Prenatal antibiotic exposure, asthma and the atopic march: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAntibiotic use during pregnancy may increase the risk for asthma in children. We performed a meta-analysis assessing prenatal antibiotic exposure and the risk for childhood wheeze or asthma, as well as for diseases associated with the atopic march. MethodsA systematic literature search protocol (PROSPERO-ID: CRD42020191940) was registered and searches were completed using Medline, Proquest, Embase,… Continue reading Prenatal antibiotic exposure, asthma and the atopic march: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Trajectories of asthma symptom presenting as wheezing and their associations with family environmental factors among children in Australia: evidence from a national birth cohort study

Objectives Asthma is one of the greatest health burdens, yet contributors to asthma symptom trajectories are understudied in Australian children. We aimed to assess the trajectories of asthma symptom and their associations with several family environmental factors during the childhood period in Australia. Design Secondary analysis from a cross-sequential cohort study. Setting Nationwide representative data… Continue reading Trajectories of asthma symptom presenting as wheezing and their associations with family environmental factors among children in Australia: evidence from a national birth cohort study

Steroid-induced fibroblast growth factors drive an epithelial-mesenchymal inflammatory axis in severe asthma

AbstractAsthma and inflammatory airway diseases restrict airflow in the lung, compromising gas exchange and lung function. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) can reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and improve lung function; however, a growing number of patients with severe asthma do not benefit from ICS. Using bronchial airway epithelial brushings from patients with severe asthma or primary human… Continue reading Steroid-induced fibroblast growth factors drive an epithelial-mesenchymal inflammatory axis in severe asthma

Clustering of COPD patients and their response to pulmonary rehabilitation

Background and objectivePulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is fundamental in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD patients show a large clinical heterogeneity that may influence their response to PR. Identification of homogeneous clusters of patients who may or may not respond to PR is important to personalize patient care. This study aimed at identifying… Continue reading Clustering of COPD patients and their response to pulmonary rehabilitation

COVID-19 Vaccine in Patients with Exacerbation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

To the editorBetween the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021, the first mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 received approval for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO). Patientsaffected by fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) were granted priority access to vaccination,as these patients may develop severe complications after SARS-CoV-2 infection and carry ahigher risk… Continue reading COVID-19 Vaccine in Patients with Exacerbation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

KIX domain determines a selective tumor-promoting role for EP300 and its vulnerability in small cell lung cancer

EP300, a transcription coactivator important in proliferation and differentiation, is frequently mutated in diverse cancer types, including small cell lung cancer (SCLC). While these mutations are thought to result in loss of EP300 function, the impact on tumorigenesis remains largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that EP300 mutants lacking acetyltransferase domain accelerate tumor development in mouse… Continue reading KIX domain determines a selective tumor-promoting role for EP300 and its vulnerability in small cell lung cancer

Detection of microplastics in human lung tissue using μFTIR spectroscopy

AbstractAirborne microplastics (MPs) have been sampled globally, and their concentration is known to increase in areas of high human population and activity, especially indoors. Respiratory symptoms and disease following exposure to occupational levels of MPs within industry settings have also been reported. It remains to be seen whether MPs from the environment can be inhaled,… Continue reading Detection of microplastics in human lung tissue using μFTIR spectroscopy

Mechanical control of innate immune responses against viral infection revealed in a human lung alveolus chip

AbstractMechanical breathing motions have a fundamental function in lung development and disease, but little is known about how they contribute to host innate immunity. Here we use a human lung alveolus chip that experiences cyclic breathing-like deformations to investigate whether physical forces influence innate immune responses to viral infection. Influenza H3N2 infection of mechanically active… Continue reading Mechanical control of innate immune responses against viral infection revealed in a human lung alveolus chip

Short- vs Standard-Course Outpatient Antibiotic Therapy for Community-Acquired Pneumonia in ChildrenThe SCOUT-CAP Randomized Clinical Trial

Childhood community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is usually treated with 10 days of antibiotics. Shorter courses may be effective with fewer adverse effects and decreased potential for antibiotic resistance. Objective To compare a short (5-day) vs standard (10-day) antibiotic treatment strategy for CAP in young children. Design, Setting, and Participants Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial in outpatient… Continue reading Short- vs Standard-Course Outpatient Antibiotic Therapy for Community-Acquired Pneumonia in ChildrenThe SCOUT-CAP Randomized Clinical Trial