The November issue of CHEST journal features cutting-edge research on asthma, COPD, diffuse lung disease, and thoracic oncology. A new guideline provides updated recommendations for patients with stable COPD, while home spirometry is shown to be less consistent than clinic spirometry in monitoring lung function in patients with asthma.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital analyzed data from over 7,500 patients to discover that suspected bronchiectasis in smokers is associated with a higher risk of mortality. The study suggests that lung imaging can help identify this condition, leading to improved patient care.
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The Center for Advancing Point of Care Technologies (CAPCaT) has received a five-year, $8.9 million award from the NIH to develop innovative point-of-care health technologies. The program aims to address heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders in underserved populations.
A study of hospitalized adults with new-onset atrial fibrillation found that 1 in 3 patients experienced a recurrent episode of AF within a year. This rate is approximately 7 times higher than in matched control participants, suggesting that oral anticoagulation therapy may be warranted for these patients.
A new study found that older adults with COPD had a heightened risk of depression during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 1 in 2 individuals with COPD and a pre-pandemic history of depression experienced a recurrence of depression.
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The September issue of the CHEST journal features research on long COVID, including a review on exercise pathophysiology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. Original studies also explore asthma treatment with albuterol-budesonide inhalers and sleep therapy using oronasal masks.
A phase I clinical trial shows that transplanting P63+ lung progenitor cells can repair damaged lung tissue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), improving breathing and quality of life. The treatment increased lung function, reduced symptoms, and even repaired mild emphysema in some patients.
Annual COPD hospital admissions in Canada increased substantially between 2002 and 2017, with a notable rise in females and younger adults. The number of hospital admissions for COPD has rapidly increased since 2010, suggesting that progress may not be being made in improving COPD care and outcomes.
Research found that women exposed to air pollution give birth to smaller babies, with PM2.5 and other pollutants associated with average reductions in birth weight. However, living in greener areas was linked to slightly higher birth weights, suggesting a potential mitigation effect.
People with asthma and COPD face increased breathing difficulties due to climate change's effects on heatwaves, wildfires, and flooding. Experts urge governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate these risks.
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The August issue of CHEST journal features a new clinical practice guideline for managing patients with neuromuscular weakness and a multisociety evidence review on the effect of race and ethnicity on pulmonary function testing interpretation. This is complemented by other research and reviews covering various aspects of chest medicine.
A new imaging method developed by UC researchers can identify specific lung infections in real time, reducing diagnosis time from 2-3 days to hours. The method uses injectable probes that light up under a nuclear imaging machine, enabling faster treatment for critically ill patients.
A large study published in ERJ Open Research found that people with low levels of vitamin K in their blood are more likely to have poor lung function and experience respiratory issues. The research suggests that vitamin K may play a role in keeping lungs healthy, but further studies are needed to confirm this link.
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A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that continued breast cancer screening after age 70 is associated with a greater incidence of cancer that likely would not have caused symptoms. Researchers estimate up to 47% of breast cancers found among women aged 74-84 were overdiagnosed.
A new study by UCSF found that half of participants with extensive tobacco exposure had persistently high respiratory symptoms, yet performed well in COPD tests. The study highlights a gap in effective care for tobacco-exposed individuals and emphasizes the need for broader definition of smoking-related lung disease.
The July issue of CHEST journal features 49 articles on clinically relevant topics, including disability rights and life-sustaining treatment. The journal offers complementary web resources, such as visual abstracts, to expand the reach of its research.
A new paper-based device combines microfluidics and electrochemical transduction to detect inflammation biomarkers in sputum samples. This compact device can simultaneously measure three biomarkers, including IL-8, TNF-α, and MPO, for early COPD detection.
Current diagnosis of COPD using fixed-ratio spirometry may fail to diagnose the disease in African American patients due to flawed methods. The study found that 21% more results for African Americans were classified as non-COPD, despite showing clear symptoms of COPD.
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An epigenetic study of over 18,000 people in Scotland identified associations between certain DNA modifications and increased risks of breast cancer, type II diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The findings provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms of these diseases.
COPD patients treated with dupilumab experienced rapid and sustained improvements in disease, as measured by reduced acute exacerbations, better lung function, and improved quality of life. This is the first biologic to show clinical outcomes improvement in COPD.
The June issue of CHEST features 49 articles on clinically relevant topics, including asthma, COPD, and critical care. The journal offers web and multimedia resources to expand the reach of its research.
A recent Finnish register-based study found no association between inhaled beta-2 agonist use and reduced risk of Parkinson's disease. Accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein is a key factor in the disease. The study controlled for age, sex, and comorbidities to rule out confounding factors.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have developed a new cell culture model to generate human alveolar macrophages, the most critical immune cells in the lungs. This model allows for easier and inexpensive investigation of lung inflammatory diseases and testing of new therapies.
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A large-scale registry study found that older autistic adults have a significantly higher risk of injury, especially self-inflicted, and physical conditions such as type 2 diabetes and anaemia. Autistic individuals had a seven-fold risk of self-harm compared to non-autistic people.
Researchers have identified potential targets for COPD treatment through high-resolution epigenetic profiling of lung fibroblasts. Early epigenetic changes in the genome of COPD fibroblasts may trigger aberrant signaling pathways leading to impaired functions, suggesting new therapeutic avenues.
Researchers found that COPD patients prescribed non-benzodiazepine benzodiazepine receptor agonists (NBZRAs) like zolpidem did not have increased risk of hospitalizations or death compared to those prescribed other types of hypnotics. However, they had a greater risk of death and exacerbations when not prescribed hypnotic drugs
The COPDGene study tracked emphysema patients over 10 years and found that those who continued to smoke experienced the largest decline in lung density. This significant finding highlights the importance of quitting smoking in managing emphysema progression, particularly for current smokers.
A retrospective analysis of patient data suggests that targeting mucus plugs in the lungs may help prevent deaths from COPD. The study found that patients with mucus plugs had a higher mortality rate compared to those without, with significant associations across different disease phases.
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Researchers found variant cells in lungs of IPF patients that can drive fibrosis and inflammation. These cells may be targeted for future therapy, offering new hope for treatment.
The May issue of the CHEST journal features cutting-edge research on pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. The journal also highlights awareness for cystic fibrosis, a once-fatal childhood condition now affecting adults.
The American Thoracic Society International Conference Abstracts publication features selected abstracts on COPD treatment, including a study on improving depression through home-based pulmonary rehabilitation. The issue also highlights recent findings on sleep apnea severity, as well as research on health equity and access to care.
The ATS 2023 International Conference is highlighting recent advancements in COPD and asthma treatment through its Breaking News: Clinical Trial Results in Pulmonary Medicine session. Emerging biologics will be discussed alongside existing COPD treatment options.
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Researchers found that vaping in the presence of supplemental oxygen can ignite oxygen, leading to burns, fires, or explosions. The risk is particularly concerning for patients with end-stage COPD on oxygen who want to quit smoking by switching to vaping.
The CHEST journal April issue features cutting-edge research on asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and sarcoidosis. Key findings include the potential of efzofitimod as a treatment for managing sarcoidosis. The journal also showcases innovative approaches to clinical practice and education in chest medicine.
Researchers have identified a new cell state in embryonic airway development, which may lead to new approaches for treating chronic respiratory diseases. The discovery highlights the crucial role of cellular heterogeneity in shaping airway biology.
A study of over 2.6 million people from Finland and Norway found that babies born preterm are more likely to develop asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adulthood. The risk was highest among those born extremely preterm, before 28 weeks of gestation.
A comprehensive tool assessing burden of chronic conditions shows valid and reliable results compared to clinical surveys in patients with COPD, diabetes, and asthma. The Assessment of Burden of Chronic Conditions (ABCC) scale integrates patient experience into daily care, facilitating shared decision making and self-management.
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Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that people with atopic diseases like asthma or eczema are at a heightened risk of developing osteoarthritis. Drugs used to dampen down allergic reactions may help lessen this risk, suggesting a potential new approach to treating the condition.
The study found that vaccination significantly reduces the risk of long COVID, while factors such as being overweight, female, smoker, or over 40 increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Vaccination halves people's risk of developing long Covid
A population data linkage study found fewer people in Wales diagnosed with long-term conditions in 2020 and 2021 than expected, indicating a potential backlog of undiagnosed patients. This disparity affects chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and anxiety disorders, corresponding to over 30 and 80 missing diagnoses respectively.
Researchers have designed a potent and selective compound that could lead to new therapies for asthma and COPD by activating bitter taste receptors. The new ligand is six times more potent than a known NSAID and highly selective for the TAS2R14 subtype, minimizing potential side effects.
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Researchers at the University of Cincinnati developed an innovative breathing device called PEP Buddy, which improves symptoms of breathlessness, quality of life, and oxygen levels in people with COPD. The study found significant reductions in shortness of breath and improvements in quality of life among participants.
The March issue of CHEST journal features 44 articles on topics such as asthma, critical care, and sleep medicine. The journal also includes complementary web resources, including visual abstracts.
Alveolus Bio, a UAB startup, has received a $2.5 million FastTrack grant from the NIH to support the development of first-of-its-kind inhaled biotherapeutics for chronic lung disease COPD. The company aims to create FDA-approved treatments for 15.7 million people affected by COPD worldwide.
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Contracting a lower respiratory tract infection in early childhood is associated with a higher risk of dying from respiratory disease as an adult. Children who had a LRTI by age two were almost twice as likely to die prematurely in adulthood.
A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal reports that children's lung capacity has improved in areas with decreased air pollution in Stockholm. The researchers found a 20% lower risk of significantly impaired lung function in participants living in areas with better air quality.
A new screening tool, CAPTURE, identifies roughly half of primary care patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that could benefit from available treatments. The study confirms the robust nature of this collaborative relationship between numerous stakeholders, particularly primary care-based research networks.
A nationwide study found that the CAPTURE screening tool identified roughly half of primary care patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) who could benefit from available treatments. However, the tool also flagged a large group of patients with breathing symptoms and abnormalities that didn't rise to the level of COPD.
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A new screening tool, CAPTURE, has been developed to identify adults with undiagnosed COPD, with promising results in identifying moderate to severe cases. The study found that almost half of participants who had previously undiagnosed COPD were successfully identified by the tool.
A smart necklace called SmokeMon tracks a user's every puff and provides valuable insights into their smoking behavior. By analyzing heat signatures, the device can detect when a cigarette is being lit, how much smoke is inhaled, and when the person holds it to their mouth, helping to prevent relapse and improve quit rates.
The February issue of the CHEST journal features 37 articles exploring various topics in chest medicine, including asthma, COPD, and pulmonary vascular disease. The journal also highlights its equity topic collection, focusing on conditions that affect women, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and sarcoidosis.
Researchers found that breathing muscle strength persisted for five weeks after training stopped, suggesting potential benefits for physical endurance and quality of life in individuals with chronic lung conditions. Inspiratory muscle training also reduced the metaboreflex, allowing for improved exercise endurance.
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Researchers analyzed how immunological memory gets generated and maintained to understand its role in cancer and inflammatory diseases. They found that increased inflammation can actually reduce immunological memory, highlighting the need for regulation.
The January issue of the CHEST journal features a range of clinically relevant research on COPD, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary vascular disease. The journal's education portal offers continuing medical education (CME) credit for select articles.
A new study published in CMAJ found that COPD patients who undergo major surgery are more likely to die and incur higher healthcare costs than similar patients without COPD. The study included 932 patients aged 35+ in Ontario, with COPD patients being older, more frail, and having lower income.
The American Thoracic Society will host ATS 2023 in Washington, DC from May 21-24. The event will cover the latest developments in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. Register now to attend or access recorded sessions.
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The December issue of CHEST journal features articles on COVID-19 lessons learned and future pandemic preparedness. The journal also explores various topics in chest medicine, including asthma, critical care, and sleep medicine.
A new study by University of Toronto researchers found that a strong majority of those diagnosed with COPD were in excellent mental health. 87% of older Canadians with COPD had no mental illness, highlighting the importance of social support and interventions to promote well-being.
Researchers have developed a new X-ray technology that visualizes lung tissue microstructure, providing additional information for accurate diagnosis. Dark-field X-ray images can differentiate between diseased and healthy lung tissue, potentially replacing computed tomography (CT) for repeated examinations.
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Researchers found that using portable home air purifiers improved markers of cardiovascular health in people with COPD. The study tracked participants' lung and heart health over six months, revealing a 25% increase in heart rate variability among those using active HEPA and carbon filters.