Background CpG-oligonucleotides (CpG-ODN), which induce signaling through Toll-like
receptor 9 (TLR9), are currently under investigation as adjuvants in therapy against infections …

Backround Cigarette smoke exposure including biologically active lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
in the particulate phase of cigarette smoke induces activation of alveolar macrophages (AM…

The introduction of electronic cigarettes has led to widespread discussion on the cardiovascular
risks compared to conventional smoking. We therefore conducted a randomized cross-…

The ability of the host to recognize pulmonary invasion by pathogenic organisms and establish
an appropriate host response to infection requires innate immune defense mechanisms. …

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate long-term mortality and quality of life (QoL)
of intensive care patients with pneumonia and/or sepsis 1 year after discharge and to identify …

… Lung tissue without stimulation was used as a negative control (D, ×400). … Meanwhile,
caspase-3–positive staining was detected in AMs and AECs of pneumococci-infected tissues (D, ×…

Pattern recognition receptors are a key component of the first line host defense against
infection, recognizing specific microbial products. We hypothesize that monocyte …

Rationale Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is the most common cause for bacterial
exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recent investigations …

Easily performed prognostic rules are helpful for guiding the intensity of monitoring and
treatment of patients. The aim of the present study was to compare the predictive value of the …

… Visits (c) and (d) were blinded by a person not involved in the investigator’s team. Each
subject had to vape the e-cigarette with a minimum of a puff every 30 seconds for 10 puffs, each …