Articles tagged with Respiratory Disorders
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study by Queen Mary University of London found that 26% of patients with asthma are overusing rescue inhalers, which can lead to poor asthma control and increased risk of severe attacks. By reducing SABA overprescribing, hospitals can see a 70% decrease in asthma-related hospital admissions.
A study using PET/CT revealed that residual COVID-19 symptoms can be attributed to ongoing lung inflammation. Treatment with steroids and antifibrotic drugs significantly decreased inflammatory activity.
Researchers used bacteriophage therapy to treat 20 complex, antibiotic-resistant lung infections in a clinical trial, resulting in no adverse reactions. More than half of treated patients experienced symptom improvement or reduced bacterial presence. The study's findings advance the promise of phage therapy as an alternative to traditi...
A University of Washington-led team found that people in China with higher socioeconomic status are more exposed to outdoor air pollution. The study discovered a unique correlation between socioeconomic status and ambient air pollution levels, which runs counter to existing studies conducted in the US.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have discovered that zinc, a common mineral, plays an important role in reversing lung damage and improving survival for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). By identifying a molecular pathway involving zinc, the team hopes to develop new therapies to reverse IPF-related lung damage.
A secondary analysis of the MOVe-OUT trial found molnupiravir-treated participants had a decreased need for respiratory interventions and fewer COVID-19-related acute care visits. Additionally, they showed faster normalization of biomarkers and were discharged earlier than placebo-treated patients.
Researchers analyzed 140 complete autopsies of COVID-19 patients and found the most frequent profile is men aged 60-77 with acute lung injury, often accompanied by vascular disease, heart disease, and diabetes. This profile was associated with a shorter time to death.
A study found that COVID-19 disrupted RSV's seasonal pattern, leading to a 'collapse' of existing strains and emergence of new ones. The pandemic also accelerated the spread and evolution of other viruses like influenza.
A recent study published in Pharmaceutics suggests that berberine can suppress the proliferation of lung cancer cells, reduce airway inflammation, and modulate genes involved in inflammation. The researchers used liquid crystalline nanoparticles to enhance safety and effectiveness.
A study by Brazilian scientists reveals that autophagy can modulate the accumulation of mutant mitochondrial DNA in cells during aging. The researchers found that mice with liver-specific atg7 knockout showed reduced buildup of mutant DNA, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for diseases associated with mitochondrial DNA mutations.
A recent study reveals that 91% of athletes display dysfunctional breathing patterns, which can lead to increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries. The study emphasizes the importance of screening and addressing these patterns through targeted interventions and breathing training protocols.
A new study found that vaccinated people with mild breakthrough COVID-19 infections can experience debilitating long COVID symptoms. Vaccination reduced the risk of death by 34% and long COVID by 15%, but not all manifestations were prevented. Researchers emphasize the need for additional layers of protection to mitigate risks.
Researchers have discovered that short-chain fatty acid acetate from the gut microbiota can minimize the effects of infection by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and mitigate its severity. The compound was found to activate antiviral molecules, such as RIG-I, which are effective against RSV, leading to a 88% reduction in viral load.
The Mount Sinai Hospital will recruit eight postdoctoral trainees for a five-year fellowship program in emergency care research. The program aims to investigate complex medical questions and lead to studies transforming patient care.
A multicenter trial found that brensocatib did not reduce clinical deterioration or mortality in severe COVID-19 patients. However, a sub-study revealed an anti-inflammatory effect of DPP1 inhibition on neutrophil protease enzymes, which may be beneficial for treating bronchiectasis.
A study published at ATS 2022 found that imatinib reduced mortality rates by 28.9% and shortened ICU stays among critically ill COVID-19 patients. The drug also improved ventilation outcomes and reduced the need for supplemental oxygen.
The substudy of the ADVOCATE trial found avacopan reduced glucocorticoid use by 86% in ANCA-associated vasculitis patients with respiratory and ENT involvement, while also showing superiority in remission compared to prednisone.
According to a study published at the ATS 2022 international conference, nearly half of patients with abnormal findings in lung cancer screening experienced delays in following up. The median delay time was 91 days, with current smokers having longer delays than former smokers.
Research published at ATS 2022 found that historically redlined neighborhoods in California have higher COVID-19 case and death rates, with incidence rates 3.34 times higher than non-redlined areas
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine found that COVID-19, MIS-C and Kawasaki disease share similar underlying molecular patterns. The study reveals that MIS-C is a more severe version of the immune response than KD, with potential implications for improved disease diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers discovered that e-cigarette vendors are adding synthetic cooling agents WS-3 and WS-23 to their products, which can cause organ toxicity. The study found that these agents were present in most popular e-cigarette brands, including Puffbar, and posed a risk to users, particularly when consumed regularly.
A study found that significant racial disparities in emphysema prevalence occur predominantly among Black adults, even after adjusting for socioeconomic status and smoking. Traditional measures of lung health using race-specific norms may be under-recognizing impaired respiratory health in Black individuals.
A study of over 8 million adults in England found significant increases in neuropsychiatric illnesses after hospitalization for COVID-19 or other severe acute respiratory infections. Risks were similar for both conditions.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against routine screening for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in asymptomatic adults who do not recognize or report respiratory symptoms. This decision is based on a lack of evidence showing the benefit of screening in preventing future cardiovascular events.
Researchers at San Diego State University have identified rare genetic markers in M. tuberculosis that could improve early detection of drug-resistant strains of the disease, helping prevent their spread. These markers may help block common TB drugs from interfering with the pathogen's ability to synthesize proteins.
Researchers at UC San Diego describe the underlying signaling pathway that causes PAH and a novel monoclonal antibody therapy that blocks abnormal blood vessel formation. The study reveals two opposing roles of NOTCH ligands and opens a door to a potentially new treatment for PAH.
A new study has found that adults with asthma are more likely to become obese later in life. The research, which included over 8,700 participants from 11 European countries and Australia, revealed that non-allergic asthma, longer disease duration, and corticosteroid treatment were associated with increased obesity risk.
A UCLA-led team found that an abnormally suppressed immune system, not a persistently hyperactive one, may be to blame for some cases of long COVID-19. The study suggests boosting immunity in those individuals could be a treatment option.
Researchers investigated Omicron's impact on children's upper airway infections and found a significant increase. The study suggests that as Omicron became the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant, cases of upper airway infection among children rose sharply.
A new study has found higher levels of silica dust in the lung tissue of contemporary coal miners compared to previous generations, providing a rationale for the Mine Safety and Health Administration to develop a more protective occupational standard for silica. The study suggests that changing mining practices, which generated more si...
A new study published in the Chinese Medical Journal assessed mortality risk in middle-aged and older Chinese individuals with multiple diseases. The study identified four multimorbidity patterns, with cardiometabolic being the most common, and found that individuals with these patterns had a significantly increased mortality risk.
The ATS 2022 International Conference features extensive programming on the latest advances in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. The conference will also provide access to on-demand recordings of sessions.
A new study has found a clear link between silica exposure and severe black lung disease in contemporary coal miners. The researchers attributed the resurgence of progressive massive fibrosis to changes in mining technology, such as mechanized coal extraction devices introduced in the 1950s.
A recent study published in mBio discovered that the SARS-CoV-2 viral gene ORF8 plays a crucial role in the severity and spread of COVID-19. Researchers found that mutations in ORF8 contribute to inflammation and disease outcomes, suggesting new treatment options for patients with severe cases.
A team of researchers from Osaka University successfully established a mouse model that can reproduce the severe and persistent cough of pertussis. They found that pertussis toxin, Vag8, and lipooligosaccharide are key bacterial factors involved in inducing coughing, which ultimately leads to bradykinin and TRPV1 signaling.
Researchers have discovered a novel nano-therapy that prevents bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature babies. The therapy uses tiny particles released by mesenchymal stromal cells, which travel to the brain and lungs, reducing damage and improving lung and brain health.
A University of Gothenburg study found that IgA antibodies present in the respiratory tract protected healthcare workers from contracting COVID-19. The research, published in the European Journal of Immunology, suggests that these antibodies may play a crucial role in preventing severe illness and hospitalization.
Researchers develop novel therapeutic approach for treating tuberculosis using phosphatase inhibitors, offering potential benefits for TB research and basic biology exploration. The discovery provides a promising alternative to traditional antibiotic-based treatments and has significant implications for combating antimicrobial resistance.
A study of over 3,000 mother-child pairs from six European countries found an association between prenatal bisphenol A exposure and increased risk of asthma and wheezing in school-age girls. The study revealed a high prevalence of BPA in maternal urine during pregnancy.