Articles tagged with Lungs
A global study found that air pollution contributed to almost 6 million premature births and 3 million underweight babies worldwide. Indoor air pollution, mainly from cook stoves, accounted for two-thirds of the measured effects.
A BfR study confirms that perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) does not accumulate excessively in human lung and kidney tissue. Only one sample contained a measurable PFBA value, supporting the conclusion that PFBA is unlikely to cause health problems.
A new study found that benzo(a)pyrene plays a small part in the global risk of developing PAH-associated cancer, with 89% of the risk coming from other unregulated chemicals. Degradation products formed in the atmosphere can also be more toxic than the emitted PAHs.
Researchers link repeated injury to airway stem cells with chronic lung disease, suggesting that biological aging of these cells may contribute to the development of this condition. The study found that injury caused activation of a subset of stem cells, leading to their premature aging and loss of functional capacity.
Patients with dementia presenting with shortness of breath were less likely to be tested for pulmonary embolism compared to those without dementia. Clinical signs and risk factors, such as elevated heart rate, were also evaluated differently in patients with dementia.
A single-center study in Libreville, Gabon, found that COVID-19 severity and death were associated with advanced age and stage of lung damage. The study involved 837 patients with no symptoms in 63% of cases.
Eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in destroying malignant tumors by recruiting T-cells and releasing destructive proteins. The study, published in Cancer Research, reveals that eosinophils combat cancer effectively but require the help of T-cells to do so.
A meta-analysis of the UKLS trial and nine previous trials found that low-dose CT (LDCT) screening for lung cancer reduces mortality by 16%, with a stronger benefit seen in the three to six years after randomization. This evidence supports the implementation of long-term lung cancer screening programs internationally.
Treatment with atezolizumab plus carboplatin and pemetrexed was safe and yielded promising brain progression-free survival rates of 60% in patients with nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer with untreated brain metastases. The combination also showed systemic responses in 47.5% of patients.
CD8+ T cell priming in the spleen generates long-lived, stem-like memory T cells with enhanced ability to differentiate into T effector cells. Spleen-primed T cells have superior capacity to respond to rechallenge infection and expand into infection-fighting T effector cells.
Patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial disease are hospitalized sooner and more often than their age- and sex-matched counterparts, according to a study published in CHEST. The risk is higher for people with compromised immune systems or damaged airways.
A new electronic 'nose' has been developed to detect when a lung transplant is beginning to fail, with 86% accuracy. The device uses machine learning algorithms to analyze exhaled breath patterns and identify lung diseases, offering new hope for patients diagnosed with chronic allograft dysfunction.
New research found that COVID-19 infection does not significantly impact lung function in young adults, including those with asthma. Lung function in children and adolescents also appears to be unimpaired after infection, apart from severe cases.
A study of 814 babies found that those born to physically inactive mothers had lower lung function compared to those born to active mothers. Regular physical activity during pregnancy may reduce the risk of impaired infant lung function, potentially improving respiratory health later in life.
A single-center retrospective study found that preoperative thoracic CT findings can complement preoperative clinical risk factors to improve risk assessment for the need of postoperative mechanical ventilation. Bronchial wall thickening, pericardial effusion, and anteroposterior chest diameter were identified as independent predictors...
A new study suggests that COVID-19 deaths are driven by a buildup of coronavirus in the lungs. Researchers found that people who died from COVID-19 had 10 times more virus in their lower airways than those who survived.
A new global study found a significant decline in solid organ transplants performed during the first wave of Covid-19 in 2020, with over 48,000 years of patient life lost. Kidney transplantation showed the largest reduction across nearly all countries.
A study by researchers at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III found that metoprolol significantly reduced lung infiltration and improved oxygenation in severely ill COVID-19 patients. The treatment also led to a shorter stay in the ICU and fewer days on mechanical ventilation.
Researchers at Texas A&M University designed a new framework to create the most optimal oxygen concentrator, capable of producing high-purity oxygen and adapting to changing patient needs. The LiLSX-based system outperformed other zeolites in simulation tests.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that infection triggers the expression of a protein called IL-33, leading to overgrowth of air spaces and increased mucus production. The researchers suggest that blocking this process could prevent chronic lung damage caused by viral infections.
A novel CT scan-based approach detects changes in lung tissue indicating emphysema and airway constriction in patients with asthma. This finding may explain why conventional anti-inflammatory treatments are ineffective in some asthmatics, paving the way for personalized management of the disease.
A six-country study found that awake prone positioning significantly reduced the need for mechanical ventilation in critically ill COVID-19 patients. The intervention improved blood oxygen levels and lung function by matching blood flow and ventilation.
Researchers reverse lung fibrosis in a mouse model using Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-199, suggesting a novel therapeutic target to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study finds that monocyte-derived macrophages play a key role in fibrosis progression and that targeting the Cpt1a-Bcl-2 interaction modulates apoptosis resistance.
A new clinical study reveals that treatment with mesenchymal stromal cells reduces inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study provides insights into the therapeutic potential of MSCs as a novel treatment for COPD, which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Scientists investigated a method to enhance immunotherapy for lung cancer and found that combining it with certain chemotherapy drugs could eliminate harmful immune cells. This approach showed promising results in preclinical studies, inducing the regression of about 70% of tumors.
Researchers used a hamster model to study COVID-19 lung damage, discovering that the immune system's response plays a crucial role in disease progression. They found that certain cells involved in lung immunity ingest the virus, triggering an inflammatory response that can be brought under control by T cells.
Researchers have modelled how drugs are delivered to the respiratory tract via an inhaler to better treat lung diseases. Finer drug particles of around one micron are better able to travel further into the lungs.
A recent study published in Transplant Infectious Disease found that COVID-19 vaccination provides strong protection against the virus for solid organ transplant recipients, with an almost 80% reduction in symptomatic cases. The study examined data from over 2,150 transplant patients and showed that nearly 70% of vaccinated patients re...
A new process for making RNA has been developed by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, yielding purer and more abundant RNA at a fraction of the cost. This breakthrough removes the largest stumbling block on the path to next-generation RNA therapeutic drugs.
A comprehensive molecular map of lung squamous cell carcinoma has identified potential new drug targets, including the gene NSD3, and highlighted immune regulation pathways that could help cancer evade immunotherapies. The study's findings have also revealed metabolic dysregulation and crosstalk between different cellular processes.
A new clinical trial will test a simple breathing exercise for adults with obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension. The study aims to reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health through inspiratory muscle training.
The American College of Chest Physicians has released new clinical guidelines for venous thromboembolism (VTE) management, providing 29 recommendations on patient care and treatment. The guidelines update previous recommendations and offer strong guidance for clinicians managing patients with VTE.
Researchers identified protein patterns in lung tissue from patients with end-stage bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, revealing an epithelial/mesenchymal imbalance and increased stiffness in remodeled airways. This breakthrough study may help develop therapies to improve long-term outcomes for lung transplantation patients.
Researchers discovered a protein called CTRP9 associated with pulmonary function in scleroderma patients with interstitial lung disease. Patients with higher CTRP9 levels developed more severe lung disease, while low levels were linked to preserved function. The study suggests CTRP9 could help predict treatment needs for these patients.
Researchers at Hokkaido University created a lipid polymer that can carry genetic code into lung cells, potentially treating diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and lung cancers. The delivery method bypasses the liver and targets specific lung cells without targeting ligands.
The European Respiratory Society has announced the press registration and program for its upcoming International Congress 2021. Over 4,000 presentations on various lung health topics will be presented during the event.
Researchers at UIC are developing a potential COVID-19 treatment using VT-109, which has shown promise in animal models by restoring lung function and reducing inflammation. The new funding will be used to conduct pre-clinical studies to determine efficacy, toxicity, and dosages before human trials.
A team of researchers identified a protein called FCHSD1 involved in COPD-related inflammation and cell death. Mice lacking FCHSD1 showed reduced inflammation and apoptosis, suggesting its inhibition as a potential therapy for emphysema.
A University of Alberta research team found that firefighters dealing with the massive 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire suffered from long-term lung damage, including increased bronchial reactivity and thickening. The risk of developing asthma was more than doubled compared to the general population.
Researchers discovered that cells sense and respond to mechanical forces based on the rate of force application, which can lead to cell stiffening or softening. The 'molecular clutch' model explains how this affects cellular behavior, particularly in cancer development and organ function.
A subset of fibroblasts in lungs of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) produce a protein called meflin, which protects against cell aging and fibrosis. Further research could lead to novel therapies for lung fibrosis.
A TGen-led international study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 takes advantage of genetic changes in patients with pre-existing lung diseases, leading to more severe symptoms and poorer outcomes. The research identifies molecular characteristics associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted treatments.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that reduced-dose CT scans can detect greater than 90% of lung nodules in children and young adults with cancer. This could lead to a reduction in patient dose while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy.
A new study finds that over 37% of coal miners suffer from major depressive disorder, with 11.4% considering suicide in the last year. The researchers urge increased mental health support and further study of potential contributors to this crisis.
A new study found that lung metastases from triple-negative breast cancer contain a more diverse array of cancer cells compared to liver metastases. The researchers identified specific genes responsible for this difference, which may inform targeted therapies for breast cancer treatment.
Researchers have identified DAF as a receptor that increases damage to the lungs in mice infected with influenza A virus. The study highlights an immune evasion strategy by the virus and stresses the importance of a balanced immune response to viral infections.
The NIH-funded program provides comprehensive training in lung biology and pulmonary sciences, with a focus on integrating basic science with clinical applications. Researchers will benefit from mentorship in grant writing, science communication, and career development.
Researchers discovered fundamental differences in T-cell responses between patients who recover from and die from severe COVID-19. They found that dying patients harbor more lung-homing T cells, which contribute to extensive lung deterioration, while survivors have a growing number of Th1 T cells, important fighters of viral infection.
Research from Thomas Jefferson University found that e-cigarette vapor increases levels of the coronavirus receptor ACE-2 in lung tissue of mice, making them more susceptible to infection. Male mice were found to have a greater increase in ACE-2 when exposed to nicotine, highlighting a potential sex difference in vaping-related risks.
Immunologists at McMaster University have identified a 'spider web' mechanism that traps pathogens like influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in neutrophils, creating a sticky tangle to kill viruses. This discovery could lead to new aerosol and nasal spray vaccine technologies to prevent infections before they spread.
Type II alveolar cells, a major cell type infected by SARS-CoV-2, possess high levels of MHC-II and play a role in improving the outcome of respiratory viral infections. AT2 MHC-II expression is unique and triggers an immune cascade that activates helper T cells.
A recent study has made a breakthrough in understanding the process that leads to pulmonary embolism, a condition that kills over 2,000 people in the UK each year. Researchers have identified a protein called fibrin as crucial in stabilizing clots and preventing fragments from breaking loose.
Researchers have identified a novel virulence trait of Streptococcus pneumoniae that increases the severity of S. pneumoniae superinfection following flu. The surface protein PspA, previously known to have several other virulence mechanisms, now functions as an adhesin to dying lung epithelial cells. This finding provides further expla...
A previously validated blood gene profile that predicts idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis mortality has been repurposed to assess the likelihood of COVID-19 survival. The study found a high-risk gene profile associated with greater ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital death.
A Phase 2 trial showed that combining doxycycline with TB treatment reduces lung cavity size and increases markers of recovery in pulmonary TB patients. This discovery has promise for preventing long-term complications and improving outcomes for those affected by the disease.
Researchers develop nanodecoys made from human lung spheroid cells that bind to and neutralize SARS-CoV-2, accelerating viral clearance and reducing lung injury. The therapy could be effective against emerging variants of the virus.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine developed an improved oligonucleotide therapy strategy that can correct gene defects underlying cystic fibrosis. The approach has shown promising results in both human cells and mice, with potential applications for treating other pulmonary diseases.
A new study reveals that coronaviruses induce substantial apoptosis in host cells, enabling their internal spread. Targeting this process with PERK inhibitors reduces viral pathogenesis and lung damage.
Researchers have identified seven genes responsible for excessive inflammation and damage to the lungs in tuberculosis. A new drug treatment, doxycycline, has shown promise in reducing lung damage and accelerating recovery in patients with pulmonary TB.
A University of California, San Diego study uses AI to analyze gene expression patterns associated with pandemic viral infections. The analysis reveals two telltale signatures that help define patients' immune responses and measure disease severity. These findings provide a map for predicting patient outcomes and testing therapies.