Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0032285 (pneumonia)
 54,520 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

A 50-year-old Japanese female with chronic renal failure who had been on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis developed fulminant systemic cutaneous necrosis that began as painful livedo reticularis-like skin lesions on her thighs. Because of disseminated vascular calcification within the muscular layer of her lower limbs, we eventually diagnosed her with calciphylaxis. The skin necrosis progressed rapidly, and she died of sepsis and pneumonia on the 53rd hospital day. In addition to her long-lasting severe hyperparathyroidism and extremely elevated serum phosphorus and calcium levels, mechanical, frictional stimulation inflicted on the local skin and administration of corticosteroids were suspected to have precipitated the calciphylaxis. Our lack of awareness of this disease in its early stages resulted in our missing the chance to do a parathyroidectomy that might have changed the course. It is important to know the clinical features of this rare disease in order to make a diagnosis as early as possible.
 ...
PMID:Fulminant and relentless cutaneous necrosis with excruciating pain caused by calciphylaxis developing in a patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis. 1128 Apr 61

Pneumocystis carinii continues to cause severe pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. Surfactant protein D (SP-D), a lung collectin, markedly accumulates during P. carinii pneumonia and binds to glycoprotein A (gpA) on the surface of P. carinii, thereby enhancing interactions with alveolar macrophages. Herein, we report the structural basis of the interaction of SP-D with gpA. We demonstrate that natural SP-D binds to purified gpA in the presence of 2 mM calcium in a saturable, concentration-dependent manner, which is abolished by 10 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Increasing concentrations of calcium under otherwise cation-free conditions significantly enhance SP-D binding to gpA, whereas manganese and magnesium cations have minimal effect. Maximal SP-D binding occurs at pH 7.4, with significant inhibition at pH 4. SP-D binding to gpA is also competitively inhibited by maltose>glucose>mannose>N-acetyl-glucosamine. Comparison of the binding of various natural and recombinant forms of SP-D to gpA reveals that the number of carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs) in a given SP-D form determines the relative extent of binding to gpA. Maximal binding is observed with natural SP-D (dodecamers and higher order SP-D complexes) followed by recombinant dodecamers. In contrast, recombinant full-length trimers exhibit substantially less binding, which is similar to that observed with a recombinant truncated molecule consisting of the CRD and neck regions, and containing trimers of this portion of the molecule. Taken together, these findings strongly indicate that the CRD of SP-D mediates interaction with P. carinii gpA through its attached oligosaccharides and that the extent of SP-D binding to P. carinii is greatest with dodecamers and higher order forms of SP-D.
 ...
PMID:Carbohydrate recognition domain of surfactant protein D mediates interactions with Pneumocystis carinii glycoprotein A. 1130 42

A 17-year-old woman presented with cough and fever. Treatment with cefteram pivoxil and fosfomycin calcium was not effective. Chest radiography showed infiltration with an air bronchogram in the left upper lung field. The case was initially treated as atypical pneumonia by administering minocycline hydrochloride and piperacillin sodium. Since acute renal failure progressed rapidly, we introduced hemodialysis, and renal function improved. The mycoplasma polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the pharynx smear was positive, and the mycoplasma serum titer was 1280 on admission. On the basis of these findings, mycoplasma pneumonia was diagnosed. Only one other case of mycoplasma pneumonia with hemodialysis has been reported in Japan. We report and assess the pathogenesis of mycoplasma pneumonia complicated by renal dysfunction.
 ...
PMID:[Mycoplasma pneumonia complicated by acute renal failure]. 1153 Mar 92

Infection with gram-positive bacteria is a major cause of pneumonia. Surfactant proteins A (SP-A) and D (SP-D) are thought to play an important role in the innate immunity of the lung. Both proteins can bind to gram-positive bacteria. Until now, it was not known with which surface component(s) of gram-positive bacteria SP-A and SP-D interact. Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and peptidoglycan (PepG) are components of the cell wall of gram-positive bacteria. By use of a solid phase-based binding assay, LTA of Bacillus subtilis was shown to be bound by SP-D but not by SP-A. Unmodified PepG of Staphylococcus aureus was bound by SP-D. SP-D binding to both LTA and PepG was calcium dependent and carbohydrate inhibitable. These results indicate that SP-D interacts with gram-positive bacteria via binding to the cell wall components LTA and PepG and that the carbohydrate recognition domain is responsible for this binding.
 ...
PMID:Characteristics of surfactant protein A and D binding to lipoteichoic acid and peptidoglycan, 2 major cell wall components of gram-positive bacteria. 1159 37

Aspiration of meconium causes considerable perinatal morbidity and mortality. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) is present in 7-22% of all deliveries. Gastrointestinal secretions, bile, bile acids, mucus, pancreatic juice, cellular debris, amniotic fluid, swallowed vernix caseosa, lanuge, and blood comprise meconium. Passage of meconium occurs most often in deliveries after 42 weeks gestation (30%) because of high levels of the hormone motilin. This hormone is responsible for bowel peristalsis, defecation, and maturation of the innervation of the intestinal tract associated with vagal stimulation. It tends to be a marker of pre/intrapartum asphyxia. MSAF is also a sign of fetal hypoxia or acidosis. It appears that meconium aspiration is predominantly an intrauterine event. The definition of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is respiratory distress in a meconium-stained newborn, compatible radiographic findings (e.g., coarse, irregular pattern of increased density throughout the lung), and symptoms that can not otherwise be explained. MAS occurs in 1-4% of infants with MSAF and up to 10% of those with thick meconium. Mortality ranges from 6% to 40%. Initially, meconium particles mechanically obstruct the small airways. Later, chemical pneumonitis and interstitial edema are responsible for small airway obstruction. As many as 66% of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn cases are associated with MAS. Clinical signs and symptoms of MAS include frothy, yellow-green secretions from the mouth; very rapid breathing; intercostal retractions; cyanosis; overinflated chest due to air trapping; rales; and rattling in the throat. Transcervical amnio-infusion of warmed normal saline may be an obstetric intervention in cases of MSAF. Intrapartum oropharyngeal suctioning and postpartum intratracheal suctioning has reduced the incidence of MAS. Routine care of MAS infants includes monitoring and correcting of the thermal environment and blood glucose and calcium levels. Chest physiotherapy, saline lavage, management of hypoxemia, surfactant therapy, and systemic steroid treatment are MAS therapies.
 ...
PMID:Meconium aspiration syndrome: current concepts. 1232 Mar 76

Certain socioeconomic factors weakened families and socioeconomic development in the Philippines. 34% of pregnant mothers in 1982 had anemia and by 1987 it increased to 45%. 70.4% of children 6-12 months old and 38.7% of those 12 months were also deficient in iron. Moreover, 12.4% of pregnant women in 1987 had a goiter for a total of 223,200 pregnancies of which likely resulted in spontaneous abortions, fetal death, or cretinism. 20% of newborns weighed 2.5 kg in 1990 so 324,000 newborns began their lives malnourished. Breast feeding fell from 87% in 1983 to 80% in 1984. 17.7% of children 6 years old were malnourished and 67% of them had stunted growth. 23% of elementary school students also were malnourished. Family daily energy intake decreased from the already inadequate level of 1808 calories in 1982 to 1753 in 1987. Similar falls in dietary intakes included protein, carbohydrates, calcium, ascorbic acid, and riboflavin. In 1989, 50% of families were poor thereby limiting their access to health, education, and food. Even though fertility fell from 6.3 in 1970 to 4.5 in 1984, it still was too high. Infant mortality in 1990 stood at 652 which meant that 250 babies died each day. In addition, 70 1-4 year old children died each day. Yet most of these deaths could have been prevented. Pneumonia was responsible for 40% of these child deaths. Other leading causes of death included diarrhea, measles, nutritional deficiencies, and bronchitis. The government has chosen primary health care (PHC) as the means to better the health status of the population, but is had no official policy and PHC committees largely are inactive. The government must seriously implement PHC throughout the Philippines and place health at the top of its list. Cooperation and coordination among all levels of government and nongovernmental organizations must begin.
 ...
PMID:Health and nutrition and the role of the family. 1234 61

Although most lesions that occur in the chest have a nonspecific soft-tissue appearance, fat-containing lesions are occasionally encountered at cross-sectional computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging. The various fat-containing lesions of the chest include parenchymal and endobronchial lesions such as hamartoma, lipoid pneumonia, and lipoma. Endobronchial hamartoma usually appears at CT as a lesion with a smooth edge, focal collections of fat, or fat collections that alternate with foci of calcification. Mediastinal fat-containing lesions include germ cell neoplasms, thymolipomas, lipomas, and liposarcomas. The most frequent CT manifestation of the germ cell neoplasm teratoma is a heterogeneous mass with soft-tissue, fluid, fat, and calcium attenuation. Cardiac lesions with fat content include lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum and arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia. Diagnosis of the former is made with CT when a smooth, nonenhancing, well-marginated fat-containing lesion is identified in the interatrial septum. Finally, fat may herniate into the chest at several characteristic locations. When such a lesion is identified, the time required for differential diagnosis is significantly reduced, often allowing a definitive radiologic diagnosis. Sagittal and coronal reformatted images can add valuable information by showing diaphragmatic defects and hernia contents.
 ...
PMID:Fat-containing lesions of the chest. 1237 1

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is common in patients with SSc. Fig. 1 shows the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to PAH in SSc. Doppler echocardiography may suggest the diagnosis, but RHC is necessary to confirm PAH and to measure vasoreactivity. Therapy is directed at the underlying connective tissue disease. Vasoreactive patients often benefit from therapy with high-dose calcium-channel [figure: see text] blockers, but most patients are not vasoreactive. Intravenous epoprostenol and oral endothelin-1 receptor antagonists improve hemodynamic measurements and symptoms in SSc-associated PAH. The therapy of right ventricular failure is focused on vasodilators, inotropes, and diuretics with careful attention to avoiding systemic hypotension. The scleroderma pulmonary-renal syndrome and the scleroderma renal crisis are distinct syndromes with different clinical presentations, histopathologic manifestations, treatments, and outcomes. The scleroderma pulmonary renal syndrome is an autoimmune vasculitis of kidney and lung associated with normal blood pressure. Treatment is supportive, and prognosis is dismal. In contrast, scleroderma renal crisis is associated with systemic hypertension, onion skinning of afferent arterioles, and response to ACE inhibition and renal replacement therapy. Pericardial effusions are common but only occasionally lead to tamponade. Esophageal dysmotility is often associated with aspiration, leading to pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, or ARDS. Diffuse bowel involvement may result in pseudo-obstruction, bacterial overgrowth, or malabsorption. Prokinetic agents, antibiotics, and parenteral nutrition may be required.
 ...
PMID:Life-threatening complications of systemic sclerosis. 1241 43

A 28-year-old female presented for evaluation of left flank pain and polyuria after having been exposed to cadmium in the jewelry manufacturing industry for approximately 3 years. This patient possessed both elevated 24-hr urinary ss2-microglobulin and elevated blood cadmium levels. Approximately 6 months after initial presentation, the patient resigned from her job due to shortness of breath, chest pain, and anxiety. Exposure to cadmium in the jewelry industry is a significant source of occupational cadmium exposure. Other occupational sources include the manufacture of nickel-cadmium batteries, metal plating, zinc and lead refining, smelting of cadmium and lead, and production of plastics. Cadmium is also an environmental pollutant that accumulates in leafy vegetables and plants, including tobacco. Major toxicities anticipated from cadmium exposure involve the renal, pulmonary, and, to a lesser extent, gastrointestinal systems. These include the development of renal proximal tubular dysfunction, glomerular damage with progressive renal disease, and respiratory symptoms including pneumonitis and emphysema. Low-level cadmium exposure has also been associated with increased urinary calcium excretion and direct bone toxicity, effects that recent research suggests may result in the development of osteoporosis. The body burden of cadmium, over half of which may reside in the kidneys, is most often measured through the use of urinary cadmium levels. Blood cadmium measurements generally reflect current or recent exposure and are especially useful in cases with a short exposure period and only minimal accumulation of cadmium in the kidneys. Both ss2-microglobulin and alpha1-microglobulin serve as organ-specific, early-effect biomarkers of tubular proteinuria and thus play a role in identifying early signs of cadmium-induced renal damage in those with potential exposures. In addition to ensuring workplace compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration-mandated monitoring and screening measures, it is prudent for those with cadmium exposure to maintain adequate intake of both iron and calcium, appropriate measures even in the absence of exposure.
 ...
PMID:Cadmium exposure and nephropathy in a 28-year-old female metals worker. 1246 Aug 7

The incidence of wound infection, which is an intrasurgical field infection, is lower than the incidence of pneumonia, which is an extrasurgical field infection, after esophageal cancer surgery. Several trials predicting postoperative infectious complications have been reported. One measured the phytohemagglutinin- and concanavalin A-induced proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients; one measured the white blood cell (WBC) count 2 h after surgery and the decrease in WBC count on first postoperative day; and another showed that the decrease in serum IgG2 level can predict the occurrence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Useful strategies for managing infectious complications have also been reported. Applying mupirocin calcium hydrate ointment to the nasal cavity decreases the incidence of MRSA infections. Autologous blood collection reduces the need for allogeneic transfusion in patients undergoing resection of esophageal cancer, and avoidance of allogeneic transfusion may reduce the risk of postoperative infection. The total exposure to preoperative chemoradiotherapy should be limited to 40 Gy or less to prevent postoperative pneumonia.
 ...
PMID:[Infectious complications after esophageal surgery]. 1259 24


<< Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next >>