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Characteristics of CD4+T-cell reduction and pulmonary infections in critically ill immunocompromised patients

A retrospective study of 40 immunocompromised ICU patients found associations between low CD4+T-cell counts and specific lung pathogens. Patients with severe CD4 depletion had higher proportions of fungal infections, while moderate immunosuppression was linked to Streptococcus pneumoniae.

SourceJournal of Intensive Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 2, 2026

Less invasive treatment for emphysema is as good as more invasive surgery: results from first randomised controlled trial comparing lung volume surgery and bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with valve placement

A randomized controlled trial found that both BVLR and surgery lead to significant improvements in lung function, breathlessness, and exercise capacity. The study suggests that less invasive BVLR may be a good therapeutic option for suitable patients, offering a similar outcome to traditional surgery.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 5, 2022

Fighting viruses is as easy as breathing

Researchers from the Wyss Institute discovered that applying mechanical forces mimicking breathing motions suppresses influenza virus replication and activates protective innate immune responses. The Human Lung Chip was used to model these responses, leading to repurposed drugs for treating inflammatory lung diseases.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2022

Lung model proves viability of spectroscopy technique

A lung model mimicking complex anatomy has enabled the assessment of respiratory volumes using a gas-in-scattering-media absorption spectroscopy (GASMAS) technique. The study demonstrates the feasibility of GASMAS to sense changes in gas volume in a controlled environment, paving the way for potential clinical applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Heparin dose capable of preventing COVID-19 deaths is four times higher than the dose recommended by WHO

A clinical trial of 465 patients found that administering heparin in therapeutic doses reduced mortality from COVID-19 by 78%, with benefits only observed when administered between seven and 14 days after symptom onset. The study suggests that timing is crucial for treatment efficacy.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 29, 2021

Better understanding of 'one of the most complex organs' for better lung treatments

A study published by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has identified two distinct cell types in the lungs, one promoting regeneration and the other forming scar tissue. This discovery could lead to targeted therapies for conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary...

Cholesterol -- a key player at the lung surface

Researchers at Lund University found that cholesterol impacts the molecular structure of the alveoli's surfactant film, influencing its mechanical properties and substance transport. The study provides new insights into the significance of cholesterol for lung surface properties.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2017

A mammal lung, in 3-D

A team of researchers created the most detailed, three-dimensional rendering of the pulmonary acinus, a complex region in the mammal lung. The model, derived from mice, can help scientists understand where and how lung diseases emerge and how drugs are delivered.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2012

Alveolar type I cells

Researchers have identified alveolar type I cells as potential diagnostic markers for acute lung injury. The study's findings suggest that these cells may play a crucial role in the development of pulmonary diseases.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMay 5, 2006