Articles tagged with Lungs
Climate change is expanding the geographic range of endemic fungal diseases, such as Valley fever, blastomycosis, and histoplasmosis, which can mimic pneumonia. Physicians are often misdiagnosing these conditions due to a lack of training and limited testing options.
Fungal lung infections are a growing problem nationwide, with 48 states affected by soil fungi causing serious lung infections. Outdated maps may lead to delayed or incorrect diagnoses.
A study published in Radiology found that marijuana smokers have a higher incidence of emphysema and airway inflammation compared to non-smokers and tobacco-only smokers. The researchers suggest that the unfiltered nature of marijuana smoke and longer breath-hold puffs may contribute to these findings.
Researchers from the University of Ottawa found an association between marijuana smoking and chronic damage to airways, including higher rates of paraseptal emphysema and airway inflammatory changes. The study suggests that marijuana smoking may lead to additional lung damage beyond what is seen in tobacco smokers.
The November issue of CHEST journal features new guidelines for perioperative management, studies on COVID-19 treatment and COPD treatment, as well as research on sleep apnea and long COVID. These findings have significant implications for patient care and healthcare resource use.
Research at Tel Aviv University found that high-intensity aerobic exercise increases glucose consumption in internal organs, reducing energy availability for tumors. The study reduced the risk of metastatic cancer in humans and animal models by up to 72%.
Researchers found that a new drug inhibiting GRP78 effectively reduces SARS-CoV-2 replication in human lung cells. The drug also shows potential in treating certain types of cancer by suppressing mutant KRAS proteins.
Researchers identify unique chemical signal allowing ancient TB bacteria to evade immune system and spread beyond lungs. The 'mobile factor', called EsxM, allows the bacteria to infect macrophages more easily, leading to bone infections in six people.
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.
Dual-energy CT (DECT) metrics provide insight into physiologic changes after lung cancer surgery, beyond PFTs and conventional CT. Lung perfusion ratio increases were greater after lobectomy than limited resection.
Researchers found that vaping and smoking e-cigarettes led to greater constriction of the brachial artery and worse heart rate variability, indicating activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Vaping was also associated with poorer performance on exercise stress testing compared to non-nicotine users.
A recent analysis of COVID-19-positive donor heart transplants found no significant differences in transplant outcomes compared to those from non-COVID-19 donors. The study's results suggest that COVID-19-positive hearts may be as safe for transplantation, potentially addressing the shortage of available donor organs.
Two studies found that cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor have similar cardiovascular effects due to airway irritation. This irritation can lead to vascular damage and impaired blood vessel function. The research suggests that dual product use may be worse than single product use, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.
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.
Newborn screenings for cystic fibrosis are less effective for non-white babies, leading to delayed diagnosis and worse outcomes. Genetic panels used vary by state, excluding common mutations in non-white populations.
Amino acid GABA shows promise in reducing disease severity, viral load and death rates in SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. GABA administration inhibits inflammatory actions of immune cells, potentially providing a generalizable therapy to treat COVID-19 and future novel coronaviruses.
A pooled data analysis found that workplace exposure to gases, fumes, and aromatic solvents is associated with a decline in lung capacity. Regular check-ups are recommended for workers in these environments to prevent respiratory illness.
Researchers discovered a molecular link between disrupted circadian rhythms and lung tumor growth, implicating a cancer-signature gene known as HSF1. Disrupted clocks may trigger lung tumors in individuals with irregular sleep patterns or night shifts.
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.
New research from UC San Francisco found that senescent cells promote normal repair and healing in damaged tissues, contradicting the long-held view that they are purely detrimental. The study used senolytics to kill senescent cells and found that injuries healed more slowly. However, the researchers also discovered that senescent cell...
The October issue of CHEST journal showcases 43 clinically relevant articles on topics such as asthma, COPD, critical care, and sleep medicine. The journal also offers web and multimedia activities, including visual abstracts, to expand its reach.
Researchers found that participants with long COVID had a lower peak oxygen rate and irregular breathing patterns during exercise tests, indicating reduced exercise capacity. This decline was equivalent to a 40-year-old woman's expected exercise capacity dropping to that of a 50-year-old woman.
Researchers found that previously deployed military personnel had more retained dust in their lungs compared to civilian controls, with smaller particle sizes. The study suggests that even low sandstorm exposure led to increased dust accumulation, highlighting the need for mitigation strategies.
Scientists at Northwestern University have identified a new gene that activates an aggressive subtype of small-cell lung cancer with no current effective treatment. Deleting this gene kills cancer cells in deadly subtype.
A clinical trial is underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bacteriophage therapy in adults with cystic fibrosis who carry Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The trial aims to reduce bacterial load in the lungs using a phage cocktail that targets specific bacteria, providing a potential new treatment for difficult-to-treat infections.
A study of 15 transgender women found they exceeded the cardiopulmonary capacity and muscle strength of their cisgender peers even after years of hormone therapy. However, their performance was lower than that of cisgender men. The findings could inform policy on transgender women's sports participation.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered a rare T cell defect tied to the risk of developing MAC disease. People with this defect have fewer specialized Th1* cells, which robs them of an effective immune response to MAC bacteria.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that scleroderma patients have reduced levels of antifibrotic protein Cathepsin L, packaged in an inactive state. Increasing Cathepsin L levels and function could have therapeutic benefits for patients with lung fibrosis.
Researchers developed a universal screening tool for IPF that can alert primary care physicians to its possible presence, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment. The Zero-burden Co-Morbidity Risk Score for IPF (ZCoR-IPF) algorithm uses existing patient records to identify patients at risk of developing the disease.
A new automated screening tool can accurately identify patients at high risk of developing progressive scarring of the lungs, a condition called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The tool uses machine-learning algorithms to analyze patient electronic health records and detects IPF risk automatically.
Researchers have discovered a drug candidate that can prevent lethal lung inflammation in mice by inhibiting PTP1B, a protein that accelerates neutrophil aging and reduces tissue damage. The treatment shows promise for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other inflammatory conditions.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego developed microscopic robots called microrobots that can swim around in the lungs and deliver medication. The microrobots safely eliminated pneumonia-causing bacteria in mice, resulting in 100% survival rates, whereas untreated mice died within three days.
Researchers discovered a type of triple-negative breast cancer cell that can trigger dormancy, evading therapies and allowing for efficient survival in distant organs. This finding highlights the need for more selective therapeutic strategies targeting both dividing and invasive dormant cells.
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 recent study published in Radiology found persistent lung damage on MRI scans in children and teens who recovered from or have long COVID. Lung function and structure show signs of dysfunction, with V/Q matches indicating impaired air and blood flow.
The September issue of CHEST journal features 40 articles on clinically relevant topics, including disparities in rural populations with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The journal also offers complementary web and multimedia activities to expand its reach.
A recent study found that mechanical ventilation can cause irreversible tissue damage in premature lungs, leading to impaired lung cell function. The study showed that even low pressure can result in structural changes on the cell surface, disrupting molecule transport and water balance.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a new immunotherapy strategy to eliminate fibroblasts in targeted manner, reducing lung and liver fibrosis in mice. The treatment triggers an immune response via cytotoxic T-cells, eliminating activated connective tissue cells while leaving resting cells undamaged.
Researchers have found that nanoplastics can enter human liver and lung cells, disrupting their regular processes and causing inflammation, toxicity, and neurological changes. The study reveals that nanoplastics can alter metabolic pathways, including the production of reactive oxygen species and nucleotides.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that air pollution may trigger irregular heart rhythms in healthy teenagers, with exposure causing arrhythmias to occur within two hours. The research analyzed data from over 300 adolescents and found a significant impact of fine particulate matter on cardiac ...
A study led by Singapore scientists found that Neisseria, a genus of bacteria once considered harmless, can cause infections in patients with bronchiectasis, asthma, and COPD. The research team identified a specific subgroup of Neisseria called N. subflava as the main culprit behind worsening disease outcomes.
A recent study published in Ear, Nose & Throat Journal found that twice-daily nasal irrigation with saline solution significantly reduced hospitalizations and deaths among patients with COVID-19, particularly those aged 55 and older. The technique is safe, effective, and inexpensive, offering a vital public health impact.
A new study provides valuable insights into the roles of B cells and plasma cells in early-stage lung cancer biology, highlighting their influence on tumor development and treatment outcomes. The research also reveals environmental factors and molecular features that contribute to the landscape of infiltrating immune cells.
Researchers identified a new mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 induces inflammatory responses in COVID-19 patient lungs, leading to 'cytokine storm' and lasting tissue damage. The discovery highlights the role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in triggering this response.
A recent study finds that fungal infections during the pandemic are a significant public health problem with limited treatment options. The interaction between pathogen and host may be different in people with compromised immunity, leading to increased mortality rates among severe COVID-19 patients.
Scientists at Aston University developed a new treatment combining manuka honey with the widely used antibiotic amikacin to treat drug-resistant lung infections. The study found that this combination improved bacterial clearance and reduced side effects, benefiting patients with cystic fibrosis.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that noninvasive ventilation in nano-preterm infants did not show an advantage in reducing bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death. In contrast, infants who received invasive respiratory support had lower rates of severe intraventricular hemorrhage and death.
Research finds dual bronchodilators offer little relief to adults with smoking-related respiratory issues, but no COPD diagnosis. The study highlights the importance of spirometry testing for accurate diagnoses and calls for new therapies for patients without COPD.
A new study found that pregnant women taking fish oil and vitamin D supplements had a lower risk of their children developing croup. Children whose mothers took the supplements had an 11% risk of croup compared to those who did not take them, with a significant decrease in risk.
A new treatment may enable the use of a larger part of donated lungs, leading to improved outcomes and reduced complications. Researchers are conducting a clinical pilot study to investigate the effects of reducing cytokine levels in donor lungs.
A new study found that exposure to diesel exhaust fumes had more pronounced effects on females than males, with changes in blood components related to inflammation, infection, and cardiovascular disease. The research involved ten healthy volunteers who breathed filtered air and polluted air at varying concentrations.
A study by Kumamoto University researchers found that a defective isoform of the SIGIRR gene activates an inflammatory pathway associated with cystic fibrosis. This defect leads to decreased expression and function of anti-inflammatory molecules, resulting in severe inflammation.
Researchers developed a novel blood test that measures cell-free DNA to evaluate PAH severity and predict survivability. The test showed significant improvement over conventional tests and may allow doctors to intervene faster to prevent disease progression.
Researchers at UVA have discovered the mechanism behind gene regulation during organ development, shedding light on how genetic material interacts with transcription factors to create different cell types. The study's findings could offer insights into the initiation of certain cancers and inspire new therapeutic development.
Researchers uncover mechanism behind aspergillosis in critically ill patients with severe influenza or Covid-19, doubling mortality rate. The study found that immune cells and white blood cells are compromised, leading to fungal growth in respiratory tract and lungs.
Researchers at Temple University hospital found that maternal-fetal mortality can be reduced to zero through patient-tailored management of right heart function prior to delivery. Women with pulmonary hypertension who received specialized care had excellent outcomes, with 100% survival for mothers and infants.
Researchers have successfully engineered human immune cells to model an infection common among immunocompromised people, paving the way for new drug testing and treatments. The immune cell type created played a key role in infection, inflammation, and regeneration, but also served as a natural host for germs.
A new study reveals that four living amphibian clades, including the dominant Plethodontidae family of lungless salamanders, develop lungs as embryos but lose them as adults. This finding sheds light on the evolution of lung loss over millions of years and suggests that losing lungs may have enabled their remarkable evolutionary success.
A RCSI study has found that babies born with Down Syndrome experience impaired changes in heart function and blood pressure in their lungs over the first two years of age. The research suggests that all babies with Down Syndrome should have their heart function monitored during childhood due to these common issues.