Articles tagged with Lungs
A new study found that chest x-rays can predict which H1N1 patients are likely to become sicker. Abnormal findings in the periphery of both lungs were associated with poor clinical outcomes. The study's findings suggest that chest x-rays may help clinicians better identify high-risk patients who require close monitoring.
A new technique has been developed to reduce tobacco smoke damage to lungs in mice by blocking the GM-CSF protein. This research holds promise for identifying more effective therapies for cigarette smoke-induced lung damage.
Researchers identified YfiBNR signaling system in P. aeruginosa responsible for SCV formation and persistence in CF patients. c-di-GMP triggers massive exopolysaccharide production and reduced growth rates, conferring resistance to macrophage phagocytosis.
Researchers develop culturally-tailored intervention program to reduce tobacco exposure, improve medication adherence and enhance attack readiness. The program has already proven useful in other populations, resulting in significant reductions in emergency department visits, hospitalizations and school absences.
Researchers found that high-resolution CT-scans are the most cost-effective strategy to screen for lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) in non-smoking women between 25-54 with collapsed lung. Screening can identify LAM earlier, improving quality of life and allowing for early treatment and clinical trial enrollment.
Researchers found that CT scan screening for lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is cost-effective among non-smoking women aged 25-54 with a collapsed lung. The study suggests that early diagnosis can improve quality of life and treatment outcomes for patients.
A new technology delivers nicotine directly to the lungs, providing immediate relief of withdrawal symptoms and reducing throat irritation. This innovative approach combines vapor phase pyruvic acid and nicotine for a more effective and tolerable smoking cessation therapy.
The University of Cincinnati researchers will investigate ways ILD appears in patient groups with autoimmune diseases and develop more efficient diagnosis and treatment methods. The study aims to identify specific biomarkers and medical records characteristics that predict the best treatment outcomes for ILD patients.
Mayo Clinic's first lung transplant from a donor after cardiac death (DCD) was successful in a 59-year-old man with alpha-1antitrypsin deficiency. The recipient, who had limited lung function before the transplant, is now able to walk and breathe normally.
Researchers at Imperial College London have made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to new treatments for conditions like deep vein thrombosis and haemophilia A. The study found that factor VIII, a key protein in blood clotting, is produced by lung blood vessels rather than just the liver.
Researchers developed a simple blood test to predict which idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients are likely to become severely ill. The test targets immune cells called CD4 T-cells, which lose their CD28 protein markers as disease severity increases, indicating a greater likelihood of grave illness.
Researchers have successfully developed a new stem cell treatment that can arrest acute lung injury in mice, paving the way for potential treatments of respiratory diseases. The experimental treatment uses transplantable lung cells derived from human embryonic stem cells and has shown promising results in tests on mice with damaged lungs.
Researchers found that inhibiting sestrin protein improves lung elasticity and gas exchange in mice with emphysema. This suggests a new therapeutic approach to alleviate critical symptoms associated with COPD.
A study led by Dr. David Granville identified Granzyme B as a protein-degrading enzyme abundant in AAAs, which can be targeted to slow progression and improve survival. This discovery may lead to the development of pharmaceuticals to treat aneurysms without surgery.
A group of UK anaesthetists designed and tested three prototype low-cost ventilators that could provide effective ventilation for patients in emergency situations. The devices operate on a gas-efficient principle and have been shown to consume less oxygen than commercially available ventilators.
Research reveals that school classroom air contains significantly higher levels of ultrafine particles than polluted outdoor air, posing a risk to students' lung health. The study found elevated particle levels during art activities and cleaning with detergents.
A new study from Columbia University Medical Center researchers found that even mild cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can limit the heart's ability to pump effectively. The study, which involved over 2,800 adults, suggests a link between lung function and heart function.
Researchers found strong links between mild COPD and diminished heart function in healthy adults, with the strongest association seen in current smokers and those with emphysema. The study's findings suggest that treating lung disease may improve heart function, but further research is needed.
Dr. Jay Kolls' research team has identified a unique group of white blood cells that rapidly produce cytokines to increase resistance to pneumonia. The grant will investigate the role of lung epithelium as the primary recipient of these signals and explore how these cells control infection defense in the lung.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that children exposed to tobacco smoke at home were more likely to develop early emphysema in adulthood. The study used CT scans to examine the association between childhood exposure and lung damage, with participants who lived with multiple smokers showing high...
Brazilian researchers have identified three distinct lung damage patterns and found that underlying medical conditions significantly contribute to fatal outcomes. The study highlights the importance of monitoring patients with pre-existing conditions, as they are at a higher risk of developing severe H1N1 infections.
A study found that emergency physicians and radiologists overwhelmingly prefer CT scans for diagnosing pulmonary embolism, citing its high accuracy and ease of access. However, approaches differ in imaging pregnant patients with radiation concerns.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a gene therapy that can prevent the progression of emphysema by delivering therapeutic genes to lung tissue. The treatment achieved sustained expression of human alpha-1 antitrypsin protein, improving lung compliance and alveolar size in mice with emphysema.
Researchers discovered that a naturally occurring lung lipid, POPG, can prevent RSV infection and inhibit its spread. In cell-culture studies, POPG was shown to block RSV infection, while in mice, it reduced the infection rate by 1700 times.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have developed an approach to sustainably express normal human alpha-1 antitrypsin in the mouse lung, reducing emphysema symptoms. This breakthrough could provide a therapeutic approach for overcoming lung diseases caused by single-gene defects.
Researchers discovered a genetic variant associated with preserved lung function in children with asthma and adults who smoke. The study found a significant reduction in the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adult smokers with this variant, offering new insights into the mechanisms of COPD.
Patients with a rare, deadly disease experienced significant reduction in breathlessness using treprostinil, shifting from Class III to Class II NYHA functional class. The treatment improved walking distance and reduced Borg scores, offering substantial improvement in daily capabilities.
A new law in Israel prioritizes organ donation for those who have signed donor cards, with increased priority given to first-degree relatives and live donors. The policy aims to increase organ availability despite a low consent rate for donation.
A recent study by Michigan Medicine has found that dendritic cells, a type of immune cell, are more active in patients with severe COPD, leading to increased inflammation and disease progression. This research suggests that targeting dendritic cells may be a potential strategy for preventing COPD from worsening.
A new NIH-funded study has uncovered several DNA sequences linked to impaired pulmonary function, providing insight into mechanisms of lung capacity and potentially leading to better understanding of diseases like asthma and COPD. The findings may help develop new interventions to manage lung diseases and improve mortality rates.
Scientists have identified five genetic variants associated with lung health, providing new insights into the molecular basis of lung diseases. These findings hold promise for developing targeted treatments for conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma.
Asthmatic smokers may be able to reverse damage to their lungs by quitting cigarettes. The research found that cigarette smoke increases the thickness of lung lining and negatively affects nitric oxide levels, leading to more severe symptoms.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has approved 13 contracts to develop and implement science-based approaches to improve asthma control. The projects will focus on implementing evidence-based national guidelines for diagnosing and managing asthma in diverse communities, including rural, urban, and suburban settings.
A team of scientists led by Dr. Bernard Thébaud has demonstrated that stem cells protect and repair the lungs of newborn rats, boosting the power of healthy lung cells and preventing further damage. This research offers real hope for a new treatment for babies with chronic lung disease.
Researchers have identified the reaction inside the lungs that can trigger coughing when exposed to certain air pollutants and irritants. The study found that switching on receptor proteins called TRPA1 on nerve endings in the lungs triggers a cough reflex, which could potentially be treated by blocking these receptors.
Scientists are using various imaging techniques, including MRI and CT scans, to study chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and develop a better understanding of the disease. The research aims to categorize COPD patients into two major groups based on airway dysfunction and lung tissue damage.
A Penn study reveals that thiocyanate, an antioxidant in broccoli and cauliflower, protects lung cells from inflammation damage. The findings suggest a potential therapy for cystic fibrosis, as inadequate thiocyanate levels may worsen inflammatory diseases.
Researchers found that prone ventilation did not significantly improve mortality rates in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. A lack of funding and commercial interest hindered the development of definitive conclusions, leading Dr. Slutsky to call for large-scale clinical trials.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has published a new cookbook featuring 75 heart-healthy recipes from various cuisines. The recipes are based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and are limited in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
Lung interstitial macrophages (IMs) produce IL-10, which inhibits LPS-induced DC activation and prevents Th2 responses. Mice with depleted IMs develop severe asthmatic reactions to innocuous airborne allergens.
The Malawi government has introduced a national program to deliver effective pneumonia treatment, known as standard case management, to children. This initiative aims to reduce the high mortality rate of childhood pneumonia in low-income countries by providing timely and appropriate antibiotic therapy and oxygen support.
Researchers in Belgium successfully differentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESC) into major cell types of lung epithelial tissue using an air-liquid interface. The technique could provide an alternative to lung transplants for patients with chronic pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis.
Researchers found a significant link between osteoporosis and bronchiectasis, as well as a new formula to calculate 'lung age' in smokers that may help with quitting. Low muscle mass and high body fat are also associated with poor lung function in the elderly. Additionally, vitamin B12 deficiency may be linked to chronic cough.
Researchers found that increased ambient particulate matter levels are associated with increased ER visits for respiratory illness, while a new lung age formula more accurately calculates a smoker's 'lung age.' Pulmonary rehabilitation programs also showed higher abstinence rates among smokers with COPD.
A new lung age formula more accurately calculates a smoker's 'lung age,' which researchers hope will help persuade patients to quit the habit. Pulmonary rehab programs also show promise in improving smoking cessation rates, with higher abstinence rates among participants.
A recent survey found that awareness of COPD is increasing, with 68% of adults aware of the disease. However, only 44% understand that it can be treated, and many at risk remain undiagnosed due to unrecognized symptoms. The NHLBI emphasizes the importance of testing and treatment for those affected.
Researchers have discovered a connection between gene expression and the development of lung disease in scleroderma patients. The study suggests that a specific gene profile may predict which individuals are at risk of developing lung complications, providing potential targets for new treatments.
Researchers find that antioxidants can prevent the flu virus from damaging lung cells, opening the door for new treatments. The study identified a segment of the M2 protein responsible for the damage, which can be inhibited by drugs known to remove oxidants.
Researchers from the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that Th17 cells can awaken the immune system to fight cancer. In preclinical studies, mice with normal levels of Th17 showed suppressed tumor growth in lung metastatic melanoma tumors, while those without Th17 experienced aggressive cancer growth.
Researchers successfully used gene therapy to repair injured human donor lungs, making them suitable for transplantation. The technique improves lung function and reduces inflammation, offering a promising approach to increase organ availability and improve patient outcomes.
A Stanford study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found that catheter-directed therapy can save lives in people with massive blood clots in their lungs. The treatment was effective in 86.5% of cases and appeared to be safer than existing treatments.
Researchers at UC San Diego have identified a key protein promoting pulmonary arterial hypertension and developed a drug therapy to block its effects. The treatment, using γ-secretase inhibitor, reversed the disease in mice, offering new hope for patients with this debilitating condition.
A study by North Carolina State University found that inhaling carbon nanotubes affects the outer lining of the lungs, causing a unique health response. The effects were short-lived, with the immune response and fibrosis disappearing within three months.
A study found that lung scintigraphy is more reliable than CTA for diagnosing and excluding pulmonary embolism in pregnant patients. Lung scintigraphy produces better diagnostic quality images more often than CTA, particularly due to hemodynamic effects of pregnancy.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found no evidence of deep venous thrombosis in most trauma patients with pulmonary embolism, questioning the current understanding of the condition's origin. The researchers suggest that clots may form independently in the lungs, potentially revolutionizing the way PE is prevented and treated.
Researchers studied 247 trauma patients with lung blood clots and found no association between the two conditions. The study suggests that many pulmonary embolisms form primarily in the lungs, contradicting decades-long teaching that deep venous thrombosis is a precursor to pulmonary embolism.
Noninvasive ventilation can save lives in acute respiratory failure without increased risk of infectious transmission. The author argues that the precautionary principle suggests using noninvasive ventilation to conserve ICU equipment during an epidemic.
The University of Washington has received $25 million to launch the Northwest Genomics Center, a new large-scale genomics center focused on medical sequencing. The center will explore genetic connections to heart, lung, and blood diseases, with a goal of understanding disease susceptibility and resistance.
Researchers aim to understand impact of physical forces on vascular disease and neuro-degenerative disorders by stretching cells on an elastic membrane, simulating natural forces.
A large study found pulmonary NTM disease increasing significantly in men and women in Florida and New York, with no changes in California. The disease is more common among women, particularly in the fifth or sixth decade of life.