Research on the lungs and respiratory health. Covers asthma prevention, immune cell activity, age-related decline, and pulmonary care.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
A West Virginia University study explores the link between pregnancy, sedentary behavior, and cardiovascular disease risk in women. The research aims to investigate whether physical activity can reduce or eliminate this accelerated risk development in women.
A comprehensive analysis of interstitial lung disease diagnosis and treatment in patients who received an antibody drug conjugate known as T-DXd found that close monitoring and proactive management can reduce the risk of ILD. The study results suggest that patient awareness and ongoing education can aid in early detection.
The new guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for managing patients on warfarin, DOACs, and antiplatelet drugs before and after surgeries. It aims to minimize preventable bleeding and thrombotic events by standardizing approaches and protocols.
The August issue of the CHEST journal features 47 articles on clinically relevant topics such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary vascular disease. A highlighted article examines barriers to palliative care in interstitial lung disease.
Researchers at Aston University have developed a new approach to tackle one of the underlying causes of asthma, not just its symptoms. The treatment, which targets the structural changes made by asthmatic airways, shows promising results in mice, reducing symptoms within two weeks and returning airways to near normal.
A new combination drug therapy addressing the disorder's underlying defects has been found to be beneficial for primary school-aged children with cystic fibrosis. The study, conducted at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, confirmed that earlier treatment can slow disease progression and improve lung function and quality of life.
Researchers found that second primary lung cancer occurs in approximately 4% of lung cancer patients, with a higher rate of up to 8% among those undergoing surgery for early-stage disease. The study also revealed variations in incidence rates by treatment type and stage.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have created functional lung epithelial cells from CF patients' blood cells, enabling the testing of effective treatments and potentially discovering novel therapies.
Researchers used Guardant NGS to analyze nearly 17,000 lung cancer samples and found MET amplification in 1.2% of cases, with 20.8% having overlapping oncogenic drivers. The study suggests that high gene copy numbers and smaller amplified regions can be used to enrich for the true MET-sensitive population.
A Nagoya University research group has developed an AI algorithm that can diagnose idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with high accuracy, based on non-invasive examinations and medical data. The technology may revolutionize medical care by allowing doctors to request AI-assisted diagnoses instead of specialists.
A new study has found that testing for cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor protein (p16) in biopsy tissue can help more accurately identify IPF. High expression of p16 is associated with worse outcomes and reduced survival, emphasizing the need for early treatment.
A UC Berkeley-led study identified specific human lung proteins that can promote or protect against SARS-CoV-2 infections. Researchers found that mucins, a key component of mucus in the lungs, help block the virus from entering cells, while other mucins may even promote infection.
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 recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that children who grow up near green spaces have better lung function. The research suggests that increasing exposure to vegetation close to home can improve lung health, especially when combined with other factors such as physical activity and reduced air pollution.
Boston University researchers have discovered a key protein, ERG, connected to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a disease characterized by progressive lung scarring. The study found that ERG plays a crucial role in the development of IPF, an aging-associated disease that causes respiratory failure and death.
A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh used computational modeling to investigate the immune response to avian flu. They found that the levels of interferon may be responsible for its more severe presentation and could hold the key to treating it.
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.
The July issue of CHEST journal features 62 articles on clinically relevant topics, including asthma and COPD. The journal has received an Impact Factor of 10.262, an increase from 2020's Impact Factor of 9.410.
A secondary analysis of the CARDIA Lung study found that a substantial proportion of middle-aged adults with normal spirometry findings had emphysema on CT scan. Race-specific interpretations of spirometry may underestimate respiratory symptom burden and risk for death in Black adults, perpetuating structural racial inequities.
A Colorado State University study found that brass instruments produce 191% more aerosols than woodwinds during play. Male performers and louder playing of brass instruments were associated with higher emissions. Bell covers can reduce particle spread, but not achieve N95 level protection.
A University of Essex study found that three-quarters of professional footballers experienced general fatigue for 37 days and muscle fatigue for 38 days after recovering from COVID-19. Despite no drop in lung capacity, GPS data showed a four per cent decline in match performance.
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.
New research found that coinfection with influenza A virus can significantly suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication in the lung. This effect can persist even after clearance of influenza A virus, suggesting potential factors that restrict SARS-CoV-2 growth.
The Heart and Lung Research Institute (HLRI) at the University of Cambridge will bring together over 380 researchers and clinicians to tackle cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The institute aims to deliver high-impact research to drive breakthroughs in prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases, which represent...
A study found that rates of serious complications associated with shoulder surgery are low, but one in 26 patients need further surgery within a year. The effectiveness of some shoulder procedures is doubtful at best, according to experts.
Researchers developed an inhalable COVID-19 vaccine that targets the lungs specifically and effectively, allowing for self-administration via an inhaler. The vaccine prototype, RBD-Exo, elicited production of antibodies specific to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in rodent models, offering a promising solution to improve vaccine delivery.
Researchers have discovered a unique biochemical profile in severe asthmatic patients, which could lead to more effective treatments. The study found a decrease in carnitine metabolism in severe asthmatics, playing an important role in cellular energy generation and immune responses.
Scientists locate highly effective memory B cells in the lungs, which can boost the efficacy of vaccines used to protect against viral respiratory diseases. The discovery suggests a promising avenue for increasing vaccine effectiveness.
Researchers will develop and test new beacon molecules and imaging equipment to improve the detection and removal of non-small-cell lung cancers, aiming to reduce unnecessary tissue removal. The goal is to enhance surgical outcomes and improve patient care.
A novel single-cell RNA sequencing technique, TAS-Seq, has been developed to provide higher-precision data than current methods. The new method detects more genes and identifies highly variable genes, making it a sensitive high-throughput scRNA method.
This volume of Oncotarget features groundbreaking research on various cancers, including breast, lung, colorectal, and neuroblastoma, as well as novel drug targets for bladder cancer. The studies also delve into the role of BRCA in breast and colorectal cancers.
A recent study published in Environment International found that young adults exposed to higher levels of ambient and household air pollution had poorer lung function. Household air pollution from unvented biomass stoves was particularly detrimental, causing a significant decrease in lung capacity.