Articles tagged with Lungs
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 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...
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
The February issue of the CHEST journal features 37 articles exploring various topics in chest medicine, including asthma, COPD, and pulmonary vascular disease. The journal also highlights its equity topic collection, focusing on conditions that affect women, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and sarcoidosis.
Researchers have developed an inhalable powder called SHIELD that reduces infection in mouse and non-human primate models by reinforcing the body's mucosal layer. The powder is composed of food-grade materials and biodegrades over a 48-hour period, providing protection for up to 8 hours.
Researchers identified a protein in lung cells that blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection and forms a natural protective barrier. The discovery opens up an entirely new area of immunology research around LRRC15 and offers promising prospects for developing new drugs to prevent viral infection or treat fibrosis in the lungs.
New UCLA research finds that tobacco smoking and vaping can predispose healthy young people to increased inflammation and severe COVID-19. The study, published in Journal of Molecular Medicine, found higher levels of key proteins in plasma from smokers and vapers compared to non-smokers.
A study by University of Liverpool researchers reveals how a unique subset of lung T regulatory cells provide resistance to bacteraemic pneumonia. These cells, known as TNFR2 expressing Tregs, play a critical role in maintaining and controlling frontline host immune responses when pneumococci infect the lungs. The findings have signifi...
A phase 3 clinical trial of nearly 700 patients with early-stage lung cancer found that sublobar resection surgery, removing part of the affected lobe, was as effective as traditional lobectomy in terms of disease-free and overall survival. Patients who underwent sublobar resection also showed modestly better lung function.
Researchers found that AI significantly improved the detection of lung nodules on chest X-rays, detecting actionable nodules at a rate of 0.59% compared to 0.25% without AI assistance. The study suggests that AI may work consistently across different populations.
A systematic review found that higher vitamin D intake was associated with a 15% decreased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes in adults with prediabetes. Inexpensive vitamin D supplementation could delay the development of diabetes in over 10 million people worldwide.
A new study reveals that the immune system mounts a weak response to lung cancer due to an environment created by bacteria in the lymph nodes near the lungs. T-cell responses are suppressed by regulatory T cells and interferon gamma produced in response to commensal bacterial presence.
Preterm birth increases the risk of cardiovascular problems; combining steroids with statins could eliminate negative effects while retaining respiratory benefits. Researchers found that combined therapy improved lung function and reduced cardiovascular issues in rat pups.
A new study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that e-cigarette users have greater lung inflammation than cigarette smokers and non-smokers. The study used PET imaging to compare lung inflammation between e-cigarette users and cigarette smokers, revealing a unique inflammatory response in the lungs.
A new study found that prolonged inhalation of e-cigarette aerosols by mice caused changes in pulmonary immune cell composition and altered gene and protein levels in the lungs. Even low exposure to JUUL aerosols had significant impacts on the animals' lung health.
Scientists used multi-isotope imaging mass spectrometry to identify key contributors to blood vessel obstruction in PAH. The study reveals proline and glucose play a crucial role in forming excess scar tissue, which obstructs blood flow.
The January issue of the CHEST journal features a range of clinically relevant research on COPD, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary vascular disease. The journal's education portal offers continuing medical education (CME) credit for select articles.
A new biopsy procedure is developed with a multispectral confocal endomicroscope to aid in lung tissue imaging. The system allows for simultaneous imaging of multiple fluorescent dyes, enabling unique identification and spectral unmixing.
Researchers developed machine learning models to accurately calculate fine particulate matter in urban air pollution using AI and traffic data. The models provide a high-resolution estimation of city street pollution surface, enabling transportation and epidemiology studies to assess health impacts.
Researchers have discovered that more than 2,500 genes exhibit significant sex differences in expression in mouse alveolar type II cells, potentially explaining sex biases in lung diseases. These findings suggest that AT2 cells may play a crucial role in sex-biased differences in lung injury and repair.
Researchers have discovered that ancient crocodilian hemoglobin required 21 interconnected mutations to develop its hyper-efficient oxygen-binding properties. This complexity, not found in other vertebrates, enabled crocodilians to exploit their onboard oxygen stores for extended periods underwater.
Researchers discovered that viral infections like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza destroy a natural immunity needed to resist fungal infections. This leads to impaired cooperation between white blood cells, allowing fungi to take root. The study reveals potential repurposing of current therapies to replace damaged antibodies.
Swimming-induced pulmonary oedema (SIPE) is a relatively little known hazard associated with open water swimming. Risk factors include older age, long distances, cold water, and female sex. SIPE can occur in fit and healthy individuals, highlighting the importance of awareness and prevention.
A new system will prioritize medical needs over geographical location for lung transplant candidates. The change is expected to reduce waitlist mortality and improve post-transplant survival.
Researchers have discovered that vaping might not be a healthier alternative to smoking, especially in adolescents. EVALI symptoms can mimic those of other respiratory conditions, making diagnosis challenging. Pictorial questionnaires can help identify e-cigarette products used.
A recent NIH study found associations between exposure to ozone and fine particulate matter and molecular changes in children's airways during non-viral asthma attacks. The study suggests that reducing air pollution could improve human health, particularly in urban communities with high-risk asthma populations.
The procedure requires thorough pre-procedural evaluation and assessment of anatomical and hemodynamic data. Long-term results indicate that TPVR can effectively restore RVOT function, while improving survival rates and reducing the need for reintervention across age groups. Vigilant testing is recommended to avoid rare but serious com...
New expansion microscopy methods, dubbed Magnify, allow researchers to observe nanoscale biological structures with standard microscopes. The protocol retains biomolecules intact, enabling simultaneous imaging of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.
Researchers developed a new epigenetic biomarker, GrimAge version 2, which leverages two DNAm-based estimators of plasma proteins to predict mortality risk. The study found that GrimAge 2 outperforms existing clinical biomarkers in predicting mortality across multiple racial/ethnic groups and associations with age-related conditions.
A new lung cell atlas has revealed 11 new cell types and a previously unknown immune niche in the airways, which could help prevent or treat respiratory diseases. The atlas provides detailed insights into how cells interact and communicate with each other in healthy lungs.
A Rutgers study found that Hispanic and Latino young men with higher education who were born in the US and speak mostly English at home are more likely to use e-cigarettes. The study analyzed data from 11,275 adult participants and found a high use of e-cigarettes among those under 45 years of age.
Scientists at Aston University are developing processes to capture low-cost energy from rice straw, with the goal of powering Indonesia's households and reducing air pollution. The project aims to increase energy extraction from rice straw from 35% to 70%, providing a sustainable source of locally generated energy.
A new respiratory vaccine has been shown to provide complete protection against lethal SARS-CoV-2 challenge in mice. The vaccine uses a DNA encoding a viral protein and is delivered through the mucous membranes, targeting immune cells in the nose and lungs.
The December issue of CHEST journal features articles on COVID-19 lessons learned and future pandemic preparedness. The journal also explores various topics in chest medicine, including asthma, critical care, and sleep medicine.
Researchers investigate how lung cancers evade the immune system to develop more effective immunotherapy treatments. The study aims to uncover a new way lung cancers disguise themselves from the immune system, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that vaping can increase surface tension in lung surfactant, reducing its ability to support proper lung functioning. The study suggests a link between vaping and increased susceptibility to lung injuries, including those caused by respiratory viruses like COVID-19.
Researchers calculated 74 metric tonnes of microplastics drop onto Auckland annually, equivalent to over 3 million plastic bottles. The smallest particles are highly toxic and can enter cells, cross the blood-brain barrier, and accumulate in organs.
A new study suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein contributes to vascular leak, a dangerous release of fluids from blood vessels leading to respiratory failure. Researchers believe blocking this pathway could help prevent severe COVID-19 symptoms and shed light on other emerging infectious diseases.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have found that the inflammatory molecule LIGHT leads to airway remodeling and long-term breathing issues in severe asthma. Therapeutics targeting LIGHT could reverse airway and lung damage, offering a potential long-term treatment for asthma.
A spatial cell atlas of the developing human lung describes 144 cell types and their interactions, uncovering new links between developmental cells and lung cancer. The atlas provides a unique resource for understanding healthy lung development and investigating disease origins.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that reconstruction using BI64 kernel and 0.4-mm slice thickness yielded improved bronchial division identification and pulmonary fissure sharpness without loss in pulmonary vessel sharpness or pathology conspicuity.
A University of California Riverside study found that Salton Sea dust triggers lung neutrophil inflammation in mice, with potential implications for asthma sufferers and other terminal lake regions. The research highlights the need for further funding to understand dust-triggered inflammation and its effects on human health.
Researchers found that using portable home air purifiers improved markers of cardiovascular health in people with COPD. The study tracked participants' lung and heart health over six months, revealing a 25% increase in heart rate variability among those using active HEPA and carbon filters.
Researchers identify an off-patent liver disease drug that can prevent SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells, potentially offering protection against future variants. The study used a unique combination of 'mini-organs', animal studies, and human subjects to demonstrate the drug's effectiveness.
A study by UTHealth Houston reveals a unique fibrotic gene signature in non-resolvable COVID-19 patients, who experience prolonged pulmonary effects following infection. Lung transplantation is often required for survival due to the rapid progression of damage to lung tissue.
A new study using photon-counting CT technology has shown that it can detect more post-COVID-19 lung damage than conventional CT scans, particularly in patients with persistent symptoms. The technology may lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes for those affected by COVID-related lung damage.
Researchers used microCT to create a 3D atlas of lung lesions in TB and COVID-19, revealing complex shapes and hidden pathological structures. The study provides new insights into the microscopic anatomy of these deadly diseases.
A large-scale international study found that patients diagnosed with lung cancer at an early stage via CT screening have a 20-year survival rate of 80 percent. This is compared to the average five-year survival rate for all lung cancer patients, which is 18.6 percent.
A large-scale study found that low-dose CT screening increases the long-term survival rate of lung cancer patients by identifying early-stage cancers. The 20-year survival rate for participants diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer was 80%, with higher rates for those with solid nodules and clinical Stage IA lung cancers.