clearance gap and by using a simple periodicity model across the ungridded gap. The simple model was run with both the full gap height, and with half the gap height to simulate a vena-contracta effect. Comparisons between computed and measured performance maps and downstream profiles were used to validate the models and to assess the effects of gap height on the simple clearance model. Recommendations were made concerning the use of the simple clearance model. Detailed comparisons were made between the gridded clearance gap solution and the laser anemometer data near the tip at two operating points. The computer results agreed fairly well with the data but overpredicted the extent of the casing separation and underpredicted the wake decay rate. The computations were then used to describe the interaction of the tip vortex, the passage shock, and the casing boundary layer.

  11. Lung dosimetry for inhaled long-lived radionuclides and radon progeny.

    PubMed

    Hussain, M; Winkler-Heil, R; Hofmann, W

    2011-05-01

    The current version of the stochastic lung dosimetry model IDEAL-DOSE considers deposition in the whole tracheobronchial (TB) and alveolar airway system, while clearance is restricted to TB airways. For the investigation of doses produced by inhaled long-lived radionuclides (LLR) together with short-lived radon progeny, alveolar clearance has to be considered. Thus, present dose calculations are based on the average transport rates proposed for the revision of the ICRP human respiratory tract model. The results obtained indicate that LLR cleared from the alveolar region can deliver up to two to six times higher doses to the TB region when compared with the doses from directly deposited particles. Comparison of LLR doses with those of short-lived radon progeny indicates that LLR in uranium mines can deliver up to 5 % of the doses predicted for the short-lived radon daughters.

  12. Particle deposition and clearance of atmospheric particles in the human respiratory tract during LACE 98

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bundke, U.; Hänel, G.

    2003-04-01

    During the LACE 98footnote{Lindenberg Aerosol Characterization Experiment, (Germany) 1998} experiment microphysical, chemical and optical properties of atmospheric particles were measured by several groups. (Bundke et al.). The particle deposition and clearance of the particles in the human respiratory tract was calculated using the ICRP (International Commission on Radiological Protection) deposition and clearance model (ICRP 1994). Particle growth as function of relative humidity outside the body was calculated from measurement data using the model introduced by Bundke et al.. Particle growth inside the body was added using a non-equilibrium particle growth model. As a result of the calculations, time series of the total dry particle mass and -size distribution were obtained for all compartments of the human respiratory tract defined by ICRP 1994. The combined ICRP deposition and clearance model was initialized for different probationers like man, woman, children of different ages and several circumstances like light work, sitting, sleeping etc. Keeping the conditions observed during LACE 98 constant a approximation of the aerosol burdens of the different compartments was calculated up to 4 years of exposure and compared to the results from Snipes et al. for the "Phoenix" and "Philadelphia" aerosol. References: footnotesize{ Bundke, U. et al.,it{Aerosol Optical Properties during the Lindenberg Aerosol Characterization Experiment (LACE 98)} ,10.1029/2000JD000188, JGR, 2002 ICRP,it{Human Respiratory Tract Model for Radiological Protection, Bd. ICRP Publication 66}, Annals of the ICRP, 24,1-3, Elsevier Science, Ocford, 1994 Snipes et al. ,it{The 1994 ICRP66 Human Respiratory Tract Model as a Tool for predicting Lung Burdens from Exposure to Environmental Aerosols}, Appl. Occup. Environ. Hyg., 12, 547-553,1997}

  13. Practical use of advanced mouse models for lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Safari, Roghaiyeh; Meuwissen, Ralph

    2015-01-01

    To date a variety of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) mouse models have been developed that mimic human lung cancer. Chemically induced or spontaneous lung cancer in susceptible inbred strains has been widely used, but the more recent genetically engineered somatic mouse models recapitulate much better the genotype-phenotype correlations found in human lung cancer. Additionally, improved orthotopic transplantation of primary human cancer tissue fragments or cells into lungs of immune-compromised mice can be valuable tools for preclinical research such as antitumor drug tests. Here we give a short overview of most somatic mouse models for lung cancer that are currently in use. We accompany each different model with a description of its practical use and application for all major lung tumor types, as well as the intratracheal injection or direct injection of fresh or freeze-thawed tumor cells or tumor cell lines into lung parenchyma of recipient mice. All here presented somatic mouse models are based on the ability to (in) activate specific alleles at a time, and in a tissue-specific cell type, of choice. This spatial-temporal controlled induction of genetic lesions allows the selective introduction of main genetic lesions in an adult mouse lung as found in human lung cancer. The resulting conditional somatic mouse models can be used as versatile powerful tools in basic lung cancer research and preclinical translational studies alike. These distinctively advanced lung cancer models permit us to investigate initiation (cell of origin) and progression of lung cancer, along with response and resistance to drug therapy. Cre/lox or FLP/frt recombinase-mediated methods are now well-used techniques to develop tissue-restricted lung cancer in mice with tumor-suppressor gene and/or oncogene (in)activation. Intranasal or intratracheal administration of engineered adenovirus-Cre or lentivirus-Cre has been optimized for introducing Cre

  14. Biological and statistical approaches to predicting human lung cancer risk from silica.

    PubMed

    Kuempel, E D; Tran, C L; Bailer, A J; Porter, D W; Hubbs, A F; Castranova, V

    2001-01-01

    Chronic inflammation is a key step in the pathogenesis of particle-elicited fibrosis and lung cancer in rats, and possibly in humans. In this study, we compute the excess risk estimates for lung cancer in humans with occupational exposure to crystalline silica, using both rat and human data, and using both a threshold approach and linear models. From a toxicokinetic/dynamic model fit to lung burden and pulmonary response data from a subchronic inhalation study in rats, we estimated the minimum critical quartz lung burden (Mcrit) associated with reduced pulmonary clearance and increased neutrophilic inflammation. A chronic study in rats was also used to predict the human excess risk of lung cancer at various quartz burdens, including mean Mcrit (0.39 mg/g lung). We used a human kinetic lung model to link the equivalent lung burdens to external exposures in humans. We then computed the excess risk of lung cancer at these external exposures, using data of workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica and using Poisson regression and lifetable analyses. Finally, we compared the lung cancer excess risks estimated from male rat and human data. We found that the rat-based linear model estimates were approximately three times higher than those based on human data (e.g., 2.8% in rats vs. 0.9-1% in humans, at mean Mcrit lung burden or associated mean working lifetime exposure of 0.036 mg/m3). Accounting for variability and uncertainty resulted in 100-1000 times lower estimates of human critical lung burden and airborne exposure. This study illustrates that assumptions about the relevant biological mechanism, animal model, and statistical approach can all influence the magnitude of lung cancer risk estimates in humans exposed to crystalline silica.

  15. Structure-activity models of oral clearance, cytotoxicity, and LD50: a screen for promising anticancer compounds

    PubMed Central

    Boik, John C; Newman, Robert A

    2008-01-01

    Background Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models have become popular tools to help identify promising lead compounds in anticancer drug development. Few QSAR studies have investigated multitask learning, however. Multitask learning is an approach that allows distinct but related data sets to be used in training. In this paper, a suite of three QSAR models is developed to identify compounds that are likely to (a) exhibit cytotoxic behavior against cancer cells, (b) exhibit high rat LD50 values (low systemic toxicity), and (c) exhibit low to modest human oral clearance (favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics). Models were constructed using Kernel Multitask Latent Analysis (KMLA), an approach that can effectively handle a large number of correlated data features, nonlinear relationships between features and responses, and multitask learning. Multitask learning is particularly useful when the number of available training records is small relative to the number of features, as was the case with the oral clearance data. Results Multitask learning modestly but significantly improved the classification precision for the oral clearance model. For the cytotoxicity model, which was constructed using a large number of records, multitask learning did not affect precision but did reduce computation time. The models developed here were used to predict activities for 115,000 natural compounds. Hundreds of natural compounds, particularly in the anthraquinone and flavonoids groups, were predicted to be cytotoxic, have high LD50 values, and have low to moderate oral clearance. Conclusion Multitask learning can be useful in some QSAR models. A suite of QSAR models was constructed and used to screen a large drug library for compounds likely to be cytotoxic to multiple cancer cell lines in vitro, have low systemic toxicity in rats, and have favorable pharmacokinetic properties in humans. PMID:18554402

  16. Structure-activity models of oral clearance, cytotoxicity, and LD50: a screen for promising anticancer compounds.

    PubMed

    Boik, John C; Newman, Robert A

    2008-06-13

    Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models have become popular tools to help identify promising lead compounds in anticancer drug development. Few QSAR studies have investigated multitask learning, however. Multitask learning is an approach that allows distinct but related data sets to be used in training. In this paper, a suite of three QSAR models is developed to identify compounds that are likely to (a) exhibit cytotoxic behavior against cancer cells, (b) exhibit high rat LD50 values (low systemic toxicity), and (c) exhibit low to modest human oral clearance (favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics). Models were constructed using Kernel Multitask Latent Analysis (KMLA), an approach that can effectively handle a large number of correlated data features, nonlinear relationships between features and responses, and multitask learning. Multitask learning is particularly useful when the number of available training records is small relative to the number of features, as was the case with the oral clearance data. Multitask learning modestly but significantly improved the classification precision for the oral clearance model. For the cytotoxicity model, which was constructed using a large number of records, multitask learning did not affect precision but did reduce computation time. The models developed here were used to predict activities for 115,000 natural compounds. Hundreds of natural compounds, particularly in the anthraquinone and flavonoids groups, were predicted to be cytotoxic, have high LD50 values, and have low to moderate oral clearance. Multitask learning can be useful in some QSAR models. A suite of QSAR models was constructed and used to screen a large drug library for compounds likely to be cytotoxic to multiple cancer cell lines in vitro, have low systemic toxicity in rats, and have favorable pharmacokinetic properties in humans.

  17. Role of Mutant CFTR in Hypersusceptibility of Cystic Fibrosis Patients to Lung Infections

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pier, Gerald B.; Grout, Martha; Zaidi, Tanweer S.; Olsen, John C.; Johnson, Larry G.; Yankaskas, James R.; Goldberg, Joanna B.

    1996-01-01

    Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are hypersusceptible to chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections. Cultured human airway epithelial cells expressing the ΔF508 allele of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) were defective in uptake of P. aeruginosa compared with cells expressing the wild-type allele. Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-core oligosaccharide was identified as the bacterial ligand for epithelial cell ingestion; exogenous oligosaccharide inhibited bacterial ingestion in a neonatal mouse model, resulting in increased amounts of bacteria in the lungs. CFTR may contribute to a host-defense mechanism that is important for clearance of P. aeruginosa from the respiratory tract.

  18. Noninvasive assessment of peroxidative lung damage by HIPDM lung scanning

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Miniati, M.; Borrelli, E.; Monti, S.

    1991-03-15

    The basic compound iodobenzyl-propanediamine (HIPDM), when given intravenously, is extracted by the lungs whence it is effluxed at a slow exponential rate. In humans (normal non smokers), the mean residence time ({bar t}) of 123I-HIPDM, assessed by external detection, averages 7.2 {plus minus} 1.1 hrs. Persistence of HIPDM in lungs is significantly increased in asymptomatic smokers and, to a greater extent, in patients with ARDS. Since production of free oxygen radicals reportedly occurs as a consequence of smoke exposure and in the course of acute lung injury, the authors hypothesized that the prolonged persistence of HIPDM in the lungs ofmore » smokers and of patients with ARDS might reflect a peroxidative damage of lung tissue. They tested this hypothesis in rabbits since their baseline HIPDM lung clearance is similar to that of nonsmoking humans. In rabbits, acute lung injury was induced by phorbol myristate acetate. Three hrs after PMA administration, the animals received an i.v. bolus of {sup 131}I-HIPDM. Radioactivity over the chest was recorded for 2 hrs by gamma camera and HIPDM mean residence time in the lungs was computed. Thereafter, the animals were sacrificed and their lungs were removed to measure wet/dry weight ratio as index of lung edema and malondialdehyde (MDA) content as index of lipid peroxidation. HIPDM mean residence time was positively correlated with MDA level in lung tissue, but not with wet/dry weight ratio. Noninvasive assessment of HIPDM lung kinetics may then serve as specific in vivo marker of peroxidative lung injury.« less

  19. Primary Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection Limits Replication but Not Lung Inflammation upon Homologous Rechallenge

    PubMed Central

    Clay, Candice; Donart, Nathan; Fomukong, Ndingsa; Knight, Jennifer B.; Lei, Wanli; Price, Lance; Hahn, Fletcher; Van Westrienen, Jesse

    2012-01-01

    Our knowledge regarding immune-protective and immunopathogenic events in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) infection is limited, and little is known about the dynamics of the immune response at the primary site of disease. Here, an African green monkey (AGM) model was used to elucidate immune mechanisms that facilitate viral clearance but may also contribute to persistent lung inflammation following SARS-CoV infection. During primary infection, SARS-CoV replicated in the AGM lung for up to 10 days. Interestingly, lung inflammation was more prevalent following viral clearance, as leukocyte numbers peaked at 14 days postinfection (dpi) and remained elevated at 28 dpi compared to those of mock-infected controls. Lung macrophages but not dendritic cells were rapidly activated, and both cell types had high activation marker expression at late infection time points. Lung proinflammatory cytokines were induced at 1 to 14 dpi, but most returned to baseline by 28 dpi except interleukin 12 (IL-12) and gamma interferon. In SARS-CoV homologous rechallenge studies, 11 of the 12 animals were free of replicating virus at day 5 after rechallenge. However, incidence and severity of lung inflammation was not reduced despite the limited viral replication upon rechallenge. Evaluating the role of antibodies in immune protection or potentiation revealed a progressive increase in anti-SARS-CoV antibodies in lung and serum that did not correlate temporally or spatially with enhanced viral replication. This study represents one of the first comprehensive analyses of lung immunity, including changes in leukocyte populations, lung-specific cytokines, and antibody responses following SARS-CoV rechallenge in AGMs. PMID:22345460

  20. Predicting Human Clearance of OATP substrates using Cynomolgus monkey: In vitro-in vivo scaling of hepatic uptake clearance.

    PubMed

    de Bruyn, Tom; Ufuk, Ayse; Cantrill, Carina; Kosa, Rachel E; Bi, Yi-An; Niosi, Mark; Modi, Sweta; Rodrigues, A David; Tremaine, Larry M; Varma, Manthena Vs; Galetin, Aleksandra; Houston, J Brian

    2018-05-02

    This work explores the utility of the cynomolgus monkey as a preclinical model to predict hepatic uptake clearance mediated by organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) transporters. Nine OATP substrates (rosuvastatin, pravastatin, repaglinide, fexofenadine, cerivastatin, telmisartan, pitavastatin, bosentan and valsartan) were investigated in plated cynomolgus monkey and human hepatocytes. Total uptake clearance and passive diffusion were measured in vitro from initial rates in the absence and presence of the OATP inhibitor rifamycin SV, respectively. Total uptake clearance values in plated hepatocytes ranged over three orders of magnitude in both species with a similar rank order and good agreement in the relative contribution of active transport to total uptake between cynomolgus monkey and human. In vivo hepatic clearance for these nine drugs was determined in cynomolgus monkey after intravenous dosing. Hepatic clearances showed a similar range to human parameters and good predictions from respective hepatocyte parameters (with 2.7 and 3.8-fold bias on average, respectively). The use of cross species empirical scaling factors (based on either dataset average or individual drug scaling factor from cynomolgus monkey data) improved prediction (less bias, better concordance) of human hepatic clearance from human hepatocyte data alone. In vitro intracellular binding in hepatocytes also correlated well between species. It is concluded that the minimal species differences observed for the current dataset between cynomolgus monkey and human hepatocyte uptake, both in vitro and in vivo, support future use of this preclinical model to delineate drug hepatic uptake and enable prediction of human in vivo intrinsic hepatic clearance. The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

  1. Towards improved models for predicting bioconcentration of well-metabolized compounds by rainbow trout using measured rates of in vitro intrinsic clearance

    EPA Science Inventory

    Consensus models were developed to predict the bioconcentration of well-metabolized chemicals by rainbow trout. The models employ intrinsic clearance data from in vitro studies with liver S9 fractions or isolated hepatocytes to estimate a liver clearance rate which is extrapolat...

  2. Mechanobiology in Lung Epithelial Cells: Measurements, Perturbations, and Responses

    PubMed Central

    Waters, Christopher M.; Roan, Esra; Navajas, Daniel

    2015-01-01

    Epithelial cells of the lung are located at the interface between the environment and the organism and serve many important functions including barrier protection, fluid balance, clearance of particulate, initiation of immune responses, mucus and surfactant production, and repair following injury. Because of the complex structure of the lung and its cyclic deformation during the respiratory cycle, epithelial cells are exposed to continuously varying levels of mechanical stresses. While normal lung function is maintained under these conditions, changes in mechanical stresses can have profound effects on the function of epithelial cells and therefore the function of the organ. In this review, we will describe the types of stresses and strains in the lungs, how these are transmitted, and how these may vary in human disease or animal models. Many approaches have been developed to better understand how cells sense and respond to mechanical stresses, and we will discuss these approaches and how they have been used to study lung epithelial cells in culture. Understanding how cells sense and respond to changes in mechanical stresses will contribute to our understanding of the role of lung epithelial cells during normal function and development and how their function may change in diseases such as acute lung injury, asthma, emphysema, and fibrosis. PMID:23728969

  3. Creatinine clearance test

    MedlinePlus

    Serum creatinine clearance; Kidney function - creatinine clearance; Renal function - creatinine clearance ... the body entirely by the kidneys. If kidney function is abnormal, creatinine level increases in the blood ...

  4. Implications of Pathologic Complete Response Beyond Mediastinal Nodal Clearance With High-Dose Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy in Locally Advanced, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

    PubMed

    Vyfhuis, Melissa A L; Burrows, Whitney M; Bhooshan, Neha; Suntharalingam, Mohan; Donahue, James M; Feliciano, Josephine; Badiyan, Shahed; Nichols, Elizabeth M; Edelman, Martin J; Carr, Shamus R; Friedberg, Joseph; Henry, Gavin; Stewart, Shelby; Sachdeva, Ashutosh; Pickering, Edward M; Simone, Charles B; Feigenberg, Steven J; Mohindra, Pranshu

    2018-06-01

    To determine, in a retrospective analysis of a large cohort of stage III non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with curative intent at our institution, whether having a pathologic complete response (pCR) influenced overall survival (OS) or freedom from recurrence (FFR) in patients who underwent definitive (≥60 Gy) neoadjuvant doses of chemoradiation (CRT). At our institution, 355 patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer were treated with curative intent with definitive CRT (January 2000-December 2013), of whom 111 underwent mediastinal reassessment for possible surgical resection. Ultimately 88 patients received trimodality therapy. Chi-squared analysis was used to compare categorical variables. The Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to estimate OS and FFR, with Cox regression used to determine the absolute hazards. Using high-dose neoadjuvant CRT, we observed a mediastinal nodal clearance (MNC) rate of 74% (82 of 111 patients) and pCR rate of 48% (37 of 77 patients). With a median follow-up of 34.2 months (range, 3-177 months), MNC resulted in improved OS and FFR on both univariate (OS: hazard ratio [HR] 0.455, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.272-0.763, P = .004; FFR: HR 0.426, 95% CI 0.250-0.726, P = .002) and multivariate analysis (OS: HR 0.460, 95% CI 0.239-0.699, P = .001; FFR: HR 0.455, 95% CI 0.266-0.778, P = .004). However, pCR did not independently impact OS (P = .918) or FFR (P = .474). Mediastinal nodal clearance after CRT continues to be predictive of improved survival for patients undergoing trimodality therapy. However, a pCR at both the primary and mediastinum did not further improve survival outcomes. Future therapies should focus on improving MNC to encourage more frequent use of surgery and might justify use of preoperative CRT over chemotherapy alone. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Hepatic drug clearance following traumatic injury.

    PubMed

    Slaughter, R L; Hassett, J M

    1985-11-01

    Trauma is a complex disease state associated with physiologic changes that have the potential to alter hepatic drug clearance mechanisms. These responses include alterations in hepatic blood flow, reduction in hepatic microsomal activity, reduction in hepatic excretion processes, and changes in protein binding. Hepatic blood flow is influenced by sympathomimetic activity. Both animal and human studies demonstrate an initial reduction and subsequent increase in hepatic blood flow, which coincides with an observed increase and subsequent return to normal in serum catecholamine concentrations. Unfortunately, there are no human studies that address the importance these findings may have to the clearance processes of high intrinsic clearance compounds. Animal studies of trauma indicate that hepatic microsomal activity is depressed during the post-traumatic period. Reduction in the hepatic clearance of antipyrine, a model low intrinsic compound, has also been demonstrated in animal models of trauma. In addition to these effects, hepatic excretion of substances such as indocyanine green and bilirubin have been demonstrated to be impaired in both traumatized animals and humans. Finally, substantial increases in the serum concentration of the binding protein alpha 1-acid glycoprotein occur in trauma patients. This has been reported to be associated with subsequent decreases in the free fraction of lidocaine and quinidine. In addition to changing serum drug concentration/response relationships, the pharmacokinetic behavior of drugs bound to alpha 1-acid glycoprotein should also change. Preliminary observations in our laboratory in a dog model of surgically-induced trauma have shown a reduction in the total clearance of lidocaine and reduction in free lidocaine concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  6. Lung Cancer Risk Prediction Model Incorporating Lung Function: Development and Validation in the UK Biobank Prospective Cohort Study.

    PubMed

    Muller, David C; Johansson, Mattias; Brennan, Paul

    2017-03-10

    Purpose Several lung cancer risk prediction models have been developed, but none to date have assessed the predictive ability of lung function in a population-based cohort. We sought to develop and internally validate a model incorporating lung function using data from the UK Biobank prospective cohort study. Methods This analysis included 502,321 participants without a previous diagnosis of lung cancer, predominantly between 40 and 70 years of age. We used flexible parametric survival models to estimate the 2-year probability of lung cancer, accounting for the competing risk of death. Models included predictors previously shown to be associated with lung cancer risk, including sex, variables related to smoking history and nicotine addiction, medical history, family history of lung cancer, and lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]). Results During accumulated follow-up of 1,469,518 person-years, there were 738 lung cancer diagnoses. A model incorporating all predictors had excellent discrimination (concordance (c)-statistic [95% CI] = 0.85 [0.82 to 0.87]). Internal validation suggested that the model will discriminate well when applied to new data (optimism-corrected c-statistic = 0.84). The full model, including FEV1, also had modestly superior discriminatory power than one that was designed solely on the basis of questionnaire variables (c-statistic = 0.84 [0.82 to 0.86]; optimism-corrected c-statistic = 0.83; p FEV1 = 3.4 × 10 -13 ). The full model had better discrimination than standard lung cancer screening eligibility criteria (c-statistic = 0.66 [0.64 to 0.69]). Conclusion A risk prediction model that includes lung function has strong predictive ability, which could improve eligibility criteria for lung cancer screening programs.

  7. Deposition and clearance of 2 μ particles in the tracheobronchial tree of normal subjects—smokers and nonsmokers

    PubMed Central

    Lourenço, Ruy V.; Klimek, Mary F.; Borowski, Claudia J.

    1971-01-01

    Deposition and clearance of inhaled particles of iron oxide labeled with 198Au were studied in 19 normal subjects (10 nonsmokers and 9 smokers). For this purpose, monodisperse aerosols of particles with a 2 μ diameter were produced in a spinning disc atomizer. Thoracic counts and images with a scintillation camera were begun immediately after inhalation of the aerosol and continued for 6 hr. In all subjects, smokers and nonsmokers, the deposition of the particles was uniform throughout both lung fields, with approximately half of the particles deposited in the ciliated airways (tracheobronchial deposition) and half in the nonciliated airways (alveolar deposition). Tracheobronchial clearance in nonsmokers occurred immediately after inhalation, first at a fast rate for particles deposited in the largest and most central airways, and then at a slower rate for particles from the smaller and more peripheral airways. Photoscintigrams showed that the particles cleared steadily with no retention in any area. The general pattern of clearance may be likened to a model of multiple conveyor belts with speed increasing from the peripheral to the central airways in such a way as to prevent “particle jams” at airway confluence points. In smokers, tracheobronchial clearance was delayed for periods of 1-4 hr after inhalation. Furthermore, in contrast with the findings in nonsmokers, significant clearance was still occurring in many of the smokers in the 5th and 6th hr after inhalation. Also, photoscintigrams showed an abnormal accumulation of particles in the large airways several hours after inhalation of the aerosol. Images PMID:5090057

  8. Models of Lung Transplant Research: a consensus statement from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute workshop.

    PubMed

    Lama, Vibha N; Belperio, John A; Christie, Jason D; El-Chemaly, Souheil; Fishbein, Michael C; Gelman, Andrew E; Hancock, Wayne W; Keshavjee, Shaf; Kreisel, Daniel; Laubach, Victor E; Looney, Mark R; McDyer, John F; Mohanakumar, Thalachallour; Shilling, Rebecca A; Panoskaltsis-Mortari, Angela; Wilkes, David S; Eu, Jerry P; Nicolls, Mark R

    2017-05-04

    Lung transplantation, a cure for a number of end-stage lung diseases, continues to have the worst long-term outcomes when compared with other solid organ transplants. Preclinical modeling of the most common and serious lung transplantation complications are essential to better understand and mitigate the pathophysiological processes that lead to these complications. Various animal and in vitro models of lung transplant complications now exist and each of these models has unique strengths. However, significant issues, such as the required technical expertise as well as the robustness and clinical usefulness of these models, remain to be overcome or clarified. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) convened a workshop in March 2016 to review the state of preclinical science addressing the three most important complications of lung transplantation: primary graft dysfunction (PGD), acute rejection (AR), and chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). In addition, the participants of the workshop were tasked to make consensus recommendations on the best use of these complimentary models to close our knowledge gaps in PGD, AR, and CLAD. Their reviews and recommendations are summarized in this report. Furthermore, the participants outlined opportunities to collaborate and directions to accelerate research using these preclinical models.

  9. Chapter 12: Yale lung cancer model.

    PubMed

    Holford, Theodore R; Ebisu, Keita; McKay, Lisa; Oh, Cheongeun; Zheng, Tongzhang

    2012-07-01

    The age-period-cohort model is known to provide an excellent description of the temporal trends in lung cancer incidence and mortality. This analytic approach is extended to include the contribution of carcinogenesis models for smoking. Usefulness of this strategy is that it offers a way to temporally calibrate a model that is fitted to population data and it can be readily adopted for the consideration of many different models. In addition, it provides diagnostics that can suggest temporal limitations of a particular carcinogenesis model in describing population rates. Alternative carcinogenesis models can be embedded within this framework. The two-stage clonal expansion model is implemented here. The model was used to estimate the impact of tobacco control after dissemination of knowledge of the harmful effects of cigarette smoking by comparing the observed number of lung cancer deaths to those expected if there had been no control compared to an ideal of complete control in 1965. Results indicate that 35.2% and 26.5% of lung cancer deaths that could have been avoided actually were for males and females, respectively. © 2011 Society for Risk Analysis.

  10. Clearance of bile and trypsin in rat lungs following aspiration of human gastric fluid.

    PubMed

    Leung, Jason H; Chang, Jui-Chih; Foltz, Emily; Bell, Sadé M; Pi, Cinthia; Azad, Sassan; Everett, Mary Lou; Holzknecht, Zoie E; Sanders, Nathan L; Parker, William; Davis, R Duane; Keshavjee, Shaf; Lin, Shu S

    2016-01-01

    In the clinical setting, there is no reliable tool for diagnosing gastric aspiration. A potential way of diagnosing gastric fluid aspiration entails bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) with subsequent examination of the BAL fluid for gastric fluid components that are exogenous to the lungs. The objective of this study was to determine the longevity of the gastric fluid components bile and trypsin in the lung, in order to provide an estimate of the time frame in which assessment of these components in the BAL might effectively be used as a measure of aspiration. Human gastric fluid (0.5 mg/kg) was infused in the right lung of intubated male Fischer 344 rats (n = 30). Animals were sacrificed at specified times following the experimentally induced aspiration, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected. Bile concentrations were analyzed by an enzyme-linked chromatogenic method, and the concentration of trypsin was quantified using an ELISA. Data were analyzed using non-linear regression and a one-phase decay equation. In this experimental model, the half-life of bile was 9.3 hours (r(2) = 0.81), and the half-life of trypsin was 9.0 hours (r(2) = 0.68). The half-lives of bile and trypsin in the rodent aspiration model suggest that the ability to detect aspiration may be limited to a few days post-aspiration. If studies using rats are any indication, it may be most effective to collect BAL samples within the first 24 hours of suspected aspiration events in order to detect aspiration.

  11. Study of blade clearance effects on centrifugal pumps

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hoshide, R. K.; Nielson, C. E.

    1972-01-01

    A program of analysis, design, fabrication, and testing has been conducted to develop and experimentally verify analytical models to predict the effects of impeller blade clearance on centrifugal pumps. The effect of tip clearance on pump efficiency, and the relationship between the head coefficient and torque loss with tip clearance was established. Analysis were performed to determine the cost variation in design, manufacture, and test that would occur between unshrouded and shrouded impellers. An impeller, representative of typical rocket engine impellers, was modified by removing its front shroud to permit variation of its blade clearances. It was tested in water with special instrumentation to provide measurements of blade surface pressures during operation. Pump performance data were obtained from tests at various impeller tip clearances. Blade pressure data were obtained at the nominal tip clearance. Comparisons of predicted and measured data are given.

  12. The role of clearance and dissolution in determining the durability or biopersistence of mineral fibers.

    PubMed Central

    Davis, J M

    1994-01-01

    It is generally accepted that to cause pulmonary disease, mineral fibers must be relatively long and thin but also able to remain in the lung for long periods. This "biopersistence" of fibers is limited by two main mechanisms of fiber clearance: removal by macrophages after phagocytosis and, for some fibers, by actual dissolution. The relative importance of these mechanisms has not been properly evaluated for any type of fiber and will certainly vary with mineral type. The efficiency of macrophage clearance is greatest with short fibers (< 5 microns long) and is reduced as fibers get longer. Fibers > 50 microns long cannot be cleared by macrophages and for some mineral types they may remain in the lung permanently. Others may fracture into shorter lengths, perhaps aided by chemical dissolution, and thus become susceptible to macrophage clearance. However, for a number of areas relating to fiber removal from the lung parenchyma detailed information is still needed: Do dusts differ in their ability to attract macrophages and stimulate these cells to phagocytosis? Following dust uptake what controls the movement of macrophages? Some may penetrate to the interstitium, some phagocytosing fibers in interstitial sites may migrate back to the alveolar space. Some move to the mucociliary escalator and some to the lymphatics. Some, most importantly, move to the pleura. Fibers are found and phagocytosed in the interstitium during the early stages of disease development, but with time many fibers appear isolated in areas of fibrous tissue. Are such fibers subsequently ignored or can they reenter the disease process after years of isolation? Finally, can phagocytosis by macrophages effect dissolution of fibers?(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:7882914

  13. Limitations of the hCMEC/D3 cell line as a model for Aβ clearance by the human blood-brain barrier.

    PubMed

    Biemans, Elisanne A L M; Jäkel, Lieke; de Waal, Robert M W; Kuiperij, H Bea; Verbeek, Marcel M

    2017-07-01

    Alzheimer's disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy are characterized by accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) at the cerebrovasculature due to decreased clearance at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, the exact mechanism of Aβ clearance across this barrier has not been fully elucidated. The hCMEC/D3 cell line has been characterized as a valid model for the BBB. In this study we evaluated the use of this model to study Aβ clearance across the BBB, with an emphasis on brain-to-blood directional permeability. Barrier integrity of hCMEC/D3 monolayers was confirmed for large molecules in both the apical to basolateral and the reverse direction. However, permeability for smaller molecules was substantially higher, especially in basolateral to apical direction, and barrier formation for Aβ was completely absent in this direction. In addition, hCMEC/D3 cells failed to develop a high TEER, possibly caused by incomplete formation of tight junctions. We conclude that the hCMEC/D3 model has several limitations to study the cerebral clearance of Aβ. Therefore, the model needs further characterization before this cell system can be generally applied as a model to study cerebral Aβ clearance. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Neuroscience Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Neuroscience Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  14. Application of Markov chain Monte Carlo analysis to biomathematical modeling of respirable dust in US and UK coal miners

    PubMed Central

    Sweeney, Lisa M.; Parker, Ann; Haber, Lynne T.; Tran, C. Lang; Kuempel, Eileen D.

    2015-01-01

    A biomathematical model was previously developed to describe the long-term clearance and retention of particles in the lungs of coal miners. The model structure was evaluated and parameters were estimated in two data sets, one from the United States and one from the United Kingdom. The three-compartment model structure consists of deposition of inhaled particles in the alveolar region, competing processes of either clearance from the alveolar region or translocation to the lung interstitial region, and very slow, irreversible sequestration of interstitialized material in the lung-associated lymph nodes. Point estimates of model parameter values were estimated separately for the two data sets. In the current effort, Bayesian population analysis using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation was used to recalibrate the model while improving assessments of parameter variability and uncertainty. When model parameters were calibrated simultaneously to the two data sets, agreement between the derived parameters for the two groups was very good, and the central tendency values were similar to those derived from the deterministic approach. These findings are relevant to the proposed update of the ICRP human respiratory tract model with revisions to the alveolar-interstitial region based on this long-term particle clearance and retention model. PMID:23454101

  15. A model for treating avian aspergillosis: serum and lung tissue kinetics for Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) following single and multiple aerosol exposures of a nanoparticulate itraconazole suspension.

    PubMed

    Rundfeldt, Chris; Wyska, Elżbieta; Steckel, Hartwig; Witkowski, Andrzej; Jeżewska-Witkowska, Grażyna; Wlaź, Piotr

    2013-11-01

    Aspergillosis is frequently reported in parrots, falcons and other birds held in captivity. Inhalation is the main route of infection for Aspergillus fumigatus, resulting in both acute and chronic disease conditions. Itraconazole (ITRA) is an antifungal commonly used in birds, but administration requires repeated oral dosing and the safety margin is narrow. We describe lung tissue and serum pharmacokinetics of a nanoparticulate ITRA suspension administered to Japanese quail by aerosol exposure. Aerosolized ITRA (1 and 10% suspension) administered over 30 min did not induce adverse clinical reactions in quail upon single or 5-day repeated doses. High lung concentrations, well above the inhibitory levels for A. fumigatus, of 4.14 ± 0.19 μg/g and 27.5 ± 4.58 μg/g (mean ± SEM, n = 3), were achieved following single-dose inhalation of 1% and 10% suspension, respectively. Upon multiple dose administration of 10% suspension, mean lung concentrations reached 104.9 ± 10.1 μg/g. Drug clearance from the lungs was slow with terminal half-lives of 19.7 h and 35.8 h following inhalation of 1% and 10% suspension, respectively. Data suggest that lung clearance is solubility driven. Lung concentrations of hydroxy-itraconazole reached 1-2% of the ITRA lung tissue concentration indicating metabolism in lung tissue. Steady, but low, serum concentrations of ITRA could be measured after multiple dose administration, reaching less than 0.1% of the lung tissue concentration. This formulation may represent a novel, easy to administer treatment modality for fungal lung infection, preventing high systemic exposure. It may also be useful as metaphylaxis to prevent the outbreak of aspergillosis in colonized animals.

  16. Analytic Intermodel Consistent Modeling of Volumetric Human Lung Dynamics.

    PubMed

    Ilegbusi, Olusegun; Seyfi, Behnaz; Neylon, John; Santhanam, Anand P

    2015-10-01

    Human lung undergoes breathing-induced deformation in the form of inhalation and exhalation. Modeling the dynamics is numerically complicated by the lack of information on lung elastic behavior and fluid-structure interactions between air and the tissue. A mathematical method is developed to integrate deformation results from a deformable image registration (DIR) and physics-based modeling approaches in order to represent consistent volumetric lung dynamics. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation assumes the lung is a poro-elastic medium with spatially distributed elastic property. Simulation is performed on a 3D lung geometry reconstructed from four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) dataset of a human subject. The heterogeneous Young's modulus (YM) is estimated from a linear elastic deformation model with the same lung geometry and 4D lung DIR. The deformation obtained from the CFD is then coupled with the displacement obtained from the 4D lung DIR by means of the Tikhonov regularization (TR) algorithm. The numerical results include 4DCT registration, CFD, and optimal displacement data which collectively provide consistent estimate of the volumetric lung dynamics. The fusion method is validated by comparing the optimal displacement with the results obtained from the 4DCT registration.

  17. Evaluation of lung epithelial permeability in the volatile substance abuse using Tc-99m DTPA aerosol scintigraphy.

    PubMed

    Cayir, Derya; Demirel, Koray; Korkmaz, Meliha; Koca, Gokhan

    2011-10-01

    Chronic inhalant use is associated with significant toxic effects, including neurological, renal, hepatic, and pulmonary damage. However, there is a paucity of reports regarding respiratory complications in inhalant abusers. The aim of this study was to evaluate pulmonary epithelial permeability in the volatile substance abuse (VSA) using Tc-99m DTPA aerosol scintigraphy. This study included 18 patients with volatile substance abuse and 18 volunteer controls. All of patients and controls were smokers. Tc-99m DTPA aerosol scintigraphy was performed in all cases. Time-activity curves from each lung were generated and clearance half-time (T(1/2)) of Tc-99m DTPA were calculated. T(1/2) of whole lung was calculated as a mean of the T(1/2) of left and right lung. The T(1/2) values of Tc-99m DTPA clearance in the substance abusers were significantly decreased as compared to the control group with respective mean values of 28.86 ± 8.44, and 62.14 ± 26.12 min (p = 0.001). It was seen Tc-99m DTPA clearance from lung was faster as the duration of substance abuse was increased. Tc-99m DTPA pulmonary clearance is markedly accelerated in the volatile substance abuse. This suggests that inhalant abuse of substance may produce abnormalities in pulmonary alveolo-capillary membrane function.

  18. Autophagy in lung disease pathogenesis and therapeutics

    PubMed Central

    Ryter, Stefan W.; Choi, Augustine M.K.

    2015-01-01

    Autophagy, a cellular pathway for the degradation of damaged organelles and proteins, has gained increasing importance in human pulmonary diseases, both as a modulator of pathogenesis and as a potential therapeutic target. In this pathway, cytosolic cargos are sequestered into autophagosomes, which are delivered to the lysosomes where they are enzymatically degraded and then recycled as metabolic precursors. Autophagy exerts an important effector function in the regulation of inflammation, and immune system functions. Selective pathways for autophagic degradation of cargoes may have variable significance in disease pathogenesis. Among these, the autophagic clearance of bacteria (xenophagy) may represent a crucial host defense mechanism in the pathogenesis of sepsis and inflammatory diseases. Our recent studies indicate that the autophagic clearance of mitochondria, a potentially protective program, may aggravate the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by activating cell death programs. We report similar findings with respect to the autophagic clearance of cilia components, which can contribute to airways dysfunction in chronic lung disease. In certain diseases such as pulmonary hypertension, autophagy may confer protection by modulating proliferation and cell death. In other disorders, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis, impaired autophagy may contribute to pathogenesis. In lung cancer, autophagy has multiple consequences by limiting carcinogenesis, modulating therapeutic effectiveness, and promoting tumor cell survival. In this review we highlight the multiple functions of autophagy and its selective autophagy subtypes that may be of significance to the pathogenesis of human disease, with an emphasis on lung disease and therapeutics. PMID:25617802

  19. Deposition, clearance, and shortening of Kevlar para-aramid fibrils in acute, subchronic, and chronic inhalation studies in rats.

    PubMed

    Kelly, D P; Merriman, E A; Kennedy, G L; Lee, K P

    1993-10-01

    The deposition and clearance of lung-deposited Kevlar para-aramid fibrils (subfibers) have been investigated as part of a subchronic and chronic inhalation toxicity testing program. Fibrils recovered from lung tissue in para-aramid-exposed Sprague-Dawley rats were microscopically counted and measured after exposures to airborne fibrils which were about 12 microns median length (ML) and < 0.3 micron median diameter. In each of three studies lung-recovered fibrils were progressively shorter with increasing residence time in the lungs. Twenty-eight days after a single 6-hr exposure at 400 respirable fibrils per cubic centimeter (f/cm3) the ML of recovered fibrils decreased to about 5 microns. Twenty-four months after a 3-week exposure to 25 or 400 f/cm3, fibrils reached about 2 microns ML. After 2 years of continuous exposure at 2.5, 25, or 100 f/cm3 or 1 year exposure plus 1 year recovery at 400 f/cm3, fibril ML approached 4 microns. In the 2-year study, the lung-fiber accumulation rate/exposure concentration was similar for the three highest concentrations and was about 3 x greater than that seen at 2.5 f/cm3, indicating that concentrations of about 25 f/cm3 or more may overwhelm clearance mechanisms. Time required for fibrils to be reduced to < 5 microns in the lung was markedly less at lower exposure concentration and shorter exposure time. The primary shortening mechanism is proposed to be long fibril cutting by enzymatic attack at fibril defects. However, length-selective fibril deposition and clearance may contribute to shortening in the first few days after exposure. The enzymatic cutting hypothesis is supported by measured increases in numbers of short fibers following cessation of exposures, continued shortening of the fibril length distribution up to 2 years following exposure, and in vitro fibril shortening after 3 months in a proteolytic enzyme preparation. The conclusion is that para-aramid fibrils are less durable in the lungs of rats than expected from

  20. Models of Lung Transplant Research: a consensus statement from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute workshop

    PubMed Central

    Lama, Vibha N.; Belperio, John A.; Christie, Jason D.; El-Chemaly, Souheil; Fishbein, Michael C.; Gelman, Andrew E.; Hancock, Wayne W.; Keshavjee, Shaf; Kreisel, Daniel; Looney, Mark R.; McDyer, John F.; Shilling, Rebecca A.; Panoskaltsis-Mortari, Angela; Wilkes, David S.; Eu, Jerry P.; Nicolls, Mark R.

    2017-01-01

    Lung transplantation, a cure for a number of end-stage lung diseases, continues to have the worst long-term outcomes when compared with other solid organ transplants. Preclinical modeling of the most common and serious lung transplantation complications are essential to better understand and mitigate the pathophysiological processes that lead to these complications. Various animal and in vitro models of lung transplant complications now exist and each of these models has unique strengths. However, significant issues, such as the required technical expertise as well as the robustness and clinical usefulness of these models, remain to be overcome or clarified. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) convened a workshop in March 2016 to review the state of preclinical science addressing the three most important complications of lung transplantation: primary graft dysfunction (PGD), acute rejection (AR), and chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). In addition, the participants of the workshop were tasked to make consensus recommendations on the best use of these complimentary models to close our knowledge gaps in PGD, AR, and CLAD. Their reviews and recommendations are summarized in this report. Furthermore, the participants outlined opportunities to collaborate and directions to accelerate research using these preclinical models. PMID:28469087

  1. An enhanced flexible dynamic model and experimental verification for a valve train with clearance and multi-directional deformations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhou, Changjiang; Hu, Bo; Chen, Siyu; He, Liping

    2017-12-01

    An enhanced flexible dynamic model for a valve train with clearance and multi-directional deformations is proposed based on finite element method (FEM), and verified by experiment. According to the measured cam profile, the available internal excitations in numerical solution to the model are achieved by using piecewise cubic Hermite interpolating polynomial. The comparative analysis demonstrates that the bending deformation of the rocker arm is much larger than the radial deformation, signifying the necessities of multi-directional deformations in dynamic analysis for the valve train. The effects of valve clearance and cam rotation speed on contact force, acceleration and dynamic transmission error (DTE) are investigated. Both theoretical predictions and experimental measurements show that the amplitudes and fluctuations of contact force, acceleration and DTE become larger, when the valve clearance or cam speed increases. It is found that including the elasticity and the damping will weaken the impact between the rocker arm and the valve on the components (not adjacent to the valve) at either unseating or seating scenario. Additionally, as valve clearance or cam rotation speed becomes larger, the valve lift and the working phase decrease, which eventually leads to inlet air reduction. Furthermore, our study shows that the combustion rate improvement, input torque, and components durability can be improved by tuning valve clearance or adjustment the cam profile.

  2. Effects of copper nanoparticle exposure on host defense in a murine pulmonary infection model

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Human exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) and environmental bacteria can occur simultaneously. NPs induce inflammatory responses and oxidative stress but may also have immune-suppressive effects, impairing macrophage function and altering epithelial barrier functions. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential pulmonary effects of inhalation and instillation exposure to copper (Cu) NPs using a model of lung inflammation and host defense. Methods We used Klebsiella pneumoniae (K.p.) in a murine lung infection model to determine if pulmonary bacterial clearance is enhanced or impaired by Cu NP exposure. Two different exposure modes were tested: sub-acute inhalation (4 hr/day, 5 d/week for 2 weeks, 3.5 mg/m3) and intratracheal instillation (24 hr post-exposure, 3, 35, and 100 μg/mouse). Pulmonary responses were evaluated by lung histopathology plus measurement of differential cell counts, total protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Results Cu NP exposure induced inflammatory responses with increased recruitment of total cells and neutrophils to the lungs as well as increased total protein and LDH activity in BAL fluid. Both inhalation and instillation exposure to Cu NPs significantly decreased the pulmonary clearance of K.p.-exposed mice measured 24 hr after bacterial infection following Cu NP exposure versus sham-exposed mice also challenged with K.p (1.4 × 105 bacteria/mouse). Conclusions Cu NP exposure impaired host defense against bacterial lung infections and induced a dose-dependent decrease in bacterial clearance in which even our lowest dose demonstrated significantly lower clearance than observed in sham-exposed mice. Thus, exposure to Cu NPs may increase the risk of pulmonary infection. PMID:21943386

  3. Airway mucus, inflammation and remodeling: emerging links in the pathogenesis of chronic lung diseases.

    PubMed

    Zhou-Suckow, Zhe; Duerr, Julia; Hagner, Matthias; Agrawal, Raman; Mall, Marcus A

    2017-03-01

    Airway mucus obstruction is a hallmark of many chronic lung diseases including rare genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis (CF) and primary ciliary dyskinesia, as well as common lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which have emerged as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, the role of excess airway mucus in the in vivo pathogenesis of these diseases remains poorly understood. The generation of mice with airway-specific overexpression of epithelial Na + channels (ENaC), exhibiting airway surface dehydration (mucus hyperconcentration), impaired mucociliary clearance (MCC) and mucus plugging, led to a model of muco-obstructive lung disease that shares key features of CF and COPD. In this review, we summarize recent progress in the understanding of causes of impaired MCC and in vivo consequences of airway mucus obstruction that can be inferred from studies in βENaC-overexpressing mice. These studies confirm that mucus hyperconcentration on airway surfaces plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of impaired MCC, mucus adhesion and airway plugging that cause airflow obstruction and provide a nidus for bacterial infection. In addition, these studies support the emerging concept that excess airway mucus per se, probably via several mechanisms including hypoxic epithelial necrosis, retention of inhaled irritants or allergens, and potential immunomodulatory effects, is a potent trigger of chronic airway inflammation and associated lung damage, even in the absence of bacterial infection. Finally, these studies suggest that improvement of mucus clearance may be a promising therapeutic strategy for a spectrum of muco-obstructive lung diseases.

  4. Computer modeling of lung cancer diagnosis-to-treatment process

    PubMed Central

    Ju, Feng; Lee, Hyo Kyung; Osarogiagbon, Raymond U.; Yu, Xinhua; Faris, Nick

    2015-01-01

    We introduce an example of a rigorous, quantitative method for quality improvement in lung cancer care-delivery. Computer process modeling methods are introduced for lung cancer diagnosis, staging and treatment selection process. Two types of process modeling techniques, discrete event simulation (DES) and analytical models, are briefly reviewed. Recent developments in DES are outlined and the necessary data and procedures to develop a DES model for lung cancer diagnosis, leading up to surgical treatment process are summarized. The analytical models include both Markov chain model and closed formulas. The Markov chain models with its application in healthcare are introduced and the approach to derive a lung cancer diagnosis process model is presented. Similarly, the procedure to derive closed formulas evaluating the diagnosis process performance is outlined. Finally, the pros and cons of these methods are discussed. PMID:26380181

  5. Multi-scale lung modeling.

    PubMed

    Tawhai, Merryn H; Bates, Jason H T

    2011-05-01

    Multi-scale modeling of biological systems has recently become fashionable due to the growing power of digital computers as well as to the growing realization that integrative systems behavior is as important to life as is the genome. While it is true that the behavior of a living organism must ultimately be traceable to all its components and their myriad interactions, attempting to codify this in its entirety in a model misses the insights gained from understanding how collections of system components at one level of scale conspire to produce qualitatively different behavior at higher levels. The essence of multi-scale modeling thus lies not in the inclusion of every conceivable biological detail, but rather in the judicious selection of emergent phenomena appropriate to the level of scale being modeled. These principles are exemplified in recent computational models of the lung. Airways responsiveness, for example, is an organ-level manifestation of events that begin at the molecular level within airway smooth muscle cells, yet it is not necessary to invoke all these molecular events to accurately describe the contraction dynamics of a cell, nor is it necessary to invoke all phenomena observable at the level of the cell to account for the changes in overall lung function that occur following methacholine challenge. Similarly, the regulation of pulmonary vascular tone has complex origins within the individual smooth muscle cells that line the blood vessels but, again, many of the fine details of cell behavior average out at the level of the organ to produce an effect on pulmonary vascular pressure that can be described in much simpler terms. The art of multi-scale lung modeling thus reduces not to being limitlessly inclusive, but rather to knowing what biological details to leave out.

  6. Diverse Data Sets Can Yield Reliable Information through Mechanistic Modeling: Salicylic Acid Clearance.

    PubMed

    Raymond, G M; Bassingthwaighte, J B

    This is a practical example of a powerful research strategy: putting together data from studies covering a diversity of conditions can yield a scientifically sound grasp of the phenomenon when the individual observations failed to provide definitive understanding. The rationale is that defining a realistic, quantitative, explanatory hypothesis for the whole set of studies, brings about a "consilience" of the often competing hypotheses considered for individual data sets. An internally consistent conjecture linking multiple data sets simultaneously provides stronger evidence on the characteristics of a system than does analysis of individual data sets limited to narrow ranges of conditions. Our example examines three very different data sets on the clearance of salicylic acid from humans: a high concentration set from aspirin overdoses; a set with medium concentrations from a research study on the influences of the route of administration and of sex on the clearance kinetics, and a set on low dose aspirin for cardiovascular health. Three models were tested: (1) a first order reaction, (2) a Michaelis-Menten (M-M) approach, and (3) an enzyme kinetic model with forward and backward reactions. The reaction rates found from model 1 were distinctly different for the three data sets, having no commonality. The M-M model 2 fitted each of the three data sets but gave a reliable estimates of the Michaelis constant only for the medium level data (K m = 24±5.4 mg/L); analyzing the three data sets together with model 2 gave K m = 18±2.6 mg/L. (Estimating parameters using larger numbers of data points in an optimization increases the degrees of freedom, constraining the range of the estimates). Using the enzyme kinetic model (3) increased the number of free parameters but nevertheless improved the goodness of fit to the combined data sets, giving tighter constraints, and a lower estimated K m = 14.6±2.9 mg/L, demonstrating that fitting diverse data sets with a single model

  7. Integrating Lung Physiology, Immunology, and Tuberculosis.

    PubMed

    Torrelles, Jordi B; Schlesinger, Larry S

    2017-08-01

    Lungs are directly exposed to the air, have enormous surface area, and enable gas exchange in air-breathing animals. They are constantly 'attacked' by microbes from both outside and inside and thus possess a unique, highly regulated local immune defense system which efficiently allows for microbial clearance while minimizing damaging inflammatory responses. As a prototypic host-adapted airborne pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis traverses the lung and has several 'interaction points' (IPs) which it must overcome to cause infection. These interactions are critical, not only from a pathogenesis perspective but also in considering the effectiveness of therapies and vaccines in the lungs. Here we discuss emerging views on immunologic interactions occurring in the lungs for M. tuberculosis and their impact on infection and persistence. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Clearance of bile and trypsin in rat lungs following aspiration of human gastric fluid

    PubMed Central

    Leung, Jason H.; Chang, Jui-Chih; Foltz, Emily; Bell, Sadé M.; Pi, Cinthia; Azad, Sassan; Everett, Mary Lou; Holzknecht, Zoie E.; Sanders, Nathan L.; Parker, William; Davis, R. Duane; Keshavjee, Shaf; Lin, Shu S.

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Purpose: In the clinical setting, there is no reliable tool for diagnosing gastric aspiration. A potential way of diagnosing gastric fluid aspiration entails bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) with subsequent examination of the BAL fluid for gastric fluid components that are exogenous to the lungs. The objective of this study was to determine the longevity of the gastric fluid components bile and trypsin in the lung, in order to provide an estimate of the time frame in which assessment of these components in the BAL might effectively be used as a measure of aspiration. Materials and Methods: Human gastric fluid (0.5 mg/kg) was infused in the right lung of intubated male Fischer 344 rats (n = 30). Animals were sacrificed at specified times following the experimentally induced aspiration, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected. Bile concentrations were analyzed by an enzyme-linked chromatogenic method, and the concentration of trypsin was quantified using an ELISA. Data were analyzed using non-linear regression and a one-phase decay equation. Results: In this experimental model, the half-life of bile was 9.3 hours (r 2 = 0.81), and the half-life of trypsin was 9.0 hours (r 2 = 0.68). Conclusions: The half-lives of bile and trypsin in the rodent aspiration model suggest that the ability to detect aspiration may be limited to a few days post-aspiration. If studies using rats are any indication, it may be most effective to collect BAL samples within the first 24 hours of suspected aspiration events in order to detect aspiration. PMID:26873328

  9. Aspirin-triggered resolvin D1 reduces pneumococcal lung infection and inflammation in a viral and bacterial coinfection pneumonia model.

    PubMed

    Wang, Hao; Anthony, Desiree; Yatmaz, Selcuk; Wijburg, Odilia; Satzke, Catherine; Levy, Bruce; Vlahos, Ross; Bozinovski, Steven

    2017-09-15

    Formyl peptide receptor 2/lipoxin A 4 (LXA 4 ) receptor (Fpr2/ALX) co-ordinates the transition from inflammation to resolution during acute infection by binding to distinct ligands including serum amyloid A (SAA) and Resolvin D1 (RvD1). Here, we evaluated the proresolving actions of aspirin-triggered RvD1 (AT-RvD1) in an acute coinfection pneumonia model. Coinfection with Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza A virus (IAV) markedly increased pneumococcal lung load and neutrophilic inflammation during the resolution phase. Fpr2/ALX transcript levels were increased in the lungs of coinfected mice, and immunohistochemistry identified prominent Fpr2/ALX immunoreactivity in bronchial epithelial cells and macrophages. Levels of circulating and lung SAA were also highly increased in coinfected mice. Therapeutic treatment with exogenous AT-RvD1 during the acute phase of infection (day 4-6 post-pneumococcal inoculation) significantly reduced the pneumococcal load. AT-RvD1 also significantly reduced neutrophil elastase (NE) activity and restored total antimicrobial activity in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid (BALF) of coinfected mice. Pneumonia severity, as measured by quantitating parenchymal inflammation or alveolitis was significantly reduced with AT-RvD1 treatment, which also reduced the number of infiltrating lung neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages as assessed by flow cytometry. The reduction in distal lung inflammation in AT-RvD1-treated mice was not associated with a significant reduction in inflammatory and chemokine mediators. In summary, we demonstrate that in the coinfection setting, SAA levels were persistently increased and exogenous AT-RvD1 facilitated more rapid clearance of pneumococci in the lungs, while concurrently reducing the severity of pneumonia by limiting excessive leukocyte chemotaxis from the infected bronchioles to distal areas of the lungs. © 2017 The Author(s).

  10. Human mesenchymal stromal cells reduce influenza A H5N1-associated acute lung injury in vitro and in vivo.

    PubMed

    Chan, Michael C W; Kuok, Denise I T; Leung, Connie Y H; Hui, Kenrie P Y; Valkenburg, Sophie A; Lau, Eric H Y; Nicholls, John M; Fang, Xiaohui; Guan, Yi; Lee, Jae W; Chan, Renee W Y; Webster, Robert G; Matthay, Michael A; Peiris, J S Malik

    2016-03-29

    Influenza can cause acute lung injury. Because immune responses often play a role, antivirals may not ensure a successful outcome. To identify pathogenic mechanisms and potential adjunctive therapeutic options, we compared the extent to which avian influenza A/H5N1 virus and seasonal influenza A/H1N1 virus impair alveolar fluid clearance and protein permeability in an in vitro model of acute lung injury, defined the role of virus-induced soluble mediators in these injury effects, and demonstrated that the effects are prevented or reduced by bone marrow-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells. We verified the in vivo relevance of these findings in mice experimentally infected with influenza A/H5N1. We found that, in vitro, the alveolar epithelium's protein permeability and fluid clearance were dysregulated by soluble immune mediators released upon infection with avian (A/Hong Kong/483/97, H5N1) but not seasonal (A/Hong Kong/54/98, H1N1) influenza virus. The reduced alveolar fluid transport associated with down-regulation of sodium and chloride transporters was prevented or reduced by coculture with mesenchymal stromal cells. In vivo, treatment of aged H5N1-infected mice with mesenchymal stromal cells increased their likelihood of survival. We conclude that mesenchymal stromal cells significantly reduce the impairment of alveolar fluid clearance induced by A/H5N1 infection in vitro and prevent or reduce A/H5N1-associated acute lung injury in vivo. This potential adjunctive therapy for severe influenza-induced lung disease warrants rapid clinical investigation.

  11. Apoptotic Cell Clearance in Development.

    PubMed

    Shklover, Jeny; Levy-Adam, Flonia; Kurant, Estee

    2015-01-01

    Programmed cell death and its specific form apoptosis play an important role during development of multicellular organisms. They are crucial for morphogenesis and organ sculpting as well as for adjusting cell number in different systems. Removal of apoptotic cells is the last critical step of apoptosis. Apoptotic cells are properly and efficiently recognized and eliminated through phagocytosis, which is performed by professional and nonprofessional phagocytes. Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells or apoptotic cell clearance is a dynamic multistep process, involving interactions between phagocytic receptors and ligands on apoptotic cells, which are highly conserved in evolution. However, this process is extremely redundant in mammals, containing multiple factors playing similar roles in the process. Using model organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, zebrafish, and mouse permits addressing fundamental questions in developmental cell clearance by a comprehensive approach including powerful genetics and cell biological tools enriched by live imaging. Recent studies in model organisms have enhanced significantly our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of apoptotic cell clearance during development. Here, we review the current knowledge and illuminate the great potential of the research performed in genetic models, which opens new directions in developmental biology. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. A poroelastic model coupled to a fluid network with applications in lung modelling.

    PubMed

    Berger, Lorenz; Bordas, Rafel; Burrowes, Kelly; Grau, Vicente; Tavener, Simon; Kay, David

    2016-01-01

    We develop a lung ventilation model based on a continuum poroelastic representation of lung parenchyma that is strongly coupled to a pipe network representation of the airway tree. The continuous system of equations is discretized using a low-order stabilised finite element method. The framework is applied to a realistic lung anatomical model derived from computed tomography data and an artificially generated airway tree to model the conducting airway region. Numerical simulations produce physiologically realistic solutions and demonstrate the effect of airway constriction and reduced tissue elasticity on ventilation, tissue stress and alveolar pressure distribution. The key advantage of the model is the ability to provide insight into the mutual dependence between ventilation and deformation. This is essential when studying lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary fibrosis. Thus the model can be used to form a better understanding of integrated lung mechanics in both the healthy and diseased states. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  13. Comparison of lung protective ventilation strategies in a rabbit model of acute lung injury.

    PubMed

    Rotta, A T; Gunnarsson, B; Fuhrman, B P; Hernan, L J; Steinhorn, D M

    2001-11-01

    To determine the impact of different protective and nonprotective mechanical ventilation strategies on the degree of pulmonary inflammation, oxidative damage, and hemodynamic stability in a saline lavage model of acute lung injury. A prospective, randomized, controlled, in vivo animal laboratory study. Animal research facility of a health sciences university. Forty-six New Zealand White rabbits. Mature rabbits were instrumented with a tracheostomy and vascular catheters. Lavage-injured rabbits were randomized to receive conventional ventilation with either a) low peak end-expiratory pressure (PEEP; tidal volume of 10 mL/kg, PEEP of 2 cm H2O); b) high PEEP (tidal volume of 10 mL/kg, PEEP of 10 cm H2O); c) low tidal volume with PEEP above Pflex (open lung strategy, tidal volume of 6 mL/kg, PEEP set 2 cm H2O > Pflex); or d) high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. Animals were ventilated for 4 hrs. Lung lavage fluid and tissue samples were obtained immediately after animals were killed. Lung lavage fluid was assayed for measurements of total protein, elastase activity, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and malondialdehyde. Lung tissue homogenates were assayed for measurements of myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde. The need for inotropic support was recorded. Animals that received a lung protective strategy (open lung or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation) exhibited more favorable oxygenation and lung mechanics compared with the low PEEP and high PEEP groups. Animals ventilated by a lung protective strategy also showed attenuation of inflammation (reduced tracheal fluid protein, tracheal fluid elastase, tracheal fluid tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and pulmonary leukostasis). Animals treated with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation had attenuated oxidative injury to the lung and greater hemodynamic stability compared with the other experimental groups. Both lung protective strategies were associated with improved oxygenation, attenuated inflammation, and

  14. Integrated computational model of the bioenergetics of isolated lung mitochondria

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Xiao; Jacobs, Elizabeth R.; Camara, Amadou K. S.; Clough, Anne V.

    2018-01-01

    Integrated computational modeling provides a mechanistic and quantitative framework for describing lung mitochondrial bioenergetics. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop and validate a thermodynamically-constrained integrated computational model of the bioenergetics of isolated lung mitochondria. The model incorporates the major biochemical reactions and transport processes in lung mitochondria. A general framework was developed to model those biochemical reactions and transport processes. Intrinsic model parameters such as binding constants were estimated using previously published isolated enzymes and transporters kinetic data. Extrinsic model parameters such as maximal reaction and transport velocities were estimated by fitting the integrated bioenergetics model to published and new tricarboxylic acid cycle and respirometry data measured in isolated rat lung mitochondria. The integrated model was then validated by assessing its ability to predict experimental data not used for the estimation of the extrinsic model parameters. For example, the model was able to predict reasonably well the substrate and temperature dependency of mitochondrial oxygen consumption, kinetics of NADH redox status, and the kinetics of mitochondrial accumulation of the cationic dye rhodamine 123, driven by mitochondrial membrane potential, under different respiratory states. The latter required the coupling of the integrated bioenergetics model to a pharmacokinetic model for the mitochondrial uptake of rhodamine 123 from buffer. The integrated bioenergetics model provides a mechanistic and quantitative framework for 1) integrating experimental data from isolated lung mitochondria under diverse experimental conditions, and 2) assessing the impact of a change in one or more mitochondrial processes on overall lung mitochondrial bioenergetics. In addition, the model provides important insights into the bioenergetics and respiration of lung mitochondria and how they differ from

  15. Integrated computational model of the bioenergetics of isolated lung mitochondria.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiao; Dash, Ranjan K; Jacobs, Elizabeth R; Camara, Amadou K S; Clough, Anne V; Audi, Said H

    2018-01-01

    Integrated computational modeling provides a mechanistic and quantitative framework for describing lung mitochondrial bioenergetics. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop and validate a thermodynamically-constrained integrated computational model of the bioenergetics of isolated lung mitochondria. The model incorporates the major biochemical reactions and transport processes in lung mitochondria. A general framework was developed to model those biochemical reactions and transport processes. Intrinsic model parameters such as binding constants were estimated using previously published isolated enzymes and transporters kinetic data. Extrinsic model parameters such as maximal reaction and transport velocities were estimated by fitting the integrated bioenergetics model to published and new tricarboxylic acid cycle and respirometry data measured in isolated rat lung mitochondria. The integrated model was then validated by assessing its ability to predict experimental data not used for the estimation of the extrinsic model parameters. For example, the model was able to predict reasonably well the substrate and temperature dependency of mitochondrial oxygen consumption, kinetics of NADH redox status, and the kinetics of mitochondrial accumulation of the cationic dye rhodamine 123, driven by mitochondrial membrane potential, under different respiratory states. The latter required the coupling of the integrated bioenergetics model to a pharmacokinetic model for the mitochondrial uptake of rhodamine 123 from buffer. The integrated bioenergetics model provides a mechanistic and quantitative framework for 1) integrating experimental data from isolated lung mitochondria under diverse experimental conditions, and 2) assessing the impact of a change in one or more mitochondrial processes on overall lung mitochondrial bioenergetics. In addition, the model provides important insights into the bioenergetics and respiration of lung mitochondria and how they differ from

  16. A comprehensive computational model of sound transmission through the porcine lung

    PubMed Central

    Dai, Zoujun; Peng, Ying; Henry, Brian M.; Mansy, Hansen A.; Sandler, Richard H.; Royston, Thomas J.

    2014-01-01

    A comprehensive computational simulation model of sound transmission through the porcine lung is introduced and experimentally evaluated. This “subject-specific” model utilizes parenchymal and major airway geometry derived from x-ray CT images. The lung parenchyma is modeled as a poroviscoelastic material using Biot theory. A finite element (FE) mesh of the lung that includes airway detail is created and used in comsol FE software to simulate the vibroacoustic response of the lung to sound input at the trachea. The FE simulation model is validated by comparing simulation results to experimental measurements using scanning laser Doppler vibrometry on the surface of an excised, preserved lung. The FE model can also be used to calculate and visualize vibroacoustic pressure and motion inside the lung and its airways caused by the acoustic input. The effect of diffuse lung fibrosis and of a local tumor on the lung acoustic response is simulated and visualized using the FE model. In the future, this type of visualization can be compared and matched with experimentally obtained elastographic images to better quantify regional lung material properties to noninvasively diagnose and stage disease and response to treatment. PMID:25190415

  17. A comprehensive computational model of sound transmission through the porcine lung.

    PubMed

    Dai, Zoujun; Peng, Ying; Henry, Brian M; Mansy, Hansen A; Sandler, Richard H; Royston, Thomas J

    2014-09-01

    A comprehensive computational simulation model of sound transmission through the porcine lung is introduced and experimentally evaluated. This "subject-specific" model utilizes parenchymal and major airway geometry derived from x-ray CT images. The lung parenchyma is modeled as a poroviscoelastic material using Biot theory. A finite element (FE) mesh of the lung that includes airway detail is created and used in comsol FE software to simulate the vibroacoustic response of the lung to sound input at the trachea. The FE simulation model is validated by comparing simulation results to experimental measurements using scanning laser Doppler vibrometry on the surface of an excised, preserved lung. The FE model can also be used to calculate and visualize vibroacoustic pressure and motion inside the lung and its airways caused by the acoustic input. The effect of diffuse lung fibrosis and of a local tumor on the lung acoustic response is simulated and visualized using the FE model. In the future, this type of visualization can be compared and matched with experimentally obtained elastographic images to better quantify regional lung material properties to noninvasively diagnose and stage disease and response to treatment.

  18. Ghrelin clearance is reduced at the late stage of polymicrobial sepsis.

    PubMed

    Wu, Rongqian; Zhou, Mian; Cui, Xiaoxuan; Simms, H Hank; Wang, Ping

    2003-11-01

    The cardiovascular response to sepsis is characterized by an early, hyperdynamic phase followed by a late, hypodynamic phase. Ghrelin, a newly-identified endogenous ligand for growth hormone secretagogue receptor (i.e., ghrelin receptor), was recently demonstrated to be a potent vasoactive peptide in addition to its effects on growth hormone release and energy homeostasis. We have shown that ghrelin (via its receptor) may play an important role in regulating cardiovascular responses in the progression of polymicrobial sepsis. However, it remains unknown whether the clearance of this peptide is altered in sepsis. To determine this, male adult rats were injected with 125I-ghrelin through the jugular vein at 5 or 20 h after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP, i.e., sepsis model) or sham operation. The blood sample was collected every 2 min for 30 min for determining half-life (t1/2). Tissue samples (i.e., kidneys, liver, brain, heart, lungs, spleen, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, skin and muscle) were then harvested. The radioactivities of samples were counted. The results indicate that 125I-ghrelin's t1/2 and its distribution were not significantly altered in early sepsis (5 h after CLP). However, the t1/2 increased significantly in late sepsis (20 h after CLP). Tissue distribution of 125I-ghrelin was far greater in the kidneys than in any other tissues tested in both sham and septic animals. Moreover, the kidneys and liver had significantly less radioactive uptake at 20 h after CLP, but the radioactivity in blood was much higher at the same time point. There were no significant changes in 125I-ghrelin distribution in other organs at the late stage of sepsis. These results indicate that the kidneys are the primary site of ghrelin clearance, which is significantly diminished in late sepsis. In addition, the liver also plays a role in the clearance of ghrelin, which was also reduced in late sepsis. The decreased clearance of ghrelin by the kidneys and liver

  19. Organotypic lung culture: A new model for studying ischemia and ex vivo perfusion in lung transplantation.

    PubMed

    Baste, Jean-Marc; Gay, Arnaud; Smail, Hassiba; Noël, Romain; Bubenheim, Michael; Begueret, Hugues; Morin, Jean-Paul; Litzler, Pierre-Yves

    2015-01-01

    Donors after cardiac death (DCD) in lung transplantation is considered as a solution for organ shortage. However, it is characterized by warm ischemic period, which could be involved in severe Ischemia-Reperfusion lesion (IR) with early graft dysfunction. We describe a new hybrid model combining in vivo ischemia followed by in vitro reoxygenation using organ-specific culture. A hybrid model using in vivo ischemic period followed by in vitro lung slice reoxygenation was set up in rat to mimic DCD in lung transplantation with in vitro perfusion. Different markers (bioenergetics, oxidant stress assays, and histology) were measured to evaluate the viability of lung tissue after different ischemic times (I-0, I-1, I-2, I-4, I-15 hours) and reoxygenation times (R-0, R-1, R-4, R-24 hours). No differences were found in cell viability, ATP concentrations, extracellular LDH assays or histology, demonstrating extensive viability of up to 4 hours in lung tissue warm ischemia. We found oxidative stress mainly during the ischemic period with no burst at reoxygenation. Cytosolic anti-oxidant system was involved first (I-0,I-1,I-2) followed by mitochondrial anti-oxidant system for extensive ischemia (I-4). Histological features showed differences in this model of ischemia-reoxygenation between bronchial epithelium and lung parenchymal cells, with epithelium regeneration after 2 hours of warm ischemia and 24 hours of perfusion. The results of our hybrid model experiment suggest extensive lung viability of up to 4 hours ischemia. Our model could be an interesting tool to evaluate ex vivo reconditioning techniques after different in vivo lung insults.

  20. Hypo-Elastic Model for Lung Parenchyma

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Freed, Alan D.; Einstein, Daniel R.

    2012-03-01

    A simple elastic isotropic constitutive model for the spongy tissue in lung is derived from the theory of hypoelasticity. The model is shown to exhibit a pressure dependent behavior that has been interpreted by some as indicating extensional anisotropy. In contrast, we show that this behavior arises natural from an analysis of isotropic hypoelastic invariants, and is a likely result of non-linearity, not anisotropy. The response of the model is determined analytically for several boundary value problems used for material characterization. These responses give insight into both the material behavior as well as admissible bounds on parameters. The model ismore » characterized against published experimental data for dog lung. Future work includes non-elastic model behavior.« less

  1. Hyperglycemia Impairs Neutrophil-Mediated Bacterial Clearance in Mice Infected with the Lyme Disease Pathogen.

    PubMed

    Javid, Ashkan; Zlotnikov, Nataliya; Pětrošová, Helena; Tang, Tian Tian; Zhang, Yang; Bansal, Anil K; Ebady, Rhodaba; Parikh, Maitry; Ahmed, Mijhgan; Sun, Chunxiang; Newbigging, Susan; Kim, Yae Ram; Santana Sosa, Marianna; Glogauer, Michael; Moriarty, Tara J

    2016-01-01

    Insulin-insufficient type 1 diabetes is associated with attenuated bactericidal function of neutrophils, which are key mediators of innate immune responses to microbes as well as pathological inflammatory processes. Neutrophils are central to immune responses to the Lyme pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi. The effect of hyperglycemia on host susceptibility to and outcomes of B. burgdorferi infection has not been examined. The present study investigated the impact of sustained obesity-independent hyperglycemia in mice on bacterial clearance, inflammatory pathology and neutrophil responses to B. burgdorferi. Hyperglycemia was associated with reduced arthritis incidence but more widespread tissue colonization and reduced clearance of bacterial DNA in multiple tissues including brain, heart, liver, lung and knee joint. B. burgdorferi uptake and killing were impaired in neutrophils isolated from hyperglycemic mice. Thus, attenuated neutrophil function in insulin-insufficient hyperglycemia was associated with reduced B. burgdorferi clearance in target organs. These data suggest that investigating the effects of comorbid conditions such as diabetes on outcomes of B. burgdorferi infections in humans may be warranted.

  2. A 4DCT imaging-based breathing lung model with relative hysteresis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Miyawaki, Shinjiro; Choi, Sanghun; Hoffman, Eric A.

    To reproduce realistic airway motion and airflow, the authors developed a deforming lung computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model based on four-dimensional (4D, space and time) dynamic computed tomography (CT) images. A total of 13 time points within controlled tidal volume respiration were used to account for realistic and irregular lung motion in human volunteers. Because of the irregular motion of 4DCT-based airways, we identified an optimal interpolation method for airway surface deformation during respiration, and implemented a computational solid mechanics-based moving mesh algorithm to produce smooth deforming airway mesh. In addition, we developed physiologically realistic airflow boundary conditions for bothmore » models based on multiple images and a single image. Furthermore, we examined simplified models based on one or two dynamic or static images. By comparing these simplified models with the model based on 13 dynamic images, we investigated the effects of relative hysteresis of lung structure with respect to lung volume, lung deformation, and imaging methods, i.e., dynamic vs. static scans, on CFD-predicted pressure drop. The effect of imaging method on pressure drop was 24 percentage points due to the differences in airflow distribution and airway geometry. - Highlights: • We developed a breathing human lung CFD model based on 4D-dynamic CT images. • The 4DCT-based breathing lung model is able to capture lung relative hysteresis. • A new boundary condition for lung model based on one static CT image was proposed. • The difference between lung models based on 4D and static CT images was quantified.« less

  3. Non-invasive Imaging of Sendai Virus Infection in Pharmacologically Immunocompromised Mice: NK and T Cells, but not Neutrophils, Promote Viral Clearance after Therapy with Cyclophosphamide and Dexamethasone

    PubMed Central

    Mostafa, Heba H.; Vogel, Peter; Srinivasan, Ashok; Russell, Charles J.

    2016-01-01

    In immunocompromised patients, parainfluenza virus (PIV) infections have an increased potential to spread to the lower respiratory tract (LRT), resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Understanding the immunologic defects that facilitate viral spread to the LRT will help in developing better management protocols. In this study, we immunosuppressed mice with dexamethasone and/or cyclophosphamide then monitored the spread of viral infection into the LRT by using a noninvasive bioluminescence imaging system and a reporter Sendai virus (murine PIV type 1). Our results show that immunosuppression led to delayed viral clearance and increased viral loads in the lungs. After cessation of cyclophosphamide treatment, viral clearance occurred before the generation of Sendai-specific antibody responses and coincided with rebounds in neutrophils, T lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells. Neutrophil suppression using anti-Ly6G antibody had no effect on infection clearance, NK-cell suppression using anti-NK antibody delayed clearance, and T-cell suppression using anti-CD3 antibody resulted in no clearance (chronic infection). Therapeutic use of hematopoietic growth factors G-CSF and GM-CSF had no effect on clearance of infection. In contrast, treatment with Sendai virus—specific polysera or a monoclonal antibody limited viral spread into the lungs and accelerated clearance. Overall, noninvasive bioluminescence was shown to be a useful tool to study respiratory viral progression, revealing roles for NK and T cells, but not neutrophils, in Sendai virus clearance after treatment with dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide. Virus-specific antibodies appear to have therapeutic potential. PMID:27589232

  4. Estimation of end point foot clearance points from inertial sensor data.

    PubMed

    Santhiranayagam, Braveena K; Lai, Daniel T H; Begg, Rezaul K; Palaniswami, Marimuthu

    2011-01-01

    Foot clearance parameters provide useful insight into tripping risks during walking. This paper proposes a technique for the estimate of key foot clearance parameters using inertial sensor (accelerometers and gyroscopes) data. Fifteen features were extracted from raw inertial sensor measurements, and a regression model was used to estimate two key foot clearance parameters: First maximum vertical clearance (m x 1) after toe-off and the Minimum Toe Clearance (MTC) of the swing foot. Comparisons are made against measurements obtained using an optoelectronic motion capture system (Optotrak), at 4 different walking speeds. General Regression Neural Networks (GRNN) were used to estimate the desired parameters from the sensor features. Eight subjects foot clearance data were examined and a Leave-one-subject-out (LOSO) method was used to select the best model. The best average Root Mean Square Errors (RMSE) across all subjects obtained using all sensor features at the maximum speed for m x 1 was 5.32 mm and for MTC was 4.04 mm. Further application of a hill-climbing feature selection technique resulted in 0.54-21.93% improvement in RMSE and required fewer input features. The results demonstrated that using raw inertial sensor data with regression models and feature selection could accurately estimate key foot clearance parameters.

  5. Population pharmacokinetics of telapristone (CDB-4124) and its active monodemethylated metabolite CDB-4453, with a mixture model for total clearance.

    PubMed

    Morris, Denise; Podolski, Joseph; Kirsch, Alan; Wiehle, Ronald; Fleckenstein, Lawrence

    2011-12-01

    Telapristone is a selective progesterone antagonist that is being developed for the long-term treatment of symptoms associated with endometriosis and uterine fibroids. The population pharmacokinetics of telapristone (CDB-4124) and CDB-4453 was investigated using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. Data from two clinical studies (n = 32) were included in the analysis. A two-compartment (parent) one compartment (metabolite) mixture model (with two populations for apparent clearance) with first-order absorption and elimination adequately described the pharmacokinetics of telapristone and CDB-4453. Telapristone was rapidly absorbed with an absorption rate constant (Ka) of 1.26 h(-1). Moderate renal impairment resulted in a 74% decrease in Ka. The population estimates for oral clearance (CL/F) for the two populations were 11.6 and 3.34 L/h, respectively, with 25% of the subjects being allocated to the high-clearance group. Apparent volume of distribution for the central compartment (V2/F) was 37.4 L, apparent inter-compartmental clearance (Q/F) was 21.9 L/h, and apparent peripheral volume of distribution for the parent (V4/F) was 120 L. The ratio of the fraction of telapristone converted to CDB-4453 to the distribution volume of CDB-4453 (Fmet(est)) was 0.20/L. Apparent volume of distribution of the metabolite compartment (V3/F) was fixed to 1 L and apparent clearance of the metabolite (CLM/F) was 2.43 L/h. A two-compartment parent-metabolite model adequately described the pharmacokinetics of telapristone and CDB-4453. The clearance of telapristone was separated into two populations and could be the result of metabolism via polymorphic CYP3A5.

  6. Development of a Guinea Pig Lung Deposition Model

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-01-01

    Development of a Guinea Pig Lung Deposition Model Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. January...4 Figure 2. Particle deposition in the lung of the guinea pig via endotracheal breathing...Particle deposition in the lungs of guinea pigs via nasal breathing. ......................................... 12 v PREFACE The research work

  7. Lung dosimetry for inhaled radon progeny in smokers.

    PubMed

    Baias, Paul F; Hofmann, Werner; Winkler-Heil, Renate; Cosma, Constantin; Duliu, Octavian G

    2010-02-01

    Cigarette smoking may change the morphological and physiological parameters of the lung. Thus the primary objective of the present study was to investigate to what extent these smoke-induced changes can modify deposition, clearance and resulting doses of inhaled radon progeny relative to healthy non-smokers (NSs). Doses to sensitive bronchial target cells were computed for four categories of smokers: (1) Light, short-term (LST) smokers, (2) light, long-term (LLT) smokers, (3) heavy, short-term (HST) smokers and (4) heavy, long-term (HLT) smokers. Because of only small changes of morphological and physiological parameters, doses for the LST smokers hardly differed from those for NSs. For LLT and HST smokers, even a protective effect could be observed, caused by a thicker mucus layer and increased mucus velocities. Only in the case of HLT smokers were doses higher by about a factor of 2 than those for NSs, caused primarily by impaired mucociliary clearance, higher breathing frequency, reduced lung volume and airway obstructions. These higher doses suggest that the contribution of inhaled radon progeny to the risk of lung cancer in smokers may be higher than currently assumed on the basis of NS doses.

  8. Application of a Pharmacokinetic Model of Metformin Clearance in a Population with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

    PubMed

    Ceacareanu, Alice C; Brown, Geoffrey W; Moussa, Hoda A; Wintrob, Zachary A P

    2018-01-01

    We aimed to estimate the metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA) risk by assessing retrospectively the renal clearance variability and applying a pharmacokinetic (PK) model of metformin clearance in a population diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and diabetes mellitus (DM). All adults with preexisting DM and newly diagnosed AML at Roswell Park Cancer Institute were reviewed (January 2003-December 2010, n = 78). Creatinine clearance (CrCl) and total body weight distributions were used in a two-compartment PK model adapted for multiple dosing and modified to account for actual intra- and inter-individual variability. Based on this renal function variability evidence, 1000 PK profiles were simulated for multiple metformin regimens with the resultant PK profiles being assessed for safe CrCl thresholds. Metformin 500 mg up to three times daily was safe for all simulated profiles with CrCl ≥25 mL/min. Furthermore, the estimated overall MALA risk was below 10%, remaining under 5% for 500 mg given once daily. CrCl ≥65.25 mL/min was safe for administration in any of the tested regimens (500 mg or 850 mg up to three times daily or 1000 mg up to twice daily). PK simulation-guided prescribing can maximize metformin's beneficial effects on cancer outcomes while minimizing MALA risk.

  9. Applicability of avidin protein coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles as drug carriers in the lung

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    van Rijt, S. H.; Bölükbas, D. A.; Argyo, C.; Wipplinger, K.; Naureen, M.; Datz, S.; Eickelberg, O.; Meiners, S.; Bein, T.; Schmid, O.; Stoeger, T.

    2016-04-01

    Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) exhibit unique drug delivery properties and are thus considered as promising candidates for next generation nano-medicines. In particular, inhalation into the lungs represents a direct, non-invasive delivery route for treating lung disease. To assess MSN biocompatibility in the lung, we investigated the bioresponse of avidin-coated MSNs (MSN-AVI), as well as aminated (uncoated) MSNs, after direct application into the lungs of mice. We quantified MSN distribution, clearance rate, cell-specific uptake, and inflammatory responses to MSNs within one week after instillation. We show that amine-functionalized (MSN-NH2) particles are not taken up by lung epithelial cells, but induced a prolonged inflammatory response in the lung and macrophage cell death. In contrast, MSN-AVI co-localized with alveolar epithelial type 1 and type 2 cells in the lung in the absence of sustained inflammatory responses or cell death, and showed preferential epithelial cell uptake in in vitro co-cultures. Further, MSN-AVI particles demonstrated uniform particle distribution in mouse lungs and slow clearance rates. Thus, we provide evidence that avidin functionalized MSNs (MSN-AVI) have the potential to serve as versatile biocompatible drug carriers for lung-specific drug delivery.Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) exhibit unique drug delivery properties and are thus considered as promising candidates for next generation nano-medicines. In particular, inhalation into the lungs represents a direct, non-invasive delivery route for treating lung disease. To assess MSN biocompatibility in the lung, we investigated the bioresponse of avidin-coated MSNs (MSN-AVI), as well as aminated (uncoated) MSNs, after direct application into the lungs of mice. We quantified MSN distribution, clearance rate, cell-specific uptake, and inflammatory responses to MSNs within one week after instillation. We show that amine-functionalized (MSN-NH2) particles are not taken up

  10. Animal model of grain worker's lung.

    PubMed Central

    Stepner, N; Broder, I; Baumal, R

    1986-01-01

    We examined the light microscopic changes in the lungs of rabbits exposed to grain dust for variable periods of time, to determine whether an animal model of grain worker's lung could be developed. Experimental animals were exposed to grain dust at a concentration of 20 mg/m3 for 7 hr/day, 5 days/week, for up to 6 months. The lungs of these rabbits demonstrated a granulomatous interstitial pneumonitis associated with exudation of mononuclear cells into the alveoli and conducting airways. These changes appeared within 5 days of the onset of exposure and reached a peak at 3 weeks but were sustained through the longest exposure interval. No abnormalities were observed in the lungs of control rabbits. These results show three points of consistency with those obtained in epidemiologic studies of grain elevator workers. First, the rapid appearance of the experimental changes suggests that the mechanism of tissue injury may not be immunologic. Second, the occurrence of the histopathologic alterations in the interstitium, alveoli, and airways corresponds with the combined restrictive and obstructive ventilatory defect described in the human epidemiologic studies. Third, the absence of lung fibrosis in rabbits exposed to dust for 6 months suggests that the pneumonitis is reversible. Thus this experimental model shows promise of helping to clarify the nature and mechanism of the adverse pulmonary effects of grain dust. Images FIGURE 1. FIGURE 2. PMID:3709485

  11. Reduced erythrocyte susceptibility and increased host clearance of young parasites slows Plasmodium growth in a murine model of severe malaria

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khoury, David S.; Cromer, Deborah; Best, Shannon E.; James, Kylie R.; Sebina, Ismail; Haque, Ashraful; Davenport, Miles P.

    2015-05-01

    The best correlate of malaria severity in human Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) infection is the total parasite load. Pf-infected humans could control parasite loads by two mechanisms, either decreasing parasite multiplication, or increasing parasite clearance. However, few studies have directly measured these two mechanisms in vivo. Here, we have directly quantified host clearance of parasites during Plasmodium infection in mice. We transferred labelled red blood cells (RBCs) from Plasmodium infected donors into uninfected and infected recipients, and tracked the fate of donor parasites by frequent blood sampling. We then applied age-based mathematical models to characterise parasite clearance in the recipient mice. Our analyses revealed an increased clearance of parasites in infected animals, particularly parasites of a younger developmental stage. However, the major decrease in parasite multiplication in infected mice was not mediated by increased clearance alone, but was accompanied by a significant reduction in the susceptibility of RBCs to parasitisation.

  12. Predictive Accuracy of the Liverpool Lung Project Risk Model for Stratifying Patients for Computed Tomography Screening for Lung Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Raji, Olaide Y.; Duffy, Stephen W.; Agbaje, Olorunshola F.; Baker, Stuart G.; Christiani, David C.; Cassidy, Adrian; Field, John K.

    2013-01-01

    Background External validation of existing lung cancer risk prediction models is limited. Using such models in clinical practice to guide the referral of patients for computed tomography (CT) screening for lung cancer depends on external validation and evidence of predicted clinical benefit. Objective To evaluate the discrimination of the Liverpool Lung Project (LLP) risk model and demonstrate its predicted benefit for stratifying patients for CT screening by using data from 3 independent studies from Europe and North America. Design Case–control and prospective cohort study. Setting Europe and North America. Patients Participants in the European Early Lung Cancer (EUELC) and Harvard case–control studies and the LLP population-based prospective cohort (LLPC) study. Measurements 5-year absolute risks for lung cancer predicted by the LLP model. Results The LLP risk model had good discrimination in both the Harvard (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.76 [95% CI, 0.75 to 0.78]) and the LLPC (AUC, 0.82 [CI, 0.80 to 0.85]) studies and modest discrimination in the EUELC (AUC, 0.67 [CI, 0.64 to 0.69]) study. The decision utility analysis, which incorporates the harms and benefit of using a risk model to make clinical decisions, indicates that the LLP risk model performed better than smoking duration or family history alone in stratifying high-risk patients for lung cancer CT screening. Limitations The model cannot assess whether including other risk factors, such as lung function or genetic markers, would improve accuracy. Lack of information on asbestos exposure in the LLPC limited the ability to validate the complete LLP risk model. Conclusion Validation of the LLP risk model in 3 independent external data sets demonstrated good discrimination and evidence of predicted benefits for stratifying patients for lung cancer CT screening. Further studies are needed to prospectively evaluate model performance and evaluate the optimal population

  13. ADAPTIVE CLEARANCE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR TURBINE ENGINES

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Blackwell, Keith M.

    2004-01-01

    The Controls and Dynamics Technology Branch at NASA Glenn Research Center primarily deals in developing controls, dynamic models, and health management technologies for air and space propulsion systems. During the summer of 2004 I was granted the privilege of working alongside professionals who were developing an active clearance control system for commercial jet engines. Clearance, the gap between the turbine blade tip and the encompassing shroud, increases as a result of wear mechanisms and rubbing of the turbine blades on shroud. Increases in clearance cause larger specific fuel consumption (SFC) and loss of efficient air flow. This occurs because, as clearances increase, the engine must run hotter and bum more fuel to achieve the same thrust. In order to maintain efficiency, reduce fuel bum, and reduce exhaust gas temperature (EGT), the clearance must be accurately controlled to gap sizes no greater than a few hundredths of an inch. To address this problem, NASA Glenn researchers have developed a basic control system with actuators and sensors on each section of the shroud. Instead of having a large uniform metal casing, there would be sections of the shroud with individual sensors attached internally that would move slightly to reform and maintain clearance. The proposed method would ultimately save the airline industry millions of dollars.

  14. A fully synthetic lung model for wound-ballistic experiments-First results.

    PubMed

    Bolliger, S A; Poschmann, S A; Thali, M J; Eggert, S

    2017-06-01

    Today, synthetic models have all but replaced animal and corpse models in examining damage to soft-tissues and skeletal structures by ballistic trauma. As, however, non-solid organs such as the lungs, have not been able to be replaced by a fully synthetic model we attempted to create such a model. 20% ordnance gelatine was frothed with a household mixer and cooled to stable foam. Several of these foam blocks were then stuck together with liquid gelatine and placed between 10% gelatine blocks. As controls, we embedded pig lungs in gelatine and compared the wound channels seen in computed tomography created upon shooting with 9mm Luger. The fully synthetic models displayed radiological and physical densities comparable to real lungs. The wound profile characteristics of the fully synthetic lung models were very similar to the semisynthetic swine-gelatine models regarding the permanent wound cavity. Furthermore, in both semi- and fully synthetic models we detected a ring surrounding the permanent wound channel, most likely representing the remnants of the temporary wound cavity. Our results indicate that this fully synthetic lung model is a viable substitute for ballistic experiments on lungs. We believe that further research on the temporary wound channel in lungs is possible with this model in order to provide more insight into the effect of ballistic trauma to the lungs not seen otherwise. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Human mesenchymal stromal cells reduce influenza A H5N1-associated acute lung injury in vitro and in vivo

    PubMed Central

    Chan, Michael C. W.; Kuok, Denise I. T.; Leung, Connie Y. H.; Hui, Kenrie P. Y.; Valkenburg, Sophie A.; Lau, Eric H. Y.; Nicholls, John M.; Fang, Xiaohui; Guan, Yi; Lee, Jae W.; Chan, Renee W. Y.; Webster, Robert G.; Matthay, Michael A.; Peiris, J. S. Malik

    2016-01-01

    Influenza can cause acute lung injury. Because immune responses often play a role, antivirals may not ensure a successful outcome. To identify pathogenic mechanisms and potential adjunctive therapeutic options, we compared the extent to which avian influenza A/H5N1 virus and seasonal influenza A/H1N1 virus impair alveolar fluid clearance and protein permeability in an in vitro model of acute lung injury, defined the role of virus-induced soluble mediators in these injury effects, and demonstrated that the effects are prevented or reduced by bone marrow-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells. We verified the in vivo relevance of these findings in mice experimentally infected with influenza A/H5N1. We found that, in vitro, the alveolar epithelium’s protein permeability and fluid clearance were dysregulated by soluble immune mediators released upon infection with avian (A/Hong Kong/483/97, H5N1) but not seasonal (A/Hong Kong/54/98, H1N1) influenza virus. The reduced alveolar fluid transport associated with down-regulation of sodium and chloride transporters was prevented or reduced by coculture with mesenchymal stromal cells. In vivo, treatment of aged H5N1-infected mice with mesenchymal stromal cells increased their likelihood of survival. We conclude that mesenchymal stromal cells significantly reduce the impairment of alveolar fluid clearance induced by A/H5N1 infection in vitro and prevent or reduce A/H5N1-associated acute lung injury in vivo. This potential adjunctive therapy for severe influenza-induced lung disease warrants rapid clinical investigation. PMID:26976597

  16. Numerical investigation of hub clearance flow in a Kaplan turbine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, H.; Feng, J. J.; Wu, G. K.; Luo, X. Q.

    2012-11-01

    In this paper, the flow field considering the hub clearance flow in a Kaplan turbine has been investigated through using the commercial CFD code ANSYS CFX based on high-quality structured grids generated by ANSYS ICEM CFD. The turbulence is simulated by k-ω based shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model together with automatic near wall treatments. Four kinds of simulations have been conducted for the runner geometry without hub clearance, with only the hub front clearance, with only the rear hub clearance, and with both front and rear clearance. The analysis of the obtained results is focused on the flow structure of the hub clearance flow, the effect on the turbine performance including hydraulic efficiency and cavitation performance, which can improve the understanding on the flow field in a Kaplan turbine.

  17. Models to teach lung sonopathology and ultrasound-guided thoracentesis.

    PubMed

    Wojtczak, Jacek A

    2014-12-01

    Lung sonography allows rapid diagnosis of lung emergencies such as pulmonary edema, hemothorax or pneumothorax. The ability to timely diagnose an intraoperative pneumothorax is an important skill for the anesthesiologist. However, lung ultrasound exams require an interpretation of not only real images but also complex acoustic artifacts such as A-lines and B-lines. Therefore, appropriate training to gain proficiency is important. Simulated environment using ultrasound phantom models allows controlled, supervised learning. We have developed hybrid models that combine dry or wet polyurethane foams, porcine rib cages and human hand simulating a rib cage. These models simulate fairly accurately pulmonary sonopathology and allow supervised teaching of lung sonography with the immediate feedback. In-vitro models can also facilitate learning of procedural skills, improving transducer and needle positioning and movement, rapid recognition of thoracic anatomy and hand - eye coordination skills. We described a new model to teach an ultrasound guided thoracentesis. This model consists of the experimenter's hand placed on top of the water-filled container with a wet foam. Metacarpal bones of the human hand simulate a rib cage and a wet foam simulates a diseased lung immersed in the pleural fluid. Positive fluid flow offers users feedback when a simulated pleural effusion is accurately assessed.

  18. Effects of vascular flow and PEEP in a multiple hit model of lung injury in isolated perfused rabbit lungs.

    PubMed

    Piacentini, Enrique; López-Aguilar, Josefina; García-Martín, Carolina; Villagrá, Ana; Saenz-Valiente, Alicia; Murias, Gastón; Fernández-Segoviano, Pilar; Hotchkiss, John R; Blanch, Lluis

    2008-07-01

    High vascular flow aggravates lung damage in animal models of ventilator-induced lung injury. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) can attenuate ventilator-induced lung injury, but its continued effectiveness in the setting of antecedent lung injury is unclear. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether the application of PEEP diminishes lung injury induced by concurrent high vascular flow and high alveolar pressures in normal lungs and in a preinjury lung model. Two series of experiments were performed. Fifteen sets of isolated rabbit lungs were randomized into three groups (n = 5): low vascular flow/low PEEP; high vascular flow/low PEEP, and high vascular flow/high PEEP. Subsequently, the same protocol was applied in an additional 15 sets of isolated rabbit lungs in which oleic acid was added to the vascular perfusate to produce mild to moderate lung injury. All lungs were ventilated with peak airway pressure of 30 cm H2O for 30 minutes. Outcome measures included frequency of gross structural failure, pulmonary hemorrhage, edema formation, changes in static compliance, pulmonary vascular resistance, and pulmonary ultrafiltration coefficient. In the context of high vascular flow, application of a moderate level of PEEP reduced pulmonary rupture, edema formation, and lung hemorrhage. The protective effects of PEEP were not observed in lungs concurrently injured with oleic acid. Under these experimental conditions, PEEP attenuates lung injury in the setting of high vascular flow. The protective effect of PEEP is lost in a two-hit model of lung injury.

  19. Effects of skeleton structure on necrosis targeting and clearance properties of radioiodinated dianthrones.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Dongjian; Jiang, Cuihua; Yang, Shengwei; Gao, Meng; Huang, Dejian; Wang, Xiaoning; Shao, Haibo; Feng, Yuanbo; Sun, Ziping; Ni, Yicheng; Zhang, Jian; Yin, Zhiqi

    2016-01-01

    Necrosis avid agents (NAAs) can be used for diagnose of necrosis-related diseases, evaluation of therapeutic responses and targeted therapeutics of tumor. In order to probe into the effects of molecular skeleton structure on necrosis targeting and clearance properties of radioiodinated dianthrones, four dianthrone compounds with the same substituents but different skeletal structures, namely Hypericin (Hyp), protohypericin (ProHyp), emodin dianthrone mesomer (ED-1) and emodin dianthrone raceme (ED-2) were synthesized and radioiodinated. Then radioiodinated dianthrones were evaluated in vitro for their necrosis avidity in A549 lung cancer cells untreated and treated with H2O2. Their biodistribution and pharmacokinetic properties were determined in rat models of induced necrosis. In vitro cell assay revealed that destruction of rigid skeleton structure dramatically reduced their necrosis targeting ability. Animal studies demonstrated that destruction of rigid skeleton structure dramatically reduced the necrotic tissue uptake and speed up the clearance from the most normal tissues for the studied compounds. Among these (131)I-dianthrones, (131)I-Hyp exhibited the highest uptake and persistent retention in necrotic tissues. Hepatic infarction could be clearly visualized by SPECT/CT using (131)I-Hyp as an imaging probe. The results suggest that the skeleton structure of Hyp is the lead structure for further structure optimization of this class of NAAs.

  20. Pulmonary delivery of nanoparticle chemotherapy for the treatment of lung cancers: challenges and opportunities

    PubMed Central

    Mangal, Sharad; Gao, Wei; Li, Tonglei; Zhou, Qi (Tony)

    2017-01-01

    Lung cancer is the second most prevalent and the deadliest among all cancer types. Chemotherapy is recommended for lung cancers to control tumor growth and to prolong patient survival. Systemic chemotherapy typically has very limited efficacy as well as severe systemic adverse effects, which are often attributed to the distribution of anticancer drugs to non-targeted sites. In contrast, inhalation routes permit the delivery of drugs directly to the lungs providing high local concentrations that may enhance the anti-tumor effect while alleviating systemic adverse effects. Preliminary studies in animals and humans have suggested that most inhaled chemotherapies are tolerable with manageable pulmonary adverse effects, including cough and bronchospasm. Promoting the deposition of anticancer drugs in tumorous cells and minimizing access to healthy lung cells can further augment the efficacy and reduce the risk of local toxicities caused by inhaled chemotherapy. Sustained release and tumor localization characteristics make nanoparticle formulations a promising candidate for the inhaled delivery of chemotherapeutic agents against lung cancers. However, the physiology of respiratory tracts and lung clearance mechanisms present key barriers for the effective deposition and retention of inhaled nanoparticle formulations in the lungs. Recent research has focused on the development of novel formulations to maximize lung deposition and to minimize pulmonary clearance of inhaled nanoparticles. This article systematically reviews the challenges and opportunities for the pulmonary delivery of nanoparticle formulations for the treatment of lung cancers. PMID:28504252

  1. Application of a Pharmacokinetic Model of Metformin Clearance in a Population with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

    PubMed Central

    Ceacareanu, Alice C.; Brown, Geoffrey W.; Moussa, Hoda A.; Wintrob, Zachary A. P.

    2018-01-01

    Objective: We aimed to estimate the metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA) risk by assessing retrospectively the renal clearance variability and applying a pharmacokinetic (PK) model of metformin clearance in a population diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: All adults with preexisting DM and newly diagnosed AML at Roswell Park Cancer Institute were reviewed (January 2003–December 2010, n = 78). Creatinine clearance (CrCl) and total body weight distributions were used in a two-compartment PK model adapted for multiple dosing and modified to account for actual intra- and inter-individual variability. Based on this renal function variability evidence, 1000 PK profiles were simulated for multiple metformin regimens with the resultant PK profiles being assessed for safe CrCl thresholds. Findings: Metformin 500 mg up to three times daily was safe for all simulated profiles with CrCl ≥25 mL/min. Furthermore, the estimated overall MALA risk was below 10%, remaining under 5% for 500 mg given once daily. CrCl ≥65.25 mL/min was safe for administration in any of the tested regimens (500 mg or 850 mg up to three times daily or 1000 mg up to twice daily). Conclusion: PK simulation-guided prescribing can maximize metformin's beneficial effects on cancer outcomes while minimizing MALA risk. PMID:29755998

  2. Bacteria meets influenza A virus: A bioluminescence mouse model of Escherichia coli O157:H7 following influenza A virus/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) strain infection.

    PubMed

    Wang, Zhongyi; Chi, Hang; Wang, Xiwen; Li, Wenliang; Li, Zhiping; Li, Jiaming; Fu, Yingying; Lu, Bing; Xia, Zhiping; Qian, Jun; Liu, Linna

    2018-01-01

    Objective To develop a bioluminescence-labelled bacterial infection model to monitor the colonization and clearance process of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the lungs of mice following influenza A virus/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) strain (IAV/PR8) infection. Methods BALB/c mice were administered IAV/PR8 or 0.01 M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; pH 7.4) intranasally 4 days prior to intranasal administration of 1 × 10 7 colony-forming units (CFU) of E. coli O157:H7-lux. Whole-body bioluminescent signals were monitored at 10 min, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 16 h and 24 h post-bacterial infection. Lung bioluminescent signals and bacterial load (CFU/g) were monitored at 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 16 h and 24 h post-bacterial infection. Results Prior IAV/PR8 infection of mice resulted in a higher level of bacterial colonization and a lower rate of bacterial clearance from the lungs compared with mice treated with PBS. There were also consistent findings between the bioluminescence imaging and the CFU measurements in terms of identifying bacterial colonization and monitoring the clearance dynamics of E. coli O157:H7-lux in mouse lungs. Conclusion This novel bioluminescence-labelled bacterial infection model rapidly detected bacterial colonization of the lungs and monitored the clearance dynamics of E. coli O157:H7-lux following IAV/PR8 infection.

  3. Enhancement of tumor-to-nontumor localization ratios by hepatocyte-directed blood clearance of antibodies labeled with certain residualizing radiolabels.

    PubMed

    Patel, S; Stein, R; Ong, G L; Goldenberg, D M; Mattes, M J

    1999-08-01

    To increase tumor-to-nontumor localization ratios of injected radiolabeled antibodies (Abs), several interrelated methods were used. The model systems used were two human carcinoma xenografts grown in nude mice, targeted by antibodies RS11 (antiepithelial glycoprotein-2) or MN-14 (anticarcinoembryonic antigen). The Abs were conjugated with biotin and 111In-benzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid, and, at various times after injection, were cleared by intraperitoneal injection of galactosylated streptavidin, which delivers the complexes to hepatocytes. The radiolabel used was selected because it is retained within tumors after catabolism of the Ab by the tumor cell but is quite rapidly excreted from hepatocytes into bile. With blood clearance induced at 24 h, and dissection 5 h later, high tumor-to-nontumor ratios were attained. Depending on the model used, tumor-to-blood ratios were 16:1 to 31:1, and tumor-to-nontumor ratios for the kidney, lungs and bone were also high and greatly increased by the clearance regimen. Despite clearance into the liver, tumor-to-liver ratios remained >1, due to fairly rapid biliary excretion of the label. The absolute antibody uptake by the tumors was also high, because 24 h was allowed for the Ab to penetrate and bind to cells within the subcutaneous tumors. The method described produced high tumor-to-nontumor ratios at 1 d after injection and may be advantageous for tumor imaging with antibodies. Radiation dosimetry calculations indicate that there is only a slight advantage with this approach for radioimmunotherapy.

  4. Modeling of the Nitric Oxide Transport in the Human Lungs.

    PubMed

    Karamaoun, Cyril; Van Muylem, Alain; Haut, Benoît

    2016-01-01

    In the human lungs, nitric oxide (NO) acts as a bronchodilatator, by relaxing the bronchial smooth muscles and is closely linked to the inflammatory status of the lungs, owing to its antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, the molar fraction of NO in the exhaled air has been shown to be higher for asthmatic patients than for healthy patients. Multiple models have been developed in order to characterize the NO dynamics in the lungs, owing to their complex structure. Indeed, direct measurements in the lungs are difficult and, therefore, these models are valuable tools to interpret experimental data. In this work, a new model of the NO transport in the human lungs is proposed. It belongs to the family of the morphological models and is based on the morphometric model of Weibel (1963). When compared to models published previously, its main new features are the layered representation of the wall of the airways and the possibility to simulate the influence of bronchoconstriction (BC) and of the presence of mucus on the NO transport in lungs. The model is based on a geometrical description of the lungs, at rest and during a respiratory cycle, coupled with transport equations, written in the layers composing an airway wall and in the lumen of the airways. First, it is checked that the model is able to reproduce experimental information available in the literature. Second, the model is used to discuss some features of the NO transport in healthy and unhealthy lungs. The simulation results are analyzed, especially when BC has occurred in the lungs. For instance, it is shown that BC can have a significant influence on the NO transport in the tissues composing an airway wall. It is also shown that the relation between BC and the molar fraction of NO in the exhaled air is complex. Indeed, BC might lead to an increase or to a decrease of this molar fraction, depending on the extent of the BC and on the possible presence of mucus. This should be confirmed experimentally and might

  5. Statistical modeling of 4D respiratory lung motion using diffeomorphic image registration.

    PubMed

    Ehrhardt, Jan; Werner, René; Schmidt-Richberg, Alexander; Handels, Heinz

    2011-02-01

    Modeling of respiratory motion has become increasingly important in various applications of medical imaging (e.g., radiation therapy of lung cancer). Current modeling approaches are usually confined to intra-patient registration of 3D image data representing the individual patient's anatomy at different breathing phases. We propose an approach to generate a mean motion model of the lung based on thoracic 4D computed tomography (CT) data of different patients to extend the motion modeling capabilities. Our modeling process consists of three steps: an intra-subject registration to generate subject-specific motion models, the generation of an average shape and intensity atlas of the lung as anatomical reference frame, and the registration of the subject-specific motion models to the atlas in order to build a statistical 4D mean motion model (4D-MMM). Furthermore, we present methods to adapt the 4D mean motion model to a patient-specific lung geometry. In all steps, a symmetric diffeomorphic nonlinear intensity-based registration method was employed. The Log-Euclidean framework was used to compute statistics on the diffeomorphic transformations. The presented methods are then used to build a mean motion model of respiratory lung motion using thoracic 4D CT data sets of 17 patients. We evaluate the model by applying it for estimating respiratory motion of ten lung cancer patients. The prediction is evaluated with respect to landmark and tumor motion, and the quantitative analysis results in a mean target registration error (TRE) of 3.3 ±1.6 mm if lung dynamics are not impaired by large lung tumors or other lung disorders (e.g., emphysema). With regard to lung tumor motion, we show that prediction accuracy is independent of tumor size and tumor motion amplitude in the considered data set. However, tumors adhering to non-lung structures degrade local lung dynamics significantly and the model-based prediction accuracy is lower in these cases. The statistical respiratory

  6. Chapter 7: Description of MISCAN-lung, the Erasmus MC Lung Cancer microsimulation model for evaluating cancer control interventions.

    PubMed

    Schultz, F W; Boer, R; de Koning, H J

    2012-07-01

    The MISCAN-lung model was designed to simulate population trends in lung cancer (LC) for comprehensive surveillance of the disease, to relate past exposure to risk factors to (observed) LC incidence and mortality, and to estimate the impact of cancer-control interventions. MISCAN-lung employs the technique of stochastic microsimulation of life histories affected by risk factors. It includes the two-stage clonal expansion model for carcinogenesis and a detailed LC progression model; the latter is specifically intended for the evaluation of screenings. This article elucidates further the principles of MISCAN-lung and describes its application to a comparative study within the CISNET Lung Working Group on the impact of tobacco control on U.S. LC mortality. MISCAN-lung yields an estimate of the number of LC deaths avoided during 1975-2000. The potential number of avoidable LC deaths, had everybody quit smoking in 1965, is 2.2 million; 750,000 deaths (30%) were avoided in the United States due to actual tobacco control interventions. The model fits in the actual tobacco-control scenario, providing credibility to the estimates of other scenarios, although considering survey-reported smoking trends alone has limitations. © 2012 Society for Risk Analysis.

  7. Modeling of weak blast wave propagation in the lung.

    PubMed

    D'yachenko, A I; Manyuhina, O V

    2006-01-01

    Blast injuries of the lung are the most life-threatening after an explosion. The choice of physical parameters responsible for trauma is important to understand its mechanism. We developed a one-dimensional linear model of an elastic wave propagation in foam-like pulmonary parenchyma to identify the possible cause of edema due to the impact load. The model demonstrates different injury localizations for free and rigid boundary conditions. The following parameters were considered: strain, velocity, pressure in the medium and stresses in structural elements, energy dissipation, parameter of viscous criterion. Maximum underpressure is the most suitable wave parameter to be the criterion for edema formation in a rabbit lung. We supposed that observed scattering of experimental data on edema severity is induced by the physiological variety of rabbit lungs. The criterion and the model explain this scattering. The model outlines the demands for experimental data to make an unambiguous choice of physical parameters responsible for lung trauma due to impact load.

  8. THE HUMAN FETAL LUNG XENOGRAFT: VALIDATION AS MODEL OF MICROVASCULAR REMODELING IN THE POSTGLANDULAR LUNG

    PubMed Central

    De Paepe, Monique E.; Chu, Sharon; Hall, Susan; Heger, Nicholas; Thanos, Chris; Mao, Quanfu

    2012-01-01

    Background Coordinated remodeling of epithelium and vasculature is essential for normal postglandular lung development. The value of the human-to-rodent lung xenograft as model of fetal microvascular development remains poorly defined. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the fate of the endogenous (human-derived) microvasculature in fetal lung xenografts. Methods Lung tissues were obtained from spontaneous pregnancy losses (14–22 weeks’ gestation) and implanted in the renal subcapsular or dorsal subcutaneous space of SCID-beige mice (T, B and NK-cell-deficient) and/or nude rats (T-cell-deficient). Informed parental consent was obtained. Lung morphogenesis, microvascular angiogenesis and epithelial differentiation were assessed at two and four weeks post-transplantation by light microscopy, immunohistochemical and gene expression studies. Archival age-matched postmortem lungs served as control. Results The vascular morphology, density and proliferation of renal subcapsular grafts in SCID-beige mice were similar to age-matched control lungs, with preservation of the physiologic association between epithelium and vasculature. The microvasculature of subcutaneous grafts in SCID-beige mice was underdeveloped and dysmorphic, associated with significantly lower VEGF, endoglin, and angiopoietin-2 mRNA expression than renal grafts. Grafts at both sites displayed mild airspace dysplasia. Renal subcapsular grafts in nude rats showed frequent infiltration by host lymphocytes and obliterating bronchiolitis-like changes, associated with markedly decreased endogenous angiogenesis. Conclusion This study demonstrates the critical importance of host and site selection to ensure optimal xenograft development. When transplanted to severely immune suppressed, NK-cell-deficient hosts and engrafted in the renal subcapsular site, the human-to-rodent fetal lung xenograft provides a valid model of postglandular microvascular lung remodeling. PMID:22811288

  9. Lung cancer in never smokers Epidemiology and risk prediction models

    PubMed Central

    McCarthy, William J.; Meza, Rafael; Jeon, Jihyoun; Moolgavkar, Suresh

    2012-01-01

    In this chapter we review the epidemiology of lung cancer incidence and mortality among never smokers/ nonsmokers and describe the never smoker lung cancer risk models used by CISNET modelers. Our review focuses on those influences likely to have measurable population impact on never smoker risk, such as secondhand smoke, even though the individual-level impact may be small. Occupational exposures may also contribute importantly to the population attributable risk of lung cancer. We examine the following risk factors in this chapter: age, environmental tobacco smoke, cooking fumes, ionizing radiation including radon gas, inherited genetic susceptibility, selected occupational exposures, preexisting lung disease, and oncogenic viruses. We also compare the prevalence of never smokers between the three CISNET smoking scenarios and present the corresponding lung cancer mortality estimates among never smokers as predicted by a typical CISNET model. PMID:22882894

  10. Lung Cancer Screening Participation: Developing a Conceptual Model to Guide Research

    PubMed Central

    Carter-Harris, Lisa; Davis, Lorie L.; Rawl, Susan M.

    2017-01-01

    Purpose To describe the development of a conceptual model to guide research focused on lung cancer screening participation from the perspective of the individual in the decision-making process. Methods Based on a comprehensive review of empirical and theoretical literature, a conceptual model was developed linking key psychological variables (stigma, medical mistrust, fatalism, worry, and fear) to the health belief model and precaution adoption process model. Results Proposed model concepts have been examined in prior research of either lung or other cancer screening behavior. To date, a few studies have explored a limited number of variables that influence screening behavior in lung cancer specifically. Therefore, relationships among concepts in the model have been proposed and future research directions presented. Conclusion This proposed model is an initial step to support theoretically based research. As lung cancer screening becomes more widely implemented, it is critical to theoretically guide research to understand variables that may be associated with lung cancer screening participation. Findings from future research guided by the proposed conceptual model can be used to refine the model and inform tailored intervention development. PMID:28304262

  11. Lung Cancer Screening Participation: Developing a Conceptual Model to Guide Research.

    PubMed

    Carter-Harris, Lisa; Davis, Lorie L; Rawl, Susan M

    2016-11-01

    To describe the development of a conceptual model to guide research focused on lung cancer screening participation from the perspective of the individual in the decision-making process. Based on a comprehensive review of empirical and theoretical literature, a conceptual model was developed linking key psychological variables (stigma, medical mistrust, fatalism, worry, and fear) to the health belief model and precaution adoption process model. Proposed model concepts have been examined in prior research of either lung or other cancer screening behavior. To date, a few studies have explored a limited number of variables that influence screening behavior in lung cancer specifically. Therefore, relationships among concepts in the model have been proposed and future research directions presented. This proposed model is an initial step to support theoretically based research. As lung cancer screening becomes more widely implemented, it is critical to theoretically guide research to understand variables that may be associated with lung cancer screening participation. Findings from future research guided by the proposed conceptual model can be used to refine the model and inform tailored intervention development.

  12. A pneumocyte-macrophage paracrine lipid axis drives the lung toward fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Romero, Freddy; Shah, Dilip; Duong, Michelle; Penn, Raymond B; Fessler, Michael B; Madenspacher, Jennifer; Stafstrom, William; Kavuru, Mani; Lu, Bo; Kallen, Caleb B; Walsh, Kenneth; Summer, Ross

    2015-07-01

    Lipid-laden macrophages, or "foam cells," are observed in the lungs of patients with fibrotic lung disease, but their contribution to disease pathogenesis remains unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that fibrosis induced by bleomycin, silica dust, or thoracic radiation promotes early and sustained accumulation of foam cells in the lung. In the bleomycin model, we show that foam cells arise from neighboring alveolar epithelial type II cells, which respond to injury by dumping lipids into the distal airspaces of the lungs. We demonstrate that oxidized phospholipids accumulate within alveolar macrophages (AMs) after bleomycin injury and that murine and human AMs treated with oxidized phosphatidylcholine (oxPc) become polarized along an M2 phenotype and display enhanced production of transforming growth factor-β1. The direct instillation of oxPc into the mouse lung induces foam cell formation and triggers a severe fibrotic reaction. Further, we show that reducing pulmonary lipid clearance by targeted deletion of the lipid efflux transporter ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 1 increases foam cell formation and worsens lung fibrosis after bleomycin. Conversely, we found that treatment with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor attenuates fibrotic responses, at least in part through its ability to decrease AM lipid accumulation. In summary, this work describes a novel mechanism leading to foam cell formation in the mouse lung and suggests that strategies aimed at blocking foam cell formation might be effective for treating fibrotic lung disorders.

  13. A Pneumocyte–Macrophage Paracrine Lipid Axis Drives the Lung toward Fibrosis

    PubMed Central

    Romero, Freddy; Shah, Dilip; Duong, Michelle; Penn, Raymond B.; Fessler, Michael B.; Madenspacher, Jennifer; Stafstrom, William; Kavuru, Mani; Lu, Bo; Kallen, Caleb B.; Walsh, Kenneth

    2015-01-01

    Lipid-laden macrophages, or “foam cells,” are observed in the lungs of patients with fibrotic lung disease, but their contribution to disease pathogenesis remains unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that fibrosis induced by bleomycin, silica dust, or thoracic radiation promotes early and sustained accumulation of foam cells in the lung. In the bleomycin model, we show that foam cells arise from neighboring alveolar epithelial type II cells, which respond to injury by dumping lipids into the distal airspaces of the lungs. We demonstrate that oxidized phospholipids accumulate within alveolar macrophages (AMs) after bleomycin injury and that murine and human AMs treated with oxidized phosphatidylcholine (oxPc) become polarized along an M2 phenotype and display enhanced production of transforming growth factor-β1. The direct instillation of oxPc into the mouse lung induces foam cell formation and triggers a severe fibrotic reaction. Further, we show that reducing pulmonary lipid clearance by targeted deletion of the lipid efflux transporter ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 1 increases foam cell formation and worsens lung fibrosis after bleomycin. Conversely, we found that treatment with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor attenuates fibrotic responses, at least in part through its ability to decrease AM lipid accumulation. In summary, this work describes a novel mechanism leading to foam cell formation in the mouse lung and suggests that strategies aimed at blocking foam cell formation might be effective for treating fibrotic lung disorders. PMID:25409201

  14. Constitutive androstane receptor activation promotes bilirubin clearance in a murine model of alcoholic liver disease.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xiuyan; Zheng, Liyu; Wu, Jinming; Tang, Binbin; Zhang, Mengqin; Zhu, Debin; Lin, Xianfan

    2017-06-01

    Increased plasma levels of bilirubin have been reported in rat models and patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) is a known xenobiotic receptor, which induces the detoxification and transport of bilirubin. In the present study, the bilirubin transport regulatory mechanisms, and the role of CAR activation in hepatic and extrahepatic bilirubin clearance were investigated in a murine model of ALD. The mice were fed a Lieber-DeCarli ethanol diet or an isocaloric control diet for 4 weeks, followed by the administration of CAR agonists, 1,4-bis-[2‑(3,5-dichlorpyridyloxy)]benzene (TCPOBOP) and phenobarbital (PB), and their vehicles to examine the effect of the pharmacological activation of CAR on serum levels of bilirubin and on the bilirubin clearance pathway in ALD by serological survey, western blotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that chronic ethanol ingestion impaired the nuclear translocation of CAR, which was accompanied by elevated serum levels of bilirubin, suppression of the expression of hepatic and renal organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1A1 and hepatic multidrug resistance‑associated protein 2 (MRP2), and induction of the expression of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1. The activation of CAR by TCPOBOP and PB resulted in downregulation of the serum levels of bilirubin followed by selective upregulation of the expression levels of OATP1A1, OATP1A4, UGT1A1 and MRP2 in ALD. These results revealed the bilirubin transport regulatory mechanisms and highlighted the importance of CAR in modulating the bilirubin clearance pathway in the ALD mouse model.

  15. Lung lobe modeling and segmentation with individualized surface meshes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Blaffert, Thomas; Barschdorf, Hans; von Berg, Jens; Dries, Sebastian; Franz, Astrid; Klinder, Tobias; Lorenz, Cristian; Renisch, Steffen; Wiemker, Rafael

    2008-03-01

    An automated segmentation of lung lobes in thoracic CT images is of interest for various diagnostic purposes like the quantification of emphysema or the localization of tumors within the lung. Although the separating lung fissures are visible in modern multi-slice CT-scanners, their contrast in the CT-image often does not separate the lobes completely. This makes it impossible to build a reliable segmentation algorithm without additional information. Our approach uses general anatomical knowledge represented in a geometrical mesh model to construct a robust lobe segmentation, which even gives reasonable estimates of lobe volumes if fissures are not visible at all. The paper describes the generation of the lung model mesh including lobes by an average volume model, its adaptation to individual patient data using a special fissure feature image, and a performance evaluation over a test data set showing an average segmentation accuracy of 1 to 3 mm.

  16. Inert gas clearance from tissue by co-currently and counter-currently arranged microvessels

    PubMed Central

    Lu, Y.; Michel, C. C.

    2012-01-01

    To elucidate the clearance of dissolved inert gas from tissues, we have developed numerical models of gas transport in a cylindrical block of tissue supplied by one or two capillaries. With two capillaries, attention is given to the effects of co-current and counter-current flow on tissue gas clearance. Clearance by counter-current flow is compared with clearance by a single capillary or by two co-currently arranged capillaries. Effects of the blood velocity, solubility, and diffusivity of the gas in the tissue are investigated using parameters with physiological values. It is found that under the conditions investigated, almost identical clearances are achieved by a single capillary as by a co-current pair when the total flow per tissue volume in each unit is the same (i.e., flow velocity in the single capillary is twice that in each co-current vessel). For both co-current and counter-current arrangements, approximate linear relations exist between the tissue gas clearance rate and tissue blood perfusion rate. However, the counter-current arrangement of capillaries results in less-efficient clearance of the inert gas from tissues. Furthermore, this difference in efficiency increases at higher blood flow rates. At a given blood flow, the simple conduction-capacitance model, which has been used to estimate tissue blood perfusion rate from inert gas clearance, underestimates gas clearance rates predicted by the numerical models for single vessel or for two vessels with co-current flow. This difference is accounted for in discussion, which also considers the choice of parameters and possible effects of microvascular architecture on the interpretation of tissue inert gas clearance. PMID:22604885

  17. Underkeel Clearance Study.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-09-01

    EnterewJ N00014-80-C-0395 CONTENTS Page EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 The Underlying Problem ................. 1-1 1.2 The Current Study...3-4 3.2.4 CVN Berthinq Facilities .................... 3-4 ii! JI N00014-80-C-0395 CONTENTS (continued) 3.3 Hydrologic Conditions...Drafts ...................... 3-10 3.8.3 Underkeel Clearance ........ .............. 3-10 4.0 THE ANALYSIS 4.1 The Physical Model

  18. Cleaning up the mess: cell corpse clearance in Caenorhabditis elegans.

    PubMed

    Pinto, Sérgio Morgado; Hengartner, Michael Otmar

    2012-12-01

    Genetic and cell biology studies have led to the identification in Caenorhabditis elegans of a set of evolutionary conserved cellular mechanisms responsible for the clearance of apoptotic cells. Based on the phenotype of cell corpse clearance mutants, corpse clearance can be divided into three distinct, but linked steps: corpse recognition, corpse internalization, and corpse degradation. Work in recent years has led to a better understanding of the molecular pathways that mediate each of these steps. Here, we review recent developments in our understanding of in vivo cell corpse clearance in this simple but most elegant model organism. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde (MAA) adducted protein inhalation causes lung injury

    PubMed Central

    Wyatt, T. A.; Kharbanda, K. K.; McCaskill, M. L.; Tuma, D. J.; Yanov, D.; DeVasure, J.; Sisson, J. H.

    2011-01-01

    In addition to cigarette smoking, alcohol exposure is also associated with increased lung infections and decreased mucociliary clearance. However, little research has been conducted on the combination effects of alcohol and cigarette smoke on lungs. Previously, we have demonstrated in a mouse model that the combination of cigarette smoke and alcohol exposure results in the formation of a very stable hybrid malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde (MAA)-adducted protein in the lung. In in vitro studies, MAA-adducted protein stimulates bronchial epithelial cell interleukin-8 via the activation of protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε). We hypothesized that direct MAA-adducted protein exposure in the lungs would mimic such a combination of smoke and alcohol exposure leading to airway inflammation. To test this hypothesis, C57BL/6J female mice were intranasally instilled with either saline, 30 µL of 50 µg/mL BSA-MAA, or unadducted BSA for up to 3 wk. Likewise, human lung surfactant proteins A and D (SPA, SPD) were purified from human pulmonary proteinosis lung lavage fluid and successfully MAA-adducted in vitro. Similar to BSA-MAA, SPD-MAA was instilled into mouse lungs. Lungs were necropsied and assayed for histopathology, PKCε activation, and lung lavage chemokines. In control mice instilled with saline, normal lungs had few inflammatory cells. No significant effects were observed in un-adducted BSA- or SPD-instilled mice. However, when mice were instilled with BSA-MAA or SPD-MAA for 3 wk, a significant peribronchiolar localization of inflammatory cells was observed. Both BSA-MAA and SPD-MAA stimulated increased lung lavage neutrophils and caused a significant elevation in the chemokine, KC, which is a functional homologue to human interleukin-8. Likewise, MAA-adducted protein stimulated the activation of airway and lung slice PKCε. These data support that MAA-adducted protein induces a pro-inflammatory response in the lungs and that lung surfactant protein is a biologically

  20. Clearance of Aspergillus fumigatus is impaired in the airway in allergic inflammation.

    PubMed

    Fukahori, Susumu; Matsuse, Hiroto; Tsuchida, Tomoko; Kawano, Tetsuya; Nishino, Tomoya; Fukushima, Chizu; Kohno, Shigeru

    2014-08-01

    Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) sometimes colonizes and persists within the respiratory tree in some patients with asthma. To date, the precise reasons why the clearance of Af is impaired in patients with asthma remain unknown. To characterize the effects of allergic airway inflammation on clearance of Af. Control and Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) allergen-sensitized BALB/c mice were intranasally infected with Af. After 2 and 9 days of infection, the pathology, fungal burden, and cytokine profile in lung tissue were compared. In a different set of experiments, the phagocytotic activity of alveolar macrophages and the expression of their pathogen recognition receptors also were determined. The Af conidia and neutrophilic airway inflammation disappeared by day 9 after infection in control mice. In Df-sensitized mice, Af conidia and neutrophilic and eosinophilic airway inflammation persisted at day 9 after infection. Compared with control mice, Df allergen-sensitized mice showed significant increases in interleukin (IL)-5 and decreases in IL-12 and interferon-γ in lung tissues at day 2 after infection. Most importantly, compared with Af-infected non-Df-sensitized mice, IL-17 in lung tissues was significantly decreased in Df allergen-sensitized Af-infected mice at day 2 after infection but was significantly increased at day 9. Alveolar macrophages isolated from Df allergen-sensitized mice exhibited significant decreases in phagocytotic activity and expression of Toll-like receptor-4 and dectin-1 compared with those from control mice. In the airway of patients with allergy, T-helper cell type 2-dominant immunity potentially affects the expression of pathogen recognition receptors and attenuates cellular defense against Af. Prolonged IL-17 production also could play an important role. Copyright © 2014 American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. A Lung Segmental Model of Chronic Pseudomonas Infection in Sheep

    PubMed Central

    Collie, David; Govan, John; Wright, Steven; Thornton, Elisabeth; Tennant, Peter; Smith, Sionagh; Doherty, Catherine; McLachlan, Gerry

    2013-01-01

    Background Chronic lung infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major contributor to morbidity, mortality and premature death in cystic fibrosis. A new paradigm for managing such infections is needed, as are relevant and translatable animal models to identify and test concepts. We sought to improve on limitations associated with existing models of infection in small animals through developing a lung segmental model of chronic Pseudomonas infection in sheep. Methodology/Principal Findings Using local lung instillation of P. aeruginosa suspended in agar beads we were able to demonstrate that such infection led to the development of a suppurative, necrotising and pyogranulomatous pneumonia centred on the instilled beads. No overt evidence of organ or systemic compromise was apparent in any animal during the course of infection. Infection persisted in the lungs of individual animals for as long as 66 days after initial instillation. Quantitative microbiology applied to bronchoalveolar lavage fluid derived from infected segments proved an insensitive index of the presence of significant infection in lung tissue (>104 cfu/g). Conclusions/Significance The agar bead model of chronic P. aeruginosa lung infection in sheep is a relevant platform to investigate both the pathobiology of such infections as well as novel approaches to their diagnosis and therapy. Particular ethical benefits relate to the model in terms of refining existing approaches by compromising a smaller proportion of the lung with infection and facilitating longitudinal assessment by bronchoscopy, and also potentially reducing animal numbers through facilitating within-animal comparisons of differential therapeutic approaches. PMID:23874438

  2. Lung Cancer Risk Prediction Models

    Cancer.gov

    Developing statistical models that estimate the probability of developing lung cancer over a defined period of time will help clinicians identify individuals at higher risk of specific cancers, allowing for earlier or more frequent screening and counseling of behavioral changes to decrease risk.

  3. Nasal deposition and clearance in man: comparison of a bidirectional powder device and a traditional liquid spray pump.

    PubMed

    Djupesland, Per Gisle; Skretting, Arne

    2012-10-01

    Delivery of powder formulations to the nose is an attractive alternative for many drugs and vaccines. This study compared the regional nasal deposition and clearance patterns of lactose powder delivered by the OptiNose powder device (Opt-Powder; OptiNose US Inc., Yardley, PA, USA) to that of liquid aerosol administered via a traditional hand-actuated liquid spray pump (Rexam SP270, Rexam Pharma, France). The study was an open-label, crossover design in seven healthy subjects (five females, two males). The regional nasal deposition and clearance patterns of the Opt-Powder device were compared to a traditional liquid spray pump by dynamic gamma camera imaging after administration of either (99m)Tc-labeled lactose powder or liquid (99m)Tc- diethelyne triamine pentaacetic acid-aerosol. The gamma camera images were scaled and aligned with sagittal magnetic resonance images to identify nasal regions. Possible deposition of radiolabeled material in the lungs following both methods of delivery was also evaluated. Both powder and spray were distributed to all of the nasal regions. The Opt-Powder device, however, achieved significantly larger initial deposition in the upper and middle posterior regions of the nose than spray (upper posterior region; Opt-Powder 18.3% ± 11.5 vs. Spray 2.4% ± 1.8, p<0.02; sum of upper and middle posterior regions; Opt-Powder 53.5% ± 18.5 vs. Spray 15.7% ± 13.8, p<0.02). The summed initial deposition to the lower anterior and posterior regions for spray was three times higher compared to Opt-Powder (Opt-Powder 17.4% ± 24.5 vs. Spray 59.4% ± 18.2, p<0.04). OptiNose powder delivery resulted in more rapid overall nasal clearance. No lung deposition was observed. The initial deposition following powder delivery was significantly larger in the ciliated mucosa of the upper and posterior nasal regions, whereas less was deposited in the lower regions. Overall nasal clearance of powder was slower initially, but due to retention in anterior

  4. [Correlation index amylase-creatinine clearance to endogenous creatinine clearance in severe preeclampsia].

    PubMed

    Vázquez Rodríguez, Juan Gustavo; Cruz Cruz, Polita del Rocío; Márquez Hubert, Elizabeth

    2009-07-01

    Tubular lesion may cause acute renal insufficiency in pregnant patients with severe preeclampsia. To describe the correlation between the amylase/creatinine clearance ratio and endogenous creatinine depuration in pregnant patients with severe preeclampsia. Transversal study (pilot study) twenty eight women with pregnancies of 20 to 40 weeks complicated by severe preeclampsia were studied. Subjects had serum and urine creatinine and amylase determinations to calculate the amylase/creatinine clearance ratio (%). According to the results, two groups were formed: group A (> 3%) and group B (< or = 3%). The correlation between amylase/creatinine clearance ratio and endogenous creatinine depuration was evaluated. measures of central tendency and dispersion, Student's t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and linear regression were used. Group A included 23 cases (82%) and group B included 5 cases (18%). Amylase/creatinine clearance ratio (%) for group A was 5.22 +/- 1.6 and for group B was 2.41 +/- 0.41 (p = 0.001). The endogenous creatinine depuration (mL /min. /1.73 m2 SC) for group A was 105.6 +/- 9.71 and for group B was 132.10 +/- 7.95 (p = 0.54). The r between amylase/creatinine clearance ratio and endogenous creatinine depuration for group A was -0.43 and for group B was -0.25. A moderately significant negative correlation exists between amylase/creatinine clearance ratio and endogenous creatinine depuration.

  5. Deterministic Models of Inhalational Anthrax in New Zealand White Rabbits

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Computational models describing bacterial kinetics were developed for inhalational anthrax in New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits following inhalation of Ames strain B. anthracis. The data used to parameterize the models included bacterial numbers in the airways, lung tissue, draining lymph nodes, and blood. Initial bacterial numbers were deposited spore dose. The first model was a single exponential ordinary differential equation (ODE) with 3 rate parameters that described mucociliated (physical) clearance, immune clearance (bacterial killing), and bacterial growth. At 36 hours postexposure, the ODE model predicted 1.7×107 bacteria in the rabbit, which agreed well with data from actual experiments (4.0×107 bacteria at 36 hours). Next, building on the single ODE model, a physiological-based biokinetic (PBBK) compartmentalized model was developed in which 1 physiological compartment was the lumen of the airways and the other was the rabbit body (lung tissue, lymph nodes, blood). The 2 compartments were connected with a parameter describing transport of bacteria from the airways into the body. The PBBK model predicted 4.9×107 bacteria in the body at 36 hours, and by 45 hours the model showed all clearance mechanisms were saturated, suggesting the rabbit would quickly succumb to the infection. As with the ODE model, the PBBK model results agreed well with laboratory observations. These data are discussed along with the need for and potential application of the models in risk assessment, drug development, and as a general aid to the experimentalist studying inhalational anthrax. PMID:24527843

  6. R-warfarin clearances from plasma associated with polymorphic cytochrome P450 2C19 and simulated by individual physiologically based pharmacokinetic models for 11 cynomolgus monkeys.

    PubMed

    Utoh, Masahiro; Kusama, Takashi; Miura, Tomonori; Mitsui, Marina; Kawano, Mirai; Hirano, Takahiro; Shimizu, Makiko; Uno, Yasuhiro; Yamazaki, Hiroshi

    2018-02-01

    1. Cynomolgus monkey cytochrome P450 2C19 (formerly known as P450 2C75), homologous to human P450 2C19, has been identified as R-warfarin 7-hydroxylase. In this study, simulations of R-warfarin clearance in individual cynomolgus monkeys genotyped for P450 2C19 p.[(Phe100Asn; Ala103Val; Ile112Leu)] were performed using individual simplified physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. 2. Pharmacokinetic parameters and absorption rate constants, volumes of the systemic circulation, and hepatic intrinsic clearances for individual PBPK models were estimated for eleven cynomolgus monkeys. 3. One-way ANOVA revealed significant effects of the genotype (p < 0.01) on the observed elimination half-lives and areas under the curves of R-warfarin among the homozygous mutant, heterozygous mutant, and wild-type groups. R-Warfarin clearances in individual cynomolgus monkeys genotyped for P450 2C19 were simulated by simplified PBPK modeling. The modeled hepatic intrinsic clearances were significantly associated with the P450 2C19 genotypes. The liver microsomal elimination rates of R-warfarin for individual animals after in vivo administration showed significant reductions associated with the genotype (p < 0.01). 4. This study provides important information to help simulate clearances of R-warfarin and related medicines associated with polymorphic P450 2C19 in individual cynomolgus monkeys, thereby facilitating calculation of the fraction of hepatic clearance.

  7. Anatomy and bronchoscopy of the porcine lung. A model for translational respiratory medicine.

    PubMed

    Judge, Eoin P; Hughes, J M Lynne; Egan, Jim J; Maguire, Michael; Molloy, Emer L; O'Dea, Shirley

    2014-09-01

    The porcine model has contributed significantly to biomedical research over many decades. The similar size and anatomy of pig and human organs make this model particularly beneficial for translational research in areas such as medical device development, therapeutics and xenotransplantation. In recent years, a major limitation with the porcine model was overcome with the successful generation of gene-targeted pigs and the publication of the pig genome. As a result, the role of this model is likely to become even more important. For the respiratory medicine field, the similarities between pig and human lungs give the porcine model particular potential for advancing translational medicine. An increasing number of lung conditions are being studied and modeled in the pig. Genetically modified porcine models of cystic fibrosis have been generated that, unlike mouse models, develop lung disease similar to human cystic fibrosis. However, the scientific literature relating specifically to porcine lung anatomy and airway histology is limited and is largely restricted to veterinary literature and textbooks. Furthermore, methods for in vivo lung procedures in the pig are rarely described. The aims of this review are to collate the disparate literature on porcine lung anatomy, histology, and microbiology; to provide a comparison with the human lung; and to describe appropriate bronchoscopy procedures for the pig lungs to aid clinical researchers working in the area of translational respiratory medicine using the porcine model.

  8. Sensitivity of tumor motion simulation accuracy to lung biomechanical modeling approaches and parameters.

    PubMed

    Tehrani, Joubin Nasehi; Yang, Yin; Werner, Rene; Lu, Wei; Low, Daniel; Guo, Xiaohu; Wang, Jing

    2015-11-21

    Finite element analysis (FEA)-based biomechanical modeling can be used to predict lung respiratory motion. In this technique, elastic models and biomechanical parameters are two important factors that determine modeling accuracy. We systematically evaluated the effects of lung and lung tumor biomechanical modeling approaches and related parameters to improve the accuracy of motion simulation of lung tumor center of mass (TCM) displacements. Experiments were conducted with four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT). A Quasi-Newton FEA was performed to simulate lung and related tumor displacements between end-expiration (phase 50%) and other respiration phases (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%). Both linear isotropic and non-linear hyperelastic materials, including the neo-Hookean compressible and uncoupled Mooney-Rivlin models, were used to create a finite element model (FEM) of lung and tumors. Lung surface displacement vector fields (SDVFs) were obtained by registering the 50% phase CT to other respiration phases, using the non-rigid demons registration algorithm. The obtained SDVFs were used as lung surface displacement boundary conditions in FEM. The sensitivity of TCM displacement to lung and tumor biomechanical parameters was assessed in eight patients for all three models. Patient-specific optimal parameters were estimated by minimizing the TCM motion simulation errors between phase 50% and phase 0%. The uncoupled Mooney-Rivlin material model showed the highest TCM motion simulation accuracy. The average TCM motion simulation absolute errors for the Mooney-Rivlin material model along left-right, anterior-posterior, and superior-inferior directions were 0.80 mm, 0.86 mm, and 1.51 mm, respectively. The proposed strategy provides a reliable method to estimate patient-specific biomechanical parameters in FEM for lung tumor motion simulation.

  9. The microdistribution of α-active nuclides in the human lung

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Henshaw, D. L.; Fews, A. P.

    1984-06-01

    Elsewhere (refs. [4,5]) the authors have discussed new and elaborate techniques for alpha-particle autoradiography using the nuclear track detector CR-39. These techniques are at present being applied in a major study of the microdistribution of alpha-active nuclides in the human lung. Whole lungs with trachea are obtained at autopsy. Case histories representing a wide spectrum of lung burden are sought but that from the general population serves as a baseline from which all abnormal levels may be compared. The lungs are dissected, loaded against CR-39 and stored deep frozen for 3-20 months. Subsequent analysis of the autoradiograph reveals: (i) The microdistribution of activity. This includes for example the pattern of deposition around the tracheal bifurcation and across the tracheal wall for both the total activity and separately that due to 222Rn + daughter nuclei and, the distribution of single and multiple decays from single points over the storage period of the autoradiograph. The information enables the frequency of single and multiple hits to sensitive cells in the lung to be calculated. This is an important step in estimating the frequency of radiation induced mutations. (ii) The absolute abundance of alpha-active nuclides present at each site. This quantity is determined at particular locations in lung such as bifurcations in the major airways, in corresponding positions on the posterior aspect of the trachea and bronchus and parenchymal lung for each of the five lobes and in the lymph nodes. The information is obtained in normal lung over a wide span of age. This overall information may be used to study the deposition, retention and clearance patterns of different alpha-emitting elements with associated differences in size and physical and chemical nature. These studies in normal lung may provide new information on the mechanism at work in lung for the clearance of particulate matter. They may also be used to predict the behaviour of inhaled alpha

  10. 14 CFR 25.925 - Propeller clearance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Propeller clearance. 25.925 Section 25.925... STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES Powerplant General § 25.925 Propeller clearance. Unless smaller clearances are substantiated, propeller clearances with the airplane at maximum weight, with the most adverse...

  11. 14 CFR 23.925 - Propeller clearance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Propeller clearance. 23.925 Section 23.925... STANDARDS: NORMAL, UTILITY, ACROBATIC, AND COMMUTER CATEGORY AIRPLANES Powerplant General § 23.925 Propeller clearance. Unless smaller clearances are substantiated, propeller clearances, with the airplane at the most...

  12. 14 CFR 23.925 - Propeller clearance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Propeller clearance. 23.925 Section 23.925... STANDARDS: NORMAL, UTILITY, ACROBATIC, AND COMMUTER CATEGORY AIRPLANES Powerplant General § 23.925 Propeller clearance. Unless smaller clearances are substantiated, propeller clearances, with the airplane at the most...

  13. 14 CFR 23.925 - Propeller clearance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Propeller clearance. 23.925 Section 23.925... STANDARDS: NORMAL, UTILITY, ACROBATIC, AND COMMUTER CATEGORY AIRPLANES Powerplant General § 23.925 Propeller clearance. Unless smaller clearances are substantiated, propeller clearances, with the airplane at the most...

  14. 14 CFR 25.925 - Propeller clearance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Propeller clearance. 25.925 Section 25.925... STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES Powerplant General § 25.925 Propeller clearance. Unless smaller clearances are substantiated, propeller clearances with the airplane at maximum weight, with the most adverse...

  15. 14 CFR 25.925 - Propeller clearance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Propeller clearance. 25.925 Section 25.925... STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES Powerplant General § 25.925 Propeller clearance. Unless smaller clearances are substantiated, propeller clearances with the airplane at maximum weight, with the most adverse...

  16. 14 CFR 25.925 - Propeller clearance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Propeller clearance. 25.925 Section 25.925... STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES Powerplant General § 25.925 Propeller clearance. Unless smaller clearances are substantiated, propeller clearances with the airplane at maximum weight, with the most adverse...

  17. 14 CFR 23.925 - Propeller clearance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Propeller clearance. 23.925 Section 23.925... STANDARDS: NORMAL, UTILITY, ACROBATIC, AND COMMUTER CATEGORY AIRPLANES Powerplant General § 23.925 Propeller clearance. Unless smaller clearances are substantiated, propeller clearances, with the airplane at the most...

  18. Dexmedetomidine metabolic clearance is not affected by fat mass in obese patients.

    PubMed

    Rolle, A; Paredes, S; Cortínez, L I; Anderson, B J; Quezada, N; Solari, S; Allende, F; Torres, J; Cabrera, D; Contreras, V; Carmona, J; Ramírez, C; Oliveros, A M; Ibacache, M

    2018-05-01

    Obesity has been associated with reduced dexmedetomidine clearance, suggesting impaired hepatic function or reduced hepatic blood flow. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of obesity in dexmedetomidine metabolic clearance. Forty patients, ASA I-III, 18-60 yr old, weighing 47-126 kg, scheduled for abdominal laparoscopic surgery, were enrolled. Anaesthetic agents (propofol, remifentanil, and dexmedetomidine) were dosed based on lean body weight measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Serial venous samples were drawn during and after dexmedetomidine infusion. A pharmacokinetic analysis was undertaken using non-linear mixed-effect models. In the modelling approach, the total body weight, lean body weight, and adjusted body weight were first tested as size descriptors for volumes and clearances. Hepatic blood flow, liver histopathology, liver enzymes, and gene expression of metabolic enzymes (UGT2B10 and UGT1A4) were tested as covariates of dexmedetomidine metabolic clearance. A decrease in NONMEM objective function value (ΔOFV) of 3.84 points, for an added parameter, was considered significant at the 0.05 level. A total of 637 dexmedetomidine serum samples were obtained. A two-compartmental model scaled to measured lean weight adequately described the dexmedetomidine pharmacokinetics. Liver blood flow was a covariate for dexmedetomidine clearance (ΔOFV=-5.878). Other factors, including fat mass, histopathological damage, and differential expression of enzymes, did not affect the dexmedetomidine clearance in the population studied (ΔOFV<3.84). We did not find a negative influence of obesity in dexmedetomidine clearance when doses were adjusted to lean body weight. Liver blood flow showed a significant effect on dexmedetomidine clearance. NCT02557867. Copyright © 2018 British Journal of Anaesthesia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Sensitivity of Tumor Motion Simulation Accuracy to Lung Biomechanical Modeling Approaches and Parameters

    PubMed Central

    Tehrani, Joubin Nasehi; Yang, Yin; Werner, Rene; Lu, Wei; Low, Daniel; Guo, Xiaohu

    2015-01-01

    Finite element analysis (FEA)-based biomechanical modeling can be used to predict lung respiratory motion. In this technique, elastic models and biomechanical parameters are two important factors that determine modeling accuracy. We systematically evaluated the effects of lung and lung tumor biomechanical modeling approaches and related parameters to improve the accuracy of motion simulation of lung tumor center of mass (TCM) displacements. Experiments were conducted with four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT). A Quasi-Newton FEA was performed to simulate lung and related tumor displacements between end-expiration (phase 50%) and other respiration phases (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%). Both linear isotropic and non-linear hyperelastic materials, including the Neo-Hookean compressible and uncoupled Mooney-Rivlin models, were used to create a finite element model (FEM) of lung and tumors. Lung surface displacement vector fields (SDVFs) were obtained by registering the 50% phase CT to other respiration phases, using the non-rigid demons registration algorithm. The obtained SDVFs were used as lung surface displacement boundary conditions in FEM. The sensitivity of TCM displacement to lung and tumor biomechanical parameters was assessed in eight patients for all three models. Patient-specific optimal parameters were estimated by minimizing the TCM motion simulation errors between phase 50% and phase 0%. The uncoupled Mooney-Rivlin material model showed the highest TCM motion simulation accuracy. The average TCM motion simulation absolute errors for the Mooney-Rivlin material model along left-right (LR), anterior-posterior (AP), and superior-inferior (SI) directions were 0.80 mm, 0.86 mm, and 1.51 mm, respectively. The proposed strategy provides a reliable method to estimate patient-specific biomechanical parameters in FEM for lung tumor motion simulation. PMID:26531324

  20. Animal Models in Carotenoids Research and Lung Cancer Prevention1

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Jina; Kim, Yuri

    2011-01-01

    Numerous epidemiological studies have consistently demonstrated that individuals who eat more fruits and vegetables (which are rich in carotenoids) and who have higher serum β-carotene levels have a lower risk of cancer, especially lung cancer. However, two human intervention trials conducted in Finland and in the United States have reported contrasting results with high doses of β-carotene supplementation increasing the risk of lung cancer among smokers. The failure of these trials to demonstrate actual efficacy has resulted in the initiation of animal studies to reproduce the findings of these two studies and to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the harmful or protective effects of carotenoids in lung carcinogenesis. Although these studies have been limited by a lack of animal models that appropriately represent human lung cancer induced by cigarette smoke, ferrets and A/J mice are currently the most widely used models for these types of studies. There are several proposed mechanisms for the protective effects of carotenoids on cigarette smoke-induced lung carcinogenesis, and these include antioxidant/prooxidant effects, modulation of retinoic acid signaling pathway and metabolism, induction of cytochrome P450, and molecular signaling involved in cell proliferation and/or apoptosis. The technical challenges associated with animal models include strain-specific and diet-specific effects, differences in the absorption and distribution of carotenoids, and differences in the interactions of carotenoids with other antioxidants. Despite the problems associated with extrapolating from animal models to humans, the understanding and development of various animal models may provide useful information regarding the protective effects of carotenoids against lung carcinogenesis. PMID:21966544

  1. Cerebrospinal Fluid Clearance in Alzheimer Disease Measured with Dynamic PET.

    PubMed

    de Leon, Mony J; Li, Yi; Okamura, Nobuyuki; Tsui, Wai H; Saint-Louis, Les A; Glodzik, Lidia; Osorio, Ricardo S; Fortea, Juan; Butler, Tracy; Pirraglia, Elizabeth; Fossati, Silvia; Kim, Hee-Jin; Carare, Roxana O; Nedergaard, Maiken; Benveniste, Helene; Rusinek, Henry

    2017-09-01

    Evidence supporting the hypothesis that reduced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) clearance is involved in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer disease (AD) comes primarily from rodent models. However, unlike rodents, in which predominant extracranial CSF egress is via olfactory nerves traversing the cribriform plate, human CSF clearance pathways are not well characterized. Dynamic PET with 18 F-THK5117, a tracer for tau pathology, was used to estimate the ventricular CSF time-activity as a biomarker for CSF clearance. We tested 3 hypotheses: extracranial CSF is detected at the superior turbinates; CSF clearance is reduced in AD; and CSF clearance is inversely associated with amyloid deposition. Methods: Fifteen subjects, 8 with AD and 7 normal control volunteers, were examined with 18 F-THK5117. Ten subjects additionally underwent 11 C-Pittsburgh compound B ( 11 C-PiB) PET scanning, and 8 were 11 C-PiB-positive. Ventricular time-activity curves of 18 F-THK5117 were used to identify highly correlated time-activity curves from extracranial voxels. Results: For all subjects, the greatest density of CSF-positive extracranial voxels was in the nasal turbinates. Tracer concentration analyses validated the superior nasal turbinate CSF signal intensity. AD patients showed ventricular tracer clearance reduced by 23% and 66% fewer superior turbinate CSF egress sites. Ventricular CSF clearance was inversely associated with amyloid deposition. Conclusion: The human nasal turbinate is part of the CSF clearance system. Lateral ventricle and superior nasal turbinate CSF clearance abnormalities are found in AD. Ventricular CSF clearance reductions are associated with increased brain amyloid depositions. These data suggest that PET-measured CSF clearance is a biomarker of potential interest in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. © 2017 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

  2. Toward a Fast-Response Active Turbine Tip Clearance Control

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Melcher, Kevin J.; Kypuros, Javier A.

    2003-01-01

    This paper describes active tip clearance control research being conducted by NASA to improve turbine engine systems. The target application for this effort is commercial aircraft engines. However, technologies developed for clearance control can benefit a broad spectrum of current and future turbomachinery. The first portion of the paper addresses the research from a programmatic viewpoint. Recent studies that provide motivation for the work, identification of key technologies, and NASA's plan for addressing deficiencies in the technologies are discussed. The later portion of the paper drills down into one of the key technologies by presenting equations and results for a preliminary dynamic model of the tip clearance phenomena.

  3. Towards a virtual lung: multi-scale, multi-physics modelling of the pulmonary system.

    PubMed

    Burrowes, K S; Swan, A J; Warren, N J; Tawhai, M H

    2008-09-28

    The essential function of the lung, gas exchange, is dependent on adequate matching of ventilation and perfusion, where air and blood are delivered through complex branching systems exposed to regionally varying transpulmonary and transmural pressures. Structure and function in the lung are intimately related, yet computational models in pulmonary physiology usually simplify or neglect structure. The geometries of the airway and vascular systems and their interaction with parenchymal tissue have an important bearing on regional distributions of air and blood, and therefore on whole lung gas exchange, but this has not yet been addressed by modelling studies. Models for gas exchange have typically incorporated considerable detail at the level of chemical reactions, with little thought for the influence of structure. To date, relatively little attention has been paid to modelling at the cellular or subcellular level in the lung, or to linking information from the protein structure/interaction and cellular levels to the operation of the whole lung. We review previous work in developing anatomically based models of the lung, airways, parenchyma and pulmonary vasculature, and some functional studies in which these models have been used. Models for gas exchange at several spatial scales are briefly reviewed, and the challenges and benefits from modelling cellular function in the lung are discussed.

  4. Corruption of the Fas Pathway Delays the Pulmonary Clearance of Murine Osteosarcoma Cells, Enhances Their Metastatic Potential, and Reduces the Effect of Aerosol Gemcitabine

    PubMed Central

    Gordon, Nancy; Koshkina, Nadezhda V.; Jia, Shu-Fang; Khanna, Chand; Mendoza, Arnulfo; Worth, Laura L.; Kleinerman, Eugenie S.

    2015-01-01

    Purpose Pulmonary metastases continue to be a significant problem in osteosarcoma. Apoptosis dysfunction is known to influence tumor development. Fas (CD95, APO-1)/FasL is one of the most extensively studied apoptotic pathways. Because FasL is constitutively expressed in the lung, cells that express Fas should be eliminated by lung endothelium. Cells with low or no cell surface Fas expression may be able to evade this innate defense mechanism. The purpose of these studies was to evaluate Fas expression in osteosarcoma lung metastases and the effect of gemcitabine on Fas expression and tumor growth. Experimental Design and Results Using the K7M2 murine osteosarcoma model, Fas expression was quantified using immunohistochemistry. High levels of Fas were present in primary tumors, but no Fas expression was present in actively growing lung metastases. Blocking the Fas pathway using Fas-associated death domain dominant-negative delayed tumor cell clearance from the lung and increased metastatic potential. Treatment of mice with aerosol gemcitabine resulted in increased Fas expression and subsequent tum or regression. Conclusions We conclude that corruption of the Fas pathway is critical to the ability of osteosarcoma cells to grow in the lung. Agents such as gemcitabine that up-regulate cell surface Fas expression may therefore be effective in treating osteosarcoma lung metastases. These data also suggest that an additional mechanism by which gemcitabine induces regression of osteosarcoma lung metastases is mediated by enhancing the sensitivity of the tumor cells to the constitutive FasL in the lung. PMID:17671136

  5. Optimal flow conditions of a tracheobronchial model to reengineer lung structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Casarin, Stefano; Aletti, Federico; Baselli, Giuseppe; Garbey, Marc

    2017-04-01

    The high demand for lung transplants cannot be matched by an adequate number of lungs from donors. Since fully ex-novo lungs are far from being feasible, tissue engineering is actively considering implantation of engineered lungs where the devitalized structure of a donor is used as scaffold to be repopulated by stem cells of the receiving patient. A decellularized donated lung is treated inside a bioreactor where transport through the tracheobronchial tree (TBT) will allow for both deposition of stem cells and nourishment for their subsequent growth, thus developing new lung tissue. The key concern is to set optimally the boundary conditions to utilize in the bioreactor. We propose a predictive model of slow liquid ventilation, which combines a one-dimensional (1-D) mathematical model of the TBT and a solute deposition model strongly dependent on fluid velocity across the tree. With it, we were able to track and drive the concentration of a generic solute across the airways, looking for its optimal distribution. This was given by properly adjusting the pumps' regime serving the bioreactor. A feedback system, created by coupling the two models, allowed us to derive the optimal pattern. The TBT model can be easily invertible, thus yielding a straightforward flow/pressure law at the inlet to optimize the efficiency of the bioreactor.

  6. A 4DCT imaging-based breathing lung model with relative hysteresis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Miyawaki, Shinjiro; Choi, Sanghun; Hoffman, Eric A.; Lin, Ching-Long

    2016-12-01

    To reproduce realistic airway motion and airflow, the authors developed a deforming lung computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model based on four-dimensional (4D, space and time) dynamic computed tomography (CT) images. A total of 13 time points within controlled tidal volume respiration were used to account for realistic and irregular lung motion in human volunteers. Because of the irregular motion of 4DCT-based airways, we identified an optimal interpolation method for airway surface deformation during respiration, and implemented a computational solid mechanics-based moving mesh algorithm to produce smooth deforming airway mesh. In addition, we developed physiologically realistic airflow boundary conditions for both models based on multiple images and a single image. Furthermore, we examined simplified models based on one or two dynamic or static images. By comparing these simplified models with the model based on 13 dynamic images, we investigated the effects of relative hysteresis of lung structure with respect to lung volume, lung deformation, and imaging methods, i.e., dynamic vs. static scans, on CFD-predicted pressure drop. The effect of imaging method on pressure drop was 24 percentage points due to the differences in airflow distribution and airway geometry.

  7. A 4DCT imaging-based breathing lung model with relative hysteresis

    PubMed Central

    Miyawaki, Shinjiro; Choi, Sanghun; Hoffman, Eric A.; Lin, Ching-Long

    2016-01-01

    To reproduce realistic airway motion and airflow, the authors developed a deforming lung computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model based on four-dimensional (4D, space and time) dynamic computed tomography (CT) images. A total of 13 time points within controlled tidal volume respiration were used to account for realistic and irregular lung motion in human volunteers. Because of the irregular motion of 4DCT-based airways, we identified an optimal interpolation method for airway surface deformation during respiration, and implemented a computational solid mechanics-based moving mesh algorithm to produce smooth deforming airway mesh. In addition, we developed physiologically realistic airflow boundary conditions for both models based on multiple images and a single image. Furthermore, we examined simplified models based on one or two dynamic or static images. By comparing these simplified models with the model based on 13 dynamic images, we investigated the effects of relative hysteresis of lung structure with respect to lung volume, lung deformation, and imaging methods, i.e., dynamic vs. static scans, on CFD-predicted pressure drop. The effect of imaging method on pressure drop was 24 percentage points due to the differences in airflow distribution and airway geometry. PMID:28260811

  8. Prediction of mesothelioma and lung cancer in a cohort of asbestos exposed workers.

    PubMed

    Gasparrini, Antonio; Pizzo, Anna Maria; Gorini, Giuseppe; Seniori Costantini, Adele; Silvestri, Stefano; Ciapini, Cesare; Innocenti, Andrea; Berry, Geoffrey

    2008-01-01

    Several papers have reported state-wide projections of mesothelioma deaths, but few have computed these predictions in selected exposed groups. To predict the future deaths attributable to asbestos in a cohort of railway rolling stock workers. The future mortality of the 1,146 living workers has been computed in term of individual probability of dying for three different risks: baseline mortality, lung cancer excess, mesothelioma mortality. Lung cancer mortality attributable to asbestos was calculated assuming the excess risk as stable or with a decrease after a period of time since first exposure. Mesothelioma mortality was based on cumulative exposure and time since first exposure, with the inclusion of a term for clearance of asbestos fibres from the lung. The most likely range of the number of deaths attributable to asbestos in the period 2005-2050 was 15-30 for excess of lung cancer, and 23-35 for mesothelioma. This study provides predictions of asbestos-related mortality even in a selected cohort of exposed subjects, using previous knowledge about exposure-response relationship. The inclusion of individual information in the projection model helps reduce misclassification and improves the results. The method could be extended in other selected cohorts.

  9. Design optimization of dual-axis driving mechanism for satellite antenna with two planar revolute clearance joints

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bai, Zheng Feng; Zhao, Ji Jun; Chen, Jun; Zhao, Yang

    2018-03-01

    In the dynamic analysis of satellite antenna dual-axis driving mechanism, it is usually assumed that the joints are ideal or perfect without clearances. However, in reality, clearances in joints are unavoidable due to assemblage, manufacturing errors and wear. When clearance is introduced to the mechanism, it will lead to poor dynamic performances and undesirable vibrations due to impact forces in clearance joint. In this paper, a design optimization method is presented to reduce the undesirable vibrations of satellite antenna considering clearance joints in dual-axis driving mechanism. The contact force model in clearance joint is established using a nonlinear spring-damper model and the friction effect is considered using a modified Coulomb friction model. Firstly, the effects of clearances on dynamic responses of satellite antenna are investigated. Then the optimization method for dynamic design of the dual-axis driving mechanism with clearance is presented. The objective of the optimization is to minimize the maximum absolute vibration peak of antenna acceleration by reducing the impact forces in clearance joint. The main consideration here is to optimize the contact parameters of the joint elements. The contact stiffness coefficient, damping coefficient and the dynamic friction coefficient for clearance joint elements are taken as the optimization variables. A Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) algorithm is used to solve this highly nonlinear optimization problem for dual-axis driving mechanism with clearance joints. The results show that the acceleration peaks of satellite antenna and contact forces in clearance joints are reduced obviously after design optimization, which contributes to a better performance of the satellite antenna. Also, the application and limitation of the proposed optimization method are discussed.

  10. Malnutrition causes a reduction in alveolar epithelial sodium and chloride transport which predisposes to death from lung injury.

    PubMed

    Eisenhut, Michael

    2007-01-01

    All forms of malnutrition have been associated with increased severity of pneumonia, an increased pneumonia associated mortality and an increased risk of pulmonary fluid overload. Malnutrition was found to be associated with increased sweat sodium and chloride concentrations. A reduction of systemic sodium and chloride transport reflected in sweat sodium and chloride levels has been linked to increased severity of pulmonary edema in children with septicemia. Malnutrition causes a reduction in alveolar epithelial sodium and chloride transport which predisposes to death from lung injury. SUPPORTING EVIDENCE FOR THE HYPOTHESIS: Malnutrition caused reduced pulmonary fluid clearance in the rat model. Amiloride insensitive pulmonary fluid clearance in malnourished rats was reduced. The reduction in fluid clearance was reversible by beta agonists which increases epithelial sodium and chloride transport. Reduction of alveolar ion and fluid transport capacity explains the predisposition to death from pulmonary edema associated with intravenous fluids and blood transfusions in inpatients with malnutrition. Reduced alveolar epithelial ion transport impairs absorption of intra-alveolar inflammatory exudate in pneumonia leading to a increased severity of respiratory compromise and increased mortality. MEANS TO TEST THE HYPOTHESIS: Nasal potential difference measurements could compare airway epithelial sodium and chloride transport in patients with and without malnutrition and malnutrition associated lung disease. Sweat sodium and chloride concentrations could be compared in patients with and without respiratory disease associated with malnutrition and correlated with the severity of respiratory compromise.

  11. Therapeutic lymphangiogenesis ameliorates established acute lung allograft rejection

    PubMed Central

    Cui, Ye; Liu, Kaifeng; Monzon-Medina, Maria E.; Padera, Robert F.; Wang, Hao; George, Gautam; Toprak, Demet; Abdelnour, Elie; D’Agostino, Emmanuel; Goldberg, Hilary J.; Perrella, Mark A.; Forteza, Rosanna Malbran; Rosas, Ivan O.; Visner, Gary; El-Chemaly, Souheil

    2015-01-01

    Lung transplantation is the only viable option for patients suffering from otherwise incurable end-stage pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Despite aggressive immunosuppression, acute rejection of the lung allograft occurs in over half of transplant recipients, and the factors that promote lung acceptance are poorly understood. The contribution of lymphatic vessels to transplant pathophysiology remains controversial, and data that directly address the exact roles of lymphatic vessels in lung allograft function and survival are limited. Here, we have shown that there is a marked decline in the density of lymphatic vessels, accompanied by accumulation of low-MW hyaluronan (HA) in mouse orthotopic allografts undergoing rejection. We found that stimulation of lymphangiogenesis with VEGF-C156S, a mutant form of VEGF-C with selective VEGFR-3 binding, alleviates an established rejection response and improves clearance of HA from the lung allograft. Longitudinal analysis of transbronchial biopsies from human lung transplant recipients demonstrated an association between resolution of acute lung rejection and decreased HA in the graft tissue. Taken together, these results indicate that lymphatic vessel formation after lung transplantation mediates HA drainage and suggest that treatments to stimulate lymphangiogenesis have promise for improving graft outcomes. PMID:26485284

  12. Intravenous S-Ketamine Does Not Inhibit Alveolar Fluid Clearance in a Septic Rat Model

    PubMed Central

    Weber, Nina C.; van der Sluijs, Koen; Hackl, Florian; Hotz, Lorenz; Dahan, Albert; Hollmann, Markus W.; Berger, Marc M.

    2014-01-01

    We previously demonstrated that intratracheally administered S-ketamine inhibits alveolar fluid clearance (AFC), whereas an intravenous (IV) bolus injection had no effect. The aim of the present study was to characterize whether continuous IV infusion of S-ketamine, yielding clinically relevant plasma concentrations, inhibits AFC and whether its effect is enhanced in acute lung injury (ALI) which might favor the appearance of IV S-ketamine at the alveolar surface. AFC was measured in fluid-instilled rat lungs. S-ketamine was administered IV over 6 h (loading dose: 20 mg/kg, followed by 20 mg/kg/h), or intratracheally by addition to the instillate (75 µg/ml). ALI was induced by IV lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 7 mg/kg). Interleukin (IL)-6 and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-3 were measured by ELISA in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Isolated rat alveolar type-II cells were exposed to S-ketamine (75 µg/ml) and/or LPS (1 mg/ml) for 6 h, and transepithelial ion transport was measured as short circuit current (ISC). AFC was 27±5% (mean±SD) over 60 min in control rats and was unaffected by IV S-ketamine. Tracheal S-ketamine reduced AFC to 18±9%. In LPS-treated rats, AFC decreased to 16±6%. This effect was not enhanced by IV S-ketamine. LPS increased IL-6 and CINC-3 in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In alveolar type-II cells, S-ketamine reduced ISC by 37% via a decrease in amiloride-inhibitable sodium transport. Continuous administration of IV S-ketamine does not affect rat AFC even in endotoxin-induced ALI. Tracheal application with direct exposure of alveolar epithelial cells to S-ketamine decreases AFC by inhibition of amiloride-inhibitable sodium transport. PMID:25386677

  13. Population pharmacokinetic modelling of the changes in atazanavir plasma clearance caused by ritonavir plasma concentrations in HIV‐1 infected patients

    PubMed Central

    Moltó, José; Estévez, Javier A.; Miranda, Cristina; Cedeño, Samandhy; Clotet, Bonaventura

    2016-01-01

    Aims The aim of the present study was to develop a simultaneous population pharmacokinetic model for atazanavir (ATV) incorporating the effect of ritonavir (RTV) on clearance to predict ATV concentrations under different dosing regimens in HIV‐1‐infected patients. Methods A Cross‐sectional study was carried out in 83 HIV‐1‐infected adults taking ATV 400 mg or ATV 300 mg/RTV 100 mg once daily. Demographic and clinical characteristics were registered and blood samples collected to measure drug concentrations. A population pharmacokinetic model was constructed using nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling and used to simulate six dosing scenarios. Results The selected one‐compartmental model described the pharmacokinetics of RTV and ATV simultaneously, showing exponential, direct inhibition of ATV clearance according to the RTV plasma concentration, which explained 17.5% of the variability. A mean RTV plasma concentration of 0.63 mg l–1 predicted an 18% decrease in ATV clearance. The percentages of patients with an end‐of‐dose‐interval concentration of ATV below or above the minimum and maximum target concentrations of 0.15 mg l–1 and 0.85 mg l–1 favoured the selection of the simulated ATV/RTV once‐daily regimens (ATV 400 mg, ATV 300 mg/RTV 100 mg, ATV 300 mg/RTV 50 mg, ATV 200/RTV 100 mg) over the unboosted twice‐daily regimens (ATV 300 mg, ATV 200 mg). Conclusions A one‐compartment simultaneous model can describe the pharmacokinetics of RTV and ATV, including the effect of RTV plasma concentrations on ATV clearance. This model is promising for predicting individuals' ATV concentrations in clinical scenarios, and supports further clinical trials of once‐daily doses of ATV 300 mg/RTV 50 mg or ATV 200 mg/RTV 100 mg to confirm efficacy and safety. PMID:27447851

  14. RECONSTRUCTION OF A HUMAN LUNG MORPHOLOGY MODEL FROM MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGES

    EPA Science Inventory

    RATIONALE A description of lung morphological structure is necessary for modeling the deposition and fate of inhaled therapeutic aerosols. A morphological model of the lung boundary was generated from magnetic resonance (MR) images with the goal of creating a framework for anato...

  15. A human lung xenograft mouse model of Nipah virus infection.

    PubMed

    Valbuena, Gustavo; Halliday, Hailey; Borisevich, Viktoriya; Goez, Yenny; Rockx, Barry

    2014-04-01

    Nipah virus (NiV) is a member of the genus Henipavirus (family Paramyxoviridae) that causes severe and often lethal respiratory illness and encephalitis in humans with high mortality rates (up to 92%). NiV can cause Acute Lung Injury (ALI) in humans, and human-to-human transmission has been observed in recent outbreaks of NiV. While the exact route of transmission to humans is not known, we have previously shown that NiV can efficiently infect human respiratory epithelial cells. The molecular mechanisms of NiV-associated ALI in the human respiratory tract are unknown. Thus, there is an urgent need for models of henipavirus infection of the human respiratory tract to study the pathogenesis and understand the host responses. Here, we describe a novel human lung xenograft model in mice to study the pathogenesis of NiV. Following transplantation, human fetal lung xenografts rapidly graft and develop mature structures of adult lungs including cartilage, vascular vessels, ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium, and primitive "air" spaces filled with mucus and lined by cuboidal to flat epithelium. Following infection, NiV grows to high titers (10(7) TCID50/gram lung tissue) as early as 3 days post infection (pi). NiV targets both the endothelium as well as respiratory epithelium in the human lung tissues, and results in syncytia formation. NiV infection in the human lung results in the production of several cytokines and chemokines including IL-6, IP-10, eotaxin, G-CSF and GM-CSF on days 5 and 7 pi. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that NiV can replicate to high titers in a novel in vivo model of the human respiratory tract, resulting in a robust inflammatory response, which is known to be associated with ALI. This model will facilitate progress in the fundamental understanding of henipavirus pathogenesis and virus-host interactions; it will also provide biologically relevant models for other respiratory viruses.

  16. Characterizing the lung tissue mechanical properties using a micromechanical model of alveolar sac

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Karami, Elham; Seify, Behzad; Moghadas, Hadi; Sabsalinejad, Masoomeh; Lee, Ting-Yim; Samani, Abbas

    2017-03-01

    According to statistics, lung disease is among the leading causes of death worldwide. As such, many research groups are developing powerful tools for understanding, diagnosis and treatment of various lung diseases. Recently, biomechanical modeling has emerged as an effective tool for better understanding of human physiology, disease diagnosis and computer assisted medical intervention. Mechanical properties of lung tissue are important requirements for methods developed for lung disease diagnosis and medical intervention. As such, the main objective of this study is to develop an effective tool for estimating the mechanical properties of normal and pathological lung parenchyma tissue based on its microstructure. For this purpose, a micromechanical model of the lung tissue was developed using finite element (FE) method, and the model was demonstrated to have application in estimating the mechanical properties of lung alveolar wall. The proposed model was developed by assembling truncated octahedron tissue units resembling the alveoli. A compression test was simulated using finite element method on the created geometry and the hyper-elastic parameters of the alveoli wall were calculated using reported alveolar wall stress-strain data and an inverse optimization framework. Preliminary results indicate that the proposed model can be potentially used to reconstruct microstructural images of lung tissue using macro-scale tissue response for normal and different pathological conditions. Such images can be used for effective diagnosis of lung diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

  17. UXO clearance operation in Laos

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sato, Motoyuki; Kadoya, Yoshihiko

    2018-04-01

    Laos is one of the most seriously contaminated countries by UXO. Most of the UXO are cluster bombs, used in 1960- 70's. There is historical political background about the UXO problems in Laos. Currently, The clearance of UXO is significantly important for future economic development for Laos. It affects not only local inhabitants, but it will affects national economy. For example, UXO clearance in mountainous area can promote construction of roads, and Laos has a good possibility to be the center of transportation in Indo-Chia region. We have started a research project for evaluation of impact of UXO clearance in Laos, "The economic impact and the technological development for the elimination of unexploded ordnance (UXO) elimination in Laos". Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao) is working in the nine most impacted provinces nationwide and it clears land for agriculture and community purposes. We recently visited Laos and observed the UXO clearance procedure conducted by UXOLAO. The technical survey for UXO clearance site to determine for operation, UXO detection by using metal detectors are organized by UXO Lao. In this paper, we will report the technical aspects of the UXO clearance in Laos.

  18. Dimerization of glycoprotein Ibα is not sufficient to induce platelet clearance.

    PubMed

    Liang, X; Syed, A K; Russell, S R; Ware, J; Li, R

    2016-02-01

    ESSENTIALS: Many anti-glycoprotein (GP)Ibα antibodies induce platelet clearance in a dimer-dependent manner. Characterization of monoclonal antibodies that bind the mechanosensitive domain (MSD) of GPIbα. An anti-MSD antibody binds two copies of GPIbα in platelets but does not induce platelet clearance. The prevailing clustering model of GPIbα signaling is incorrect or needs revision. The mechanism of platelet clearance is not clear. Many antibodies binding the membrane-distal ligand-binding domain of glycoprotein (GP)Ibα induce rapid clearance of platelets and acute thrombocytopenia, which requires the bifurcated antibody structure. It was thought that binding of these antibodies induced lateral dimerization or clustering of GPIbα in the plasma membrane, which leads to downstream signaling and platelet clearance. However, many antibodies targeting GPIbβ and GPIX, which are associated with GPIbα in the GPIb-IX complex, do not induce platelet clearance, which is in contradiction to the clustering model. To test whether dimerization or clustering of GPIbα is sufficient to transmit the signal that leads to platelet clearance. We have recently raised several mAbs targeting the mechanosensitive domain (MSD) of GPIbα. Binding of these anti-MSD antibodies was characterized with biochemical methods. Their ability to stimulate platelets and induce platelet clearance in mice was assessed. Infusion of anti-MSD antibodies does not cause thrombocytopenia in mice. These antibodies show no detectable effects on platelet activation and aggregation in vitro. Further biochemical investigation showed that the anti-MSD antibody 3D1 binds two copies of GPIbα on the platelet surface. Therefore, lateral dimerization of GPIbα induced by antibody binding is not sufficient to initiate GPIb-IX signaling and induce platelet clearance. Our results suggest that a factor other than or in addition to clustering of GPIbα is required to induce platelet clearance. © 2015 International

  19. Delayed clearance of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins in young, healthy obese subjects†

    PubMed Central

    Goll, R.; Lekahl, S.; Moen, O. S.; Florholmen, J.

    2015-01-01

    Summary Obesity is associated with the metabolic syndrome. The aims were, first, to study the postprandial triglyceride clearance in young, healthy obese subjects and, second, to investigate if fasting triglycerides can predict delayed postprandial triglyceride clearance. Eighteen apparently healthy, obese subjects with no clinical signs of metabolic disturbances participated. Controls were age‐ and sex‐matched, healthy, normal weight subjects. Subclinical markers of metabolic disturbances were assessed by measuring postprandial triglycerides in serum and in chylomicrons by oral fat tolerance test. Postprandial triglyceride clearance for 8 h was assessed indirectly as removal of the lipid from serum during the oral fat tolerance test. Insulin resistance was measured by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Twelve (66%) of the apparently healthy obese individuals had insulin resistance measured by HOMA‐IR. There was a delayed clearance of serum triglycerides and chylomicron triglycerides at 6 h when compared with the control group, while, at 8 h, the differences were only detected for the chylomicron triglyceride clearance. Triglyceride response was significantly greater in the obese subjects. Fasting triglycerides in upper normal level predicted a delayed postprandial triglyceride clearance and insulin resistance. In young, apparently healthy obese subjects early metabolic disturbances including insulin resistance and delayed postprandial triglyceride clearance can be detected. Fasting serum triglyceride in upper normal level predicted delayed postprandial triglyceride clearance and insulin resistance. PMID:26469529

  20. A tree-parenchyma coupled model for lung ventilation simulation.

    PubMed

    Pozin, Nicolas; Montesantos, Spyridon; Katz, Ira; Pichelin, Marine; Vignon-Clementel, Irene; Grandmont, Céline

    2017-11-01

    In this article, we develop a lung ventilation model. The parenchyma is described as an elastic homogenized media. It is irrigated by a space-filling dyadic resistive pipe network, which represents the tracheobronchial tree. In this model, the tree and the parenchyma are strongly coupled. The tree induces an extra viscous term in the system constitutive relation, which leads, in the finite element framework, to a full matrix. We consider an efficient algorithm that takes advantage of the tree structure to enable a fast matrix-vector product computation. This framework can be used to model both free and mechanically induced respiration, in health and disease. Patient-specific lung geometries acquired from computed tomography scans are considered. Realistic Dirichlet boundary conditions can be deduced from surface registration on computed tomography images. The model is compared to a more classical exit compartment approach. Results illustrate the coupling between the tree and the parenchyma, at global and regional levels, and how conditions for the purely 0D model can be inferred. Different types of boundary conditions are tested, including a nonlinear Robin model of the surrounding lung structures. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  1. Modeling small cell lung cancer (SCLC) biology through deterministic and stochastic mathematical models.

    PubMed

    Salgia, Ravi; Mambetsariev, Isa; Hewelt, Blake; Achuthan, Srisairam; Li, Haiqing; Poroyko, Valeriy; Wang, Yingyu; Sattler, Martin

    2018-05-25

    Mathematical cancer models are immensely powerful tools that are based in part on the fractal nature of biological structures, such as the geometry of the lung. Cancers of the lung provide an opportune model to develop and apply algorithms that capture changes and disease phenotypes. We reviewed mathematical models that have been developed for biological sciences and applied them in the context of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) growth, mutational heterogeneity, and mechanisms of metastasis. The ultimate goal is to develop the stochastic and deterministic nature of this disease, to link this comprehensive set of tools back to its fractalness and to provide a platform for accurate biomarker development. These techniques may be particularly useful in the context of drug development research, such as combination with existing omics approaches. The integration of these tools will be important to further understand the biology of SCLC and ultimately develop novel therapeutics.

  2. Development and validation of risk models to select ever-smokers for CT lung-cancer screening

    PubMed Central

    Katki, Hormuzd A.; Kovalchik, Stephanie A.; Berg, Christine D.; Cheung, Li C.; Chaturvedi, Anil K.

    2016-01-01

    Importance The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends computed-tomography (CT) lung-cancer screening for ever-smokers ages 55-80 years who smoked at least 30 pack-years with no more than 15 years since quitting. However, selecting ever-smokers for screening using individualized lung-cancer risk calculations may be more effective and efficient than current USPSTF recommendations. Objective Comparison of modeled outcomes from risk-based CT lung-screening strategies versus USPSTF recommendations. Design/Setting/Participants Empirical risk models for lung-cancer incidence and death in the absence of CT screening using data on ever-smokers from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO; 1993-2009) control group. Covariates included age, education, sex, race, smoking intensity/duration/quit-years, Body Mass Index, family history of lung-cancer, and self-reported emphysema. Model validation in the chest radiography groups of the PLCO and the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST; 2002-2009), with additional validation of the death model in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS; 1997-2001), a representative sample of the US. Models applied to US ever-smokers ages 50-80 (NHIS 2010-2012) to estimate outcomes of risk-based selection for CT lung-screening, assuming screening for all ever-smokers yields the percent changes in lung-cancer detection and death observed in the NLST. Exposure Annual CT lung-screening for 3 years. Main Outcomes and Measures Model validity: calibration (number of model-predicted cases divided by number of observed cases (Estimated/Observed)) and discrimination (Area-Under-Curve (AUC)). Modeled screening outcomes: estimated number of screen-avertable lung-cancer deaths, estimated screening effectiveness (number needed to screen (NNS) to prevent 1 lung-cancer death). Results Lung-cancer incidence and death risk models were well-calibrated in PLCO and NLST. The lung-cancer death model calibrated and

  3. Development and Validation of Risk Models to Select Ever-Smokers for CT Lung Cancer Screening.

    PubMed

    Katki, Hormuzd A; Kovalchik, Stephanie A; Berg, Christine D; Cheung, Li C; Chaturvedi, Anil K

    2016-06-07

    The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends computed tomography (CT) lung cancer screening for ever-smokers aged 55 to 80 years who have smoked at least 30 pack-years with no more than 15 years since quitting. However, selecting ever-smokers for screening using individualized lung cancer risk calculations may be more effective and efficient than current USPSTF recommendations. Comparison of modeled outcomes from risk-based CT lung-screening strategies vs USPSTF recommendations. Empirical risk models for lung cancer incidence and death in the absence of CT screening using data on ever-smokers from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO; 1993-2009) control group. Covariates included age; education; sex; race; smoking intensity, duration, and quit-years; body mass index; family history of lung cancer; and self-reported emphysema. Model validation in the chest radiography groups of the PLCO and the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST; 2002-2009), with additional validation of the death model in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS; 1997-2001), a representative sample of the United States. Models were applied to US ever-smokers aged 50 to 80 years (NHIS 2010-2012) to estimate outcomes of risk-based selection for CT lung screening, assuming screening for all ever-smokers, yield the percent changes in lung cancer detection and death observed in the NLST. Annual CT lung screening for 3 years beginning at age 50 years. For model validity: calibration (number of model-predicted cases divided by number of observed cases [estimated/observed]) and discrimination (area under curve [AUC]). For modeled screening outcomes: estimated number of screen-avertable lung cancer deaths and estimated screening effectiveness (number needed to screen [NNS] to prevent 1 lung cancer death). Lung cancer incidence and death risk models were well calibrated in PLCO and NLST. The lung cancer death model calibrated and discriminated well for US

  4. Detection of early subclinical lung disease in children with cystic fibrosis by lung ventilation imaging with hyperpolarised gas MRI.

    PubMed

    Marshall, Helen; Horsley, Alex; Taylor, Chris J; Smith, Laurie; Hughes, David; Horn, Felix C; Swift, Andrew J; Parra-Robles, Juan; Hughes, Paul J; Norquay, Graham; Stewart, Neil J; Collier, Guilhem J; Teare, Dawn; Cunningham, Steve; Aldag, Ina; Wild, Jim M

    2017-08-01

    Hyperpolarised 3 He ventilation-MRI, anatomical lung MRI, lung clearance index (LCI), low-dose CT and spirometry were performed on 19 children (6-16 years) with clinically stable mild cystic fibrosis (CF) (FEV 1 >-1.96), and 10 controls. All controls had normal spirometry, MRI and LCI. Ventilation-MRI was the most sensitive method of detecting abnormalities, present in 89% of patients with CF, compared with CT abnormalities in 68%, LCI 47% and conventional MRI 22%. Ventilation defects were present in the absence of CT abnormalities and in patients with normal physiology, including LCI. Ventilation-MRI is thus feasible in young children, highly sensitive and provides additional information about lung structure-function relationships. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

  5. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of lung tumors in a large animal model.

    PubMed

    Ahrar, Kamran; Price, Roger E; Wallace, Michael J; Madoff, David C; Gupta, Sanjay; Morello, Frank A; Wright, Kenneth C

    2003-08-01

    Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is accepted therapy for liver tumors in the appropriate clinical setting, but its use in lung neoplasms remains investigational. We undertook this study to evaluate the feasibility and immediate effectiveness of RFA for treatment of both solitary pulmonary nodules and clusters of lung tumors in a large animal model. Percutaneous RFA of 14 lung tumors in five dogs was performed under CT guidance. Animals were euthanatized 8-48 hours after the procedure. The lungs and adjacent structures were harvested for gross and histopathologic evaluation. Five solitary pulmonary nodules (range, 17-26 mm) and three clusters of three nodules each (range, 7-17 mm per nodule) were treated with RFA. All ablations were technically successful. Perilesional ground-glass opacity and small asymptomatic pneumothoraces (n = 4) were visualized during the RFA sessions. One dog developed a large pneumothorax treated with tube thoracostomy but was euthanatized 8 hours post-RFA for persistent pneumothorax and continued breathing difficulty. Follow-up CT 48 hours post-RFA revealed opacification of the whole lung segment. Gross and histopathologic evaluation showed complete thermal coagulation necrosis of all treated lesions without evidence of any viable tumor. The region of thermal coagulation necrosis typically extended to the lung surface. Small regions of pulmonary hemorrhage and congestion often surrounded the areas of coagulation necrosis. RFA can be used to treat both solitary pulmonary nodules and clusters of tumor nodules in the canine lung tumor model. This model may be useful for development of specific RFA protocols for human lung tumors.

  6. Numerical investigation of tip clearance cavitation in Kaplan runners

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nikiforova, K.; Semenov, G.; Kuznetsov, I.; Spiridonov, E.

    2016-11-01

    There is a gap between the Kaplan runner blade and the shroud that makes for a special kind of cavitation: cavitation in the tip leakage flow. Two types of cavitation caused by the presence of clearance gap are known: tip vortex cavitation that appears at the core of the rolled up vortex on the blade suction side and tip clearance cavitation that appears precisely in the gap between the blade tip edge and the shroud. In the context of this work numerical investigation of the model Kaplan runner has been performed taking into account variable tip clearance for several cavitation regimes. The focus is put on investigation of structure and origination of mechanism of cavitation in the tip leakage flow. Calculations have been performed with the help of 3-D unsteady numerical model for two-phase medium. Modeling of turbulent flow in this work has been carried out using full equations of Navier-Stokes averaged by Reynolds with correction for streamline curvature and system rotation. For description of this medium (liquid-vapor) simplification of Euler approach is used; it is based on the model of interpenetrating continuums, within the bounds of this two- phase medium considered as a quasi-homogeneous mixture with the common velocity field and continuous distribution of density for both phases. As a result, engineering techniques for calculation of cavitation conditioned by existence of tip clearance in model turbine runner have been developed. The detailed visualization of the flow was carried out and vortex structure on the suction side of the blade was reproduced. The range of frequency with maximum value of pulsation was assigned and maximum energy frequency was defined; it is based on spectral analysis of the obtained data. Comparison between numerical computation results and experimental data has been also performed. The location of cavitation zone has a good agreement with experiment for all analyzed regimes.

  7. Computational models for the study of heart-lung interactions in mammals.

    PubMed

    Ben-Tal, Alona

    2012-01-01

    The operation and regulation of the lungs and the heart are closely related. This is evident when examining the anatomy within the thorax cavity, in the brainstem and in the aortic and carotid arteries where chemoreceptors and baroreceptors, which provide feedback affecting the regulation of both organs, are concentrated. This is also evident in phenomena such as respiratory sinus arrhythmia where the heart rate increases during inspiration and decreases during expiration, in other types of synchronization between the heart and the lungs known as cardioventilatory coupling and in the association between heart failure and sleep apnea where breathing is interrupted periodically by periods of no-breathing. The full implication and physiological significance of the cardiorespiratory coupling under normal, pathological, or extreme physiological conditions are still unknown and are subject to ongoing investigation both experimentally and theoretically using mathematical models. This article reviews mathematical models that take heart-lung interactions into account. The main ideas behind low dimensional, phenomenological models for the study of the heart-lung synchronization and sleep apnea are described first. Higher dimensions, physiology-based models are described next. These models can vary widely in detail and scope and are characterized by the way the heart-lung interaction is taken into account: via gas exchange, via the central nervous system, via the mechanical interactions, and via time delays. The article emphasizes the need for the integration of the different sources of heart-lung coupling as well as the different mathematical approaches. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  8. Preventing cleavage of Mer promotes efferocytosis and suppresses acute lung injury in bleomycin treated mice

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lee, Ye-Ji; Tissue Injury Defense Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul; Lee, Seung-Hae

    2012-08-15

    Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (Mer) regulates macrophage activation and promotes apoptotic cell clearance. Mer activation is regulated through proteolytic cleavage of the extracellular domain. To determine if membrane-bound Mer is cleaved during bleomycin-induced lung injury, and, if so, how preventing the cleavage of Mer enhances apoptotic cell uptake and down-regulates pulmonary immune responses. During bleomycin-induced acute lung injury in mice, membrane-bound Mer expression decreased, but production of soluble Mer and activity as well as expression of disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17) were enhanced . Treatment with the ADAM inhibitor TAPI-0 restored Mer expression and diminished soluble Mer production. Furthermore, TAPI-0more » increased Mer activation in alveolar macrophages and lung tissue resulting in enhanced apoptotic cell clearance in vivo and ex vivo by alveolar macrophages. Suppression of bleomycin-induced pro-inflammatory mediators, but enhancement of hepatocyte growth factor induction were seen after TAPI-0 treatment. Additional bleomycin-induced inflammatory responses reduced by TAPI-0 treatment included inflammatory cell recruitment into the lungs, levels of total protein and lactate dehydrogenase activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, as well as caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity and alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis in lung tissue. Importantly, the effects of TAPI-0 on bleomycin-induced inflammation and apoptosis were reversed by coadministration of specific Mer-neutralizing antibodies. These findings suggest that restored membrane-bound Mer expression by TAPI-0 treatment may help resolve lung inflammation and apoptosis after bleomycin treatment. -- Highlights: ►Mer expression is restored by TAPI-0 treatment in bleomycin-stimulated lung. ►Mer signaling is enhanced by TAPI-0 treatment in bleomycin-stimulated lung. ►TAPI-0 enhances efferocytosis and promotes resolution of lung injury.« less

  9. Cigarette Smoke Exposure during Pregnancy Alters Fetomaternal Cell Trafficking Leading to Retention of Microchimeric Cells in the Maternal Lung

    PubMed Central

    Vogelgesang, Anja; Scapin, Cristina; Barone, Caroline; Tam, Elaine

    2014-01-01

    Cigarette smoke exposure causes chronic oxidative lung damage. During pregnancy, fetal microchimeric cells traffic to the mother. Their numbers are increased at the site of acute injury. We hypothesized that milder chronic diffuse smoke injury would attract fetal cells to maternal lungs. We used a green-fluorescent-protein (GFP) mouse model to study the effects of cigarette smoke exposure on fetomaternal cell trafficking. Wild-type female mice were exposed to cigarette smoke for about 4 weeks and bred with homozygote GFP males. Cigarette smoke exposure continued until lungs were harvested and analyzed. Exposure to cigarette smoke led to macrophage accumulation in the maternal lung and significantly lower fetal weights. Cigarette smoke exposure influenced fetomaternal cell trafficking. It was associated with retention of GFP-positive fetal cells in the maternal lung and a significant reduction of fetal cells in maternal livers at gestational day 18, when fetomaternal cell trafficking peaks in the mouse model. Cells quickly clear postpartum, leaving only a few, difficult to detect, persisting microchimeric cells behind. In our study, we confirmed the postpartum clearance of cells in the maternal lungs, with no significant difference in both groups. We conclude that in the mouse model, cigarette smoke exposure during pregnancy leads to a retention of fetal microchimeric cells in the maternal lung, the site of injury. Further studies will be needed to elucidate the effect of cigarette smoke exposure on the phenotypic characteristics and function of these fetal microchimeric cells, and confirm its course in cigarette smoke exposure in humans. PMID:24832066

  10. Renal Function Descriptors in Neonates: Which Creatinine-Based Formula Best Describes Vancomycin Clearance?

    PubMed

    Bhongsatiern, Jiraganya; Stockmann, Chris; Yu, Tian; Constance, Jonathan E; Moorthy, Ganesh; Spigarelli, Michael G; Desai, Pankaj B; Sherwin, Catherine M T

    2016-05-01

    Growth and maturational changes have been identified as significant covariates in describing variability in clearance of renally excreted drugs such as vancomycin. Because of immaturity of clearance mechanisms, quantification of renal function in neonates is of importance. Several serum creatinine (SCr)-based renal function descriptors have been developed in adults and children, but none are selectively derived for neonates. This review summarizes development of the neonatal kidney and discusses assessment of the renal function regarding estimation of glomerular filtration rate using renal function descriptors. Furthermore, identification of the renal function descriptors that best describe the variability of vancomycin clearance was performed in a sample study of a septic neonatal cohort. Population pharmacokinetic models were developed applying a combination of age-weight, renal function descriptors, or SCr alone. In addition to age and weight, SCr or renal function descriptors significantly reduced variability of vancomycin clearance. The population pharmacokinetic models with Léger and modified Schwartz formulas were selected as the optimal final models, although the other renal function descriptors and SCr provided reasonably good fit to the data, suggesting further evaluation of the final models using external data sets and cross validation. The present study supports incorporation of renal function descriptors in the estimation of vancomycin clearance in neonates. © 2015, The American College of Clinical Pharmacology.

  11. 30 CFR 18.24 - Electrical clearances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Electrical clearances. 18.24 Section 18.24... APPROVAL OF MINING PRODUCTS ELECTRIC MOTOR-DRIVEN MINE EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES Construction and Design Requirements § 18.24 Electrical clearances. Minimum clearances between uninsulated electrical conductor...

  12. 30 CFR 18.24 - Electrical clearances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Electrical clearances. 18.24 Section 18.24... APPROVAL OF MINING PRODUCTS ELECTRIC MOTOR-DRIVEN MINE EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES Construction and Design Requirements § 18.24 Electrical clearances. Minimum clearances between uninsulated electrical conductor...

  13. 30 CFR 18.24 - Electrical clearances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Electrical clearances. 18.24 Section 18.24... APPROVAL OF MINING PRODUCTS ELECTRIC MOTOR-DRIVEN MINE EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES Construction and Design Requirements § 18.24 Electrical clearances. Minimum clearances between uninsulated electrical conductor...

  14. Complement-mediated neutrophil activation in sepsis- and trauma-related adult respiratory distress syndrome. Clarification with radioaerosol lung scans

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tennenberg, S.D.; Jacobs, M.P.; Solomkin, J.S.

    Complement-mediated neutrophil activation (CMNA) has been proposed as an important pathogenic mechanism causing acute microvascular lung injury in the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). To clarify the relationship between CMNA and evolving lung injury, we studied 26 patients with multiple trauma and sepsis within 24 hours of risk establishment for ARDS. Pulmonary alveolar-capillary permeability (PACP) was quantified as the clearance rate of a particulate radioaerosol. Seventeen patients (65%) had increased PACP (six developed ARDS) while nine (35%) had normal PACP (none developed ARDS; clearance rates of 3.4%/min and 1.5%/min, respectively). These patients, regardless of evidence of early lung injury, hadmore » elevated plasma C3adesArg levels and neutrophil chemotactic desensitization to C5a/C5adesArg. Plasma C3adesArg levels correlated weakly, but significantly, with PACP. Thus, CMNA may be a necessary, but not a sufficient, pathogenic mechanism in the evolution of ARDS.« less

  15. Computational modeling of the obstructive lung diseases asthma and COPD

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are characterized by airway obstruction and airflow limitation and pose a huge burden to society. These obstructive lung diseases impact the lung physiology across multiple biological scales. Environmental stimuli are introduced via inhalation at the organ scale, and consequently impact upon the tissue, cellular and sub-cellular scale by triggering signaling pathways. These changes are propagated upwards to the organ level again and vice versa. In order to understand the pathophysiology behind these diseases we need to integrate and understand changes occurring across these scales and this is the driving force for multiscale computational modeling. There is an urgent need for improved diagnosis and assessment of obstructive lung diseases. Standard clinical measures are based on global function tests which ignore the highly heterogeneous regional changes that are characteristic of obstructive lung disease pathophysiology. Advances in scanning technology such as hyperpolarized gas MRI has led to new regional measurements of ventilation, perfusion and gas diffusion in the lungs, while new image processing techniques allow these measures to be combined with information from structural imaging such as Computed Tomography (CT). However, it is not yet known how to derive clinical measures for obstructive diseases from this wealth of new data. Computational modeling offers a powerful approach for investigating this relationship between imaging measurements and disease severity, and understanding the effects of different disease subtypes, which is key to developing improved diagnostic methods. Gaining an understanding of a system as complex as the respiratory system is difficult if not impossible via experimental methods alone. Computational models offer a complementary method to unravel the structure-function relationships occurring within a multiscale, multiphysics system such as this. Here we review the current

  16. Applying Risk Prediction Models to Optimize Lung Cancer Screening: Current Knowledge, Challenges, and Future Directions.

    PubMed

    Sakoda, Lori C; Henderson, Louise M; Caverly, Tanner J; Wernli, Karen J; Katki, Hormuzd A

    2017-12-01

    Risk prediction models may be useful for facilitating effective and high-quality decision-making at critical steps in the lung cancer screening process. This review provides a current overview of published lung cancer risk prediction models and their applications to lung cancer screening and highlights both challenges and strategies for improving their predictive performance and use in clinical practice. Since the 2011 publication of the National Lung Screening Trial results, numerous prediction models have been proposed to estimate the probability of developing or dying from lung cancer or the probability that a pulmonary nodule is malignant. Respective models appear to exhibit high discriminatory accuracy in identifying individuals at highest risk of lung cancer or differentiating malignant from benign pulmonary nodules. However, validation and critical comparison of the performance of these models in independent populations are limited. Little is also known about the extent to which risk prediction models are being applied in clinical practice and influencing decision-making processes and outcomes related to lung cancer screening. Current evidence is insufficient to determine which lung cancer risk prediction models are most clinically useful and how to best implement their use to optimize screening effectiveness and quality. To address these knowledge gaps, future research should be directed toward validating and enhancing existing risk prediction models for lung cancer and evaluating the application of model-based risk calculators and its corresponding impact on screening processes and outcomes.

  17. Application of a neutral community model to assess structuring of the human lung microbiome.

    PubMed

    Venkataraman, Arvind; Bassis, Christine M; Beck, James M; Young, Vincent B; Curtis, Jeffrey L; Huffnagle, Gary B; Schmidt, Thomas M

    2015-01-20

    DNA from phylogenetically diverse microbes is routinely recovered from healthy human lungs and used to define the lung microbiome. The proportion of this DNA originating from microbes adapted to the lungs, as opposed to microbes dispersing to the lungs from other body sites and the atmosphere, is not known. We use a neutral model of community ecology to distinguish members of the lung microbiome whose presence is consistent with dispersal from other body sites and those that deviate from the model, suggesting a competitive advantage to these microbes in the lungs. We find that the composition of the healthy lung microbiome is consistent with predictions of the neutral model, reflecting the overriding role of dispersal of microbes from the oral cavity in shaping the microbial community in healthy lungs. In contrast, the microbiome of diseased lungs was readily distinguished as being under active selection. We also assessed the viability of microbes from lung samples by cultivation with a variety of media and incubation conditions. Bacteria recovered by cultivation from healthy lungs represented species that comprised 61% of the 16S rRNA-encoding gene sequences derived from bronchoalveolar lavage samples. Neutral distribution of microbes is a distinguishing feature of the microbiome in healthy lungs, wherein constant dispersal of bacteria from the oral cavity overrides differential growth of bacteria. No bacterial species consistently deviated from the model predictions in healthy lungs, although representatives of many of the dispersed species were readily cultivated. In contrast, bacterial populations in diseased lungs were identified as being under active selection. Quantification of the relative importance of selection and neutral processes such as dispersal in shaping the healthy lung microbiome is a first step toward understanding its impacts on host health. Copyright © 2015 Venkataraman et al.

  18. Inhaled mannitol improves lung function in cystic fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Jaques, Anna; Daviskas, Evangelia; Turton, James A; McKay, Karen; Cooper, Peter; Stirling, Robert G; Robertson, Colin F; Bye, Peter T P; LeSouëf, Peter N; Shadbolt, Bruce; Anderson, Sandra D; Charlton, Brett

    2008-06-01

    The airways in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are characterized by the accumulation of tenacious, dehydrated mucus that is a precursor for chronic infection, inflammation, and tissue destruction. The clearance of mucus is an integral component of daily therapy. Inhaled mannitol is an osmotic agent that increases the water content of the airway surface liquid, and improves the clearance of mucus with the potential to improve lung function and respiratory health. To this end, this study examined the efficacy and safety of therapy with inhaled mannitol over a 2-week period. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Thirty-nine subjects with mild-to-moderate CF lung disease inhaled 420 mg of mannitol or placebo twice daily for 2 weeks. Following a 2-week washout period, subjects were entered in the reciprocal treatment arm. Lung function, respiratory symptoms, quality of life, and safety were assessed. Mannitol treatment increased FEV(1) from baseline by a mean of 7.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.3 to 10.7) compared to placebo 0.3% (95% CI, - 3.4 to 4.0; p < 0.001). The absolute improvement with mannitol therapy was 121 mL (95% CI, 56.3 to 185.7), which was significantly more than that with placebo (0 mL; 95% CI, - 64.7 to 64.7). The forced expiratory flow in the middle half of the FVC increased by 15.5% (95% CI, - 6.5 to 24.6) compared to that with placebo (increase, 0.7%; 95% CI, - 8.3 to 9.7; p < 0.02). The safety profile of mannitol was adequate, and no serious adverse events related to treatment were observed. Inhaled mannitol treatment over a period of 2 weeks significantly improved lung function in patients with CF. Mannitol therapy was safe and well tolerated. (ClinicalTrials.gov) Identifier: NCT00455130.

  19. An integrated multiple-analyte pharmacokinetic model to characterize trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) clearance pathways and to evaluate reduced pharmacokinetic sampling in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Lu, Dan; Joshi, Amita; Wang, Bei; Olsen, Steve; Yi, Joo-Hee; Krop, Ian E; Burris, Howard A; Girish, Sandhya

    2013-08-01

    Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) is an antibody-drug conjugate recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer previously treated with trastuzumab and taxane chemotherapy. It comprises the microtubule inhibitory cytotoxic agent DM1 conjugated to the HER2-targeted humanized monoclonal antibody trastuzumab via a stable linker. To characterize the pharmacokinetics of T-DM1 in patients with metastatic breast cancer, concentrations of multiple analytes were quantified, including serum concentrations of T-DM1 conjugate and total trastuzumab (the sum of conjugated and unconjugated trastuzumab), as well as plasma concentrations of DM1. The clearance of T-DM1 conjugate is approximately 2 to 3 times faster than its parent antibody, trastuzumab. However, the clearance pathways accounting for this faster clearance rate are unclear. An integrated population pharmacokinetic model that simultaneously fits the pharmacokinetics of T-DM1 conjugate and total trastuzumab can help to elucidate the clearance pathways of T-DM1. The model can also be used to predict total trastuzumab pharmacokinetic profiles based on T-DM1 conjugate pharmacokinetic data and sparse total trastuzumab pharmacokinetic data, thereby reducing the frequency of pharmacokinetic sampling. T-DM1 conjugate and total trastuzumab serum concentration data, including baseline trastuzumab concentrations prior to T-DM1 treatment, from phase I and II studies were used to develop this integrated population pharmacokinetic model. Based on a hypothetical T-DM1 catabolism scheme, two-compartment models for T-DM1 conjugate and trastuzumab were integrated by assuming a one-step deconjugation clearance from T-DM1 conjugate to trastuzumab. The ability of the model to predict the total trastuzumab pharmacokinetic profile based on T-DM1 conjugate pharmacokinetics and various sampling schemes of total trastuzumab

  20. Risk prediction models for selection of lung cancer screening candidates: A retrospective validation study

    PubMed Central

    ten Haaf, Kevin; Tammemägi, Martin C.; Han, Summer S.; Kong, Chung Yin; Plevritis, Sylvia K.; de Koning, Harry J.; Steyerberg, Ewout W.

    2017-01-01

    Background Selection of candidates for lung cancer screening based on individual risk has been proposed as an alternative to criteria based on age and cumulative smoking exposure (pack-years). Nine previously established risk models were assessed for their ability to identify those most likely to develop or die from lung cancer. All models considered age and various aspects of smoking exposure (smoking status, smoking duration, cigarettes per day, pack-years smoked, time since smoking cessation) as risk predictors. In addition, some models considered factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, education, body mass index, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, personal history of cancer, personal history of pneumonia, and family history of lung cancer. Methods and findings Retrospective analyses were performed on 53,452 National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) participants (1,925 lung cancer cases and 884 lung cancer deaths) and 80,672 Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO) ever-smoking participants (1,463 lung cancer cases and 915 lung cancer deaths). Six-year lung cancer incidence and mortality risk predictions were assessed for (1) calibration (graphically) by comparing the agreement between the predicted and the observed risks, (2) discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]) between individuals with and without lung cancer (death), and (3) clinical usefulness (net benefit in decision curve analysis) by identifying risk thresholds at which applying risk-based eligibility would improve lung cancer screening efficacy. To further assess performance, risk model sensitivities and specificities in the PLCO were compared to those based on the NLST eligibility criteria. Calibration was satisfactory, but discrimination ranged widely (AUCs from 0.61 to 0.81). The models outperformed the NLST eligibility criteria over a substantial range of risk thresholds in decision curve analysis, with a higher

  1. Adaptation of the ICRP publication 66 respiratory tract model to data on plutonium biokinetics for Mayak workers.

    PubMed

    Khokhryakov, V F; Suslova, K G; Vostrotin, V V; Romanov, S A; Eckerman, K F; Krahenbuhl, M P; Miller, S C

    2005-02-01

    The biokinetics of inhaled plutonium were analyzed using compartment models representing their behavior within the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, and in systemic tissues. The processes of aerosol deposition, particle transport, absorption, and formation of a fixed deposit in the respiratory tract were formulated in the framework of the Human Respiratory Tract Model described in ICRP Publication 66. The values of parameters governing absorption and formation of the fixed deposit were established by fitting the model to the observations in 530 autopsy cases. The influence of smoking on mechanical clearance of deposited plutonium activity was considered. The dependence of absorption on the aerosol transportability, as estimated by in vitro methods (dialysis), was demonstrated. The results of this study were compared to those obtained from an earlier model of plutonium behavior in the respiratory tract, which was based on the same set of autopsy data. That model did not address the early phases of respiratory clearance and hence underestimated the committed lung dose by about 25% for plutonium oxides. Little difference in lung dose was found for nitrate forms.

  2. Population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling and model-based prediction of docetaxel-induced neutropenia in Japanese patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Fukae, Masato; Shiraishi, Yoshimasa; Hirota, Takeshi; Sasaki, Yuka; Yamahashi, Mika; Takayama, Koichi; Nakanishi, Yoichi; Ieiri, Ichiro

    2016-11-01

    Docetaxel is used to treat many cancers, and neutropenia is the dose-limiting factor for its clinical use. A population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model was introduced to predict the development of docetaxel-induced neutropenia in Japanese patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Forty-seven advanced or recurrent Japanese patients with NSCLC were enrolled. Patients received 50 or 60 mg/m 2 docetaxel as monotherapy, and blood samples for a PK analysis were collected up to 24 h after its infusion. Laboratory tests including absolute neutrophil count data and demographic information were used in population PK-PD modeling. The model was built by NONMEM 7.2 with a first-order conditional estimation using an interaction method. Based on the final model, a Monte Carlo simulation was performed to assess the impact of covariates on and the predictability of neutropenia. A three-compartment model was employed to describe PK data, and the PK model adequately described the docetaxel concentrations observed. Serum albumin (ALB) was detected as a covariate of clearance (CL): CL (L/h) = 32.5 × (ALB/3.6) 0.965  × (WGHT/70) 3/4 . In population PK-PD modeling, a modified semi-mechanistic myelosuppression model was applied, and characterization of the time course of neutrophil counts was adequate. The covariate selection indicated that α1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) was a predictor of neutropenia. The model-based simulation also showed that ALB and AAG negatively correlated with the development of neutropenia and that the time course of neutrophil counts was predictable. The developed model may facilitate the prediction and care of docetaxel-induced neutropenia.

  3. 22 CFR 16.6 - Security clearances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Security clearances. 16.6 Section 16.6 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE PERSONNEL FOREIGN SERVICE GRIEVANCE SYSTEM § 16.6 Security clearances. The agencies shall use their best endeavors to expedite security clearances whenever necessary to ensure a fair...

  4. 22 CFR 16.6 - Security clearances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Security clearances. 16.6 Section 16.6 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE PERSONNEL FOREIGN SERVICE GRIEVANCE SYSTEM § 16.6 Security clearances. The agencies shall use their best endeavors to expedite security clearances whenever necessary to ensure a fair...

  5. 22 CFR 16.6 - Security clearances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Security clearances. 16.6 Section 16.6 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE PERSONNEL FOREIGN SERVICE GRIEVANCE SYSTEM § 16.6 Security clearances. The agencies shall use their best endeavors to expedite security clearances whenever necessary to ensure a fair...

  6. Manual hyperinflation in airway clearance in pediatric patients: a systematic review

    PubMed Central

    de Godoy, Vanessa Cristina Waetge Pires; Zanetti, Nathalia Mendonça; Johnston, Cíntia

    2013-01-01

    Objective To perform an assessment of the available literature on manual hyperinflation as a respiratory physical therapy technique used in pediatric patients, with the main outcome of achieving airway clearance. Methods We reviewed articles included in the Lilacs (Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences/Literatura Latino Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde), Cochrane Library, Medline (via Virtual Health Library and PubMed), SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library), and PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) databases from 2002 to 2013 using the following search terms: "physiotherapy (techniques)", "respiratory therapy", "intensive care", and "airway clearance". The selected studies were classified according to the level of evidence and grades of recommendation (method of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine) by two examiners, while a third examiner repeated the search and analysis and checked the classification of the articles. Results Three articles were included for analysis, comprising 250 children (aged 0 to 16 years). The main diagnoses were acute respiratory failure, recovery following heart congenital disease and upper abdominal surgery, bone marrow transplantation, asthma, tracheal reconstruction, brain injury, airway injury, and heterogeneous lung diseases. The studies were classified as having a level of evidence 2C and grade of recommendation C. Conclusions Manual hyperinflation appeared useful for airway clearance in the investigated population, although the evidence available in the literature remains insufficient. Therefore, controlled randomized studies are needed to establish the safety and efficacy of manual hyperinflation in pediatric patients. However, manual hyperinflation must be performed by trained physical therapists only. PMID:24213091

  7. A multiscale MDCT image-based breathing lung model with time-varying regional ventilation

    PubMed Central

    Yin, Youbing; Choi, Jiwoong; Hoffman, Eric A.; Tawhai, Merryn H.; Lin, Ching-Long

    2012-01-01

    A novel algorithm is presented that links local structural variables (regional ventilation and deforming central airways) to global function (total lung volume) in the lung over three imaged lung volumes, to derive a breathing lung model for computational fluid dynamics simulation. The algorithm constitutes the core of an integrative, image-based computational framework for subject-specific simulation of the breathing lung. For the first time, the algorithm is applied to three multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) volumetric lung images of the same individual. A key technique in linking global and local variables over multiple images is an in-house mass-preserving image registration method. Throughout breathing cycles, cubic interpolation is employed to ensure C1 continuity in constructing time-varying regional ventilation at the whole lung level, flow rate fractions exiting the terminal airways, and airway deformation. The imaged exit airway flow rate fractions are derived from regional ventilation with the aid of a three-dimensional (3D) and one-dimensional (1D) coupled airway tree that connects the airways to the alveolar tissue. An in-house parallel large-eddy simulation (LES) technique is adopted to capture turbulent-transitional-laminar flows in both normal and deep breathing conditions. The results obtained by the proposed algorithm when using three lung volume images are compared with those using only one or two volume images. The three-volume-based lung model produces physiologically-consistent time-varying pressure and ventilation distribution. The one-volume-based lung model under-predicts pressure drop and yields un-physiological lobar ventilation. The two-volume-based model can account for airway deformation and non-uniform regional ventilation to some extent, but does not capture the non-linear features of the lung. PMID:23794749

  8. The porcine lung as a potential model for cystic fibrosis

    PubMed Central

    Rogers, Christopher S.; Abraham, William M.; Brogden, Kim A.; Engelhardt, John F.; Fisher, John T.; McCray, Paul B.; McLennan, Geoffrey; Meyerholz, David K.; Namati, Eman; Ostedgaard, Lynda S.; Prather, Randall S.; Sabater, Juan R.; Stoltz, David Anthony; Zabner, Joseph; Welsh, Michael J.

    2008-01-01

    Airway disease currently causes most of the morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, understanding the pathogenesis of CF lung disease and developing novel therapeutic strategies have been hampered by the limitations of current models. Although the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) has been targeted in mice, CF mice fail to develop lung or pancreatic disease like that in humans. In many respects, the anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, size, and genetics of pigs resemble those of humans. Thus pigs with a targeted CFTR gene might provide a good model for CF. Here, we review aspects of porcine airways and lung that are relevant to CF. PMID:18487356

  9. The Audible Human Project: Modeling Sound Transmission in the Lungs and Torso

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dai, Zoujun

    Auscultation has been used qualitatively by physicians for hundreds of years to aid in the monitoring and diagnosis of pulmonary diseases. Alterations in the structure and function of the pulmonary system that occur in disease or injury often give rise to measurable changes in lung sound production and transmission. Numerous acoustic measurements have revealed the differences of breath sounds and transmitted sounds in the lung under normal and pathological conditions. Compared to the extensive cataloging of lung sound measurements, the mechanism of sound transmission in the pulmonary system and how it changes with alterations of lung structural and material properties has received less attention. A better understanding of sound transmission and how it is altered by injury and disease might improve interpretation of lung sound measurements, including new lung imaging modalities that are based on an array measurement of the acoustic field on the torso surface via contact sensors or are based on a 3-dimensional measurement of the acoustic field throughout the lungs and torso using magnetic resonance elastography. A long-term goal of the Audible Human Project (AHP ) is to develop a computational acoustic model that would accurately simulate generation, transmission and noninvasive measurement of sound and vibration within the pulmonary system and torso caused by both internal (e.g. respiratory function) and external (e.g. palpation) sources. The goals of this dissertation research, fitting within the scope of the AHP, are to develop specific improved theoretical understandings, computational algorithms and experimental methods aimed at transmission and measurement. The research objectives undertaken in this dissertation are as follows. (1) Improve theoretical modeling and experimental identification of viscoelasticity in soft biological tissues. (2) Develop a poroviscoelastic model for lung tissue vibroacoustics. (3) Improve lung airway acoustics modeling and its

  10. Molecular Basis of Asbestos-Induced Lung Disease

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Gang; Cheresh, Paul; Kamp, David W.

    2013-01-01

    Asbestos causes asbestosis and malignancies by molecular mechanisms that are not fully understood. The modes of action underlying asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma appear to differ depending on the fiber type, lung clearance, and genetics. After reviewing the key pathologic changes following asbestos exposure, we examine recently identified pathogenic pathways, with a focus on oxidative stress. Alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis, which is an important early event in asbestosis, is mediated by mitochondria- and p53-regulated death pathways and may be modulated by the endoplasmic reticulum. We review mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-damage and -repair mechanisms, focusing on 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase, as well as cross talk between reactive oxygen species production, mtDNA damage, p53, OGG1, and mitochondrial aconitase. These new insights into the molecular basis of asbestos-induced lung diseases may foster the development of novel therapeutic targets for managing degenerative diseases (e.g., asbestosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis), tumors, and aging, for which effective management is lacking. PMID:23347351

  11. Tracking boundary movement and exterior shape modelling in lung EIT imaging.

    PubMed

    Biguri, A; Grychtol, B; Adler, A; Soleimani, M

    2015-06-01

    Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has shown significant promise for lung imaging. One key challenge for EIT in this application is the movement of electrodes during breathing, which introduces artefacts in reconstructed images. Various approaches have been proposed to compensate for electrode movement, but no comparison of these approaches is available. This paper analyses boundary model mismatch and electrode movement in lung EIT. The aim is to evaluate the extent to which various algorithms tolerate movement, and to determine if a patient specific model is required for EIT lung imaging. Movement data are simulated from a CT-based model, and image analysis is performed using quantitative figures of merit. The electrode movement is modelled based on expected values of chest movement and an extended Jacobian method is proposed to make use of exterior boundary tracking. Results show that a dynamical boundary tracking is the most robust method against any movement, but is computationally more expensive. Simultaneous electrode movement and conductivity reconstruction algorithms show increased robustness compared to only conductivity reconstruction. The results of this comparative study can help develop a better understanding of the impact of shape model mismatch and electrode movement in lung EIT.

  12. Turing mechanism underlying a branching model for lung morphogenesis.

    PubMed

    Xu, Hui; Sun, Mingzhu; Zhao, Xin

    2017-01-01

    The mammalian lung develops through branching morphogenesis. Two primary forms of branching, which occur in order, in the lung have been identified: tip bifurcation and side branching. However, the mechanisms of lung branching morphogenesis remain to be explored. In our previous study, a biological mechanism was presented for lung branching pattern formation through a branching model. Here, we provide a mathematical mechanism underlying the branching patterns. By decoupling the branching model, we demonstrated the existence of Turing instability. We performed Turing instability analysis to reveal the mathematical mechanism of the branching patterns. Our simulation results show that the Turing patterns underlying the branching patterns are spot patterns that exhibit high local morphogen concentration. The high local morphogen concentration induces the growth of branching. Furthermore, we found that the sparse spot patterns underlie the tip bifurcation patterns, while the dense spot patterns underlies the side branching patterns. The dispersion relation analysis shows that the Turing wavelength affects the branching structure. As the wavelength decreases, the spot patterns change from sparse to dense, the rate of tip bifurcation decreases and side branching eventually occurs instead. In the process of transformation, there may exists hybrid branching that mixes tip bifurcation and side branching. Since experimental studies have reported that branching mode switching from side branching to tip bifurcation in the lung is under genetic control, our simulation results suggest that genes control the switch of the branching mode by regulating the Turing wavelength. Our results provide a novel insight into and understanding of the formation of branching patterns in the lung and other biological systems.

  13. The Role of Radial Clearance on the Performance of Foil Air Bearings

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Radil, Kevin; Howard, Samuel; Dykas, Brian

    2002-01-01

    Load capacity tests were conducted to determine how radial clearance variations affect the load capacity coefficient of foil air bearings. Two Generation III foil air bearings with the same design but possessing different initial radial clearances were tested at room temperature against an as-ground PS304 coated journal operating at 30,000 rpm. Increases in radial clearance were accomplished by reducing the journal's outside diameter via an in-place grinding system. From each load capacity test the bearing load capacity coefficient was calculated from the rule-of-thumb (ROT) model developed for foil air bearings. The test results indicate that, in terms of the load capacity coefficient, radial clearance has a direct impact on the performance of the foil air bearing. Each test bearing exhibited an optimum radial clearance that resulted in a maximum load capacity coefficient. Relative to this optimum value are two separate operating regimes that are governed by different modes of failure. Bearings operating with radial clearances less than the optimum exhibit load capacity coefficients that are a strong function of radial clearance and are prone to a thermal runaway failure mechanism and bearing seizure. Conversely, a bearing operating with a radial clearance twice the optimum suffered only a 20 percent decline in its maximum load capacity coefficient and did not experience any thermal management problems. However, it is unknown to what degree these changes in radial clearance had on other performance parameters, such as the stiffness and damping properties of the bearings.

  14. Lung biodurability and free radical production of cellulose nanomaterials

    PubMed Central

    Stefaniak, Aleksandr B.; Seehra, Mohindar S.; Fix, Natalie R.; Leonard, Stephen S.

    2015-01-01

    The potential applications of cellulose nanomaterials in advanced composites and biomedicine makes it imperative to understand their pulmonary exposure to human health. Here, we report the results on the biodurability of three cellulose nanocrystal (CNC), two cellulose nanofibril (CNF) and a benchmark cellulose microcrystal (CMC) when exposed to artificial lung airway lining fluid (SUF, pH 7.3) for up to 7 days and alveolar macrophage phagolysosomal fluid (PSF, pH 4.5) for up to 9 months. X-ray diffraction analysis was used to monitor biodurability and thermogravimetry, surface area, hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential and free radical generation capacity of the samples were determined (in vitro cell-free and RAW 264.7 cell line models). The CMC showed no measurable changes in crystallinity (xCR) or crystallite size D in either SUF or PSF. For one CNC, a slight decrease in xCR and D in SUF was observed. In acidic PSF, a slight increase in xCR with exposure time was observed, possibly due to dissolution of the amorphous component. In a cell-free reaction with H2O2, radicals were observed; the CNCs and a CNF generated significantly more ●OH radicals than the CMC (p<0.05). The ●OH radical production correlates with particle decomposition temperature and is explained by the higher surface area to volume ratio of the CNCs. Based on their biodurability, mechanical clearance would be the primary mechanism for lung clearance of cellulose materials. The production of ●OH radicals indicates the need for additional studies to characterize the potential inhalation hazards of cellulose. PMID:25265049

  15. Phagocytosis of microparticles by alveolar macrophages during acute lung injury requires MerTK.

    PubMed

    Mohning, Michael P; Thomas, Stacey M; Barthel, Lea; Mould, Kara J; McCubbrey, Alexandria L; Frasch, S Courtney; Bratton, Donna L; Henson, Peter M; Janssen, William J

    2018-01-01

    Microparticles are a newly recognized class of mediators in the pathophysiology of lung inflammation and injury, but little is known about the factors that regulate their accumulation and clearance. The primary objective of our study was to determine whether alveolar macrophages engulf microparticles and to elucidate the mechanisms by which this occurs. Alveolar microparticles were quantified in bronchoalveolar fluid of mice with lung injury induced by LPS and hydrochloric acid. Microparticle numbers were greatest at the peak of inflammation and declined as inflammation resolved. Isolated, fluorescently labeled particles were placed in culture with macrophages to evaluate ingestion in the presence of endocytosis inhibitors. Ingestion was blocked with cytochalasin D and wortmannin, consistent with a phagocytic process. In separate experiments, mice were treated intratracheally with labeled microparticles, and their uptake was assessed though microscopy and flow cytometry. Resident alveolar macrophages, not recruited macrophages, were the primary cell-ingesting microparticles in the alveolus during lung injury. In vitro, microparticles promoted inflammatory signaling in LPS primed epithelial cells, signifying the importance of microparticle clearance in resolving lung injury. Microparticles were found to have phosphatidylserine exposed on their surfaces. Accordingly, we measured expression of phosphatidylserine receptors on macrophages and found high expression of MerTK and Axl in the resident macrophage population. Endocytosis of microparticles was markedly reduced in MerTK-deficient macrophages in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, microparticles are released during acute lung injury and peak in number at the height of inflammation. Resident alveolar macrophages efficiently clear these microparticles through MerTK-mediated phagocytosis.

  16. Effects of sevoflurane on ventilator induced lung injury in a healthy lung experimental model.

    PubMed

    Romero, A; Moreno, A; García, J; Sánchez, C; Santos, M; García, J

    2016-01-01

    Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) causes a systemic inflammatory response in tissues, with an increase in IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α in blood and tissues. Cytoprotective effects of sevoflurane in different experimental models are well known, and this protective effect can also be observed in VILI. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of sevoflurane in VILI. A prospective, randomized, controlled study was designed. Twenty female rats were studied. The animals were mechanically ventilated, without sevoflurane in the control group and sevoflurane 3% in the treated group (SEV group). VILI was induced applying a maximal inspiratory pressure of 35 cmH2O for 20 min without any positive end-expiratory pressure for 20 min (INJURY time). The animals were then ventilated 30 min with a maximal inspiratory pressure of 12 cmH2O and 3 cmH2O positive end-expiratory pressure (time 30 min POST-INJURY), at which time the animals were euthanized and pathological and biomarkers studies were performed. Heart rate, invasive blood pressure, pH, PaO2, and PaCO2 were recorded. The lung wet-to-dry weight ratio was used as an index of lung edema. No differences were found in the blood gas analysis parameters or heart rate between the 2 groups. Blood pressure was statistically higher in the control group, but still within the normal clinical range. The percentage of pulmonary edema and concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 in lung tissue in the SEV group were lower than in the control group. Sevoflurane attenuates VILI in a previous healthy lung in an experimental subclinical model in rats. Copyright © 2015 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  17. The impact of desorption kinetics from albumin on hepatic extraction efficiency and hepatic clearance: a model study.

    PubMed

    Krause, Sophia; Goss, Kai-Uwe

    2018-05-23

    Until now, the question whether slow desorption of compounds from transport proteins like the plasma protein albumin can affect hepatic uptake and thereby hepatic metabolism of these compounds has not yet been answered conclusively. This work now combines recently published experimental desorption rate constants with a liver model to address this question. For doing so, the used liver model differentiates the bound compound in blood, the unbound compound in blood and the compound within the hepatocytes as three well-stirred compartments. Our calculations show that slow desorption kinetics from albumin can indeed limit hepatic metabolism of a compound by decreasing hepatic extraction efficiency and hepatic clearance. The extent of this decrease, however, depends not only on the value of the desorption rate constant but also on how much of the compound is bound to albumin in blood and how fast intrinsic metabolism of the compound in the hepatocytes is. For strongly sorbing and sufficiently fast metabolized compounds, our calculations revealed a twentyfold lower hepatic extraction efficiency and hepatic clearance for the slowest known desorption rate constant compared to the case when instantaneous equilibrium between bound and unbound compound is assumed. The same desorption rate constant, however, has nearly no effect on hepatic extraction efficiency and hepatic clearance of weakly sorbing and slowly metabolized compounds. This work examines the relevance of desorption kinetics in various example scenarios and provides the general approach needed to quantify the effect of flow limitation, membrane permeability and desorption kinetics on hepatic metabolism at the same time.

  18. Spontaneous Chitin Accumulation in Airways and Age-Related Fibrotic Lung Disease.

    PubMed

    Van Dyken, Steven J; Liang, Hong-Erh; Naikawadi, Ram P; Woodruff, Prescott G; Wolters, Paul J; Erle, David J; Locksley, Richard M

    2017-04-20

    The environmentally widespread polysaccharide chitin is degraded and recycled by ubiquitous bacterial and fungal chitinases. Although vertebrates express active chitinases from evolutionarily conserved loci, their role in mammalian physiology is unclear. We show that distinct lung epithelial cells secrete acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase), which is required for airway chitinase activity. AMCase-deficient mice exhibit premature morbidity and mortality, concomitant with accumulation of environmentally derived chitin polymers in the airways and expression of pro-fibrotic cytokines. Over time, these mice develop spontaneous pulmonary fibrosis, which is ameliorated by restoration of lung chitinase activity by genetic or therapeutic approaches. AMCase-deficient epithelial cells express fibrosis-associated gene sets linked with cell stress pathways. Mice with lung fibrosis due to telomere dysfunction and humans with interstitial lung disease also accumulate excess chitin polymers in their airways. These data suggest that altered chitin clearance could exacerbate fibrogenic pathways in the setting of lung diseases characterized by epithelial cell dysfunction. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Toward the modeling of mucus draining from the human lung: role of the geometry of the airway tree

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mauroy, Benjamin; Fausser, Christian; Pelca, Dominique; Merckx, Jacques; Flaud, Patrice

    2011-10-01

    Mucociliary clearance and cough are the two main natural mucus draining methods in the bronchial tree. If they are affected by a pathology, they can become insufficient or even ineffective, then therapeutic draining of mucus plays a critical role to keep mucus levels in the lungs acceptable. The manipulations of physical therapists are known to be very efficient clinically but they are mostly empirical since the biophysical mechanisms involved in these manipulations have never been studied. We develop in this work a model of mucus clearance in idealized rigid human bronchial trees and focus our study on the interaction between (1) tree geometry, (2) mucus physical properties and (3) amplitude of flow rate in the tree. The mucus is considered as a Bingham fluid (gel-like) which is moved upward in the tree thanks to its viscous interaction with air flow. Our studies point out the important roles played both by the geometry and by the physical properties of mucus (yield stress and viscosity). More particularly, the yield stress has to be overcome to make mucus flow. Air flow rate and yield stress determine the maximal possible mucus thickness in each branch of the tree at equilibrium. This forms a specific distribution of mucus in the tree whose characteristics are strongly related to the multi-scaled structure of the tree. The behavior of any mucus distribution is then dependent on this distribution. Finally, our results indicate that increasing air flow rates ought to be more efficient to drain mucus out of the bronchial tree while minimizing patient discomfort.

  20. Cross-Reactive T Cells Are Involved in Rapid Clearance of 2009 Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus in Nonhuman Primates

    PubMed Central

    Weinfurter, Jason T.; Brunner, Kevin; Capuano, Saverio V.; Li, Chengjun; Broman, Karl W.; Kawaoka, Yoshihiro; Friedrich, Thomas C.

    2011-01-01

    In mouse models of influenza, T cells can confer broad protection against multiple viral subtypes when antibodies raised against a single subtype fail to do so. However, the role of T cells in protecting humans against influenza remains unclear. Here we employ a translational nonhuman primate model to show that cross-reactive T cell responses play an important role in early clearance of infection with 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus (H1N1pdm). To “prime” cellular immunity, we first infected 5 rhesus macaques with a seasonal human H1N1 isolate. These animals made detectable cellular and antibody responses against the seasonal H1N1 isolate but had no neutralizing antibodies against H1N1pdm. Four months later, we challenged the 5 “primed” animals and 7 naive controls with H1N1pdm. In naive animals, CD8+ T cells with an activated phenotype (Ki-67+ CD38+) appeared in blood and lung 5–7 days post inoculation (p.i.) with H1N1pdm and reached peak magnitude 7–10 days p.i. In contrast, activated T cells were recruited to the lung as early as 2 days p.i. in “primed” animals, and reached peak frequencies in blood and lung 4–7 days p.i. Interferon (IFN)-γ Elispot and intracellular cytokine staining assays showed that the virus-specific response peaked earlier and reached a higher magnitude in “primed” animals than in naive animals. This response involved both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Strikingly, “primed” animals cleared H1N1pdm infection significantly earlier from the upper and lower respiratory tract than the naive animals did, and before the appearance of H1N1pdm-specific neutralizing antibodies. Together, our results suggest that cross-reactive T cell responses can mediate early clearance of an antigenically novel influenza virus in primates. Vaccines capable of inducing such cross-reactive T cells may help protect humans against severe disease caused by newly emerging pandemic influenza viruses. PMID:22102819

  1. Clearance kinetics and tissue distribution of aggregated human serum IgA in rats.

    PubMed Central

    Bogers, W M; Gorter, A; Stuurman, M E; Van Es, L A; Daha, M R

    1989-01-01

    In the present study the clearance kinetics and tissue distribution of human polyclonal heat-aggregated serum IgA (AIgA) of different sizes in rats was studied after intravenous administration of 125I-AIgA. The 125I-AIgA of different sizes disappeared from the circulation in a biphasic manner with an initial rapid half-life (T1/2) and a second slower T1/2. The first T1/2 was related to the size of the 125I-AIgA: high molecular weight (MW) 125I-AIgA was cleared much faster than 125I-AIgA with a low MW. Relatively more degradation products were observed in blood when high MW 125I-AIgA were injected as compared to low MW 125I-AIgA. The AIgA were mainly taken up by the liver. Eight minutes after injection of high MW 125I-AIgA, 90% of the injected dose was found in the liver, whereas less than 2% was detected in the spleen. Very little activity was detectable in other organs, such as lungs, heart and kidneys. In the present study 1-3% of the injected 125I-AIgA were found in the bile. Analysis of this material revealed that low MW 125I-AIgA were transported more efficiently to the bile than high MW 125I-AIgA. To obtain more insight into the receptors involved in the clearance of 125I-AIgA, rats were pretreated with ovalbumin or asialofetuin. The clearance of 125I-AIgA of different sizes was inhibited when rats were pretreated with asialofetuin. Pretreatment with ovalbumin had no effect on the clearance rates of 125I-AIgA. These results suggest a role for carbohydrate receptors, which recognize glycoprotein-containing galactose terminal residues on Kupffer cells, in the clearance of 125I-AIgA. PMID:2473956

  2. Uptake of reovirus serotype 1 by the lungs from the bloodstream is mediated by the viral hemagglutinin

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Verdin, E.M.; Lynn, S.P.; Fields, B.N.

    1988-02-01

    The authors used the mammalian reoviruses to determine the molecular basis of the clearance of a virus from the bloodstream by specific organs. Reovirus serotypes 1 (T1) and 3 (T3) were radiolabeled with ({sup 35}S)methionine or {sup 125}I, and the viruses were injected intravenously into weanling rats. The distribution of radioactivity within the animals was determined at various times after the injection. Both viruses were cleared rapidly from the bloodstream and concentrated in different organs. Reovirus T1 was found predominantly in the lungs and liver, whereas T3 was found predominantly in the liver, with very little virus in the lungs.more » Using intertypic reassortants, they determined that the T1 S1 gene, which encodes the viral hemagglutinin ({sigma}1 protein), is responsible for the difference in uptake of T1 and T3 by the lungs. The genetic mapping was extended by using several approaches. (i) T1 subjected to limited proteolytic digestion with chymotrypsin was cleared efficiently by the lungs despite the removal of {sigma}3 and digestion of {mu}1C to {delta}. (ii) Uptake of T1 by the lungs was totally inhibited by incubation of T1 with an anti-{sigma}1 monoclonal antibody or its Fab fragment before injection. (iii) A reovirus T1 variant in the {sigma}1 protein was poorly taken up by the lungs. These data indicate that clearance of reovirus from the bloodstream by the lungs is dependent on the presence of the T1 or {sigma}1 protein.« less

  3. A practical method of I-131 thyroid cancer therapy dose optimization using estimated effective renal clearance.

    PubMed

    Howard, Brandon A; James, Olga G; Perkins, Jennifer M; Pagnanelli, Robert A; Borges-Neto, Salvador; Reiman, Robert E

    2017-01-01

    In thyroid cancer patients with renal impairment or other complicating factors, it is important to maximize I-131 therapy efficacy while minimizing bone marrow and lung damage. We developed a web-based calculator based on a modified Benua and Leeper method to calculate the maximum I-131 dose to reduce the risk of these toxicities, based on the effective renal clearance of I-123 as measured from two whole-body I-123 scans, performed at 0 and 24 h post-administration.

  4. Electroporation-mediated Delivery of Genes in Rodent Models of Lung Contusion

    PubMed Central

    Machado-Aranda, David; Raghavendran, Krishnan

    2015-01-01

    Several of the biological processes involved in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome after lung contusion are regulated at a genetic and epigenetic level. Thus, strategies to manipulate gene expression in this context are highly desirable not only to elucidate the mechanisms involved but also to look for potential therapies. In the present chapter, we describe mouse and rat models of inducing blunt thoracic injury followed by electroporation-mediated gene delivery to the lung. Electroporation is a highly efficient and easily reproducible technique that allows circumvention of several of lung gene delivery challenges and safety issues present with other forms of lung gene therapy. PMID:24510825

  5. Evaluation of an Active Clearance Control System Concept

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Steinetz, Bruce M.; Lattime, Scott B.; DeCastro, Jonathan A.; Oswald, Jay; Melcher, Kevin J.

    2005-01-01

    Reducing blade tip clearances through active tip clearance control in the high pressure turbine can lead to significant reductions in emissions and specific fuel consumption as well as dramatic improvements in operating efficiency and increased service life. Current engines employ scheduled cooling of the outer case flanges to reduce high pressure turbine tip clearances during cruise conditions. These systems have relatively slow response and do not use clearance measurement, thereby forcing cold build clearances to set the minimum clearances at extreme operating conditions (e.g., takeoff, reburst) and not allowing cruise clearances to be minimized due to the possibility of throttle transients (e.g., step change in altitude). In an effort to improve upon current thermal methods, a first generation mechanically-actuated active clearance control (ACC) system has been designed and fabricated. The system utilizes independent actuators, a segmented shroud structure, and clearance measurement feedback to provide fast and precise active clearance control throughout engine operation. Ambient temperature performance tests of this first generation ACC system assessed individual seal component leakage rates and both static and dynamic overall system leakage rates. The ability of the nine electric stepper motors to control the position of the seal carriers in both open- and closed-loop control modes for single and multiple cycles was investigated. The ability of the system to follow simulated engine clearance transients in closed-loop mode showed the system was able to track clearances to within a tight tolerance (0.001 in. error).

  6. Evaluation of an Active Clearance Control System Concept

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Steinetz, Bruce M.; Lattime, Scott B.; Taylor, Shawn; DeCastro, Jonathan A.; Oswald, Jay; Melcher, Kevin J.

    2005-01-01

    Reducing blade tip clearances through active tip clearance control in the high pressure turbine can lead to significant reductions in emissions and specific fuel consumption as well as dramatic improvements in operating efficiency and increased service life. Current engines employ scheduled cooling of the outer case flanges to reduce high pressure turbine tip clearances during cruise conditions. These systems have relatively slow response and do not use clearance measurement, thereby forcing cold build clearances to set the minimum clearances at extreme operating conditions (e.g., takeoff, reburst) and not allowing cruise clearances to be minimized due to the possibility of throttle transients (e.g., step change in altitude). In an effort to improve upon current thermal methods, a first generation mechanically-actuated active clearance control (ACC) system has been designed and fabricated. The system utilizes independent actuators, a segmented shroud structure, and clearance measurement feedback to provide fast and precise active clearance control throughout engine operation. Ambient temperature performance tests of this first generation ACC system assessed individual seal component leakage rates and both static and dynamic overall system leakage rates. The ability of the nine electric stepper motors to control the position of the seal carriers in both open- and closed-loop control modes for single and multiple cycles was investigated. The ability of the system to follow simulated engine clearance transients in closed-loop mode showed the system was able to track clearances to within a tight tolerance ( 0.001 in. error).

  7. Measurement method of rotation angle and clearance in intelligent spherical hinge

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hu, Penghao; Lu, Yichang; Chen, Shiyi; Hu, Yi; Zhu, Lianqing

    2018-06-01

    Precision ball hinges are widely applied in parallel mechanisms, robotics, and other areas, but their rotation orientation and angle cannot be obtained during passive motion. The simultaneous clearance error in a precision ball hinge’s motion also can not be determined. In this paper we propose an intelligent ball hinge (IBH) that can detect the rotation angle and moving clearance, based on our previous research results. The measurement model was optimized to promote measurement accuracy and resolution, and an optimal design for the IBH’s structure was determined. The experimental data showed that the measurement accuracy and resolution of the modified scheme were improved. Within  ±10° and  ±  20°, the average errors of the uniaxial measurements were 0.29° and 0.42°, respectively. The resolution of the measurements was 15″. The source of the measurement errors was analyzed through theory and experimental data and several key error sources were determined. A point capacitance model for measuring the clearance error is proposed, which is useful not only in compensating for the angle measurement error but also in realizing the motion clearance of an IBH in real-time.

  8. Glottis effects on the cough clearance process simulated with a CFD dynamic mesh and Eulerian wall film model.

    PubMed

    Paz, Concepción; Suárez, Eduardo; Parga, Oscar; Vence, Jesús

    2017-09-01

    In this study, we have reproduced the cough clearance process with an Eulerian wall film model. The simulated domain is based on realistic geometry from the literature, which has been improved by adding the glottis and epiglottis. The vocal fold movement has been included due to the dynamic mesh method, considering different abduction and adduction angles and velocities. The proposed methodology captures the deformation of the flexible tissue, considers non-Newtonian properties for the mucus, and enables us to reproduce a single cough or a cough epoch. The cough efficiency (CE) has been used to quantify the overall performance of the cough, considering many different boundary conditions, for the analysis of the glottis effect. It was observed that a viscous shear force is the main mechanism in the cough clearance process, while the glottis closure time and the epiglottis position do not have a significant effect on the CE. The cough assistance devices improve the CE, and the enhancement rate grows logarithmically with the operating pressure. The cough can achieve an effective mucus clearance process, even with a fixed glottis. Nevertheless, the glottis closure substantially improves the CE results.

  9. Pre-lung transplant measures of reflux on impedance are superior to pH testing alone in predicting early allograft injury

    PubMed Central

    Lo, Wai-Kit; Burakoff, Robert; Goldberg, Hilary J; Feldman, Natan; Chan, Walter W

    2015-01-01

    AIM: To evaluate pre-lung transplant acid reflux on pH-testing vs corresponding bolus reflux on multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) to predict early allograft injury. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of lung transplant recipients who underwent pre-transplant combined MII-pH-testing at a tertiary care center from January 2007 to November 2012. Patients with pre-transplant fundoplication were excluded. Time-to-event analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazards model to assess associations between measures of reflux on MII-pH testing and early allograft injury. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (c-statistic) of the Cox model was calculated to assess the predictive value of each reflux parameter for early allograft injury. Six pH-testing parameters and their corresponding MII measures were specified a priori. The pH parameters were upright, recumbent, and overall acid reflux exposure; elevated acid reflux exposure; total acid reflux episodes; and acid clearance time. The corresponding MII measures were upright, recumbent, and overall bolus reflux exposure; elevated bolus reflux exposure; total bolus reflux episodes; and bolus clearance time. RESULTS: Thirty-two subjects (47% men, mean age: 55 years old) met the inclusion criteria of the study. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (46.9%) represented the most common pulmonary diagnosis leading to transplantation. Baseline demographics, pre-transplant cardiopulmonary function, number of lungs transplanted (unilateral vs bilateral), and post-transplant proton pump inhibitor use were similar between reflux severity groups. The area under the ROC curve, or c-statistic, of each acid reflux parameter on pre-transplant pH-testing was lower than its bolus reflux counterpart on MII in the prediction of early allograft injury. In addition, the development of early allograft injury was significantly associated with three pre-transplant MII measures of bolus reflux: overall reflux

  10. A fluorescence model of the murine lung for optical detection of pathogenic bacteria

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Durkee, Madeleine S.; Cirillo, Jeffrey D.; Maitland, Kristen C.

    2017-07-01

    We present a computer model of intravital excitation and external fluorescence detection in the murine lungs validated with a three-dimensional lung tissue phantom. The model is applied to optical detection of pulmonary tuberculosis infection.

  11. Simultaneous Assessment of Clearance, Metabolism, Induction, and Drug-Drug Interaction Potential Using a Long-Term In Vitro Liver Model for a Novel Hepatitis B Virus Inhibitor.

    PubMed

    Kratochwil, Nicole A; Triyatni, Miriam; Mueller, Martina B; Klammers, Florian; Leonard, Brian; Turley, Dan; Schmaler, Josephine; Ekiciler, Aynur; Molitor, Birgit; Walter, Isabelle; Gonsard, Pierre-Alexis; Tournillac, Charles A; Durrwell, Alexandre; Marschmann, Michaela; Jones, Russell; Ullah, Mohammed; Boess, Franziska; Ottaviani, Giorgio; Jin, Yuyan; Parrott, Neil J; Fowler, Stephen

    2018-05-01

    Long-term in vitro liver models are now widely explored for human hepatic metabolic clearance prediction, enzyme phenotyping, cross-species metabolism, comparison of low clearance drugs, and induction studies. Here, we present studies using a long-term liver model, which show how metabolism and active transport, drug-drug interactions, and enzyme induction in healthy and diseased states, such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, may be assessed in a single test system to enable effective data integration for physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. The approach is exemplified in the case of (3S)-4-[[(4R)-4-(2-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-thiazol-2-yl-1,4-dihydropyrimidin-6-yl]methyl]morpholine-3-carboxylic acid RO6889678, a novel inhibitor of HBV with a complex absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) profile. RO6889678 showed an intracellular enrichment of 78-fold in hepatocytes, with an apparent intrinsic clearance of 5.2 µ l/min per mg protein and uptake and biliary clearances of 2.6 and 1.6 µ l/min per mg protein, respectively. When apparent intrinsic clearance was incorporated into a PBPK model, the simulated oral human profiles were in good agreement with observed data at low doses but were underestimated at high doses due to unexpected overproportional increases in exposure with dose. In addition, the induction potential of RO6889678 on cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes and transporters at steady state was assessed and cotreatment with ritonavir revealed a complex drug-drug interaction with concurrent P450 inhibition and moderate UDP-glucuronosyltransferase induction. Furthermore, we report on the first evaluation of in vitro pharmacokinetics studies using HBV-infected HepatoPac cocultures. Thus, long-term liver models have great potential as translational research tools exploring pharmacokinetics of novel drugs in vitro in health and disease. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s).

  12. Interfacial distribution of mucus under forced expiration in a double bifurcation model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rajendran, Rahul; Banerjee, Arindam

    2017-11-01

    Mucus is removed from the lung airways by the rhythmic beating of cilia and the mucus interaction with the turbulent core airflow generated during a cough or forced expiration. The quantity and quality of mucus are adversely altered, impairing mucociliary clearance under chronic pulmonary conditions. Existing studies on airflow induced mucus clearance have established a functional relationship between the airflow rate, mucus properties, flow bias, breathing frequency and clearance; however, the impact of airway branching, gravity, and characterization of primary and secondary flows have not been studied. The focus of the current investigation is the detailed understanding of air-mucus two-phase flow mechanism under steady expiratory airflow in a double bifurcation model. The effect of different airflow rates and mucus viscosities on the flow morphology, mucus layer thickness, mucus clearance and pressure drop across the model will be discussed. The impact of in-plane and out-of-plane configurations of the bifurcation model on the primary and secondary flow structures as well as the mucus distribution will be addressed. In addition, a detailed comparison of the flow structures in the mucus-lined airways, and its corresponding dry wall (no mucus lining) case will be presented.

  13. Lessons learned using different mouse models during space radiation-induced lung tumorigenesis experiments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Jian; Zhang, Xiangming; Wang, Ping; Wang, Xiang; Farris, Alton B.; Wang, Ya

    2016-06-01

    Unlike terrestrial ionizing radiation, space radiation, especially galactic cosmic rays (GCR), contains high energy charged (HZE) particles with high linear energy transfer (LET). Due to a lack of epidemiologic data for high-LET radiation exposure, it is highly uncertain how high the carcinogenesis risk is for astronauts following exposure to space radiation during space missions. Therefore, using mouse models is necessary to evaluate the risk of space radiation-induced tumorigenesis; however, which mouse model is better for these studies remains uncertain. Since lung tumorigenesis is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, and low-LET radiation exposure increases human lung carcinogenesis, evaluating space radiation-induced lung tumorigenesis is critical to enable safe Mars missions. Here, by comparing lung tumorigenesis obtained from different mouse strains, as well as miR-21 in lung tissue/tumors and serum, we believe that wild type mice with a low spontaneous tumorigenesis background are ideal for evaluating the risk of space radiation-induced lung tumorigenesis, and circulating miR-21 from such mice model might be used as a biomarker for predicting the risk.

  14. Modelling staphylococcal pneumonia in a human 3D lung tissue model system delineates toxin-mediated pathology

    PubMed Central

    Mairpady Shambat, Srikanth; Chen, Puran; Nguyen Hoang, Anh Thu; Bergsten, Helena; Vandenesch, Francois; Siemens, Nikolai; Lina, Gerard; Monk, Ian R.; Foster, Timothy J.; Arakere, Gayathri; Svensson, Mattias; Norrby-Teglund, Anna

    2015-01-01

    ABSTRACT Staphylococcus aureus necrotizing pneumonia is recognized as a toxin-mediated disease, yet the tissue-destructive events remain elusive, partly as a result of lack of mechanistic studies in human lung tissue. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) tissue model composed of human lung epithelial cells and fibroblasts was used to delineate the role of specific staphylococcal exotoxins in tissue pathology associated with severe pneumonia. To this end, the models were exposed to the mixture of exotoxins produced by S. aureus strains isolated from patients with varying severity of lung infection, namely necrotizing pneumonia or lung empyema, or to purified toxins. The necrotizing pneumonia strains secreted high levels of α-toxin and Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL), and triggered high cytotoxicity, inflammation, necrosis and loss of E-cadherin from the lung epithelium. In contrast, the lung empyema strain produced moderate levels of PVL, but negligible amounts of α-toxin, and triggered limited tissue damage. α-toxin had a direct damaging effect on the epithelium, as verified using toxin-deficient mutants and pure α-toxin. Moreover, PVL contributed to pathology through the lysis of neutrophils. A combination of α-toxin and PVL resulted in the most severe epithelial injury. In addition, toxin-induced release of pro-inflammatory mediators from lung tissue models resulted in enhanced neutrophil migration. Using a collection of 31 strains from patients with staphylococcal pneumonia revealed that strains producing high levels of α-toxin and PVL were cytotoxic and associated with fatal outcome. Also, the strains that produced the highest toxin levels induced significantly greater epithelial disruption. Of importance, toxin-mediated lung epithelium destruction could be inhibited by polyspecific intravenous immunoglobulin containing antibodies against α-toxin and PVL. This study introduces a novel model system for study of staphylococcal pneumonia in a human

  15. Actions of Hydrogen Sulfide on Sodium Transport Processes across Native Distal Lung Epithelia (Xenopus laevis)

    PubMed Central

    Erb, Alexandra; Althaus, Mike

    2014-01-01

    Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is well known as a highly toxic environmental chemical threat. Prolonged exposure to H2S can lead to the formation of pulmonary edema. However, the mechanisms of how H2S facilitates edema formation are poorly understood. Since edema formation can be enhanced by an impaired clearance of electrolytes and, consequently, fluid across the alveolar epithelium, it was questioned whether H2S may interfere with transepithelial electrolyte absorption. Electrolyte absorption was electrophysiologically measured across native distal lung preparations (Xenopus laevis) in Ussing chambers. The exposure of lung epithelia to H2S decreased net transepithelial electrolyte absorption. This was due to an impairment of amiloride-sensitive sodium transport. H2S inhibited the activity of the Na+/K+-ATPase as well as lidocaine-sensitive potassium channels located in the basolateral membrane of the epithelium. Inhibition of these transport molecules diminishes the electrochemical gradient which is necessary for transepithelial sodium absorption. Since sodium absorption osmotically facilitates alveolar fluid clearance, interference of H2S with the epithelial transport machinery provides a mechanism which enhances edema formation in H2S-exposed lungs. PMID:24960042

  16. 48 CFR 945.603-70 - Plant clearance function.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Plant clearance function... Plant clearance function. If the plant clearance function has not been formally delegated to another Federal agency, the contracting officer shall assume all responsibilities of the plant clearance officer...

  17. 48 CFR 945.603-70 - Plant clearance function.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Plant clearance function... Plant clearance function. If the plant clearance function has not been formally delegated to another Federal agency, the contracting officer shall assume all responsibilities of the plant clearance officer...

  18. Sequential assessment of pulmonary epithelial diethylene triamine penta-acetate clearance and intrapulmonary transferrin accumulation during Escherichia coli peritonitis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ishizaka, A.; Stephens, K.E.; Segall, G.M.

    1990-03-01

    The individual roles of pulmonary capillary endothelial and alveolar epithelial permeability in the pathogenesis of the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are unclear. We developed a method for the sequential assessment of pulmonary macromolecule accumulation and small solute clearance in vivo using a gamma camera. We measured the exponential clearance coefficient of 111In-labeled diethylene triamine penta-acetate (111In-DTPA) to assess airway clearance of small solutes. We also calculated the exponential equilibration coefficient of 111In-labeled transferrin (111In-TF) to assess intrapulmonary accumulation of transferrin. We determined these parameters in guinea pigs with Escherichia coli peritonitis and compared them with a saline-treated control group,more » oleic-acid-treated groups, and a group treated with low molecular weight dextran Ringer solution. The pulmonary DTPA clearance and the intrapulmonary transferrin accumulation were significantly increased in the peritonitis group (29.4 +/- 8.2 x 10(-3) min-1, p less than 0.02, and 15.1 +/- 3.1 x 10(-3) min-1, p less than 0.02) when compared with the control group (3.1 +/- 0.8 x 10(-3) min-1 and 4.5 +/- 0.5 x 10(-3) min-1). These changes developed within 5.5 h of the initial insult. Neither increased extravascular lung water nor elevated pulmonary artery and left atrial pressures were detected in the peritonitis group. The low molecular weight dextran Ringer group did not show a significant increase in the pulmonary DTPA clearance and the intrapulmonary transferrin accumulation.« less

  19. Gene Expression Analysis to Assess the Relevance of Rodent Models to Human Lung Injury.

    PubMed

    Sweeney, Timothy E; Lofgren, Shane; Khatri, Purvesh; Rogers, Angela J

    2017-08-01

    The relevance of animal models to human diseases is an area of intense scientific debate. The degree to which mouse models of lung injury recapitulate human lung injury has never been assessed. Integrating data from both human and animal expression studies allows for increased statistical power and identification of conserved differential gene expression across organisms and conditions. We sought comprehensive integration of gene expression data in experimental acute lung injury (ALI) in rodents compared with humans. We performed two separate gene expression multicohort analyses to determine differential gene expression in experimental animal and human lung injury. We used correlational and pathway analyses combined with external in vitro gene expression data to identify both potential drivers of underlying inflammation and therapeutic drug candidates. We identified 21 animal lung tissue datasets and three human lung injury bronchoalveolar lavage datasets. We show that the metasignatures of animal and human experimental ALI are significantly correlated despite these widely varying experimental conditions. The gene expression changes among mice and rats across diverse injury models (ozone, ventilator-induced lung injury, LPS) are significantly correlated with human models of lung injury (Pearson r = 0.33-0.45, P < 1E -16 ). Neutrophil signatures are enriched in both animal and human lung injury. Predicted therapeutic targets, peptide ligand signatures, and pathway analyses are also all highly overlapping. Gene expression changes are similar in animal and human experimental ALI, and provide several physiologic and therapeutic insights to the disease.

  20. Mesenchymal stem cells enhance autophagy and increase β-amyloid clearance in Alzheimer disease models

    PubMed Central

    Shin, Jin Young; Park, Hyun Jung; Kim, Ha Na; Oh, Se Hee; Bae, Jae-Sung; Ha, Hee-Jin; Lee, Phil Hyu

    2014-01-01

    Current evidence suggests a central role for autophagy in Alzheimer disease (AD), and dysfunction in the autophagic system may lead to amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation. Using in vitro and in vivo AD models, the present study investigated whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could enhance autophagy and thus exert a neuroprotective effect through modulation of Aβ clearance In Aβ-treated neuronal cells, MSCs increased cellular viability and enhanced LC3-II expression compared with cells treated with Aβ only. Immunofluorescence revealed that MSC coculture in Aβ-treated neuronal cells increased the number of LC3-II-positive autophagosomes that were colocalized with a lysosomal marker. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that most autophagic vacuoles (AVs) in Aβ-treated cells were not fused with lysosomes, whereas a large portion of autophagosomes were conjoined with lysosomes in MSCs cocultured with Aβ-treated neuronal cells. Furthermore, MSC coculture markedly increased Aβ immunoreactivity colocalized within lysosomes and decreased intracellular Aβ levels compared with Aβ-treated cells. In Aβ-treated animals, MSC administration significantly increased autophagosome induction, final maturation of late AVs, and fusion with lysosomes. Moreover, MSC administration significantly reduced the level of Aβ in the hippocampus, which was elevated in Aβ-treated mice, concomitant with increased survival of hippocampal neurons. Finally, MSC coculture upregulated BECN1/Beclin 1 expression in AD models. These results suggest that MSCs significantly enhance autolysosome formation and clearance of Aβ in AD models, which may lead to increased neuronal survival against Aβ toxicity. Modulation of the autophagy pathway to repair the damaged AD brain using MSCs would have a significant impact on future strategies for AD treatment. PMID:24149893

  1. Effects of budesonide on the lung functions, inflammation and apoptosis in a saline-lavage model of acute lung injury.

    PubMed

    Mokra, D; Kosutova, P; Balentova, S; Adamkov, M; Mikolka, P; Mokry, J; Antosova, M; Calkovska, A

    2016-12-01

    improved lung functions in a lavage model of ALI. These findings suggest a potential of therapy with inhaled budesonide also for patients with ARDS.

  2. 48 CFR 801.602-76 - Business clearance review.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Business clearance review... Authority, and Responsibilities 801.602-76 Business clearance review. (a) A business clearance review is a... obtain a business clearance review prior to award of any contract, task or delivery order, or blanket...

  3. 48 CFR 801.602-76 - Business clearance review.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Business clearance review... Authority, and Responsibilities 801.602-76 Business clearance review. (a) A business clearance review is a... obtain a business clearance review prior to award of any contract, task or delivery order, or blanket...

  4. Effect of Cilia Beat Frequency on Muco-ciliary Clearance

    PubMed Central

    Sedaghat, M.H.; Shahmardan, M.M.; Norouzi, M.; Heydari, M.

    2016-01-01

    Background: The airway surface liquid (ASL), which is a fluid layer coating the interior epithelial surface of the bronchi and bronchiolesis, plays an important defensive role against foreign particles and chemicals entering lungs. Objective: Numerical investigation has been employed to solve two-layer model consisting of mucus layer as a viscoelastic fluid and periciliary liquid layer as a Newtonian fluid to study the effects of cilia beat frequency (CBF) at various amounts of mucus properties on muco-ciliary transport problem. Methods: Hybrid finite difference-lattice Boltzmann-method (FB-LBM) has been used to solve the momentum equations and to simulate cilia forces, and also the PCL-mucus interface more accurately, immersed boundary method (IBM) has been employed. The main contribution of the current study is to use an Oldroyd-B model as the constitutive equation of mucus. Results: Our results show that increasing CBF and decreasing mucus viscosity ratio have great effects on mucus flow, but the effect of viscosity ratio is more significant. The results also illustrate that the relation between cilia beat frequency and mean mucus velocity is almost linear and it has similar behavior at different values of viscosity ratio. Conclusion: Numerical investigation based on hybrid IB-FD-LBM has been used to study the effect of CBF at various mounts of mucus viscosity ratio on the muco-ciliary clearance. The results showed that the effect of viscosity ratio on the muco-ciliary transport process is more significant compared with CBF. PMID:28144596

  5. Pressure attenuation during high-frequency airway clearance therapy across different size endotracheal tubes: An in vitro study.

    PubMed

    Smallwood, Craig D; Bullock, Kevin J; Gouldstone, Andrew

    2016-08-01

    High-frequency airway clearance therapy is a positive pressure secretion clearance modality used in pediatric and adult applications. However, pressure attenuation across different size endotracheal tubes (ETT) has not been adequately described. This study quantifies attenuation in an in vitro model. The MetaNeb® System was used to deliver high-frequency pressure pulses to 3.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0mm ID ETTs connected to a test lung during mechanical ventilation. The experimental setup included a 3D-printed trachea model and imbedded pressure sensors. The pressure attenuation (Patt%) was calculated: Patt%=[(Pproximal-Pdistal)/Pproximal]x100. The effect of pulse frequency on Pdistal and Pproximal was quantified. Patt% was inversely and linearly related to ETT ID and (y=-7.924x+74.36; R(2)=0.9917, P=.0042 for 4.0Hz pulse frequency and y=-7.382+9.445, R(2)=0.9964, P=.0018 for 3.0Hz pulse frequency). Patt% across the 3.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0mm I.D. ETTs was 48.88±10.25%, 40.87±5.22%, 27.97±5.29%, and 9.90±1.9% respectively. Selecting the 4.0Hz frequency mode demonstrated higher Pproximal and Pdistal compared to the 3.0Hz frequency mode (P=.0049 and P=.0065). Observed Pdistal was <30cmH2O for all experiments. In an in vitro model, pressure attenuation was linearly related to the inner diameter of the endotracheal tube; with decreasing attenuation as the ETT size increased. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. 30 CFR 18.24 - Electrical clearances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Requirements § 18.24 Electrical clearances. Minimum clearances between uninsulated electrical conductor surfaces, or between uninsulated conductor surfaces and grounded metal surfaces, within the enclosure shall...

  7. 30 CFR 18.24 - Electrical clearances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Requirements § 18.24 Electrical clearances. Minimum clearances between uninsulated electrical conductor surfaces, or between uninsulated conductor surfaces and grounded metal surfaces, within the enclosure shall...

  8. Deposition and clearance of inhaled particles.

    PubMed Central

    Stuart, B O

    1984-01-01

    Theoretical models of respiratory tract deposition of inhaled particles are compared to experimental studies of deposition patterns in humans and animals, as governed principally by particle size, density, respiratory rate and flow parameters. Various models of inhaled particle deposition make use of approximations of the respiratory tract to predict fractional deposition caused by fundamental physical processes of particle impaction, sedimentation, and diffusion. These models for both total deposition and regional (nasopharyngeal, tracheobronchial, and pulmonary) deposition are compared with early and recent experimental studies. Reasonable correlation has been obtained between theoretical and experimental studies, but the behavior in the respiratory tract of very fine (less than 0.1 micron) particles requires further investigation. Properties of particle shape, charge and hygroscopicity as well as the degree of respiratory tract pathology also influence deposition patterns; definitive experimental work is needed in these areas. The influence upon deposition patterns of dynamic alterations in inspiratory flow profiles caused by a variety of breathing patterns also requires further study, and the use of differing ventilation techniques with selected inhaled particle sizes holds promise in diagnosis of respiratory tract diseases. Mechanisms of conducting airway and alveolar clearance processes involving the pulmonary macrophage, mucociliary clearance, dissolution, transport to systemic circulation, and translocation via regional lymphatic vessels are discussed. PMID:6376108

  9. Microanalyses of lesions and lymph nodes from coalminers' lungs.

    PubMed

    Chapman, J S; Ruckley, V A

    1985-08-01

    The dust content and composition of lesions and hilar lymph nodes from the lungs of British coalworkers have been examined. Samples of macules, fibrotic nodules, and massive fibrosis (both peripheral and central sites) were dissected from 49 lungs. The highest mean dust concentrations (about 20%) were found in nodules and massive fibrosis. Overall there were no significant differences between the selected lesion types and their respective whole lung dust composition, although the central sites of massive fibrosis were found to contain on average a higher proportion of coal and a lower proportion of ash and its measured constituents, quartz and kaolin plus mica, than the edge of the lesion (p less than 0.001 for each component). There were striking differences between recovered lung and lymph node dusts. An examination of 180 specimens showed a mean quartz in lymph node dust of 20.3% compared with 6.1% in lung dust. As expected the proportion of quartz was greater in lymph nodes and lungs from men who had worked "low" rank (high ash) coal. By contrast with the corresponding figures for lung dusts, however, the mean proportion of quartz in nodes did not increase over the pathological range of pneumoconiotic lung disease. On average the proportions of kaolin and mica in lymph nodes reflect those found in lungs. The lymphotrophic nature of quartz was clearly shown although it was not possible to show an association between this clearance pathway and any particular type of lesion.

  10. GERMINATION, VIABILITY AND CLEARANCE OF STACHYBOTRYS CHARTARUM IN THE LUNGS OF INFANT RATS

    EPA Science Inventory

    The fungus Stachybotrys chartarum has been associated with many adverse health effects including the condition known as idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage in infants. In order to gain some insight into possible mechanisms, viable conidia of S. chartarum were instilled into the lung...

  11. Arctigenin effectively ameliorates memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease model mice targeting both β-amyloid production and clearance.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Zhiyuan; Yan, Jianming; Jiang, Wei; Yao, Xin-gang; Chen, Jing; Chen, Lili; Li, Chenjing; Hu, Lihong; Jiang, Hualiang; Shen, Xu

    2013-08-07

    Alzheimer's disease (AD) chiefly characterizes a progressively neurodegenerative disorder of the brain, and eventually leads to irreversible loss of intellectual abilities. The β-amyloid (Aβ)-induced neurodegeneration is believed to be the main pathological mechanism of AD, and Aβ production inhibition or its clearance promotion is one of the promising therapeutic strategies for anti-AD research. Here, we report that the natural product arctigenin from Arctium lappa (L.) can both inhibit Aβ production by suppressing β-site amyloid precursor protein cleavage enzyme 1 expression and promote Aβ clearance by enhancing autophagy through AKT/mTOR signaling inhibition and AMPK/Raptor pathway activation as investigated in cells and APP/PS1 transgenic AD model mice. Moreover, the results showing that treatment of arctigenin in mice highly decreased Aβ formation and senile plaques and efficiently ameliorated AD mouse memory impairment strongly highlight the potential of arctigenin in anti-AD drug discovery.

  12. 45 CFR 675.3 - Medical clearance criteria.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Medical clearance criteria. 675.3 Section 675.3 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION MEDICAL CLEARANCE PROCESS FOR DEPLOYMENT TO ANTARCTICA § 675.3 Medical clearance criteria. (a) The USAP shall...

  13. 45 CFR 675.3 - Medical clearance criteria.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Medical clearance criteria. 675.3 Section 675.3 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION MEDICAL CLEARANCE PROCESS FOR DEPLOYMENT TO ANTARCTICA § 675.3 Medical clearance criteria. (a) The USAP shall...

  14. 45 CFR 675.3 - Medical clearance criteria.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Medical clearance criteria. 675.3 Section 675.3 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION MEDICAL CLEARANCE PROCESS FOR DEPLOYMENT TO ANTARCTICA § 675.3 Medical clearance criteria. (a) The USAP shall...

  15. Wear in ceramic on ceramic type lumbar total disc replacement: effect of radial clearance.

    PubMed

    Shankar, S; Kesavan, D

    2015-01-01

    The wear of the bearing surfaces of total disc replacement (TDR) is a key problem leads to reduction in the lifetime of the prosthesis and it mainly occurs due to the range of clearances of the articulating surface between the superior plate and core. The objective of this paper is to estimate the wear using finite element concepts considering the different radial clearances between the articulating surfaces of ceramic on ceramic type Lumbar Total Disc Replacement (LTDR). The finite element (FE) model was subjected to wear testing protocols according to loading profile of International Standards Organization (ISO) 18192 standards through 10 million cycles. The radial clearance value of 0.05 mm showed less volumetric wear when compared with other radial clearance values. Hence, low radial clearance values are suitable for LTDR to minimize the wear.

  16. Near infrared photoimmunotherapy prevents lung cancer metastases in a murine model

    PubMed Central

    Sato, Kazuhide; Nagaya, Tadanobu; Nakamura, Yuko; Harada, Toshiko; Choyke, Peter L.; Kobayashi, Hisataka

    2015-01-01

    Near infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a new cancer treatment that combines the specificity of intravenously injected antibodies with the acute toxicity induced by photosensitizers after exposure to NIR-light. Herein, we evaluate the efficacy of NIR-PIT in preventing lung metastases in a mouse model. Lung is one of the most common sites for developing metastases, but it also has the deepest tissue light penetration. Thus, lung is the ideal site for treating early metastases by using a light-based strategy. In vitro NIR-PIT cytotoxicity was assessed with dead cell staining, luciferase activity, and a decrease in cytoplasmic GFP fluorescence in 3T3/HER2-luc-GFP cells incubated with an anti-HER2 antibody photosensitizer conjugate. Cell-specific killing was demonstrated in mixed 2D/3D cell cultures of 3T3/HER2-luc-GFP (target) and 3T3-RFP (non-target) cells. In vivo NIR-PIT was performed in the left lung in a mouse model of lung metastases, and the number of metastasis nodules, tumor fluorescence, and luciferase activity were all evaluated. All three evaluations demonstrated that the NIR-PIT-treated lung had significant reductions in metastatic disease (*p < 0.0001, Mann-Whitney U-test) and that NIR-PIT did not damage non-target tumors or normal lung tissue. Thus, NIR-PIT can specifically prevent early metastases and is a promising anti-metastatic therapy. PMID:25992770

  17. NTCP modelling of lung toxicity after SBRT comparing the universal survival curve and the linear quadratic model for fractionation correction.

    PubMed

    Wennberg, Berit M; Baumann, Pia; Gagliardi, Giovanna; Nyman, Jan; Drugge, Ninni; Hoyer, Morten; Traberg, Anders; Nilsson, Kristina; Morhed, Elisabeth; Ekberg, Lars; Wittgren, Lena; Lund, Jo-Åsmund; Levin, Nina; Sederholm, Christer; Lewensohn, Rolf; Lax, Ingmar

    2011-05-01

    In SBRT of lung tumours no established relationship between dose-volume parameters and the incidence of lung toxicity is found. The aim of this study is to compare the LQ model and the universal survival curve (USC) to calculate biologically equivalent doses in SBRT to see if this will improve knowledge on this relationship. Toxicity data on radiation pneumonitis grade 2 or more (RP2+) from 57 patients were used, 10.5% were diagnosed with RP2+. The lung DVHs were corrected for fractionation (LQ and USC) and analysed with the Lyman- Kutcher-Burman (LKB) model. In the LQ-correction α/β = 3 Gy was used and the USC parameters used were: α/β = 3 Gy, D(0) = 1.0 Gy, [Formula: see text] = 10, α = 0.206 Gy(-1) and d(T) = 5.8 Gy. In order to understand the relative contribution of different dose levels to the calculated NTCP the concept of fractional NTCP was used. This might give an insight to the questions of whether "high doses to small volumes" or "low doses to large volumes" are most important for lung toxicity. NTCP analysis with the LKB-model using parameters m = 0.4, D(50) = 30 Gy resulted for the volume dependence parameter (n) with LQ correction n = 0.87 and with USC correction n = 0.71. Using parameters m = 0.3, D(50) = 20 Gy n = 0.93 with LQ correction and n = 0.83 with USC correction. In SBRT of lung tumours, NTCP modelling of lung toxicity comparing models (LQ,USC) for fractionation correction, shows that low dose contribute less and high dose more to the NTCP when using the USC-model. Comparing NTCP modelling of SBRT data and data from breast cancer, lung cancer and whole lung irradiation implies that the response of the lung is treatment specific. More data are however needed in order to have a more reliable modelling.

  18. Risk Estimation for Lung Cancer in Libya: Analysis Based on Standardized Morbidity Ratio, Poisson-Gamma Model, BYM Model and Mixture Model

    PubMed Central

    Alhdiri, Maryam Ahmed; Samat, Nor Azah; Mohamed, Zulkifley

    2017-01-01

    Cancer is the most rapidly spreading disease in the world, especially in developing countries, including Libya. Cancer represents a significant burden on patients, families, and their societies. This disease can be controlled if detected early. Therefore, disease mapping has recently become an important method in the fields of public health research and disease epidemiology. The correct choice of statistical model is a very important step to producing a good map of a disease. Libya was selected to perform this work and to examine its geographical variation in the incidence of lung cancer. The objective of this paper is to estimate the relative risk for lung cancer. Four statistical models to estimate the relative risk for lung cancer and population censuses of the study area for the time period 2006 to 2011 were used in this work. They are initially known as Standardized Morbidity Ratio, which is the most popular statistic, which used in the field of disease mapping, Poisson-gamma model, which is one of the earliest applications of Bayesian methodology, Besag, York and Mollie (BYM) model and Mixture model. As an initial step, this study begins by providing a review of all proposed models, which we then apply to lung cancer data in Libya. Maps, tables and graph, goodness-of-fit (GOF) were used to compare and present the preliminary results. This GOF is common in statistical modelling to compare fitted models. The main general results presented in this study show that the Poisson-gamma model, BYM model, and Mixture model can overcome the problem of the first model (SMR) when there is no observed lung cancer case in certain districts. Results show that the Mixture model is most robust and provides better relative risk estimates across a range of models. PMID:28440974

  19. Risk Estimation for Lung Cancer in Libya: Analysis Based on Standardized Morbidity Ratio, Poisson-Gamma Model, BYM Model and Mixture Model

    PubMed

    Alhdiri, Maryam Ahmed; Samat, Nor Azah; Mohamed, Zulkifley

    2017-03-01

    Cancer is the most rapidly spreading disease in the world, especially in developing countries, including Libya. Cancer represents a significant burden on patients, families, and their societies. This disease can be controlled if detected early. Therefore, disease mapping has recently become an important method in the fields of public health research and disease epidemiology. The correct choice of statistical model is a very important step to producing a good map of a disease. Libya was selected to perform this work and to examine its geographical variation in the incidence of lung cancer. The objective of this paper is to estimate the relative risk for lung cancer. Four statistical models to estimate the relative risk for lung cancer and population censuses of the study area for the time period 2006 to 2011 were used in this work. They are initially known as Standardized Morbidity Ratio, which is the most popular statistic, which used in the field of disease mapping, Poisson-gamma model, which is one of the earliest applications of Bayesian methodology, Besag, York and Mollie (BYM) model and Mixture model. As an initial step, this study begins by providing a review of all proposed models, which we then apply to lung cancer data in Libya. Maps, tables and graph, goodness-of-fit (GOF) were used to compare and present the preliminary results. This GOF is common in statistical modelling to compare fitted models. The main general results presented in this study show that the Poisson-gamma model, BYM model, and Mixture model can overcome the problem of the first model (SMR) when there is no observed lung cancer case in certain districts. Results show that the Mixture model is most robust and provides better relative risk estimates across a range of models. Creative Commons Attribution License

  20. Effects of a Diphtheria-Tetanus-Acellular Pertussis Vaccine on Immune Responses in Murine Local Lymph Node and Lung Allergy Models▿

    PubMed Central

    Vandebriel, Rob J.; Gremmer, Eric R.; van Hartskamp, Michiel; Dormans, Jan A. M. A.; Mooi, Frits R.

    2007-01-01

    We have previously shown that in mice, diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccination before Bordetella pertussis infection resulted in, besides effective clearance, immediate hypersensitivity (lung eosinophilia, increased total serum immunoglobulin E [IgE], and increased ex vivo Th2 cytokine production by cells from the bronchial lymph nodes). To better appreciate the extent of these findings, we measured DTaP vaccination effects in the local lymph node assay (LLNA) and an ovalbumin (OVA) lung allergy model. In the LLNA, mice were vaccinated or adjuvant treated before being sensitized with trimellitic anhydride (TMA; inducing a Th2-directed response) and dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB; inducing a Th1-directed response). Compared to the adjuvant-treated controls, the vaccinated mice showed a decreased response to TMA and (to a much lesser extent) an increased response to DNCB. The decreased response to TMA coincided with increased transforming growth factor β levels. With the exception of filamentous hemagglutinin, all vaccine constituents contributed to the decreased response to TMA. In the lung allergy model, sensitization induced OVA-specific IgE, lung pathology (peribronchiolitis, perivasculitis, and hypertrophy of the bronchiolar mucus cells) and increased the number of eosinophils, lymphocytes, and neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Vaccination failed to modulate these parameters. In conclusion, although DTaP vaccination may affect the LLNA response, we found no evidence of an effect on lung allergy. PMID:17202304

  1. Lessons learned using different mouse models during space radiation-induced lung tumorigenesis experiments.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jian; Zhang, Xiangming; Wang, Ping; Wang, Xiang; Farris, Alton B; Wang, Ya

    2016-06-01

    Unlike terrestrial ionizing radiation, space radiation, especially galactic cosmic rays (GCR), contains high energy charged (HZE) particles with high linear energy transfer (LET). Due to a lack of epidemiologic data for high-LET radiation exposure, it is highly uncertain how high the carcinogenesis risk is for astronauts following exposure to space radiation during space missions. Therefore, using mouse models is necessary to evaluate the risk of space radiation-induced tumorigenesis; however, which mouse model is better for these studies remains uncertain. Since lung tumorigenesis is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, and low-LET radiation exposure increases human lung carcinogenesis, evaluating space radiation-induced lung tumorigenesis is critical to enable safe Mars missions. Here, by comparing lung tumorigenesis obtained from different mouse strains, as well as miR-21 in lung tissue/tumors and serum, we believe that wild type mice with a low spontaneous tumorigenesis background are ideal for evaluating the risk of space radiation-induced lung tumorigenesis, and circulating miR-21 from such mice model might be used as a biomarker for predicting the risk. Copyright © 2016 The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Alteration of lung atrial natriuretic peptide receptors in genetic cardiomyopathy.

    PubMed

    Mukaddam-Daher, S; Tremblay, J; Fujio, N; Koch, C; Jankowski, M; Quillen, E W; Gutkowska, J

    1996-07-01

    These studies were designed to characterize the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANF) receptor subtypes [guanylyl cyclase natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR-A, NPR-B) and NPR-C] in lungs of normal hamsters and to evaluate alterations in receptor kinetics in genetic cardiomyopathy (CMO), a model of human congestive heart failure. Lung membranes were obtained from normal and CMO 200-to 230-day-old hamsters. Cross-linking and competitive binding receptor assays using 125I-labeled human ANF showed that lung membranes exhibit NPR, mainly guanylyl cyclase NPR-A and clearance NPR-C receptors. Stimulation of guanylyl cyclase by ANF and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) confirmed the presence of NPR-A and NPR-B. The maximum binding capacity of total ANF binding sites (442 +/- 68 vs. 271 +/- 57 fmol/mg protein, P < 0.05) was reduced, but dissociation constant (0.26 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.41 +/- 0.08 nM) was not altered in CMO animals. Similar reductions were observed in the binding sites for brain natriuretic peptide (BNP; 438 +/- 83 vs. 236 +/- 53 fmol/mg protein) and CNP (321 +/- 80 vs. 165 +/- 56 fmol/mg protein, P < 0.05) which may reflect a decline in NPR-A and NPR-B and/or NPR-C. Acid wash improved binding of 125I-labeled rat ANF to lung membranes of both normal and CMO hamsters, but the tendency towards reduced binding in CMO hamsters did not reach statistical significance, implying that downregulation may not have been due only to prior occupancy of the receptors. Transcripts of NPR-A, NPR-B, and NPR-C receptors in hamster lungs were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Compared with normal controls, the CMO hamster lung NPR-A mRNA was reduced by 50%, but NPR-B mRNA and NPR-C mRNA were not altered. Moreover, CMO hamster lungs showed less activation of guanylyl cyclase by ANF. These studies demonstrate that lung NPR are downregulated in hamster CMO.

  3. Errors in Computing the Normalized Protein Catabolic Rate due to Use of Single-pool Urea Kinetic Modeling or to Omission of the Residual Kidney Urea Clearance.

    PubMed

    Daugirdas, John T

    2017-07-01

    The protein catabolic rate normalized to body size (PCRn) often is computed in dialysis units to obtain information about protein ingestion. However, errors can manifest when inappropriate modeling methods are used. We used a variable volume 2-pool urea kinetic model to examine the percent errors in PCRn due to use of a 1-pool urea kinetic model or after omission of residual urea clearance (Kru). When a single-pool model was used, 2 sources of errors were identified. The first, dependent on the ratio of dialyzer urea clearance to urea distribution volume (K/V), resulted in a 7% inflation of the PCRn when K/V was in the range of 6 mL/min per L. A second, larger error appeared when Kt/V values were below 1.0 and was related to underestimation of urea distribution volume (due to overestimation of effective clearance) by the single-pool model. A previously reported prediction equation for PCRn was valid, but data suggest that it should be modified using 2-pool eKt/V and V coefficients instead of single-pool values. A third source of error, this one unrelated to use of a single-pool model, namely omission of Kru, was shown to result in an underestimation of PCRn, such that each ml/minute Kru per 35 L of V caused a 5.6% underestimate in PCRn. Marked overestimation of PCRn can result due to inappropriate use of a single-pool urea kinetic model, particularly when Kt/V <1.0 (as in short daily dialysis), or after omission of residual native kidney clearance. Copyright © 2017 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. 46 CFR 56.75-10 - Joint clearance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Joint clearance. 56.75-10 Section 56.75-10 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING PIPING SYSTEMS AND APPURTENANCES Brazing § 56.75-10 Joint clearance. (a) The clearance between surfaces to be joined shall be no...

  5. COMPUTER RECONSTRUCTION OF A HUMAN LUNG MORPHOLOGY MODEL FROM MAGNETIC RESONANCE (MR) IMAGES

    EPA Science Inventory


    A mathematical description of the morphological structure of the lung is necessary for modeling and analysis of the deposition of inhaled aerosols. A morphological model of the lung boundary was generated from magnetic resonance (MR) images, with the goal of creating a frame...

  6. Intersections of lung progenitor cells, lung disease and lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Kim, Carla F

    2017-06-30

    The use of stem cell biology approaches to study adult lung progenitor cells and lung cancer has brought a variety of new techniques to the field of lung biology and has elucidated new pathways that may be therapeutic targets in lung cancer. Recent results have begun to identify the ways in which different cell populations interact to regulate progenitor activity, and this has implications for the interventions that are possible in cancer and in a variety of lung diseases. Today's better understanding of the mechanisms that regulate lung progenitor cell self-renewal and differentiation, including understanding how multiple epigenetic factors affect lung injury repair, holds the promise for future better treatments for lung cancer and for optimising the response to therapy in lung cancer. Working between platforms in sophisticated organoid culture techniques, genetically engineered mouse models of injury and cancer, and human cell lines and specimens, lung progenitor cell studies can begin with basic biology, progress to translational research and finally lead to the beginnings of clinical trials. Copyright ©ERS 2017.

  7. Compressor airfoil tip clearance optimization system

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Little, David A.; Pu, Zhengxiang

    2015-08-18

    A compressor airfoil tip clearance optimization system for reducing a gap between a tip of a compressor airfoil and a radially adjacent component of a turbine engine is disclosed. The turbine engine may include ID and OD flowpath boundaries configured to minimize compressor airfoil tip clearances during turbine engine operation in cooperation with one or more clearance reduction systems that are configured to move the rotor assembly axially to reduce tip clearance. The configurations of the ID and OD flowpath boundaries enhance the effectiveness of the axial movement of the rotor assembly, which includes movement of the ID flowpath boundary.more » During operation of the turbine engine, the rotor assembly may be moved axially to increase the efficiency of the turbine engine.« less

  8. Clearance of the cervical spine in clinically unevaluable trauma patients.

    PubMed

    Halpern, Casey H; Milby, Andrew H; Guo, Wensheng; Schuster, James M; Gracias, Vicente H; Stein, Sherman C

    2010-08-15

    Meta-analytic costeffectiveness analysis. Our goal was to compare the results of different management strategies for trauma patients in whom the cervical spine was not clinically evaluable due to impaired consciousness, endotracheal intubation, or painful distracting injuries. We performed a structured literature review related to cervical spine trauma, radiographic clearance techniques (plain radiography, flexion/extension, CT, and MRI), and complications associated with semirigid collar use. Meta-analytic techniques were used to pool data from multiple sources to calculate pooled mean estimates of sensitivities and specificities of imaging techniques for cervical spinal clearance, rates of complications from various clearance strategies and from empirical use of semirigid collars. A decision analysis model was used to compare outcomes and costs among these strategies. Slightly more than 7.5% of patients who are clinically unevaluable have cervical spine injuries, and 42% of these injuries are associated with spinal instability. Sensitivity of plain radiography or fluoroscopy for spinal clearance was 57% (95% CI: 57%-60%). Sensitivities for CT and MRI alone were 83% (82%-84%) and 87% (84%-89%), respectively. Complications associated with collar use ranged from 1.3% (2 days) to 7.1% (10 days) but were usually minor and short-lived. Quadriplegia resulting from spinal instability missed by a clearance test had enormous impacts on longevity, quality of life, and costs. These impacts overshadowed the effects of prolonged collar application, even when the incidence of quadriplegia was extremely low. As currently used, neuroimaging studies for cervical spinal clearance in clinically unevaluable patients are not cost-effective compared with empirical immobilization in a semirigid collar.

  9. Lung and Intestine: A Specific Link in an Ulcerative Colitis Rat Model

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Yuan; Wang, Xin-Yue; Yang, Xue; Jing, Shan; Zhu, Li; Gao, Si-Hua

    2013-01-01

    Background. To investigate the link and mechanisms between intestine and lung in the ulcerative colitis (UC) rat model. Materials and Methods. We used the UC rat model by immunological sensitization combined with local 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in 50% ethanol enema, observed dynamically animal general state and body weight, examined the histological and functional changes in the colon, lung, liver, and kidney tissues, and detected microvascular endothelium response towards inflammation characterized with the expression of iNOS, TXB2, P-selectin, ICAM-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in the colon and lung tissue. Results. Pulmonary function results suggested ventilator disorder, and pathological findings showed interstitial pneumonia. There were no significant changes in the liver and kidney function and histopathology. The colon and lung tissue iNOS, TXB2, P-selectin, ICAM-1, and VEGF-A expression of the model rats was significantly higher than the normal rats at both time points. Conclusions. Our study is the first to demonstrate the close association between the large intestine and lung in the immune-TNBS-ethanol-induced UC rat model. Different organs and tissues with the same embryonic origin may share the same pathological specificities in a disease. The present study provided a new way of thinking for pathological changes in clinical complex diseases manifested with multiorgan damage. PMID:23606829

  10. Pulmonary vascular clearance of harmful endogenous macromolecules in a porcine model of acute liver failure.

    PubMed

    Nedredal, Geir I; Elvevold, Kjetil; Chedid, Marcio F; Ytrebø, Lars M; Rose, Christopher F; Sen, Sambit; Smedsrød, Bård; Jalan, Rajiv; Revhaug, Arthur

    2016-01-01

    Pulmonary complications are common in acute liver failure (ALF). The role of the lungs in the uptake of harmful soluble endogenous macromolecules was evaluated in a porcine model of ALF induced by hepatic devascularization (n = 8) vs. controls (n = 8). In additional experiments, pulmonary uptake was investigated in healthy pigs. Fluorochrome-labeled modified albumin (MA) was applied to investigate the cellular uptake. As compared to controls, the ALF group displayed a 4-fold net increased lung uptake of hyaluronan, and 5-fold net increased uptake of both tissue plasminogen activator and lysosomal enzymes. Anatomical distribution experiments in healthy animals revealed that radiolabeled MA uptake (taken up by the same receptor as hyaluronan) was 53% by the liver, and 24% by the lungs. The lung uptake of LPS was 14% whereas 60% remained in the blood. Both fluorescence and electron microscopy revealed initial uptake of MA by pulmonary endothelial cells (PECs) with later translocation to pulmonary intravascular macrophages (PIMs). Moreover, the presence of PIMs was evident 10 min after injection. Systemic inflammatory markers such as leukopenia and increased serum TNF-α levels were evident after 20 min in the MA and LPS groups. Significant lung uptake of harmful soluble macromolecules compensated for the defect liver scavenger function in the ALF-group. Infusion of MA induced increased TNF-α serum levels and leukopenia, similar to the effect of the known inflammatory mediator LPS. These observations suggest a potential mechanism that may contribute to lung damage secondary to liver disease.

  11. Relationship between rhinosinusitis symptoms and mucociliary clearance time.

    PubMed

    Boatsman, Justin E; Calhoun, Karen H; Ryan, Matthew W

    2006-03-01

    To determine the correlation between rhinosinusitis symptoms as assessed by the Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test-20 (SNOT-20) and mucociliary clearance as assessed by the saccharin method. This was a cross-sectional study of 50 adult volunteers. Subjects completed the SNOT-20, and mucociliary clearance was determined with the saccharine method. Correlation coefficients (Spearman's Rho) were calculated for the global SNOT-20 score. The SNOT-20 scores varied from 20 to 54 (mean 30.28) with a possible range of 20 to 100. Clearance times varied from 418 to 2865 seconds (mean 999). There was no significant correlation between global SNOT-20 score and clearance time (r = 0.196). There is no significant correlation between rhinosinusitis symptoms as assessed by SNOT-20 scores and mucociliary clearance. Mucociliary clearance is important for the health of the sinonasal cavities, but clearance time does not appear to be associated with symptom severity in the population studied. A-1b.

  12. A computer simulation model of the cost-effectiveness of routine Staphylococcus aureus screening and decolonization among lung and heart-lung transplant recipients.

    PubMed

    Clancy, C J; Bartsch, S M; Nguyen, M H; Stuckey, D R; Shields, R K; Lee, B Y

    2014-06-01

    Our objective was to model the cost-effectiveness and economic value of routine peri-operative Staphylococcus aureus screening and decolonization of lung and heart-lung transplant recipients from hospital and third-party payer perspectives. We used clinical data from 596 lung and heart-lung transplant recipients to develop a model in TreeAge Pro 2009 (Williamsport, MA, USA). Sensitivity analyses varied S. aureus colonization rate (5-15 %), probability of infection if colonized (10-30 %), and decolonization efficacy (25-90 %). Data were collected from the Cardiothoracic Transplant Program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Consecutive lung and heart-lung transplant recipients from January 2006 to December 2010 were enrolled retrospectively. Baseline rates of S. aureus colonization, infection and decolonization efficacy were 9.6 %, 36.7 %, and 31.9 %, respectively. Screening and decolonization was economically dominant for all scenarios tested, providing more cost savings and health benefits than no screening. Savings per case averted (2012 $US) ranged from $73,567 to $133,157 (hospital perspective) and $10,748 to $16,723 (third party payer perspective), varying with the probability of colonization, infection, and decolonization efficacy. Using our clinical data, screening and decolonization led to cost savings per case averted of $240,602 (hospital perspective) and averted 6.7 S. aureus infections (4.3 MRSA and 2.4 MSSA); 89 patients needed to be screened to prevent one S. aureus infection. Our data support routine S. aureus screening and decolonization of lung and heart-lung transplant patients. The economic value of screening and decolonization was greater than in previous models of other surgical populations.

  13. Application of an in vitro OAT assay in drug design and optimization of renal clearance.

    PubMed

    Soars, Matthew G; Barton, Patrick; Elkin, Lisa L; Mosure, Kathleen W; Sproston, Joanne L; Riley, Robert J

    2014-07-01

    1. Optimization of renal clearance is a complex balance between passive and active processes mediated by renal transporters. This work aimed to characterize the interaction of a series of compounds with rat and human organic anion transporters (OATs) and develop quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) to optimize renal clearance. 2. In vitro inhibition assays were established for human OAT1 and rat Oat3 and rat in vivo renal clearance was obtained. Statistically significant quantitative relationships were explored between the compounds' physical properties, their affinity for OAT1 and oat3 and the inter-relationship with unbound renal clearance (URC) in rat. 3. Many of the compounds were actively secreted and in vitro analysis demonstrated that these were ligands for rat and human OAT transporters (IC50 values ranging from <1 to >100 µM). Application of resultant QSAR models reduced renal clearance in the rat from 24 to <0.1 ml/min/kg. Data analysis indicated that the properties associated with increasing affinity at OATs are the same as those associated with reducing URC but orthogonal in nature. 4. This study has demonstrated that OAT inhibition data and QSAR models can be successfully used to optimize rat renal clearance in vivo and provide confidence of translation to humans.

  14. Glycine ameliorates lung reperfusion injury after cold preservation in an ex vivo rat lung model.

    PubMed

    Omasa, Mitsugu; Fukuse, Tatsuo; Toyokuni, Shinya; Mizutani, Yoichi; Yoshida, Hiroshi; Ikeyama, Kazuyuki; Hasegawa, Seiki; Wada, Hiromi

    2003-03-15

    The role of glycine has not been investigated in lung ischemia-reperfusion injury after cold preservation. Furthermore, the role of apoptosis after reperfusion following cold preservation has not been fully understood. Lewis rats were divided into three groups (n=6 each). In the GLY(-) and GLY(+) groups, isolated lungs were preserved for 15 hr at 4 degrees C after a pulmonary artery (PA) flush using our previously developed preservation solution (ET-K; extracellular-type trehalose containing Kyoto), with or without the addition of glycine (5 mM). In the Fresh group, isolated lungs were reperfused immediately after a PA flush with ET-K. They were reperfused for 60 min with an ex vivo perfusion model. Pulmonary function, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha expression were assessed after reperfusion. Shunt fraction and peak inspiratory pressure after reperfusion in the GLY(-) group were significantly higher than those in the GLY(+) and Fresh groups. Oxidative damage and apoptosis in the alveolar epithelial cells of the GLY(-) group, assessed by immunohistochemical staining and quantification of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling method, were significantly higher than those of the GLY(+) and Fresh groups. There were correlations among shunt fraction, oxidative damage, and apoptosis. There was no expression of TNF-alpha messenger RNA in all groups evaluated by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Glycine attenuates ischemia/reperfusion injury after cold preservation by reducing oxidative damage and suppressing apoptosis independent of TNF-alpha in this model. The suppression of apoptosis might ameliorate lung function after reperfusion.

  15. Lung regeneration by fetal lung tissue implantation in a mouse pulmonary emphysema model.

    PubMed

    Uyama, Koh; Sakiyama, Shoji; Yoshida, Mitsuteru; Kenzaki, Koichiro; Toba, Hiroaki; Kawakami, Yukikiyo; Okumura, Kazumasa; Takizawa, Hiromitsu; Kondo, Kazuya; Tangoku, Akira

    2016-01-01

    The mortality and morbidity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are high. However, no radical therapy has been developed to date. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether fetal mouse lung tissue can grow and differentiate in the emphysematous lung. Fetal lung tissue from green fluorescent protein C57BL/6 mice at 16 days' gestation was used as donor material. Twelve-month-old pallid mice were used as recipients. Donor lungs were cut into small pieces and implanted into the recipient left lung by performing thoracotomy under anesthesia. The recipient mice were sacrificed at day 7, 14, and 28 after implantation and used for histological examination. Well-developed spontaneous pulmonary emphysema was seen in 12-month-old pallid mice. Smooth and continuous connection between implanted fetal lung tissue and recipient lung was recognized. Air space expansion and donor tissue differentiation were observed over time. We could clearly distinguish the border zones between injected tissue and native tissue by the green fluorescence of grafts. Fetal mouse lung fragments survived and differentiated in the emphysematous lung of pallid mice. Implantation of fetal lung tissue in pallid mice might lead to further lung regeneration research from the perspective of respiratory and exercise function. J. Med. Invest. 63: 182-186, August, 2016.

  16. Construction of a model for predicting creatinine clearance in Japanese patients treated with Cisplatin therapy.

    PubMed

    Yajima, Airi; Uesawa, Yoshihiro; Ogawa, Chiaki; Yatabe, Megumi; Kondo, Naoki; Saito, Shinichiro; Suzuki, Yoshihiko; Atsuda, Kouichiro; Kagaya, Hajime

    2015-05-01

    There exist various useful predictive models, such as the Cockcroft-Gault model, for estimating creatinine clearance (CLcr). However, the prediction of renal function is difficult in patients with cancer treated with cisplatin. Therefore, we attempted to construct a new model for predicting CLcr in such patients. Japanese patients with head and neck cancer who had received cisplatin-based chemotherapy were used as subjects. A multiple regression equation was constructed as a model for predicting CLcr values based on background and laboratory data. A model for predicting CLcr, which included body surface area, serum creatinine and albumin, was constructed. The model exhibited good performance prior to cisplatin therapy. In addition, it performed better than previously reported models after cisplatin therapy. The predictive model constructed in the present study displayed excellent potential and was useful for estimating the renal function of patients treated with cisplatin therapy. Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

  17. Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Modeling in Pediatric Drug Development, and the Importance of Standardized Scaling of Clearance.

    PubMed

    Germovsek, Eva; Barker, Charlotte I S; Sharland, Mike; Standing, Joseph F

    2018-04-19

    Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PKPD) modeling is important in the design and conduct of clinical pharmacology research in children. During drug development, PKPD modeling and simulation should underpin rational trial design and facilitate extrapolation to investigate efficacy and safety. The application of PKPD modeling to optimize dosing recommendations and therapeutic drug monitoring is also increasing, and PKPD model-based dose individualization will become a core feature of personalized medicine. Following extensive progress on pediatric PK modeling, a greater emphasis now needs to be placed on PD modeling to understand age-related changes in drug effects. This paper discusses the principles of PKPD modeling in the context of pediatric drug development, summarizing how important PK parameters, such as clearance (CL), are scaled with size and age, and highlights a standardized method for CL scaling in children. One standard scaling method would facilitate comparison of PK parameters across multiple studies, thus increasing the utility of existing PK models and facilitating optimal design of new studies.

  18. Aspirin-triggered resolvin D1 is produced during self-resolving gram-negative bacterial pneumonia and regulates host immune responses for the resolution of lung inflammation.

    PubMed

    Abdulnour, R E; Sham, H P; Douda, D N; Colas, R A; Dalli, J; Bai, Y; Ai, X; Serhan, C N; Levy, B D

    2016-09-01

    Bacterial pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Host responses to contain infection and mitigate pathogen-mediated lung inflammation are critical for pneumonia resolution. Aspirin-triggered resolvin D1 (AT-RvD1; 7S,8R,17R-trihydroxy-4Z,9E,11E,13Z,15E,19Z-docosahexaenoic acid) is a lipid mediator (LM) that displays organ-protective actions in sterile lung inflammation, and regulates pathogen-initiated cellular responses. Here, in a self-resolving murine model of Escherichia coli pneumonia, LM metabololipidomics performed on lungs obtained at baseline, 24, and 72 h after infection uncovered temporal regulation of endogenous AT-RvD1 production. Early treatment with exogenous AT-RvD1 (1 h post infection) enhanced clearance of E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vivo, and lung macrophage phagocytosis of fluorescent bacterial particles ex vivo. Characterization of macrophage subsets in the alveolar compartment during pneumonia identified efferocytosis by infiltrating macrophages (CD11b(Hi) CD11c(Low)) and exudative macrophages (CD11b(Hi) CD11c(Hi)). AT-RvD1 increased efferocytosis by these cells ex vivo, and accelerated neutrophil clearance during pneumonia in vivo. These anti-bacterial and pro-resolving actions of AT-RvD1 were additive to antibiotic therapy. Taken together, these findings suggest that the pro-resolving actions of AT-RvD1 during pneumonia represent a novel host-directed therapeutic strategy to complement the current antibiotic-centered approach for combatting infections.

  19. Oleocanthal Enhances Amyloid-β Clearance from the Brains of TgSwDI Mice and in Vitro across a Human Blood-Brain Barrier Model

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    Numerous clinical and preclinical studies have suggested several health promoting effects for the dietary consumption of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) that could protect and decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Moreover, recent studies have linked this protective effect to oleocanthal, a phenolic secoiridoid component of EVOO. This protective effect of oleocanthal against AD has been related to its ability to prevent amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau aggregation in vitro, and enhance Aβ clearance from the brains of wild type mice in vivo; however, its effect in a mouse model of AD is not known. In the current study, we investigated the effect of oleocanthal on pathological hallmarks of AD in TgSwDI, an animal model of AD. Mice treatment for 4 weeks with oleocanthal significantly decreased amyloid load in the hippocampal parenchyma and microvessels. This reduction was associated with enhanced cerebral clearance of Aβ across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Further mechanistic studies demonstrated oleocanthal to increase the expression of important amyloid clearance proteins at the BBB including P-glycoprotein and LRP1, and to activate the ApoE-dependent amyloid clearance pathway in the mice brains. The anti-inflammatory effect of oleocanthal in the brains of these mice was also obvious where it was able to reduce astrocytes activation and IL-1β levels. Finally, we could recapitulate the observed protective effect of oleocanthal in an in vitro human-based model, which could argue against species difference in response to oleocanthal. In conclusion, findings from in vivo and in vitro studies provide further support for the protective effect of oleocanthal against the progression of AD. PMID:26348065

  20. Rate of hepatitis C viral clearance by human livers in human patients: Liver transplantation modeling primary infection and implications for studying entry inhibition.

    PubMed

    Hughes, Michael G; Tucker, William W; Reddy, Sreelatha; Brier, Michael E; Koch, David; McClain, Craig J; Jonsson, Colleen B; Matoba, Nobuyuki; Chung, Donghoon

    2017-01-01

    To better understand the dynamics of early hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, we determined how rapidly non-cirrhotic HCV-uninfected liver allografts clear HCV from the circulation of cirrhotic HCV-infected patients at the time of transplantation but before administration of immunosuppression. Specifically, we characterized serum HCV kinetics during the first 90 min of reperfusion for 19 chronically HCV-infected patients transplanted with an HCV-uninfected liver by measuring serum viral load immediately prior to reperfusion (t = 0) and then every 15 min for a total of 90 min (t = 90). Immunosuppression was withheld until all samples were taken to better model primary infection. During this period, rates of viral clearance varied more than 20-fold with a median rate constant of 0.0357 1/min, range 0.0089-0.2169; half-life (minutes) median 19.4, range 3.2-77.8. The majority of viral clearance occurred within the first 60 min. The amount of blood transfused during this 90-min period (a potential confounding variable of this human liver transplant model of primary infection) accounted for 53% and 59% of k (r = 0.53, p = 0.05) and half-life (r = 0.59, p = 0.03) variability, respectively. No other clinical variables tested (age, allograft weight, and degree of reperfusion injury as assessed by peak postoperative ALT or AST) accounted for the remaining variability (p>0.05). In a human liver transplant model of primary infection, HCV rapidly clears the bloodstream. With approximately 90% of clearance occurring in the first 90 minutes of reperfusion, studies of HCV entry inhibition could utilize rate of clearance during this early period as an outcome measure.

  1. Computational Modeling of Airway and Pulmonary Vascular Structure and Function: Development of a “Lung Physiome”

    PubMed Central

    Tawhai, M. H.; Clark, A. R.; Donovan, G. M.; Burrowes, K. S.

    2011-01-01

    Computational models of lung structure and function necessarily span multiple spatial and temporal scales, i.e., dynamic molecular interactions give rise to whole organ function, and the link between these scales cannot be fully understood if only molecular or organ-level function is considered. Here, we review progress in constructing multiscale finite element models of lung structure and function that are aimed at providing a computational framework for bridging the spatial scales from molecular to whole organ. These include structural models of the intact lung, embedded models of the pulmonary airways that couple to model lung tissue, and models of the pulmonary vasculature that account for distinct structural differences at the extra- and intra-acinar levels. Biophysically based functional models for tissue deformation, pulmonary blood flow, and airway bronchoconstriction are also described. The development of these advanced multiscale models has led to a better understanding of complex physiological mechanisms that govern regional lung perfusion and emergent heterogeneity during bronchoconstriction. PMID:22011236

  2. Ferret lung transplant: an orthotopic model of obliterative bronchiolitis.

    PubMed

    Sui, H; Olivier, A K; Klesney-Tait, J A; Brooks, L; Tyler, S R; Sun, X; Skopec, A; Kline, J; Sanchez, P G; Meyerholz, D K; Zavazava, N; Iannettoni, M; Engelhardt, J F; Parekh, K R

    2013-02-01

    Obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) is the primary cause of late morbidity and mortality following lung transplantation. Current animal models do not reliably develop OB pathology. Given the similarities between ferret and human lung biology, we hypothesized an orthotopic ferret lung allograft would develop OB. Orthotopic left lower lobe transplants were successfully performed in 22 outbred domestic ferrets in the absence of immunosuppression (IS; n = 5) and presence of varying IS protocols (n = 17). CT scans were performed to evaluate the allografts. At intervals between 3-6 months the allografts were examined histologically for evidence of acute/chronic rejection. IS protects allografts from acute rejection and early graft loss. Reduction of IS dosage by 50% allowed development of controlled rejection. Allografts developed infiltrates on CT and classic histologic acute rejection and lymphocytic bronchiolitis. Cycling of IS, to induce repeated episodes of controlled rejection, promoted classic histologic hallmarks of OB including fibrosis-associated occlusion of the bronchiolar airways in all allografts of long-term survivors. In conclusion, we have developed an orthotopic lung transplant model in the ferret with documented long-term functional allograft survival. Allografts develop acute rejection and lymphocytic bronchiolitis, similar to humans. Long-term survivors develop histologic changes in the allografts that are hallmarks of OB. © Copyright 2012 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.

  3. Participant selection for lung cancer screening by risk modelling (the Pan-Canadian Early Detection of Lung Cancer [PanCan] study): a single-arm, prospective study.

    PubMed

    Tammemagi, Martin C; Schmidt, Heidi; Martel, Simon; McWilliams, Annette; Goffin, John R; Johnston, Michael R; Nicholas, Garth; Tremblay, Alain; Bhatia, Rick; Liu, Geoffrey; Soghrati, Kam; Yasufuku, Kazuhiro; Hwang, David M; Laberge, Francis; Gingras, Michel; Pasian, Sergio; Couture, Christian; Mayo, John R; Nasute Fauerbach, Paola V; Atkar-Khattra, Sukhinder; Peacock, Stuart J; Cressman, Sonya; Ionescu, Diana; English, John C; Finley, Richard J; Yee, John; Puksa, Serge; Stewart, Lori; Tsai, Scott; Haider, Ehsan; Boylan, Colm; Cutz, Jean-Claude; Manos, Daria; Xu, Zhaolin; Goss, Glenwood D; Seely, Jean M; Amjadi, Kayvan; Sekhon, Harmanjatinder S; Burrowes, Paul; MacEachern, Paul; Urbanski, Stefan; Sin, Don D; Tan, Wan C; Leighl, Natasha B; Shepherd, Frances A; Evans, William K; Tsao, Ming-Sound; Lam, Stephen

    2017-11-01

    Results from retrospective studies indicate that selecting individuals for low-dose CT lung cancer screening on the basis of a highly predictive risk model is superior to using criteria similar to those used in the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST; age, pack-year, and smoking quit-time). We designed the Pan-Canadian Early Detection of Lung Cancer (PanCan) study to assess the efficacy of a risk prediction model to select candidates for lung cancer screening, with the aim of determining whether this approach could better detect patients with early, potentially curable, lung cancer. We did this single-arm, prospective study in eight centres across Canada. We recruited participants aged 50-75 years, who had smoked at some point in their life (ever-smokers), and who did not have a self-reported history of lung cancer. Participants had at least a 2% 6-year risk of lung cancer as estimated by the PanCan model, a precursor to the validated PLCOm2012 model. Risk variables in the model were age, smoking duration, pack-years, family history of lung cancer, education level, body-mass index, chest x-ray in the past 3 years, and history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Individuals were screened with low-dose CT at baseline (T0), and at 1 (T1) and 4 (T4) years post-baseline. The primary outcome of the study was incidence of lung cancer. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00751660. 7059 queries came into the study coordinating centre and were screened for PanCan risk. 15 were duplicates, so 7044 participants were considered for enrolment. Between Sept 24, 2008, and Dec 17, 2010, we recruited and enrolled 2537 eligible ever-smokers. After a median follow-up of 5·5 years (IQR 3·2-6·1), 172 lung cancers were diagnosed in 164 individuals (cumulative incidence 0·065 [95% CI 0·055-0·075], incidence rate 138·1 per 10 000 person-years [117·8-160·9]). There were ten interval lung cancers (6% of lung cancers and 6% of individuals with cancer

  4. SPECT/CT of lung nodules using 111In-DOTA-c(RGDfK) in a mouse lung carcinogenesis model.

    PubMed

    Hayakawa, Takuya; Mutoh, Michihiro; Imai, Toshio; Tsuta, Koji; Yanaka, Akinori; Fujii, Hirofumi; Yoshimoto, Mitsuyoshi

    2013-08-01

    Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, including Japan. Although computed tomography (CT) can detect small lung lesions such as those appearing as ground glass opacity, it cannot differentiate between malignant and non-malignant lesions. Previously, we have shown that single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging using (111)In-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetic acid-cyclo-(Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Lys) (DOTA-c(RGDfK)), an imaging probe of αvβ3 integrin, is useful for the early detection of pancreatic cancer in a hamster pancreatic carcinogenesis model. In this study, we aimed to assess the usefulness of SPECT/CT with (111)In-DOTA-c(RGDfK) for the evaluation of the malignancy of lung cancer. Lung tumors were induced by a single intraperitoneal injection (250 mg/kg) of urethane in male A/J mice. Twenty-six weeks after the urethane treatment, SPECT was performed an hour after injection of (111)In-DOTA-c(RGDfK). Following this, the radioactivity ratios of tumor to normal lung tissue were measured by autoradiography (ARG) in the excised lung samples. We also examined the expression of αvβ3 integrin in mouse and human lung samples. Urethane treatment induced 5 hyperplasias, 41 adenomas and 12 adenocarcinomas in the lungs of 8 A/J mice. SPECT with (111)In-DOTA-c(RGDfK) could clearly visualize lung nodules, though we failed to detect small lung nodules like adenoma and hyperplasias (adenocarcinoma: 66.7%, adenoma: 33.6%, hyperplasia: 0.0%). ARG analysis revealed significant uptake of (111)In-DOTA-c(RGDfK) in all the lesions. Moreover, tumor to normal lung tissue ratios increased along with the progression of carcinogenesis. Histopathological examination using human lung tissue samples revealed clear up-regulation of αvβ3 integrin in well-differentiated adenocarcinoma (Noguchi type B and C) rather than atypical adenomatous hyperplasia. Although there are some limitations in evaluating the malignancy of

  5. Robust Optimization Design for Turbine Blade-Tip Radial Running Clearance using Hierarchically Response Surface Method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhiying, Chen; Ping, Zhou

    2017-11-01

    Considering the robust optimization computational precision and efficiency for complex mechanical assembly relationship like turbine blade-tip radial running clearance, a hierarchically response surface robust optimization algorithm is proposed. The distribute collaborative response surface method is used to generate assembly system level approximation model of overall parameters and blade-tip clearance, and then a set samples of design parameters and objective response mean and/or standard deviation is generated by using system approximation model and design of experiment method. Finally, a new response surface approximation model is constructed by using those samples, and this approximation model is used for robust optimization process. The analyses results demonstrate the proposed method can dramatic reduce the computational cost and ensure the computational precision. The presented research offers an effective way for the robust optimization design of turbine blade-tip radial running clearance.

  6. Nadph oxidase regulates alveolar epithelial sodium channel activity and lung fluid balance in vivo via O⁻₂ signaling.

    PubMed

    Goodson, Preston; Kumar, Amrita; Jain, Lucky; Kundu, Kousik; Murthy, Niren; Koval, Michael; Helms, My N

    2012-02-15

    To define roles for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in maintaining lung fluid balance in vivo, we used two novel whole animal imaging approaches. Live X-ray fluoroscopy enabled quantification of air space fluid content of C57BL/6J mouse lungs challenged by intratracheal (IT) instillation of saline; results were confirmed by using conventional lung wet-to-dry weight ratios and Evans blue as measures of pulmonary edema. Visualization and quantification of ROS produced in lungs was performed in mice that had been administered a redox-sensitive dye, hydro-Cy7, by IT instillation. We found that inhibition of NADPH oxidase with a Rac-1 inhibitor, NSC23766, resulted in alveolar flooding, which correlated with a decrease in lung ROS production in vivo. Consistent with a role for Nox2 in alveolar fluid balance, Nox2(-/-) mice showed increased retention of air space fluid compared with wild-type controls. Interestingly, fluoroscopic analysis of C57BL/6J lungs IT instilled with LPS showed an acute stimulation of lung fluid clearance and ROS production in vivo that was abrogated by the ROS scavenger tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (TEMPO). Acute application of LPS increased the activity of 20 pS nonselective ENaC channels in rat type 1 cells; the average number of channel and single-channel open probability (NPo) increased from 0.14 ± 0.04 to 0.62 ± 0.23. Application of TEMPO to the same cell-attached recording caused an immediate significant decrease in ENaC NPo to 0.04 ± 0.03. These data demonstrate that, in vivo, ROS has the capacity to stimulate lung fluid clearance by increasing ENaC activity.

  7. Nicotine does not enhance tumorigenesis in mutant K-ras-driven mouse models of lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Maier, Colleen R; Hollander, M Christine; Hobbs, Evthokia A; Dogan, Irem; Linnoila, R Ilona; Dennis, Phillip A

    2011-11-01

    Smoking is the leading cause of preventable cancer deaths in the United States. Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) have been developed to aid in smoking cessation, which decreases lung cancer incidence. However, the safety of NRT is controversial because numerous preclinical studies have shown that nicotine enhances tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. We modeled NRT in mice to determine the effects of physiologic levels of nicotine on lung tumor formation, tumor growth, or metastasis. Nicotine administered in drinking water did not enhance lung tumorigenesis after treatment with the tobacco carcinogen, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). Tumors that develop in this model have mutations in K-ras, which is commonly observed in smoking-related, human lung adenocarcinomas. In a transgenic model of mutant K-ras-driven lung cancer, nicotine did not increase tumor number or size and did not affect overall survival. Likewise, in a syngeneic model using lung cancer cell lines derived from NNK-treated mice, oral nicotine did not enhance tumor growth or metastasis. These data show that nicotine does not enhance lung tumorigenesis when given to achieve levels comparable with those of NRT, suggesting that nicotine has a dose threshold, below which it has no appreciable effect. These studies are consistent with epidemiologic data showing that NRT does not enhance lung cancer risk in former smokers.

  8. Irradiation as a hazard for mucociliary clearance.

    PubMed

    Foltin, Viktor; Schrott-Fischer, Annelies; Zilinek, Viliam; Freysinger, Wolfgang

    2016-07-01

    In this paper we study effects of irradiation to pulmonary tissue on a micro and ultrastructural level to get insights into the dynamics of morphological changes and associated post-radiative physiological conditions. Animal and human pulmonary tissue with and without radiation damage was subject to light, transmission, scanning and polarization microscopy and morphometric evaluation. The present investigations on the influence of irradiation on experimental and human lung tissue demonstrate that complex changes are induced in the cells which are essential for mucociliary clearance. These changes are a shortage of alveolar macrophages, cell apoptosis, proliferation of collagen ligament in the barrier of gaseous exchange, retraction of endothelial lining of capillaries and significant broadening of the gaseous exchange barrier, resulting in serious damage for the O2 and CO2 exchange. These changes at microscopic, cellular, and ciliary level trigger conditions for various diseases of the respiratory system, which is further assessed by a simultaneous computer aided estimation of ciliary function. With the concurrent world-wide increase of respiratory diseases, these findings are important knowledge for the clinical practice.

  9. [Economic impact of lung cancer screening in France: A modeling study].

    PubMed

    Gendarme, S; Perrot, É; Reskot, F; Bhoowabul, V; Fourre, G; Souquet, P-J; Milleron, B; Couraud, S

    2017-09-01

    The National Lung Screening Trial found that, in a selected population with a high risk of lung cancer, an annual low-dose CT-scan decreased lung cancer mortality by 20% and overall mortality by 7% compared to annual chest X-Ray. In France, a work group stated that individual screening should be considered in this setting. However, the economic impact of an organized and generalized (to all eligible individuals) screening in France was never reported. This is a modeling study using French population demographic data and published data from randomized screening trials. We used the same selection criteria as NLST: 55-74-year-old smokers for at least 30 pack-years, current smoker or quit less than 15 years. We computed a second model including also 50-54-year-old individuals. Then, we used different participation rates: 65%, 45%, and 32%. According to the considered model, there would be 1,650,588 to 2,283,993 subjects eligible to screening in France. According to the model and participation rate, lung cancer screening would diagnose 3600 to 10,118 stages 1/2 lung cancer each year. There would be 5991 to 16,839 false-positives, of whom 1416 to 3981 would undergo unnecessary surgery. Screening policy would cost 105 to 215 € million per year. However, increasing the price of a cigarette pack by 0.05 to 0.10 € would fully cover the screening costs. Participation rate is a key point for screening impact. Screening could be easily funded by a small increase in cigarette prices. Copyright © 2015 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  10. Comparison of static end-expiratory and effective lung volumes for gas exchange in healthy and surfactant-depleted lungs.

    PubMed

    Albu, Gergely; Wallin, Mats; Hallbäck, Magnus; Emtell, Per; Wolf, Andrew; Lönnqvist, Per-Arne; Göthberg, Sylvia; Peták, Ferenc; Habre, Walid

    2013-07-01

    Effective lung volume (ELV) for gas exchange is a new measure that could be used as a real-time guide during controlled mechanical ventilation. The authors established the relationships of ELV to static end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) with varying levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in healthy and surfactant-depleted rabbit lungs. Nine rabbits were anesthetized and ventilated with a modified volume-controlled mode where periods of five consecutive alterations in inspiratory/expiratory ratio (1:2-1.5:1) were imposed to measure ELV from the corresponding carbon dioxide elimination traces. EELV and the lung clearance index were concomitantly determined by helium wash-out technique. Airway and tissue mechanics were assessed by using low-frequency forced oscillations. Measurements were collected at PEEP 0, 3, 6, and 9 cm H2O levels under control condition and after surfactant depletion by whole-lung lavage. ELV was greater than EELV at all PEEP levels before lavage, whereas there was no evidence for a difference in the lung volume indices after surfactant depletion at PEEP 6 or 9 cm H2O. Increasing PEEP level caused significant parallel increases in both ELV and EELV levels, decreases in ventilation heterogeneity, and improvement in airway and tissue mechanics under control condition and after surfactant depletion. ELV and EELV exhibited strong and statistically significant correlations before (r=0.84) and after lavage (r=0.87). The parallel changes in ELV and EELV with PEEP in healthy and surfactant-depleted lungs support the clinical value of ELV measurement as a bedside tool to estimate dynamic changes in EELV in children and infants.

  11. 48 CFR 245.602-70 - Plant clearance procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Plant clearance procedures... Disposal 245.602-70 Plant clearance procedures. Follow the procedures at PGI 245.602-70 for establishing and processing a plant clearance case. ...

  12. 48 CFR 245.602-70 - Plant clearance procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Plant clearance procedures... Disposal 245.602-70 Plant clearance procedures. Follow the procedures at PGI 245.602-70 for establishing and processing a plant clearance case. ...

  13. 48 CFR 245.602-70 - Plant clearance procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Plant clearance procedures... Disposal 245.602-70 Plant clearance procedures. Follow the procedures at PGI 245.602-70 for establishing and processing a plant clearance case. ...

  14. 48 CFR 245.602-70 - Plant clearance procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Plant clearance procedures... Disposal 245.602-70 Plant clearance procedures. Follow the procedures at PGI 245.602-70 for establishing and processing a plant clearance case. ...

  15. K+ channel openers restore verapamil-inhibited lung fluid resolution and transepithelial ion transport

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Background Lung epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC) are regulated by cell Ca2+ signal, which may contribute to calcium antagonist-induced noncardiogenic lung edema. Although K+ channel modulators regulate ENaC activity in normal lungs, the therapeutical relevance and the underlying mechanisms have not been completely explored. We hypothesized that K+ channel openers may restore calcium channel blocker-inhibited alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) by up-regulating both apical and basolateral ion transport. Methods Verapamil-induced depression of heterologously expressed human αβγ ENaC in Xenopus oocytes, apical and basolateral ion transport in monolayers of human lung epithelial cells (H441), and in vivo alveolar fluid clearance were measured, respectively, using the two-electrode voltage clamp, Ussing chamber, and BSA protein assays. Ca2+ signal in H441 cells was analyzed using Fluo 4AM. Results The rate of in vivo AFC was reduced significantly (40.6 ± 6.3% of control, P < 0.05, n = 12) in mice intratracheally administrated verapamil. KCa3.1 (1-EBIO) and KATP (minoxidil) channel openers significantly recovered AFC. In addition to short-circuit current (Isc) in intact H441 monolayers, both apical and basolateral Isc levels were reduced by verapamil in permeabilized monolayers. Moreover, verapamil significantly altered Ca2+ signal evoked by ionomycin in H441 cells. Depletion of cytosolic Ca2+ in αβγ ENaC-expressing oocytes completely abolished verapamil-induced inhibition. Intriguingly, KV (pyrithione-Na), K Ca3.1 (1-EBIO), and KATP (minoxidil) channel openers almost completely restored the verapamil-induced decrease in Isc levels by diversely up-regulating apical and basolateral Na+ and K+ transport pathways. Conclusions Our observations demonstrate that K+ channel openers are capable of rescuing reduced vectorial Na+ transport across lung epithelial cells with impaired Ca2+ signal. PMID:20507598

  16. Lung bioaccessibility of contaminants in particulate matter of geological origin.

    PubMed

    Guney, Mert; Chapuis, Robert P; Zagury, Gerald J

    2016-12-01

    Human exposure to particulate matter (PM) has been associated with adverse health effects. While inhalation exposure to airborne PM is a prominent research subject, exposure to PM of geological origin (i.e., generated from soil/soil-like material) has received less attention. This review discusses the contaminants in PM of geological origin and their relevance for human exposure and then evaluates lung bioaccessibility assessment methods and their use. PM of geological origin can contain toxic elements as well as organic contaminants. Observed/predicted PM lung clearance times are long, which may lead to prolonged contact with lung environment. Thus, certain exposure scenarios warrant the use of in vitro bioaccessibility testing to predict lung bioavailability. Limited research is available on lung bioaccessibility test development and test application to PM of geological origin. For in vitro tests, test parameter variation between different studies and concerns about physiological relevance indicate a crucial need for test method standardization and comparison with relevant animal data. Research is recommended on (1) developing robust in vitro lung bioaccessibility methods, (2) assessing bioaccessibility of various contaminants (especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)) in PM of diverse origin (surface soils, mine tailings, etc.), and (3) risk characterization to determine relative importance of exposure to PM of geological origin.

  17. Comparison of methods for the prediction of human clearance from hepatocyte intrinsic clearance for a set of reference compounds and an external evaluation set.

    PubMed

    Yamagata, Tetsuo; Zanelli, Ugo; Gallemann, Dieter; Perrin, Dominique; Dolgos, Hugues; Petersson, Carl

    2017-09-01

    1. We compared direct scaling, regression model equation and the so-called "Poulin et al." methods to scale clearance (CL) from in vitro intrinsic clearance (CL int ) measured in human hepatocytes using two sets of compounds. One reference set comprised of 20 compounds with known elimination pathways and one external evaluation set based on 17 compounds development in Merck (MS). 2. A 90% prospective confidence interval was calculated using the reference set. This interval was found relevant for the regression equation method. The three outliers identified were justified on the basis of their elimination mechanism. 3. The direct scaling method showed a systematic underestimation of clearance in both the reference and evaluation sets. The "Poulin et al." and the regression equation methods showed no obvious bias in either the reference or evaluation sets. 4. The regression model equation was slightly superior to the "Poulin et al." method in the reference set and showed a better absolute average fold error (AAFE) of value 1.3 compared to 1.6. A larger difference was observed in the evaluation set were the regression method and "Poulin et al." resulted in an AAFE of 1.7 and 2.6, respectively (removing the three compounds with known issues mentioned above). A similar pattern was observed for the correlation coefficient. Based on these data we suggest the regression equation method combined with a prospective confidence interval as the first choice for the extrapolation of human in vivo hepatic metabolic clearance from in vitro systems.

  18. Nociceptor sensory neurons suppress neutrophil and γδ T cell responses in bacterial lung infections and lethal pneumonia.

    PubMed

    Baral, Pankaj; Umans, Benjamin D; Li, Lu; Wallrapp, Antonia; Bist, Meghna; Kirschbaum, Talia; Wei, Yibing; Zhou, Yan; Kuchroo, Vijay K; Burkett, Patrick R; Yipp, Bryan G; Liberles, Stephen D; Chiu, Isaac M

    2018-05-01

    Lung-innervating nociceptor sensory neurons detect noxious or harmful stimuli and consequently protect organisms by mediating coughing, pain, and bronchoconstriction. However, the role of sensory neurons in pulmonary host defense is unclear. Here, we found that TRPV1 + nociceptors suppressed protective immunity against lethal Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia. Targeted TRPV1 + -neuron ablation increased survival, cytokine induction, and lung bacterial clearance. Nociceptors suppressed the recruitment and surveillance of neutrophils, and altered lung γδ T cell numbers, which are necessary for immunity. Vagal ganglia TRPV1 + afferents mediated immunosuppression through release of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Targeting neuroimmunological signaling may be an effective approach to treat lung infections and bacterial pneumonia.

  19. Regeneration of the lung: Lung stem cells and the development of lung mimicking devices.

    PubMed

    Schilders, Kim A A; Eenjes, Evelien; van Riet, Sander; Poot, André A; Stamatialis, Dimitrios; Truckenmüller, Roman; Hiemstra, Pieter S; Rottier, Robbert J

    2016-04-23

    Inspired by the increasing burden of lung associated diseases in society and an growing demand to accommodate patients, great efforts by the scientific community produce an increasing stream of data that are focused on delineating the basic principles of lung development and growth, as well as understanding the biomechanical properties to build artificial lung devices. In addition, the continuing efforts to better define the disease origin, progression and pathology by basic scientists and clinicians contributes to insights in the basic principles of lung biology. However, the use of different model systems, experimental approaches and readout systems may generate somewhat conflicting or contradictory results. In an effort to summarize the latest developments in the lung epithelial stem cell biology, we provide an overview of the current status of the field. We first describe the different stem cells, or progenitor cells, residing in the homeostatic lung. Next, we focus on the plasticity of the different cell types upon several injury-induced activation or repair models, and highlight the regenerative capacity of lung cells. Lastly, we summarize the generation of lung mimics, such as air-liquid interface cultures, organoids and lung on a chip, that are required to test emerging hypotheses. Moreover, the increasing collaboration between distinct specializations will contribute to the eventual development of an artificial lung device capable of assisting reduced lung function and capacity in human patients.

  20. Enhanced model of gear transmission dynamics for condition monitoring applications: Effects of torque, friction and bearing clearance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fernandez-del-Rincon, A.; Garcia, P.; Diez-Ibarbia, A.; de-Juan, A.; Iglesias, M.; Viadero, F.

    2017-02-01

    Gear transmissions remain as one of the most complex mechanical systems from the point of view of noise and vibration behavior. Research on gear modeling leading to the obtaining of models capable of accurately reproduce the dynamic behavior of real gear transmissions has spread out the last decades. Most of these models, although useful for design stages, often include simplifications that impede their application for condition monitoring purposes. Trying to filling this gap, the model presented in this paper allows us to simulate gear transmission dynamics including most of these features usually neglected by the state of the art models. This work presents a model capable of considering simultaneously the internal excitations due to the variable meshing stiffness (including the coupling among successive tooth pairs in contact, the non-linearity linked with the contacts between surfaces and the dissipative effects), and those excitations consequence of the bearing variable compliance (including clearances or pre-loads). The model can also simulate gear dynamics in a realistic torque dependent scenario. The proposed model combines a hybrid formulation for calculation of meshing forces with a non-linear variable compliance approach for bearings. Meshing forces are obtained by means of a double approach which combines numerical and analytical aspects. The methodology used provides a detailed description of the meshing forces, allowing their calculation even when gear center distance is modified due to shaft and bearing flexibilities, which are unavoidable in real transmissions. On the other hand, forces at bearing level were obtained considering a variable number of supporting rolling elements, depending on the applied load and clearances. Both formulations have been developed and applied to the simulation of the vibration of a sample transmission, focusing the attention on the transmitted load, friction meshing forces and bearing preloads.

  1. Effect of neurotrauma on hepatic drug clearance.

    PubMed

    Boucher, B A; Kuhl, D A; Fabian, T C; Robertson, J T

    1991-11-01

    Lorazepam, antipyrine, and indocyanine green were administered to 10 patients with severe head injuries as marker substrates of hepatic glucuronidation, oxidation, and hepatic blood flow, respectively. Pharmacokinetic parameter estimates were determined at baseline (20 to 80 hours after injury) and up to three additional times thereafter (study days 4, 7, and 14). Antipyrine clearance was increased significantly from baseline (0.50 +/- 0.31 ml/min/kg) on study days 4, 7, and 14 (p less than 0.0001). Increases in antipyrine clearance from baseline to the last study day were observed in all study patients ranging from 14% to 207%. A significant increase was also observed in lorazepam clearance on study day 14 relative to baseline (1.39 +/- 0.56 ml/min/kg) (p less than 0.005). Increases in lorazepam clearance occurred in seven of nine patients over time ranging from 9% to 130%. The unbound fraction of lorazepam did not change significantly over the study period. Likewise, no significant change was observed in the clearance of indocyanine green over time. Antipyrine clearance and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (r = 0.41), and lorazepam clearance and C-reactive protein (r = -0.38) were significantly correlated (p less than 0.05). Similarly, antipyrine and lorazepam clearances were significantly correlated with injury severity based on the Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score (r = -0.43 and r = -0.37, respectively). These findings suggest that hepatic oxidative and conjugative metabolism increase significantly over time in patients after acute head injury. An awareness of the potential for pharmacokinetic alterations in similarly metabolized drugs used for patients with severe head injuries is recommended.

  2. Which risk models perform best in selecting ever-smokers for lung cancer screening?

    Cancer.gov

    A new analysis by scientists at NCI evaluates nine different individualized lung cancer risk prediction models based on their selections of ever-smokers for computed tomography (CT) lung cancer screening.

  3. Role of inflammatory cells and adenosine in lung ischemia reoxygenation injury using a model of lung donation after cardiac death.

    PubMed

    Smail, Hassiba; Baste, Jean-Marc; Gay, Arnaud; Begueret, Hugues; Noël, Romain; Morin, Jean-Paul; Litzler, Pierre-Yves

    2016-04-01

    The objective of this study is to analyze the role of inflammation in the lung ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury and determine the protective role of adenosine in an in vitro lung transplantation model. We used a hybrid model of lung donor after cardiac death, with warm ischemia in corpo of varying duration (2 h, 4 h) followed by in vitro lung slices culture for reoxygenation (1 h, 4 h and 24 h), in the presence or not of lymphocytes and of adenosine. To quantify the inflammatory lesions, we performed TNFα, IL2 assays, and histological analysis. In this model of a nonblood perfused system, the addition of lymphocytes during reoxygenation lead to higher rates of TNFα and IL2 after 4 h than after 2 h of warm ischemia (P < .05). These levels increased with the duration of reoxygenation and were maximum at 24 h (P < .05). In the presence of adenosine TNFα and IL2 decreased. After 2 h of warm ischemia, we observed a significant inflammatory infiltration, alveolar thickening and a necrosis of the bronchiolar cells. After 4 h of warm ischemia, alveolar cells necrosis was associated. This model showed that lymphocytes increased the inflammatory response and the histological lesions after 4 h of warm ischemia and that adenosine could have an anti-inflammatory role with potential reconditioning action when used in the pneumoplegia solution.

  4. Neutrophil depletion causes a fatal defect in murine pulmonary Staphylococcus aureus clearance

    PubMed Central

    Robertson, Charles M.; Perrone, Erin E; McConnell, Kevin W.; Dunne, W. Michael; Boody, Barrett; Brahmbhatt, Tejal; Diacovo, M. Julia; Van Rooijen, Nico; Hogue, Lisa A.; Cannon, Carolyn L.; Buchman, Timothy G.; Hotchkiss, Richard S.; Coopersmith, Craig M.

    2008-01-01

    Background Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of healthcare-associated pneumonia. Despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with the disease, animal models of S. aureus pneumonia are rare. Materials and Methods We examined the pathogenicity of four different strains of S. aureus (both methicillin-sensitive and resistant as well as Panton-Valentine leukocidin positive and negative) in four strains of immunocompetent inbred and outbred mice (FVB/N, C57Bl/6, Balb/c, ND4, n=148). The immunologic basis for the development of murine S. aureus pneumonia was then determined by selectively depleting neutrophils, lymphocytes, or pulmonary macrophages prior to the onset of infection. An additional cohort of animals was rendered immunosuppressed by induction of abdominal sepsis via cecal ligation and puncture 2, 4 or 7 days prior to the onset of pneumonia. Results Nearly all immunocompetent mice survived, regardless of which strain of S. aureus was used or which strain of mouse was infected. Among animals with immune depletion or prior immunosuppression, survival was decreased only following neutrophil depletion (26% vs. 90% alive at 7 days, p<0.0001). Compared to immunocompetent animals, neutrophil-depleted mice with S. aureus pneumonia had delayed pulmonary bacterial clearance at 16 and 40 hours but had no difference in levels of bacteremia. Neutrophil-depleted mice also had elevated levels of pulmonary MCP-1 (822 pg/ml vs. 150 pg/ml, p<0.05). In contrast, pulmonary histologic appearance was similar in both groups as was dry/wet lung weight. Conclusions These results suggest that neutrophils play a critical role in the host response to S. aureus pneumonia, and the survival differences observed in neutrophil-depleted mice are associated with alterations in bacterial clearance and pulmonary cytokine response. PMID:18621398

  5. Neutrophil depletion causes a fatal defect in murine pulmonary Staphylococcus aureus clearance.

    PubMed

    Robertson, Charles M; Perrone, Erin E; McConnell, Kevin W; Dunne, W Michael; Boody, Barrett; Brahmbhatt, Tejal; Diacovo, M Julia; Van Rooijen, Nico; Hogue, Lisa A; Cannon, Carolyn L; Buchman, Timothy G; Hotchkiss, Richard S; Coopersmith, Craig M

    2008-12-01

    Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of healthcare-associated pneumonia. Despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with the disease, animal models of S. aureus pneumonia are rare. We examined the pathogenicity of four different strains of S. aureus (both methicillin-sensitive and -resistant as well as Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive and -negative) in four strains of immunocompetent inbred and outbred mice (FVB/N, C57Bl/6, BALB/c, ND4; n = 148). The immunological basis for the development of murine S. aureus pneumonia was then determined by selectively depleting neutrophils, lymphocytes, or pulmonary macrophages prior to the onset of infection. An additional cohort of animals was rendered immunosuppressed by induction of abdominal sepsis via cecal ligation and puncture 2, 4, or 7 d prior to the onset of pneumonia. Nearly all immunocompetent mice survived, regardless of which strain of S. aureus was used or which strain of mouse was infected. Among animals with immune depletion or prior immunosuppression, survival was decreased only following neutrophil depletion (26% versus 90% alive at 7 d, P < 0.0001). Compared to immunocompetent animals, neutrophil-depleted mice with S. aureus pneumonia had delayed pulmonary bacterial clearance at 16 and 40 h but had no difference in levels of bacteremia. Neutrophil-depleted mice also had elevated levels of pulmonary monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (822 pg/mL versus 150 pg/mL, P < 0.05). In contrast, pulmonary histological appearance was similar in both groups as was dry/wet lung weight. These results suggest that neutrophils play a critical role in the host response to S. aureus pneumonia, and the survival differences observed in neutrophil-depleted mice are associated with alterations in bacterial clearance and pulmonary cytokine response.

  6. Simvastatin attenuates neutrophil recruitment in one-lung ventilation model in rats.

    PubMed

    Leite, Camila Ferreira; Marangoni, Fábio André; Camargo, Enilton Aparecido; Braga, Angélica de Fátima de Assunção; Toro, Ivan Felizardo Contrera; Antunes, Edson; Landucci, Elen Cristina Tiezem; Mussi, Ricardo Kalaf

    2013-04-01

    To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of simvastatin in rats undergoing one-lung ventilation (OLV) followed by lung re-expansion. Male Wistar rats (n=30) were submitted to 1-h OLV followed by 1-h lung re-expansion. Treated group received simvastatin (40 mg/kg for 21 days) previous to OLV protocol. Control group received no treatment or surgical/ventilation interventions. Measurements of pulmonary myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, pulmonary protein extravasation, and serum levels of cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP) were performed. OLV significantly increased the MPO activity in the collapsed and continuously ventilated lungs (31% and 52% increase, respectively) compared with control (p<0.05). Treatment with simvastatin significantly reduced the MPO activity in the continuously ventilated lung but had no effect on lung edema after OLV. The serum IL-6 and CRP levels were markedly higher in OLV group, but simvastatin treatment failed to affect the production of these inflammatory markers. Serum levels of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-10 remained below the detection limit in all groups. In an experimental one-lung ventilation model pre-operative treatment with simvastatin reduces remote neutrophil infiltration in the continuously ventilated lung. Our findings suggest that simvastatin may be of therapeutic value in OLV-induced pulmonary inflammation deserving clinical investigations.

  7. Simple sampling strategy for measuring inulin renal clearance.

    PubMed

    Horio, Masaru; Imai, Enyu; Yasuda, Yoshinari; Hishida, Akira; Matsuo, Seiichi

    2009-02-01

    In the standard method of inulin clearance (Cin), three sets of serum and urine samples are collected during a 2-hour clearance period. For a practical use of this method, sampling should be the minimal number allowable while still providing enough accuracy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of inulin renal clearance with assumed single urine collection with a period such as 30, 60 or 90 minutes. Inulin clearance data collected by the standard method from 737 individuals were used. Changes of serum inulin concentrations between 45 and 105 minutes after the start of the infusion were analyzed. We used first urine collection to calculate the inulin clearance with single urine collection (Cin-30 min). We assumed single urine collection for 60 or 90 minutes by combining the urine data of the consecutive 30-minute periods. Inulin clearances (Cin-60 min, Cin-90 min) were calculated from the assumed single urine collections, respectively. Serum inulin concentration did not reach equilibrium during the clearance period. It increased in subjects with low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and decreased in subjects with normal GFR. The amount of the change was small and -0.5 +/- 12.6% in subjects with GFR over 30 ml/min per 1.73 m(2). Cin-30 min, Cin-60 min and Cin-90 min showed high correlation coefficients against Cin-ST (0.962, 0.988 and 0.998, respectively). Systemic biases in these clearances were negligible (under 1 ml/min per 1.73 m(2)). Root mean square error (RMSE) were 10.4, 5.3 and 2.3 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) for Cin-30 min, Cin-60 min and Cin-90 min, respectively. These data indicated that accuracy of inulin clearance depends on the duration of the urine collection period. Inulin clearance with a single urine collection is a convenient method. We showed that single urine collection for 30 minutes or a longer period has reasonable accuracy in calculation of inulin clearance. We propose a method of inulin clearance with single urine collection for 60

  8. An integrated physiology model to study regional lung damage effects and the physiologic response

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background This work expands upon a previously developed exercise dynamic physiology model (DPM) with the addition of an anatomic pulmonary system in order to quantify the impact of lung damage on oxygen transport and physical performance decrement. Methods A pulmonary model is derived with an anatomic structure based on morphometric measurements, accounting for heterogeneous ventilation and perfusion observed experimentally. The model is incorporated into an existing exercise physiology model; the combined system is validated using human exercise data. Pulmonary damage from blast, blunt trauma, and chemical injury is quantified in the model based on lung fluid infiltration (edema) which reduces oxygen delivery to the blood. The pulmonary damage component is derived and calibrated based on published animal experiments; scaling laws are used to predict the human response to lung injury in terms of physical performance decrement. Results The augmented dynamic physiology model (DPM) accurately predicted the human response to hypoxia, altitude, and exercise observed experimentally. The pulmonary damage parameters (shunt and diffusing capacity reduction) were fit to experimental animal data obtained in blast, blunt trauma, and chemical damage studies which link lung damage to lung weight change; the model is able to predict the reduced oxygen delivery in damage conditions. The model accurately estimates physical performance reduction with pulmonary damage. Conclusions We have developed a physiologically-based mathematical model to predict performance decrement endpoints in the presence of thoracic damage; simulations can be extended to estimate human performance and escape in extreme situations. PMID:25044032

  9. 78 FR 77027 - Overhead Clearance (Air-Draft) Accidents

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-12-20

    ... No. USCG-2013-0466] Overhead Clearance (Air-Draft) Accidents AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION... clearance (air-draft) accidents. In its petition, which calls for vessel masters to be provided with accurate vertical air draft information, a maritime organization has described 16 overhead clearance...

  10. Confusion in Using Pre-Departure Clearances

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1996-12-20

    In 1990, the FAA implemented the Pre-Departure Clearance (PDC) program at a : number of U.S. airports. This system allows pilots to obtain IFR clearances : through aircraft ACARS units prior to taxi-out, thus eliminating the need for : verbal communi...

  11. Variation in Cilia Protein Genes and Progression of Lung Disease in Cystic Fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Blue, Elizabeth; Louie, Tin L; Chong, Jessica X; Hebbring, Scott J; Barnes, Kathleen C; Rafaels, Nicholas M; Knowles, Michael R; Gibson, Ronald L; Bamshad, Michael J; Emond, Mary J

    2018-04-01

    Cystic fibrosis, like primary ciliary dyskinesia, is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by abnormal mucociliary clearance and obstructive lung disease. We hypothesized that genes underlying the development or function of cilia may modify lung disease severity in persons with cystic fibrosis. To test this hypothesis, we compared variants in 93 candidate genes in both upper and lower tertiles of lung function in a large cohort of children and adults with cystic fibrosis with those of a population control dataset. Variants within candidate genes were tested for association using the SKAT-O test, comparing cystic fibrosis cases defined by poor (n = 127) or preserved (n = 127) lung function with population controls (n = 3,269 or 3,148, respectively). Associated variants were then tested for association with related phenotypes in independent datasets. Variants in DNAH14 and DNAAF3 were associated with poor lung function in cystic fibrosis, whereas variants in DNAH14 and DNAH6 were associated with preserved lung function in cystic fibrosis. Associations between DNAH14 and lung function were replicated in disease-related phenotypes characterized by obstructive lung disease in adults. Genetic variants within DNAH6, DNAH14, and DNAAF3 are associated with variation in lung function among persons with cystic fibrosis.

  12. Aerial Refueling Clearance Initiation Request

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-07-14

    and receiver agencies. The AR Clearance Initiation Request document recognizes the requirement for definitive aerial refueling agreements between...and contractual tanker support requests from one organization or nation to another. The AR Clearance Initiation Request document is not intended to...proprietary, sensitive, classified or otherwise restricted information. ARSAG documents, as prepared, are not DOD, MOD or NATO standards, but provide

  13. Population Pharmacokinetics of Rifapentine and Desacetyl Rifapentine in Healthy Volunteers: Nonlinearities in Clearance and Bioavailability

    PubMed Central

    Lu, Yanhui; Bliven-Sizemore, Erin; Weiner, Marc; Nuermberger, Eric; Burman, William; Dorman, Susan E.; Dooley, Kelly E.

    2014-01-01

    Rifapentine is under active investigation as a potent drug that may help shorten the tuberculosis (TB) treatment duration. A previous rifapentine dose escalation study with daily dosing indicated a possible decrease in bioavailability as the dose increased and an increase in clearance over time for rifapentine and its active metabolite, desacetyl rifapentine. This study aimed to assess the effects of increasing doses on rifapentine absorption and bioavailability and to evaluate the clearance changes over 14 days. A population analysis was performed with nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. Absorption, time-varying clearance, bioavailability, and empirical and semimechanistic autoinduction models were investigated. A one-compartment model linked to a transit compartment absorption model best described the data. The bioavailability of rifapentine decreased linearly by 2.5% for each 100-mg increase in dose. The autoinduction model suggested a dose-independent linear increase in clearance of the parent drug and metabolite over time from 1.2 and 3.1 liters · h−1, respectively, after a single dose to 2.2 and 5.0 liters · h−1, respectively, after 14 once-daily doses, with no plateau being reached by day 14. In clinical trial simulations using the final model, rifapentine demonstrated less-than-dose-proportional pharmacokinetics, but there was no plateau in exposures over the dose range tested (450 to 1,800 mg), and divided dosing increased exposures significantly. Thus, the proposed compartmental model incorporating daily dosing of rifapentine over a wide range of doses and time-related changes in bioavailability and clearance provides a useful tool for estimation of drug exposure that can be used to optimize rifapentine dosing for TB treatment. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01162486.) PMID:24614383

  14. A three-dimensional model of human lung development and disease from pluripotent stem cells.

    PubMed

    Chen, Ya-Wen; Huang, Sarah Xuelian; de Carvalho, Ana Luisa Rodrigues Toste; Ho, Siu-Hong; Islam, Mohammad Naimul; Volpi, Stefano; Notarangelo, Luigi D; Ciancanelli, Michael; Casanova, Jean-Laurent; Bhattacharya, Jahar; Liang, Alice F; Palermo, Laura M; Porotto, Matteo; Moscona, Anne; Snoeck, Hans-Willem

    2017-05-01

    Recapitulation of lung development from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in three dimensions (3D) would allow deeper insight into human development, as well as the development of innovative strategies for disease modelling, drug discovery and regenerative medicine. We report here the generation from hPSCs of lung bud organoids (LBOs) that contain mesoderm and pulmonary endoderm and develop into branching airway and early alveolar structures after xenotransplantation and in Matrigel 3D culture. Expression analysis and structural features indicated that the branching structures reached the second trimester of human gestation. Infection in vitro with respiratory syncytial virus, which causes small airway obstruction and bronchiolitis in infants, led to swelling, detachment and shedding of infected cells into the organoid lumens, similar to what has been observed in human lungs. Introduction of mutation in HPS1, which causes an early-onset form of intractable pulmonary fibrosis, led to accumulation of extracellular matrix and mesenchymal cells, suggesting the potential use of this model to recapitulate fibrotic lung disease in vitro. LBOs therefore recapitulate lung development and may provide a useful tool to model lung disease.

  15. A three-dimensional model of human lung development and disease from pluripotent stem cells

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Ya-Wen; Huang, Sarah Xuelian; de Carvalho, Ana Luisa Rodrigues Toste; Ho, Siu-Hong; Islam, Mohammad Naimul; Volpi, Stefano; Notarangelo, Luigi D; Ciancanelli, Michael; Casanova, Jean-Laurent; Bhattacharya, Jahar; Liang, Alice F.; Palermo, Laura M; Porotto, Matteo; Moscona, Anne; Snoeck, Hans-Willem

    2017-01-01

    Recapitulation of lung development from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in three dimensions (3D) would allow deeper insight into human development, as well as the development of innovative strategies for disease modeling, drug discovery and regenerative medicine1. We report here the generation from hPSCs of lung bud organoids (LBOs) that contain mesoderm and pulmonary endoderm and develop into branching airway and early alveolar structures after xenotransplantation and in Matrigel 3D culture. Expression analysis and structural features indicated that the branching structures reached the second trimester of human gestation. Infection in vitro with respiratory syncytial virus, which causes small airway obstruction and bronchiolitis in infants2, led to swelling, detachment and shedding of infected cells into the organoid lumens, similar to what has been observed in human lungs3. Introduction of mutation in HPS1, which causes an early-onset form of intractable pulmonary fibrosis4,5, led to accumulation of extracellular matrix and mesenchymal cells, suggesting the potential use of this model to recapitulate fibrotic lung disease in vitro. LBOs therefore recapitulate lung development and may provide a useful tool to model lung disease. PMID:28436965

  16. 48 CFR 945.670-1 - Plant clearance function.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Plant clearance function... MANAGEMENT GOVERNMENT PROPERTY Reporting, Reutilization, and Disposal 945.670-1 Plant clearance function. If the plant clearance function has not been formally delegated to another Federal agency, the...

  17. 48 CFR 945.670-1 - Plant clearance function.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Plant clearance function... MANAGEMENT GOVERNMENT PROPERTY Reporting, Reutilization, and Disposal 945.670-1 Plant clearance function. If the plant clearance function has not been formally delegated to another Federal agency, the...

  18. AHERA CLEARANCE AT TWENTY ABATEMENT SITES

    EPA Science Inventory

    A study was conducted during the summer of 1988 to document Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) clearance air-sampling practices and clearance concentrations of airborne asbestos at 20 asbestos-abatement sites in New Jersey. Each abatement took place in a school buildi...

  19. AHERA CLEARANCE AT TWENTY ABATEMENT SITES

    EPA Science Inventory

    A study was conducted during the summer of 1988 to document Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) clearance air sampling practices and clearance concentrations of airborne asbestos at 20 asbestos-abatement sites in New Jersey. ach abatement took place in a school buildin...

  20. Nadph oxidase regulates alveolar epithelial sodium channel activity and lung fluid balance in vivo via O2− signaling

    PubMed Central

    Goodson, Preston; Kumar, Amrita; Jain, Lucky; Kundu, Kousik; Murthy, Niren; Koval, Michael

    2012-01-01

    To define roles for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in maintaining lung fluid balance in vivo, we used two novel whole animal imaging approaches. Live X-ray fluoroscopy enabled quantification of air space fluid content of C57BL/6J mouse lungs challenged by intratracheal (IT) instillation of saline; results were confirmed by using conventional lung wet-to-dry weight ratios and Evans blue as measures of pulmonary edema. Visualization and quantification of ROS produced in lungs was performed in mice that had been administered a redox-sensitive dye, hydro-Cy7, by IT instillation. We found that inhibition of NADPH oxidase with a Rac-1 inhibitor, NSC23766, resulted in alveolar flooding, which correlated with a decrease in lung ROS production in vivo. Consistent with a role for Nox2 in alveolar fluid balance, Nox2−/− mice showed increased retention of air space fluid compared with wild-type controls. Interestingly, fluoroscopic analysis of C57BL/6J lungs IT instilled with LPS showed an acute stimulation of lung fluid clearance and ROS production in vivo that was abrogated by the ROS scavenger tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (TEMPO). Acute application of LPS increased the activity of 20 pS nonselective ENaC channels in rat type 1 cells; the average number of channel and single-channel open probability (NPo) increased from 0.14 ± 0.04 to 0.62 ± 0.23. Application of TEMPO to the same cell-attached recording caused an immediate significant decrease in ENaC NPo to 0.04 ± 0.03. These data demonstrate that, in vivo, ROS has the capacity to stimulate lung fluid clearance by increasing ENaC activity. PMID:22160304

  1. Lung flooding enables efficient lung sonography and tumour imaging in human ex vivo and porcine in vivo lung cancer model

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Sonography has become the imaging technique of choice for guiding intraoperative interventions in abdominal surgery. Due to artefacts from residual air content, however, videothoracoscopic and open intraoperative ultrasound-guided thermoablation of lung malignancies are impossible. Lung flooding is a new method that allows complete ultrasound imaging of lungs and their tumours. Methods Fourteen resected tumourous human lung lobes were examined transpleurally with B-mode ultrasound before (in atelectasis) and after lung flooding with isotonic saline solution. In two swine, the left lung was filled with 15 ml/kg isotonic saline solution through the left side of a double-lumen tube. Lung tumours were simulated by transthoracic ultrasound-guided injection of 5 ml of purified bovine serum albumin in glutaraldehyde, centrally into the left lower lung lobe. The rate of tumour detection, the severity of disability caused by residual gas, and sonomorphology of the lungs and tumours were assessed. Results The ex vivo tumour detection rate was 100% in flooded human lung lobes and 43% (6/14) in atelectatic lungs. In all cases of atelectasis, sonographic tumour imaging was impaired by residual gas. Tumours and atelectatic tissue were isoechoic. In 28% of flooded lungs, a little residual gas was observed that did not impair sonographic tumour imaging. In contrast to tumours, flooded lung tissue was hyperechoic, homogeneous, and of fine-grained structure. Because of the bronchial wall three-laminar structure, sonographic differentiation of vessels and bronchi was possible. In all cases, malignant tumours in the flooded lung appeared well-demarcated from the lung parenchyma. Adenocarcinoma, squamous, and large cell carcinomas were hypoechoic. Bronchioloalveolar cell carcinoma was slightly hyperechoic. Transpleural sonography identifies endobronchial tumour growth and bronchial wall destruction. With transthoracic sonography, the flooded animal lung can be completely

  2. Nano-Advantage in Enhanced Drug Delivery with Biodegradable Nanoparticles: Contribution of Reduced Clearance

    PubMed Central

    Kadam, Rajendra S.; Bourne, David W. A.

    2012-01-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of reduced apparent clearance to the enhanced exposure reported for biodegradable nanoparticles after extravascular and intravascular routes of administration. Plasma concentration profiles for drug and nanoparticle formulations after administration by intravenous, intraduodenal, and oral routes were extracted from the literature. Data were fit to pharmacokinetic models using BOOMER. The compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis of literature data for six drugs (camptothecin, 9-nitrocamptothecin, epirubicin, vinpocetine, clozapine, and cyclosporine) showed that the encapsulation of drug molecules in nanoparticles significantly reduced the apparent clearance and prolonged the apparent circulation half-life compared with those for the plain drug. Positively charged nanoparticles assessed in this study had lower apparent clearance, lower elimination rate constant values, and longer apparent circulation half-life than neutral and negatively charged nanoparticles. After oral administration, a reduction in apparent clearance contributed substantially to elevations in plasma drug exposure with nanoparticles. For the drugs and delivery systems examined, the nano-advantage in drug delivery enhancement can be explained, in part, by reduced clearance. PMID:22498894

  3. Shear joint capability versus bolt clearance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lee, H. M.

    1992-01-01

    The results of a conservative analysis approach into the determination of shear joint strength capability for typical space-flight hardware as a function of the bolt-hole clearance specified in the design are presented. These joints are comprised of high-strength steel fasteners and abutments constructed of aluminum alloys familiar to the aerospace industry. A general analytical expression was first arrived at which relates bolt-hole clearance to the bolt shear load required to place all joint fasteners into a shear transferring position. Extension of this work allowed the analytical development of joint load capability as a function of the number of fasteners, shear strength of the bolt, bolt-hole clearance, and the desired factor of safety. Analysis results clearly indicate that a typical space-flight hardware joint can withstand significant loading when less than ideal bolt hole clearances are used in the design.

  4. Fuel conservation through active control of rotor clearances

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Beitler, R. S.; Saunders, A. A.; Wanger, R. P.

    1980-01-01

    Under the NASA-sponsored Energy Efficient Engine (EEE) Project, technology is being developed which will significantly reduce the fuel consumption of turbofan engines for subsonic transport aircraft. One technology concept being pursued is active control of rotor tip clearances. Attention is given to rotor tip clearance considerations and an overview of preliminary study results as well as the General Electric EEE clearance control approach is presented. Finally, potential fuel savings with active control of rotor clearances for a typical EEE mission are predicted.

  5. Accelerated autoantibody clearance by intravenous immunoglobulin therapy: studies in experimental models to determine the magnitude and time course of the effect.

    PubMed

    Bleeker, W K; Teeling, J L; Hack, C E

    2001-11-15

    Recently, it has been postulated that the beneficial effect of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) in antibody-mediated autoimmune disorders is based on accelerated catabolism of autoantibodies. In the current study, in vivo experiments were performed with mice in which autoantibody production was mimicked by continuous infusion of monoclonal antibodies. In this model, a single dose of IVIG reduced the plasma concentrations of the infused immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) by approximately 40% after 3 days, whereas the concentration of an IgA mAb was not affected. To extrapolate these findings to humans, a computational model for IgG clearance was established that accurately predicted the time course and magnitude of the decrease in IgG plasma levels observed in mice. Adapted for humans, this model predicted a gradually occurring decrease in autoantibody levels after IVIG administration (2 g/kg), with a maximum reduction of approximately 25% after 3 to 4 weeks and a continued decrease of several months. In conclusion, a single high dose of IVIG induces a relatively small but long-lasting reduction of autoantibody levels by accelerated IgG clearance. This mechanism has clinical relevance in the sense that it can fully explain, as the sole mechanism, the gradual decrease in autoantibody levels observed in several patient studies. However, in some clinical studies, larger or more rapid effects have been observed that cannot be explained by accelerated clearance. Hence, IVIG can also reduce autoantibody levels through mechanisms such as down-regulation of antibody production or neutralization by anti-idiotypic antibodies.

  6. COMPUTER SIMULATIONS OF LUNG AIRWAY STRUCTURES USING DATA-DRIVEN SURFACE MODELING TECHNIQUES

    EPA Science Inventory

    ABSTRACT

    Knowledge of human lung morphology is a subject critical to many areas of medicine. The visualization of lung structures naturally lends itself to computer graphics modeling due to the large number of airways involved and the complexities of the branching systems...

  7. Three-dimensional pulmonary model using rapid-prototyping in patient with lung cancer requiring segmentectomy.

    PubMed

    Akiba, Tadashi; Nakada, Takeo; Inagaki, Takuya

    2014-01-01

    Thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy of the lung is sometime adopted for the lung cancer, but a problem with segmentectomy is variable anatomy. Recently, we are exploring the impact of three-dimensional models using rapid-prototyping technique. It is useful for decision making, surgical planning, and intraoperative orientation for surgical treatment in patient with lung cancer who underwent pulmonary segmentectomy. These newly created models allow us to clearly identify the surgical margin and the intersegmental plane, vessels, and bronchi related to the cancer in the posterior segment. To the best of our knowledge, there are few reports describing a pulmonary model so far.

  8. Genetically manipulated mouse models of lung disease: potential and pitfalls

    PubMed Central

    Choi, Alexander J. S.; Owen, Caroline A.; Choi, Augustine M. K.

    2012-01-01

    Gene targeting in mice (transgenic and knockout) has provided investigators with an unparalleled armamentarium in recent decades to dissect the cellular and molecular basis of critical pathophysiological states. Fruitful information has been derived from studies using these genetically engineered mice with significant impact on our understanding, not only of specific biological processes spanning cell proliferation to cell death, but also of critical molecular events involved in the pathogenesis of human disease. This review will focus on the use of gene-targeted mice to study various models of lung disease including airways diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and parenchymal lung diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, pneumonia, and acute lung injury. We will attempt to review the current technological approaches of generating gene-targeted mice and the enormous dataset derived from these studies, providing a template for lung investigators. PMID:22198907

  9. Water Permeability Adjusts Resorption in Lung Epithelia to Increased Apical Surface Liquid Volumes.

    PubMed

    Schmidt, Hanna; Michel, Christiane; Braubach, Peter; Fauler, Michael; Neubauer, Daniel; Thompson, Kristin E; Frick, Manfred; Mizaikoff, Boris; Dietl, Paul; Wittekindt, Oliver H

    2017-03-01

    The apical surface liquid (ASL) layer covers the airways and forms a first line of defense against pathogens. Maintenance of ASL volume by airway epithelia is essential for maintaining lung function. The proteolytic activation of epithelial Na + channels is believed to be the dominating mechanism to cope with increases in ASL volumes. Alternative mechanisms, in particular increases in epithelial osmotic water permeability (P osm ), have so far been regarded as rather less important. However, most studies mainly addressed immediate effects upon apical volume expansion (AVE) and increases in ASL. This study addresses the response of lung epithelia to long-term AVE. NCI-H441 cells and primary human tracheal epithelial cells, both cultivated in air-liquid interface conditions, were used as models for the lung epithelium. AVE was established by adding isotonic solution to the apical surface of differentiated lung epithelia, and time course of ASL volume restoration was assessed by the deuterium oxide dilution method. Concomitant ion transport was investigated in Ussing chambers. We identified a low resorptive state immediately after AVE, which coincided with proteolytic ion transport activation within 10-15 minutes after AVE. The main clearance of excess ASL occurred during a delayed (hours after AVE) high resorptive state, which did not correlate with ion transport activation. Instead, high resorptive state onset coincided with an increase in P osm , which depended on aquaporin up-regulation. In summary, our data demonstrate that, aside from ion transport activation, modulation of P osm is a major mechanism to compensate for long-term AVE in lung epithelia.

  10. Acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute lung injury.

    PubMed

    Dushianthan, A; Grocott, M P W; Postle, A D; Cusack, R

    2011-09-01

    Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life threatening respiratory failure due to lung injury from a variety of precipitants. Pathologically ARDS is characterised by diffuse alveolar damage, alveolar capillary leakage, and protein rich pulmonary oedema leading to the clinical manifestation of poor lung compliance, severe hypoxaemia, and bilateral infiltrates on chest radiograph. Several aetiological factors associated with the development of ARDS are identified with sepsis, pneumonia, and trauma with multiple transfusions accounting for most cases. Despite the absence of a robust diagnostic definition, extensive epidemiological investigations suggest ARDS remains a significant health burden with substantial morbidity and mortality. Improvements in outcome following ARDS over the past decade are in part due to improved strategies of mechanical ventilation and advanced support of other failing organs. Optimal treatment involves judicious fluid management, protective lung ventilation with low tidal volumes and moderate positive end expiratory pressure, multi-organ support, and treatment where possible of the underlying cause. Moreover, advances in general supportive measures such as appropriate antimicrobial therapy, early enteral nutrition, prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism and gastrointestinal ulceration are likely contributory reasons for the improved outcomes. Although therapies such as corticosteroids, nitric oxide, prostacyclins, exogenous surfactants, ketoconazole and antioxidants have shown promising clinical effects in animal models, these have failed to translate positively in human studies. Most recently, clinical trials with β2 agonists aiding alveolar fluid clearance and immunonutrition with omega-3 fatty acids have also provided disappointing results. Despite these negative studies, mortality seems to be in decline due to advances in overall patient care. Future directions of research are likely to concentrate on identifying potential

  11. 15 CFR 752.15 - Export clearance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Export clearance. 752.15 Section 752... OF INDUSTRY AND SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS SPECIAL COMPREHENSIVE LICENSE § 752.15 Export clearance. (a) Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) or Automated Export...

  12. Eosinophils contribute to early clearance of Pneumocystis murina infection

    PubMed Central

    Eddens, Taylor; Elsegeiny, Waleed; Nelson, Michael P.; Horne, William; Campfield, Brian T.; Steele, Chad; Kolls, Jay K.

    2015-01-01

    Pneumocystis pneumonia remains a common opportunistic infection in the diverse immunosuppressed population. One clear risk factor for susceptibility to Pneumocystis is a declining CD4+ T-cell counts in the setting of HIV/AIDS or primary immunodeficiency. Non-HIV infected individuals taking immunosuppressive drug regimens targeting T-cell activation are also susceptible. Given the crucial role of CD4+ T-cells in host defense against Pneumocystis, we used RNA-sequencing of whole lung early in infection in wild type and CD4-depleted animals as an unbiased approach to examine mechanisms of fungal clearance. In wild type mice, a strong eosinophil signature was observed at day 14 post-Pneumocystis challenge and eosinophils were increased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of wild type mice. Furthermore, eosinophilopoiesis-deficient Gata1tm6Sho/J mice were more susceptible to Pneumocystis infection when compared to BALB/c controls and bone marrow derived eosinophils had in vitro Pneumocystis killing activity. To drive eosinophilia in vivo, Rag1−/− mice were treated with a plasmid expressing IL-5 (pIL5) or an empty plasmid control via hydrodynamic injection. pIL5 treated mice had increased serum IL-5 and eosinophilia in the lung, as well as reduced Pneumocystis burden compared to mice treated with control plasmid. Additionally, pIL5 treatment could induce eosinophilia and reduce Pneumocystis burden in CD4-depleted C57Bl/6 and BALB/c mice, but not eosinophilopoiesis-deficient Gata1tm6Sho/J mice. Taken together, these results demonstrate that an early role of CD4+ T-cells is to recruit eosinophils to the lung and that eosinophils are a novel candidate for future therapeutic development for Pneumocystis pneumonia in the immunosuppressed population. PMID:25994969

  13. 14 CFR 1260.63 - Customs clearance and visas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 5 2011-01-01 2010-01-01 true Customs clearance and visas. 1260.63 Section 1260.63 Aeronautics and Space NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS General Special Conditions § 1260.63 Customs clearance and visas. Customs Clearance and Visas (For...

  14. 14 CFR 1260.63 - Customs clearance and visas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Customs clearance and visas. 1260.63 Section 1260.63 Aeronautics and Space NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS General Special Conditions § 1260.63 Customs clearance and visas. Customs Clearance and Visas (For...

  15. 14 CFR 1260.63 - Customs clearance and visas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 5 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Customs clearance and visas. 1260.63 Section 1260.63 Aeronautics and Space NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS General Special Conditions § 1260.63 Customs clearance and visas. Customs Clearance and Visas (For...

  16. 14 CFR 1260.63 - Customs clearance and visas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 5 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Customs clearance and visas. 1260.63 Section 1260.63 Aeronautics and Space NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS General Special Conditions § 1260.63 Customs clearance and visas. Customs Clearance and Visas (For...

  17. Extracellular ATP mediates the late phase of neutrophil recruitment to the lung in murine models of acute lung injury.

    PubMed

    Shah, Dilip; Romero, Freddy; Stafstrom, William; Duong, Michelle; Summer, Ross

    2014-01-01

    Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe inflammatory condition whose pathogenesis is irrevocably linked to neutrophil emigration to the lung. Activation and recruitment of neutrophils to the lung is mostly attributable to local production of the chemokines. However, much of our understanding of neutrophil recruitment to the lung is based on studies focusing on early time points after initiation of injury. In this study, we sought to evaluate the extended temporal relationship between neutrophil chemotactic factor expression and influx of neutrophils into the lung after intratracheal administration of either LPS or bleomycin. In both models, results demonstrated two phases of neutrophil chemotactic factor expression; first, an early phase characterized by high levels of CXCL1/keratinocyte-derived chemokine, CXCL2/monocyte-inhibitory protein-2, and CXCL5/LPS-induced chemokine expression, and second, a late phase distinguished by increases in extracellular ATP. Furthermore, we show that strategies aimed at either enhancing ATP catabolism (ip ecto-5'-nucleotidase administration) or inhibiting glycolytic ATP production (ip 2-deoxy-d-glucose treatment) reduce extracellular ATP accumulation, limit vascular leakage, and effectively block the late, but not the early, stages of neutrophil recruitment to the lung after LPS instillation. In conclusion, this study illustrates that neutrophil recruitment to the lung is mediated by the time-dependent expression of chemotactic factors and suggests that novel strategies, which reduce extracellular ATP accumulation, may attenuate late neutrophil recruitment and limit lung injury during ALI.

  18. Extracellular ATP mediates the late phase of neutrophil recruitment to the lung in murine models of acute lung injury

    PubMed Central

    Shah, Dilip; Romero, Freddy; Stafstrom, William; Duong, Michelle

    2013-01-01

    Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe inflammatory condition whose pathogenesis is irrevocably linked to neutrophil emigration to the lung. Activation and recruitment of neutrophils to the lung is mostly attributable to local production of the chemokines. However, much of our understanding of neutrophil recruitment to the lung is based on studies focusing on early time points after initiation of injury. In this study, we sought to evaluate the extended temporal relationship between neutrophil chemotactic factor expression and influx of neutrophils into the lung after intratracheal administration of either LPS or bleomycin. In both models, results demonstrated two phases of neutrophil chemotactic factor expression; first, an early phase characterized by high levels of CXCL1/keratinocyte-derived chemokine, CXCL2/monocyte-inhibitory protein-2, and CXCL5/LPS-induced chemokine expression, and second, a late phase distinguished by increases in extracellular ATP. Furthermore, we show that strategies aimed at either enhancing ATP catabolism (ip ecto-5′-nucleotidase administration) or inhibiting glycolytic ATP production (ip 2-deoxy-d-glucose treatment) reduce extracellular ATP accumulation, limit vascular leakage, and effectively block the late, but not the early, stages of neutrophil recruitment to the lung after LPS instillation. In conclusion, this study illustrates that neutrophil recruitment to the lung is mediated by the time-dependent expression of chemotactic factors and suggests that novel strategies, which reduce extracellular ATP accumulation, may attenuate late neutrophil recruitment and limit lung injury during ALI. PMID:24285266

  19. Acute and chronic in vivo effects of exposure to nicotine and propylene glycol from an E-cigarette on mucociliary clearance in a murine model

    PubMed Central

    Laube, Beth L.; Afshar-Mohajer, Nima; Koehler, Kirsten; Chen, Gang; Lazarus, Philip; Collaco, Joseph M.; McGrath-Morrow, Sharon A.

    2017-01-01

    Objective To determine the effect of an acute (1 week) and chronic (3 weeks) exposure to E-cigarette (E-cig) emissions on mucociliary clearance (MCC) in murine lungs. Methods C57BL/6 male mice (age 10.5 ±2.4 weeks) were exposed for 20min/day to E-cigarette aerosol generated by a Joyetech 510-T® E-cig containing either 0% nicotine (N)/propylene glycol (PG) for 1 week (n = 6), or 3 weeks (n = 9), or 2.4% N/PG for one week (n = 6), or 3 weeks (n = 9), followed by measurement of MCC. Control mice (n = 15) were not exposed to PG alone, or N/PG. MCC was assessed by gamma camera following aspiration of 99mtechnetium aerosol and was expressed as the amount of radioactivity removed from both lungs over 6 hours (MCC6hrs). Venous blood was assayed for cotinine levels in control mice and in mice exposed for 3-weeks to PG alone and N/PG. Results MCC6hrs in control mice and in mice acutely exposed to PG alone and N/PG was similar, averaging (±1 standard deviation) 8.6±5.2%, 7.5±2.8% and 11.2±5.9%, respectively. In contrast, chronic exposure to PG alone stimulated MCC6hrs (17.2 ±8.0)% and this stimulation was significantly blunted following chronic exposure to N/PG (8.7 ±4.6)% (p < .05). Serum cotinine levels were <0.5ng/ml in control mice and in mice exposed to PG alone, whereas, N/PG exposed mice averaged 14.6 ± 12.0 ng/ml. Conclusions In this murine model, a chronic, daily, 20 min-exposure to N/PG, but not an acute exposure, slowed MCC, compared to exposure to PG alone and led to systemic absorption of nicotine. PMID:28651446

  20. Residual fibre lung burden among patients with pleural mesothelioma who have been occupationally exposed to asbestos.

    PubMed

    Merler, Enzo; Somigliana, Anna; Girardi, Paolo; Barbieri, Pietro Gino

    2017-03-01

    To evaluate the lungs asbestos fibres concentration in participants with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) who have been occupationally exposed. The lung samples were obtained from pleuropneumonectomies or autopsies of 271 male MPMs. The lung samples were examined through scanning electron microscopy. Retrospective assessment was used to assess for asbestos exposure. This study includes 248 MPMs with an occupational exposure defined as either 'definite' or 'probable' or 'possible'. The participants had finished working in asbestos exposure conditions more than 20 years ago (on average 26.1±11.0 years). The fibre burden resulted with a geometric mean equal to 2.0 (95% CI 1.6 to 2.4) million fibres per gram of dry lung tissue. The burden was higher among participants employed in asbestos textiles industry and in shipyards with insulation material, if compared with construction workers or non-asbestos textile workers or participants working in chemicals or as auto mechanics. 91.3% of MPMs had a detectable amount of amphibole fibres. A strong lung clearance capability was evident among workers exposed to chrysotile fibres. Owing to that, the 1997 Helsinki Criteria for occupational exposure were reached in <35% of cases among participant working in construction, in metallurgical industry, in chemical or textile industry and among those performing brake repair activities. The MPM cases are now occurring in Italy in participants who ceased occupational asbestos exposure decades before the analysis. A large majority still shows a residual content of amphibole fibres, but given the lung clearance capability, attribution to occupational exposure cannot rely only on fibres detection. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

  1. Internal Motion Estimation by Internal-external Motion Modeling for Lung Cancer Radiotherapy.

    PubMed

    Chen, Haibin; Zhong, Zichun; Yang, Yiwei; Chen, Jiawei; Zhou, Linghong; Zhen, Xin; Gu, Xuejun

    2018-02-27

    The aim of this study is to develop an internal-external correlation model for internal motion estimation for lung cancer radiotherapy. Deformation vector fields that characterize the internal-external motion are obtained by respectively registering the internal organ meshes and external surface meshes from the 4DCT images via a recently developed local topology preserved non-rigid point matching algorithm. A composite matrix is constructed by combing the estimated internal phasic DVFs with external phasic and directional DVFs. Principle component analysis is then applied to the composite matrix to extract principal motion characteristics, and generate model parameters to correlate the internal-external motion. The proposed model is evaluated on a 4D NURBS-based cardiac-torso (NCAT) synthetic phantom and 4DCT images from five lung cancer patients. For tumor tracking, the center of mass errors of the tracked tumor are 0.8(±0.5)mm/0.8(±0.4)mm for synthetic data, and 1.3(±1.0)mm/1.2(±1.2)mm for patient data in the intra-fraction/inter-fraction tracking, respectively. For lung tracking, the percent errors of the tracked contours are 0.06(±0.02)/0.07(±0.03) for synthetic data, and 0.06(±0.02)/0.06(±0.02) for patient data in the intra-fraction/inter-fraction tracking, respectively. The extensive validations have demonstrated the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed model in motion tracking for both the tumor and the lung in lung cancer radiotherapy.

  2. Intra-articular clearance of labeled dextrans from naive and arthritic rat knee joints.

    PubMed

    Mwangi, Timothy K; Berke, Ian M; Nieves, Eduardo H; Bell, Richard D; Adams, Samuel B; Setton, Lori A

    2018-05-26

    Determine the effects of arthritis on the trans-synovial clearance of small and large model compounds following local delivery to the knee joint in a rat model. Intra-articular delivery was studied in rat knee joints in an osteoarthritis model of joint instability (medial collateral ligament and meniscus transection model or MMT). Fluorescently-labeled 10 kDa or 500 kDa dextran was injected in the arthritic or unoperated control (naive) joints 3 weeks after surgical destabilization, and the temporal clearance pattern was evaluated via in vivo regional fluorescence imaging, dextran concentrations in plasma and draining lymph nodes, and by quantification of fluorescence in histological synovium sections. Together these data were used to evaluate the effect of osteoarthritis and solute size on the rate of drug clearance from the joint. Clearance of 10 kDa dextran from the joint space quantified using in vivo fluorescence imaging of the knee joint region was not significantly different between naive and MMT joints. In contrast, clearance of 500 kDa dextran was significantly reduced for MMT joints when compared to naive joints by fluorescence in vivo imaging. Drug accumulation in lymph nodes and plasma were lower for the 500 kDa dextran as compared to 10 kDa dextran, and lymph node levels were further reduced with the presence of osteoarthritis. Furthermore, synovium was significantly thicker in MMT joints than in naive joints and image analysis of joint tissue sections revealed different trans-synovial distributions of 10 and 500 kDa dextran. Large macromolecules were retained in the arthritic joint longer than in the healthy joint, while smaller molecules were cleared similarly in healthy and arthritic joints. In vivo fluorescence imaging, plasma and lymph node concentrations, and spatial distributions of drug fluorescence identified differences in higher molecular weight clearance between naive and arthritic disease states. Findings may relate to a

  3. 19 CFR 122.77 - Clearance certificate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Clearance certificate. 122.77 Section 122.77 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY AIR COMMERCE REGULATIONS Documents Required for Clearance and Permission To Depart; Electronic...

  4. Genetically determined heterogeneity of lung disease in a mouse model of airway mucus obstruction

    PubMed Central

    Grubb, Barbara R.; Kelly, Elizabeth J.; Wilkinson, Kristen J.; Yang, Huifang; Geiser, Marianne; Randell, Scott H.; Boucher, Richard C.; O'Neal, Wanda K.

    2012-01-01

    Mucus clearance is an important airway innate defense mechanism. Airway-targeted overexpression of the epithelial Na+ channel β-subunit [encoded by sodium channel nonvoltage gated 1, beta subunit (Scnn1b)] in mice [Scnn1b-transgenic (Tg) mice] increases transepithelial Na+ absorption and dehydrates the airway surface, which produces key features of human obstructive lung diseases, including mucus obstruction, inflammation, and air-space enlargement. Because the first Scnn1b-Tg mice were generated on a mixed background, the impact of genetic background on disease phenotype in Scnn1b-Tg mice is unknown. To explore this issue, congenic Scnn1b-Tg mice strains were generated on C57BL/6N, C3H/HeN, BALB/cJ, and FVB/NJ backgrounds. All strains exhibited a two- to threefold increase in tracheal epithelial Na+ absorption, and all developed airway mucus obstruction, inflammation, and air-space enlargement. However, there were striking differences in neonatal survival, ranging from 5 to 80% (FVB/NJlung atelectasis. The spontaneous occurrence of a high surviving BALB/cJ line, which exhibited delayed onset of Na+ hyperabsorption, provided evidence that: 1) air-space enlargement and postnatal death were only present when Na+ hyperabsorption occurred early, and 2) inflammation and mucus obstruction developed whenever Na+ hyperabsorption was expressed. In summary, the genetic context and timing of airway innate immune dysfunction critically determines lung disease phenotype. These mouse strains may be useful to identify key modifier genes and pathways. PMID:22395316

  5. Inactivation, Clearance, and Functional Effects of Lung-Instilled Short and Long Silver Nanowires in Rats

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    There is a potential for silver nanowires (AgNWs) to be inhaled, but there is little information on their health effects and their chemical transformation inside the lungs in vivo. We studied the effects of short (S-AgNWs; 1.5 μm) and long (L-AgNWs; 10 μm) nanowires instilled into the lungs of Sprague–Dawley rats. S- and L-AgNWs were phagocytosed and degraded by macrophages; there was no frustrated phagocytosis. Interestingly, both AgNWs were internalized in alveolar epithelial cells, with precipitation of Ag2S on their surface as secondary Ag2S nanoparticles. Quantitative serial block face three-dimensional scanning electron microscopy showed a small, but significant, reduction of NW lengths inside alveolar epithelial cells. AgNWs were also present in the lung subpleural space where L-AgNWs exposure resulted in more Ag+ve macrophages situated within the pleura and subpleural alveoli, compared with the S-AgNWs exposure. For both AgNWs, there was lung inflammation at day 1, disappearing by day 21, but in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), L-AgNWs caused a delayed neutrophilic and macrophagic inflammation, while S-AgNWs caused only acute transient neutrophilia. Surfactant protein D (SP-D) levels in BALF increased after S- and L-AgNWs exposure at day 7. L-AgNWs induced MIP-1α and S-AgNWs induced IL-18 at day 1. Large airway bronchial responsiveness to acetylcholine increased following L-AgNWs, but not S-AgNWs, exposure. The attenuated response to AgNW instillation may be due to silver inactivation after precipitation of Ag2S with limited dissolution. Our findings have important consequences for the safety of silver-based technologies to human health. PMID:28221763

  6. HOSVD-Based 3D Active Appearance Model: Segmentation of Lung Fields in CT Images.

    PubMed

    Wang, Qingzhu; Kang, Wanjun; Hu, Haihui; Wang, Bin

    2016-07-01

    An Active Appearance Model (AAM) is a computer vision model which can be used to effectively segment lung fields in CT images. However, the fitting result is often inadequate when the lungs are affected by high-density pathologies. To overcome this problem, we propose a Higher-order Singular Value Decomposition (HOSVD)-based Three-dimensional (3D) AAM. An evaluation was performed on 310 diseased lungs form the Lung Image Database Consortium Image Collection. Other contemporary AAMs operate directly on patterns represented by vectors, i.e., before applying the AAM to a 3D lung volume,it has to be vectorized first into a vector pattern by some technique like concatenation. However, some implicit structural or local contextual information may be lost in this transformation. According to the nature of the 3D lung volume, HOSVD is introduced to represent and process the lung in tensor space. Our method can not only directly operate on the original 3D tensor patterns, but also efficiently reduce the computer memory usage. The evaluation resulted in an average Dice coefficient of 97.0 % ± 0.59 %, a mean absolute surface distance error of 1.0403 ± 0.5716 mm, a mean border positioning errors of 0.9187 ± 0.5381 pixel, and a Hausdorff Distance of 20.4064 ± 4.3855, respectively. Experimental results showed that our methods delivered significant and better segmentation results, compared with the three other model-based lung segmentation approaches, namely 3D Snake, 3D ASM and 3D AAM.

  7. A Novel Model for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    In the U.S. lung cancer remains the most deadly cancer type with less than one in five patients alive five years after diagnosis. The majority of lung cancer deaths are due to tobacco smoke, and the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) subtype of lung cancer is strongly associated with smoking. Researchers have identified a number of mutations in lung SCC tumors but have failed to generate an animal model of lung SCC, which is critical for understanding the biology of the disease and for identifying novel therapeutic targets.

  8. Multiscale image-based modeling and simulation of gas flow and particle transport in the human lungs

    PubMed Central

    Tawhai, Merryn H; Hoffman, Eric A

    2013-01-01

    Improved understanding of structure and function relationships in the human lungs in individuals and sub-populations is fundamentally important to the future of pulmonary medicine. Image-based measures of the lungs can provide sensitive indicators of localized features, however to provide a better prediction of lung response to disease, treatment and environment, it is desirable to integrate quantifiable regional features from imaging with associated value-added high-level modeling. With this objective in mind, recent advances in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of the bronchial airways - from a single bifurcation symmetric model to a multiscale image-based subject-specific lung model - will be reviewed. The interaction of CFD models with local parenchymal tissue expansion - assessed by image registration - allows new understanding of the interplay between environment, hot spots where inhaled aerosols could accumulate, and inflammation. To bridge ventilation function with image-derived central airway structure in CFD, an airway geometrical modeling method that spans from the model ‘entrance’ to the terminal bronchioles will be introduced. Finally, the effects of turbulent flows and CFD turbulence models on aerosol transport and deposition will be discussed. CFD simulation of airflow and particle transport in the human lung has been pursued by a number of research groups, whose interest has been in studying flow physics and airways resistance, improving drug delivery, or investigating which populations are most susceptible to inhaled pollutants. The three most important factors that need to be considered in airway CFD studies are lung structure, regional lung function, and flow characteristics. Their correct treatment is important because the transport of therapeutic or pollutant particles is dependent on the characteristics of the flow by which they are transported; and the airflow in the lungs is dependent on the geometry of the airways and how ventilation

  9. Higher serum levels of uric acid are associated with a reduced insulin clearance in non-diabetic individuals.

    PubMed

    Fiorentino, Teresa Vanessa; Sesti, Franz; Succurro, Elena; Pedace, Elisabetta; Andreozzi, Francesco; Sciacqua, Angela; Hribal, Marta Letizia; Perticone, Francesco; Sesti, Giorgio

    2018-05-17

    Decreased insulin clearance has been reported to be associated with insulin resistance-related disorders and incident type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether higher levels of uric acid (UA), a known risk factor of type 2 diabetes, are associated with a reduced insulin clearance. 440 non-diabetic individuals were stratified in tertiles according to serum UA levels. Insulin clearance and skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity were assessed by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Hepatic insulin resistance was estimated by the liver IR index. Subjects with higher levels of UA displayed an unfavorable metabolic phenotype with a worse lipid profile, increased levels of 2-h post-load glucose levels, fasting, and 2-h post-load insulin levels, hsCRP, liver IR index, and lower levels of eGFR and skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity, in comparison to individuals with lower UA levels. Moreover, subjects with higher UA concentrations exhibited decreased levels of insulin clearance even after adjustment for age, gender, BMI, eGFR, and skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. In a multivariate regression analysis model including several confounding factors, UA concentration was an independent predictor of insulin clearance (β = - 0.145; P = 0.03). However, when liver IR index was included in the model, the independent association between UA levels and insulin clearance was not retained. Accordingly, in a mediation analysis, liver IR index was a mediator of the negative effects of UA levels on insulin clearance (t = - 2.55, P = 0.01). Higher serum levels of UA may affect insulin clearance by impairing hepatic insulin sensitivity.

  10. A randomized controlled trial of verapamil on cyclosporine nephrotoxicity in heart and lung transplant recipients.

    PubMed

    Chan, C; Maurer, J; Cardella, C; Cattran, D; Pei, Y

    1997-05-27

    Cyclosporine (CsA) is a potent immunosuppressive drug widely used in organ transplantation and in the treatment of autoimmune diseases (1, 2). However, its common nephrotoxic effect is a major limiting factor. Short-term CsA treatment has been shown to cause reversible renal vasoconstriction, whereas long-term treatment can lead to an afferent arteriolopathy and chronic renal failure. We performed a randomized controlled trial to examine the short-term renal effects of verapamil in 32 CsA-treated heart or lung transplant recipients. Sixteen patients each were randomized to receive a 6-week course of verapamil or control treatment (atenolol in hypertensive patients and placebo in normotensive patients) 1-2 months after transplantation. An 8-hr sequential clearance study of inulin and p-aminohippuric acid for estimating glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow, respectively, was performed at baseline and at completion of study. The integral area under the curve of the clearance parameter over 8 hr was then calculated to generate a clearance-time index. There was no difference in the clearance-time indices for inulin and p-aminohippuric acid between the two groups at baseline. However, at the completion of study, the within-group change in the glomerular filtration rate clearance-time index was different between the verapamil and control groups (48+/-20 vs. -35+/-17 ml/min/1.73 m2 x hr, respectively; P=0.0038). A similar trend was seen for renal plasma flow, but did not reach statistical significance. Mean arterial blood pressure and whole-blood CsA levels did not differ between the two groups during the study. Verapamil treatment was also associated with a decrease in CsA dose requirement (7.6+/-0.58 mg/kg/day at baseline vs. 4.6+/-0.40 mg/kg/day at completion; P<0.001) without any significant change in trough whole blood CsA levels. Rejection episodes did not differ between the two groups. The use of verapamil in the heart or lung transplant recipients may

  11. CF6 High Pressure Compressor and Turbine Clearance Evaluations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Radomski, M. A.; Cline, L. D.

    1981-01-01

    In the CF6 Jet Engine Diagnostics Program the causes of performance degradation were determined for each component of revenue service engines. It was found that a significant contribution to performance degradation was caused by increased airfoil tip radial clearances in the high pressure compressor and turbine areas. Since the influence of these clearances on engine performance and fuel consumption is significant, it is important to accurately establish these relatonships. It is equally important to understand the causes of clearance deterioration so that they can be reduced or eliminated. The results of factory engine tests run to enhance the understanding of the high pressure compressor and turbine clearance effects on performance are described. The causes of clearance deterioration are indicated and potential improvements in clearance control are discussed.

  12. Time-of-Flight Tip-Clearance Measurements

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dhadwal, H. S.; Kurkov, A. P.; Janetzke, D. C.

    1999-01-01

    In this paper a time-of-flight probe system incorporating the two integrated fiber optic probes which are tilted equally relative to the probe holder centerline, is applied for the first time to measure the tip clearance of an advanced fan prototype. Tip clearance is largely independent of the signal amplitude and it relies on timing measurement. This work exposes optical effects associated with the fan blade stagger angle that were absent during the original spin-rig experiment on the zero stagger rotor. Individual blade tip clearances were measured with accuracy of +/- 127-mm (+/- 0.005-in). Probe features are discussed and improvements to the design are suggested.

  13. A GPU-based framework for modeling real-time 3D lung tumor conformal dosimetry with subject-specific lung tumor motion.

    PubMed

    Min, Yugang; Santhanam, Anand; Neelakkantan, Harini; Ruddy, Bari H; Meeks, Sanford L; Kupelian, Patrick A

    2010-09-07

    In this paper, we present a graphics processing unit (GPU)-based simulation framework to calculate the delivered dose to a 3D moving lung tumor and its surrounding normal tissues, which are undergoing subject-specific lung deformations. The GPU-based simulation framework models the motion of the 3D volumetric lung tumor and its surrounding tissues, simulates the dose delivery using the dose extracted from a treatment plan using Pinnacle Treatment Planning System, Phillips, for one of the 3DCTs of the 4DCT and predicts the amount and location of radiation doses deposited inside the lung. The 4DCT lung datasets were registered with each other using a modified optical flow algorithm. The motion of the tumor and the motion of the surrounding tissues were simulated by measuring the changes in lung volume during the radiotherapy treatment using spirometry. The real-time dose delivered to the tumor for each beam is generated by summing the dose delivered to the target volume at each increase in lung volume during the beam delivery time period. The simulation results showed the real-time capability of the framework at 20 discrete tumor motion steps per breath, which is higher than the number of 4DCT steps (approximately 12) reconstructed during multiple breathing cycles.

  14. The protective effect of dexmedetomidine in a rat ex vivo lung model of ischemia-reperfusion injury.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Yan; Zhou, Xinqiao; Zhou, Wenjuan; Pang, Qingfeng; Wang, Zhiping

    2018-01-01

    To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine (Dex) in a rat ex vivo lung model of ischemia-reperfusion injury. An IL-2 ex vivo lung perfusion system was used to establish a rat ex vivo lung model of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Drugs were added to the perfusion solution for reperfusion. Lung injury was assessed by histopathological changes, airway pressure (Res), lung compliance (Compl), perfusion flow (Flow), pulmonary venous oxygen partial pressure (PaO2), and lung wet/dry (W/D) weight ratio. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) were measured, respectively. The introduction of Dex attenuated the post-ischemia-reperfusion lung damage and MDA level, improved lung histology, W/D ratio, lung injury scores and SOD activity. Decreased mRNA and protein levels of GRP78 and CHOP compared with the IR group were observed after Dex treatment. The effect of Dex was dosage-dependence and a high dose of Dex (10 nM) was shown to confer the strongest protective effect against lung damage (P<0.05). Yohimbine, an α2 receptor antagonist, significantly reversed the protective effect of Dex in lung tissues (P<0.05). Dex reduced ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat ex vivo lungs.

  15. Multiple-Breath Washout Outcomes Are Sensitive to Inflammation and Infection in Children with Cystic Fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Ramsey, Kathryn A; Foong, Rachel E; Grdosic, Jasmine; Harper, Alana; Skoric, Billy; Clem, Charles; Davis, Miriam; Turkovic, Lidija; Stick, Stephen M; Davis, Stephanie D; Ranganathan, Sarath C; Hall, Graham L

    2017-09-01

    The lung clearance index is a measure of ventilation distribution derived from the multiple-breath washout technique. The lung clearance index is increased in the presence of lower respiratory tract inflammation and infection in infants with cystic fibrosis; however, the associations during the preschool years are unknown. We assessed the ability of the lung clearance index to detect the presence and extent of lower respiratory tract inflammation and infection in preschool children with cystic fibrosis. Ventilation distribution outcomes were assessed at 82 visits with 58 children with cystic fibrosis and at 38 visits with 31 healthy children aged 3-6 years. Children with cystic fibrosis also underwent bronchoalveolar lavage fluid collection for detection of lower respiratory tract inflammation and infection. Associations between multiple-breath washout indices and the presence and extent of airway inflammation and infection were assessed using linear mixed effects models. Lung clearance index was elevated in children with cystic fibrosis (mean [SD], 8.00 [1.45]) compared with healthy control subjects (6.67 [0.56]). In cystic fibrosis, the lung clearance index was elevated in individuals with lower respiratory tract infections (difference compared with uninfected [95% confidence interval], 0.62 [0.06, 1.18]) and correlated with the extent of airway inflammation. These data suggest that the lung clearance index may be a useful surveillance tool for monitoring the presence and extent of lower airway inflammation and infection in preschool children with cystic fibrosis.

  16. Mechanisms of astrocytic K(+) clearance and swelling under high extracellular K(+) concentrations.

    PubMed

    Murakami, Shingo; Kurachi, Yoshihisa

    2016-03-01

    In response to the elevation of extracellular K(+) concentration ([K(+)]out), astrocytes clear excessive K(+) to maintain conditions necessary for neural activity. K(+) clearance in astrocytes occurs via two processes: K(+) uptake and K(+) spatial buffering. High [K(+)]out also induces swelling in astrocytes, leading to edema and cell death in the brain. Despite the importance of astrocytic K(+) clearance and swelling, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report results from a simulation analysis of astrocytic K(+) clearance and swelling. Astrocyte models were constructed by incorporating various mechanisms such as intra/extracellular ion concentrations of Na(+), K(+), and Cl(-), cell volume, and models of Na,K-ATPase, Na-K-Cl cotransporter (NKCC), K-Cl cotransporter, inwardly-rectifying K(+) (KIR) channel, passive Cl(-) current, and aquaporin channel. The simulated response of astrocyte models under the uniform distribution of high [K(+)]out revealed significant contributions of NKCC and Na,K-ATPase to increases of intracellular K(+) and Cl(-) concentrations, and swelling. Moreover, we found that, under the non-uniform distribution of high [K(+)]out, KIR channels localized at synaptic clefts absorbed excess K(+) by depolarizing the equivalent potential of K(+) (E K) above membrane potential, while K(+) released through perivascular KIR channels was enhanced by hyperpolarizing E K and depolarizing membrane potential. Further analysis of simulated drug effects revealed that astrocyte swelling was modulated by blocking each of the ion channels and transporters. Our simulation analysis revealed controversial mechanisms of astrocytic K(+) clearance and swelling resulting from complex interactions among ion channels and transporters.

  17. Animal Models, Learning Lessons to Prevent and Treat Neonatal Chronic Lung Disease

    PubMed Central

    Jobe, Alan H.

    2015-01-01

    Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a unique injury syndrome caused by prolonged injury and repair imposed on an immature and developing lung. The decreased septation and decreased microvascular development phenotype of BPD can be reproduced in newborn rodents with increased chronic oxygen exposure and in premature primates and sheep with oxygen and/or mechanical ventilation. The inflammation caused by oxidants, inflammatory agonists, and/or stretch injury from mechanical ventilation seems to promote the anatomic abnormalities. Multiple interventions targeted to specific inflammatory cells or pathways or targeted to decreasing ventilation-mediated injury can substantially prevent the anatomic changes associated with BPD in term rodents and in preterm sheep or primate models. Most of the anti-inflammatory therapies with benefit in animal models have not been tested clinically. None of the interventions that have been tested clinically are as effective as anticipated from the animal models. These inconsistencies in responses likely are explained by the antenatal differences in lung exposures of the developing animals relative to very preterm humans. The animals generally have normal lungs while the lungs of preterm infants are exposed variably to intrauterine inflammation, growth abnormalities, antenatal corticosteroids, and poorly understood effects from the causes of preterm delivery. The animal models have been essential for the definition of the mediators that can cause a BPD phenotype. These models will be necessary to develop and test future-targeted interventions to prevent and treat BPD. PMID:26301222

  18. Ex vivo administration of trimetazidine improves post-transplant lung function in pig model.

    PubMed

    Cosgun, Tugba; Iskender, Ilker; Yamada, Yoshito; Arni, Stephan; Lipiski, Miriam; van Tilburg, Koen; Weder, Walter; Inci, Ilhan

    2017-07-01

    Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is not only used to assess marginal donor lungs but is also used as a platform to deliver therapeutic agents outside the body. We previously showed the beneficial effects of trimetazidine (TMZ) on ischaemia reperfusion (IR) injury in a rat model. This study evaluated the effects of TMZ in a pig EVLP transplant model. Pig lungs were retrieved and stored for 24 h at 4°C, followed by 4 h of EVLP. Allografts were randomly allocated to 2 groups ( n  = 5 each). TMZ (5 mg/kg) was added to the prime solution prior to EVLP. After EVLP, left lungs were transplanted and recipients were observed for 4 h. Allograft gas exchange function and lung mechanics were recorded hourly throughout reperfusion. Microscopic lung injury and inflammatory and biochemical parameters were assessed. There was a trend towards better oxygenation during EVLP in the TMZ group ( P  = 0.06). After transplantation, pulmonary gas exchange was significantly better during the 4-h reperfusion period and after isolation of the allografts for 10 min ( P  < 0.05). Tissue thiobarbituric acid levels, myeloperoxidase activity and protein concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage samples were significantly lower in the TMZ group at the end of EVLP ( P  < 0.05). Ex vivo treatment of donor lungs with TMZ significantly improved immediate post-transplant lung function. Further studies are warranted to understand the effect of this strategy on long-term lung function. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

  19. Tip clearance effects on loads and performances of semi-open impeller centrifugal pumps at different specific speeds

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boitel, G.; Fedala, D.; Myon, N.

    2016-11-01

    Relevant industrial standards or customer's specifications could strictly forbid any device adjusting the axial rotor/stator position, so that tip clearance between semi-open impeller and casing might become a result of the pump machining tolerances and assembling process, leading to big tip clearance variations compared to its nominal value. Consequently, large disparities of global performances (head, power, efficiency) and axial loads are observed with high risk of both specifications noncompliance and bearing damages. This work aims at quantifying these variations by taking into account tip clearance value and pump specific speed. Computational Fluid Dynamics is used to investigate this phenomenon by means of steady simulations led on a semi-open centrifugal pump numerical model including secondary flows, based on a k-omega SST turbulence model. Four different specific speed pump sizes are simulated (from 8 to 50, SI units), with three tip clearances for each size on a wide flow range (from 40% to 120% of the best efficiency point). The numerical results clearly show that head, power and efficiency increase as the tip clearance decreases for the whole flow range. This effect is more significant when the specific speed is low. Meanwhile, the resulting axial thrust on the impeller is very sensitive to the tip clearance and can even lead to direction inversion.

  20. Lung Irradiation Increases Mortality After Influenza A Virus Challenge Occurring Late After Exposure

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Manning, Casey M.; Johnston, Carl J.; Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York

    2013-05-01

    Purpose: To address whether irradiation-induced changes in the lung environment alter responses to a viral challenge delivered late after exposure but before the appearance of late lung radiation injury. Methods and Materials: C57BL/6J mice received either lung alone or combined lung and whole-body irradiation (0-15 Gy). At 10 weeks after irradiation, animals were infected with 120 HAU influenza virus strain A/HKx31. Innate and adaptive immune cell recruitment was determined using flow cytometry. Cytokine and chemokine production and protein leakage into the lung after infection were assessed. Results: Prior irradiation led to a dose-dependent failure to regain body weight after infectionmore » and exacerbated mortality, but it did not affect virus-specific immune responses or virus clearance. Surviving irradiated animals displayed a persistent increase in total protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and edema. Conclusions: Lung irradiation increased susceptibility to death after infection with influenza virus and impaired the ability to complete recovery. This altered response does not seem to be due to a radiation effect on the immune response, but it may possibly be an effect on epithelial repair.« less

  1. Clearance systems in the brain-implications for Alzheimer disease.

    PubMed

    Tarasoff-Conway, Jenna M; Carare, Roxana O; Osorio, Ricardo S; Glodzik, Lidia; Butler, Tracy; Fieremans, Els; Axel, Leon; Rusinek, Henry; Nicholson, Charles; Zlokovic, Berislav V; Frangione, Blas; Blennow, Kaj; Ménard, Joël; Zetterberg, Henrik; Wisniewski, Thomas; de Leon, Mony J

    2015-08-01

    Accumulation of toxic protein aggregates-amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau tangles-is the pathological hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD). Aβ accumulation has been hypothesized to result from an imbalance between Aβ production and clearance; indeed, Aβ clearance seems to be impaired in both early and late forms of AD. To develop efficient strategies to slow down or halt AD, it is critical to understand how Aβ is cleared from the brain. Extracellular Aβ deposits can be removed from the brain by various clearance systems, most importantly, transport across the blood-brain barrier. Findings from the past few years suggest that astroglial-mediated interstitial fluid (ISF) bulk flow, known as the glymphatic system, might contribute to a larger portion of extracellular Aβ (eAβ) clearance than previously thought. The meningeal lymphatic vessels, discovered in 2015, might provide another clearance route. Because these clearance systems act together to drive eAβ from the brain, any alteration to their function could contribute to AD. An understanding of Aβ clearance might provide strategies to reduce excess Aβ deposits and delay, or even prevent, disease onset. In this Review, we describe the clearance systems of the brain as they relate to proteins implicated in AD pathology, with the main focus on Aβ.

  2. Clearance systems in the brain—implications for Alzheimer disease

    PubMed Central

    Tarasoff-Conway, Jenna M.; Carare, Roxana O.; Osorio, Ricardo S.; Glodzik, Lidia; Butler, Tracy; Fieremans, Els; Axel, Leon; Rusinek, Henry; Nicholson, Charles; Zlokovic, Berislav V.; Frangione, Blas; Blennow, Kaj; Ménard, Joël; Zetterberg, Henrik; Wisniewski, Thomas; de Leon, Mony J.

    2015-01-01

    Accumulation of toxic protein aggregates—amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau tangles—is the pathological hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD). Aβ accumulation has been hypothesized to result from an imbalance between Aβ production and clearance; indeed, Aβ clearance seems to be impaired in both early and late forms of AD. To develop efficient strategies to slow down or halt AD, it is critical to understand how Aβ is cleared from the brain. Extracellular Aβ deposits can be removed from the brain by various clearance systems, most importantly, transport across the blood–brain barrier. Findings from the past few years suggest that astroglial-mediated interstitial fluid (ISF) bulk flow, known as the glymphatic system, might contribute to a larger portion of extracellular Aβ (eAβ) clearance than previously thought. The meningeal lymphatic vessels, discovered in 2015, might provide another clearance route. Because these clearance systems act together to drive eAβ from the brain, any alteration to their function could contribute to AD. An understanding of Aβ clearance might provide strategies to reduce excess Aβ deposits and delay, or even prevent, disease onset. In this Review, we describe the clearance systems of the brain as they relate to proteins implicated in AD pathology, with the main focus on Aβ. PMID:26195256

  3. Urea clearance: a new technique based on microdialysis to assess liver blood flow studied in a pig model of ischemia/reperfusion.

    PubMed

    Farnebo, S; Winbladh, A; Zettersten, E K; Sandström, P; Gullstrand, P; Samuelsson, A; Theodorson, E; Sjöberg, F

    2010-01-01

    Delayed detection of ischemia is one of the most feared postoperative complications. Early detection of impaired blood flow and close monitoring of the organ-specific metabolic status may therefore be critical for the surgical outcome. Urea clearance is a new technique for continuous monitoring of alterations in blood flow and metabolic markers with acceptable temporal characteristics. We compare this new microdialysis technique with the established microdialysis ethanol technique to assess hepatic blood flow. Six pigs were used in a liver ischemia/reperfusion injury model. Microdialysis catheters were placed in liver segment IV and all circulation was stopped for 80 min, followed by reperfusion for 220 min. Urea and ethanol clearance was calculated from the dialysate and correlated with metabolic changes. A laser Doppler probe was used as reference of restoration of blood flow. Both urea and ethanol clearance reproducibly depicted changes in liver blood flow in relation to metabolic changes and laser Doppler measurements. The two techniques highly correlated both overall and during the reperfusion phase (r = 0.8) and the changes were paralleled by altered perfusion as recorded by laser Doppler. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  4. A Study on the Requirements for Fast Active Turbine Tip Clearance Control Systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    DeCastro, Jonathan A.; Melcher, Kevin J.

    2004-01-01

    This paper addresses the requirements of a control system for active turbine tip clearance control in a generic commercial turbofan engine through design and analysis. The control objective is to articulate the shroud in the high pressure turbine section in order to maintain a certain clearance set point given several possible engine transient events. The system must also exhibit reasonable robustness to modeling uncertainties and reasonable noise rejection properties. Two actuators were chosen to fulfill such a requirement, both of which possess different levels of technological readiness: electrohydraulic servovalves and piezoelectric stacks. Identification of design constraints, desired actuator parameters, and actuator limitations are addressed in depth; all of which are intimately tied with the hardware and controller design process. Analytical demonstrations of the performance and robustness characteristics of the two axisymmetric LQG clearance control systems are presented. Takeoff simulation results show that both actuators are capable of maintaining the clearance within acceptable bounds and demonstrate robustness to parameter uncertainty. The present model-based control strategy was employed to demonstrate the tradeoff between performance, control effort, and robustness and to implement optimal state estimation in a noisy engine environment with intent to eliminate ad hoc methods for designing reliable control systems.

  5. Use of a Microsoft Excel based add-in program to calculate plasma sinistrin clearance by a two-compartment model analysis in dogs.

    PubMed

    Steinbach, Sarah M L; Sturgess, Christopher P; Dunning, Mark D; Neiger, Reto

    2015-06-01

    Assessment of renal function by means of plasma clearance of a suitable marker has become standard procedure for estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Sinistrin, a polyfructan solely cleared by the kidney, is often used for this purpose. Pharmacokinetic modeling using adequate software is necessary to calculate disappearance rate and half-life of sinistrin. The purpose of this study was to describe the use of a Microsoft excel based add-in program to calculate plasma sinistrin clearance, as well as additional pharmacokinetic parameters such as transfer rates (k), half-life (t1/2) and volume of distribution (Vss) for sinistrin in dogs with varying degrees of renal function. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Adherence to airway clearance therapy in pediatric cystic fibrosis: Socioeconomic factors and respiratory outcomes.

    PubMed

    Oates, Gabriela R; Stepanikova, Irena; Gamble, Stephanie; Gutierrez, Hector H; Harris, William T

    2015-12-01

    The evidence linking socioeconomic status (SES) and adherence in cystic fibrosis (CF) is inconclusive and focused on medication uptake. We examined associations between SES, adherence to airway clearance therapy (ACT), and CF respiratory outcomes. Socioeconomic, clinical, and adherence data of CF patients (N = 110) at a single CF Center were evaluated in this cross-sectional observational study. SES was operationalized as maternal and paternal education and household income. Adherence to ACT was measured with utilization data from the high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) device over 4-6 weeks. Statistical modeling was used to test three hypotheses: (H1) Higher SES is associated with higher ACT adherence; (H2) Higher SES is associated with better respiratory outcomes; and (H3) ACT adherence mediates the relationship between SES and respiratory outcomes. In multinomial logistic regression, maternal college education, annual income >$50,000, and more adults in the household were independently related to better adherence (P < 0.05). Paternal college education, income >$100,000, and lack of exposure to smoking were independently related to higher lung function (P < 0.05). Current adherence to ACT with HFCWO was not associated with lung function over 12 months. SES is associated both with ACT adherence and respiratory outcomes in pediatric CF patients. However, the link between SES and respiratory outcomes in this study was not mediated by adherence to ACT with HFCWO. These data emphasize the importance of socioeconomic resources and household environment for CF health. Family socio-demographic profiles can help identify patients at increased risk for ACT nonadherence. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  7. CF6 jet engine diagnostics program. High pressure turbine roundness/clearance investigation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Howard, W. D.; Fasching, W. A.

    1982-01-01

    The effects of high pressure turbine clearance changes on engine and module performance was evaluated in addition to the measurement of CF6-50C high pressure turbine Stage 1 tip clearance and stator out-of-roundness during steady-state and transient operation. The results indicated a good correlation of the analytical model of round engine clearance response with measured data. The stator out-of-roundness measurements verified that the analytical technique for predicting the distortion effects of mechanical loads is accurate, whereas the technique for calculating the effects of certain circumferential thermal gradients requires some modifications. A potential for improvement in roundness was established in the order of 0.38 mm (0.015 in.), equivalent to 0.86 percent turbine efficiency which translates to a cruise SFC improvement of 0.36 percent. The HP turbine Stage 1 tip clearance performance derivative was established as 0.44 mm (17 mils) per percent of turbine efficiency at take-off power, somewhat smaller, therefore, more sensitive than predicted from previous investigations.

  8. Impact of hydrogel nanoparticle size and functionalization on in vivo behavior for lung imaging and therapeutics

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Yongjian; Ibricevic-Richardson, Aida; Cohen, Joel A.; Cohen, Jessica L.; Gunsten, Sean P.; Fréchet, Jean M. J.; Walter, Michael J.; Welch, Michael J.; Brody, Steven L.

    2009-01-01

    Polymer chemistry offers the possibility of synthesizing multifunctional nanoparticles which incorporate moieties that enhance diagnostic and therapeutic targeting of cargo delivery to the lung. However, since rules for predicting particle behavior following modification are not well defined, it is essential that probes for tracking fate in vivo are also included. Accordingly, we designed polyacrylamide-based hydrogel particles of differing sizes, functionalized with a nona-arginine cell-penetrating peptide (Arg9), and labeled with imaging components to assess lung retention and cellular uptake after intratracheal administration. Radiolabeled microparticles (1–5 µm diameter) and nanoparticles (20–40 nm diameter) without and with Arg9 showed diffuse airspace distribution by positron emission tomography imaging. Biodistribution studies revealed that particle clearance and extrapulmonary distribution was, in part, size dependent. Microparticles were rapidly cleared by mucociliary routes but unexpectedly, also through the circulation. In contrast, nanoparticles had prolonged lung retention enhanced by Arg9 and were significantly restricted to the lung. For all particle types, uptake was predominant in alveolar macrophages, and, to a lesser extent, lung epithelial cells. In general, particles did not induce local inflammatory responses, with the exception of microparticles bearing Arg9. Whereas microparticles may be advantageous for short-term applications, nano-sized particles constitute an efficient high-retention and non-inflammatory vehicle for the delivery of diagnostic imaging agents and therapeutics to lung airspaces and alveolar macrophages that can be enhanced by Arg9. Importantly, our results show that minor particle modifications may significantly impact in vivo behavior within the complex environments of the lung, underscoring the need for animal modeling. PMID:19852512

  9. Morphine clearance in children: does race or genetics matter?

    PubMed

    Sadhasivam, Senthilkumar; Krekels, Elke H J; Chidambaran, Vidya; Esslinger, Hope R; Ngamprasertwong, Pornswan; Zhang, Kejian; Fukuda, Tsuyoshi; Vinks, Alexander A

    2012-01-01

    Interindividual variability in analgesic response and adverse effects of opioids because of narrow therapeutic indices are major clinical problems. Morphine is an opioid commonly used in children to manage perioperative pain. Al-though size and age often are considered primary covariates for morphine pharmacokinetic models, the impact of other factors important in personalizing care such as race and genetic variations on morphine disposition is not well documented. Genotype blinded clinical observational pharmacokinetic study. One hundred forty-six African American and Caucasian children scheduled for elective outpatient adenotonsillectomy were enrolled in our prospective genotype blinded observational study with standard perioperative clinical care. Tertiary care pediatric institution. Morphine bolus for intraoperative analgesia in children and pharmacokinetic analyses in different races. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics of intravenous morphine in a homogeneous pediatric outpatient surgical pain population were evaluated. The authors observed that African American children have higher morphine clearance than Caucasian children. The increased clearance is directed toward the formation of morphine-3-glucuronide formation, rather than the formation of morphine-6-glucuronide. Common uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase (UGT) 2B7 genetic variations (2161C>T and 802C>T) were not associated with observed racial differences in morphine's clearance although the wild type of the UGT2B7 isozyme is more prevalent in the African Americans. Race of the child is an important factor in perioperative intravenous morphine's clearance and its potential role in personalizing analgesia with morphine needs further investigation.

  10. Space radiation-associated lung injury in a murine model.

    PubMed

    Christofidou-Solomidou, Melpo; Pietrofesa, Ralph A; Arguiri, Evguenia; Schweitzer, Kelly S; Berdyshev, Evgeny V; McCarthy, Maureen; Corbitt, Astrid; Alwood, Joshua S; Yu, Yongjia; Globus, Ruth K; Solomides, Charalambos C; Ullrich, Robert L; Petrache, Irina

    2015-03-01

    Despite considerable progress in identifying health risks to crewmembers related to exposure to galactic/cosmic rays and solar particle events (SPE) during space travel, its long-term effects on the pulmonary system are unknown. We used a murine risk projection model to investigate the impact of exposure to space-relevant radiation (SR) on the lung. C3H mice were exposed to (137)Cs gamma rays, protons (acute, low-dose exposure mimicking the 1972 SPE), 600 MeV/u (56)Fe ions, or 350 MeV/u (28)Si ions at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Animals were irradiated at the age of 2.5 mo and evaluated 23.5 mo postirradiation, at 26 mo of age. Compared with age-matched nonirradiated mice, SR exposures led to significant air space enlargement and dose-dependent decreased systemic oxygenation levels. These were associated with late mild lung inflammation and prominent cellular injury, with significant oxidative stress and apoptosis (caspase-3 activation) in the lung parenchyma. SR, especially high-energy (56)Fe or (28)Si ions markedly decreased sphingosine-1-phosphate levels and Akt- and p38 MAPK phosphorylation, depleted anti-senescence sirtuin-1 and increased biochemical markers of autophagy. Exposure to SR caused dose-dependent, pronounced late lung pathological sequelae consistent with alveolar simplification and cellular signaling of increased injury and decreased repair. The associated systemic hypoxemia suggested that this previously uncharacterized space radiation-associated lung injury was functionally significant, indicating that further studies are needed to define the risk and to develop appropriate lung-protective countermeasures for manned deep space missions. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

  11. Effect of short-term stainless steel welding fume inhalation exposure on lung inflammation, injury, and defense responses in rats.

    PubMed

    Antonini, James M; Stone, Sam; Roberts, Jenny R; Chen, Bean; Schwegler-Berry, Diane; Afshari, Aliakbar A; Frazer, David G

    2007-09-15

    Many welders have experienced bronchitis, metal fume fever, lung function changes, and an increase in the incidence of lung infection. Questions remain regarding the possible mechanisms associated with the potential pulmonary effects of welding fume exposure. The objective was to assess the early effects of stainless steel (SS) welding fume inhalation on lung injury, inflammation, and defense responses. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to gas metal arc-SS welding fume at a concentration of 15 or 40 mg/m(3) x 3 h/day for 1, 3, or 10 days. The control group was exposed to filtered air. To assess lung defense responses, some animals were intratracheally inoculated with 5x10(4) Listeria monocytogenes 1 day after the last exposure. Welding particles were collected during exposure, and elemental composition and particle size were determined. At 1, 4, 6, 11, 14, and 30 days after the final exposure, parameters of lung injury (lactate dehydrogenase and albumin) and inflammation (PMN influx) were measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In addition, particle-induced effects on pulmonary clearance of bacteria and macrophage function were assessed. SS particles were composed of Fe, Cr, Mn, and Ni. Particle size distribution analysis indicated the mass median aerodynamic diameter of the generated fume to be 0.255 microm. Parameters of lung injury were significantly elevated at all time points post-exposure compared to controls except for 30 days. Interestingly, no significant difference in lung PMNs was observed between the SS and control groups at 1, 4, and 6 days post-exposure. After 6 days post-exposure, a dramatic increase in lung PMNs was observed in the SS group compared to air controls. Lung bacteria clearance and macrophage function were reduced and immune and inflammatory cytokines were altered in the SS group. In summary, short-term exposure of rats to SS welding fume caused significant lung damage and suppressed lung defense responses to bacterial

  12. Effect of short-term stainless steel welding fume inhalation exposure on lung inflammation, injury, and defense responses in rats

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Antonini, James M.; Stone, Sam; Roberts, Jenny R.

    Many welders have experienced bronchitis, metal fume fever, lung function changes, and an increase in the incidence of lung infection. Questions remain regarding the possible mechanisms associated with the potential pulmonary effects of welding fume exposure. The objective was to assess the early effects of stainless steel (SS) welding fume inhalation on lung injury, inflammation, and defense responses. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to gas metal arc-SS welding fume at a concentration of 15 or 40 mg/m{sup 3} x 3 h/day for 1, 3, or 10 days. The control group was exposed to filtered air. To assess lung defense responses,more » some animals were intratracheally inoculated with 5 x 10{sup 4}Listeria monocytogenes 1 day after the last exposure. Welding particles were collected during exposure, and elemental composition and particle size were determined. At 1, 4, 6, 11, 14, and 30 days after the final exposure, parameters of lung injury (lactate dehydrogenase and albumin) and inflammation (PMN influx) were measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In addition, particle-induced effects on pulmonary clearance of bacteria and macrophage function were assessed. SS particles were composed of Fe, Cr, Mn, and Ni. Particle size distribution analysis indicated the mass median aerodynamic diameter of the generated fume to be 0.255 {mu}m. Parameters of lung injury were significantly elevated at all time points post-exposure compared to controls except for 30 days. Interestingly, no significant difference in lung PMNs was observed between the SS and control groups at 1, 4, and 6 days post-exposure. After 6 days post-exposure, a dramatic increase in lung PMNs was observed in the SS group compared to air controls. Lung bacteria clearance and macrophage function were reduced and immune and inflammatory cytokines were altered in the SS group. In summary, short-term exposure of rats to SS welding fume caused significant lung damage and suppressed lung defense responses to

  13. Transfer factor, lung volumes, resistance and ventilation distribution in healthy adults.

    PubMed

    Verbanck, Sylvia; Van Muylem, Alain; Schuermans, Daniel; Bautmans, Ivan; Thompson, Bruce; Vincken, Walter

    2016-01-01

    Monitoring of chronic lung disease requires reference values of lung function indices, including putative markers of small airway function, spanning a wide age range.We measured spirometry, transfer factor of the lung for carbon monoxide (TLCO), static lung volume, resistance and ventilation distribution in a healthy population, studying at least 20 subjects per sex and per decade between the ages of 20 and 80 years.With respect to the Global Lung Function Initiative reference data, our subjects had average z-scores for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC of -0.12, 0.04 and -0.32, respectively. Reference equations were obtained which could account for a potential dependence of index variability on age and height. This was done for (but not limited to) indices that are pertinent to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease studies: forced expired volume in 6 s, forced expiratory flow, TLCO, specific airway conductance, residual volume (RV)/total lung capacity (TLC), and ventilation heterogeneity in acinar and conductive lung zones.Deterioration in acinar ventilation heterogeneity and lung clearance index with age were more marked beyond 60 years, and conductive ventilation heterogeneity showed the greatest increase in variability with age. The most clinically relevant deviation from published reference values concerned RV/TLC values, which were considerably smaller than American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society-endorsed reference values. Copyright ©ERS 2016.

  14. Intelligent Engine Systems: HPT Clearance Control

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    2008-01-01

    The Advanced Thermally Actuated Clearance Control System underwent several studies. Improved flow path isolation quantified what can be gained by making the HPT case nearly adiabatic. The best method of heat transfer was established, and finally two different borrowed air cooling circuits were evaluated to be used for the HPT Active Clearance Control System.

  15. Antibiotic-induced population fluctuations and stochastic clearance of bacteria

    PubMed Central

    Le, Dai; Şimşek, Emrah; Chaudhry, Waqas

    2018-01-01

    Effective antibiotic use that minimizes treatment failures remains a challenge. A better understanding of how bacterial populations respond to antibiotics is necessary. Previous studies of large bacterial populations established the deterministic framework of pharmacodynamics. Here, characterizing the dynamics of population extinction, we demonstrated the stochastic nature of eradicating bacteria with antibiotics. Antibiotics known to kill bacteria (bactericidal) induced population fluctuations. Thus, at high antibiotic concentrations, the dynamics of bacterial clearance were heterogeneous. At low concentrations, clearance still occurred with a non-zero probability. These striking outcomes of population fluctuations were well captured by our probabilistic model. Our model further suggested a strategy to facilitate eradication by increasing extinction probability. We experimentally tested this prediction for antibiotic-susceptible and clinically-isolated resistant bacteria. This new knowledge exposes fundamental limits in our ability to predict bacterial eradication. Additionally, it demonstrates the potential of using antibiotic concentrations that were previously deemed inefficacious to eradicate bacteria. PMID:29508699

  16. Applying Organ Clearance Concepts in a Clinical Setting

    PubMed Central

    2008-01-01

    Objective To teach doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students how to apply organ clearance concepts in a clinical setting in order to optimize dose management, select the right drug product, and promote better patient-centered care practices. Design A student-focused 5-hour topic entitled "Organ Clearance Concepts: Modeling and Clinical Applications" was developed and delivered to second-year PharmD students. Active-learning techniques, such as reading assignments and thought-provoking questions, and collaborative learning techniques, such as small groups, were used. Student learning was assessed using application cards and a minute paper. Assessment Overall student responses to topic presentation were overwhelmingly positive. The teaching strategies here discussed allowed students to play an active role in their own learning process and provided the necessary connection to keep them motivated, as mentioned in the application cards and minute paper assessments. Students scored an average of 88% on the examination given at the end of the course. Conclusion By incorporating active-learning and collaborative-learning techniques in presenting material on organ clearance concept, students gained a more thorough knowledge of dose management and drug-drug interactions than if the concepts had been presented using a traditional lecture format. This knowledge will help students in solving critical patient situations in a real-world context. PMID:19214275

  17. Active Piezoelectric Structures for Tip Clearance Management Assessed

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1995-01-01

    Managing blade tip clearance in turbomachinery stages is critical to developing advanced subsonic propulsion systems. Active casing structures with embedded piezoelectric actuators appear to be a promising solution. They can control static and dynamic tip clearance, compensate for uneven deflections, and accomplish electromechanical coupling at the material level. In addition, they have a compact design. To assess the feasibility of this concept and assist the development of these novel structures, the NASA Lewis Research Center developed in-house computational capabilities for composite structures with piezoelectric actuators and sensors, and subsequently used them to simulate candidate active casing structures. The simulations indicated the potential of active casings to modify the blade tip clearance enough to improve stage efficiency. They also provided valuable design information, such as preliminary actuator configurations (number and location) and the corresponding voltage patterns required to compensate for uneven casing deformations. An active ovalization of a casing with four discrete piezoceramic actuators attached on the outer surface is shown. The center figure shows the predicted radial displacements along the hoop direction that are induced when electrostatic voltage is applied at the piezoceramic actuators. This work, which has demonstrated the capabilities of in-house computational models to analyze and design active casing structures, is expected to contribute toward the development of advanced subsonic engines.

  18. Decreased lung compliance increases preload dynamic tests in a pediatric acute lung injury model.

    PubMed

    Erranz, Benjamín; Díaz, Franco; Donoso, Alejandro; Salomón, Tatiana; Carvajal, Cristóbal; Torres, María Fernanda; Cruces, Pablo

    2015-01-01

    Preload dynamic tests, pulse pressure variation (PPV) and stroke volume variation (SVV) have emerged as powerful tools to predict response to fluid administration. The influence of factors other than preload in dynamic preload test is currently poorly understood in pediatrics. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of tidal volume (VT) on PPV and SVV in the context of normal and reduced lung compliance in a piglet model. Twenty large-white piglets (5.2±0.4kg) were anesthetized, paralyzed and monitored with pulse contour analysis. PPV and SVV were recorded during mechanical ventilation with a VT of 6 and 12mL/kg (low and high VT, respectively), both before and after tracheal instillation of polysorbate 20. Before acute lung injury (ALI) induction, modifications of VT did not significantly change PPV and SVV readings. After ALI, PPV and SVV were significantly greater during ventilation with a high VT compared to a low VT (PPV increased from 8.9±1.2 to 12.4±1.1%, and SVV from 8.5±1.0 to 12.7±1.2%, both P<0.01). This study found that a high VT and reduced lung compliance due to ALI increase preload dynamic tests, with a greater influence of the latter. In subjects with ALI, lung compliance should be considered when interpreting the preload dynamic tests. Copyright © 2015 Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  19. Mesenchymal Stem Cell Attenuates Neutrophil-predominant Inflammation and Acute Lung Injury in an In Vivo Rat Model of Ventilator-induced Lung Injury

    PubMed Central

    Lai, Tian-Shun; Wang, Zhi-Hong; Cai, Shao-Xi

    2015-01-01

    Background: Subsequent neutrophil (polymorphonuclear neutrophil [PMN])-predominant inflammatory response is a predominant feature of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI), and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) can improve mice survival model of endotoxin-induced acute lung injury, reduce lung impairs, and enhance the repair of VILI. However, whether MSC could attenuate PMN-predominant inflammatory in the VILI is still unknown. This study aimed to test whether MSC intervention could attenuate the PMN-predominate inflammatory in the mechanical VILI. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were ventilated for 2 hours with large tidal volume (20 mL/kg). MSCs were given before or after ventilation. The inflammatory chemokines and gas exchange were observed and compared dynamically until 4 hours after ventilation, and pulmonary pathological change and activation of PMN were observed and compared 4 hours after ventilation. Results: Mechanical ventilation (MV) caused significant lung injury reflected by increasing in PMN pulmonary sequestration, inflammatory chemokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and macrophage inflammatory protein 2) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and injury score of the lung tissue. These changes were accompanied with excessive PMN activation which reflected by increases in PMN elastase activity, production of radical oxygen series. MSC intervention especially pretreatment attenuated subsequent lung injury, systemic inflammation response and PMN pulmonary sequestration and excessive PMN activation initiated by injurious ventilation. Conclusions: MV causes profound lung injury and PMN-predominate inflammatory responses. The protection effect of MSC in the VILI rat model is related to the suppression of the PMN activation. PMID:25635432

  20. Dual clearance squeeze film damper

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fleming, D. P. (Inventor)

    1985-01-01

    A dual clearance hydrodynamic liquid squeeze film damper for a gas turbine engine is described. Under normal operating conditions, the device functions as a conventional squeeze film damper, using only one of its oil films. When an unbalance reaches abusive levels, as may occur with a blade loss or foreign object damage, a second, larger clearance film becomes active, controlling vibration amplitudes in a near optimum manner until the engine can be safely shut down and repaired.

  1. Animals devoid of pulmonary system as infection models in the study of lung bacterial pathogens

    PubMed Central

    López Hernández, Yamilé; Yero, Daniel; Pinos-Rodríguez, Juan M.; Gibert, Isidre

    2015-01-01

    Biological disease models can be difficult and costly to develop and use on a routine basis. Particularly, in vivo lung infection models performed to study lung pathologies use to be laborious, demand a great time and commonly are associated with ethical issues. When infections in experimental animals are used, they need to be refined, defined, and validated for their intended purpose. Therefore, alternative and easy to handle models of experimental infections are still needed to test the virulence of bacterial lung pathogens. Because non-mammalian models have less ethical and cost constraints as a subjects for experimentation, in some cases would be appropriated to include these models as valuable tools to explore host–pathogen interactions. Numerous scientific data have been argued to the more extensive use of several kinds of alternative models, such as, the vertebrate zebrafish (Danio rerio), and non-vertebrate insects and nematodes (e.g., Caenorhabditis elegans) in the study of diverse infectious agents that affect humans. Here, we review the use of these vertebrate and non-vertebrate models in the study of bacterial agents, which are considered the principal causes of lung injury. Curiously none of these animals have a respiratory system as in air-breathing vertebrates, where respiration takes place in lungs. Despite this fact, with the present review we sought to provide elements in favor of the use of these alternative animal models of infection to reveal the molecular signatures of host–pathogen interactions. PMID:25699030

  2. Effects of positive expiratory pressure on pulmonary clearance of aerosolized technetium-99m-labeled diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid in healthy individuals

    PubMed Central

    de Albuquerque, Isabella Martins; Cardoso, Dannuey Machado; Masiero, Paulo Ricardo; Paiva, Dulciane Nunes; Resqueti, Vanessa Regiane; Fregonezi, Guilherme Augusto de Freitas; Menna-Barreto, Sérgio Saldanha

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effects of positive expiratory pressure (PEP) on pulmonary epithelial membrane permeability in healthy subjects. Methods: We evaluated a cohort of 30 healthy subjects (15 males and 15 females) with a mean age of 28.3 ± 5.4 years, a mean FEV1/FVC ratio of 0.89 ± 0.14, and a mean FEV1 of 98.5 ± 13.1% of predicted. Subjects underwent technetium-99m-labeled diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) radioaerosol inhalation lung scintigraphy in two stages: during spontaneous breathing; and while breathing through a PEP mask at one of three PEP levels-10 cmH2O (n = 10), 15 cmH2O (n = 10), and 20 cmH2O (n = 10). The 99mTc-DTPA was nebulized for 3 min, and its clearance was recorded by scintigraphy over a 30-min period during spontaneous breathing and over a 30-min period during breathing through a PEP mask. Results: The pulmonary clearance of 99mTc-DTPA was significantly shorter when PEP was applied-at 10 cmH2O (p = 0.044), 15 cmH2O (p = 0.044), and 20 cmH2O (p = 0.004)-in comparison with that observed during spontaneous breathing. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that PEP, at the levels tested, is able to induce an increase in pulmonary epithelial membrane permeability and lung volume in healthy subjects. PMID:28117469

  3. Directional Multi-scale Modeling of High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) Lung Images for Diffuse Lung Disease Classification

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vo, Kiet T.; Sowmya, Arcot

    A directional multi-scale modeling scheme based on wavelet and contourlet transforms is employed to describe HRCT lung image textures for classifying four diffuse lung disease patterns: normal, emphysema, ground glass opacity (GGO) and honey-combing. Generalized Gaussian density parameters are used to represent the detail sub-band features obtained by wavelet and contourlet transforms. In addition, support vector machines (SVMs) with excellent performance in a variety of pattern classification problems are used as classifier. The method is tested on a collection of 89 slices from 38 patients, each slice of size 512x512, 16 bits/pixel in DICOM format. The dataset contains 70,000 ROIs of those slices marked by experienced radiologists. We employ this technique at different wavelet and contourlet transform scales for diffuse lung disease classification. The technique presented here has best overall sensitivity 93.40% and specificity 98.40%.

  4. Lung cancer risk prediction to select smokers for screening CT--a model based on the Italian COSMOS trial.

    PubMed

    Maisonneuve, Patrick; Bagnardi, Vincenzo; Bellomi, Massimo; Spaggiari, Lorenzo; Pelosi, Giuseppe; Rampinelli, Cristiano; Bertolotti, Raffaella; Rotmensz, Nicole; Field, John K; Decensi, Andrea; Veronesi, Giulia

    2011-11-01

    Screening with low-dose helical computed tomography (CT) has been shown to significantly reduce lung cancer mortality but the optimal target population and time interval to subsequent screening are yet to be defined. We developed two models to stratify individual smokers according to risk of developing lung cancer. We first used the number of lung cancers detected at baseline screening CT in the 5,203 asymptomatic participants of the COSMOS trial to recalibrate the Bach model, which we propose using to select smokers for screening. Next, we incorporated lung nodule characteristics and presence of emphysema identified at baseline CT into the Bach model and proposed the resulting multivariable model to predict lung cancer risk in screened smokers after baseline CT. Age and smoking exposure were the main determinants of lung cancer risk. The recalibrated Bach model accurately predicted lung cancers detected during the first year of screening. Presence of nonsolid nodules (RR = 10.1, 95% CI = 5.57-18.5), nodule size more than 8 mm (RR = 9.89, 95% CI = 5.84-16.8), and emphysema (RR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.59-3.49) at baseline CT were all significant predictors of subsequent lung cancers. Incorporation of these variables into the Bach model increased the predictive value of the multivariable model (c-index = 0.759, internal validation). The recalibrated Bach model seems suitable for selecting the higher risk population for recruitment for large-scale CT screening. The Bach model incorporating CT findings at baseline screening could help defining the time interval to subsequent screening in individual participants. Further studies are necessary to validate these models.

  5. Mechanisms of failed apoptotic cell clearance by phagocyte subsets in cardiovascular disease

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Recent evidence in humans indicate that defective phagocytic clearance of dying cells is linked to progression of advanced atherosclerotic lesions, the precursor to atherothrombosis, ischemic heart disease, and leading cause of death in the industrialized world. During atherogenesis, apoptotic cell turnover in the vascular wall is counterbalanced by neighboring phagocytes with high clearance efficiency, thereby limiting cellularity and maintaining lesion integrity. However, as lesions mature, phagocytic removal of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) becomes defective, leading to secondary necrosis, expansion of plaque necrotic cores, and susceptibility to rupture. Recent genetic causation studies in experimental rodents have implicated key molecular regulators of efferocytosis in atherosclerotic progression. These include MER tyrosine kinase (MERTK), milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 (MFGE8), and complement C1q. At the cellular level, atheromata are infiltrated by a heterogenous population of professional phagocytes, comprised of monocytes, differentiated macrophages, and CD11c+ dendritic-like cells. Each cell type is characterized by disparate clearance efficiencies and varying activities of key phagocytic signaling molecules. It is in this context that we outline a working model whereby plaque necrosis and destabilization is jointly promoted by (1) direct inhibition of core phagocytic signaling pathways and (2) expansion of phagocyte subsets with poor clearance capacity. Towards identifying targets for promoting efficient apoptotic cell clearance and resolving inflammation in atherosclerosis and during ischemic heart disease and post myocardial infarction, this review will discuss potential in vivo suppressors of efferocytosis at each stage of clearance and how these putative interventional targets may differentially affect uptake at the level of vascular phagocyte subsets. PMID:20552278

  6. Meta-markers for the differential diagnosis of lung cancer and lung disease.

    PubMed

    Kim, Yong-In; Ahn, Jung-Mo; Sung, Hye-Jin; Na, Sang-Su; Hwang, Jaesung; Kim, Yongdai; Cho, Je-Yoel

    2016-10-04

    Misdiagnosis of lung cancer remains a serious problem due to the difficulty of distinguishing lung cancer from other respiratory lung diseases. As a result, the development of serum-based differential diagnostic biomarkers is in high demand. In this study, 198 clinical serum samples from non-cancer lung disease and lung cancer patients were analyzed using nLC-MRM-MS for the levels of seven lung cancer biomarker candidates. When the candidates were assessed individually, only SERPINEA4 showed statistically significant changes in the serum levels. The MRM results and clinical information were analyzed using a logistic regression analysis to select model for the best 'meta-marker', or combination of biomarkers for differential diagnosis. Also, under consideration of statistical interaction, variables having low significance as a single factor but statistically influencing on meta-marker model were selected. Using this probabilistic classification, the best meta-marker was determined to be made up of two proteins SERPINA4 and PON1 with age factor. This meta-marker showed an enhanced differential diagnostic capability (AUC=0.915) for distinguishing the two patient groups. Our results suggest that a statistical model can determine optimal meta-markers, which may have better specificity and sensitivity than a single biomarker and thus improve the differential diagnosis of lung cancer and lung disease patients. Diagnosing lung cancer commonly involves the use of radiographic methods. However, an imaging-based diagnosis may fail to differentiate lung cancer from non-cancerous lung disease. In this study, we examined several serum proteins in the sera of 198 lung cancer and non-cancerous lung disease patients by multiple-reaction monitoring. We then used a combination of variables to generate a meta-marker model that is useful as a differential diagnostic biomarker. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Neonatal lungs--can absolute lung resistivity be determined non-invasively?

    PubMed

    Brown, B H; Primhak, R A; Smallwood, R H; Milnes, P; Narracott, A J; Jackson, M J

    2002-07-01

    The electrical resistivity of lung tissue can be related to the structure and composition of the tissue and also to the air content. Conditions such as pulmonary oedema and emphysema have been shown to change lung resistivity. However, direct access to the lungs to enable resistivity to be measured is very difficult. We have developed a new method of using electrical impedance tomographic (EIT) measurements on a group of 142 normal neonates to determine the absolute resistivity of lung tissue. The methodology involves comparing the measured EIT data with that from a finite difference model of the thorax in which lung tissue resistivity can be changed. A mean value of 5.7 +/- 1.7 omega(m) was found over the frequency range 4 kHz to 813 kHz. This value is lower than that usually given for adult lung tissue but consistent with the literature on the composition of the neonatal lung and with structural modelling.

  8. Predicting Survival within the Lung Cancer Histopathological Hierarchy Using a Multi-Scale Genomic Model of Development

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Hongye; Kho, Alvin T; Kohane, Isaac S; Sun, Yao

    2006-01-01

    Background The histopathologic heterogeneity of lung cancer remains a significant confounding factor in its diagnosis and prognosis—spurring numerous recent efforts to find a molecular classification of the disease that has clinical relevance. Methods and Findings Molecular profiles of tumors from 186 patients representing four different lung cancer subtypes (and 17 normal lung tissue samples) were compared with a mouse lung development model using principal component analysis in both temporal and genomic domains. An algorithm for the classification of lung cancers using a multi-scale developmental framework was developed. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was conducted for lung adenocarcinoma patient subgroups identified via their developmental association. We found multi-scale genomic similarities between four human lung cancer subtypes and the developing mouse lung that are prognostically meaningful. Significant association was observed between the localization of human lung cancer cases along the principal mouse lung development trajectory and the corresponding patient survival rate at three distinct levels of classical histopathologic resolution: among different lung cancer subtypes, among patients within the adenocarcinoma subtype, and within the stage I adenocarcinoma subclass. The earlier the genomic association between a human tumor profile and the mouse lung development sequence, the poorer the patient's prognosis. Furthermore, decomposing this principal lung development trajectory identified a gene set that was significantly enriched for pyrimidine metabolism and cell-adhesion functions specific to lung development and oncogenesis. Conclusions From a multi-scale disease modeling perspective, the molecular dynamics of murine lung development provide an effective framework that is not only data driven but also informed by the biology of development for elucidating the mechanisms of human lung cancer biology and its clinical outcome. PMID:16800721

  9. Lung ultrasound accurately detects pneumothorax in a preterm newborn lamb model.

    PubMed

    Blank, Douglas A; Hooper, Stuart B; Binder-Heschl, Corinna; Kluckow, Martin; Gill, Andrew W; LaRosa, Domenic A; Inocencio, Ishmael M; Moxham, Alison; Rodgers, Karyn; Zahra, Valerie A; Davis, Peter G; Polglase, Graeme R

    2016-06-01

    Pneumothorax is a common emergency affecting extremely preterm. In adult studies, lung ultrasound has performed better than chest x-ray in the diagnosis of pneumothorax. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of lung ultrasound (LUS) examination to detect pneumothorax using a preterm animal model. This was a prospective, observational study using newborn Border-Leicester lambs at gestational age = 126 days (equivalent to gestational age = 26 weeks in humans) receiving mechanical ventilation from birth to 2 h of life. At the conclusion of the experiment, LUS was performed, the lambs were then euthanised and a post-mortem exam was immediately performed. We used previously published ultrasound techniques to identify pneumothorax. Test characteristics of LUS to detect pneumothorax were calculated, using the post-mortem exam as the 'gold standard' test. Nine lambs (18 lungs) were examined. Four lambs had a unilateral pneumothorax, all of which were identified by LUS with no false positives. This was the first study to use post-mortem findings to test the efficacy of LUS to detect pneumothorax in a newborn animal model. Lung ultrasound accurately detected pneumothorax, verified by post-mortem exam, in premature, newborn lambs. © 2016 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (The Royal Australasian College of Physicians).

  10. Mechanisms of phagocytosis and host clearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

    PubMed Central

    Lovewell, Rustin R.; Patankar, Yash R.

    2014-01-01

    Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen responsible for a high incidence of acute and chronic pulmonary infection. These infections are particularly prevalent in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis: much of the morbidity and pathophysiology associated with these diseases is due to a hypersusceptibility to bacterial infection. Innate immunity, primarily through inflammatory cytokine production, cellular recruitment, and phagocytic clearance by neutrophils and macrophages, is the key to endogenous control of P. aeruginosa infection. In this review, we highlight recent advances toward understanding the innate immune response to P. aeruginosa, with a focus on the role of phagocytes in control of P. aeruginosa infection. Specifically, we summarize the cellular and molecular mechanisms of phagocytic recognition and uptake of P. aeruginosa, and how current animal models of P. aeruginosa infection reflect clinical observations in the context of phagocytic clearance of the bacteria. Several notable phenotypic changes to the bacteria are consistently observed during chronic pulmonary infections, including changes to mucoidy and flagellar motility, that likely enable or reflect their ability to persist. These traits are likewise examined in the context of how the bacteria avoid phagocytic clearance, inflammation, and sterilizing immunity. PMID:24464809

  11. Mechanisms of phagocytosis and host clearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

    PubMed

    Lovewell, Rustin R; Patankar, Yash R; Berwin, Brent

    2014-04-01

    Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen responsible for a high incidence of acute and chronic pulmonary infection. These infections are particularly prevalent in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis: much of the morbidity and pathophysiology associated with these diseases is due to a hypersusceptibility to bacterial infection. Innate immunity, primarily through inflammatory cytokine production, cellular recruitment, and phagocytic clearance by neutrophils and macrophages, is the key to endogenous control of P. aeruginosa infection. In this review, we highlight recent advances toward understanding the innate immune response to P. aeruginosa, with a focus on the role of phagocytes in control of P. aeruginosa infection. Specifically, we summarize the cellular and molecular mechanisms of phagocytic recognition and uptake of P. aeruginosa, and how current animal models of P. aeruginosa infection reflect clinical observations in the context of phagocytic clearance of the bacteria. Several notable phenotypic changes to the bacteria are consistently observed during chronic pulmonary infections, including changes to mucoidy and flagellar motility, that likely enable or reflect their ability to persist. These traits are likewise examined in the context of how the bacteria avoid phagocytic clearance, inflammation, and sterilizing immunity.

  12. 48 CFR 2452.237-75 - Clearance of contractor personnel.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 6 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 true Clearance of contractor... Clauses 2452.237-75 Clearance of contractor personnel. As prescribed in 2437.110(e), insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts. Clearance of Contractor Personnel (OCT 1999) (a) General. This...

  13. A model for morbidity after lung resection in octogenarians.

    PubMed

    Berry, Mark F; Onaitis, Mark W; Tong, Betty C; Harpole, David H; D'Amico, Thomas A

    2011-06-01

    Age is an important risk factor for morbidity after lung resection. This study was performed to identify specific risk factors for complications after lung resection in octogenarians. A prospective database containing patients aged 80 years or older, who underwent lung resection at a single institution between January 2000 and June 2009, was reviewed. Preoperative, histopathologic, perioperative, and outcome variables were assessed. Morbidity was measured as a patient having any perioperative event as defined by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database. A multivariable risk model for morbidity was developed using a panel of established preoperative and operative variables. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. During the study period, 193 patients aged 80 years or older (median age 82 years) underwent lung resection: wedge resection in 77, segmentectomy in 13, lobectomy in 96, bilobectomy in four, and pneumonectomy in three. Resection was accomplished via thoracoscopy in 149 patients (77%). Operative mortality was 3.6% (seven patients) and morbidity was 46% (89 patients). A total of 181 (94%) patients were discharged directly home. Postoperative events included atrial arrhythmia in 38 patients (20%), prolonged air leak in 24 patients (12%), postoperative transfusion in 22 patients (11%), delirium in 16 patients (8%), need for bronchoscopy in 14 patients (7%), and pneumonia in 10 patients (5%). Significant predictors of morbidity by multivariable analysis included resection greater than wedge (odds ratio 2.98, p=0.006), thoracotomy as operative approach (odds ratio 2.6, p=0.03), and % predicted forced expiratory volume in 1s (odds ratio 1.28 for each 10% decrement, p=0.01). Octogenarians can undergo lung resection with low mortality. Extent of resection, use of a thoracotomy, and impaired lung function increase the risk of complications. Careful evaluation is necessary to select the most appropriate approach in

  14. IMPACT OF VENTILATION FREQUENCY AND PARENCHYMAL STIFFNESS ON FLOW AND PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION IN A CANINE LUNG MODEL

    PubMed Central

    Amini, Reza; Kaczka, David W.

    2013-01-01

    To determine the impact of ventilation frequency, lung volume, and parenchymal stiffness on ventilation distribution, we developed an anatomically-based computational model of the canine lung. Each lobe of the model consists of an asymmetric branching airway network subtended by terminal, viscoelastic acinar units. The model allows for empiric dependencies of airway segment dimensions and parenchymal stiffness on transpulmonary pressure. We simulated the effects of lung volume and parenchymal recoil on global lung impedance and ventilation distribution from 0.1 to 100 Hz, with mean transpulmonary pressures from 5 to 25 cmH2O. With increasing lung volume, the distribution of acinar flows narrowed and became more synchronous for frequencies below resonance. At higher frequencies, large variations in acinar flow were observed. Maximum acinar flow occurred at first antiresonance frequency, where lung impedance achieved a local maximum. The distribution of acinar pressures became very heterogeneous and amplified relative to tracheal pressure at the resonant frequency. These data demonstrate the important interaction between frequency and lung tissue stiffness on the distribution of acinar flows and pressures. These simulations provide useful information for the optimization of frequency, lung volume, and mean airway pressure during conventional ventilation or high frequency oscillation (HFOV). Moreover our model indicates that an optimal HFOV bandwidth exists between the resonant and antiresonant frequencies, for which interregional gas mixing is maximized. PMID:23872936

  15. Implications of Nine Risk Prediction Models for Selecting Ever-Smokers for Computed Tomography Lung Cancer Screening.

    PubMed

    Katki, Hormuzd A; Kovalchik, Stephanie A; Petito, Lucia C; Cheung, Li C; Jacobs, Eric; Jemal, Ahmedin; Berg, Christine D; Chaturvedi, Anil K

    2018-05-15

    Lung cancer screening guidelines recommend using individualized risk models to refer ever-smokers for screening. However, different models select different screening populations. The performance of each model in selecting ever-smokers for screening is unknown. To compare the U.S. screening populations selected by 9 lung cancer risk models (the Bach model; the Spitz model; the Liverpool Lung Project [LLP] model; the LLP Incidence Risk Model [LLPi]; the Hoggart model; the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial Model 2012 [PLCOM2012]; the Pittsburgh Predictor; the Lung Cancer Risk Assessment Tool [LCRAT]; and the Lung Cancer Death Risk Assessment Tool [LCDRAT]) and to examine their predictive performance in 2 cohorts. Population-based prospective studies. United States. Models selected U.S. screening populations by using data from the National Health Interview Survey from 2010 to 2012. Model performance was evaluated using data from 337 388 ever-smokers in the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study and 72 338 ever-smokers in the CPS-II (Cancer Prevention Study II) Nutrition Survey cohort. Model calibration (ratio of model-predicted to observed cases [expected-observed ratio]) and discrimination (area under the curve [AUC]). At a 5-year risk threshold of 2.0%, the models chose U.S. screening populations ranging from 7.6 million to 26 million ever-smokers. These disagreements occurred because, in both validation cohorts, 4 models (the Bach model, PLCOM2012, LCRAT, and LCDRAT) were well-calibrated (expected-observed ratio range, 0.92 to 1.12) and had higher AUCs (range, 0.75 to 0.79) than 5 models that generally overestimated risk (expected-observed ratio range, 0.83 to 3.69) and had lower AUCs (range, 0.62 to 0.75). The 4 best-performing models also had the highest sensitivity at a fixed specificity (and vice versa) and similar discrimination at a fixed risk threshold. These models showed better agreement on size of the

  16. [Computer aided diagnosis model for lung tumor based on ensemble convolutional neural network].

    PubMed

    Wang, Yuanyuan; Zhou, Tao; Lu, Huiling; Wu, Cuiying; Yang, Pengfei

    2017-08-01

    The convolutional neural network (CNN) could be used on computer-aided diagnosis of lung tumor with positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT), which can provide accurate quantitative analysis to compensate for visual inertia and defects in gray-scale sensitivity, and help doctors diagnose accurately. Firstly, parameter migration method is used to build three CNNs (CT-CNN, PET-CNN, and PET/CT-CNN) for lung tumor recognition in CT, PET, and PET/CT image, respectively. Then, we aimed at CT-CNN to obtain the appropriate model parameters for CNN training through analysis the influence of model parameters such as epochs, batchsize and image scale on recognition rate and training time. Finally, three single CNNs are used to construct ensemble CNN, and then lung tumor PET/CT recognition was completed through relative majority vote method and the performance between ensemble CNN and single CNN was compared. The experiment results show that the ensemble CNN is better than single CNN on computer-aided diagnosis of lung tumor.

  17. Irreversible Electroporation in a Swine Lung Model

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dupuy, Damian E., E-mail: ddupuy@lifespan.org; Aswad, Bassam, E-mail: baswad@lifespan.org; Ng, Thomas, E-mail: tng@usasurg.org

    2011-04-15

    Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the safety and tissue effects of IRE in a swine lung model. Methods: This study was approved by the institutional animal care committee. Nine anesthetized domestic swine underwent 15 percutaneous irreversible electroporation (IRE) lesion creations (6 with bipolar and 3 with 3-4 monopolar electrodes) under fluoroscopic guidance and with pancuronium neuromuscular blockade and EKG gating. IRE electrodes were placed into the central and middle third of the right mid and lower lobes in all animals. Postprocedure PA and lateral chest radiographs were obtained to evaluate for pneumothorax. Three animals were sacrificed at 2more » weeks and six at 4 weeks. Animals underwent high-resolution CT scanning and PA and lateral radiographs 1 h before sacrifice. The treated lungs were removed en bloc, perfused with formalin, and sectioned. Gross pathologic and microscopic changes after standard hematoxylin and eosin staining were analyzed within the areas of IRE lesion creation. Results: No significant adverse events were identified. CT showed focal areas of spiculated high density ranging in greatest diameter from 1.1-2.2 cm. On gross inspection of the sectioned lung, focal areas of tan discoloration and increased density were palpated in the areas of IRE. Histological analysis revealed focal areas of diffuse alveolar damage with fibrosis and inflammatory infiltration that respected the boundaries of the interlobular septae. No pathological difference could be discerned between the 2- and 4-week time points. The bronchioles and blood vessels within the areas of IRE were intact and did not show signs of tissue injury. Conclusion: IRE creates focal areas of diffuse alveolar damage without creating damage to the bronchioles or blood vessels. Short-term safety in a swine model appears to be satisfactory.« less

  18. Impulsive response of an automatic transmission system with multiple clearances: Formulation, simulation and experiment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Crowther, Ashley R.; Singh, Rajendra; Zhang, Nong; Chapman, Chris

    2007-10-01

    Impulsive responses in geared systems with multiple clearances are studied when the mean torque excitation and system load change abruptly, with application to a vehicle driveline with an automatic transmission. First, torsional lumped-mass models of the planetary and differential gear sets are formulated using matrix elements. The model is then reduced to address tractable nonlinear problems while successfully retaining the main modes of interest. Second, numerical simulations for the nonlinear model are performed for transient conditions and a typical driving situation that induces an impulsive behaviour simulated. However, initial conditions and excitation and load profiles have to be carefully defined before the model can be numerically solved. It is shown that the impacts within the planetary or differential gears may occur under combinations of engine, braking and vehicle load transients. Our analysis shows that the shaping of the engine transient by the torque converter before reaching the clearance locations is more critical. Third, a free vibration experiment is developed for an analogous driveline with multiple clearances and three experiments that excite different response regimes have been carried out. Good correlations validate the proposed methodology.

  19. 30 CFR 56.9306 - Warning devices for restricted clearances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Warning devices for restricted clearances. 56... Loading and Dumping Sites § 56.9306 Warning devices for restricted clearances. Where restricted clearance creates a hazard to persons on mobile equipment, warning devices shall be installed in advance of the...

  20. 30 CFR 57.9306 - Warning devices for restricted clearances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Warning devices for restricted clearances. 57... Loading and Dumping Sites § 57.9306 Warning devices for restricted clearances. Where restricted clearance creates a hazard to persons on mobile equipment, warning devices shall be installed in advance of the...

  1. 30 CFR 56.9306 - Warning devices for restricted clearances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Warning devices for restricted clearances. 56... Loading and Dumping Sites § 56.9306 Warning devices for restricted clearances. Where restricted clearance creates a hazard to persons on mobile equipment, warning devices shall be installed in advance of the...

  2. 30 CFR 57.9306 - Warning devices for restricted clearances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Warning devices for restricted clearances. 57... Loading and Dumping Sites § 57.9306 Warning devices for restricted clearances. Where restricted clearance creates a hazard to persons on mobile equipment, warning devices shall be installed in advance of the...

  3. 30 CFR 57.9306 - Warning devices for restricted clearances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Warning devices for restricted clearances. 57... Loading and Dumping Sites § 57.9306 Warning devices for restricted clearances. Where restricted clearance creates a hazard to persons on mobile equipment, warning devices shall be installed in advance of the...

  4. 30 CFR 57.9306 - Warning devices for restricted clearances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Warning devices for restricted clearances. 57... Loading and Dumping Sites § 57.9306 Warning devices for restricted clearances. Where restricted clearance creates a hazard to persons on mobile equipment, warning devices shall be installed in advance of the...

  5. 30 CFR 56.9306 - Warning devices for restricted clearances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Warning devices for restricted clearances. 56... Loading and Dumping Sites § 56.9306 Warning devices for restricted clearances. Where restricted clearance creates a hazard to persons on mobile equipment, warning devices shall be installed in advance of the...

  6. 30 CFR 56.9306 - Warning devices for restricted clearances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Warning devices for restricted clearances. 56... Loading and Dumping Sites § 56.9306 Warning devices for restricted clearances. Where restricted clearance creates a hazard to persons on mobile equipment, warning devices shall be installed in advance of the...

  7. 30 CFR 57.9306 - Warning devices for restricted clearances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Warning devices for restricted clearances. 57... Loading and Dumping Sites § 57.9306 Warning devices for restricted clearances. Where restricted clearance creates a hazard to persons on mobile equipment, warning devices shall be installed in advance of the...

  8. 30 CFR 56.9306 - Warning devices for restricted clearances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Warning devices for restricted clearances. 56... Loading and Dumping Sites § 56.9306 Warning devices for restricted clearances. Where restricted clearance creates a hazard to persons on mobile equipment, warning devices shall be installed in advance of the...

  9. Florida Red Tides, Manatee Brevetoxicosis, and Lung Models

    PubMed Central

    Kirkpatrick, Barbara; Colbert, Debborah E.; Dalpra, Dana; Newton, Elizabeth A. C.; Gaspard, Joseph; Littlefield, Brandi; Manire, Charles

    2010-01-01

    In 1996, 149 Florida manatees, Trichechus manatus latirostris, died along the southwest coast of Florida. Necropsy pathology results of these animals indicated that brevetoxin from the Florida red tide, Karenia brevis, caused their death. A red tide bloom had been previously documented in the area where these animals stranded. The necropsy data suggested the mortality occurred from chronic inhalation and/or ingestion. Inhalation theories include high doses of brevetoxin deposited/stored in the manatee lung or significant manatee sensitivity to the brevetoxin. Laboratory models of the manatee lungs can be constructed from casts of necropsied animals for further studies; however, it is necessary to define the breathing pattern in the manatee, specifically the volumes and flow rates per breath to estimate toxin deposition in the lung. To obtain this information, two captive-born Florida manatees, previously trained for husbandry and research behaviors, were trained to breathe into a plastic mask placed over their nares. The mask was connected to a spirometer that measured volumes and flows in situ. Results reveal high volumes, short inspiratory and expiratory times and high flow rates, all consistent with observed breathing patterns. PMID:26448968

  10. Selectively increasing the clearance of protein-bound uremic solutes

    PubMed Central

    Luo, Frank J.-G.; Plummer, Natalie S.; Hostetter, Thomas H.; Meyer, Timothy W.

    2012-01-01

    Background. The toxicity of bound solutes could be better evaluated if we could adjust the clearance of such solutes independent of unbound solutes. This study assessed whether bound solute clearances can be increased while maintaining urea clearance constant during the extended hours of nocturnal dialysis. Methods. Nine patients on thrice-weekly nocturnal dialysis underwent two experimental dialysis treatments 1 week apart. The experimental treatments were designed to provide the same urea clearance while providing widely different bound solute clearance. One treatment employed a large dialyzer and high dialyzate flow rate (Qd) of 800 mL/min while blood flow (Qb) was 270 mL/min. The other treatment employed a smaller dialyzer and Qd of 300 mL/min while Qb was 350 mL/min. Results. Treatment with the large dialyzer and higher Qd greatly increased the clearances of the bound solutes p-cresol sulfate (PCS: 27 ± 9 versus 14 ± 6 mL/min) and indoxyl sulfate (IS: 26 ± 8 versus 14 ± 5 mL/min) without altering the clearance of urea (204 ± 20 versus 193 ± 16 mL/min). Increasing PCS and IS clearances increased the removal of these solutes (PCS: 375 ± 200 versus 207 ± 86 mg/session; IS: 201 ± 137 versus 153 ± 74 mg/session), while urea removal was not different. Conclusions. The removal of bound solutes can thus be increased by raising the dialyzate flow and dialyzer size above the low levels sufficient to achieve target Kt/Vurea during extended treatment. Selectively increasing the clearance of bound solutes provides a potential means to test their toxicity. PMID:22231033

  11. Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-Products Predicts Impaired Alveolar Fluid Clearance in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

    PubMed

    Jabaudon, Matthieu; Blondonnet, Raiko; Roszyk, Laurence; Bouvier, Damien; Audard, Jules; Clairefond, Gael; Fournier, Mathilde; Marceau, Geoffroy; Déchelotte, Pierre; Pereira, Bruno; Sapin, Vincent; Constantin, Jean-Michel

    2015-07-15

    Levels of the soluble form of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) are elevated during acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and correlate with severity and prognosis. Alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) is necessary for the resolution of lung edema but is impaired in most patients with ARDS. No reliable marker of this process has been investigated to date. To verify whether sRAGE could predict AFC during ARDS. Anesthetized CD-1 mice underwent orotracheal instillation of hydrochloric acid. At specified time points, lung injury was assessed by analysis of blood gases, alveolar permeability, lung histology, AFC, and plasma/bronchoalveolar fluid measurements of proinflammatory cytokines and sRAGE. Plasma sRAGE and AFC rates were also prospectively assessed in 30 patients with ARDS. The rate of AFC was inversely correlated with sRAGE levels in the plasma and the bronchoalveolar fluid of acid-injured mice (Spearman's ρ = -0.73 and -0.69, respectively; P < 10(-3)), and plasma sRAGE correlated with AFC in patients with ARDS (Spearman's ρ = -0.59; P < 10(-3)). Similarly, sRAGE levels were significantly associated with lung injury severity, and decreased over time in mice, whereas AFC was restored and lung injury resolved. Our results indicate that sRAGE levels could be a reliable predictor of impaired AFC during ARDS, and should stimulate further studies on the pathophysiologic implications of RAGE axis in the mechanisms leading to edema resolution. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 00811629).

  12. 14 CFR § 1260.63 - Customs clearance and visas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 5 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Customs clearance and visas. § 1260.63... COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS General Special Conditions § 1260.63 Customs clearance and visas. Customs Clearance and Visas (For grants or cooperative agreements with foreign organizations, this clause will be developed on...

  13. Allometric scaling for predicting human clearance of bisphenol A

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Collet, Séverine H., E-mail: s.collet@envt.fr; Picard-Hagen, Nicole, E-mail: n.hagen-picard@envt.fr; Lacroix, Marlène Z., E-mail: m.lacroix@envt.fr

    The investigation of interspecies differences in bisphenol A (BPA) pharmacokinetics (PK) may be useful for translating findings from animal studies to humans, identifying major processes involved in BPA clearance mechanisms, and predicting BPA PK parameters in man. For the first time, a large range of species in terms of body weight, from 0.02 kg (mice) to 495 kg (horses) was used to predict BPA clearance in man by an allometric approach. BPA PK was evaluated after intravenous administration of BPA in horses, sheep, pigs, dogs, rats and mice. A non-compartmental analysis was used to estimate plasma clearance and steady statemore » volume of distribution and predict BPA PK parameters in humans from allometric scaling. In all the species investigated, BPA plasma clearance was high and of the same order of magnitude as their respective hepatic blood flow. By an allometric scaling, the human clearance was estimated to be 1.79 L/min (equivalent to 25.6 mL/kg.min) with a 95% prediction interval of 0.36 to 8.83 L/min. Our results support the hypothesis that there are highly efficient and hepatic mechanisms of BPA clearance in man. - Highlights: • Allometric scaling was used to predict BPA pharmacokinetic parameters in humans. • In all species, BPA plasma clearance approached hepatic blood flow. • Human BPA clearance was estimated to be 1.79 L/min.« less

  14. Population Pharmacokinetics of Colistin Methanesulfonate in Rats: Achieving Sustained Lung Concentrations of Colistin for Targeting Respiratory Infections

    PubMed Central

    W. S. Yapa, Shalini; Li, Jian; Porter, Christopher J. H.; Nation, Roger L.

    2013-01-01

    Colistin methanesulfonate (CMS), the inactive prodrug of colistin, is administered by inhalation for the management of respiratory infections. However, limited pharmacokinetic data are available for CMS and colistin following pulmonary delivery. This study investigates the pharmacokinetics of CMS and colistin following intravenous (i.v.) and intratracheal (i.t.) administration in rats and determines the targeting advantage after direct delivery into the lungs. In addition to plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was collected to quantify drug concentrations in lung epithelial lining fluid (ELF). The resulting data were analyzed using a population modeling approach in S-ADAPT. A three-compartment model described the disposition of both compounds in plasma following i.v. administration. The estimated mean clearance from the central compartment was 0.122 liters/h for CMS and 0.0657 liters/h for colistin. Conversion of CMS to colistin from all three compartments was required to fit the plasma data. The fraction of the i.v. dose converted to colistin in the systemic circulation was 0.0255. Two BAL fluid compartments were required to reflect drug kinetics in the ELF after i.t. dosing. A slow conversion of CMS (mean conversion time [MCTCMS] = 3.48 h) in the lungs contributed to high and sustained concentrations of colistin in ELF. The fraction of the CMS dose converted to colistin in ELF (fm,ELF = 0.226) was higher than the corresponding fractional conversion in plasma after i.v. administration. In conclusion, pulmonary administration of CMS achieves high and sustained exposures of colistin in lungs for targeting respiratory infections. PMID:23917323

  15. World Trade Center (WTC) dust exposure in mice is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and epigenetic changes in the lung

    PubMed Central

    Sunil, Vasanthi R.; Vayas, Kinal N.; Fang, Mingzhu; Zarbl, Helmut; Massa, Christopher; Gow, Andrew J.; Cervelli, Jessica A.; Kipen, Howard; Laumbach, Robert J.; Lioy, Paul J.; Laskin, Jeffrey D.; Laskin, Debra L.

    2017-01-01

    Exposure to World Trade Center (WTC) dust has been linked to respiratory disease in humans. In the present studies we developed a rodent model of WTC dust exposure to analyze lung oxidative stress and inflammation, with the goal of elucidating potential epigenetic mechanisms underlying these responses. Exposure of mice to WTC dust (20 μg, i.t.) was associated with upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 within 3 days, a response which persisted for at least 21 days. Whereas matrix metalloproteinase was upregulated 7 days post-WTC dust exposure, IL-6RA1 was increased at 21 days; conversely, expression of mannose receptor, a scavenger receptor important in particle clearance, decreased. After WTC dust exposure, increases in methylation of histone H3 lysine K4 at 3 days, lysine K27 at 7 days and lysine K36, were observed in the lung, along with hypermethylation of Line-1 element at 21 days. Alterations in pulmonary mechanics were also observed following WTC dust exposure. Thus, 3 days post-exposure, lung resistance and tissue damping were decreased. In contrast at 21 days, lung resistance, central airway resistance, tissue damping and tissue elastance were increased. These data demonstrate that WTC dust-induced inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with epigenetic modifications in the lung and altered pulmonary mechanics. These changes may contribute to the development of WTC dust pathologies. PMID:27986442

  16. Progress on Shape Memory Alloy Actuator Development for Active Clearance Control

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    DeCastro, Jonathan; Melcher, Kevin; Noebe, Ronald

    2006-01-01

    Results of a numerical analysis evaluating the feasibility of high-temperature shape memory alloys (HTSMA) for active clearance control actuation in the high-pressure turbine section of a modern turbofan engine has been conducted. The prototype actuator concept considered here consists of parallel HTSMA wires attached to the shroud that is located on the exterior of the turbine case. A transient model of an HTSMA actuator was used to evaluate active clearance control at various operating points in a test bed aircraft engine simulation. For the engine under consideration, each actuator must be designed to counteract loads from 380 to 2000 lbf and displace at least 0.033 in. Design results show that an actuator comprised of 10 wires 2 in. in length is adequate for control at critical engine operating points and still exhibit acceptable failsafe operability and cycle life. A proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller with integrator windup protection was implemented to control clearance amidst engine transients during a normal mission. Simulation results show that the control system exhibits minimal variability in clearance control performance across the operating envelope. The final actuator design is sufficiently small to fit within the limited space outside the high-pressure turbine case and is shown to consume only small amounts of bleed air to adequately regulate temperature.

  17. A novel mouse model for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP): role of impaired adenosine clearance.

    PubMed

    Shen, Hai-Ying; Li, Tianfu; Boison, Detlev

    2010-03-01

    Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a significant cause of mortality in people with epilepsy. Two postulated causes for SUDEP, cardiac and respiratory depression, can both be explained by overstimulation of adenosine receptors. We hypothesized that SUDEP is a consequence of a surge in adenosine as a result of prolonged seizures combined with deficient adenosine clearance; consequently, blockade of adenosine receptors should prevent SUDEP. Here we induced impaired adenosine clearance in adult mice by pharmacologic inhibition of the adenosine-removing enzymes, adenosine kinase and deaminase. Combination of impaired adenosine clearance with kainic acid-induced seizures triggered sudden death in all animals. Most importantly, the adenosine receptor antagonist caffeine, when given after seizure onset, increased survival from 23.75 +/- 1.35 min to 54.86 +/- 6.59 min (p < 0.01). Our data indicate that SUDEP is due to overactivation of adenosine receptors and that caffeine treatment after seizure onset might be beneficial.

  18. 19 CFR 4.61 - Requirements for clearance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... transported in-bond, or when they have unentered foreign merchandise aboard. For the purposes of the vessel clearance requirements, merchandise transported in-bond does not include bonded ship's stores or supplies. While American vessels transporting unentered foreign merchandise must fully comply with usual clearance...

  19. 48 CFR 952.204-73 - Facility clearance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ....204-73 Section 952.204-73 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY CLAUSES AND... granted by the Secretary of Energy. In addition, a Facility Clearance and foreign ownership, control and... Department of Energy Facility Clearance generally need not resubmit the following foreign ownership...

  20. 48 CFR 952.204-73 - Facility clearance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ....204-73 Section 952.204-73 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY CLAUSES AND... granted by the Secretary of Energy. In addition, a Facility Clearance and foreign ownership, control and... Department of Energy Facility Clearance generally need not resubmit the following foreign ownership...