News briefs from the July issue of CHEST( SMOKING CESSATION MAY PROVIDE IMMED...),Health

A new article suggests smoking cessation provides immediate benefits to patients. Researchers from the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research in Manhasset, NY, examined specific inflammatory biomarkers associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in "at risk" women during the smoking cessation process. Results showed that smoking cessation resulted in significant reductions in circulating tumor necrosis factor (TNF), soluble TNF receptors I and II, and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Researchers conclude that there are rapid consequences of smoking cessation on inflammatory biomarkers in women at risk for CVD. The article is published in the July issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians.

Patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or chronic heart failure (CHF) may be physically limited by the severity of their disease, potentially leading to skeletal muscular impairment or muscle atrophy. New research shows that these patients may benefit from neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). Researchers from The Netherlands reviewed 14 trials that examined the use of NMES in patients with CHF and COPD. They found that many of the studies reported significant improvements in muscle strength, exercise capacity, and/or health status. Researchers conclude that, although NMES looks promising for patients with COPD and CHF, additional studies are warranted. This study is published in the July issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians.

New research shows that mortality from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and/or pulmonary fibrosis (PF) may be highest during the winter months. Using death records
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