Ultrasound-guided internal jugular access: a proposed standardized approach and implications for training and practice.
Feller-Kopman D.
Chest 2007 Jul;132(1):302-9.

In 2001, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality recommended the use of ultrasound for the placement of central venous catheters (CVCs) as one of their 11 practices to improve patient care. This article will describe the practical aspects of using ultrasound to guide placement of CVCs in the internal jugular vein in a "how I do it" approach, as well as review the practice management and training aspects related to incorporating ultrasound into daily practice.
http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/full/132/1/302

Treatment failure in community-acquired pneumonia.
Menendez R, Torres A.
Chest 2007 132(4): 1348-1355.

Treatment failure (TF) is defined as a clinical condition with inadequate response to antimicrobial therapy. Characteristics of patients and factors related to inflammatory response have been associated with delayed resolution and poor prognosis. The diagnostic approach to TF depends on the degree of clinical impact, host factors, and the possible cause. Initial reevaluation should include a confirmation of the diagnosis of pneumonia, noninvasive microbiological samples, and new radiographic studies.
http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/full/132/4/1348

Primary care spirometry.
Derom E, van Weel C, Liistro G, Buffels J, Schermer T, Lammers E, Wouters E, Decramer M.
Eur Respir J 2008 31(1): 197-203.

Primary care spirometry is a uniquely valuable tool in the evaluation of patients with respiratory symptoms, allowing the general practitioner to diagnose or exclude chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sometimes to confirm asthma, to determine the efficacy of asthma treatment and to correctly stage patients with COPD. Hand-held office spirometers have been developed in recent years, with a global quality and user-friendliness that makes them acceptable for use in general practices.
http://erj.ersjournals.com/cgi/content/full/31/1/197

Endothelin receptor antagonists in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Dupuis J, Hoeper MM.
Eur Respir J 2008 31(2): 407-415.

The endothelin (ET) system, especially ET-1 and the ET(A) and ET(B) receptors, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). There is ongoing debate as to whether selective or nonselective ET receptor blockade is advantageous in the setting of PAH, although there is no clear evidence that receptor selectivity is relevant with regard to the clinical effects of these drugs.
http://erj.ersjournals.com/cgi/reprint/31/2/407

Tuberculosis: a radiologic review.
Burrill J, Williams CJ, Bain G, Conder G, Hine AL, Misra RR.
Radiographics 2007 27(5): 1255-1273.

Tuberculosis has shown resurgence in nonendemic populations in recent years, a phenomenon that has been attributed to factors such as increased migration and the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic. Although in many cases biopsy or culture specimens are required to make the definitive diagnosis, it is imperative that radiologists and clinicians understand the typical distribution, patterns, and imaging manifestations of tuberculosis.
http://radiographics.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/full/27/5/1255

Challenges in pulmonary fibrosis • 5: the NSIP/UIP debate.
du Bois R, King TE Jr.
Thorax 2007 62(11): 1008-1012.

Among the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, these two entities have provoked considerable debate. IPF/UIP and NSIP closely mimic each other clinically but NSIP has a far better outcome. However, it remains unclear if NSIP is a truly separate and distinct entity. The histopathological pattern of NSIP can be found in a wide variety of clinical and radiological contexts. This review addresses these and other uncertainties regarding NSIP and UIP.
http://thorax.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/62/11/1008

Macrophage and T Cell Dynamics during the Development and Disintegration of Mycobacterial Granulomas
Egen JG, Rothfuchs AG, Feng CG, Winter N, Sher A, Germain RN
Immunity 2008 Feb; 28(2):271-84

Using innovative approaches among which dynamic multiphoton intravital imaging, the authors provide insight into the formation and dissolution of mycobacterial granulomas which reflect a protective status quo. In particular the role of TNF-alpha in maintaining granulomas is highlighted, an essential process in these highly dynamic granulomas.
http://www.immunity.com/content/article/abstract?uid=PIIS1074761308000289

EAACI/GA2LEN guideline: aspirin provocation tests for diagnosis of aspirin hypersensitivity
Nizankowska-Mogilnicka E, Bochenek G, Mastalerz L, Swierczyńska M, Picado C, Scadding G, Kowalski ML, Setkowicz M, Ring J, Brockow K, Bachert C, Wöhrl S, Dahlén B, Szczeklik A.
Allergy 2007 Oct;62(10):1111-8.

Aspirin is widely used in the management of cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases and hypersensitivity reactions can occur. In this EAACI/GA2LEN guideline paper detailed protocols of oral, bronchial and nasal aspirin provocation tests are presented, together with a review of indications, contraindications for the tests, and interpretations of the test results.
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01409.x

Effectiveness of emergency department asthma management strategies on return visits in children: a population-based study
Guttmann A., Zagorski B., Austin P.C., et al
Pediatrics 2007 120: 1402-1410

This study is important because is the first one that assessed comprehensive asthma care for children accross a range of ED settings and associated implemented strategies with improved patient and ED outcomes. A brief opportune education intervention in the ED may be a useful adjunct to current ED care and would be consistent with international and national guidelines
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/120/6/e1402