Research on the lungs and respiratory health. Covers asthma prevention, immune cell activity, age-related decline, and pulmonary care.
Researchers found that WTC workers had decreased sensitivity to odors and irritants, with nearly 75% experiencing impaired ability to detect irritants. The study suggests regular evaluation of sensory function is crucial for WTC responders and workers with pollutant exposures.
A gene network controlling lung development has been identified as responsible for the failure of lungs to form due to vitamin A/retinoic acid deficiency. This network, which balances two opposing pathways, can be corrected, potentially preventing lung defects in animals.
The LungPoint System enables accurate and efficient biopsy procedures for diagnosing and treating lung cancer by providing pre-procedure mapping and visual guidance during bronchoscopy. This technology allows physicians to plan their path ahead of time, reducing the need for invasive procedures.
Researchers identify GRP78 as key factor in mucormycosis pathogenesis, providing new avenue for therapeutics development. PET probes detect distinct immune cell populations, suggesting wider use for immune modulating therapies.
Researchers found MP-376 reduced P. aeruginosa density and improved lung function in CF patients, with the highest dose showing the most significant effect. The treatment was well-tolerated and showed a 79% reduction in need for other antimicrobials.
Vitamin A supplementation before, during, and after pregnancy significantly improved lung function in preadolescent children. Children whose mothers received vitamin A had a greater forced expiratory volume and vital capacity compared to those who received beta-carotene or placebo.
Scientists at the Trudeau Institute have identified two crucial signals that enable virus-fighting T cells to migrate to the lungs, where they can fight future infections. This breakthrough could lead to the development of vaccines designed to promote respiratory immunity.
Children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis who received azithromycin did not experience improved lung function compared to those receiving placebo. However, they showed a significant reduction in pulmonary exacerbations and weight gain.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found serum amyloid A as a key protein trigger for sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease affecting hundreds of thousands of Americans. The discovery opens the path to developing drug treatments or vaccines to block inflammation.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified a molecular mechanism for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic and usually lethal disease. The study found that microRNA changes contribute to IPF, with let-7d being significantly reduced in affected tissues.
A new experimental model using pigs with a CF-causing gene mutation has provided valuable insights into the development of lung disease in people with cystic fibrosis. The study's findings suggest that infection precedes inflammation in CF lungs, supporting early and aggressive treatment to delay or prevent lung disease.
Research found that extremely preterm infants have abnormal lung function and are twice as likely to have asthma. Lung function impairment persists into middle childhood, especially those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Early monitoring and treatment can minimize long-term respiratory problems.
A recent study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology reports successful treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) and Crohn's disease using infliximab. The therapy improved colonic lesions and overall condition without compromising lung function, suggesting a potential anti-inflammatory effect on both colon and lung.
Researchers identified LPCAT1 as a key protein in lung surfactant production, essential for air breathing transition in mice. Decreased LPCAT1 expression may underlie fatal respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants.
Researchers identified childhood cancer survivors at increased risk for deteriorating lung health due to bone marrow transplants. Long-term monitoring and early intervention, as well as educating high-risk patients on avoiding tobacco smoke and air pollution, are recommended to prevent respiratory problems.
A new study by the University of Edinburgh found that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) claims the lives of up to 200,000 children globally each year. The research also showed that about 3.4 million children require hospital treatment for severe lung infection caused by RSV.
The study found that Poly-ICLC treatment increased lung bacterial load and damage in mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This was attributed to the recruitment of myeloid immune cells, which supported bacterial growth and exacerbated lung damage.
Scientists from University of Southampton and Synairgen Research Ltd begin Phase II study on interferon beta for virus-triggered asthma exacerbations. The drug aims to prevent sudden deterioration in lung function and hospital admissions.
A study of nearly 13,000 FDNY rescue workers found that those exposed to World Trade Center (WTC) dust suffered a persistent decline in lung function, with no meaningful recovery. The largest decline was observed among workers who arrived at the WTC site on 9/11.
Researchers developed a new test that uses CT scans to measure blood flow in the lungs, identifying smokers most at risk of emphysema. The study found subtle differences in blood flow patterns between smokers with normal lung function and those with early signs of emphysema.
A recent study identifies the GLRX5 gene as essential for generating iron-sulfur clusters and maintaining normal iron levels in human cells. The protein deficiency leads to sideroblastic anemia by impairing heme biosynthesis and depleting cytosolic iron in red blood cells.
A new study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that sleeve lobectomy offers superior survival and better postoperative pulmonary function compared to pneumonectomy in selected patients. The study analyzed 210 lung cancer patients and reported lower mortality rates for those who underwent a sleeve lobectomy.
Researchers have identified a compound in blackcurrants that reduces lung inflammation and complements the body's natural immune response. This discovery could lead to the development of foods containing these compounds as a natural alternative to assist conventional drug treatments for asthma.
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 study by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that the number of living donor organs available for transplant has declined over the past five years, while the number of deceased donors decreased in 2008. This decline has resulted in a widening gap between the number of organs available and the number of patients awaiting a donor organ.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.