Articles tagged with Lungs
A new gene therapy has been developed to repair lungs damaged by chronic allergic asthma, reducing inflammation and improving airway structure and function. The study used a novel biodegradable platform to deliver the thymulin gene therapy, showing effective results in mice with experimental asthma.
Children with sickle cell disease show significant improvement in lung function after receiving hydroxyurea treatment. The study found a reduction of over one-third in the annual pulmonary function decline, indicating potential benefits for patients.
Exacerbations of COPD accelerate lung-function loss among patients with mild disease, according to researchers. The study found that exacerbations resulted in significant additional decline in FEV1 lung function, particularly among GOLD 1 patients.
A new study found that exacerbations in COPD patients are associated with excess loss of lung function, particularly in those with mild disease. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,800 patients and found that each exacerbation was linked to a decline in FEV1, the amount of air a person can forcefully blow out of their lungs.
A new study found that nickel and vanadium, emitted by burning fuel oil, may be damaging to children's developing lungs. The research, presented at the ATS 2016 International Conference, analyzed data from 1,911 elementary school-aged children in Southern California communities.
Researchers found that participants with the top quartile of baseline fitness experienced the least annual decline in pulmonary function. Sustained or improved fitness was also associated with the least decline in lung function over 20 years, regardless of obesity and smoking status.
A new study shows that helmet-based ventilation outperforms face mask ventilation for patients with respiratory distress syndrome, reducing the need for intubation and improving survival rates. Patients using helmets spent less time in the intensive care unit and had better outcomes.
The minimally invasive implantation of tiny coils improves exercise ability, lung function and quality of life for patients with severe emphysema. Patients who received coils showed a modest improvement in walking distance and lung function compared to those who didn't receive them.
Researchers found that patients with ARDS were more likely to have ILA, and those with ILA on CT imaging prior to ARDS development had a greater risk of in-hospital mortality. This suggests ILA may be a risk factor for ARDS.
Nearly half of patients with severe asthma had very poorly controlled symptoms over a decade, associated with comorbidities and poorer lung function. Persistent VPC asthma was linked to higher disease burden, compromised lung function, and lower medication adherence.
Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have discovered a new molecule that can potentially prolong the life of individuals with cystic fibrosis by improving airway hydration and mucous clearance. The treatment targets the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), preventing chronic infections and inflammation that cause progressive lung damage.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found a link between persistent childhood asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in early adulthood. Children with low lung function at a young age were more likely to develop COPD later in life, regardless of treatment or smoking exposure.
Scientists have discovered novel driver mutations in lung cancer cells that may be responsive to targeted therapies and immunotherapy. The study identified 38 significantly mutated genes in lung adenocarcinoma and 20 in lung squamous cell carcinoma, with only 6 shared by both types.
The Wilderness Medical Society has released comprehensive guidelines for preventing and treating drowning, with a focus on rescue, resuscitation, and clinical management. The new recommendations aim to reduce the 10 daily US fatalities and 3,800 annual drownings, emphasizing importance of water safety measures.
A new study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics investigated the effects of a steroid treatment on children with ARDS, finding improved ventilation and blood oxygenation without affecting mortality rates. The study identified key biomarkers associated with lung inflammation and injury, paving the way for targeted treatment development.
Researchers designed a biomimetic environment to support the growth of engineered whole lungs. The new bioreactor system mimics ventilation and blood flow in the chest cavity, keeping lung tissue alive and functional.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that young adults who made small dietary changes and engaged in regular physical activity successfully prevented weight gain. The 'small-change' group lost an average of 1.2 pounds over two to three years, while the 'large-change' group lost nearly 5.2 pounds.
Experts gathered at EPA headquarters to discuss design of in vitro system to assess nanomaterial toxicity, with PETA International Science Consortium funding its development. The report summarizes workshop discussions and recommends aerosol generation and exposure tools.
Researchers developed SpiroCall, a system that can accurately measure lung function using a standard phone call, regardless of smartphone availability. The tool's results were within 6.2% of clinical spirometer readings, making it suitable for monitoring chronic lung diseases at home.
Scientists used gene therapy to halt pulmonary hypertension progression in a large animal model. The approach delivered SERCA2a gene via aerosol inhalation, slowing vascular changes and improving heart function. Further studies are needed to assess long-term efficacy and safety before human clinical trials.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study finds that persistent inflammation in COPD may result from a defect in the immune system allowing airway bacteria to invade deeper into the lungs. Treatment with an anti-inflammatory drug halted lung damage in mice with this defect.
A new study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that even low levels of air pollution can harm children's lung function. Children living close to major roadways had decreased lung function by age 8, with exposure to fine particulate matter and soot being the main factors.
Scientists propose aerosol generation and exposure tools to predict nanomaterial toxicity in human lungs. These non-animal tools use human lung cells grown in a petri dish, reducing the need for animal testing.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have successfully applied advanced 3D imaging technology to study Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) lung tissue samples. The study found that active scarring in IPF progresses in multiple individual sites rather than a large 'wave', offering new hope for targeted treatments.
A new study establishes a link between long-term cement dust exposure and decline in lung volumes. The research found that workers exposed to higher levels of dust experienced significant decreases in lung function over time.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center propose a new drug to treat life-threatening lung damage caused by infections, cancer treatments, and premature birth. The treatment targets FOXF1, a transcription factor that promotes recovery from acute lung injury.
Researchers have identified a biological pathway in mice that explains the ineffectiveness of current asthma therapies. The discovery highlights the role of neuropeptide NPY in airway hyper-responsiveness and constriction. Inhibiting NPY activity may help alleviate asthma symptoms, providing hope for millions of patients.
Researchers at Penn and Rutgers have identified a biological pathway that explains why current asthma therapies don't work well in many cases. The discovery highlights the potential for targeting non-inflammatory aspects of asthma, with neuropeptide Y emerging as a key player.
Researchers found that high-volume lung transplant centers had lower transplantation costs and fewer early hospital readmissions. The average cost of lung transplantation was $135,622, with recipients at low-volume centers being 14% more likely to experience early readmissions.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina discovered that the M10 peptide protects against fibrotic damage in a mouse model of ILD and is likely due to its modulation of the TGF-β1 pathway. The anti-fibrotic effects of M10 may also be effective in treating other forms of pulmonary fibrosis.
A four-year study found substantial differences between fetal and newborn dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The researchers identified lung abnormalities and small size among stranded perinatal dolphins, suggesting they died in the womb or shortly after birth due to exposure to petroleum products.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that exposure to even low levels of air pollution affects children's lung function. Children living near major highways showed significant reductions in lung function, with those exposed to higher levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) a...
A vaccine developed for smallpox improved lung function in a mouse model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by inducing resident memory CD4+ T cells. This immune response was associated with reduced fibrosis and increased survival rates.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against routine screening for COPD in asymptomatic adults due to lack of evidence on benefits and potential harms. Screening may divert resources from other preventive services, such as smoking cessation.
A study of young, light-use waterpipe smokers found marked changes in airway cells and increased particles shed by endothelial cells. These biological changes indicate early lung damage, highlighting the need for large epidemiologic studies to assess the harmful effects of waterpipe smoking.
A new device that monitors lung fluid accumulation reduces heart failure-related hospitalizations by over half and death rates by 39% compared to standard care. Patients who used the Edema Guard Monitor took medication earlier, preventing pulmonary congestion from reaching advanced stages.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have identified a new biochemical process that controls lung function and contraction during asthma. Disrupting this process can prevent airway narrowing and maintain normal lung function.
The immunoproteasome regulates alternative macrophage activation by inhibiting IL-4 signaling, reducing repair and clean-up functions. Targeted treatment with specific inhibitors may accelerate healing processes in the lung after acute pneumonia.
CV screening workstations aid technicians in accurately reviewing LDCT scans, leading to reduced false positives and improved efficiency. The study found 97.8% sensitivity and 98% specificity in identifying abnormal scans, with average review time of 208 seconds.
Organs-on-chips reconstitute functional interfaces between living tissues, enabling complex organ-level functions and insights into human pathophysiology. Researchers use these devices to study communication in biology and develop personalized medicine.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a process to create hyperpolarized krypton gas for MRI scanning of the lungs, offering a clearer picture of lung disease. This technology uses clean energy combustion to retain the hyperpolarized state of krypton during preparation.
Research at Duke University Medical Center found that prostate cancer patients with lymph-only metastasis have the longest overall survival, while those with liver involvement fare worst. The study analyzed outcomes of 8,736 men with metastatic prostate cancer and provides valuable information on prognosis and treatment approaches.
A new strategic research centre will aid health professionals design bespoke physical activity and exercise plans for young people with cystic fibrosis. The centre aims to develop guidelines and recommendations for tailored activity and exercise regimes, addressing the current lack of definitive guidelines.
Recent research on cystic fibrosis lung infections highlights the ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to adapt and evolve in chronically infected patients. The review suggests that understanding this evolution is crucial for developing alternative treatment strategies to minimize symptoms and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers discovered that healthy carriers of a rare respiratory disease gene have enhanced respiratory capacity and increased height, with a 10% advantage. The study may lead to new treatment approaches for physical fitness training and lung function disorders, as well as height modification in growth disorders.
Research by Professor Cecilie Svanes of the University of Bergen has identified three development factors that influence lung aging. Children born during winter months or exposed to severe respiratory infections at a young age are more vulnerable to lung damage.
Researchers found that e-cigarette chemicals suppress key immune genes in the nasal mucosa, similar to smoking cigarettes. The study suggests that e-cigarettes may have broader effects on respiratory immune responses than initially thought.
Babies born to mothers exposed to air pollution from traffic sources during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing asthma before the age of 5 years. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, two markers of traffic-related air pollution, was found to increase this risk.
Researchers found that Viking populations' genes developed protection from intestinal parasites, which can lead to emphysema in smokers. The inherited trait was previously unknown.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that over 40% of Malawian adults have abnormal lung function, highlighting a major public health concern. The research also exposes the high burden of biomass smoke exposure in Malawi, contributing to respiratory diseases.
A study by Helmholtz Munich found that cigarette smoke damages the immunoproteasome, a protein complex responsible for degrading and presenting foreign proteins to the immune system. This impairment weakens the immune response in COPD patients, making them more prone to viral infections.
A new minimally invasive intervention involving lung coil implantation improved exercise capacity in patients with severe emphysema, with significant short-term costs. The treatment also showed long-term benefits, including reduced lung hyperinflation and sustained quality of life improvements.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai are working on a new risk assessment tool to identify patients susceptible to sudden cardiac arrest. The goal is to predict those at risk for the fatal heart rhythm malfunction, which claims 350,000 lives annually in the US.
The International Society for Heart Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) has updated its listing criteria for heart transplantation, expanding eligibility to patients with HIV and hepatitis. The new guidelines also relax the BMI threshold for overweight patients with heart failure.
A new study found that long-term ozone exposure increases the risk of ARDS in critically ill patients, with a significant association seen among trauma patients and current smokers. The study analyzed data from 1558 patients and found that higher ozone exposure was linked to increased rates of ARDS.
A new clinical trial is evaluating a method to pinpoint and spare healthy lung tissue during lung cancer radiotherapy using advanced image analysis techniques on 4D CT scans. The researchers aim to improve quality of life for patients by sparing functional portions of the lung.
Researchers found that commensal bacteria in the lungs instruct immune cells to produce IgA, a protein protecting against infections and allergies. The study suggests a link between antibiotic use, dysbiosis, and reduced IgA production, potentially contributing to rising allergy rates.
Selexipag, an orally available selective prostacyclin IP receptor agonist, demonstrates effectiveness in treating pulmonary hypertension, reducing hospitalizations by 40%. The medication targets a well-known disease pathway, improving heart function and opening blood vessels to the lungs.
The European Respiratory Society and ESCMID have published the world's first clinical guidelines for chronic fungal lung infections, describing key features of the disease and providing comprehensive treatment recommendations. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis affects an estimated 240,000 people in Europe and 3 million worldwide.
A new method allows researchers to create 3D images of oxygen and CO2 transport in the lungs, providing hope for improved treatment of COPD and lung cancer. The technique enables doctors to better predict patient outcomes and develop personalized treatments.