Articles tagged with Lungs
Research from the University of Pennsylvania reveals that hyponatremia is associated with worse right heart function and poorer patient outcomes in PAH patients. The study found that low serum sodium levels are linked to higher mortality rates, hospitalization rates, and severity of right heart failure.
A new research project uses computer modeling to look at the best way of using ventilators while minimizing the risk of injury. Real-life data collected from patients will be used to create the models, which could lead to computer management of ventilators for optimal treatment and reduced harm.
A team of researchers from the University of Leeds has made a breakthrough in understanding finger clubbing by identifying its link to lung cancer. The team discovered that a genetic mutation prevents the breakdown of fatty compound PGE2, leading to swollen fingers and fingernails.
Two studies using data from the CARDIA cohort provide insights into lung disease and lung function in young adults. Low levels of adiponectin in fat cells are associated with an increased risk of asthma in women, while high levels of ICAM-1 are linked to lower lung function.
A large group of soldiers returning from Iraq were diagnosed with bronchiolitis, a disease affecting the small airways of the lung. Prolonged exposure to sulfur dioxide from a mine fire near Mosul, Iraq in 2003 was found to be a major risk factor for the condition.
Researchers found that COPD patients who lived longer than two years obtained more positive results from their PR program than those with end-stage COPD. The study suggests that other factors present at end of life may contribute to poorer outcomes in exercise capacity and quality of life.
Researchers found that long, thin multi-walled carbon nanotubes behave like asbestos fibers when inhaled, posing a risk of mesothelioma. The study suggests steps should be taken to prevent inhalation and regulate their use.
Researchers found that markers of oxidative stress were positively associated with declines in lung function five years later. The study used data from the CARDIA cohort and found associations between oxidized LDL and lower lung function in both men and women, but particularly in women.
A study of caregivers of deceased lung transplant patients found that they reported poorly controlled symptoms and a worse quality of dying and death process, leading to significant depressive and PTSD symptoms. The researchers highlight the urgent need for improved support systems to alleviate caregiver stress.
A study of children with sickle cell disease found a significant decline in lung function over time, with an average loss of 2 percent per year of total lung capacity. The decline is characterized by a restrictive pattern, and certain hemoglobin-beta genotypes are associated with increased risk.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified a new type of immune response linked to severe asthma and COPD, enabling more precise diagnosis and targeted treatment. The study's findings promise to revolutionize the management of chronic inflammatory lung disease by detecting specific biomarkers in the lungs or bloodstream.
Scientists at the University of Chicago have explained the physics governing how thin materials transition from wrinkles to folds under compression. The study's findings have implications for the design of foldable electronics and the production of synthetic lung surfactant for therapeutic uses, with potential applications in both fields.
Researchers have found that doxycycline, commonly used to treat acne, can prevent tissue damage caused by emphysema. The study suggests that the antibiotic boosts the body's ability to protect against lung damage by increasing VEGF levels.
Researchers are studying the effects of lunar dust on astronaut health in low-gravity environments. The study found that tiny particles can remain suspended in the airways and potentially cause lung damage for extended periods.
Researchers at UTMB have developed a promising antiviral therapy against RSV using custom-designed molecules that target the genetic machinery of the virus. These 'morpholino oligomers' show minimal toxicity and significantly reduce RSV replication in cell culture and mouse experiments.
A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has identified a unique combination of blood proteins that distinguish IPF patients from normal controls with extraordinary sensitivity and precision. The five protein signature may help monitor lung fibrosis, detect disease progression, and evaluate treatment e...
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a novel technology that illuminates the lungs, enabling clinicians to identify functional damage and diseases. The technique uses hyperpolarised noble gases to produce high-resolution images, shedding new light on lung conditions such as emphysema and cystic fibrosis.
Researchers have identified a common molecular disease pathway explaining how diverse non-infectious and infectious agents like anthrax, lung plague, SARS, and H5N1 avian influenza can cause severe lung failure with similar pathologies. Oxidative stress triggers the innate immune system, leading to severe lung damage.
A two-part series explores chronic cough, defined as a cough lasting longer than eight weeks, affecting 9-33% of the population. The causes are diverse, including airway diseases and cardiovascular conditions, and often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as idiopathic.
Researchers have developed tests that diagnose, predict or monitor cancer risks without invasive tissue sampling. Oral epithelium can be used as a surrogate tissue to assess molecular damage to the lungs, allowing for convenient biomonitoring methods.
Research found a strong link between engine exhaust and pneumonia deaths, with 35 local authorities accounting for over 15,000 excess deaths, equivalent to the annual death toll from London smog. The study suggests that pollutants directly damage lung tissue, increasing risk of progressive lung diseases such as COPD.
Patients with cystic fibrosis who develop life-threatening lung infections pose significant challenges for lung transplantation. The success rate of lung transplants in these patients is lower compared to those without such infections, sparking debate about whether to allocate donor lungs to them.
During WWII, physiologists developed altitude chambers to study high-altitude effects on humans. They trained animals to parachute and discovered techniques to prevent decompression sickness and hypoxia. These innovations paved the way for pressurized aircraft and safer air travel.
Experimental work on utilizing donor organs from cardiac arrested donors shows promise in addressing the critical organ shortage for lung and possibly heart transplantation. Strategies for organ preservation during transport, such as Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) and Organ Care System (OCS), are also being discussed.
Researchers present data on gene-based blood testing that may help reduce immunosuppression and predict cardiac allograft rejection. Non-invasive molecular testing of routine blood samples provides information on the immune, inflammatory, and injury status of transplanted hearts before tissue damage occurs.
Researchers link atherosclerosis to widespread organ damage and discover potential targets for treatment. The study found that biochemical signals in arteries can contribute to harm in the lungs, liver, and other organs.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded contracts to develop new mechanical circulatory support devices for children with congenital heart defects. These devices are designed to decrease wait list mortality and improve efficiency of organ utilization in pediatric patients.
Workers exposed to low levels of an asbestos-like mineral from Montana vermiculite are at increased risk for lung disease today. A 25-year follow-up study found that even low cumulative exposure can cause changes in the lining around the lungs.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that after-school programs increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among middle school girls by 80 calories a week. The intervention also reduced sedentary behavior by 8.2 minutes per day.
Researchers discovered that alligators use a combination of muscles to shift their lungs and maneuver in the water. This unique ability allows them to dive, surface, and roll sideways without creating disturbance. The study highlights the importance of specialized muscles in aquatic animals for navigation and stealth.
Researchers are investigating how biomechanical forces affect blood vessel growth in the lungs of babies with congenital heart disease. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind this phenomenon and potentially develop improved treatments for affected children.
The March of Dimes has awarded $3.5 million to scientists studying the role of genes and heredity in premature births. The organization aims to understand the causes of preterm birth, which affects over half a million babies annually.
Researchers discuss the potential for developing new therapies for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by targeting abnormal embryonic pathways. The treatment imperative for cardiac interventions in older patients also drives this need for innovative treatments.
Bilateral lung transplantation in younger patients with end-stage COPD provides longer survival than single lung transplantation, with median survival times of 6.41 and 4.59 years, respectively. This finding holds true even after adjusting for pre-transplant characteristics.
A study found that genetic variations modifying MBL2 expression are associated with more severe CF symptoms, including faster lung decline in patients deficient in the protein. This may lead to new approaches for treating those at risk of increased disease severity.
Recovery from flu leaves lungs vulnerable to pneumonia-causing bacteria due to immune system suppression. This 'protection mechanism' may also affect response to environmental allergens.
Researchers found that black patients with COPD were less likely to receive a lung transplant and more likely to die or be removed from the transplant list than white patients. Despite differences in insurance, socioeconomic status, and cardiovascular risk factors, these disparities persisted.
A new study found that a 'lung open ventilation' strategy combining low tidal volumes, recruitment maneuvers, and high PEEP levels reduced the rates of severe persistent low oxygen levels and needed rescue therapies. The study also showed improved lung function and reduced organ failure duration.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that high CO2 levels impair lung function and increase the risk of edema. The study suggests reducing CO2 levels to improve treatment outcomes for patients with respiratory distress.
A new UCLA Medical Center study shows that select patients age 65 and older can safely undergo lung transplantation with acceptable outcomes. The study found similar survival rates between younger and older patients, suggesting that age should not preclude patients from the procedure.
A study found that severe asthma is characterized by air trapping and incomplete reversibility with bronchodilator treatment. This suggests a distinct physiological difference between severe and non-severe asthma, potentially leading to new treatment approaches.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that secondhand smoke exposure can weaken lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis. The study found that even a small genetic change can double the negative effects of secondhand smoke on lung function, accelerating reduced lung function and lifespan.
A study found that secondhand smoke exposure is associated with decreased lung function in individuals with cystic fibrosis. Certain mutations in the CFTR gene determine the magnitude of this effect, suggesting a potential role for gene-environment interactions in worsening lung outcomes.
Researchers discovered that mast cells in the lungs release renin, an enzyme that helps trigger bronchoconstriction, a hallmark of asthma. This finding suggests potential new targets for treatment against asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Researchers have discovered that cigarette smoke depletes the Sirtuin (SIRT1) gene, which protects against premature aging and inflammation. Testing antioxidant resveratrol may help restore this gene to prevent lung damage and diseases like COPD and lung cancer.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati discovered that increased numbers of neutrophil cells in the lungs of IPF patients are associated with a 30% increased risk of mortality. This finding may lead to more accurate diagnoses and improved treatment options for those affected by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Researchers found that Gas6 protein increases cell signaling in response to Epo treatment and treats both chronic and acute anemia in mice. Additionally, mice deficient in Gas6 have decreased sensitivity to Epo and reduced ability to recover from anemia.
Researchers have made significant advances in treating and diagnosing LAM through the use of sirolimus and serum VEGF-D test, showing improved lung function and reduced tumor growth. These studies provide hope for patients suffering from this deadly disease, paving the way for targeted therapies.
Researchers found that sirolimus reduced angiomyolipoma size by nearly 50% in TSC and LAM patients. Lung function also improved in LAM patients, with a 10-15% increase in expiratory air flow.
Researchers found that IETM is the arch-criminal in HPS development, leading to increased NO and CO production and vascular abnormalities. The study suggests that targeting LPS may be effective in preventing and treating HPS.
Researchers compared computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) to conventional lungs scans for excluding pulmonary embolism. While CTPA detected more clots, it also resulted in a higher rate of venous thromboembolism diagnoses. The study suggests that CTPA may be a safe and reliable alternative to ventilation-perfusion scanning.
Research shows preemies' reduced lung function persists beyond infancy, contributing to increased risk of respiratory illnesses. Maternal tobacco smoking also linked to lower lung function in both full-term and preterm infants.
Exposure to traffic pollution may increase respiratory problems and reduce lung volumes in children with asthma. Living in areas with high road density also increased respiratory symptoms in asthmatic children, even if they didn't have pre-existing conditions.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered a crucial molecular pathway underlying idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a deadly lung disease. The study found that lysoposphatidic acid (LPA) and its receptor LPA1 play a key role in attracting fibroblasts, leading to scarring of lung tissue.
A new study by Imperial College London found that diesel exhaust fumes increase asthmatic symptoms, reduce lung capacity, and cause inflammation in people with mild and moderate asthma. The research measured air quality and lung function in volunteers walking along Oxford Street, where only diesel-powered vehicles are allowed.
A CU-Boulder technology has been used to identify unexpected bacteria strains in the lung fluid of Denver children suffering from cystic fibrosis. The method uses nucleic acid gene sequencing to rapidly detect and classify pathogens found in the lungs, identifying over 60 species of bacteria in samples from 28 patients.
A purified bacterial extract spray administered to laboratory mice provided powerful protection against all four major classes of pathogens, including anthrax and bubonic plague. The treatment was shown to stimulate a healthy immune response and increase antimicrobial polypeptides in the lung lining fluid.
A new system has been developed to classify rare lung diseases in infants, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The system groups various lung diseases into distinct categories, allowing pathologists to diagnose children's lung disease more accurately.
A recent study found that chronic alcohol consumption by lung donors promotes scarring and airway injury after transplantation. The research, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, raises questions about human lung donors with a history of alcohol abuse.
A new study found that treatment with ibuprofen is associated with a significantly slower rate of decline in lung function in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. The study showed a 29 percent reduction in loss of lung function compared to those who did not use the anti-inflammatory drug.