Pulmonary Research :Immunity enzyme defends against tuberculosis infection ♦ New hope in the fight against tuberculosis ♦ Air pollution below EPA standards linked with higher death rates

Immunity enzyme defends against tuberculosis infection, A study has identified how an enzyme involved in protecting the body from pathogens senses Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterial pathogen that infects millions of people worldwide and causes about 1.5 million deaths annually

Air pollution below EPA standards linked with higher death rates Death rates among people over 65 are higher in zip codes with more fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) than in those with lower levels of PM2.5, researchers have found. The harmful effects from the particles were observed even in areas where concentrations were less than a third of the current standard set by the EPA

Emphysema patient has good result from experimental one-way valve procedure An experimental procedure using one-way valves to achieve lung volume reduction shows promise for an emphysema patient. Emphysema, a lung disease usually caused by smoking, damages air sacs in the lung. The sacs fill with air that the body is unable to exhale, causing the lungs to expand. This in turn flattens the diaphragm, the primary muscle used for breathing. The flattened diaphragm is unable to function properly, making it extremely difficult for the individual to breathe.

New hope in the fight against tuberculosis Scientists have discovered a new target for the fight against multi-resistant mycobacteria, from a rejuvenated antibiotic series. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the main cause of tuberculosis. The treatment for drug-susceptible tuberculosis consists of the daily administration of multiple drugs for a minimum of six months. Lack of adherence to this regimen can result in treatment failure and the emergence of drug resistance.