Articles tagged with Lungs
Researchers found that albuminuria, a marker of kidney damage, is associated with increased risk of developing moderate-to-severe COPD and declining lung function. The study suggests that endothelial damage in the lungs may play a key role in COPD development and progression.
Researchers discovered that tweaking pH balance and oxygen in a CF lung model can help eradicate pathogenic bacteria while minimizing antibiotic resistance. The study found two distinct communities of microbes in CF lungs: anaerobes thriving in low-oxygen and low-pH regions.
Researchers found that multidrug-resistant bacteria in CF patients' airways are associated with lower microbial diversity and more aggressive disease. The study suggests that judicious use of antibiotics is crucial to help patients live longer, but new methods can help target infectious bacteria selectively.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that childhood exposure to allergens can lead to persistent lung inflammation, which may contribute to the development of anxiety later in life. The study also found that episodes of labored breathing were associated with short-term anxiety.
Scientists have discovered a genetic mutation that increases the amount of dangerous fungal spores in the lungs, making people more susceptible to Aspergillus infections. A new test could detect this mutation and screen patients at risk from lethal fungal spores.
A clinical trial has shown that targeted lung denervation (TLD) reduces chronic respiratory symptoms, exacerbations, and hospitalizations in COPD patients. The procedure involves delivering radiofrequency energy to the nerves on the outside of the airways, causing them to relax and widen.
Research finds higher levels of organochlorine compounds during pregnancy associated with reduced lung function in children. The study suggests that even low exposure can have an impact on lung development and health.
A study found that paracetamol use in infancy may increase the risk of asthma in adolescents, particularly those with certain genetic variations of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes. Children who took paracetamol more frequently had a higher risk of developing asthma, especially if they carried the GSTP1 Ile/Ile variant.
Researchers found that inhaled steroid use is associated with a higher risk of developing nontuberculous mycobacteria lung infections. The study analyzed medical records of patients diagnosed with NTM lung infections and found that the odds of infection were 2.7 times greater in those who used inhaled steroids.
Researchers created a 3D lung cell model system to investigate how carbon-based combustion byproducts interact with human epithelial tissue. The study found that charged particles tend to stick together before penetrating the gas-exchange barrier, while neutrally charged nanodots pass through the tissue more easily.
Scientists have developed a method to create human lung organoids from embryonic stem cells, which can develop into mature alveolar type 1 and 2 cells. The study demonstrates the potential for these organoids to model human lung development, providing new insights into the disease.
A study published in Current Bioinformatics found that predicting enhancers in adult tissues is more accurate than in fetal stages. The researchers used support vector machines to analyze DNA sequences and histone modifications, achieving good performance on most cell lines and tissues, especially for heart and lung tissues.
A new study found that abnormal levels of over two dozen metabolites can predict which Sept. 11 firefighters developed lung disease and which did not. The research provides a promising approach to early detection and possible treatment of lung damage in disaster victims exposed to fine particles.
A new international guideline has been developed to aid in the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a rare and often fatal lung disease. The guidelines provide evidence-based criteria for diagnosis and recommend multidisciplinary discussions to facilitate accurate diagnosis.
A new study found that early childhood weight gain velocity and body mass index are associated with lower lung function at age 10. Children who reached peak body mass index later had better lung function and a lower risk of asthma.
Researchers at Université Laval found that camu camu phytochemicals prevent obesity in mice fed a diet rich in sugar and fat. The extract improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation, suggesting its potential as a natural weight management tool.
A recent study has found that the innate immune system responds more aggressively to lung infections than wound healing, leading to delayed wound recovery. This priority of responses, known as immune triage, highlights the complex interplay between different parts of the immune system and their impact on overall health.
The Temple Lung Center has become the first US site to perform bronchoscopic lung volume reduction using implantation of the Zephyr Endobronchial Valve, treating severe emphysema. The procedure improved lung function and quality of life for patients with severe emphysema.
A study found that progressive massive fibrosis cases among US coal miners rose by 31.5% annually between 1996-2016, defying expectations given improved dust control measures. The increases were highest in Virginia and Kentucky.
Researchers have developed a mouse model that induces scarring and damage similar to human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, allowing for the study of new pathways and targets. The model enables the testing of drugs in more clinically relevant ways, potentially leading to more effective therapeutic options.
A small experimental study found that e-cigarette vapor disables key immune cells in the lung and boosts inflammation. The vapour impairs the activity of alveolar macrophages, which are crucial for removing dust particles, bacteria, and allergens from the air spaces.
Researchers found that viruses like norovirus and rotavirus are transmitted through membrane-cloaked 'virus clusters' that increase disease severity. These clusters, previously unknown to cause human-to-human transmission, may lead to more effective treatments targeting these clusters.
Researchers discovered that cholesterol disruption causes PAP, a condition where air sacs clog with surfactant. A clinical trial to test statin therapy is planned, showing improved respiratory function in patients and laboratory models.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers models allergic lung inflammation in mice, revealing the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in triggering and amplifying an allergen-initiated immune response. The findings have implications for designing more precise clinical trials for severe asthma treatment.
Researchers at UTMB have developed a method to bioengineer human lungs in a lab, without any medical complications. The study used a support scaffold made from lung proteins and successfully transplanted them into adult pigs, with the animals surviving for several months post-transplant.
Scientists have identified a new target for treating pneumonia, which shows promise in restoring tight barriers and improving fluid clearance. The target is ENaC-alpha, a subunit of natural channels that mediate sodium uptake and play a role in fluid movement.
A small pilot clinical trial shows eating two CHORI-Bars daily for eight weeks improves lung function in obese adolescents with asthma. The study's findings are provocative and suggest a need for larger trials.
Bottlenose dolphin populations vary in diving ability by almost 1000m due to lung architecture and gas management. The research suggests that deep divers use elevated heart rates during surface intervals and directed blood flow through collapsed lung regions to manage nitrogen levels.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that males recover more quickly from influenza infections because they produce more of the key lung-healing protein, amphiregulin. The research found that females have slower tissue-repair during recovery due to relatively low production of amphiregulin.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that active surveillance of lung subsolid nodules can reduce unnecessary surgery and overtreatment. Lung cancers arising from these nodules rarely led to death, suggesting they can be a biomarker for cancer risk.
Researchers discovered seal blood serum has anti-inflammatory properties, protecting against damage to pulmonary tissues and inflammation. This unique adaptation allows elephant seals and Weddell seals to safely dive deep without lung damage or inflammation.
Researchers developed a new synthetic surfactant that equaled or outperformed animal-derived surfactant in every outcome, including oxygenating blood. The synthetic surfactant could be produced at lower cost and tested with more lung diseases and injuries in adults.
Researchers found that even mild COPD patients have lost over 40% of their small airways, suggesting early intervention is crucial. The study's findings could lead to the development of new drugs to treat patients with COPD at earlier stages.
A new microfluidics technique has been developed to construct microchannels with efficient gas exchange, potentially delivering nearly a third of the oxygen needed by preterm newborns. The design uses both sides of the membrane for gas exchange and is more effective than previous single-sided counterparts.
A recent study published in eLife discovered that altered collagen structure leads to tissue stiffness during lung fibrosis progression. The researchers identified a compound that blocks LOXL enzymes, which can prevent tissue stiffening and limit fibrosis. This finding suggests new treatment approaches for lung fibrosis.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have shown that metformin can reverse established lung fibrosis using a drug treatment targeting cell metabolism. The study used human lung fibroblasts and a mouse model of lung fibrosis, finding that metformin accelerated the resolution of well-established fibrosis.
Researchers found that lower than normal blood levels of vitamin D were associated with an increased risk of early signs of interstitial lung disease, a condition that can lead to progressive lung damage. Vitamin D deficiency was linked to larger volumes of damaged lung tissue and abnormalities on full lung scans.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have discovered how vitamin A supports the lung immune system in controlling tuberculosis (TB) by promoting autophagy and waste disposal. This finding has potential for developing more effective lung-targeted treatments using vitamin A to boost patient immunity.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital identify NEDD9 as a critical player in disease development, with potential therapeutic implications for patients with PAH. The study found that increased oxidant stress modifies an amino acid residue in NEDD9 to cause lung artery fibrosis.
A new international study, led by Queen Mary University of London, will monitor the lung health of over 3,000 primary school children in polluted areas for four years. The CHILL study aims to determine if policies improving air quality can improve lung growth and reduce respiratory symptoms in children.
A new online tool takes into account personalized risks and benefits of lung cancer screening, while also allowing for a range of patient preferences. The tool is designed to help doctors fine-tune their advice to patients, taking into account individual attitudes about looking for problems and dealing with the consequences.
A new study in Circulation presents evidence that fluid redistribution from the abdominal compartment to the heart and lungs may cause heart failure. The study used splanchnic nerve block to demonstrate this phenomenon in patients with acute heart failure, improving symptoms such as shortness of breath.
A new study finds that e-cigarette flavoring cinnamaldehyde significantly disrupts normal cell physiology, impairing airway cilia motility and mitochondrial function. This could have implications for respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
A study found a dramatic spike in cases of progressive massive fibrosis, the most severe form of black lung disease, among former US coal miners, particularly those working in smaller mines and longer hours.
A recent study found that progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) cases among former US coal miners increased by 50% since 2000, with the highest rates in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. The researchers attribute this trend to inadequate dust control measures, longer working hours, and higher silica exposure levels.
Researchers found that stable heavy smokers experienced greater decline in lung function compared to those who never smoked. However, smokers who quit had a lower risk of developing emphysema and lung disease than stable, low-rate smokers despite having smoked more cigarettes.
A recent study has identified monocytes as key instigators of early lung transplant failure, leading to organ rejection and death. The researchers hope their findings will lead to new therapies targeting inflammatory cells.
A study of 463 adults found that higher anthocyanin intake was associated with slower lung function decline over 10 years. Individuals in the highest quartile of anthocyanin consumption had a slower rate of decline in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume compared to those in the lowest quartile.
A recent study has found that pregnant smokers who take daily vitamin C supplements may have babies with improved lung function and reduced risk of wheeze. The researchers measured forced expiratory flows in infants born to mothers who smoked, and found significant differences in lung function at three months and one year.
A new study has found a significant association between increased prenatal CO exposure and decreased lung function in infants. Infants whose mothers were exposed to CO during the second and third trimesters were at highest risk for reduced lung function.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that triclosan, a common antibacterial substance in toothpaste, can kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria by up to 99.9 percent when combined with tobramycin. This combination therapy offers a new potential treatment option for cystic fibrosis and other biofilm-related infections.
Lung transplant patients with recent alcohol use spent more time in the hospital and on ventilators, with no differences in lung function. Abstaining from alcohol may help optimize lung transplant outcomes.
A recent study published in The American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology has found that the duration, not peak exposure, is key to maturing preterm lungs. This breakthrough could lead to safer and more effective antenatal steroid treatment, benefiting millions of families worldwide.
A clinical trial conducted by Boston Children's Hospital has shown that adding chemotherapy to a treatment regimen including catheterization and surgery can deter abnormal cellular growth in children with pulmonary vein stenosis. The approach led to the stabilization of PVS progression and prevention of further lung damage in 31% of pa...
Researchers at IU School of Medicine are working on printing 3D pig liver tissue for xenotransplantation research. The collaboration with Lung Biotechnology aims to accelerate the development of unlimited organs for life-saving transplants.
Researchers have identified PFKFB3 as a key player in the development of pulmonary hypertension, a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs. By targeting this enzyme, scientists hope to develop new treatments that can help alleviate symptoms and improve patient outcomes.
A new study by Stanford University researcher Annelise Barron has developed a protein mimic that restored breathing capacity to injured rats' lungs, outperforming animal-derived counterparts. The synthetic product could lead to better and cheaper treatments for acute lung injury in humans.
A new study reveals that marine mammals' unusual lung architecture allows them to avoid the bends by creating a ventilation-perfusion mismatch. This adaptation helps to minimize nitrogen uptake and reduce the risk of decompression sickness. However, excessive stress caused by human-made sound can disrupt this system.
A new study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology shows a four-year overall survival rate of 96 percent for patients with stage IV Wilms tumors with lung metastases, compared to 84 percent on the predecessor study. The approach resulted in sparing initial upfront lung radiation and reducing long-term risks for nearly half of patients.
Researchers at Osaka University have found that the double deletion of tetraspanins CD9 and CD81 in mice causes progressive aging and shortened lifespan. The study reveals that CD9/CD81 DKO mice develop an accelerated aging syndrome, with symptoms including emphysema, osteoporosis, and skin and muscle atrophy.