Articles tagged with Lungs
The National Institutes of Health is finding solutions to improve the health of nearly 25 million Americans with asthma. Research funded by NIEHS, NHLBI, and NIAID has demonstrated the importance of healthy school environments and explored the complex role of the immune system in asthma.
A new study found that nearly half of ARDS survivors were jobless one year after hospital discharge, with an estimated average loss of $27,000 in earnings. The research also identified risk factors for joblessness and highlighted the need for occupational rehabilitation strategies to support survivors' return to work.
Researchers tracked gold nanoparticles after inhalation, finding they accumulated at inflamed vascular sites and preferredentially reached susceptible areas of the cardiovascular system. This suggests that nanoparticles could increase the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
Researchers at UCSF discovered a specialized enzyme that destroys chitin, a tough natural material found in the environment, which accumulates in the lungs and triggers inflammatory lung disease. Mice with this enzyme deficiency developed severe lung disease, but restoring its activity cleared up symptoms.
Researchers developed an imaging technique using hyperpolarized helium MRI to measure the effectiveness of ivacaftor for cystic fibrosis patients. The study found a dramatic increase in lung improvement with long-term treatment.
Researchers from George Washington University have discovered a potential new drug to treat and stop the progression of cystic fibrosis. Thymosin α1 (Tα1) corrects genetic and tissue defects, reduces inflammation, and increases CFTR maturation, stability, and activity.
A new study suggests that severe acute malnutrition in early childhood may prioritize lung development over other less vital growth, resulting in shorter leg lengths and a higher risk of being severely short for their age. The findings have significant implications for the long-term health of children affected by malnutrition.
A new collagen-targeting PET probe, Ga-CBP8, has shown promise in diagnosing and staging pulmonary fibrosis, as well as monitoring treatment response. The probe can differentiate between stable disease and progressive fibrosis, allowing for more effective treatment planning.
A recent study by UC chemists found that the heat of a hookah pipe can kill 80% more lung cells than traditional charcoal, making it a surprising health culprit for smokers. The study suggests that the use of electronic heating disks may be particularly hazardous to health.
A new imaging tool can rapidly diagnose bacterial lung infections, helping prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and reducing the emergence of resistant bacteria. The bedside technology has received £2million in funding and aims to revolutionize the assessment and treatment of critically ill patients and those with long-term lung conditions.
A new study found that stem cell therapy reduces lung inflammation in a mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis. The treatment also improves lung structure, suggesting it may repair damaged lungs.
Researchers found that mucin proteins fail to unfold normally in CF airways due to dehydration, leading to thick and sticky mucus. This understanding could lead to therapies targeting the abnormal compact form of mucin proteins, such as rehydrating the airway lining with hypertonic saline.
Researchers found that mouse lungs produce over half of the body's platelets and contain a pool of stem cells capable of restoring blood production. This discovery suggests the lungs may also play a key role in human blood formation, with implications for treating diseases like thrombocytopenia.
A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that people with cystic fibrosis are living longer in Canada than in the United States, with a median age of survival being 50.9 years in Canada compared to 40.6 years in the US. The study found that after accounting for factors such as age and disease severity, the ri...
Researchers found that asthmatics have weaker immune systems, leading to more severe flu symptoms. The study analyzed lung samples from asthmatic and healthy individuals, showing a stronger immune response in healthy volunteers.
Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a novel cross-circulation platform that maintains the viability and function of donor lungs for several days. The technology, inspired by an abandoned surgical procedure from the 1960s, enables long-term support of living organs outside the body.
Researchers developed two new mechanistic models, Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs), to assess toxicological risk of chemicals without animal testing. The AOPs were recognized by PETA International Science Consortium for their contributions to non-animal approaches.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) is part of a $500 million program to bring whole genome sequencing and other
Researchers discovered that cigarette smoke silences the lung's natural self-healing process by blocking key receptors. Increasing these receptors can restore repair and lead to increased production of vital proteins, offering new hope for developing therapies for COPD patients.
A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that cells from lung transplant patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) can become activated and promote scarring. The team identified a chain of upstream signals starting with autotaxin, an enzyme that generates lysophosphatidic acid, which stimulates collagen production.
Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine identified critical errors in inhaler use, leading to reduced medicine delivery. The most common mistakes include not shaking the device or holding breath for sufficient time, resulting in medication stuck in the mouth or throat.
Researchers found that markers of cellular senescence were higher in individuals with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and senescent cell burden increased with the progression of the disease. The findings suggest targeting senescent cells could be a viable treatment option for individuals suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Researchers found that acute kidney injury causes a buildup of indoxyl sulfate in the blood and lungs, leading to damage. Oral treatment with AST-120 decreases IS levels and improves lung function in animal models.
A new study reveals that the first breath of a newborn releases crucial signals that shape the lifelong immunological milieu of lungs. This process protects against environmental triggers but increases susceptibility to bacterial infections, such as pneumococci.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina discover a peptide that reverses cardiac fibrosis and improves heart function without toxicity. The study uses a transverse aortic constriction mouse model to demonstrate the peptide's effectiveness in halting and reversing fibrotic ventricular wall thickness.
Researchers developed Nanobodies targeting RSV's fusion protein, neutralizing the virus and providing anti-viral activity in laboratory assays and animal models. The approach holds promise for developing a new therapy against RSV, a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children.
A computational model of emphysema has been developed to compare novel and traditional treatments, showing that mechanical forces play a critical role in disease progression. The study suggests that newer lung volume reduction techniques can achieve comparable outcomes as current surgical approaches.
Researchers compared the effects of direct exposure to cigarette smoke or e-cigarette vapor on reconstituted lung tissue, finding changes in gene expression levels and increased inflammation. The study utilized a 3D airway culture system and next-generation sequencing technologies to evaluate the biological effects.
Scientists have developed a model to predict the chances of developing COPD, a deadly lung disease, based on genetic variations and smoking habits. The study, involving over 350,000 participants from 13 countries, has identified new genetic variants associated with enhanced or worsened lung function in smokers and non-smokers.
A compact respiratory assist device is being developed to replace traditional oxygenation methods as a bridge to transplant or recovery in children with lung failure. The device aims to allow patients mobility while awaiting a transplant, potentially leading to better post-transplant outcomes.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that lung ultrasound enhances pretest risk stratification for pulmonary embolism, detecting alternative diagnoses such as pneumonia or pleural effusion. This improves diagnostic accuracy and reduces unnecessary radiation exposure.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have identified a potential therapeutic solution for age-related fibrosis by pinpointing the gene responsible for the condition. Deletion of the PAD4 gene has been shown to curb fibrosis in mice, reducing organ dysfunction and improving heart function.
The GSG III Foundation has pledged over $1 million for a new research program at the University of Louisville, aiming to develop better methods for studying lung inflammation and explore potential therapies. The program will focus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and asthma.
Dr. Joseph P. Mizgerd, a Boston University School of Medicine professor, has received an NIH award to study the biology of pneumonia, which kills more children worldwide than any other disease. He aims to advance lung defense against pneumonia and identify prevention strategies for chronic disease of aging.
Targeting therapeutic genes to the lungs offers potential for managing serious lung diseases that do not respond to other treatments. Preclinical and human clinical studies have targeted various genetic diseases, including cystic fibrosis, asthma, and lung cancer.
A study on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) found that 44% of patients were under-treated, while only 19% received recommended medication regimens. Patients who were under-treated had fewer exacerbations, indicating that ignoring guidelines may be beneficial in certain cases.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic identified Ect2 as a genetic promoter of lung cancer, driving tumor formation through increased ribosome production. The study found that Ect2 supports tumor cell growth by stimulating ribosome biogenesis.
A group of UK and US respiratory doctors argue that President Trump should follow Margaret Thatcher's lead on ozone layer protection to reduce the impact of climate change. They suggest a series of policy actions, including investing in clean energy and green transport, to protect public health and prosperity.
Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München found that nanoparticles from combustion engines can reactivate latent herpes viruses in lung tissue cells. This process can lead to increased viral proteins and acute infection patterns. Further studies aim to investigate the molecular mechanism of virus reactivation by nanoparticles.
Researchers have developed an image analysis technique called Hyper-Spectral Phasor (HySP) that can track multiple molecules in living organisms, making it easier to diagnose diseases and identify therapeutic targets. The new technology uses cell phone images and is faster and less expensive than current methods.
Scientists discovered Ebola virus RNA lingering in the lungs of a recovering patient for about five days after it cleared from blood. The findings support the possibility of active replication in the lungs, raising potential roles for lung infection in the disease's pathogenesis and transmission.
Researchers found substantial inequities in care practices for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients across seven European countries. The standard of care for DMD typically includes corticosteroid medication, physiotherapy, regular echocardiograms, and regular check-ups, but adherence to guidelines was low, particularly among non-...
Scientists have identified interleukin-1α as the key event triggering allergic reactions to air pollution. The release of IL-1α leads to inflammation in the lungs and intensifies the immune response, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for respiratory illnesses associated with air pollution.
A TSRI study found that the Piezo2 protein plays a critical role in sensing lung expansion and regulating breathing. Researchers discovered that newborn mice lacking Piezo2 channel show severe respiratory distress, while adult mice with deleted channels inhale more air than normal.
A team of researchers at the National Institutes of Health has uncovered a possible biochemical mechanism behind ACDC disease, which causes calcium buildup in the arteries. The study suggests that treating this condition with drugs like etidronate could help reduce calcification and potentially lead to an effective treatment.
Scientists have linked a new class of bacterial enzymes to the chronic lung inflammation hallmark of cystic fibrosis. The discovery provides two potential strategies for interrupting or correcting this interference by opportunistic bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
A study of over 16,000 patients found air pollution reduces pulmonary vascular function and increases risk of decompensated heart failure. Limiting physical activity in heavily polluted areas is recommended.
Researchers used NASA satellites and airport visibility sensors to estimate exposures to air pollution in US troops who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. The studies aim to build reliable tools for epidemiologists to tease out links between respiratory health and exposure.
A study found that farm dust exposure stimulates production of a protein called A20, which suppresses inflammatory immune responses in the lungs. This leads to lower rates of asthma and allergies in children who grow up on farms.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) researchers present four studies on lung cancer treatment and survival, including a protein linked to malaria as a potential biomarker and genomic sequencing to accelerate therapeutics development.
Researchers identified seven new areas of the genome linked to body fat distribution in a study involving over 18,000 individuals. The findings provide new insights into the biological mechanisms influencing cardiometabolic diseases.
A longitudinal population-based study found that menopausal women experience an accelerated decline in lung function, with declines in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second comparable to severe smoking. The study highlights the importance of maintaining respiratory health long after the menopausal transition.
Johns Hopkins researchers have identified a critical cellular switch that turns on the inflammatory immune response contributing to asthma attacks. By inhibiting this pathway, they may be able to prevent continued inflammation and long-term structural changes in the lungs.
Researchers used FDG PET-CT to assess anatomical structure and metabolic activity in a patient with GLILD, showing widespread metabolic activity affecting lymph nodes throughout the body. The study reveals that GLILD is a complex, highly metabolically active condition requiring optimal monitoring and treatment timing.
A new study presents alarming data on chest injuries in pediatric patients after all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents. The study found that pulmonary contusion, pneumothorax, and rib fractures were common, with 8 children dying from their injuries.
Researchers aim to create highly personalized approach to treating cystic fibrosis by analyzing mucus hydration and clearance in patient nasal cells using nuclear imaging techniques. The study could lead to a more effective treatment, increased life expectancy, and improved quality of life for CF patients.
A new study found that a combination of cold preservation and ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) can extend donor lung preservation time to over 12 hours without jeopardizing recipient outcomes. This technique has the potential to increase organ availability by reducing geographical limitations and enabling longer-distance transports.
A new method allows donor lungs to be preserved for up to 20 hours, enabling more flexible transplant timing and improving patient outcomes. This shift in paradigm increases the availability of healthy donor lungs for patients waiting for a life-saving transplant.
A new study presents a promising treatment for tuberculosis by delivering a commonly used drug to the lungs, which is more effective than oral administration at a fraction of the dose. This approach has the potential to reduce toxicity and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers found that patients with pulmonary function testing had a lower risk of hospitalization and death from COPD. The study suggests that increasing testing for suspected cases could improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs.