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Featured articles from the journal CHEST, November 2021

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.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·JournalCHEST Journal·DateNov 8, 2021

Air pollution and proximity to blue and green spaces found to be key factors affecting quality of life of people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

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.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateNov 5, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

New X-ray technology: Dark-field X-ray technology improves diagnosis of pulmonary ailments

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Simple, low cost tests could help China’s battle to identify COPD sufferers

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.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMJ Open·DateOct 5, 2021

A Chinese medical journal review sheds light on T-cell responses in respiratory diseases

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.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 30, 2021

Scientists show how mucus protein contributes to worsening COPD, asthma, lung conditions

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.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Repeated injury to airway stem cells could be major factor in chronic lung disease

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.

SourceAlphaMed Press·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Study finds surprising early COPD risks for US Hispanics/Latinos

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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 2021

Study identifies key risk factors for early COPD among US Hispanic/Latinos

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.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateSep 17, 2021

Hotter weather is linked to increases in COPD exacerbations

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.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 2, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Preoperative chest CT improves assessment of postoperative mechanical ventilation

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...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeCase study·DateSep 2, 2021

Tailoring treatment of patients with the lung disease COPD

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.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeNews article·DateAug 25, 2021

Phase 1 clinical study reveals how stem cells alleviate COPD inflammation in humans

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.

SourceAlphaMed Press·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 18, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

To avoid severe COVID-19 outcomes, people with asthma should stay on top of the condition with control medication during the pandemic

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.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalThe Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology In Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 10, 2021

Breathe easy: New research to improve inhaler effectiveness

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.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 10, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Researchers reverse emphysema in mice by injecting blood vessel wall cells

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...

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 21, 2021

A breath of fresh air for emphysema research

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.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 19, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Is elevated level of lung protein an early predictor for COPD?

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.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateJun 3, 2021

A novel defense mechanism for SARS-CoV-2 discovered

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.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Immunology·DateMay 21, 2021

Researchers identify genes responsible for loss of lung function

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThorax·DateMay 11, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Air pollution may affect severity and hospitalization in COVID-19 patients

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.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalRespiratory Medicine·DateApr 14, 2021

Amoeba biology reveals potential treatment target for lung disease

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateApr 13, 2021

Chest CT illuminates mortality risk in people with COPD

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.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateApr 6, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Researchers identify 'violent' processes that cause wheezing in the lungs

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 23, 2021

Researchers develop algorithm to find possible misdiagnosis

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2021
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Healthy muscles are a carrot on a string for healthy lungs

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.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalInternational Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease·DateDec 2, 2020

Insulators in Alberta at higher risk of chest infections, COPD: study

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.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 26, 2020

Gut microbiome link to deadly lung disease

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.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 19, 2020

Home oxygen therapy for adults with COPD and ILD: New ATS clinical practice guideline

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...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 17, 2020

Researchers examine if online physician reviews indicate clinical outcomes

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateNov 9, 2020
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Promising therapeutic approach against COPD

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.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2020

Face masks unlikely to cause over-exposure to CO2, even in patients with lung disease

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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateOct 2, 2020

Measuring muscle strength provides insights regarding weakness in older adults

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.

SourceIOS Press·JournalIsokinetics and Exercise Science·DateSep 30, 2020
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Study says inhalers ok to use amid COVID-19 concerns

Researchers at University of Huddersfield found that the benefits of using inhalers and nebulisers containing steroids outweigh the risks despite COVID-19 concerns. The study confirms that patients with asthma or COPD can continue using their regular medicines, including steroids.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalRespiratory Medicine·DateJul 9, 2020

Undersized airways may explain why nonsmokers get COPD

A new study found that people with small airways relative to their lungs' volume are at increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) regardless of smoking habits. Individuals with smaller airways had the poorest lung function and were 8 times more likely to develop COPD.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateJun 9, 2020

Compact electronic nose to identify human lung diseases

A compact sensor system using modified carbon nanotubes detects high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in exhaled air, indicating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other respiratory issues. The device's sensitivity is shown to detect biomarkers for specific diseases, including lung cancer and asthma.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateMay 14, 2020
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

COPD and smoking associated with higher COVID-19 mortality

A new study has found that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and smokers are at a higher risk of severe complications and mortality from COVID-19. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,500 patients with COVID-19 and found that COPD was associated with a 63% risk of severe disease and a 60% risk of mortality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 11, 2020