Research on the lungs and respiratory health. Covers asthma prevention, immune cell activity, age-related decline, and pulmonary care.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study found that using a vented stove instead of traditional indoor open fires significantly improves respiratory health in Mexican women. The study showed that women who used the Patsari stove had improved lung function and reduced symptoms compared to those who used open wood fires.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a distinct set of white blood cells called regulatory T cells that play a crucial role in wound repair after serious lung injury. The study found that these cells can be sped up or slowed down, either aiding or hindering healing in severely damaged lung tissue.
Researchers have identified a genetic switch that causes excessive mucus in the lungs, shedding light on a medical mystery. The study found that a transcription factor called SPDEF regulates a chain of genes involved in mucus production, and blocking its influence may be a potential pathway for new treatments.
Researchers found that patients with cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis who received anti-TB medications supplemented with nebulized interferon-gamma had fewer bacilli in the lungs and less inflammation, reducing transmissibility. This treatment approach could be critical in controlling TB spread.
Researchers at the University of Arizona are working on a novel, non-invasive lung test to measure airway fluid composition in cystic fibrosis patients. The study aims to compare the accuracy of this test with the invasive bronchoalveolar lavage procedure.
A new class of anti-inflammatory drugs called phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors shows promise for improving lung function and reducing exacerbations in moderate-to-severe COPD patients. Roflumilast improved lung function by 48mL and reduced exacerbations by 17% compared to placebo, with more adverse events reported.
The Tobacco Atlas estimates that tobacco use kills six million people annually, with two million cancer deaths projected by 2015. The global economy loses $500 billion due to tobacco use, mainly in low- and middle-income countries.
New research finds that mortality among patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) awaiting lung transplant has not decreased, despite implementation of a new allocation system. The study suggests that key prognostic indicators in IPAH are not adequately captured by the current LAS algorithm.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a novel gene and enzyme that may hold the key to treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a life-threatening lung disease. The discovery could lead to new treatments for not only pulmonary fibrosis but also other organ-based diseases such as cardiac and kidney fibrosis.
Researchers identified a critical crosstalk pathway between lung epithelial cells and airway smooth muscle cells, contributing to lung diseases like asthma and pulmonary hypertension. The study provides potential new therapeutic targets for treating these conditions.
Researchers found that Wnt2 and Wnt2b molecules are crucial for specifying lung progenitor cells in the foregut region. Without these molecules, animals fail to develop lungs, highlighting their importance in treating respiratory diseases. The study's findings also suggest a connection between pulmonary and cardiac development.
Researchers developed a tool to simulate blood flow in children's hearts before surgery, allowing surgeons to optimize blood flow and energy efficiency. The tool helped plan the surgery of a four-year-old girl with a single ventricle defect, improving her oxygen levels and reducing complications.
A new method for improving quality of care has reduced hospital-acquired infections by 32% and respiratory distress by 15%. The method, developed by researchers at the Canadian Neonatal Network, enables hospitals to select practice changes pertinent to their specific needs.
A study by University of Iowa researchers reveals that airway cells possess a unique 'tasting' mechanism to detect and eliminate harmful substances, bypassing the need for nervous system involvement. The discovery sheds light on how injured lungs can be further damaged.
Patients who underwent lung reduction surgery showed a significant survival benefit compared to medical treatment, with an average time until a 'composite event' of two years. The procedure also improved quality of life for at least five years post-operative period, especially in patients with upper-lobe-predominant emphysema.
A new study found that cumulative exposure to respirable coal mine dust is a significant predictor of emphysema severity in both smokers and never-smokers. The researchers also discovered that emphysema was more severe among miners compared to non-miners, regardless of smoking status.
Researchers successfully treated hydatid cysts with RTA, achieving a 100% success rate in necrosis of the endocyst and minimal host tissue damage. The technique also avoided post-RTA fistula occurrence and chemical cholangitis or pneumonia.
Researchers found that even at low ozone concentrations, healthy individuals can experience significant decreases in lung function after moderate exercise. The study suggests that healthier individuals may exhibit individual variability in their responses to ozone, with some showing strong sensitivity while others are less affected.
Blast injuries are physically and psychologically devastating, with conservative estimates showing a four-fold increase in events and an eight-fold increase in injuries. The authors emphasize the need for every physician involved in emergency care to understand blast injury patterns and management, highlighting the importance of carefu...
Early exposure to airborne ultrafine particulate matter in infancy has been linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma later in life. This study found that infant inhalation of ultrafine air pollution caused genetic defects leading to dysfunctional proteins and permanent changes in immune responses.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have found an efficient way to deliver a corrected gene to lung cells, restoring normal function in tissue models. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment options for cystic fibrosis patients.
Researchers at University of North Carolina have discovered a new approach to delivering a corrected CF gene to lung cells using parainfluenza virus, which could potentially cure cystic fibrosis lung disease. The method has shown promise in laboratory models and may pave the way for future clinical trials.
A recent study from UAB and Southern Research Institute reveals that the M2 protein in influenza viruses damages lung epithelial cells, leading to fluid buildup and breathing difficulties. By understanding this mechanism, researchers hope to develop new treatments to prevent or minimize flu damage.
Research suggests that breaking down lung mucus with cystic fibrosis medicines can reduce the severity of bacterial infections. The study's findings have important implications for managing long-term infections in patients with cystic fibrosis.
A study found that high soy intake was associated with improved lung function and a lower risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in smokers. Flavonoids in soy may help protect against tobacco carcinogens, but more research is needed to understand the underlying mechanism.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a fluorescent probe that glows bright green when exposed to ozone, a harmful pollutant and lung irritant. The probe's sensitivity and specificity make it a potential tool for monitoring indoor and outdoor ozone levels, as well as studying its effects on the human body.
Researchers discovered that a small portion of an enzyme plays a key role in fighting bacterial infections in the lungs. The team found that mice without this gene were more likely to die from infection, highlighting a potential new target for antibiotics.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism by which nanoparticles cause lung damage, triggering programmed cell death through autophagy. They also found that blocking this process with an autophagy inhibitor can counteract the damage, providing a promising lead for developing safety strategies for nanotechnology.
Researchers at Oregon State University have made a groundbreaking discovery about bird physiology, finding that birds' lung structure and musculature are critical to their flight capacity. This study suggests that birds did not descend from theropod dinosaurs but instead evolved on a parallel path.
A new lung cancer therapy employing a vaporized viral vector to deliver a cancer-inhibiting molecule directly to lung tissue shows early promise in mouse trials. The delivery of genes via aerosol holds promise for the treatment of a broad spectrum of pulmonary disorders.
Research from Boston University School of Medicine sheds light on how airways form and provide insights into lung diseases like asthma and COPD. The study reveals that Notch signaling controls the balance between ciliated and secretory cells in developing airways.
A new study found that Serum surfactant protein A is the strongest predictor of survival in patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). This discovery could help doctors determine disease severity and make informed treatment decisions, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified the FOXF1 transcription factor gene as responsible for a rare and deadly developmental disorder of the lungs, alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins. The discovery may lead to easier diagnosis and counseling for families affected by the disease.
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation recommends increased surveillance following generic immunosuppression medication changes to avoid adverse effects. This advisory aims to inform transplant practitioners about the challenges of prescribing generic medications in thoracic transplantation patients.
Researchers have discovered that activated stem cells in damaged lungs may lead to rapidly dividing cells that can develop into lung cancer. This finding is significant because it highlights the role of stem cell activation in lung cancer susceptibility, particularly among cigarette smokers.
Researchers found that non-smokers who reported childhood exposure to ETS were more likely to have CT patterns indicating early emphysema. Childhood ETS exposure may be associated with detectable differences in lung structure and early emphysema later in life, even among non-smokers.