Articles tagged with Respiratory Disorders
A study found that elevated BNP levels are associated with increased mortality and significant pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic lung disease. Pulmonary artery pressure above 35 mmHg is a key indicator of this condition.
Fine particulate matter exposure (PM2.5) was associated with short-term increases in hospital admission rates for all health outcomes except injuries. Cardiovascular risks were highest in Eastern US counties, with a 1.28% increase in heart failure risk per 10-µg/m3 PM2.5.
A 14-year study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that quitting smoking can add years to life. The study showed a significant reduction in death rates among participants who quit compared to those who continued to smoke.
Researchers identify specific T cells and staining methods that improve detection and treatment of RA lung disease. The study suggests therapies targeting T cell function may succeed in treating RA lung disease, while early detection could lead to prolonged lives for patients.
A study of 2500 babies found no difference in outcomes between those who received suctioning and those who did not, challenging current guidelines on perinatal treatment. The results suggest that routine suctioning may not be effective in preventing meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) or its complications.
Researchers have identified six essential genes for cilia formation in humans, which could help diagnose and treat diseases such as infertility, pulmonary diseases, and vision problems. The discovery provides a critical new tool for medical researchers to understand the genetic basis of these disorders.
New studies release at the American Urological Association (AUA) show Enablex significantly reducing overactive bladder symptoms, including incontinence episodes and nocturia. Enablex improved efficacy parameters associated with OAB without CNS or CV safety concerns.
A genetic mutation in the ABCA3 gene is linked to severe surfactant deficiency in infants, leading to fatal lung disease. Researchers found mutations in 16 infants, with 15 dying from their illness, and discovered a potential mechanism for the defective transport of phospholipids critical for surfactant function.
A study found that nitric oxide can prevent lung disease and death in premature infants by reducing the risk of severe bleeding into the brain. The treatment, which involves adding small amounts of nitric oxide to oxygen, has been shown to improve survival rates and reduce the need for long-term ventilation.
The NIH has established a network of clinical research centers focused on rare diseases, aiming to accelerate diagnosis and treatment. The RDCRCs will facilitate data sharing and collaboration among investigators and patient support groups to improve lives and potentially prevent or eliminate these diseases.
A $12 million NIH grant will support interdisciplinary research on lung diseases in New Hampshire, including lung cancer and cystic fibrosis. The funding will also create infrastructure for state-of-the-art research and jobs in the local economy.
The Medicare waiting period affects 1.26 million seriously disabled Americans, with 400,000 having no health insurance. Eliminating the two-year wait could save states $1.8 billion per year and reduce federal Medicaid expenditures by $2.5 billion.
Stanford is conducting an online self-management program for individuals with heart disease, lung disease, and type-II diabetes. The program aims to improve health outcomes by teaching participants how to manage their conditions effectively, including managing medications, exercise, and stress.
The American Thoracic Society has named two Department of Veterans Affairs clinician-scientists, Rabih I. Bechara and Pierre P. Massion, as the first recipients of its Research Career Development Award. The award will provide $20,000 per year for three years to support their research on respiratory diseases.
Researchers found alterations in airway structure due to cigarette smoke exposure in utero may cause symptoms and abnormal lung function in exposed infants. A potential therapy for premature babies with bronchopulmonary dysplasia has been identified as low molecular weight catalytic antioxidant.
Research at Ohio State University found that listening to music while exercising increased walking distance by an average of 445 feet among patients with severe lung disease. The study suggests that music can help distract from physical symptoms and improve overall fitness levels, leading to better independence in daily activities.
A study of 262 climbers found that three out of four healthy, recreational climbers have mild subclinical HAPE shortly after a modest climb. This suggests a significant risk of the disorder among climbers, highlighting the need for better markers and methods to identify individuals at risk.
Researchers investigate phenotypic variability in cystic fibrosis, revealing its impact on disease progression and treatment outcomes. The study highlights the importance of personalized medicine approaches to better manage CF patients.
Researchers at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine believe they have solved a key part of the cystic fibrosis puzzle by finding that there's too little salt in patients' lungs. Long-lasting treatments may be needed to reverse the disease and improve symptoms.
A new study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found that early postnatal doses of dexamethasone may increase the risk of intestinal perforation in extremely low birth weight infants. The treatment was not shown to prevent chronic lung disease or improve survival rates.
Scientists at UCSF discovered a single defect in a protein causes severe auto-immune disease resembling lupus, affecting 100,000 people in the US. The finding provides evidence that lupus might be an inherited disease with a simple genetic root, rather than multiple genetic defects.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a new drug therapy that appears to be effective in reversing symptoms of Ménétrier's disease, a rare and premalignant stomach disorder. The treatment, which blocks activation of the EGF receptor, showed promising results in a patient with severe vomiting and protein loss.
A Phase III study found that Aslera significantly improved disease activity and symptoms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease. The treatment also showed benefits for bone mineral density, particularly in women on steroids.
Researchers have identified a genetic cause for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), the most common form of glomerulonephritis worldwide. The gene, located on chromosome 6, is linked to the disease in about 60% of families studied.
A University of California, San Francisco study found that the herbal supplement PC-SPES significantly reduces PSA levels in men with hormone-independent disease, providing a new treatment option. The study also shows promise for shrinking tumors and improving quality of life.
New research found that 13 of 50 people with primary pulmonary hypertension shared a genetic defect in the BMPR-II gene, similar to those with familial forms. This discovery has important implications for treatment and future therapies focused on altered cell signals.
The University of North Carolina School of Medicine has received a $5 million federal grant to investigate ANCA vasculitis, a disease causing small blood vessel inflammation. Researchers will explore the cause of the disease and develop better treatments.
A Chimpanzee Genome Project is proposed due to the remarkable differences in diseases affecting humans and chimps. The project aims to identify genetic factors contributing to these disparities, which could lead to better treatments for both humans and captive apes.
A UBC research team led by Prof. Chris Overall discovered a protein that reduces inflammation and halts the flow of white blood cells. The discovery, published in Science, may lead to new treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and lung disease.
Two separate groups of scientists identified a genetic mutation associated with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), a rare but devastating lung disease. Defects in the BMPR2 gene lead to abnormal proliferation of cells in the lungs characteristic of PPH.
Researchers have identified a gene associated with inherited primary pulmonary hypertension, providing new avenues of study for determining its molecular basis. The discovery opens up possibilities for designing more effective therapies for this devastating condition, which affects primarily women of childbearing age.
A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that smoking is responsible for more than half of periodontal disease cases among adults in the US. Quitting smoking can gradually erase the harmful effects on periodontal health.
A Cornell University study reveals that a naturally occurring disease can regulate a wildlife population, with house finches experiencing a dramatic drop in numbers after an epidemic began. The research provides insight into the dynamics of other host/disease systems and has implications for understanding diseases like AIDS.
A prospective cohort study found that regular exercise can benefit men with type 2 diabetes, while low physical fitness is associated with mortality. Meanwhile, a dangerous combination of blood thinners and intravenous steroids requires daily monitoring to prevent life-threatening bleeding.
A study conducted by researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center shows that nearly 75 percent of children with severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis respond dramatically to ENBREL (etanercept). The drug eases joint pain and swelling, enhances mobility, and improves disease activity for patients.
A recent study found that the genetic marker associated with periodontal disease in people of European heritage is barely present in Chinese populations. This suggests that oral hygiene habits, smoking, and other risk factors may be more important in explaining the high prevalence of periodontal disease in Chinese populations.
Global warming accelerates human disease outbreaks, malnutrition, and environmental degradation due to increased pollution and crop losses. As populations grow, crowded cities will become breeding grounds for diseases like dengue fever, while waterborne illnesses spread unchecked.
New research published in Gut journal found no evidence that measles virus is associated with Crohn's disease. The study isolated particles from the gut tissue of patients and compared them to healthy tissue samples, but found high levels of related cells in all types of samples.
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that severe psoriasis is debilitating, both physically and mentally, affecting quality of life for patients
Researchers have successfully reversed damage caused by Pompe disease, a rare inherited muscle-wasting disorder, in laboratory mice using a modified virus to deliver a therapeutic gene. The study's findings show promise for treating dozens of forms of muscular dystrophy and may lead to a continuous supply of enzyme production.
Recent findings in cystic fibrosis (CF) suggest that gene mutations can cause unexpected effects, leading to distinct conditions with clinical similarities to CF. Minor mutations may result in partial disease manifestations, challenging traditional notions of genetic screening and diagnosis.
The AVANT rotavirus vaccine demonstrated nearly 90% efficacy in preventing rotavirus disease in infants, surpassing existing vaccines' 49-68% efficacy rates. The vaccine was also found to be safe and immunogenic, with minimal side effects reported.
A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that high financial stress and poor coping abilities significantly increase the risk of developing periodontal disease. Those who effectively manage their finances and cope with stress have no more risk than those without money problems.
Researchers have discovered a new form of ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia ewingii, previously known to infect dogs, in humans in Missouri and other states. The disease can be fatal if left untreated, causing symptoms similar to the flu, and can lead to serious liver and lung problems.
A computerized system, developed by Purdue University engineers, matches patient CT scans with images in a large data base of previous patients' scans. This allows less-skilled medical personnel to aid in diagnoses by reducing the need for manual comparisons.
Researchers developed a new therapy using an enhanced artificial surfactant that improves oxygen levels and protects natural surfactant in lung-affected patients. The treatment has potential for treating infants and adults with difficult-to-treat lung disease cases.
Researchers at National Jewish Health found cases of chronic beryllium disease in two people exposed to 2 percent beryllium copper alloy, a product used in toasters, bicycles, and electronics. Chronic beryllium disease is caused by inhaling beryllium dust into the lungs, leading to lung scarring and oxygen transfer issues.
Researchers found a direct dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption and gum disease severity. Low antioxidant vitamins like selenium increased the risk of gum disease by 13-fold.
A new study by the NHLBI suggests that black patients with congestive heart failure are at a higher risk of death and disease progression compared to white patients. The study found significant racial differences in survival rates among patients treated with an ACE inhibitor.
A study found that spraying water with airborne bacteria in indoor swimming pools can lead to a lung disease called granulomatous pneumonitis. Lifeguards who worked long hours at pools with water features were most affected, and symptoms included cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Australian scientists have discovered key facts about the Hendra disease, a mysterious virus that infects horses, cats, guinea pigs, and fruit bats. Research shows the virus can be transmitted through contaminated food and cat urine, and is often deadly, even if not highly contagious.
A Cornell University study found that 40% of world deaths can be attributed to environmental factors. The study highlights the impact of organic and chemical pollutants, climate change, and emerging diseases on human health.
Scientists have created gene-altered mice that closely reproduce the clinical features of dilated cardiomyopathy, allowing for unprecedented study of early changes and development of new therapies. The model enables researchers to understand the causes and mechanism of the disease, ultimately aiming to develop more effective treatments.
Dr. Richard Facklam, CDC Lab Chief, receives award for his contributions to clinical microbiology research, focusing on streptococci identification and pneumococcal vaccine development. He has also worked on antimicrobial resistance studies in developing countries.
Thomas Jefferson researchers discovered that lower levels of the tumor suppressor gene Rb2/p130 correlate with increased risk of returning disease and higher mortality in women with endometrial cancer. The study suggests a potential diagnostic test to guide treatment and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers identified 20 modifiable risk factors contributing to mortality in older adults, including smoking, exercise, and chronic disease severity. Improved disease and health factors could lead to longer lifespan for those over 65.
Researchers at the University of Florida found that urban development in Florida is increasing the spread of Upper Respiratory Tract Disease among gopher tortoises. The disease destroys respiratory and olfactory senses, leading to malnutrition and starvation.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found a promising new treatment for meningococcemia, a deadly disease that affects children. The study, led by Dr. Brett Giroir, used bactericidal permeability-increasing protein (BPI) to treat severe cases of the disease and showed encouraging results.
Researchers at UNC-CH School of Medicine found a genetic mutation, 5T allele, associated with milder forms of cystic fibrosis and other chronic lung and sinus infections. The study suggests that the 5T allele may be linked to infertility and urological abnormalities in infertile men.
Researchers are testing a promising new vaccine against pancreatic cancer, which boasts one of cancer's poorest survival rates. The vaccine targets an abnormal variant of the ras gene, designed to stimulate an immune response against mutant ras protein.