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Highlights from the journal CHEST®, August 2023

The August issue of CHEST journal features a new clinical practice guideline for managing patients with neuromuscular weakness and a multisociety evidence review on the effect of race and ethnicity on pulmonary function testing interpretation. This is complemented by other research and reviews covering various aspects of chest medicine.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST·DateAug 16, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Using machine learning to make ventilator support safer for children

Critically ill children on ventilator support can experience patient-ventilator asynchrony (PVA), which worsens outcomes. Researchers are using machine learning to develop a common set of definitions and measurements for PVA in pediatric patients, aiming to minimize risks and improve clinical outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·DateAug 7, 2023

The trilobites’ guide to surviving environmental change

A new study reveals how Aulacopleura, an ancient sea-dwelling trilobite, developed variable mid-section segments to tolerate dips in local oxygen levels. This adaptation allowed the species to thrive despite being preyed upon by larger predators.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 7, 2023

Millions of long-term smokers have lung disease that defies diagnosis

A new study by UCSF found that half of participants with extensive tobacco exposure had persistently high respiratory symptoms, yet performed well in COPD tests. The study highlights a gap in effective care for tobacco-exposed individuals and emphasizes the need for broader definition of smoking-related lung disease.

SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2023

Human senescent fibroblasts cause lung fibrosis in mice

Researchers found that human senescent fibroblasts trigger progressive lung fibrosis in immunodeficient mice by inducing paracrine senescence and pro-fibrotic activities. The study also suggests that senolytic compounds like navitoclax can ameliorate lung fibrosis induced by senescent human fibroblasts.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023

Sahmyook University study repurposes meclofenamate to treat abnormal respiratory mucus

Researchers at Sahmyook University repurposed meclofenamate to treat abnormal respiratory mucus, reducing mucin secretion and characteristics of respiratory mucus. This study offers an alternative solution for patients with respiratory diseases, saving time and costs compared to conventional drug development strategies.

SourceSahmyook University·JournalBiomolecules & Therapeutics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Bacterial testing in kids with sinusitis could slash antibiotic use

A new study suggests that bacterial testing in children with sinusitis could greatly reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. By identifying which children are likely to benefit from antibiotics, doctors can avoid prescribing medications to those who wouldn't see improvement in symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 25, 2023

Highlights from the journal CHEST®, July 2023

The July issue of CHEST journal features 49 articles on clinically relevant topics, including disability rights and life-sustaining treatment. The journal offers complementary web resources, such as visual abstracts, to expand the reach of its research.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST·DateJul 24, 2023

Triple combination therapy brings lasting improvement in cystic fibrosis

Researchers found that a triple combination therapy of elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor improves lung function and reduces inflammation in patients with cystic fibrosis. The treatment's positive effects last over 12 months, offering hope for better management of the disease.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJul 7, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

How the cat nose knows what it’s smelling

Researchers created a detailed analysis of the domestic cat's nasal airway, revealing two distinct regions of air flow during inhalation. The study suggests that the cat nose functions as an efficient dual-purposed gas chromatograph, capable of detecting and separating chemicals quickly and efficiently.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 29, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Chinese Medical Journal Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine article decodes patterns of pneumoconiosis among miners

The study analyzed historical data on coal miners in China, revealing a strong correlation between raw coal production, mining technology, and CWP incidence. The researchers identified key turning points in disease incidence, linked to changes in diagnostic criteria and labor management, as well as coal industry policy reforms.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal - Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 20, 2023

Microplastics stick around in human airways

Researchers have discovered that microplastics can accumulate in the nasal cavity and oropharynx, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases. The study's findings highlight the importance of awareness about microplastic exposure and its potential health impacts.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJun 13, 2023

Two new studies identify promising pathways to treat chronic COVID-19

Two studies investigate long-term consequences of COVID-19, identifying potential drug targets for treating chronic disease. Researchers found novel pathways in the lungs and immune system that may lead to effective treatment options, including therapies targeting immune dysfunction and mucous cell differentiation.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 6, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Taming a frenzied immune system

UofL researchers, led by Jun Yan, will investigate the causes of immune system overresponse in COVID-19 patients, leading to severe lung disease and death. They aim to develop methods to predict, prevent or control this response with potential treatments for other conditions.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·DateJun 2, 2023

Salton Sea environment detrimental to respiratory health of local children

A UC Riverside-led study reveals the Salton Sea environment is toxic, causing sulfuric smells, dust storms, chemicals, and fires that contribute to chronic health conditions like asthma and respiratory illnesses. The study's findings have important public health implications for vulnerable child populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJun 1, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

How the flu virus hacks our cells

A UNIGE team has identified how the influenza A virus manages to penetrate cells to infect them by hijacking the iron transport mechanism. By blocking this receptor, researchers were able to significantly reduce its ability to invade cells, highlighting a potential strategy for treating influenza virus infections.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateMay 31, 2023
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

In schools, masks and air cleaners were associated with stopping COVID-19

A new study shows that masking and portable air cleaners significantly reduced the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in two Swiss schools during the Omicron wave. The researchers detected salivary and airborne virus concentrations in air samples and students, with a 70% decrease in viral transmission under mask mandates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 18, 2023

Experts say it’s not yet time to take off masks in the health care setting

A new commentary from infectious disease experts emphasizes the importance of continued masking in healthcare settings due to low evidence of efficacy and high transmission risks. Despite recent conflicting views, the authors argue that mask-wearing remains a crucial strategy for infection prevention.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal review highlights the health hazards of air pollution

A Chinese Medical Journal review highlights the health hazards of air pollution, particularly from fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, hospitalization, and respiratory mortality. The study suggests that reducing PM2.5 levels through government interventions and individual...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 8, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Inhaled ethanol may treat respiratory infections and stop pandemics

A new study found that inhaling low concentrations of ethanol vapor can inactivate the influenza A virus in mice without harmful side effects. The researchers believe this method could also treat similar viruses like Covid-19 and potentially stop pandemics. However, further evaluation is needed to ensure its efficacy and safety on humans.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Breath test can monitor metabolism at home - study

Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University found that a portable breath test can detect changes in metabolism in response to diet. The study used the Lumen device to monitor metabolic fuel use at home and showed that it could detect acute changes in carbohydrate use, but was not sensitive on a day-to-day basis.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateApr 26, 2023

Exposure to cannabinoids in pregnancy increases newborn mortality and respiratory problems

A Brazilian study found that prenatal exposure to cannabinoids increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, breathing difficulties, and impaired control of breathing. The study suggests that consumption of cannabis or derivatives during pregnancy can have severe effects on the fetus's neural and physiological functions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateApr 25, 2023

Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy increases risk for flu

A new study by Texas A&M University researchers shows that exposure to ultrafine particles during pregnancy enhances the risk for respiratory viral infections, including influenza. Pregnant women are already at increased risk for severe flu, and air pollution exacerbates this vulnerability.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalParticle and Fibre Toxicology·DateApr 19, 2023

Pediatric TB may affect lung functioning, growth later in life

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.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 18, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

NUS researchers uncover new differences in bacteria’s sugar coat to aid pneumococcal vaccine development

Researchers from NUS Medicine discovered that specific CPS structures and sugar combinations help Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the human respiratory tract. The study sheds light on the importance of CPS structure in bacterial survival, which will inform future vaccine development.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 17, 2023

Disturbed sleep may partially explain post-COVID condition (long COVID) breathlessness

A major UK study has discovered that disturbed sleep patterns in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 were likely a driver of breathlessness. The study found that 62% of participants experienced sleep disruption, which persisted for at least 12 months and was associated with anxiety and muscle weakness.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateApr 15, 2023

Highlights from the journal CHEST®, April 2023

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.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST·DateApr 13, 2023

The first line of vaccines was highly effective at restricting COVID-19’s damage, according to a new Concordia study

The primary COVID-19 vaccines provided adequate protection against transmission, hospitalization, and death, but their effectiveness waned in the face of the Omicron variant. The study found that vaccines developed prior to Omicron's emergence were 83% effective against infection at baseline, but this decreased to 47% by 40 weeks.

SourceConcordia University·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 13, 2023
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New airway cell type holds promise for respiratory diseases

Researchers have identified a new cell state in embryonic airway development, which may lead to new approaches for treating chronic respiratory diseases. The discovery highlights the crucial role of cellular heterogeneity in shaping airway biology.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 11, 2023

Mint flavor makes vape juice more toxic, damaging to lungs

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalRespiratory Research·DateApr 10, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Disparities identified among patients receiving advanced pulmonary support

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.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateApr 6, 2023

Respiratory virus plagues SA but new vaccine for pregnant moms saves babies

The MATISSE study found that administering the Pfizer Bivalent Prefusion F Vaccine in pregnancy reduces severe RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infection by 82% in infants aged six months old. This vaccine is particularly important in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of RSV illness is highest.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 6, 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea may directly cause early cognitive decline

Researchers found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can cause premature cognitive decline in middle-aged men, including poorer executive functioning and social cognition. The study suggests that OSA itself is sufficient to cause these deficits, rather than being solely attributed to co-morbidities.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sleep·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023

Childhood asthma declines during COVID-19 pandemic

A new Rutgers study finds that childhood asthma diagnoses decreased by 52% in the US during the first year of the pandemic compared to previous years. Researchers attribute this decline to fewer colds and the practice of wearing masks, which may have reduced the risk of asthma triggers.

SourceRutgers University·JournalRespiratory Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

WVU researchers working to get people with hip pain moving

A WVU researcher is working on a biopsychosocial intervention to help people with chronic hip pain move and regain mobility. The intervention, called HIPS, combines mindfulness techniques like self-compassion and progressive relaxation with goal-setting and diaphragmatic breathing to reduce pain and increase physical activity.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateMar 23, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

The complete respiratory supercomplex identified

The study resolves a long-standing question about the structure of respiratory supercomplexes in unicellular eukaryotic organisms. Complex II is found to be part of the supercomplex in these organisms, optimizing ATP formation and revealing a surprising variety in supercomplex construction.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·DateMar 22, 2023

CHEST releases clinical practice guideline on respiratory management of patients with neuromuscular weakness

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.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST·DateMar 14, 2023

University of Cincinnati researchers develop innovative breathing aid

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.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalRespiratory Care·TypeObservational study·DateMar 10, 2023
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.