Articles tagged with Respiratory Disorders
Replacing biomass-burning cookstoves in sub-Saharan Africa could save 463,000 lives and $66 billion in health costs. However, adoption has been sluggish due to high upfront costs, with many households unable to afford cleaner alternatives.
Among U.S. children and teenagers, COVID-19 was the 8th leading cause of death in a two-year period, highlighting its significant mortality burden. The study suggests that underreporting and incomplete accounting for COVID-19's role in deaths from other diseases may have underestimated its true impact.
Researchers at Aston University are working with Isterian Biotech to develop small molecule inhibitors targeting transglutaminase 2, a key enzyme in fibrosis. The goal is to stop or reverse pathological crosslinking of proteins that lead to fibrotic diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
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.
Researchers have discovered that more than 2,500 genes exhibit significant sex differences in expression in mouse alveolar type II cells, potentially explaining sex biases in lung diseases. These findings suggest that AT2 cells may play a crucial role in sex-biased differences in lung injury and repair.
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.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that participants following at least one of four healthy eating patterns had a lower risk of premature death and reduced mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory disease. The study's findings are consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for America.
The procedure requires thorough pre-procedural evaluation and assessment of anatomical and hemodynamic data. Long-term results indicate that TPVR can effectively restore RVOT function, while improving survival rates and reducing the need for reintervention across age groups. Vigilant testing is recommended to avoid rare but serious com...
A UC Riverside study found that farmworkers in the Eastern Coachella Valley lack information and means to advocate for better public health due to language barriers, job insecurity, and limited access to healthcare. The study highlights disproportionate respiratory illness affecting Latinx children living near the Salton Sea.
A study suggests that increasing the inefficiency of physical activity, like walking in the style of Monty Python's Mr. Teabag, can have important public health benefits. Adults could achieve global physical activity targets by doing just a few minutes of teabag-style walking per day.
The Inflation Reduction Act offers significant benefits for public health through its tax credits and financial incentives. The law aims to reduce the adverse health effects of climate change by targeting greenhouse gases, conventional air pollutants, and carcinogenic chemical contaminants. By providing a more politically feasible appr...
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.
Researchers found that adult hospitalisations from Omicron-related SARS-CoV-2 infections were less severe than those from Delta infections. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was effective in preventing hospitalisations and severe outcomes, even with increasing Omicron variant transmissibility.
Research highlights the need for high-quality studies on tropical cyclones in low- and middle-income countries to understand long-term consequences. The public health impact extends beyond injuries and cardiovascular diseases, affecting neuropsychiatric conditions and infectious diseases.
A global Phase 2/3 clinical trial found that vaccination with SCB-2019 reduced the risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 infection to household members. The study showed a significant reduction in symptomatic cases among vaccinated household contacts and indicated that vaccines can play an important role in controlling future outbreaks.
A randomized controlled trial found that oral ENT-01 significantly improves constipation and possibly neurological symptoms in persons with Parkinson disease. The treatment is safe for up to 25 days, with a dose-dependent effect that persists beyond the treatment period.
A recent study analyzing Amazon Rainforest fires from 2003-2020 reveals that most fires are caused by uncontrolled human use of fire for agriculture and deforestation. The study found that Brazil accounted for an average of 73% of detected fires, with pasturelands and natural grasslands being the main burned areas.
Researchers at Jacobs University have found that a compound in coffee, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, can inhibit the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the ACE-2 receptor, potentially providing protection against COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that regular coffee drinkers may be less likely to contract the virus.
UCR researchers find that modern ventilators overextend certain regions of the lungs, causing stress and damage, unlike natural breathing. They propose a new thick-walled model to better understand pulmonary mechanics and improve ventilation strategies.
A research team developed a smart mask integrating an ultrathin soundwave sensor that detects breathing, coughing, and speaking sounds. The mask uses machine-learning algorithms to identify respiratory diseases and improve public health by enabling prolonged monitoring.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have developed a new computational method to map the architecture of human tissues in unprecedented detail. This approach enables powerful new diagnostic strategies for a wide range of diseases, including cancer and chronic conditions.
Dr. George Alba has been named the inaugural American Thoracic Society/American Lung Association/American College of Chest Physicians- Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program Scholar. He will receive $420,000 over four years to support his research on pulmonary vascular thrombosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
The American Association for Thoracic Surgery published an Expert Consensus Document recommending use of mechanical circulatory support before, during, and after lung transplantation. The guidelines include recommendations for veno-venous ECMO and central veno-arterial ECMO.
A new study suggests that niclosamide, an anthelmintic drug, shows promise in combating exaggerated inflammation associated with severe COVID-19. The drug's anti-inflammatory effects are attributed to its inhibition of the inflammasome mechanism, a protein complex present in defense cells.
A new study found that air pollution from factories and vehicles is associated with faster disease progression and premature death for patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease. Increasing levels of PM2.5 were linked to more severe disease, faster disease progression, and higher likelihood of dying sooner.
A national study found that patients with cardiovascular disease had a higher mortality rate than those without, but this association was largely due to shared risk factors. Myocardial injury was common among critically ill COVID-19 patients and associated with poor outcomes.
A recent study analyzed the records of over 33,000 dementia patients in Wales and found that those closest to their diagnosis were taking an average of three or more medications. This suggests a possible link between polypharmacy and the development of dementia.
The Independent Task Force Report emphasizes the need for a One Health approach to prevent or respond adequately to the next pandemic. Key findings highlight the importance of 'Smart Surveillance' to identify high-threat pathogens and invest in R&D for innovative diagnostics, antiviral strategies, and therapeutic research.
Researchers at CNIO have identified alveolar type II pneumocytes as the primary cell type responsible for developing pulmonary fibrosis. The study reveals that targeting these cells through telomere-based therapy may lead to a breakthrough in treating this debilitating disease.
Researchers mapped the spread of pathogens in wild macaque populations near human settlements, finding that monkeys with high human interactions cause larger outbreaks. The study used computer simulations to predict disease transmission and identified key factors influencing outbreak size.
A new study found that small mammals can serve as reservoirs for fungi that cause lung infections in humans. The researchers detected fungal pathogens in the lung tissues of rodents from areas with high rates of disease.
A recent study has found an association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and new-onset type 1 diabetes among pediatric patients. The study analyzed data from electronic health records and found that children who contracted COVID-19 were more likely to develop new type 1 diabetes compared to those with other respiratory infections.
A large study of former smokers found that those adhering to evidence-based recommendations for body weight, diet, physical activity, and alcohol intake had a significantly lower risk of death. The study included nearly 160,000 older U.S. adults and showed that better lifestyle habits can reduce mortality risk from various causes.
A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that blood samples from long COVID patients show signs of autoimmune disease a year after infection. Nearly 80% of patients had autoantibodies in their blood, which persisted in around 30% of cases.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that adults with more chronic health conditions are at higher risk of serious financial problems, including late payments, poor credit scores, and bankruptcy. The study analyzed nearly 3 million privately insured adults and found that those with seven or more chronic conditions had three to four...
A deficiency in gene regulation disrupts the clearance of surfactant lipids in alveolar macrophages, leading to their bloating and foaming. This defect is associated with conditions like pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, obesity, and atherosclerosis.
A study reveals that alveolar macrophages, responsible for filtering bacteria and viruses from the lungs, fail to function properly when lacking a crucial transcription factor called C/EBPb. This leads to an accumulation of surfactant in the lungs, causing pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP), a hitherto incurable disease.
A new study by the University of Georgia finds that current vaccine approaches are unlikely to eradicate measles, with a basic reproduction number of 18 for measles. The researchers propose novel approaches to improve vaccine coverage equity and reevaluate cessation criteria to prevent outbreaks.
A gold standard document provides evidence-driven recommendations for individualized activity and exercise plans in people with cystic fibrosis. The Exeter Activity Unlimited Statement integrates physiological, psychological, and social benefits of being physically active to support clinical teams.
A study of Irish teenagers found that those whose parents smoked were 55% more likely to try e-cigarettes. The proportion who had tried e-cigarettes increased from 23% in 2014 to 39% in 2019. This trend is concerning, as vaping can lead to nicotine addiction and other health problems.
A new study reveals that exploiting mitohormesis, a biological phenomenon where mild cellular stress boosts health and viability, can induce tolerance to influenza infection. Researchers identified a novel molecule, 9-tert-butyldoxycycline, which triggers beneficial mitochondrial responses that reduce tissue damage and inflammation.
A large study found associations between steroid use and structural changes in brain white and grey matter, which may explain neuropsychiatric side effects. Steroid use was associated with reduced white matter structure and altered brain structures involved in cognitive and emotional processing.
A study published in PLOS ONE demonstrates that adding two 8-inch rubber bands to a surgical mask can improve its protective seal against particle exposure to N-95 levels. Thirty-one of 40 test subjects achieved modified masks that passed an N95 fit test, with improved results over time.
A new study identifies nitric oxide as a key molecule in the β2-adrenergic receptor feedback loop, mediating airway relaxation. The research team discovered that preventing nitric oxide's feedback mechanism leads to a powerful airway relaxant. Mice with a specific mutation in the β2 AR gene are resistant to bronchoconstriction and asthma.
Research shows higher concentrations of pathogenic dust landing at lower elevations in the Sierra Nevada mountains, carrying fungi and bacteria that can cause crop failures and human respiratory disease. The study highlights the increasing threat of microbe-laden dust as the Earth dries out.
The ISM Annual Meeting highlights new topics in oral, vaginal, skin, and gut microbiota, as well as their metabolites and potential implications in diseases like cancer, depression, and stroke. The meeting aims to explore the mechanism behind microbiota efficacy and its potential application in precision medicine.
A multicenter study found that preterm children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia who attend daycare are more likely to visit the emergency department, use systemic steroids, and experience chronic respiratory symptoms. The risk of these complications is highest in infants under 1 year old and may persist until 36 months of age.
A study of 17,000 US primary care patients with COPD found 49.9% experiencing multiple exacerbation episodes despite treatment. Patients reported high symptoms and breathlessness, highlighting the need for non-pharmacologic treatments and improved physician education.
The American Academy of Family Physicians has been awarded a $31 million funding to conduct a large-scale study on the comparative effectiveness of asthma treatments. The study will focus on inhaled steroids and specific antibiotics, alone or together, in over 3,000 patients with asthma aged 12 and over.
Researchers identified common cellular mechanisms and dysfunctional processes driving post-COVID lung disease, similar to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study found shared gene expression patterns and endoplasmic reticulum stress as early triggers of both conditions.
A new study found outliers in influenza-negative ILI cases in global surveillance networks 13.3 weeks before the first reported COVID-19 peaks in 16 countries. This suggests undetected spread of COVID-19 and highlights the importance of strengthening disease surveillance networks.
A new treatment approach using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) may help reduce cystic fibrosis symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with a specific gene mutation. The ASO strategy tricks cells into making an imperfect but functional version of the CFTR protein, which is better than having none at all.
A UC Riverside study reports that switching from combustible cigarettes to electronic cigarettes does not restore the nasal epithelium to that of a non-smoker. The researchers found alterations in gene expression profiles associated with cigarette smokers, indicating potential harm from prolonged EC use.
A multicenter study found that traditional Chinese medicine Yupingfeng was as effective as allopathic drugs in treating recurrent respiratory tract infections in children. The study showed a substantially greater reduction in RRTI events and similar safety profiles across all three groups.
A new study by University of Missouri found that Black nursing home residents and those under 65 are significantly more likely to experience repeat hospital transfers. This phenomenon can be attributed to various factors including 'full-code' status regarding end-of-life care, comorbidities, and inadequate staffing. The study suggests ...
A new study found that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is associated with an increased risk of having a cluster of multiple chronic diseases, particularly cardio-metabolic and respiratory conditions. The analysis revealed four distinct multimorbidity clusters, with lower PM2.5 exposure linked to musculoskeletal conditions.
A new study published in BMJ Open Respiratory Research found that cannabis users are 22% more likely to visit the emergency department or be hospitalized compared to non-users. Serious physical injury and respiratory-reasons were the leading causes of ED visits and hospitalizations among cannabis users.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have improved the ability of a protein to repair oxidative DNA damage, creating a new drug development concept. The technique can lead to improved treatments for diseases involving oxidative stress.
Cases of Kawasaki disease fell in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic and remained low during masking and school closure. The findings suggest a respiratory portal of entry for the trigger agent(s), consistent with social behavior influencing exposure.
Researchers found significant decrease in national Kawasaki disease cases in 2020, coinciding with school closures and masking mandates. KD cases rebounded after lifting of masks and return of in-person schooling, hinting at respiratory portal of entry as trigger.