Articles tagged with Lungs
Research finds inadequate ventilation and overcrowding contribute to higher rates of lower respiratory tract lung infections in Inuit children. Carbon dioxide levels often exceed recommended concentrations in homes with poor ventilation.
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking new mouse model for lung transplantation, which could lead to breakthroughs in preventing transplant rejection. The study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms controlling lung graft survival and develop therapies to counteract chronic rejection.
A study found that combining endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) increases diagnostic yield in peripheral lung lesions. The procedure achieved a sensitivity comparable to surgical biopsies, with a 88% diagnostic yield, while reducing complications.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have successfully integrated minimally invasive lung surgery into their training programs with a standardized plan, increasing procedures by 57% over four years. The minimally invasive lobectomy results in faster recovery time and less pain for patients.
Researchers found that mice exposed to ozone before infection died more often than those breathed filtered air. Female mice were also less likely to survive pneumonia exposure compared to males, regardless of genetic variation. The study suggests considering the impact of environmental pollutants on health by gender.
The American Thoracic Society has published a new statement on pulmonary function testing in preschool children, addressing clinical, technical, and epidemiological implications. The guidelines focus on spirometry and other techniques to evaluate lung function in this age group.
Researchers found that elevated pepsin levels, a marker for gastric aspiration, are associated with acute rejection of lung transplants. Prolonged exposure to stomach fluids may contribute to lung injury and increase the risk of rejection.
Death rates from lung and bladder cancer remained high decades after residents in northern Chile were exposed to high levels of arsenic, indicating a clear pattern of latency in health effects. The study found that mortality risks continued to rise long after exposure ended, supporting the need for more testing of world's water sources.
Researchers review developmental and genetic basis of CDH, exploring potential treatments using animal models and examining connections to lung and cardiovascular development. Studies find that TO surgery can stimulate fetal lung growth, while genetic mutations in key pathways contribute to the condition.
Researchers found that talc stimulates healthy cells to produce endostatin, a hormone that inhibits tumor growth and kills tumor cells. The study reveals talcum powder's potential as a therapeutic agent for metastatic lung cancer, offering new hope for patients with incurable disease.
Adults with obstructive sleep apnea benefit significantly from prolonged CPAP use, with 7.5 hours shown to maximize daytime alertness and functioning. Most patients should use CPAP for at least 7.5 hours each night to realize the greatest possible benefits of therapy.
The EASE Trial investigates an experimental procedure called airway bypass designed to create pathways in the lung for trapped air to escape, potentially relieving shortness of breath and other symptoms. The study aims to improve lung function and quality of life for emphysema patients.
A recent study published in Health Psychology by the American Psychological Association found that young adults with a short temper tend to have compromised lung function. Higher levels of general frustration were also associated with statistically significant reductions in pulmonary function among Black and White women, as well as Bla...
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are developing a physics-based virtual model to simulate real-time organ motions for radiation therapy. The 4-D VIP-Man will allow doctors and medical physicists to accurately predict and monitor anatomical changes, providing the most effective treatment possible.
Researchers identify distinct genetic profile associated with rapid progression of IPF, highlighting the need for targeted therapies and closer monitoring. The study's findings may lead to the development of biomarkers for disease progression and more effective treatment strategies.
The TORCH study found that treatment with salmeterol/fluticasone propionate slowed the decline in lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients treated with this combination had a slower rate of lung function decline compared to those receiving a placebo over three years.
A study found that children of smokers have impaired lung function, regardless of whether they exhibit respiratory symptoms, and that smoking after birth may be more harmful than during pregnancy. Researchers speculate that growing smoking bans could lead to increased home smoke exposure and further lung damage.
A randomized double-blind trial of airway bypass treatment is underway to explore a minimally-invasive procedure for millions of emphysema sufferers. The study focuses on reinforcing new pathways in the lung with drug-eluting stents to relieve severe emphysema symptoms.
A new study validates the Pulmonary Embolism Rule-out Criteria, showing that two-thirds of patients with a low probability of pulmonary embolism receive unnecessary tests. The protocol uses clinical criteria to rule out clots in the lung, reducing costs and side effects associated with CT scans.
Researchers found that patients with well-controlled mild asthma on twice-daily inhaled steroids can safely reduce inhaler use to once a day or switch to daily pills. The study involved 500 children and adults with mild persistent asthma.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that Swedish snus is associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, despite being less harmful than smoking. However, switching from cigarettes to snus can potentially lead to significant health benefits for smokers.
A large multiyear database analysis shows that Curosurf (poractant alfa) Intratracheal Suspension significantly improves neonatal survival in preterm infants with RDS. The study found nearly 20% lower death rates for babies treated with poractant alfa compared to beractant or calfactant.
A retrospective study of 24,883 premature babies found that poractant alfa significantly reduced mortality rates, with no differences in outcomes between rural and teaching hospitals. The treatment was approved by the FDA in 1999 and is now being compared to other natural surfactants used in treating respiratory distress syndrome.
Researchers used MRS to evaluate fetal lung maturity in amniotic fluid samples, finding choline levels above 49 mg/g indicate mature lungs. This non-invasive method could spare pregnant women and their fetuses from risks of amniocentesis.
A recent study presented at ISHLT meeting reveals that profiling gene expression can detect organ rejection in lung transplant patients. The LARGO study uses quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to identify molecular signatures associated with acute cellular rejection.
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) is evaluating a new mathematical modeling system for lung allocation in the US, focusing on its effectiveness and comparing it to systems used in Europe. The system aims to give every patient an equal chance at transplant based on various factors.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that enoxaparin was 43% more effective at preventing venous thromboembolisms (VTEs) than unfractionated heparin. This result was consistent regardless of the severity of the stroke.
A large cross-sectional survey found that frequent consumption of cured meats is associated with lower lung function test scores and increased odds of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study suggests that high dietary nitrite intake may be a novel risk factor for COPD.
A study by UNC researchers found that normal breathing's rhythmic motion regulates mucus clearance, promoting lung health in CF patients. This rhythm also re-hydrates airways, accelerating mucus removal.
A new study at Rhode Island Hospital investigated the chronic effects of smoke inhalation on 21 Station fire survivors and found that non-smokers were more severely affected. The study used high-resolution computed tomography to measure air-trapping in the lungs, which increased with severity and was significantly higher in non-smokers.
A genetic 'gang of 4' drives the spread of breast cancer to the lungs by promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Researchers discovered that silencing these genes can effectively reduce cancer growth and metastasis in mice.
Researchers at UTMB overturned the long-held medical dogma on RSV, finding that an inadequate immune reaction is associated with severe infections. The study's findings have major implications for developing therapies and treating viral respiratory infections during infancy.
Researchers at NIST found that short DNA-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes can selectively absorb into human lung cells, posing a potential health risk. The team's study suggests that the length of the nanotube plays a significant role in determining cellular uptake and toxicity.
Scientists found that brief high-level exposures to nitrogen dioxide can cause rapid lung injury, including breathing rate inhibition, lung edema, and acute lung damage. Researchers studied laboratory rats exposed to varying concentrations of the toxic gas for five minutes, revealing significant health risks.
A UCLA study reports that over half of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis improved their walking distance by at least 20% after taking Viagra. The medication may help breathing by opening or dilating blood vessels to allow more blood flow to the lungs.
A therapeutic peptide, 37AA, has been developed to target the protein p73, which can induce tumor cell death. The study found that the peptide killed both p53-sufficient and p53-deficient human tumor cell lines. Additionally, a tissue-resident population of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was discovered in transplanted human lungs, with ...
A new study found that lung-derived mesenchymal stem cells reside in transplanted lungs, challenging the assumption that they originate from bone marrow. These cells have been shown to differentiate into multiple connective tissue cell types and may hold the key to understanding therapeutic options using MSCs that reside in adult organs.
A recent study published in Pediatrics has found that repeated courses of steroids in preterm labor do not harm the babies' brains, contrary to previous concerns. The treatment may still hold promise for helping fragile babies breathe on their own and reducing the risk of respiratory complications.
A large retrospective cohort study found that moderate to high levels of regular physical activity slow lung function decline among smokers and reduce the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Regular exercise suppresses inflammatory markers in the lungs caused by smoking, reducing COPD pathogenesis.
Researchers identified a protein called MARCO that helps immune cells in the lungs clear oxidants, protecting against lung damage. HDL proteins were also found to have anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting new potential treatments for diseases like asthma and COPD.
Primary graft dysfunction is a significant risk factor for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), a chronic scarring process that affects lung function years after transplantation. The study found that all grades of primary graft dysfunction were associated with an increased risk of BOS.
Researchers identified a new mechanism for mouse lung protection against inhaled oxidants. Alveolar macrophages express MARCO and SR-AI/II, clearing lipids modified by oxidants that can trigger inflammation.
The Mayo Clinic team has proposed a system of lung surgery quality indicators to demonstrate best practices for positive patient outcomes. The proposed measures include patient-centered processes prior to, during, and after surgery, such as pulmonary function testing, electrocardiogram, smoking history documentation, and timely pain co...
The study found that patients with higher nitric oxide levels had better survival rates, more ventilator-free days, and lower rates of organ failure. Lower tidal volume respiration was also associated with increased NO levels and improved outcomes.
Researchers at Erasmus University found that inhaling iloprost, a pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment, inhibits the Th2 cell inflammatory response in mice with allergic asthma. This study suggests targeting dendritic cells via iloprost may provide a new treatment for individuals with asthma.
New research identifies a particular gene influencing the severity of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections, which can contribute to chronic asthma. The study suggests that different treatment strategies might be needed for asthma caused by lung infections rather than allergies, as the disease may have a distinct mechanism.
A recent USC study reveals that children who live within 500 meters of a freeway have substantial deficits in lung function by age 18 compared to those living farther away. This highlights the importance of reducing exposure to traffic pollution for healthy lung development.
Local exposure to traffic on freeways has serious adverse effects on children's lung development, with increased rates of asthma and respiratory diseases. Lung-function deficiency is related to residential exposure to traffic, particularly within 500m of a major road.
The University of Pittsburgh has been awarded a five-year, $13 million NIH grant to study chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and develop novel treatment options. Researchers will investigate the molecular and cellular characteristics of COPD to better understand its progression and potential treatments.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have demonstrated that low-dose carbon monoxide can significantly inhibit oxygen-induced damage to lung cells. The study's findings suggest that CO may expand therapeutic options for treating ARDS, a life-threatening condition with high mortality rates.
A recent NHLBI Growth and Health Study found that girls who were overweight at age 9 were more than 1.6 times likely to become overweight during ages 9 to 12 years compared to later adolescence. These girls also had elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increasing their risk for obesity in young adulthood.
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that young adults with chronic cough and phlegm are at a fourfold increased risk of developing COPD. The presence of these symptoms is an early marker of airflow obstruction.
A study published by the American Thoracic Society found that human rhinovirus, a leading cause of common colds, can lead to progressive respiratory failure and death in immunosuppressed lung transplant patients. The virus was found to infect both upper and lower airways, contradicting previous assumptions.
A breakthrough discovery by Vera Krymskaya at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has linked a potential treatment for Lymphangioleimyomatosis (LAM), a rare lung disease targeting only women during childbearing years. The treatment, utilizing a medication to inhibit abnormal growth, is now in clinical trials.
A randomized, multi-center study found that adding inhaled iloprost to bosentan treatment increases exercise capability and reduces clinical deterioration in PAH patients. In some cases, the combination also improves diagnostic functional class by one stage.
In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers used RNA interference (RNAi) to silence the gene encoding prion protein, suppressing its accumulation in mice. This breakthrough provides hope for developing a new therapeutic approach to treat neurodegenerative disorders like CJD and BSE. Further research is ne...
A study of 44 patients with pulmonary embolism from illicit silicone injection found high fatality rates and severe complications. Transsexual males were disproportionately affected, highlighting the need for increased awareness and medical checks.
Researchers developed an ultrasound-based stethoscope that can accurately read heart and lung sounds at high noise levels, revolutionizing medical auscultation for critically injured patients. The new device is expected to save lives by enabling doctors to diagnose conditions like collapsed lungs and asthma in noisy environments.
The University of Minnesota's Maryam Valapour has received a grant to analyze the ethical and policy issues surrounding living-donor lung transplants. She aims to identify factors that encourage and discourage wider use of this procedure, which is currently less common than deceased donor transplants.
Researchers have successfully tested a gene therapy to combat alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a common hereditary disorder that causes lung and liver disease. The treatment showed no adverse effects and introduced the corrective gene into patients' blood, with some evidence of protein production.