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“BACKGROUND: There is renewed interest in the chronic respiratory sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), particularly chronic airflow limitation. A number of South African epidemiological studies have been published, which, although not specifically designed to examine this association, provide useful data on the nature of the relationship.

OBJECTIVE: To review population-based and occupational studies conducted in South Africa that provide estimates of the association between PTB, chronic symptoms and lung function loss.

RESULTS: Two general population and a number of occupational studies were included. Most were able to control for

likely confounders. Chronic chest symptoms and lung function loss were consistently associated with PTB, whether measured by self-report or prospectively in cohort studies. Odds ratios (ORs) were higher for chronic bronchitis (range 1.5-7.2) than for asthma (range Selleck LY2835219 0.7-2.2). For spirometrically defined chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the OR range was 2.6-8.9, depending on definition. Combined obstructive/restrictive lung function loss was the most common

functional outcome, with a net obstructive effect. The association of past TB with non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness was equivocal.

CONCLUSION: These studies add to the evidence of a strong association between PTB, even if treated, and subsequent airflow obstruction as well as restrictive loss. Unanswered questions include extent of recovery KPT-8602 Transmembrane Transporters inhibitor over time, effect modification by smoking and other cofactors, and degree of reversibility by treatment.”
“Objective: To investigate Cell Cycle inhibitor whether an exercise program, initially focusing on knee stabilization and subsequently on muscle strength and performance of daily activities is more effective than an exercise program focusing on muscle strength and performance of daily activities only, in reducing activity limitations in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and instability of the

knee joint.

Design: A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial involving 159 knee OA patients with self-reported and/or biomechanically assessed knee instability, randomly assigned to two treatment groups. Both groups received a supervised exercise program for 12 weeks, consisting of muscle strengthening exercises and training of daily activities, but only in the experimental group specific knee joint stabilization training was provided. Outcome measures included activity limitations (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index – WOMAC physical function, primary outcome), pain, global perceived effect and knee stability.

Results: Both treatment groups demonstrated large (similar to 20-40%) and clinically relevant reductions in activity limitations, pain and knee instability, which were sustained 6 months post-treatment.