A 38-year-old man with digital clubbing, low-grade fever, and a murmur

Article Abstract:

Bacterial infection with Bartonella (B.) quintana can be a possible cause for a type of inflammatory heart disease called endocarditis. This type of infection can be transmitted by lice or other organisms and is difficult to identify with routine laboratory tests. Blood tests were performed on a homeless and schizophrenic patient with enlarged fingers, heart murmurs, but no evidence of body lice. There was no evidence of infection with routine laboratory tests. Antibody tests performed by the Centers for Disease Control on a submitted blood sample found elevated levels of antibodies to B. quintana.

Causes of, Endocarditis, Bacterial, Bacterial endocarditis, Bartonella

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Cellular adaptations in the diaphragm in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Article Abstract:

Muscles in the diaphragm of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may become altered by the effort of labored breathing. COPD describes chronic airway obstructions, like emphysema, in which the ability to exhale is substantially reduced. Researchers obtained diaphragm biopsies from six patients with COPD and 10 healthy volunteers. The muscle tissue in COPD patients had more slow-twitch fibers, which are more resistant to fatigue, and fewer fast-twitch fibers. This change may be an adaptation to the increased energy expended in breathing.

Analysis, Physiological aspects, Lung diseases, Obstructive, Chronic obstructive lung disease, Adaptation (Biology), Evolutionary adaptation, Muscle cells, Diaphragm, Respiratory muscles, Diaphragm (Anatomy)

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