Articles tagged with Respiratory Disorders
A new study reveals that face masks can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of Covid-19 transmission, with risks decreasing by up to 99% when worn correctly. The researchers developed a more advanced model to assess viral exposure risks and found that even short distances become negligible with proper mask-wearing.
The study reveals that asbestos minerals undergo changes that resemble self-defense when internalized by human lung cells. These changes include the formation of an iron-rich layer on the minerals, which may be a mechanism to protect the cell from toxicity.
The ATS 2022 International Conference will take place in San Francisco from May 15-18, featuring a gathering of scientists and clinicians in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. The conference will showcase accelerated research and clinical applications across lung diseases, including COVID-19.
Researchers aim to eliminate respirable coal mine dust toxicity with chemical additives, targeting ultrafine particles and quartz. The project will investigate particle surface chemistry and aging effects on toxicity, with potential applications in metal, non-metal mining, and construction.
A new study suggests that incomplete lung cell repair may contribute to the development of chronic fibrotic lung disease in COVID-19 and non-COVID patients. The research proposes novel therapies to promote healthy regeneration and prevent scarring.
Research suggests a possible silver lining for great ape conservation: a decline in respiratory illnesses among wild mountain gorillas in Rwanda since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The reduced number of outbreaks correlates with decreased human-gorilla proximity and additional health measures.
Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare cancer affecting up to 1 in 1 million women worldwide, characterized by uncontrolled tumor cell growth. Researchers aim to identify new therapeutic targets using extracellular vesicles, with the goal of developing new therapies for LAM patients.
Researchers found that higher monocyte counts are linked to early signs of injury and scarring on lung imaging among community-dwelling adults. This suggests that hyperactive monocytes may contribute to lung injury at the early stages of interstitial lung disease.
Scientists at UC Riverside and UCLA have engineered nanoparticles to serve as 'molecular traps' that bind to SARS-CoV-2, preventing it from attacking macrophages and inducing inflammation. The findings suggest potential therapeutic strategies for treating COVID-19-associated diseases.
A cross-disciplinary team identified a previously unknown genetic cause of interstitial lung disease in a 2-year-old child, revealing a variant in the RAB5B gene that causes surfactant dysfunction. The discovery may lead to finding answers for other patients with similar conditions.
A new study found that patients with chronic non-communicable diseases are more than twice as likely to die from any cause if they also have a psychiatric comorbidity. Comorbid psychiatric disorders were associated with higher all-cause mortality rates, ranging from 5.5-21.1%.
A large data analysis reveals that primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is more common than initially estimated, with a prevalence of 1 in 7,500 people globally. The study also found ethnic heterogeneity in PCD-causing gene variants, with African descent and non-Finnish European groups showing higher rates.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have discovered that lung macrophages develop in two different ways, with fetal precursor cells dividing faster to remove microorganisms early on. The study's findings can help limit organ damage and promote new treatments for lung diseases.
Research finds a heightened risk of bronchitic symptoms and shortness of breath among young adults exposed to secondhand nicotine vapour from e-cigarettes. Exposure to ultrafine particles, volatile compounds, and metals can harm lung tissue.
A study found that consuming more than 7 grams of olive oil per day is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative, and respiratory disease mortality. Replacing margarine, butter, mayonnaise, and dairy fat with olive oil was also linked to improved health outcomes.
A pilot study suggests that machine learning algorithms combining EKG and electronic health record data can more effectively screen for pulmonary embolisms than current tests. The fusion model was found to be 15-30% more effective at accurately identifying cases, especially severe ones.
A recent study found that a substantial decline in lung cancer deaths is associated with earlier diagnosis of lung cancer through increased screening via computed tomography (CT) and follow-up scans. This approach can lead to surgical interventions, which can often be curative for precancerous nodules.
Scientists have found that the gene PBK is overexpressed in pulmonary hypertension, causing excessive cell proliferation and thickening of pulmonary artery walls. They are now exploring PBK inhibitors to reduce cell proliferation and improve heart and lung function.
A clinical trial has revealed that COVID-19 patients on ventilators have less surfactant in their lungs due to the virus. The researchers suggest that giving extra surfactant for a longer period could help save lives by supporting breathing and allowing lung cells to repair after the infection passes.
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.
During the pandemic, Twitter sentiment around vaping went from broadly positive to mostly negative, likely due to concerns over its link to COVID-19 infection. The study analyzed tweets and found a significant shift in public opinion on the risks associated with vaping.
Researchers report that combining infection and vaccination produces high-quality antibodies effective against COVID-19 variants. The study found that prior-infected individuals who received a vaccine had potent antibodies against new variants, contrary to previous findings suggesting reduced potency.
A new study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC finds that Medicaid expansion is associated with a significant reduction in mortality rates. The study, which tracked data from 2014-2018, found that expanding Medicaid coverage resulted in an estimated 3.8% decrease in adult deaths per year.
A clinical study found that severe COVID-19 patients exhibit impaired microvascular function, which correlates with disease severity. Non-invasive near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring may help predict disease course and select responders to novel therapies.
A Houston Methodist study found that lifting COVID-19 restrictions led to a rapid return of seasonal respiratory viruses, highlighting the effectiveness of masking and distancing measures. The study's findings demonstrate that these precautions can suppress all respiratory viruses, not just COVID-19.
The European Union and European Economic Area saw a significant decline in antibiotic consumption in 2020, with a 18% decrease compared to 2019. This decline was largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to reduced primary care consultations for mild infections.
Researchers have developed a 3D cell culturing platform that allows study of lung fibroblasts and their microenvironment, enabling measurement of cell behaviors and microenvironment changes involved in IPF disease progression. The system's versatility enables personalized medicine and potential applications in studying other diseases.
Researchers at NIH have discovered a therapy that targets host cells rather than bacterial cells in treating bacterial pneumonia. By boosting macrophage eating capacity using EETs inhibitors, they reduced bacteria numbers in lung tissue and improved treatment outcomes.
A new Cleveland Clinic study found that patients with certain sleep disorders have a 31% higher rate of hospitalization and mortality from COVID-19. The research team analyzed retrospective data from 5,400 patients and found that sleep-related hypoxia translates to worse COVID-19 outcomes.
Researchers found that geriatric cotton rats given ibuprofen cleared RSV more quickly than those without the drug. Ibuprofen improved immune response by lowering aging-related inflammation, suggesting a potential role for the drug in providing lasting immunity against RSV.
The WVCTSI will deploy a mobile clinical trials unit in West Virginia, addressing health disparities and increasing participation in clinical research. The 39-foot Winnebago will provide on-site clinical trials and follow-up visits to rural residents.
A study found that cardiopulmonary exercise testing is highly applicable for early detection of respiratory disorders in obese individuals. The test assesses physiological responses to exercise and identifies potential issues before symptoms appear.
A team of experts from Tel Aviv University has identified 5 coronavirus proteins responsible for damaging blood vessels. The researchers hope that the identification will lead to the development of targeted drugs that reduce vascular damage in COVID-19 patients.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a psoriasis medicine worsened symptoms in patients with severe asthma. The trial tested risankizumab, an injectable treatment for psoriasis, and showed it did not improve asthma symptoms, but rather made them worse.
Researchers identified a clear-cut seasonal pattern in respiratory viruses, with peaks in January and lows in June, affecting hospital admissions. The study found that babies born in severe peak years were more likely to be infected and hospitalized, highlighting the importance of planning ahead for high seasons of illnesses.
A new vaccine has shown significant protection against Valley fever in dogs, offering hope for a potential human vaccine. The study found that two doses provided high levels of protection against the fungal disease.
Researchers found that a screening blood test for major blood clots in the lungs is still useful for ruling out pulmonary embolism in COVID patients, with low D-dimer levels indicating no clot presence. The test can help avoid more expensive and invasive diagnostic tests, reducing patient safety risks.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh and Prairie View A&M University developed an algorithm to repurpose cancer drugs for pulmonary hypertension, a devastating lung disease. Two compounds improved human cells and rodent markers, supporting broader drug-repurposing platform use.
A deep learning algorithm from VUNO improved radiologists' sensitivity for detecting reticular opacity on chest radiographs in patients with mild to severe interstitial lung disease. The algorithm accuracy reached 98.5% and improved interobserver agreement, suggesting its potential for screening suspected ILD patients.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that respiratory diseases can spread rapidly within wild mountain gorilla groups but are less likely to spread between neighboring groups. The study suggests that strategies preventing initial transmission into a group may be most effective in limiting disease spread.
Researchers at USask discovered excessive sodium absorption in small airways of CF patients, providing new insights into the disease. The study's findings have the potential to improve life for people with CF who cannot benefit from existing medications.
Researchers used an evolutionary approach to identify proteins that coevolve with the ACE2 receptor, which may contribute to COVID-19 complications. Disruptions in these interactions could lead to abnormal blood clotting and inflammation responses, causing tissue and organ damage.
A single-center study in Libreville, Gabon, found that COVID-19 severity and death were associated with advanced age and stage of lung damage. The study involved 837 patients with no symptoms in 63% of cases.
A recent study found that individuals with COVID-19 are at a higher risk of developing phlebitis and thrombophlebitis, as well as blood clots in the leg and lung. The study also identified associations between general COVID-19 susceptibility and increased blood clot events and circulatory diseases.
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.
New research from Edith Cowan University reveals responders to the 9/11 terrorist attacks are still suffering 20 years later, with many facing significant health issues related to the event. Cancer and mental health concerns are particularly prevalent among responders.
A large-scale UK study confirms that COVID-19 vaccines are effective in reducing severe illness and hospitalisation. The study found that people who received one or two vaccine doses had lower odds of severe disease or hospitalisation than unvaccinated individuals, with a significant reduction in long COVID cases.
A new study created a model to show how dysfunction of air sac cells initiates fibrotic cascade in lung diseases like IPF and chILD. The study used patient-specific cells with altered genes to test novel therapeutics, offering hope for developing effective treatments without risky biopsies.
A comprehensive review finds that many respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and measles, can spread through airborne transmission via aerosols. The study's findings suggest that indoor air quality and ventilation play a crucial role in reducing the transmission of infectious virus-laden aerosols.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that infection triggers the expression of a protein called IL-33, leading to overgrowth of air spaces and increased mucus production. The researchers suggest that blocking this process could prevent chronic lung damage caused by viral infections.
A US nationwide cohort study found that nearly 85% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were not back to their pre-COVID lives one month later. The study also revealed significant factors driving people's inability to recover, including a lack of follow-up healthcare services and new disabilities preventing daily activities.
A large-scale surveillance study in Madurai, India, found that comorbidities are a significant predictor of positive RT-PCR testing. The study also revealed an equal risk of asymptomatic infection among children, teenagers, and working-age adults, highlighting the importance of non-communicable disease control in COVID-19 containment s...
Scientists investigated a method to enhance immunotherapy for lung cancer and found that combining it with certain chemotherapy drugs could eliminate harmful immune cells. This approach showed promising results in preclinical studies, inducing the regression of about 70% of tumors.
A UK team developed a portable ventilator to treat COVID-19 patients in developing countries. The Field Ventilator can be used beyond COVID-19 to treat various respiratory diseases and patients needing respiratory support.
Researchers discovered a protein called CTRP9 associated with pulmonary function in scleroderma patients with interstitial lung disease. Patients with higher CTRP9 levels developed more severe lung disease, while low levels were linked to preserved function. The study suggests CTRP9 could help predict treatment needs for these patients.
Dr. Anthony Shum, MD, receives $80,000 from the ATS Research Program and chILD Foundation for his project on defining childhood ILD in COPA syndrome. The study aims to link the innate immune adapter molecule STING to disease.
A new study reveals that common OTC drugs for sore throat are more harm than good, causing inflammation and damage to upper respiratory cells. Biovanta, a naturally derived drug, has been shown to reduce inflammation and treat respiratory inflammation effectively.
A study using Finnish data found that the MUC5B promoter variant is a strong predictor of developing interstitial lung disease in people with rheumatoid arthritis, with a lifetime risk of 14.5% by age 80. The risk difference starts to emerge at age 65 and is highest in men with RA who are MUC5B carriers.
The West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute Project ECHO program has been recognized as an ECHO Superhub, enabling outreach support to healthcare providers nationwide. With this designation, WVCTSI can offer training and expertise to establish new ECHO programs, reducing health disparities in underserved areas.
Research presented at the ATS 2021 International Conference found that patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) living in poor neighborhoods experience poorer outcomes, including increased mortality and reduced odds of receiving a lung transplant. The study highlights the impact of environmental factors on disease progression.