A large population-based study found a significant association between lifetime workplace exposure to pesticides and an increased risk of COPD. The study, which included over 500,000 participants, controlled for other risk factors and found that even low levels of pesticide exposure were linked to a heightened risk of COPD.
A large-scale international study found that simple health assessments can identify people with chronic lung conditions like COPD. The screening tools were effective in diverse low- and middle-income settings, highlighting a pressing need for global awareness and early diagnosis.
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have a different microbiome composition in their lower airways than those with COPD or healthy individuals. The study found that IPF patients share similarities between their oral cavity and lower airway microbiomes, suggesting microaspiration as a potential cause.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that using race-based equations to evaluate lung disease can lead to under-treatment of Black patients. The research, conducted by a team at the University of California - San Francisco, used data from SPIROMICS, a multi-center cohort of ev...
A long-term epidemiologic study found that a race-based formula for diagnosing lung disease is no better than a race-neutral equation, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and treatments. The study used data from thousands of patients and compared the two formulas, finding that the race-neutral equation yielded better predictions.
Scientists identified a genetic mutation in the CHRNA5 gene as a predisposing factor for COPD, independent of smoking. The mutation affects airway epithelium inflammation and remodeling, leading to symptoms similar to COPD.
Research found that individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience cardiac autonomic dysfunction, which is improved by regular vigorous physical activity. The study assessed participants' ability to increase heart rate during exercise and recover afterwards, finding a relationship between vigorous physical act...
Researchers at University of Technology Sydney identified microRNA-21 as a potential therapeutic target for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Inhibition of microRNA-21 using antagomir-21 reduced inflammation and improved lung capacity in experimental models.
A team of researchers has created a detailed map of the proteins in human lungs, shedding light on how the organs develop and function. The study found that the immune system in the lungs continues to mature after birth, providing new avenues for understanding diseases such as asthma and COVID-19.
A University at Buffalo study explores how social and economic characteristics influence hospital readmissions and health inequity in the US. The research found that patients with lower household income, male gender, or treated in urban hospitals have a higher risk of being readmitted within a month of discharge.
The November issue of CHEST journal includes 69 articles on topics such as asthma, COPD, critical care and thoracic oncology. The journal also offers complementary web and multimedia activities to expand the reach of its research.
High air pollution exposure worsens COPD patients' quality of life, while living far from green spaces also reports negative effects. Access to blue and green spaces improves mental and physical health through increased physical activity.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich have developed a new X-ray method for respiratory diagnostics using dark-field chest imaging, allowing for early detection and treatment follow-up of respiratory ailments. The technology reduces radiation dose by a factor of fifty compared to traditional computed tomography.
Researchers identified a protein leakage related to chronic airway diseases, which restricts breathing. Decreasing this leakage could improve asthma and COPD management by relaxing airways.
Nurses who worked in operating rooms for 15 or more years are at increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Long-term exposure to surgical smoke and disinfectants can lead to a higher risk of COPD.
Researchers discovered a simple questionnaire and airflow measurement test can identify adults with undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China. The Chinese symptom-based questionnaire combined with microspirometry could provide the most efficient way to identify patients needing treatment for COPD.
Researchers comprehensively review T-cell responses to respiratory viral infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), highlighting key characteristics of peptide-reactive T-cells. The review aims to improve understanding of the underlying mechanisms, leading to more effective immune protection and treatment methods.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered that MUC5AC mucin disrupts airways in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. The study suggests that MUC5AC could be a target for better therapeutics to address the sticky mucus associated with these conditions.
Researchers link repeated injury to airway stem cells with chronic lung disease, suggesting that biological aging of these cells may contribute to the development of this condition. The study found that injury caused activation of a subset of stem cells, leading to their premature aging and loss of functional capacity.
A new study found a 7.6% prevalence of COPD in US Hispanics/Latinos under 50, with asthma being the most important early COPD risk factor. Chronic sinusitis and smoking status also increase the risk of developing COPD before age 50.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital identifies asthma, history of smoking, and chronic sinusitis as key risk factors for early COPD among US Hispanics/Latinos. The prevalence of early COPD was found to be 7.6 percent in this population, suggesting younger individuals are also susceptible to the disease.
Patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial disease are hospitalized sooner and more often than their age- and sex-matched counterparts, according to a study published in CHEST. The risk is higher for people with compromised immune systems or damaged airways.
A single-center retrospective study found that preoperative thoracic CT findings can complement preoperative clinical risk factors to improve risk assessment for the need of postoperative mechanical ventilation. Bronchial wall thickening, pericardial effusion, and anteroposterior chest diameter were identified as independent predictors...
A recent study found that warmer temperatures are associated with an increase in COPD exacerbations. The research analyzed data from over 1,100 smokers with COPD and discovered a 2% increased risk of exacerbations for every one-degree Celsius rise in ambient temperature.
The study found that patients with low risk of exacerbations do not benefit from low to moderate dose inhaled corticosteroids, while high doses are associated with severe side effects. Tailoring treatment according to patient characteristics, such as age and blood cell count, can minimize over- and underuse of inhaled corticosteroids.
A new clinical study reveals that treatment with mesenchymal stromal cells reduces inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study provides insights into the therapeutic potential of MSCs as a novel treatment for COPD, which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Computational modeling reveals that smaller drug particles can reach the distal region of airways, improving treatment efficacy. The study aims to enhance inhaler design and reduce drug loss, benefiting patients with respiratory illnesses.
Researchers have modelled how drugs are delivered to the respiratory tract via an inhaler to better treat lung diseases. Finer drug particles of around one micron are better able to travel further into the lungs.
Researchers found individuals with well-controlled asthma have significantly lower odds of hospitalization and ICU admission compared to those with uncontrolled asthma. Asthma patients using their medications showed a decrease in worsened COVID-19 outcomes.
The European Respiratory Society has announced the press registration and program for its upcoming International Congress 2021. Over 4,000 presentations on various lung health topics will be presented during the event.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered that injecting mice with pulmonary endothelial cells can reverse the symptoms of emphysema. The study found that targeting endothelial cell function may represent a strategy for treating patients with advanced COPD or emphysema. Injecting healthy lung endothelial cells and/or inhibi...
A team of researchers identified a protein called FCHSD1 involved in COPD-related inflammation and cell death. Mice lacking FCHSD1 showed reduced inflammation and apoptosis, suggesting its inhibition as a potential therapy for emphysema.
The study found that AIM2 inflammasome is at the intersection of COPD and lung cancer, with higher expression correlating to lower survival rates in smoking COPD adenocarcinoma patients. This suggests that the AIM2 inflammasome may be a potential target for developing novel treatments for COPD patients who develop lung cancer.
Dr. Jessica Blackburn of Vanderbilt University has been awarded a $100,000 ATS/GSK Research Grant to investigate COPD epithelial remodeling and the role of YAP/TAZ activation in the disease. The grant will support her studies on COPD's cellular mechanisms.
Research finds that exposure to metals in PM2.5 exacerbates cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in COPD patients, leading to increased heart rates. The study provides valuable insights into the disease burden of COPD associated with air pollution in China.
Researchers from UNC School of Medicine discovered that MUC5AC is more reliably associated with COPD manifestation than another mucus protein, revealing a possible biomarker for disease initiation and prognosis. Elevated levels of MUC5AC in non-smokers who developed COPD suggest it could predict disease progression.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have identified a unique defense mechanism against SARS-CoV-2, involving the viral pattern recognition receptor RIG-I. Upregulating RIG-I expression may help predict COVID-19 patient outcomes and could be a potential strategy to control SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A new algorithm will be developed to predict hospital readmissions for patients with COPD, using a combination of social information and clinical data. The goal is to provide personalized care management interventions and reduce early hospital readmissions.
A study found that two-fifths of Medicare beneficiaries with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have limited access to pulmonary rehabilitation services. The researchers identified significant disparities in access across urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a panel of genes that are active in smokers and ex-smokers who experience faster loss of lung function. These genes may be useful to predict which people are most at risk for smoking-related decline in lung function, offering hope for early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that high levels of particulate matter exposure were associated with a 60% higher chance of hospitalization in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing respiratory disease. Patients without respiratory disease showed no increased risk. Air pollution may have policy implications, such as reducing particulate exposure.
Researchers identified a genetic pathway that could help treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by sweeping out excess mucus from the lungs. The pathway involves the ANT2 gene, which produces proteins that enhance cilia function and hydration layer formation in lung cells.
A study published in Radiology found that chest CT scans can assess body composition and predict mortality risk in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Higher intermuscular fat was linked to higher mortality rates, while subcutaneous adipose tissue was associated with lower risks.
Researchers are investigating how sleep affects lung health and exercise tolerance in African Americans compared to Caucasian smokers, thanks to a $30,000 grant from the CHEST Foundation. The study aims to identify potential associations between sleep deficiency, smoking, and lung health disparities in high-risk African American adults.
A new study implicates a type of immune cell in the development of chronic lung disease following viral infection. Measuring dendritic cells may help doctors identify high-risk patients.
A team of engineers at the University of Cambridge identified the physical mechanisms responsible for wheezing, a condition affecting up to a quarter of the world's population. They developed a 'tube law' to predict when wheezing occurs and could lead to a cheaper and faster diagnostic for lung disease.
A new algorithm developed by researchers at the University of Copenhagen can detect unusual disease trajectories in COPD patients that may indicate a different diagnosis, such as lung cancer. The algorithm was trained on data from 284,000 patients and identified approximately 69,000 typical disease trajectories.
Researchers found that inhaling unfragmented hyaluronan improves lung function in patients with severe COPD, shortening hospital stays and decreasing breathing support needs. The treatment also aids mucus transport and promotes recovery.
Researchers found that Ninjin'yoeito enhanced PGC-1α expression in skeletal muscle, improving muscle mass loss in aging mice. This study suggests a potential treatment for COPD patients with severe sarcopenia frailty.
Researchers found that nearly all insulation materials, except aerogels, were associated with chest infections. Insulators are also at risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from exposure to asbestos.
Researchers found significant differences in gut microbiome and metabolite profiles between COPD patients and healthy individuals. The study suggests that stool sampling could be used to non-invasively diagnose and monitor for COPD.
The new ATS clinical practice guideline provides comprehensive guidance on long-term and ambulatory oxygen therapy for adults with COPD and ILD. The guideline recommends LTOT for severe chronic resting room air hypoxemia in both COPD and ILD patients, and suggests ambulatory oxygen for moderate exertional room air hypoxemia in COPD pat...
A study published in Information Systems Research found that online reviews of physicians do not reliably indicate the quality of care provided by a physician, especially for chronic-disease patients. The researchers examined 10 years of COPD patient admission-discharge data and scored online reviews on one of the ranking websites.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have found a promising therapeutic approach against COPD by blocking lung epithelial cell death and triggering tissue regeneration. The novel treatment targets the lymphotoxin beta receptor signaling pathway, leading to improved lung function and reduced comorbidities.
Temple Lung Center enrolls first patient in RejuvenAir clinical trial to treat moderate to severe COPD with CB; aims to address daily symptom burden and hospitalization risk. The system delivers metered doses of liquid nitrogen spray to targeted airways, potentially allowing new cells to regrow.
A study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that wearing face masks has minimal impact on gas exchange in healthy individuals and those with severe lung impairment. The researchers stress the importance of wearing masks to prevent COVID-19 infection, especially for patients with lung disease.
Researchers found a significant association between cannabinoids and negative respiratory health effects in older adults with COPD. The study, published in Thorax, showed that higher doses of cannabinoids were linked to increased hospitalizations and all-cause death among patients with the disease.
A collection of articles reviews the literature on using isokinetic testing to measure muscle strength in older adults with conditions such as COPD and stroke. The studies provide evidence for the validity and reliability of isokinetic strength testing, but highlight limitations in responsiveness and practicality.
A Rutgers-led national survey found that 83% of doctors strongly believed nicotine contributed to heart disease, despite its primary risk being addiction. The study suggests physicians need better understanding of nicotine risks to assist patients addicted to tobacco products.
Researchers discovered neuromedin B, a nervous system protein, prevents overactive immune responses and damaging inflammation in diseases like asthma, allergies, and COPD. The study provides hope for possible treatments using NMB to treat inflammatory diseases.