Research on the lungs and respiratory health. Covers asthma prevention, immune cell activity, age-related decline, and pulmonary care.
Scientists pinpoint specific 'genetic endowment' genes that enable breast cancer tumors to metastasize to the lungs. The discovery offers a new set of molecular tools to test tumor biopsies, enabling early diagnosis and targeted treatment.
A study by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has identified a gene set associated with breast cancer metastasis to the lungs. The researchers found that over half of patients with tumors carrying this genetic 'thumbprint' developed lung metastases, whereas only 10% of those without it did.
The University of California, Santa Barbara, has been awarded a $12.5 million grant to develop nanoscale systems for early diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases. Led by Professor Craig Hawker, the team will use nanoparticles as carriers for diagnostic systems and therapeutic agents.
Researchers discovered six genes linked to chronic lung rejection, potentially leading to an early genetic test and targeted treatments. The study's findings could improve lung transplant patient survival by detecting scarring earlier.
Researchers have discovered a highly specific pathway that causes inflammation in lung tissue, which may contribute to lung damage in adult patients with cystic fibrosis. The study identifies interleukin-23 and interleukin-17 as promising targets for neutralization.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can be predicted using PET scans in trauma patients, allowing for early treatment with aggressive immune modulation therapy. This method has the potential to reduce mortality rates and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers discovered a genetic link between a Fog2 gene mutation and small lungs, abnormal diaphragm development, and breathing difficulties in children. The study provides an important genetic starting point for further insight into human disorders.
A multi-disciplinary team, led by UCSB professors, aims to develop novel technologies to diagnose and treat heart disease. The team will focus on creating nano-delivery vehicles, molecular nano-stents, and bio-nanoelectromechanical systems (BioNEMS) to target vulnerable plaque.
The researchers developed a nebulized and inhaled gene therapy that reverses PAH in rats by inhibiting Survivin, a protein driving excessive cell growth. The therapy improves heart function and survival rates, offering promising avenues for human PAH treatment.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a natural compound, nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), that helps keep airways open and may offer a new approach to treating asthma. Mice with elevated levels of GSNO were less susceptible to asthma, while those deficient in GSNO developed the disease.
A recent study found that workers exposed to Libby Vermiculite Ore have a significantly higher rate of pleural plaques, or scarring of the chest wall lining. The occurrence was as high as 44.1% in those with the largest exposure, and the risk increased with cumulative exposure.
A study analyzing US lung transplant data between 1994 and 2002 found that female recipients experienced a 60% increased risk of primary graft dysfunction compared to male recipients. This condition can lead to severe lung injury, high mortality rates, prolonged hospital stays, and other serious complications.
A new study has found that cyclophosphamide significantly improves lung function and reduces breathlessness in patients with scleroderma lung disease. The treatment also reported increased energy levels and functional ability compared to the placebo group.
A recent study found that chest CT scans are necessary for multiple trauma patients, even if initial X-ray results appear normal. The study analyzed data from 563 patients and revealed that X-rays missed 40% of clinically significant thoracic injuries.
The study found that MDCT pulmonary angiograms increased from 21.9 to 42.5 per month, while ventilation-perfusion scans dropped from 5.7 to 3.6, indicating a shift towards diagnosing pulmonary embolism by CT. This change is attributed to advancements in MDCT scanners, which can quickly image the pulmonary vasculature with high resolution.
Researchers found non-heart abnormalities in 61% of patients who underwent CTCA scans, including lung cancer, emphysema, and fluid buildup. The study emphasizes the need for a team-based approach to reading these scans, with both radiologists and technologists requiring specialized training.
Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoke both impair lung defenses against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium that causes pneumonia and other infections. Researchers exposed rats to smoke and varying levels of alcohol, then infected them with S. pneumoniae, finding that the combination increased bacterial penetration into the lungs.
COPD researchers found a correlation between increased lung inflammation and reduced histone deacetylase activity, which may explain the disease's resistance to steroids. Low doses of theophylline, a tea leaf substance, could help restore HDAC activity and reverse resistance.
A large-scale study found that quitting smoking slows lung function decline in men and women, with a 38% decrease in men and 17% in women. However, weight gain significantly diminishes the beneficial effects of quitting on lung function, particularly in men.
Research suggests that daily acetaminophen use is associated with a higher prevalence of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as decreased lung function. In contrast, vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy can limit the negative effects of nicotine on fetal lung tissue.
Researchers found that high levels of oxygen can exacerbate lung inflammation in mice by triggering the release of adenosine, a molecule that protects against tissue damage. The study suggests that adenosine substitutes may be useful in preventing lung damage in patients with acute lung inflammation.
Researchers found that high oxygen levels can weaken a protective mechanism triggered by hypoxia, leading to increased lung damage. The study suggests that therapeutic activators targeting the A2AR signaling pathway may mitigate these effects.
Research shows that vitamin C can help prevent smoking-related lung development problems in unborn babies. The study found that vitamin C dosed during pregnancy may improve lung air flow and reduce adverse outcomes.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that symptom-driven therapy may be an effective treatment option for adults with mild persistent asthma. The research found that participants who took medication only when symptoms appeared had similar lung function changes and quality-of-life scores compared to thos...
A pivotal study found that CyIS significantly reduces chronic rejection and prolongs survival in lung-transplant recipients, offering hope for a breakthrough therapy to address this unmet need. The study demonstrated an 84% four-year survival rate with CyIS compared to 56% with placebo.
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation has created new, comprehensive guidelines to help organ centers update their policies. The guidelines aim to bridge patients to transplant by offering pharmacological, surgical, and device-based interventions.
Researchers found asthmatics produce lower levels of interferon beta, making them more susceptible to respiratory virus infections. A potential new treatment for asthma attacks involves using a device to top up interferon levels in the lungs.
A new pump device, partnered with stem cell technology, aims to address heart failure and improve heart function. Research on ventricular assist devices (VADs) and pediatric devices is also ongoing, with a focus on developing smaller devices for children and improving outcomes.
AlloMap molecular expression testing enables proactive monitoring of immune system signals, identifying rejection before it occurs. This non-invasive technology eliminates the need for frequent biopsies, improving individual patient outcomes and reducing patient discomfort.
A new study found no significant difference in outcomes between patients ruled out for pulmonary embolism with MDCT and single-detector CT. However, the increased detection rate of small clots may lead to more unnecessary treatment, increasing risks such as hemorrhagic stroke.
A new study identifies SERPINE2 as a novel candidate gene for COPD, particularly in individuals who smoke. The research reveals that SERPINE2 is expressed in lung tissues and cells, and its expression is altered in people with certain clinical characteristics of COPD.
Purpura fulminans is a newly emerging deadly disease characterized by skin lesions and tissue damage. Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified three recommended treatments for purpura fulminans, including antibiotic therapy against Neisseria meningitidis and methicillin-resistant S. aureus.
UNH has launched its second spinout company, Xemed LLC, backed by three new NIH grants to commercialize a lung imaging technology that could benefit millions suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The technology allows MRI to produce a clear picture of the lungs' interior, enabling doctors to see which parts are affected.
Asthma sufferers experience worsened symptoms when infected with the common cold virus, as their cells replicate more extensively and fail to produce interferon-beta, a potent anti-viral protein. This defect leads to increased pro-inflammatory molecule secretion, recruiting asthma-inducing cells into the lungs.
Researchers analyzed 4,369 chest radiographs from 313 SARS patients and found that lung opacification levels on the seventh day could predict fatal outcomes. Patients with greater than 20% lung opacification were more likely to die from SARS, while those with less than 10% had a higher survival rate.
Research by Ingber and colleagues found that manipulating mechanical force in developing mouse lungs can slow down or speed up growth, which could lead to novel treatments for lung conditions. This study sheds light on the importance of mechanobiology in understanding normal lung development and potential intervention pathways.
The study found that sustained quitters had nearly half the overall death rate of those who continued to smoke. Death rates were also lower for coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease, and less than half for lung cancer compared to smokers.
A 14-year study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that quitting smoking can add years to life. The study showed a significant reduction in death rates among participants who quit compared to those who continued to smoke.
Researchers will investigate the spread of 'superbugs' and develop more effective antimicrobial agents and vaccine strategies to treat lung infections. The goal is to determine when segregation of CF patients is necessary, reducing social strain on families and individuals.
Researchers found that indirect CT venography increases the detection rate of thromboembolic disease by 20% compared to traditional CTPA. The addition of CTV improves diagnosis for patients with pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, saving lives.
Researchers have developed a new treatment that significantly reduces morphine use after hysterectomies, leading to improved lung function and more consistent pain relief. The treatment combines two non-opioid drugs, gabapentin and rofecoxib, which work together to alleviate movement-related pain and promote better breathing.
Researchers discovered impaired lung function test results and low exhaled nitric oxide levels in school-age BPD survivors, indicating distinct pathophysiologic pathways. Meanwhile, individuals with beryllium sensitization progressed to chronic beryllium disease at a rate of 6-8% per year.
A recent study found that removing a specific protein from mice with chronic lung disease led to increased inflammation and damage. The discovery contradicts previous theories suggesting the protein's potential benefits in treating asthma.
A low-density helium/oxygen mixture significantly reduces airflow limitations and lung dynamic hyperinflation in COPD patients, allowing for a substantial increase in exercise endurance time. The study found that the duration of exercise doubled from 4.2 minutes to 9 minutes for patients breathing heliox compared to regular air.
A recent pilot study found that only a minority of subjects received a diagnostic work-up according to published algorithms, and that larger nodule sizes were associated with lower use of biopsy for follow-up. Only 7% of subjects diagnosed with lung cancer within a year of the first positive screen.
A recent study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has found no link between taxane-based chemotherapies and pneumonitis in breast cancer patients. The research, led by Tse-Kuan Yu, analyzed 189 breast cancer patients who received either radiation therapy or chemotherapy followed by radiation.
A new study reveals that patients with asthma experiencing high variability in disease symptoms incur greater direct and indirect costs, including hospitalizations, emergency visits, and lost productivity. High variability patients also report more frequent unscheduled doctor visits and asthma interrupts daily activities more often.
Research finds that genetic deletion of the Nrf2 gene makes mice more susceptible to emphysema when exposed to cigarette smoke. This suggests a protective role for Nrf2 against oxidative stress and lung damage.
Researchers discovered a key gene that protects lungs from damage caused by environmental pollutants and chronic exposure. The study found 50 genes regulated by Nrf2, which work together to defend against cigarette smoke-induced emphysema.
A study found that lung function has a natural rhythm that affects energy levels and best times for exercise and treatments. Patients with respiratory conditions may benefit from adapting therapies to their individual circadian rhythms.
A lightweight, flexible E-Z Board allows intubated patients to easily communicate their needs, reducing frustration and improving caregiver-patient interaction. The board has been sold to over 200 hospitals nationwide and is targeted at rehabilitation medicine, speech pathology, and critical care areas.
Researchers compared two animal-derived surfactants and found that Infasurf improved lung function with fewer doses required. The study suggests a cost savings, as Infasurf was more effective over time.
The CHEST Foundation recognizes medical professionals for their outstanding community service and patient care projects, supporting lung health in 11 countries. Grant money is used to bring primary medical services to vulnerable populations.
A study found that the number of CT scans performed for suspected pulmonary embolism increased significantly between 1997-1998 and 2002-2003, despite only a proportionate increase in actual cases. Radiologists are now seeing smaller abnormalities that were previously undetectable, leading to reconsideration of clinical issues.
A recent study demonstrated that SPIRIVA significantly reduces COPD exacerbations, improving patient quality of life and reducing healthcare costs. The medication also prolongs the time to first exacerbation and significantly lowers health resource utilization.
A recent study found that over half of patients with COPD are incorrectly diagnosed with asthma, leading to delayed treatment. The study suggests that simple symptom-based diagnostic questions can improve diagnosis rates and improve patient outcomes.
Pulmonary fibrosis occurs when normal lung tissue is replaced with thick scar tissue, impairing oxygen flow. Researchers have discovered that TGF-beta causes apoptosis in epithelial cells before fibrosis develops, paving the way for potential treatments by blocking cell death.
Researchers found that zoledronic acid can halt the progression of cervical cancer in mice by inhibiting angiogenesis and matrix metalloprotease-9 expression. Additionally, a study on skin cancer revealed that Stat3 is required for initiation and promotion stages, suggesting it as a potential target for cancer therapy
A US study found a significant link between exposure to traffic pollutants and an increased risk of bronchitis or physician-diagnosed asthma in children. In contrast, directly observed therapy for tuberculosis patients showed a significantly higher cure rate compared to self-administered therapy.
The PNNL lab will develop a 'pulmonary physiome', a web-based model that provides predictive tools to understand the impact of airborne contaminants on human health. This project aims to improve treatments for asthma and other respiratory ailments.