Articles tagged with Lungs
Dr. Magdi Yacoub will receive the ISHLT Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work in heart recovery using support devices. His approach, known as 'bridge to recovery,' has broadened the usage of heart assist devices and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found evidence of a substance secreted by the lungs of a developing fetus that contains the key signal to initiate labor. The study, led by Dr. Carole Mendelson, suggests a link between a specific fetal lung protein and labor in humans.
A Cincinnati Children's Hospital study found a deficiency in lipoxins, key regulators of inflammation, in children with cystic fibrosis. This discovery provides impetus for developing novel therapeutics to decrease lung inflammation.
Researchers discovered a link between the Endothelial NO Synthase gene and Alevolar Capillary Dysplasia (ACD), a fatal lung disease affecting newborns. The study found that mice lacking this gene developed major defects in lung development, mirroring human cases of ACD.
The future of drug delivery involves 'smart' systems addressing issues like gut, skin, and lung penetration, promising improved patient compliance and treatment efficacy.
A new index, CTPE Index, quantifies clot size and predicts patient outcome in pulmonary embolism. Patients with high clot burdens are at increased risk of death and may require aggressive treatment.
A recent study combines data from two studies comparing linezolid and vancomycin for ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Linezolid was found to be more effective in eradicating the infection, with a 15% higher cure rate compared to vancomycin.
Researchers found that pulmonary hypertension, a complication of sickle cell disease, causes significant mortality in adults. A study of 195 patients revealed that up to 40% of those with the condition developed high blood pressure in their lungs, leading to premature death.
Critical care doctors have released the first-ever guidelines for sepsis, recommending more aggressive recognition and diagnosis, timely antibiotic therapy, and maintenance of adequate blood pressure. The guidelines aim to standardize clinical management of severe sepsis and reduce mortality rate by 25 percent.
Researchers have discovered that bone marrow-derived stem cells are present in the lungs of mice with pulmonary fibrosis. This finding suggests a new approach to treating the disease using stem cell therapy. Understanding how these stem cells engraft and interact with the lung tissue could lead to improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that diesel exhaust particles trigger more severe allergic responses in individuals with certain genetic variations, particularly the GSTM1 and GSTP1 genes. This study suggests a new route of intervention for pollution-related lung health problems.
Researchers identified four asthma patient subsets defined by age of onset and presence/absence of eosinophils, suggesting different biological processes and mechanisms. Early-onset asthma was associated with allergies, while late-onset asthma showed rapid lung function loss.
A large trial found that interferon gamma-1b did not slow the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, but may improve survival in early-stage patients. The treatment's failure to prevent lung scarring was a major concern.
Researchers used CT scans to analyze lung tissue in anorexic patients and found structural changes that differ from those in healthy individuals. The findings suggest early therapy is crucial for patients with anorexia to avoid permanent damage to the lungs.
A randomized clinical trial found that endoscopic fetal treatment increased survival to 73 percent for infants with severe CDH, while a comparison group with standard care reached 77 percent. The strongest predictor of survival was the size of the fetus' lungs at diagnosis.
Researchers used endothelial progenitor cells from bone marrow to repair damaged blood vessels in rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), reducing systolic pressure and improving microcirculation. The study suggests a regenerative approach that could lead to a new clinical therapy for this devastating disease.
Researchers evaluated the effect of new standards on lung donations, transplants, and waiting times. The number of donors increased by 119% and transplants by 114%, while waiting times decreased significantly.
Research reveals distinct differences between severe asthma in children and adults, with males under 18 predominantly affected and females over 18. Children with severe asthma exhibit deceptively good lung function, challenging existing guidelines that may lead to undertreatment.
Researchers have resolved a long-standing paradox surrounding lung collectins, finding they play two roles in the lungs: dampening and promoting immune responses. This discovery sheds light on how these versatile proteins protect against both harmful pathogens and excessive inflammation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed tiny plastic particles that can release medicine over a prescribed period, without triggering an immune response. The particles are designed to dissolve slowly in the body and cross the mucus lining of air passages, reaching their target cells underneath.
A new study from UC Davis finds that the debris pile at Ground Zero released toxic metals, acids, and organics for at least six weeks after the 9/11 attacks. The conditions were brutal for those working without respirators.
Researchers found that higher melatonin levels in asthma patients at night lead to impaired lung function, suggesting all patients with asthma should avoid melatonin supplements until more is known about their safety. This study's findings support previous research linking melatonin to inflammation in asthma.
Researchers used PET scans to study MAO B activity in smokers and nonsmokers. The findings show reduced MAO B activity in peripheral organs by one-third to almost one-half, potentially leading to medical consequences.
An imaging study has revealed that smoking significantly reduces MAO-B activity in the hearts, lungs, kidneys, and spleens of smokers, impacting overall organ health. The study used radiotracers to track enzyme levels in peripheral organs.
Researchers developed a new composite score combining CT imaging and pulmonary function testing to assess treatment effects in young cystic fibrosis patients. A new test was also developed to predict increased mortality risk in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia patients with significant decline in pulmonary function.
A UCI biomedical engineer has received a $1.8 million grant to create viable lung tissue similar to that found in bronchial tubes, which will be injured to simulate asthma injuries. The goal is to better understand what causes scarring in the lungs of people with asthma and develop more effective treatments.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have identified a distinct pattern of protein expression that can predict poor or good lung cancer prognosis. The protein profile was used to analyze tiny amounts of tumor tissue and accurately distinguish between different types of lung cancer.
Dr. Peter Ward, a renowned U-M pathologist, has received the American Thoracic Society's highest honor for his pioneering research on inflammation and lung biology. His work has significantly broadened the understanding of lung health and disease, influencing the career development of many clinicians and scientists worldwide.
Children with severe asthma defy conventional understanding of inflammation-driven disease, showing little to no evidence of ongoing inflammation and permanent changes in lung tissue despite long-term therapy. Despite aggressive treatment, many patients experience uncontrolled symptoms, frequent hospitalizations, and even death.
A study by Joanna Fowler and colleagues found significant reductions in MAO B activity in the heart, lungs, kidneys, and spleen of smokers compared to non-smokers, with reductions ranging from 33 to 46%. The findings suggest that smoking impacts peripheral organs and highlight the need for further examination of these consequences.
Researchers identified nearly 300 asthma signature genes involved in pathogenesis, including arginase, which triggers asthmatic symptoms. The discovery could lead to targeted treatments for individual patients.
Researchers have developed a new regimen for lung transplant patients that reduces the need for anti-rejection drugs. The protocol involves giving fewer pills less often over time, with results showing 18 out of 20 patients doing well on lower doses of one mainstay anti-rejection drug, tacrolimus.
Women's lung function improved significantly after quitting smoking, with improvements lasting longer than those of men. Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of COPD, and the study highlights the importance of quitting to reduce lung disease risk.
A major government study found that surgery provides significant improvements in pulmonary function, exercise tolerance, and quality of life for selected emphysema patients. The study identified specific criteria, including CT scan patterns and exercise capacity, to determine which patients are best suited for surgical therapy.
Researchers from National Jewish Health will present data on the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in difficult-to-control asthma patients. Additionally, they will discuss risk factors for 'hot tub lung' caused by nontubercular mycobacteria and a genetic mutation linked to mycobacterial infections.
A landmark cooperative study found that patients with upper lobe emphysema and low exercise capacity benefit more from lung volume reduction surgeries (LVRS), while those without these characteristics experience decreased survival and functional levels. LVRS improved lung function and exercise capacity, but had no long-term benefits.
A six-year study found that lung volume reduction surgery improves quality of life and survival rates for patients with upper lobe emphysema who are unable to exercise. The procedure did not show overall survival benefits, but identifying non-beneficial candidates is crucial.
A national multicenter trial confirms that lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) significantly improves the quality of life and life expectancy for patients with severe emphysema. The procedure, which involves removing diseased sections of lung tissue, allows patients to resume routine activities without breathing difficulties.
The study found that lung surgery improves survival rates and function for some patients with severe emphysema, particularly those with concentrated disease in the upper lobes. However, patients with more diffuse disease and greater exercise capacity are at higher risk of complications.
A study of 73 patients with symptoms suggestive of SARS found that CT scans identified three common features: ground-glass opacification, lower lobe distribution, and peripheral distribution. These findings suggest that CT can be a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting SARS, particularly in cases where chest x-rays are normal.
A study of 589 postmenopausal women found a significant association between menopause and sleep-disordered breathing. Additionally, researchers discovered that statin use can significantly reduce tissue rejection and improve pulmonary function in lung transplant patients. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating sleep-diso...
Certican has been shown to target underlying causes of chronic allograft dysfunction and late graft loss, including acute rejection and vascular remodelling. The drug demonstrated superiority over azathioprine in reducing acute rejection episodes and pulmonary function decline.
Researchers found that aerosolized cyclosporine specifically enhances lung function in patients who deposit higher concentrations of the drug. Patients who deposited at least 5mg showed significant improvement in lung function over time.
Researchers found that mice lacking NKT cells remained resistant to asthma-inducing stimuli, while those with NKT cells developed airway hyper-reactivity and symptoms. The study suggests NKT cells play a key role in asthma development and may be targeted for treatment.
Researchers at the University of Washington used quantitative proteomic analysis to study Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria linked to cystic fibrosis. The study found that quorum sensing may help the bacteria adapt in the airway, leading to inflammation and fatal outcomes.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) improves breathing capacity by over 50% in select emphysema patients. After five years, patients showed significant improvements in lung function and quality-of-life scores, with an estimated 60% survival rate.
Researchers have combined an antibody with an antioxidant enzyme to protect transplanted lungs from oxidative stress, improving lung-graft survivability and storage time. The anti-PECAM/catalase hybrid construct strengthened antioxidant defenses and reduced free-radical damage in animal models.
Two new studies report associations between prenatal exposure to maternal smoking and early-onset asthma with deficits in children's lung function. In the first study, a two-month rifampin/pyrazinamide regimen was found to be effective in treating latent TB in high-risk, non-adherent groups, but with potential liver toxicity risks.
Scientists have improved understanding of TGF-beta's regulation in Marfan syndrome by studying mice with genetic mutations. They found that blocking TGF-beta activity during development may prevent features of the disorder, including emphysema and aortic rupture.
Scientists have discovered a possible acceleration of type 1 diabetes in proinsulin 2-deficient non-obese diabetic mice, while promoting lymphangiogenesis as a potential treatment for lymphedema. Additionally, researchers found that CD44 is involved in the binding and uptake of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, suggesting its role in tubercu...
Researchers tested a combination of a vibrating vest and a mechanical cough-assist device to improve respiratory function in stroke patients. The treatment resulted in significant increases in forced vital capacity and minute ventilation, and improved oxygen saturation levels.
Researchers at UCSD identified a key gene pathway contributing to pulmonary hypertension, with potential molecular targets for new therapies. The study revealed that abnormal expression of angiopoietin-1 leads to muscle cell proliferation in lung vessels, causing disease progression.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that older divers remain healthy enough to dive safely as long as they do not have any underlying lung or heart conditions. The study used hyperbaric chambers to measure the effects of carbon dioxide retention on older and younger divers.
Researchers have discovered that insects breathe rapidly in a manner similar to lungs, with tracheal compression and expansion exchanging up to 50% of air every second. This new technique, utilizing synchrotron x-ray beams, opens doors to studying animal functions, biomechanics, and movements.
Researchers have discovered that many insects, including crickets and wood beetles, breathe using a mechanism similar to human lungs. The study used x-ray imaging to reveal rapid breathing cycles, producing air exchange rates of nearly 50 percent.
Researchers found alterations in airway structure due to cigarette smoke exposure in utero may cause symptoms and abnormal lung function in exposed infants. A potential therapy for premature babies with bronchopulmonary dysplasia has been identified as low molecular weight catalytic antioxidant.
Researchers analyzed debris from the collapsed towers and found no high levels of pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls or other persistent organic pollutants. The study estimated that 100-1000 tons of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were present in lower Manhattan dust, but these particles were too large to be inhaled deeply.
A recent study found that injecting contrast material before a CT scan can increase lung tissue volume in critically ill patients with ALI. This increase is attributed to fluid accumulation in the lungs, making breathing harder for these patients. The authors recommend avoiding this procedure in critically ill patients.
A small randomised controlled study of eight patients with ARDS found that re-inflation after suctioning increased lung volume and oxygen levels, suggesting a potential benefit for recovery. The researchers hope this technique could have a positive impact on patient outcomes.
Mayo Clinic researchers identified Mycobacterium avium complex as the cause of 'hot tub lung', a previously poorly understood disease. The study found that warm temperatures and inadequate cleaning practices facilitate the growth of MAC in hot tub water, leading to respiratory problems.