Research on the lungs and respiratory health. Covers asthma prevention, immune cell activity, age-related decline, and pulmonary care.
Swimming-induced pulmonary oedema (SIPE) is a relatively little known hazard associated with open water swimming. Risk factors include older age, long distances, cold water, and female sex. SIPE can occur in fit and healthy individuals, highlighting the importance of awareness and prevention.
A new system will prioritize medical needs over geographical location for lung transplant candidates. The change is expected to reduce waitlist mortality and improve post-transplant survival.
Researchers have discovered that vaping might not be a healthier alternative to smoking, especially in adolescents. EVALI symptoms can mimic those of other respiratory conditions, making diagnosis challenging. Pictorial questionnaires can help identify e-cigarette products used.
A recent NIH study found associations between exposure to ozone and fine particulate matter and molecular changes in children's airways during non-viral asthma attacks. The study suggests that reducing air pollution could improve human health, particularly in urban communities with high-risk asthma populations.
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...
New expansion microscopy methods, dubbed Magnify, allow researchers to observe nanoscale biological structures with standard microscopes. The protocol retains biomolecules intact, enabling simultaneous imaging of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.
Researchers developed a new epigenetic biomarker, GrimAge version 2, which leverages two DNAm-based estimators of plasma proteins to predict mortality risk. The study found that GrimAge 2 outperforms existing clinical biomarkers in predicting mortality across multiple racial/ethnic groups and associations with age-related conditions.
A new lung cell atlas has revealed 11 new cell types and a previously unknown immune niche in the airways, which could help prevent or treat respiratory diseases. The atlas provides detailed insights into how cells interact and communicate with each other in healthy lungs.
A Rutgers study found that Hispanic and Latino young men with higher education who were born in the US and speak mostly English at home are more likely to use e-cigarettes. The study analyzed data from 11,275 adult participants and found a high use of e-cigarettes among those under 45 years of age.
Scientists at Aston University are developing processes to capture low-cost energy from rice straw, with the goal of powering Indonesia's households and reducing air pollution. The project aims to increase energy extraction from rice straw from 35% to 70%, providing a sustainable source of locally generated energy.
A new respiratory vaccine has been shown to provide complete protection against lethal SARS-CoV-2 challenge in mice. The vaccine uses a DNA encoding a viral protein and is delivered through the mucous membranes, targeting immune cells in the nose and lungs.
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 investigate how lung cancers evade the immune system to develop more effective immunotherapy treatments. The study aims to uncover a new way lung cancers disguise themselves from the immune system, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that vaping can increase surface tension in lung surfactant, reducing its ability to support proper lung functioning. The study suggests a link between vaping and increased susceptibility to lung injuries, including those caused by respiratory viruses like COVID-19.
Researchers calculated 74 metric tonnes of microplastics drop onto Auckland annually, equivalent to over 3 million plastic bottles. The smallest particles are highly toxic and can enter cells, cross the blood-brain barrier, and accumulate in organs.
A new study suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein contributes to vascular leak, a dangerous release of fluids from blood vessels leading to respiratory failure. Researchers believe blocking this pathway could help prevent severe COVID-19 symptoms and shed light on other emerging infectious diseases.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have found that the inflammatory molecule LIGHT leads to airway remodeling and long-term breathing issues in severe asthma. Therapeutics targeting LIGHT could reverse airway and lung damage, offering a potential long-term treatment for asthma.
A spatial cell atlas of the developing human lung describes 144 cell types and their interactions, uncovering new links between developmental cells and lung cancer. The atlas provides a unique resource for understanding healthy lung development and investigating disease origins.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that reconstruction using BI64 kernel and 0.4-mm slice thickness yielded improved bronchial division identification and pulmonary fissure sharpness without loss in pulmonary vessel sharpness or pathology conspicuity.
A University of California Riverside study found that Salton Sea dust triggers lung neutrophil inflammation in mice, with potential implications for asthma sufferers and other terminal lake regions. The research highlights the need for further funding to understand dust-triggered inflammation and its effects on human health.
Researchers identify an off-patent liver disease drug that can prevent SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells, potentially offering protection against future variants. The study used a unique combination of 'mini-organs', animal studies, and human subjects to demonstrate the drug's effectiveness.
Researchers found that using portable home air purifiers improved markers of cardiovascular health in people with COPD. The study tracked participants' lung and heart health over six months, revealing a 25% increase in heart rate variability among those using active HEPA and carbon filters.
A study by UTHealth Houston reveals a unique fibrotic gene signature in non-resolvable COVID-19 patients, who experience prolonged pulmonary effects following infection. Lung transplantation is often required for survival due to the rapid progression of damage to lung tissue.
Researchers used microCT to create a 3D atlas of lung lesions in TB and COVID-19, revealing complex shapes and hidden pathological structures. The study provides new insights into the microscopic anatomy of these deadly diseases.
A new study using photon-counting CT technology has shown that it can detect more post-COVID-19 lung damage than conventional CT scans, particularly in patients with persistent symptoms. The technology may lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes for those affected by COVID-related lung damage.
A large-scale international study found that patients diagnosed with lung cancer at an early stage via CT screening have a 20-year survival rate of 80 percent. This is compared to the average five-year survival rate for all lung cancer patients, which is 18.6 percent.
A large-scale study found that low-dose CT screening increases the long-term survival rate of lung cancer patients by identifying early-stage cancers. The 20-year survival rate for participants diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer was 80%, with higher rates for those with solid nodules and clinical Stage IA lung cancers.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.