Articles tagged with Lungs
A large data analysis reveals that primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is more common than initially estimated, with a prevalence of 1 in 7,500 people globally. The study also found ethnic heterogeneity in PCD-causing gene variants, with African descent and non-Finnish European groups showing higher rates.
Researchers discovered that lunge-feeding whales have an 'oral plug' in their mouths, which seals off the upper airways during feeding. This mechanism prevents water from entering their lungs and allows them to gulp down large amounts of krill without drowning.
A newly developed decoy protein has been found to be highly effective in preventing death and lung damage in humanized animal models of severe COVID-19 disease. The treatment works by competing for the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, thereby neutralizing the virus before it can bind and enter cells.
A study published in MBio found that removing the NS2 protein from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) allows the human body's immune response to destroy the virus before exaggerated inflammation begins. This discovery could lead to new therapeutics targeting this protein for other respiratory viruses like influenza A and SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have discovered that lung macrophages develop in two different ways, with fetal precursor cells dividing faster to remove microorganisms early on. The study's findings can help limit organ damage and promote new treatments for lung diseases.
A large-scale international study found that simple health assessments can identify people with chronic lung conditions like COPD. The screening tools were effective in diverse low- and middle-income settings, highlighting a pressing need for global awareness and early diagnosis.
Researchers at MUSC identified a potent antifibrotic peptide that reverses scarring in human and mouse tissues by activating an antifibrotic pathway. The E4 peptide has the potential to treat various diseases, including heart disease, lung fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and chronic kidney disease.
A study published in Cell Reports reveals that LPS protects against developing asthma when combined with allergens containing cysteine protease enzymatic activity, but promotes development when paired with allergens lacking this enzyme. This protective effect relies on the production of GM-CSF by non-classical monocytes.
Younger male exposures to Ascaris roundworms show striking reductions in lung function and nearly five times higher odds of having asthma. The study highlights a previously overlooked risk factor for respiratory health in Europe.
A meta-analysis of published research found that patients with lung cancer who quit smoking after diagnosis have significantly improved overall survival. The study suggests treating physicians should educate patients about the benefits of quitting and provide necessary support.
Researchers discovered that human lung stem cells can undergo abnormal differentiation in response to injury from diseases like COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis. This aberrant process prevents the restoration of normal lung function, but the study also identified a potential therapeutic target for reversing damage.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed a structural blueprint for nanoparticles that can target and deliver treatment to white blood cells, such as neutrophils, that contribute to acute lung inflammation. The findings represent a significant step in understanding the condition and function of the immune system.
A recent study found that a substantial decline in lung cancer deaths is associated with earlier diagnosis of lung cancer through increased screening via computed tomography (CT) and follow-up scans. This approach can lead to surgical interventions, which can often be curative for precancerous nodules.
Researchers used 3D printing and virtual reality to prepare for operations in 20 patients, including a 35-week-old fetus and children. The technology reduced trial and error during surgery and improved communication between anaesthesiologists and patients.
A 61-year-old man received a double lung transplant after suffering severe post-COVID-19 respiratory failure, marking the first such procedure in Portugal. He had undergone extensive treatment, including ECMO and ECCO2R, before qualifying for transplant due to his young age and healthy status.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that using race-based equations to evaluate lung disease can lead to under-treatment of Black patients. The research, conducted by a team at the University of California - San Francisco, used data from SPIROMICS, a multi-center cohort of ev...
A clinical trial has revealed that COVID-19 patients on ventilators have less surfactant in their lungs due to the virus. The researchers suggest that giving extra surfactant for a longer period could help save lives by supporting breathing and allowing lung cells to repair after the infection passes.
The Liberty Asthma VOYAGE trial found that dupilumab significantly reduced the rate of severe exacerbations by nearly 60% and improved lung function and asthma control in children ages 6 to 11. Dupilumab was also shown to be safe, with minimal adverse reactions.
The $4.6 million NIH grant will help implement a telehealth-enabled audit and feedback process to monitor adherence to recognized standards of care in 14 Intermountain Healthcare ICUs. This study aims to reduce the time patients spend on mechanical ventilators, improving lung protective mechanical ventilation best practices.
A simple change in the way donor cells are processed can maximize a single cell's production of extracellular vesicles, which are small nanoparticles naturally secreted by cells. The finding offers new avenues for research around cellular therapies, where transplanted cells are used to help the body heal or work better.
A recent study by NTU Singapore has found a strong link between increasing air pollution and the rise of lung adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer. The study also discovered that declining smoking rates are associated with lower incidence of lung squamous cell carcinoma.
Researchers at University of Technology Sydney identified microRNA-21 as a potential therapeutic target for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Inhibition of microRNA-21 using antagomir-21 reduced inflammation and improved lung capacity in experimental models.
Pathologists have discovered that some patients with lingering COVID-19 symptoms may have underlying chronic lung disease prior to their infection. This finding suggests that clinicians should carefully consider alternative explanations for respiratory symptoms beyond long COVID.
A new study published in Annals of Medicine recommends that athletes returning to training after long COVID undergo a series of tests and receive regular advice from medical specialists. The researchers defined long COVID as symptoms lasting more than four weeks, and warned of the risk of organ damage and mental health issues.
A Rutgers study found that COVID-19 saliva testing kits with a preservative can accurately measure the oral microbiome, which may lead to new treatments for lung health in people with COVID-19. The study collected saliva samples from participants and compared their ability to measure microbes before and after COVID-19 infection.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a microfluidic Organ Chip device that accurately models cystic fibrosis lung airway pathology. The model replicates key pathological hallmarks, including mucus layer changes and inflammatory responses, providing a comprehensive preclinical human model for investigating new therapies.
A team of researchers has created a detailed map of the proteins in human lungs, shedding light on how the organs develop and function. The study found that the immune system in the lungs continues to mature after birth, providing new avenues for understanding diseases such as asthma and COVID-19.
Researchers discovered that a specialized form of vitamin D can reduce inflammation caused by T cells in lung cells, which may be relevant to severe COVID-19. The study suggests that adding this concentrated intravenous metabolite to existing treatments could help patients recover from COVID infections.
A study of 18 COVID-19 patients found that SARS-CoV-2 damages lung tissue by preventing repair and generating healthy tissue, leading to conditions like diffuse alveolar damage. The data may help develop new therapeutics and inform treatment strategies for high-risk patients.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University discovered a genetic variant associated with a poorer prognosis of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The variant, rs5743899, was linked to increased immune activation and fibrosis, leading to reduced lung function in patients.
Researchers have developed a 3D cell culturing platform that allows study of lung fibroblasts and their microenvironment, enabling measurement of cell behaviors and microenvironment changes involved in IPF disease progression. The system's versatility enables personalized medicine and potential applications in studying other diseases.
A recent study discovered high levels of mercury exposure in human bones from Copper Age Iberia, dating back 5000 years. Cinnabar powder used for pigments and rituals led to severe health effects, including intoxication.
A study by West Virginia University researcher Sunil Sharma found that rural COVID patients who end up in an intensive care unit are more likely to die within 30 days compared to their urban counterparts. The researchers also discovered that rural patients with COVID-linked ARDS have a higher mortality rate, even when controlling for d...
Research suggests women with lingering COVID-19 symptoms experience heart rate irregularities during physical exertion, leading to delayed recovery and reduced exercise tolerance. Targeted rehabilitation programs are needed to manage these consequences in women with persistent heart and lung problems.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found a new treatment option for inoperable pleural mesothelioma using immunotherapy agent durvalumab combined with platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with epithelioid tumors experienced higher survival rates, including some who remained tumor-free after completing the trial.
The November issue of CHEST journal includes 69 articles on topics such as asthma, COPD, critical care and thoracic oncology. The journal also offers complementary web and multimedia activities to expand the reach of its research.
Researchers used a new X-ray technique to capture detailed images of lung vessels affected by COVID-19. The study revealed that severe infection causes 'shunting' of blood between oxygenated and nutrient-rich systems, leading to reduced oxygenation.
Researchers in mice found that chemotherapy enhances cancer's spread by making blood vessel walls more receptive, allowing cancer cells to latch on. The study shows how a chemo drug like cyclophosphamide alters non-cancer cells' properties, facilitating the cancer cells' attachment and progression.
A large UK Biobank cohort study found that Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry (PRISm) is strongly associated with an increased risk of death and comorbidities. PRISm was linked to symptoms such as breathlessness, cardiovascular disease, and multimorbidity.
A team of scientists has identified a compound that shows promise in easing COVID-19 symptoms by targeting the cellular quality-control system damaged by coronaviruses. The compound, AMG PERK 44, was found to halt virus replication and boost lung function in mice infected with MERS.
Researchers found that certain T cells stop working before entering the tumor due to changes in gene expression, making ICB therapies less effective. Combining ICB with other forms of immunotherapy targeting different aspects of T cell function may improve response rates for non-small cell lung cancer patients.
Itepekimab, a novel monoclonal antibody, has been found to be safe and effective in treating moderate-to-severe asthma. In a phase 2 trial, it significantly improved lung function and reduced asthma control events compared to placebo.
A new vaccine has shown significant protection against Valley fever in dogs, offering hope for a potential human vaccine. The study found that two doses provided high levels of protection against the fungal disease.
A new study found that COVID-19 can trigger severe psychiatric symptoms in adolescents, with anti-neural antibodies playing a potential role. Two patients with mild/asymptomatic COVID developed suicidal thoughts and paranoid fears, while another patient without prior psychiatric history recovered fully after treatment.
Researchers found a higher burden of infection, more inflammation, and lower diversity of microorganisms in children with cystic fibrosis compared to disease controls. This divergence was noted as early as toddlerhood, suggesting potential for earlier treatment and prevention of severe lung disease.
Stem cell researchers have developed a new method to identify and develop personalized therapies for Cystic Fibrosis patients with rare mutations. By growing precursor lung cells from patients' own blood, they can screen for new drugs and validate responses in mature airway cells.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh and Prairie View A&M University developed an algorithm to repurpose cancer drugs for pulmonary hypertension, a devastating lung disease. Two compounds improved human cells and rodent markers, supporting broader drug-repurposing platform use.
Researchers identified a protein leakage related to chronic airway diseases, which restricts breathing. Decreasing this leakage could improve asthma and COPD management by relaxing airways.
A study found that only a third of public health policies had been fully implemented globally by 2020, with low-income countries and those with high corporate influence showing slow progress. The researchers suggest that corporate influence cancelled out the positive relationship between democracy and implementation, highlighting the n...
A group of researchers led by Indiana University School of Medicine's Benjamin Gaston will receive a research program project grant to fund the development of personalized therapeutic approaches for severe asthma. The grant will support three key projects focused on S-nitrosylation signaling, airway pH regulation, and androgen signaling.
Researchers from University of Copenhagen discover a protein analysis that can predict COVID-19 patient death or hospitalization with high accuracy, predicting 78.7% of hospitalizations and 93.9% of non-serious infections. This discovery has the potential to save lives by identifying high-risk individuals.
A University of Illinois Chicago clinical trial aims to evaluate the impact of a healthy diet on asthma management in adults. Participants with uncontrolled asthma will be assigned to either an education-only group or a group receiving dietary counseling and guidance on the DASH eating plan, a diet approach proven for hypertension mana...
A Kaiser Permanente study found that the 2021 USPSTF guidelines will likely increase lung cancer screening of women, racial and ethnic minority groups, and individuals with lower socioeconomic status. This is expected to lead to an estimated 30% increase in lung cancer diagnoses compared to the 2013 recommendations.
A study found that prolyl oligopeptidase inhibition with KYP-2047 treatment reduces collagen amount and lowers inflammatory protein levels in lung tissue. The treatment also modulates apoptosis, preserving lung function after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Researchers evaluated D-Dimer blood test to rule out blood clots in COVID-19 patients, finding it effective. The study also highlighted the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
A retrospective cohort study of 27 patients with sarcoma lung metastases found high primary technical success rates for percutaneous image-guided microwave and cryoablation. The treatment modality and tumor location did not affect local progression, and smaller tumors showed lower cumulative incidence of local progression.
Researchers at USask discovered excessive sodium absorption in small airways of CF patients, providing new insights into the disease. The study's findings have the potential to improve life for people with CF who cannot benefit from existing medications.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a carbohydrate called mannose as a biomarker for severe COVID-19 disease severity. The study found that glycolysis and glutaminolysis play a crucial role in SARS-CoV-2's spread and growth, providing potential new therapeutic strategies.
A new study by researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that epithelial cells use MHC-II to direct immune cells in the lungs, playing a key role in pulmonary immunity. The findings have implications for understanding, preventing and treating multiple lung diseases.
A pre-clinical study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers shows that a drug targeting specific immune pathways can prevent lung damage and death in mice infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study suggests targeted treatments may be more suitable for COVID-19 patients than broad immune suppressants.