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A Chinese Medical Journal Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Review looks at the mechanisms of ‘long COVID’

Researchers document various reasons for long-term clinical symptoms in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Key findings include immune system alterations, chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and mitochondrial issues contributing to post-COVID syndrome.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal - Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 12, 2024

New cell therapy shows promise with ARDS patients

A new type of cell therapy has shown promising results in improving survival rates and reducing pneumonia among critically ill ARDS patients recovering from severe Covid-19. The invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapy, known as agenT-797, triggered an anti-inflammatory response and activated anti-viral immunity.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2024

Virtual reality treatment for palliative care shown to help patients ‘flourish’ during relaxation therapy

Researchers have developed a novel virtual reality-based relaxation therapy that helps cancer patients in palliative care manage symptoms and stress better. The therapy, known as FLOW-VRT-Relaxation, combines standard-of-care relaxation techniques with immersive VR experiences to promote psychological states of flourishing.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Virtual Reality·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Study reveals link between cannabis use and current asthma prevalence in US adolescents and adults

A recent study by researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant link between cannabis use and current asthma prevalence among US adolescents and adults. The study analyzed data from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, finding that individuals who reported cannabis use in the past ...

Infants born to COVID-infected mothers have triple the risk of developing respiratory distress

A new study finds that infants born full-term to mothers infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy are three times more likely to develop respiratory distress compared to uninfected infants. Vaccination prior to infection was found to be protective, reducing the risk by half.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2024

Winding down the window, drinking tea and coffee, turning the radio up and singing while driving could be signs of a dangerous snoring condition

Researchers found that people with OSA were more likely to use multiple strategies to stay alert while driving, which can indicate excessive sleepiness. This study suggests that asking about these coping strategies in the clinic could help doctors identify patients at risk of driving incidents and advise them appropriately.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalERJ Open Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2024

Beetroot juice supplement lowers blood pressure and improves exercise capacity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

A 12-week beetroot juice supplement reduced systolic blood pressure by 4.5mmHg and increased walking distance by 30 meters in COPD patients. The nitrate-rich supplement improved cardiovascular risk markers, suggesting potential benefits for everyday life and heart disease prevention.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 19, 2023

Major breakthrough for severe asthma treatment

A landmark study found that 92% of patients with severe asthma can safely reduce inhaled steroid dose and more than 60% can stop all use, minimizing side effects like osteoporosis, diabetes, and cataracts. The SHAMAL study used biologic therapy benralizumab to control severe asthma without steroids.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 8, 2023

Hydrogen sulfide regulates neural circuit for respiration

Researchers at University of Tsukuba found that hydrogen sulfide production within the respiratory center alters neurotransmissions, disrupting breathing patterns. The study identified variations in this mechanism across different regions, revealing a modulating influence on neural circuits contributing to respiration stability.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 6, 2023

Small but mighty: Microparticles from the placenta may offer major clues on the in utero development of neurobehavioral disorders

Researchers discovered how biological information travels between mothers and babies during pregnancy. Microscopic extracellular vesicles, produced by placental cells, act as a protective mechanism transporting important biological information to emerging neurons.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBiology of Reproduction·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2023

Bone growth drug may reduce sudden infant death syndrome in children with common form of dwarfism

A new study found that vosoritide treatment increases height, facial volume, and foramen magnum size in young children with achondroplasia, reducing sudden infant death syndrome, sleep apnea, and surgery needs. Vosoritide may improve quality of life and potentially save lives by addressing the root cause of the condition.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 21, 2023

Vigorous exercise, rigorous science: What scientists learned from firefighters in training

Scientists analyzed body fluids from firefighters after rigorous training to understand the effects of intense physical exercise on the body. They found a decrease in inflammatory signals, which can improve breathing, but also increase vulnerability to viral respiratory infections.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalMilitary Medical Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 9, 2023

RCSI study shows survival benefit of augmentation therapy for people with the genetic lung condition AATD

A new study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that boosting levels of a deficient protein improves survival rates for people with severe alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The research, which tracked health data from over 600 patients, showed a clear survival benefit from augmentation therapy.

SourceRCSI·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 1, 2023

Sigh ventilation in patients with trauma

A randomized clinical trial of 524 trauma patients found that adding sigh breaths to mechanical ventilation did not increase ventilator-free days. However, prespecified secondary data suggest that sighs are well-tolerated and may improve clinical outcomes in this patient population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 25, 2023

Surgery more effective than nasal sprays for symptoms of a crooked septum

Researchers from the BMJ Group conducted a UK trial comparing septoplasty to medical management in adults with at least moderate symptoms of a crooked septum. Septoplasty was found to be more effective in improving SNOT-22 scores and quality of life outcomes, suggesting it should be offered to adults with at least moderate symptoms.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 18, 2023

UMSOM researchers provide first statewide prevalence data on two new emerging pathogens in healthcare settings

A study by UMSOM researchers found that nearly 31% of patients on ventilators in Maryland hospitals harbored Acinetobacter baumannii, while nearly 7% carried Candida auris. The study highlights the need for improved infection control measures to contain the spread of these pathogens, which pose a significant risk to vulnerable patients.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateOct 13, 2023

Physiology: Classical symphonies may lead to synchronised physical responses

A study of 132 people found that classical music induces synchronisation in physical responses among concert audience members. Personality traits such as agreeableness and openness are associated with increased likelihood of synchronisation. Synchronisation was observed in movement, heart rate, breathing rate, and skin conductivity.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

Exposure to air pollution while in the womb is linked to adverse changes in cell processes in new-born babies

Research found alterations in proteins that can affect autophagy, a self-eating process of damaged cells. Healthy newborns showed individual responses to prenatal exposure to air pollution, with some more vulnerable than others. The study aims to understand the impact on breathing problems during infancy and childhood.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2023

Mount Sinai researchers develop novel, automated measure of sleep studies to determine severity of obstructive sleep apnea

Researchers have developed an automated breath-by-breath measure to assess the severity of obstructive sleep apnea, predicting cardiovascular disease and mortality. The ventilatory burden tool provides a validated alternative to AHI, offering stable results and risk predictions.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 12, 2023