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Critical/intensive care: Huge investments needed for increasing demand in rich and poor countries; UK has one of lowest numbers of intensive care beds per head in developed world

The UK faces a critical care crisis with one of the lowest numbers of intensive care unit beds, leading to concerns about its ability to cope with large-scale disasters. Increasing demand driven by ageing populations and lack of effective interventions will require huge investments for high-income and poor countries.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 8, 2010

Stem cells restore tissue affected by ALI

Researchers used clinical-grade human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to treat ALI, restoring normal function of alveolar epithelial cells and reducing inflammatory cytokines. The study found that intravenous delivery of hMSCs was as effective as intrabronchial administration in repairing damaged lung tissue.

Healing badly damaged lungs: Distinct set of white blood cells found to set the pace of wound repair

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a distinct set of white blood cells called regulatory T cells that play a crucial role in wound repair after serious lung injury. The study found that these cells can be sped up or slowed down, either aiding or hindering healing in severely damaged lung tissue.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 21, 2009

Pulmonary CT angiography identifies disease and injury beyond the pulmonary arteries in children

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that CT angiography can identify diseases and injuries beyond the pulmonary arteries in children. Researchers evaluated 89 CTA exams with suspected pulmonary embolism and found alternative diagnoses in 59% of cases, including pneumonia and atelectasis.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateAug 19, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 11, 2008

Researchers identified A2BAR as a potential therapeutic target for acute lung injury, which spontaneously resolves in some individuals. Additionally, human immune cells' secreted proteins enhance the clearance of bacteria by other immune cells, offering a new mechanism for bacterial infections.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 11, 2008

Minor leg injuries associated with risk of blood clots

A study of 2,471 patients with venous thrombosis found a three-fold greater relative risk associated with minor leg injuries that don't require surgery or extended bed rest. These injuries may increase blood clotting risk due to reduced activity and damage to blood vessel walls.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 14, 2008

Renal function and heart disease, and more

Researchers found a moderate increase in risk of coronary heart disease associated with very low estimated glomerular filtration rate, according to a new prospective study and systematic review published in PLOS Medicine. The study suggests that renal function may be an important factor in the development of cardiovascular disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 3, 2007

JCI table of contents, May 18, 2006

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a non-invasive method to measure beta cell mass in diabetic rats using positron emission tomography (PET)-based quantitation of pancreatic radiolabeled VMAT2 receptors. This method has the potential to study the pathogenesis of diabetes and monitor therapeutic interventions.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 18, 2006

American Thoracic Society journal news tips for October 2005 (first issue)

A study in children with moderate to severe allergic asthma found that measuring nitric oxide levels in the breath can determine the most effective inhaled corticosteroid dose. The results showed a significant reduction in inflammation level compared to symptom-based treatment. Additionally, an increase in a specific stem cell subtype ...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 3, 2005

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for May 2004 (first issue)

A study found that furosemide inhalation alleviated severe breathlessness in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, researchers developed a new model for neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) using nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) therapy.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 30, 2004