Articles tagged with Lungs
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Climate change is expanding the geographic range of endemic fungal diseases, such as Valley fever, blastomycosis, and histoplasmosis, which can mimic pneumonia. Physicians are often misdiagnosing these conditions due to a lack of training and limited testing options.
Fungal lung infections are a growing problem nationwide, with 48 states affected by soil fungi causing serious lung infections. Outdated maps may lead to delayed or incorrect diagnoses.
A study published in Radiology found that marijuana smokers have a higher incidence of emphysema and airway inflammation compared to non-smokers and tobacco-only smokers. The researchers suggest that the unfiltered nature of marijuana smoke and longer breath-hold puffs may contribute to these findings.
Researchers from the University of Ottawa found an association between marijuana smoking and chronic damage to airways, including higher rates of paraseptal emphysema and airway inflammatory changes. The study suggests that marijuana smoking may lead to additional lung damage beyond what is seen in tobacco smokers.
The November issue of CHEST journal features new guidelines for perioperative management, studies on COVID-19 treatment and COPD treatment, as well as research on sleep apnea and long COVID. These findings have significant implications for patient care and healthcare resource use.
Researchers found that a new drug inhibiting GRP78 effectively reduces SARS-CoV-2 replication in human lung cells. The drug also shows potential in treating certain types of cancer by suppressing mutant KRAS proteins.
Research at Tel Aviv University found that high-intensity aerobic exercise increases glucose consumption in internal organs, reducing energy availability for tumors. The study reduced the risk of metastatic cancer in humans and animal models by up to 72%.
Researchers identify unique chemical signal allowing ancient TB bacteria to evade immune system and spread beyond lungs. The 'mobile factor', called EsxM, allows the bacteria to infect macrophages more easily, leading to bone infections in six people.
UCR researchers find that modern ventilators overextend certain regions of the lungs, causing stress and damage, unlike natural breathing. They propose a new thick-walled model to better understand pulmonary mechanics and improve ventilation strategies.
Researchers at Jacobs University have found that a compound in coffee, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, can inhibit the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the ACE-2 receptor, potentially providing protection against COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that regular coffee drinkers may be less likely to contract the virus.
Dual-energy CT (DECT) metrics provide insight into physiologic changes after lung cancer surgery, beyond PFTs and conventional CT. Lung perfusion ratio increases were greater after lobectomy than limited resection.
A recent analysis of COVID-19-positive donor heart transplants found no significant differences in transplant outcomes compared to those from non-COVID-19 donors. The study's results suggest that COVID-19-positive hearts may be as safe for transplantation, potentially addressing the shortage of available donor organs.
Researchers found that vaping and smoking e-cigarettes led to greater constriction of the brachial artery and worse heart rate variability, indicating activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Vaping was also associated with poorer performance on exercise stress testing compared to non-nicotine users.
Two studies found that cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor have similar cardiovascular effects due to airway irritation. This irritation can lead to vascular damage and impaired blood vessel function. The research suggests that dual product use may be worse than single product use, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.