Pulmonary Research: Researchers develop new method for looking into the lungs ♦ Music therapy increases effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation

Researchers develop new method for looking into the lungs Researchers have succeeded in producing 3-D images showing oxygen and carbon dioxide transport in the lungs. The new method provides hope for better treatment of COPD and lung cancer.

Targeting frailty in pre-lung transplant patients might improve survival rates, patient outcomes Frailty can affect people of all ages and demographics. Defined simply as 'an increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes,' frailty can affect a patient's chances of surviving a surgical procedure or needing a nursing home. A new study shows a definitive connection between frailty and survival after a lung transplant procedure.

Music therapy increases effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD patients Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other chronic respiratory disorders who received music therapy in conjunction with standard rehabilitation saw an improvement in symptoms, psychological well-being and quality of life compared to patients receiving rehabilitation alone.

Optical coherence tomography may speed detection of pneumonia-related bacteria in ICU patients Hospital medical staff may soon be able to more quickly visualize the presence of biofilm in endotracheal tubes, lessening the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia, reports a new article. Researchers have demonstrated that demonstrated that optical coherence tomography  can be used to determine the presence of biofilm, providing an alternative to methods requiring arduous sample preparation

Senior's Health:Exoskeleton to ensure an active old age ♦ Tripped up by a bug: Infection may cause falls ♦ Older patients recover more slowly from concussion

High opioid use in older people with COPD raises safety concerns Researchers are raising safety concerns about high rates of new opioid use among older adults with COPD, according to a study. Opioids, such as codeine, oxycodone and morphine might be prescribed more frequently among older adults with COPD to treat chronic muscle pain, breathlessness and insomnia. Common side effects of opioids include falls and fractures, confusion, memory impairment, fatigue, constipation, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Older patients recover more slowly from concussion Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), or concussion, accounts for 75 percent of all TBI and represents an important public health problem. Difficulty in working memory is frequently reported in patients after concussion. Now new research suggests that older individuals may have a more difficult time recovering from concussion.

Tripped up by a bug: Infection may cause falls, especially in older people People who end up in the emergency room because of a fall often are tripped up by an infection, rather than a loose throw rug or poor eyesight, suggests a new study

Exoskeleton to ensure an active old age Researchers are creating portable robot skeletons for the elderly so they can continue to be active longer. Think of it as a tool, not as a robot, says researcher

Health Research:About the risks of water intoxication ♦ Novel tool can identify COPD ♦ Researchers link spatial neglect after stroke with poor outcomes

How the retina marches to the beat of its own drum New research sheds light on how the retina sets its own biological rhythm using a novel light-sensitive pigment, called neuropsin, found in nerve cells at the back of the eye.

Researchers link spatial neglect after stroke with poor outcomes Spatial neglect among inpatients with stroke is common, researchers say. At the conclusion of a recent study, the investigators said that affected patients had a higher risk for falls, longer lengths of stay and lesser likelihood of returning home after discharge.

About the risks of water intoxication Knowing the warning signs and responding with the right treatment to of water intoxication can save lives, according to a new report. Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH), also known as water intoxication, results in an extreme, and potentially fatal, sodium imbalance. As outdoor endurance recreation grows in popularity, so does the risk of EAH.

Novel tool can identify COPD A novel approach for the identification of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been developed by a team of researchers. COPD is underdiagnosed, and previous screening tools have relied on smoking history and patient report of cough and sputum. COPD is often uncovered during exacerbations and after significant loss of lung function.

Scientists identify promising drug candidate to treat chronic itch, avoid side effects In a new study, scientists describe a class of compounds with the potential to stop chronic itch without the adverse side effects normally associated with medicating the condition.

Cancer Research: Lung cancer survival rates improve with CT scan follow-up ♦ COPD heightens deadly lung cancer risk in smokers ♦ Genetic screening of brain metastases reveals new treatment

Differences between tumors of younger and older colorectal cancer patients  Tumors in younger colorectal cancer patients may be molecularly distinct from those of older patients, and that these differences are related to the way genes are switched on and off (epigenetics) in the tumors of the younger patients and may lead to better treatment options.

Genetic screening of brain metastases could reveal new targets for treatment Unravelling the genetic sequences of cancer that has spread to the brain could offer unexpected targets for effective treatment

Lung cancer survival rates improve with CT scan follow-up Patients with recurrent lung cancer have better post-surgery survival rates if their management includes a follow-up program based on computer tomography of the chest.

Differences found between smokers and nonsmokers who develop lung cancer Tobacco smoke is known to be the main risk factor for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), although non-smokers can get it too. The incidence among non-smokers is increasing in many countries. Now a group of researchers has found significant differences in clinical particularities and survival between smokers and nonsmokers who develop NSCLC.

COPD heightens deadly lung cancer risk in smokers Smokers who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder may face nearly twice the risk of getting small cell lung cancer -- the deadliest form of lung cancer -- than smokers who don't have COPD.

Children's Health: Blood pressure levels declined in past decade ♦ Risk of COPD may already occur in adolescence ♦ Many overweight teenagers do not recognize they are too heavy

Many overweight teenagers do not recognize they are too heavy More than a third of overweight or obese teenagers don't see themselves as being too heavy and think their weight is about right.

Less intensive chemo avoids irreversible side effects in children's cancer Children with a rare type of cancer called Wilms’ tumor who are at low risk of relapsing can now be given less intensive treatment, avoiding a type of chemotherapy that can cause irreversible heart problems in later life.

Risk of COPD may already occur in adolescence Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of most common causes of death in the world today -- active smoking accounting for approximately 85 percent of all cases. Yet ground-breaking research indicates that accelerated decline of lung function is not a prerequisite for COPD.

For children with allergies, reading food labels crucial It is estimated that one in every 13 children in the U.S. has a food allergy. Food allergy reactions can range from a rash to respiratory distress and even death. The uncertainty of how a child will react when exposed to food allergens is a great concern for parents.

Blood pressure levels, prevalence among U.S. children, adolescents declined in past decade Recent trends in blood pressure levels and prevalence of elevated blood pressure in the United States have been published in a new article

Senior Health:Elder abuse is common around the world ♦ Diet that mimics fasting appears to slow aging ♦ Age-related inflammatory processes facilitate development of COPD

Elder abuse is common around the world A new global review reveals that elder abuse -- which includes psychological, physical, and sexual abuse; neglect; and financial exploitation -- is common among community-dwelling older adults and is especially prevalent among minority older adults. Older adults with cognitive and physical impairments or psychosocial distress are also at increased risk of elder abuse.

Neuroscientist leads efforts to detect, treat Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia Every 67 seconds someone is the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease or some form of dementia. Now, a prominent American neuroscientist is at the helm of cutting-edge research, screening methods and clinical care for all forms of dementia and cognitive impairments as well as neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease

Age-related inflammatory processes facilitate development of COPD At present, there is a lack of effective treatments that target the causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Scientists are therefore investigating the molecular causes of COPD in order to intervene specifically. A recently published study is a contribution to understanding the underlying causes of COPD, especially in the elderly population.

Diet that mimics fasting appears to slow aging Study shows broad health benefits from periodic use of diet that mimics fasting in mice and yeast -- which appear to translate to humans, also

Health News: Eight Vibrio infections, including two deaths reported in Florida ♦ How the discomfort from dry eye disease originates ♦ Physical activity decreases over time at all levels of COPD

Eightnfections, including two deaths reported in Florida  The Florida Department of Health has reported eight confirmed Vibrio vulnificus infections, including two deaths, so far this year. Vibrio is a naturally occurring bacterium found in warm, brackish seawater. Vibrio infections are rare, and the bacterium does not pose a risk to a normally healthy person (without any open cuts or wounds) who swims

Researchers discover how the discomfort from dry eye disease originates A study on the origin of the symptoms of dry eye disease has taken place, and explains the molecular mechanism leading to the discomfort that causes this disease. Dry eye is the most common eye disease in the world, and especially so in elderly people. It is caused by disorders in the quantity and quality of tears, and leads to continuous eye pain and irritation, increased blinking and altered vision, and can potentially cause blindness.

Physical activity decreases over time at all levels of COPD severity, leading to further decline Physical activity decreases substantially over time in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at all levels of severity

Ultrasound identifies RA patients in clinical remission who need more intensive treatment Two new studies have shown the importance of using ultrasound to identify those Rheumatoid Arthritis patients in clinical remission who would benefit from more intensive treatment.

Mechanism regulating gene expression linked to bone and joint damage in ankylosing spondylitis A new study reveals that DNA methylation -- a mechanism that regulates gene expression -- could influence the progression of structural damage to the joints and spine in ankylosing spondylitis. Study findings showed significant associations between a low methylation score and more radiographic progression of the disease, and implicated smoking in worsening of disease outcome.

Pulmonary Research: Inhaled corticosteroids for COPD decrease mortality risk ♦ Treatment for genetically caused emphysema effective ♦ Doctors' checklist help decrease length of COPD treatment

Inhaled corticosteroids for COPD decrease mortality risk from pneumonia and other causes Treatment of COPD with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) may decrease the risk of dying from pneumonia and from other causes despite being associated with an increase in the occurrence of pneumonia.

New music strategy shows 70% increase in exercise adherence The use of personalized music playlists with tempo-pace synchronization increases adherence to cardiac rehab by almost 70 per cent.

Treatment for genetically caused emphysema effective A landmark clinical study provides convincing evidence that a frequently overlooked therapy for genetically-caused emphysema is effective and slows the progression of lung disease. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited disorder that can cause emphysema even without exposure to tobacco smoke.

Doctors' checklist could help decrease length of COPD patients' hospital stay Patients with worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary disease spend less time in hospital when their doctors manage their care by using a checklist of steps called order sets.

Cardiovascular Research: Treatment of type 2 diabetes may reduce heart disease, ♦ Bacterial cause behind fatal heart complications ♦ Metabolic syndrome face higher cardiovascular death

Many people in emergency department for chest pain don't need admitted Chest pain sends 7 million Americans to the ED each year. About half are admitted for further observation, testing or treatment. A new study finds a very low short-term risk for life-threatening cardiac events among patients with chest pain who have normal test results

Early detection, treatment of type 2 diabetes may reduce heart disease, mortality Screening to identify Type 2 diabetes followed by early treatment could result in substantial health benefits.

Bacterial cause behind fatal heart complications discovered A key cause of life threatening heart complications has been identified by researchers. The heart infections studied frequently follow severe infections with the bacteria responsible for pneumonia and meningitis.

Copd is independent risk factor for cardiovascular death, but not risk of stroke Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is associated with increased risk of dying from a cardiovascular disease such as heart failure or a heart attack, as well as diseases not associated with the heart. However, COPD is not by itself associated with increased likelihood of having a stroke or a systemic embolism.

People with metabolic syndrome face higher cardiovascular death risk People who have metabolic syndrome are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than people who do not have the condition, and having diabetes or high blood pressure worsens the risk.

Fatal Bacteremia Caused by Campylobacter gracilis.

Campylobacter species are well known to cause gastrointestinal infections in humans. However, extraintestinal illnesses caused by Campylobacter spp., including bacteremia, can also occur, primarily in immunocompromised persons. Campylobacter gracilis is a newly recognized species that is commonly found in the oral flora and that has been associated with periodontal diseases and pleuropulmonary infections. Furthermore, a wide range of infectious etiologies caused by C. gracilis at different anatomic sites have been reported in the literature, suggesting its highly pathogenic potential. We describe a case of bacteremia due to C. gracilis complicated by pneumonia.

An 80-year-old man with a history of hypertension, hypertensive nephropathy, and　chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was in his usual health status when he began having worsening productive cough, fevers, and malaise..He sought health care 5 days later at Long Island College Hospital . A heavy smoker who was noncompliant with his COPD treatment, he had frequent episodes of COPD exacerbation necessitating chronic maintenance with oral steroid therapy.

At physical examination, the patient appeared chronically ill and had mild respiratory distress. His temperature was 100.8°F, blood pressure 124/67 mm Hg, pulse 106 beats/min, respiration 22 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation 94% on room air. His heart sounds revealed tachycardia without murmurs, and his lung sounds disclosed scattered wheezing and rhonchi.

He was empirically given vancomycin, cefepime, and azithromycin. Severe respiratory distress developed, and the patient died a few days later. Respiratory cultures at that time showed Klebsiella pneumoniae and C. gracilis. Blood cultures were positive for C. gracilis.

C. gracilis is a nonmotile, non–spore-forming, anaerobic gram-negative rod that uniquely requires formate and fumarate in its metabolism. C. gracilis primarily inhabits the gingival crevice and has been associated with a wide variety of periodontal diseases

A study of 28 persons with chronic asymptomatic periradicular lesions showed C. gracilis in 6 , including 2 of 12 who had acute apical periodontitis and 4 of 17 who had acute periradicular abscess . C. gracilis has also been isolated from other anatomic sites and has caused severe infections such as peritonitis, pneumonia, and bacteremia

Our patient had C. gracilis bacteremia complicated by acute respiratory distress secondary to pneumonia. Although another gram-negative rod was isolated from the respiratory cultures, C. gracilis potentially played a major pathogenic role for this patient because of concomitant bacteremia that resulted in an unfavorable outcome. Pleuropulmonary infections with C. gracilis are not surprising because of the frequency of its detection in the human oral flora. In a study of 23 isolates of C. gracilis and their associated clinical diagnosis, 7 were from patients with lung abscess or empyema, and 2 were from those with aspiration pneumonia  

Optimal antimicrobial drug treatment for C. gracilis remains to be established. Available antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in the literature have shown conflicting results. In 1 study, penicillin susceptibility was 67% and cephalosporin susceptibility was 67%–84% in 23 isolates of C. gracilis

Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of pathogenicity and virulence of C. gracilis. Its pathogenic potential should not be underestimated because of the spectrum of disease, severity of infection, and its possible high frequency of antimicrobial drug resistance.

Pulmonary Research:Air pollution and impaired lung function risk factors for cognitive decline ♦ Risk factors can predict the risk for COPD ♦ Protein causes cystic fibrosis

Certain risk factors can predict the risk for COPD exacerbations in patients using inhaled medications Gastroesophageal reflux disease, being female, and certain scores on the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire were associated with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in subjects using long-acting controller medication.

Air pollution and impaired lung function prove independent risk factors for cognitive decline Studies have shown that both air pollution and impaired lung function can cause cognitive deficits, but it was unclear whether air pollution diminishes cognition by reducing breathing ability first or whether air pollution represents an independent risk factor for cognitive deficit. Now a new study found air pollution directly affects cognition and is not mediated by lung function.

Pulmonary rehabilitation helps patients newly diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea Pulmonary rehabilitation treatment could be a valuable addition to comprehensive therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Key component in protein that causes cystic fibrosis identified Nearly 70,000 people worldwide are living with cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disease. There currently is no cure but researchers have now identified a key component in the protein that causes the disease.The finding may lead to the development of new medications and improved therapies

Adding genetic information changes risk profile of smokers and results in greater adherence to CT lung screening Researchers have found that adding genetic information to a former or current smokers clinical risk profile results in a reclassification of their risk for lung cancer in about one in four patients. Preliminary findings from their lung cancer screening feasibility study also suggests that those whose genetic and clinical risk placed them in the highest risk category were more likely to adhere to follow-up computed tomography (CT) scans during screening.

Health Research: Drug that can prevent onset of diabetes is rarely used ♦ Quitting smoking deteriorates diabetes control ♦ How to reset a diseased cell

Drug that can prevent onset of diabetes is rarely used Few doctors are prescribing a low-cost drug that has been proven effective in preventing the onset of diabetes. New research finds that only 3.7 percent of U.S. adults with prediabetes were prescribed metformin during a recent three-year period.

New method of investigating human lung tissue enables improved drug target validation for COPD treatment Scientists have succeeded in testing the effectiveness of new approaches for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on ex vivo 3D human lung tissue cultures. For the first time, the suitability of Wnt/beta-catenin activation has been investigated to initiate repair in patient-derived COPD lung tissue.

Study links quitting smoking with deterioration in diabetes control Sufferers of type 2 diabetes mellitus who quit smoking are likely to see a temporary deterioration in their glycaemic control which could last up to three years.

How to reset a diseased cell  Researchers demonstrate the ability to tune medically relevant cell behaviors by manipulating a key hub in cell communication networks. The manipulation of this communication node makes it possible to reprogram large parts of a cell's signaling network instead of targeting only a single receptor or cell signaling pathway

COPD Awareness Month

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, refers to a group of diseases, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and in some cases asthma, that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.. In the United States, tobacco smoke is a key factor in the development and progression of COPD. Exposure to air pollutants in the home and workplace, genetic factors, and respiratory infections also play a role in COPD. In the developing world, indoor air quality is thought to play a larger role in the development and progression of COPD than it does in the United States.

Avoid inhaling tobacco smoke, home and workplace air pollutants, and respiratory infections to prevent developing COPD. Early detection of COPD might change its course and progress. A simple test called spirometry can be used to measure pulmonary—or lung—function and detect COPD in anyone with breathing problems. Treatment of COPD requires a careful and thorough evaluation by a physician. COPD treatment can alleviate symptoms, decrease the frequency and severity of exacerbations, and increase exercise tolerance.

For those who smoke, the most important aspect of treatment is smoking cessation. Tobacco smoke and removing other air pollutants from the patient’s home or workplace are also important. Symptoms such as coughing or wheezing can be treated with medication. Pulmonary rehabilitation is an individualized treatment program that teaches COPD management strategies to increase quality of life. Plans may include breathing strategies, energy-conserving techniques, and nutritional counseling. The flu can cause serious problems in people with COPD. Vaccination during flu season is recommended and respiratory infections should be treated with antibiotics, if appropriate. Patients who have low blood oxygen levels are often given supplemental oxygen.