Articles tagged with Lungs
Researchers discovered crystalline silica in lungs of coal miners with non-targeted job duties, increasing the risk of severe black lung disease. The study highlights the importance of monitoring silica exposure in all coal miners, regardless of job duties.
A new study found that quitting smoking before a lung cancer diagnosis is associated with higher survival rates. Former smokers who stopped smoking years before their diagnosis had significantly longer survival than current and former smokers diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer.
Nearly half of COVID-19 patients develop secondary bacterial pneumonia, which can lead to death. Machine learning analysis found that this complication offsets the mortality rate from the viral infection itself.
Researchers investigated the cardiovascular effects of glucocorticoids on chicken embryos, finding that Betamethasone (Beta) caused more severe growth restriction, cellular stress, and cardiac dysfunction compared to Dexamethasone (Dex). Dex triggered oxidative stress, while Beta sustained glucocorticoid receptor activation
The National Institutes of Health recognizes World Asthma Day and highlights innovative research on asthma, its causes and treatments. Several NIH institutes conduct and support asthma-related research, including NIEHS, NHLBI, and NIAID.
Researchers successfully delivered stabilized divalent siRNA molecules to animal models that blocked SARS-CoV-2 and prevented infection. The technology is adaptable for other pulmonary diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and respiratory viruses.
Researchers at the University of Missouri identified occludin protein as a mediator for cell-to-cell transmission of coronavirus. The study found that damaged occludin protein enables virus replication and spread to neighboring cells, worsening symptoms.
Researchers have developed advanced human lung models in the lab, allowing for accelerated discovery of new drugs and reduced reliance on animal testing. The mini lungs can be personalized to individual patients and tested for a range of reactions, including toxicity from pollutants.
A study by University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers reveals that cadmium-induced inflammation increases the severity and mortality of lung infections. The findings suggest that targeting the regulation of PPAR-gamma in macrophages may protect against severe pneumonia.
The American Roentgen Ray Society presents its 2023 Honorary Lecture on Advanced High-Resolution CT, dedicated to the late Dr. W. Richard Webb, who transformed thoracic imaging with his foundational work in HRCT. The lecture explores multiple conditions diagnosed via HRCT and the radiologist's role on multidisciplinary teams.
A new study reveals that young children diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis are at an increased risk of subsequent wheezing, poor lung function, and reduced height and weight. The study found that children who developed PTB before six months old had more than double the risk of wheezing after 6 months.
Researchers found that p21 knockout mice experienced reduced senescent cell presence, alleviated chronic lung inflammation, and improved fitness. Resident epithelial and endothelial cells played a significant role in mediating the p21-dependent inflammatory response.
A study by University of Rochester Medical Center researchers reveals how a biological clock molecule contributes to lung scarring. Low levels of REV-ERBα have been linked to increased collagen production and worse lung damage in patients with pulmonary fibrosis.
A novel treatment approach called balloon pulmonary angioplasty has been shown to be effective in treating chronic blood clots in lung arteries. The procedure improves exercise capacity and quality of life, with some patients able to stop medications altogether. Refinements in technique have improved the procedure's safety and efficacy.
The CHEST journal April issue features cutting-edge research on asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and sarcoidosis. Key findings include the potential of efzofitimod as a treatment for managing sarcoidosis. The journal also showcases innovative approaches to clinical practice and education in chest medicine.
Researchers developed a biologically inspired 'vaping robot' to mimic human breathing patterns and tested commercially available e-liquids containing menthol. The study found that menthol vapers took shallower breaths and had poorer lung function compared to non-menthol smokers, regardless of age or smoking history.
A study published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society has identified disparities in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment for severe respiratory illness. Men and those with private health insurance are more likely to receive ECMO, while women and Medicaid recipients are less likely.
Researchers found decreased lung injury, coughing up blood, and mortality rates after balloon pulmonary angioplasty between 2013 and 2022. The minimally invasive procedure is now considered a safer option for inoperable CTEPH patients.
The study found that antibiotics slow down biofilm growth and QS molecule production across both strains, with surface type having a significant effect on the non-mucoid strain. The patterned structure was associated with longer latencies before expression of QS molecules were at their peak.
Scientists discovered that B cells play a crucial role in controlling tuberculosis (TB) infections by directing helper T cells, known as T follicular helper (Tfh)-like cells, to granuloma tissue in the lungs where they can activate macrophages. This finding holds promise for developing better treatments and vaccines for TB.
Researchers have developed a new type of nanoparticle that can efficiently deliver CRISPR/Cas9 components to the lungs, allowing for targeted gene editing. In mice studies, the particles delivered mRNA to up to 60% of lung epithelial cells, offering a promising approach to treating genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
Researchers found that dexamethasone prevents cytokine storms in severe COVID-19 patients by inhibiting ion channels and reducing immune cell inflammation. This led to improved lung function and reduced mortality rates. The study's findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of steroid treatment in severe COVID-19.
Researchers discovered that fomepizole, an FDA-approved drug, can significantly reduce disease in mice infected with multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. The combination of fomepizole and erythromycin reduced bacterial burdens by 95% in the lungs and up to 700-fold in other organs.
The study found that downregulation of angulin-1/LSR leads to increased claudin-2 expression and altered cell metabolism in human lung adenocarcinoma cells, promoting malignancy. Researchers identified AG1478 and EW-7197 as potential therapeutic agents.
Cancer cells have been found to employ a strategy to evade the immune system's killer T cells by interacting with myeloid cells and suppressing type 1 interferon production. This natural pathway is crucial for recruiting killer T cells to combat cancer spread. Researchers hope to develop new therapeutic approaches, such as forcing tumo...
Researchers found significant decreases in the levels of KRAS, RHOA, RAC1, and CDC42 after PCAI treatment, implicating their role in cancer progression and metastasis. These findings support the potential of PCAIs as potent agents for developing new anticancer therapeutics.
A recent study found that the mitochondrial antioxidant MitoQ can reverse the detrimental effects of HIV and antiretroviral therapy on organs such as the brain, heart, and liver. The researchers used humanized mice infected with HIV and treated them with MitoQ for three months.
A study of 343 mother-child pairs found an association between ambient temperature and newborns' respiratory systems. Climate change is particularly vulnerable to pregnant women and their future children, the findings suggest.
A Phase II trial led by researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center demonstrated that adding ipilimumab to a neoadjuvant combination of nivolumab plus platinum-based chemotherapy resulted in a major pathologic response in half of all treated patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment also...
Researchers found that fomepizole blocked energy production in bacteria and reduced bacterial burden in mice with pneumonia. The combination treatment prevented invasive disease development, suggesting a potential novel treatment for multidrug-resistant pneumococcal disease.
Health disparities in lung nodule follow-up and treatment are a major concern, with Black and Latino patients at higher risk of delayed follow-up. Researchers have identified prioritized research questions to mitigate these disparities, focusing on patient-clinician communication and culturally trained multidisciplinary teams.
A multicenter study found that patients with cystic fibrosis can safely take a dual combination of CF modulator drugs for four years while maintaining previously achieved clinical improvement. This breakthrough therapy has improved the quality and length of patients' lives, with some even seeing a 15% increase in lung function.
A study of US newspaper articles found that lung cancer screening was generally positively covered between 2010 and 2022. However, crucial aspects such as enrollment criteria and cost issues were frequently omitted, highlighting a need for radiologists to take an active role in media coverage.
Researchers discover that inhibiting a gene crucial for DNA production can significantly reduce destructive cell proliferation and disease progression in pulmonary hypertension. This finding presents a potential treatment target for the condition, which affects females aged 30-60 with limited treatment options.
The American College of Chest Physicians released a clinical practice guideline on respiratory management for patients with neuromuscular weakness, providing evidence-based recommendations for mouthpiece ventilation and airway clearance therapies. The guideline aims to improve care for this vulnerable population.
UVA researchers discovered a metabolic pathway that can modulate COVID-19 inflammation, lung recovery, and host metabolic health. They suggest a potentially viable therapeutic agent that may be combined with existing anti-viral agents to treat severe COVID-19 in patients with underlying metabolic disease.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati developed an innovative breathing device called PEP Buddy, which improves symptoms of breathlessness, quality of life, and oxygen levels in people with COPD. The study found significant reductions in shortness of breath and improvements in quality of life among participants.
A new study found that Black patients with pulmonary fibrosis are significantly younger than their Hispanic and white counterparts, experiencing accelerated disease progression. Lifestyle and socioeconomic factors linked to environmental exposures may contribute to these disparities.
Researchers at Kyoto University found that neutrophils instruct macrophages to form a bacteria-permissive microenvironment, which could have implications for cancer treatment. The study suggests that A9, an enzyme expressed in neutrophils, may play a key role in this process.
Researchers have created a new patient-specific cell model to investigate the cause of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and explore potential treatments. The study found that inflammation alters stem cells in affected lungs, but drug therapy can restore functionality.
The March issue of CHEST journal features 44 articles on topics such as asthma, critical care, and sleep medicine. The journal also includes complementary web resources, including visual abstracts.
Researchers have discovered that fungal spores can exploit the human protein p11 to hijack lung cells and prevent them from destroying the fungus. This finding offers a promising new target for treatment against Aspergillus fumigatus infections, which affect over 300,000 people worldwide each year.
A study published in Radiology found that an AI tool can accurately identify normal and abnormal chest X-rays with a high degree of sensitivity. The tool identified abnormal chest X-rays with a 99.1% sensitivity rate, outperforming clinical board-certified radiologists.
Researchers at UIC hope to understand how the human immune system regulates lung tissue and develop new treatments for conditions like COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. The grant aims to create an infrastructure for collaboration among researchers studying lung endothelial cells and their role in inflammation.
The HALP score, a novel immune-nutritional marker, has been linked to prognostic ability in different cancer types. It integrates indicators of immune status and nutritional status, showing promise as a cost-effective biomarker.
A study found that a commercial water purifier may have caused Mycobacterium abscessus infections in 4 cardiac surgery patients due to chlorine depletion. The hospital's water system was contaminated via municipal water, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and preventing mycobacteria.
High-dose anticoagulation reduces intubations and deaths by 30% in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, especially those with ARDS. The study found a significant reduction in mortality and need for ICU care among patients treated with therapeutic anticoagulation.
Lung cancer death rates are projected to decrease overall in the EU and UK in 2023, however, a concerning trend is observed among women in France, Italy, and Spain. Meanwhile, pancreatic cancer death rates are forecasted to rise among women due to continued smoking habits.
A recent study found that promoting physical activity and behavioral support can help smokers reduce their smoking in the short-term, but delivering lasting benefits is challenging. The research, which recruited over 900 smokers, discovered that engaging with motivational support had some initial benefits, but only a small percentage o...
A comprehensive study has identified key early-life factors that negatively affect lung function in young adults. The research analyzed data from over 7,500 participants and found that factors such as mother's weight during pregnancy, birthweight, and body composition at primary school have a significant impact on lung health.
Interactions between lung nerves and immune cells drive the development of allergic asthma in early life. Blocking dopamine binding reduces T helper 2 cell transformation and alleviates lung inflammation.
Researchers observed changes in upper respiratory tract bacterial diversity after COVID-19 infection over time. The study suggests that viral infections can change the respiratory microbiome, potentially predictive of outcomes.
A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal reports that children's lung capacity has improved in areas with decreased air pollution in Stockholm. The researchers found a 20% lower risk of significantly impaired lung function in participants living in areas with better air quality.
A Brazilian study found that a strain of brewer's yeast can act as a preventive against asthma in male mice. Daily administration of the probiotic at a dose of 10 billion CFU/mL significantly reduced bronchial hypersensitivity and inflammation. However, airway and lung inflammation was not significantly reduced by lower doses.
Scientists mapped DNA damage caused by a compound found in cigarette smoke and industrial air. The study provides insight into how this compound damages DNA and can help predict genetic mutations related to human cancers. The technique could aid in forecasting exposures that lead to cancers.
A groundbreaking study found that a new TB treatment strategy can shorten treatment duration while maintaining effectiveness. The TRUNCATE-TB trial showed that an initial 8-week treatment period followed by retreatment for those not cured was as effective as the standard 6-month treatment but halved the average total time on treatment.
A new study reveals that phase-contrast X-ray imaging can visualize smallest airways and their obstructions, potentially detecting early-stage lung disease. This technique could provide better resolution and contrast than conventional radiography, enabling subtle pathological changes to be seen.
A nationwide study found that the CAPTURE screening tool identified roughly half of primary care patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) who could benefit from available treatments. However, the tool also flagged a large group of patients with breathing symptoms and abnormalities that didn't rise to the level of COPD.
A new screening tool, CAPTURE, has been developed to identify adults with undiagnosed COPD, with promising results in identifying moderate to severe cases. The study found that almost half of participants who had previously undiagnosed COPD were successfully identified by the tool.
A new study discovered that maternal γδ T cells influence the transfer of microorganisms during birth and nursing, impacting lung immune response in newborns. This discovery highlights the role of gut microbiota in modulating lung immunity and has implications for understanding the first breath response.