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A recent study published in Nature Communications found that global PM2.5 exposure decreased significantly from 2011 to 2019, largely due to China's air quality management efforts. The study used satellite-derived data and a new regional decomposition approach to quantify local and regional contributions to global PM2.5 pollution.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 6, 2023

NIH-funded study supports use of ECMO for critically ill patients with obesity

A National Institutes of Health-supported study suggests that adults with obesity may benefit from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) when in intensive care for respiratory failure. The study found lower mortality rates among patients with obesity who received ECMO compared to those without, contradicting previous concerns.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 28, 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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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