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Background Previous studies suggest that transbronchial lung biopsy using a cryoprobe is superior to transbronchial lung biopsy using forceps for evaluating lung grafts, although the technique can be associated an increase in complications. Because cryoprobe experience is limited, assessment of a greater number of cases is warranted. This prospective study evaluates the diagnostic yield, complications, and risk factors associated with the cryoprobe technique. Methods From April 2013 to April 2016, 321 consecutive cryoprobe transbronchial biopsies were indicated in single or bilateral lung transplant patients with acute or chronic clinical lung injury or in asymptomatic patients before hospital discharge after lung transplantation. Results With a mean of 4.32 lung parenchyma specimens per procedure, adequate alveolar lung parenchyma was obtained in 96.6% (84.27 ± 44.14 mm2) of cases. Obtaining at least 4 samples increased the histological diagnostic certainty (P Conclusions Obtaining 4 or more cryobiopsy samples is valuable and safe for lung allograft monitoring. Being a recipient of a unilateral lung transplant or having arterial hypertension during bronchoscopy seem to be risk factors associated with increased bleeding.

Introduction: Comorbidities in patients with bronchiectasis are common and have a significant impact on clinical outcomes, contributing to lower quality of life, lung function, and exacerbation frequency. At least 13 comorbidities have been associated with a higher risk of mortality in bronchiectasis patients. Nonetheless, the kind of relationship between bronchiectasis and comorbidities is heterogeneous and poorly understood.Areas covered: different biological mechanisms leading to bronchiectasis could have a role in the development of the associated comorbidities. Some comorbidities could have a causal relationship with bronchiectasis, possibly through a variable degree of systemic inflammation, such as in rheumatic disorders and bowel inflammatory diseases. Other comorbidities, such as COPD or asthma, could be associated through airway inflammation and there is an uncertain cause-effect relationship. Finally, shared risk factors could link different comorbidities to bronchiectasis such as in the case of cardiovascular diseases, where the known link between chronic systemic inflammation and pulmonary infection could play a significant role.Expert opinion: Although different tools have been developed to assess the role of comorbidities in bronchiectasis , we believe that the implementation of current strategies to manage them is absolutely necessary and could significantly improve long-term prognosis in patients with bronchiectasis.

AIMS Lung transplant monitoring is usually performed with forceps transbronchial biopsies. These types of biopsy show limited reliability and a high degree of variability, owing to insufficient material and compression artefact, which lead to misinterpretation and, eventually, inappropriate treatment of the transplanted patients. The following study was undertaken to assess the diagnostic yield, histological quality and safety of cryobiopsy (CB) in comparison with conventional forceps biopsy (FB) for sampling lung tissue in transplant recipients. METHODS AND RESULTS From January to December 2011, 81 consecutive transbronchial biopsies (41 FBs and 40 CBs) were indicated in single or bilateral lung transplantation recipients with clinical acute or chronic lung injury. Lung samples obtained by CB were larger (8.5 ± 6.5 mm in the FB group versus 22.1 ± 12.5 mm in the CB group; P < 0.0001) and had no crush artefacts (P = 0.002), allowing us to increase the diagnostic yield of acute (P = 0.0657) and chronic (P = 0.0053) cellular rejection. DISCUSSION Transbronchial cryoprobe bronchoscopy allows the harvesting of larger and more expanded lung tissue samples, increasing the diagnostic yield in the monitoring of the lung allograft by means of a safe procedure.

Purpose After lung transplantation, bronchial complications (BC) are one of the major concerns. The etiology of airway complications has been attributed mostly to donor bronchial ischemia. Bronchial blood supply is derived from the pulmonary and bronchial arteries, whom arise from the descending aorta or intercostal arteries. The number of lungs retrieved from donation after circulatory death (DCD) has continued to rise. The technique used in this donors implies the cessation of bronchial circulation and may increase the ischemic injury. In this study we aimed to assess the impact of cDCD on bronchial complications. Methods In this restrospective study, we analyzed all consecutive adult lung transplantations performed at an single center from 2015 to 2019. We monitored the incidence of dehiscence and stenosis classified according the ISHLT grading system. Our objective was to evaluate the role of cDCD on the incidence of airway complications. We performed a univariate analysis with chi-square or Fisher's exact test. All reported p-values are 2-sided. P Results We performed 420 consecutive lung transplantations. Fifty-eight LT were from cDCD donors. Overall incidence of dehicence was 7.2% and the incidence of stenosis was 11.2%. We did not see difference in incidence of dehicense (7.1 vs. 7.2, p=0.986) and we observed greater incidence of stenosis with cDCD (19.6% vs. 9.9%, p=0.031). The cold ischemic time was higher in cDCD in both grafts (284.31min vs. 243.93min, p Conclusion The incidence of stenosis after LT is higher in grafts from cDCD than DBD donors. Warm ischemic time and cDCD donor could have a role as stenosis risk factor in our cohort. More studies are needed to confirm this data.

In this work, flexible Te films have been synthesized by electrochemical deposition using PEDOT [poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)] nanofilms as working electrodes. The Te electrodeposition time was varied to find the best thermoelectric properties of the Te/PEDOT double layers. To show the high quality of the Te films grown on PEDOT, the samples were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy, showing the three Raman active modes of Te: E1, A1, and E2. The X-ray diffraction spectra also confirmed the presence of crystalline Te on top of the PEDOT films. The morphology of the Te/PEDOT films was studied using scanning electron microscopy, showing a homogeneous distribution of Te along the film. Also an atomic force microscope was used to analyze the quality of the Te surface. Finally, the electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient of the Te/PEDOT films were measured as a function of the Te deposition time. The films showed an excellent thermoelectric behavior, giving a maximum power factor of about 320 ± 16 μW...

Introduction Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) analysis has been proposed as an objective technique for confirming asbestos exposure. However, the reliability and diagnostic yield of this procedure has not been studied in Spain. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of the analysis of asbestos bodies (AB) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for the diagnosis of asbestos-related diseases (ARD). Methods BAL samples from 72 patients (66 male, mean age 66 years) undergoing bronchoscopy were analyzed. Lung tissue from 23 of these patients was also analyzed. Asbestos exposure was assessed by anamnesis and a review of the patient's medical records. BAL and lung samples were processed and AB count was determined by light microscopy. The accepted threshold value to diagnose asbestos-related diseases was 1 AB/ml BAL or 1000 AB/gr dry tissue. Results Thirty-nine patients reported exposure to asbestos. Of these, 13 (33%) presented AB values above 1 AB/ml BAL. In the 33 non-exposed patients, 5 (15%) presented AB values above 1 AB/ml BAL. There was a significant difference between the AB levels of exposed and non-exposed patients (P =.006). The ROC curve showed that a value of 0.5 AB/ml BAL achieved the most satisfactory sensitivity, 46%, and a specificity of 83%. The correlation between AB levels in BAL and lung was 0.633 (P =.002). Conclusions BAL study provides objective evidence of exposure to asbestos. The good correlation between the AB counts in BAL and lung tissue indicates that both techniques are valid for the analysis of asbestos content.

Resumen Introduccion El analisis del lavado broncoalveolar (LBA) se ha propuesto como tecnica objetiva para certificar la exposicion a amianto. Sin embargo, la fiabilidad y rendimiento diagnostico de este procedimiento diagnostico no se han analizado en Espana. El proposito de este estudio fue evaluar la utilidad del analisis de cuerpos de amianto (CA) en el LBA para el diagnostico de enfermedades relacionadas con el amianto (ERA). Metodos Se analizaron muestras de LBA de 72 pacientes (66 varones, edad media de 66 anos) sometidos a broncoscopia. Tambien se analizo el tejido pulmonar de 23 de estos pacientes. La exposicion al amianto se evaluo a partir de la anamnesis y la revision de las historias clinicas de los pacientes. Las muestras de LBA y de tejido pulmonar se procesaron, y la cantidad de CA se determino mediante microscopia optica. El valor umbral aceptado para diagnosticar una enfermedad relacionada con el amianto fue de 1 CA/ml de LBA o 1.000 CA/g de tejido seco. Resultados Treinta y nueve pacientes refirieron exposicion a amianto. En 13 (33%) de estos pacientes, los niveles de CA fueron superiores a 1 CA/ml de LBA. De los 33 pacientes no expuestos, los valores de CA fueron superiores a 1 CA/ml de LBA en 5 casos (15%). La diferencia entre los niveles de CA de los pacientes expuestos y los no expuestos fue significativa (p = 0,006). La curva ROC indico que el nivel de 0,5 CA/ml de LBA era el que alcanzaba mayor sensibilidad (46%), con un 83% de especificidad. El grado de correlacion entre los niveles de CA en el LBA y el tejido pulmonar fue de 0,633 (p = 0,002). Conclusiones El estudio del LBA ofrece una prueba objetiva de la exposicion a amianto. La buena correlacion observada entre los recuentos de CA en el LBA y en el tejido pulmonar indica la validez de ambas tecnicas para analizar el contenido de amianto.

Organic materials are becoming a realistic roadway to fabricate efficient thermoelectric devices using environmental friendly materials. Such requirements are actually fulfilled by thermoelectric generators operating by conducting polymers, but also by hybrid materials. The combination of organic + inorganic compounds may exhibit a high electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient as well as lower thermal conductivity in order to efficiently generate thermoelectric power. In these hybrid compounds, perovskite-type oxides are a suitable election for the inorganic part since they have a high Seebeck coefficient although their electrical conductivity is usually low. Blending them with conducting polymers would be a good procedure to improve their thermoelectric properties. In this work, hybrids materials formed by a cobalt perovskite, Nd1-xCaxCoO3 (NCCO), have been combined with the conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) doped with either poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) or tosylate (Tos). The electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy have been used to characterize the resulting material. A thermoelectric power up to 1.0 μW/K2m has been obtained for NCCO/PEDOT:Tos at a 95/5 mass ratio.

Introduction: The role of T-lymphocytes (T-LPH) in pulmonary sarcoidosis (PS) is described in the progression of the disease, with proliferation of T-CD4 LPH and IL-18 in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in better prognosis forms, and T-CD8 LPH, Natural Killer (NK), neutrophils, macrophages and eosinophils in the BAL in more aggressive forms. The aim of this study is to describe the LPH populations in BAL and peripheral blood (PB) and its possible utility as a prognostic marker. Material and Methods: Retrospective study of patients with PS followed up in a monograph consultation (2013-2018). The LPH phenotype in PB and BAL was analyzed at the diagnosis; its association with the evolution of the disease by pulmonary function tests is also contemplated. Results: Out of the 51 sarcoidosis, 22 patients with lung involvement in which profile data in PB and BAL was available were studied. The study of the PB LPH profile showed a negative and statistically significant correlation between levels of CD3+ (T) and CD3+CD8+ (T8) LPH and the FVC exchange rate (%) of -0.6398 and -0.5482, respectively. A significant correlation was obtained (p Conclusion: The increase in the percentage of T-LPH, CD8 and NK in PB could have a protective effect on the evolution of the disease. The profile of the LPH phenotype of BAL seems to be unrelated to the progression of the disease. More studies with larger sample size would be necessary to consolidate these results.

The occurrence of radiological opacities post-transbronchial cryobiopsy may pose serious difficulties in differential diagnosis and management of lung allografts. This prospective study evaluated the frequency, characteristics, and evolution of new lung opacities after performing transbronchial cryobiopsy.From February 2018 to June 2018, 22 of 51 consecutive patients with an indication for transbronchial cryobiopsy underwent computed tomography (CT) of the thorax before and at 1, 4, and 8 weeks post-cryobiopsy. New CT images, required by the transplant team, were also evaluated during the next 6 months. Histological findings of transbronchial cryobiopsy and microbiological studies on bronchoalveolar lavage were evaluated as risk factors for opacities.After obtaining 112 cryobiopsy samples, 46 opacities10 mm, including ground-glass, solid, cavitated, or a combination of these lesions were observed in 20 (91%) patients on post-cryobiopsy CT. All ground-glasses opacities on CT disappeared at 4 weeks. A single cavitated opacity persisted at 6 months. The remaining opacities disappeared or were decreased to10 mm by 8 weeks. No correlations of the number, type, or evolution of opacities with the number or volume of cryobiopsy samples obtained, or with the histological diagnosis, type of transplant, or microbiologic culture results were observed.New pulmonary opacities10 mm occur frequently after transbronchial cryobiopsy; a few may persist beyond 6 months. CT studies are recommended before implementing transbronchial cryobiopsy, whenever possible.

Environmental energy issues caused by the burning of fossil fuel such as coal, and petroleum, and the limited resources along with the increasing world population pose a world-wide challenge. Alternative energy sources including solar energy, wind energy, and biomass energy, have been suggested as practical and affordable solutions to future energy needs. Among energy conversion technologies, thermoelectric (TE) materials are considered one of the most potential candidates to play a crucial role in addressing today’s global energy issues. TE materials can convert waste heat such as the sun, automotive exhaust, and industrial processes to a useful electrical voltage with no moving parts, no hazardous working chemical-fluids, low maintenance costs, and high reliability. These advantages of TE conversion provide solutions to solve the energy crisis. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the recent progress on organic TE materials, focused on polymers and their corresponding organic composites incorporated with carbon nanofillers (including graphene and carbon nanotubes). Various strategies to enhance the TE properties, such as electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient, in polymers and polymer composites will be highlighted. Then, a discussion on polymer composite based TE devices is summarized. Finally, brief conclusions and outlooks for future research efforts are presented.

Introduction: The study of the inflammatory profile of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is useful in the diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases (ILD) and may avoid subsequent invasive techniques. Usually, the lavage is performed in the middle lobe, and the results are calculated through a manual cell count. Objectives: To assess if there is any difference between obtaining samples from different lobes or varying the quantity of cells counted. Methods: Seventy patients with ILD undergoing BAL during the diagnostic process were included prospectively between 5.2013-10.2015. Middle-lobe (ML) samples were examined by two different laboratories, giving results through a 100 or 500-cells count, respectively (LabH / LabR). An additional sample from the lower right lobe (LRL), obtained only from patients with acceptable pulmonary function (FVC> 50% and DLCO> 30%), was analyzed the same way. Results: Seventy ML and forty-six LRL samples were obtained. Concordance between 100-cell or 500-cell count was low in all series, except for the lymphocyte count (Tables 2 and 3). On the other hand, concordance between samples obtained from different lobes was high, regardless of the number of cells counted (Tables 4 and 5). Conclusions: The cell count of BAL samples differs depending on the technique used, being probably more reliable the one performed on a higher total number of cells. The analysis of two lung lobes BAL has no benefit in comparison to BAL for a single lobe.

Immunologic complications after lung transplantation (LT) include acute cellular rejection (ACR), antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), and most forms of chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD). ACR is an inflammatory process in which the reaction is mediated by the T-cell population. Most episodes of ACR fully recover with treatment, but repeated bouts are considered to be a risk factor for CAD. Biomarker cytokines interleukin (IL)-10, IL-15, IL-6, CCL5, CCR2 and IFNγ may play significant roles in this complication. Formerly bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) or chronic rejection or most forms of CAD were considered to be immunologic complications not amenable therapeutic measures. CAD, the main limitation for long-term survival in LT, is characterized histologically by airway epithelial cell apoptosis and luminal fibrosis in the respiratory bronchioles causing airflow obstruction and, in some cases, lung parenchymal affectations causing restrictive lung disease. Several biomarkers have been studied in CAD, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IL-23, IL-13, IFN γ, and TGF β cytokines, pH, bile acid, and tripsine of gastroesophageal reflux and toll-like receptors of innate immunity. Herein we have reviewed the literature of biomarkers involved in lung rejection.

The long-term success of lung transplantation (LT) is limited by chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Different phenotypes of CLAD have been described, such as bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) and restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of cytokines and chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as markers of these CLAD phenotypes. BALF was collected from 51 recipients who underwent (bilateral and unilateral) LT. The study population was divided into three groups: stable (ST), BOS, and RAS. Levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were measured using the multiplex technology. BALF neutrophilia medians were higher in BOS (38%) and RAS (30%) than in ST (8%) (P=.008; P=.012). Regarding BALF cytokines, BOS and RAS patients showed higher levels of INF-γ than ST (P=.02; P=.008). Only IL-5 presented significant differences between BOS and RAS (P=.001). BALF neutrophilia is as a marker for both CLAD phenotypes, BOS and RAS, and IL-5 seems to be a potential biomarker for the RAS phenotype.

Chronic allograft dysfunction (CLAD) is the main limitation for Lung Transplantation (LT) survival. There is known 2 forms of CLAD: obliterative bronchiolitis syndrome (BOS) and restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS). The detection of the glycoprotein KL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or serum in LT population may discriminate between both. The objective of the study was to analyse KL-6 levels in BAL and in serum from LT population in differents situations : stable (ST) , infection (LTI), BOS and RAS. Patients and methods - Forty four patients with bilateral LT and who survived more than 3 months were included. The population were divided in 4 groups : 14 ST patients, 10 LTI patients, 12 BOS patients and 8 patients with RAS. BAL and serum samples from the 44 patients were analysed with the Kit KL-6 ( Eidia Co.,Ltd.,Tokyo, Japan). U Mann Whitney were used to analysed differences between groups Results - KL-6 levels in serum were higher in RAS patients at a median of 1042 [IQR 504,9 to 1592]. Significant differences were shown between RAS vs ST, LTI and BOS patients with p-value of 0,0001, 0,0031 and 0,0055 respectively. KL-6 levels in BAL were higher in ST patients at a median of 262,3 [ IQR 117,9 to 661,8 ]. Significant differences were only shown between ST vs LTI patients (p=0,0088) and LTI vs BOS patients ( p=0,0168). Conclusion - KL-6 measured in serum from LT population with RAS are the highest values compared with the rest. KL-6 in serum seems to be better biomarker for RAS than in BAL.

In this work, we present a method to develop organic thermoelectric modules by means of electrochemical polymerization using exclusively a p-type material. The polymer device is built in a planar geometry, with the advantage that it is not necessary to incorporate a heat sink. The method is scalable to an industrial process and it can be the key for the fabrication of large scale thermoelectric modules. A prototype of the thermoelectric device was fabricated in the form of 16 large aspect ratio (2 mm wide times 80 mm long) parallel stripes deposited on flexible substrates. In our prototype, a Seebeck coefficient of 413 μV/K has been achieved. The power generation has been increased up to 25 nW by connecting several devices in parallel. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 43927.

Introduction: The current reference standard method for diagnosing occupational asthma (OA) is specific inhalation challenge (SIC) with the suspected agent. The alternative method is serial peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring. Nevertheless, PEF does not have optimal sensitivity and specificity for this purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH for the diagnosis of OA. Material and Methods: A prospective study was performed in 37 subjects with suspected OA. Serial PEF monitoring was carried out for 2 weeks at work and for 2 weeks off work. At the end of each period, the EBC pH and the methacholine concentration resulting in a 20% FEV1 decrease (PC20) were measured. SIC was subsequently performed. PEF graphs were interpreted visually by 3 experienced independent readers. Results: Seventeen patients tested positive with SIC. Receiver-operating characteristic curves showed that a decrease in EBC pH greater than 0.4 units during the period at work compared to the off-work period achieved the most satisfactory sensitivity (40%, CI 19.4–66.5) and specificity (90%, CI 66.9–98.2) for diagnosing OA. When EBC pH findings were added to PEF results, the diagnostic yield of PEF generally increased. Other test combinations (e.g. EBC pH plus PC20 or EBC pH plus PC20 plus PEF) did not improve diagnostic performance. Conclusions: Acidification of EBC pH at work and adding the EBC pH measurement to PEF monitoring during periods at work and off work may be useful for improving the diagnosis of OA.

Introduction: transbronchial criobiopsia (TBC) is a technique for lung biopsy that is more efficient than biopsy with forceps in the diagnosis of pulmonary involvement in patients with lung transplantation (LT) or diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD). However, initial studies report increased side effects like bleeding and pneumothorax. Objective: to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency and safety of TBC in the diagnosis of ILD and pulmonary involvement in the LT. Material and Methods: prospective, descriptive, observational study of patients who underwent a diagnostic TBC between January 2011-June 2014 using a flexible endofreeze tube (2.4mm diameter). The study protocol included 6 samples from different segments of the same lobe (5 for Histology, 1 for Microbiology). Bronchoscopies were performed using Pentax bronchoscopes on intubated patients. In each procedure the following data were collected: number of samples, sample volume, final diagnosis, complications such as bleeding, pneumothorax, fever. Results: 449 TCB were performed in 312 patients (59% male, mean age 54.4 years).The average number of samples per procedure was 4.62 with an average volume of 0.602 cm3. Specific diagnosis was obtained in 380 (84.6%) procedures; being statistically significative superior in pulmonary involvement in LT (p Conclusions: TBC is a technique with good diagnostic yield in LT pacients and ILD with a low incidence of serious complications.

In order to study variations in the thermoelectric properties, some commercial glassy carbon samples were subjected to a sequence of steps consisting of a combination of irradiation with γ-rays produced by radioisotopes 60Co, and hydrogen adsorption when the samples were put in an over pressured atmosphere of this gas. With this procedure it was possible to observe that the irradiation decreases the electrical conductivity of glassy carbon samples and the hydrogenation changes the sign of Seebeck coefficient. The material initially is an n-type semiconductor, but with hydrogenation changes to p-type semiconductor. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the hydrogenated vitreous carbon is more amorphous than the pristine material and the γ-rays irradiation produces changes in the crystallite size and shape. © 2014 Taylor & Francis.

Background More than 400 agents are recognized as causes of occupational asthma, a work-related disease that can be induced by an immunologic or a nonimmunologic mechanism. Objective To describe a 57-year-old man employed in the pharmaceutical industry who developed bronchial asthma while working with products such as Plantago ovata and aescin, an active ingredient with anti-inflammatory and venotonic properties. Methods Various tests were performed, including radiography, total serum IgE titer measurements, skin tests against common pneumoallergens and Plantago species, pulmonary function studies, a methacholine test, and specific inhalation challenge with P ovata and aescin. Results The results of these tests, including specific inhalation challenge, confirmed the diagnosis of occupational asthma due to aescin exposure, whereas the results of specific challenge with P ovata , a known cause of occupational asthma, were negative. Conclusions Aescin may represent a new causative agent of occupational asthma in personnel working in the pharmaceutical industry. The mechanism by which aescin can produce asthma is unknown, but analysis of the characteristics of our patient suggests a non-IgE immunologic mechanism, although an irritative mechanism secondary to long-term low-level exposure to aescin, a possible irritant, cannot be ruled out.

Nanoporous carbon microfibers were grown by chemical vapor deposition in the vapor-liquid solid mode using different fluid hydrocarbons as precursors in different proportions. The as-grown samples were further treated in argon and hydrogen atmospheres at different pressure conditions and annealed at several temperatures in order to deduce the best conditions for the incorporation and re-incorporation of hydrogen into the microfibers through the nanopores. Since there are some discrepancies in the results on the hydrogen content obtained under vacuum conditions, in this work, we have measured the hydrogen content in the microfibers using several analytical methods in ambient conditions: surface tension, mass density, and Raman measurements. A discussion on the validity of the results obtained through the correlation between them is the purpose of the present work.

Objective Occupational asthma (OA) is highly prevalent in industrialized countries and nearly 400 causal agents of this condition have been described to date. This study aims to describe the case of a patient who developed OA secondary to exposure to a surfactant agent comprised of alkylamine ethoxylate and a mixture of alkyleneoxy and ethylenediamine. Methods We present the case of a male worker in the meat industry suffering from OA resulting from exposure to a surfactant agent used to clean an animal carcass before it is quartered. We performed various tests on the individual, including: a chest computed tomography; total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific IgE tests against common pneumoallergens; pulmonary function studies; a methacholine test; and a specific inhalation challenge to the surfactant agent. Results The tests confirmed the diagnosis of OA. Conclusions We discuss whether the amines present in the surfactant or the agent itself might be the cause of the condition. Because of the extensive use of surfactants in several types of industries, it is reasonable to think that their possible relationship with OA may have relevant health implications.

Summary Background Bronchial stenosis (BS) is currently found in 7–15% of lung transplantation (LT) recipients. Current treatment strategies have included Nd:Yag laser, cryotherapy, bougie dilatation and stent placement. Bronchoscopic balloon dilatation has been used as alternative treatment in a few cases with controversial results. This is a study to prospectively assess the efficacy of bronchoscopic balloon dilatation as a first step in the management of post-LT BS. Methods From January 1995 to December 2002, bronchoscopic balloon dilatation was evaluated as first therapeutic option in all consecutive LT patients with BS. Symptoms, pulmonary function tests, airway diameter and use of other therapeutic techniques were evaluated. Results A total of 10 out of 284 anastomed airways (3.5%) in 9 out of 152 LT patients were included in the study and follow-up lasted from 6 to 81 months. Dilatation of all but one BS met with initial success: increase of both luminal dimensions and forced vital capacity ( P = 0.01 ), and relief of symptoms. Bronchoscopic balloon dilatation long-term follow-up showed effective results in 5 out of 10 (50%) bronchial stenoses, after an average of 4 bronchoscopic balloon dilatation procedures (range 1–8). No severe complications were observed. Stent placement was required in the other 5 bronchial stenoses. Conclusions Bronchoscopic balloon dilatation is a safe method that should be considered as first therapeutic treatment of post-LT BS. Its use avoids the need for stent placement in up to 50% of cases.

peer-reviewed The full text of this article will not be available in ULIR until the embargo expires on the 11/03/2020 As fossil fuel resources dwindle and new regulations for a cleaner and safer environment come on stream, there is growing interest in developing new sustainable feedstocks for future fuels, chemicals, polymers and fibers. Therefore materials research is ever more focused on the production of green or bio-based materials and their composites. Lignocellulosic biomass has become the feedstock of choice for these new materials as cellulose and lignin are the most abundant biopolymers on the planet. Lignin is a phenolic macromolecule, the principal biological source of aromatic structures, with a complex structure which varies depending on plant species and its isolation process. Despite its high carbon content and its potential as a raw material, lignin remains underutilised. Between 40 and 50 million tons of lignin are produced worldwide per year; while some is being used for low- and medium-value applications, most is currently treated as a non-commercialized by-product or as low value fuel to produce energy. However, with the emergence of biorefinery projects larger amounts of lignin with the potential for valorisation are being produced. Here, we summarise some of the latest developments in the field. peer-reviewed

In this work, we have developed a thermal sensor based on poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanofilms as thermoelectric material. The PEDOT nanofilms have been synthesized by the electrochemical polymerization method. The thicknesses of the films were around 120 nm. The doping level of PEDOT was controlled by chemical reduction using hydrazine. The achieved Seebeck coeficient is 40 uV/K. A PEDOT nanofilm was integrated into an electronic circuit that amplifies the voltage originated from the Seebeck effect. The temperature increment produced by a fingerprint touching the film is enough to switch on a light emitting diode.