Research on the lungs and respiratory health. Covers asthma prevention, immune cell activity, age-related decline, and pulmonary care.
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 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 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 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 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 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.
Researchers found that asthma patients frequently move between severity categories, with no single parameter reliably predicting overall severity. This variability may lead to underestimation or overestimation of asthma severity, emphasizing the importance of proper management and daily maintenance treatments.
Researchers have developed a novel system of gene therapy that targets lung stem cells to treat cystic fibrosis. By using a natural compound found in the lungs, the therapy enables airway cells to take up the therapeutic gene and shows substantial recovery from the disease defect.
Researchers found that Cox-2 inhibitors preserve crucial growth-inducing chemicals that help lungs and tissues grow in premature babies. The study suggests these medications may prevent diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity, common complications of premature birth.
The NHLBI has launched a major initiative to boost research on protein technologies, awarding $157 million over 7 years to 10 new proteomics centers. The centers will focus on novel technologies related to healthy and diseased heart, lung, blood, and sleep processes.
A study found that a pharmacists' care program improved patients' lung function only slightly, and resulted in more hospital and ER visits. Despite the boost in patient satisfaction with their pharmacists, the modest effect on medical conditions and quality of life was disappointing.
A new study by UC Davis professor Thomas Cahill found that indoor spaces near Ground Zero can be effectively cleaned of very fine particles and toxins, providing reassurance for residents. However, the study also identified diesel pollution from vehicles in the area as a continuing health threat.
A Swedish study of over 3,000 children found that living with a cat significantly reduced the risk of developing asthma. Conversely, continuing smokers showed substantially lower lung function levels, indicating severe to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A study of 42 female organ recipients found mostly successful pregnancies without birth defects, but lung transplant patients faced higher risks. Complications and health issues were more common in mothers with pre-existing health problems during pregnancy.
Researchers found that elephants have dense connective tissue replacing pleural membranes to withstand pressure, allowing them to breathe while submerged. West's extensive work on respiratory function also explored high-altitude effects and weightlessness on astronauts.
Scientists suggest elephants have an aquatic ancestry, supported by their unique pleural space and snorkeling behavior. The elephant's dense connective tissue replaces delicate pleura, allowing for some sliding of the two surfaces across each other.
Researchers found that 40% of rejected lungs could have been candidates for transplantation, more than doubling the number of potentially suitable donor lungs. The study highlights the need for a prospective assessment of selection of donors for lung transplantation to potentially save thousands of lives.
A study found that approximately 40% of rejected lungs might have been suitable for transplantation, highlighting the need for re-evaluation of donor selection criteria. This could lead to an increase in the number of available lungs for transplantation, addressing a potential shortage in lung transplantation.
Children with a common genetic variant exposed to maternal cigarette smoke in utero are more likely to experience respiratory problems, including asthma and wheezing. Researchers identified a link between the GSTM1 null genotype and increased risk of respiratory symptoms.
Researchers have developed a new drug called O-nitrosoethanol (ENO) that appears to improve oxygenation in newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension, a potentially life-threatening disorder. The study showed improved oxygenation without adverse side effects, offering hope for treating other diseases of improper oxygenation.
A new study confirmed air pollution is associated with slower lung function growth in children, compared to areas with cleaner air. Lung function growth was found to be about 11% lower in the most polluted community.
Researchers found that inhaled corticosteroids significantly improved disease symptoms and reduced patient exacerbations in a double-blind study of COPD patients. However, ICS treatment had no effect on major inflammatory cell types or lung function in this advanced COPD population.
Researchers at Ohio State University identified 14 genes over-expressed and 12 genes under-expressed in lung cells affected by cancer. The study provides new insights into the genetic basis of lung cancer and could lead to earlier detection methods.
The U-M artificial lung has improved blood flow and reduced risk of clotting, showing encouraging results in sheep tests. The device could potentially bridge lung disease patients to transplant, reducing the average wait time from two years.
Asthma airway remodeling begins in childhood and continues into adulthood, affecting lung function and increasing the risk of respiratory complications. A new study found that 7.4% of children with asthma developed structural abnormalities in their airways at age 18, a rate similar to adults with asthma.
Researchers at MIT have created a biodegradable polymer called biorubber that can stretch and snap back into shape, mimicking the elasticity of human organs. This breakthrough material has potential applications in tissue engineering, including heart tissue, blood vessels, and whole organs for transplantation.
A study by the American Thoracic Society found that non-smoking females with and without asthma experience decreased lung function due to secondhand smoke exposure. High levels of cotinine, a marker of secondhand smoke exposure, were associated with lower lung function in these women.
A study of 1,555 adults found that drinking white wine may be beneficial for lung health, with greater lung function observed in those who consumed white wine compared to red wine. The antioxidant flavonoids in white wine are thought to play a key role in this protective effect.
A study by the American Thoracic Society found that workers in the food flavoring manufacturing industry may be at risk of developing non-reversible airway obstruction due to exposure to high concentrations of acetaldehyde and capsaicin.
Duke University researchers found depression to be a significant predictor of worse quality of life and perceived shortness of breath in patients awaiting lung transplantation. The study suggests that treating depression could improve outcomes after lung transplantation, which could benefit patients with severe lung disease like COPD.
A study found that drinking white wine recently and over a lifetime was associated with better lung function. The researchers think the antioxidants in wine account for this positive effect. Wine consumption was linked to higher levels of protective antioxidants in the blood, which may help protect lung health.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that revascularization procedures can improve outcomes for lung transplant patients with severe coronary artery disease. The study analyzed 350 lung transplants and showed a 88% survival rate for patients who received combined heart bypass, lung transplant surgeries.
A new study suggests that an optimistic outlook may improve lung function in men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Optimism was linked to higher lung function and slower rate of decline in lung function compared to pessimistic individuals, even after controlling for smoking.
Researchers at Imperial College London have successfully grown human lung cells in mice, paving the way for potential lung transplants. The breakthrough could address chronic organ shortages and rejection issues, offering new treatment options for life-threatening lung diseases.
Researchers found that blocking ICAM-1 reduced inflammation and fibrosis in lungs treated with radiation. Mice genetically engineered to lack ICAM-1 showed fewer infiltrating leukocytes and less respiratory distress.
Researchers found that fundoplication surgery, used to treat chronic heartburn, improves lung function and has a positive effect on bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) in lung transplant patients. The procedure prevents gastric acids from splashing up the esophagus and into the lungs.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that mice without a functional vitamin C transporter gene died shortly after birth due to severe health problems. The research suggests that vitamin C plays a crucial role in fetal lung development, which could have implications for premature infants and pregnant women.
Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to life-threatening lung disease due to glutathione depletion. Glutathione depletion leaves the lungs vulnerable to injury when a serious illness such as sepsis or pneumonia occurs. Effective therapies for preventing and treating chronic alcohol abuse-related lung damage are still being designed.
Researchers developed an ELISA test that accurately identifies patients with sensitized immune systems, increasing the chances of preventing rejection in pediatric heart transplant patients. The test has shown promising results in lung transplant patients as well, suggesting its potential to become a routine clinical care tool.
University of Pittsburgh researchers found that short abstinence periods, depression/anxiety bouts, and a caregiver's smoking history increase the risk of relapse. They also developed a non-invasive ultrasound technology to detect heart recovery, enabling successful weaning from left ventricular assist devices.
Researchers found that lung injuries among mice lacking CD44 receptors developed inflammation that persisted until the receptors were restored. The study suggests a vital link between the CD44 receptor and the body's healing process.