No clinical characteristics, particularly not sputum characteristics, can guide antibiotic prescription in patients with mild to severe COPD exacerbations 

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability and validity of a shortened version of the Rainbow Model of Integrated Care (RMIC) measurement tool (MT). The original version of the measurement tool has been modified (shortened) for the Australian context. DESIGN: Validation of the psychometric properties of the …

Particulate matter (PM) exposure, amongst others caused by emissions and industrial processes, is an important source of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. There are situations in which blue-collar workers in roadwork companies are at risk. This study investigated perceptions of risk and mitigation …

The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the aims and results of the JPIAMR (Joint Programming Initiative on AntiMicrobial Resistance) project “Appropriate use of antibiotics: the role of CAM treatment strategies”. An additional aim is to raise some key questions and challenges with respect …

Peak oxygen uptake (V'O2peak) is recognised as the best expression of aerobic fitness. Therefore, it is essential that V'O2peak reference values are accurate for interpreting a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). These values are country specific and influenced by underlying biological ageing processes. …

PURPOSE: Clinical examination is often the first step to diagnose shock and estimate cardiac index. In the Simple Intensive Care Studies-I, we assessed the association and diagnostic performance of clinical signs for estimation of cardiac index in critically ill patients. METHODS: In this prospective, …

Purpose: The aim of this study was to develop practical recommendations for physiotherapy for survivors of critical illness after hospital discharge.  Methods: A modified Delphi consensus study was performed. A scoping literature review formed the basis for three Delphi rounds. The first round was used …

Introduction: Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) are a heterogeneous group of acquired or inherited diseases affecting the peripheral nervous system and muscle mass. The consequences of NMD are loss of muscle mass, function, and posture. Loss of muscle mass causes weakness, a decrease in mobility and cardiac …