Copyright 2009 Medical News Today Latest Respiratory / Asthma News From Medical News Today. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/sections/asthma-respiratory/ admin@medicalnewstoday.com (MNT Admin) editors@medicalnewstoday.com (MNT Editors) en-us Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156436.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156436.php The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) informed in its weekly update on Friday evening, 3rd July, 2009, that the total number of confirmed human cases of swine flu A(H1N1) infection stands at 33,902, including 170 deaths. In a Swine Flu conference held today in Cancun, Mexico, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the virus' spread is now "unstoppable". Swine Flu Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156437.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156437.php The Health Protection Agency (HPA), UK, informed yesterday 3rd July, 2009, in its weekly update that the total number of confirmed human cases of Swine Flu A(H1N1) infection has reached 7,447. British health authorities estimate that the figure will be over 100,000 by the end of this summer. Swine Flu Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156216.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156216.php Cases of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus has been confirmed in a Crawford County adult and a Miami County child. These are the first cases identified in both counties. Local health departments are following the guidance provided by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) when dealing with a confirmed case. This includes a thorough case investigation and management of the patient and close contacts. Swine Flu Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156228.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156228.php A study in the July 1 issue of the journal SLEEP identified a distinct ECG-derived spectrographic phenotype, designated as narrow-band elevated low frequency coupling (e-LFCNB), that is associated with prevalent hypertension, stroke, greater severity of sleep disordered breathing and sleep fragmentation in patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Results indicate that the odds ratio for prevalent stroke was 1.65 [CI: 1. Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156110.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156110.php AstraZeneca announced that it has received a licence by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for its oral targeted anti-cancer drug, gefitinib, for EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase) activating mutation positive patients with Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer and accounts for 80% of all lung cancer cases. Lung Cancer Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156071.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156071.php -- 26 confirmed cases in Wales, with 9 new cases: - A 25-year-old male from Cardiff who is a healthcare worker at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. The infection is related to travel and not to another case of swine flu in a healthcare worker at the same hospital. Close contacts, including patients and staff, are being identified and will be offered antiviral medicine. The case is no longer in work and there is no further risk to patients or staff at the hospital. Swine Flu Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156059.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156059.php Yesterday MPs debated the discrimination that people with a lung condition can experience when they travel on planes. People with lung conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Pulmonary Hypertension often require additional supplementary oxygen due to the low levels of oxygen in their blood. However, due to the policies set by airline companies, it is both expensive and difficult for people who need supplementary oxygen to plan and use air travel. Respiratory / Asthma Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156061.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156061.php Throwing "swine flu parties" in an attempt to get immunity against the virus while it is a fairly mild form is not a good idea, the BMA said yesterday, 1 July 2009. Reports have emerged of people intentionally mixing with friends who have flu. Their reasoning is that it is best to be infected before the winter when the virus could become more deadly. Swine Flu Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156012.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156012.php Since being declared a pandemic earlier this month, swine flu has continued to cause concern for many people across the world, not least those in high risk groups such as people with diabetes. Now renamed influenza A(H1N1), swine flu is a respiratory disease that could lead to complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia. It has some elements of a virus found in pigs but cannot be transferred from pigs to humans. Swine Flu Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155930.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155930.php While screening for possible pulmonary emboli using pulmonary CT angiography, a new study shows that radiologists can effectively lower the patient radiation dose by approximately 44% and improve vascular enhancement without deterioration of image quality, according to a study performed at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. A total of 400 patients believed to have a pulmonary embolism were evaluated using pulmonary CT angiography. Respiratory / Asthma Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155912.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155912.php In two recent COPD studies sponsored by DEY LP, PARI's LC Plus nebulizer and PRONEB compressors (Ultra and Ultra II) were used to show that nebulized formoterol fumarate (Perforomist, DEY LP, Mylan Inc.) improves pulmonary function. "We are pleased that researchers chose PARI products as the exclusive nebulizer systems for recent studies comparing maintenance treatments for COPD. Sutherland et al. Respiratory / Asthma Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155914.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155914.php Amira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced initial positive data from a Phase 1 clinical study of AM211, the company's oral selective antagonist of the DP2 (also known as CRTH2) receptor. The interim results demonstrate that a sustained pharmacodynamic (PD) effect can be achieved with a single dose of AM211. The pharmacokinetic profile indicates safety multiples as compared to exposures observed in safety species. Respiratory / Asthma Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155932.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155932.php Croup is a common respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the upper airways that often occurs in infants and children. The result is a swelling and narrowing of the larynx (voice box) and trachea (wind pipe) that results in a harsh, barking cough. Although croup is usually not a serious condition, it can be scary for children and parents. When combined with breathing difficulties, croup can become a severe and life-threatening condition. Respiratory / Asthma Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155838.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155838.php Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq updated Canadians on the H1NI flu virus response and reemphasized the Government of Canada's ongoing collaboration with its national and international partners to manage the spread of this virus. The Minister and Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. David Butler-Jones will be participating in an international meeting on the global response to H1N1 flu virus in Cancun, Mexico from July 1-3. Swine Flu Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155783.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155783.php Researchers at St George's, University of London have been awarded £4.3 million by the Wellcome Trust for the development of a unique new class of drugs to target the root cause of asthma and allergies. The new Allergen Delivery Inhibitors may be superior to existing medicines, which mainly relieve symptoms. The research team, led by Professor Clive Robinson, has identified novel, drug-like chemical compounds that combat asthma and allergic diseases of the nose, eyes and skin. Respiratory / Asthma Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155765.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155765.php -- 17 confirmed cases in Wales, with 0 new cases. -- There are 5 clinically presumed cases in Wales including 1 new case: - An 18-year-old male from Bridgend County Borough directly linked to a confirmed case in Exeter. Close contacts have been identified. He has been offered antiviral medicine and is recovering well. Up until now, the NPHS has been testing everyone who has potentially come into contact with swine flu and who has symptoms. Swine Flu Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155740.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155740.php DOR BioPharma, Inc. Transplants / Organ Donations Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155743.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155743.php Sosei Group Corporation ("Sosei"; TSE Mothers Index: 4565) and Vectura Group plc ("Vectura"; LSE: VEC) announce the commencement of a Phase III clinical study by Novartis, with NVA237, a once-daily, long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). NVA237 is a dry powder formulation for oral inhalation of glycopyrronium bromide, a LAMA with a rapid onset of activity. The study has now appeared on clinicaltrials. Respiratory / Asthma Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155735.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155735.php MedImmune continues to advance its commitment to pediatric research with today's announcement of the first observational prospective study designed to assess the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among preterm infants 32-to-35 weeks gestational age (GA) in outpatient settings during their first year of life. The study also seeks to gather virology data regarding the national onset of the RSV season across the four geographic regions established by the U.S. Respiratory / Asthma Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155756.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155756.php An article published Online First and in an upcoming edition of The Lancet reports the findings of the INSPIRE trial on treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) with interferon gamma-1b (Ifn-g1b). It is written by Professor Talmadge E King Jr, of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), USA and his team. Results show no improvement in survival compared with placebo. There is no effective treatment for IPF which is a fatal disease. Clinical Trials / Drug Trials Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155695.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155695.php The American Lung Association calls on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to strengthen the national ambient air quality standards for nitrogen dioxide (NO2). EPA is expected to release its proposal to revise this public health standard that has remained unchanged since 1971. Changes to the national air quality standard for NO2 pollution will become the new official limit on this air pollutant that each county in the nation must meet. Water - Air Quality / Agriculture Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155683.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155683.php Eighty percent of Canadians believe Canada's airlines should offer some pet-free flights to protect the health and safety of passengers and crew members, according to a new survey released today by The Canadian Lung Association. The findings come as Air Canada prepares to join WestJet in allowing pets to travel in the passenger cabin of airplanes - pet allergens can trigger serious or even life-threatening reactions in people with lung diseases like asthma and COPD. Respiratory / Asthma Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155678.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155678.php Gilead Sciences, Inc. Respiratory / Asthma Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155658.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155658.php Health professionals are being given clear guidelines for prescribing particular antibiotics in different diagnostic scenarios in the latest National Prescribing Service (NPS) education program, Management of specific respiratory tract infections. Respiratory / Asthma Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:00:00 PDT http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155584.php http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155584.php The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's annual release of state-by-state quality data continues to give states mixed reviews for the quality of care they provide. As in previous years, AHRQ's 2008 State Snapshots show that no state does well or poorly on all quality measures. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is also releasing state-by-state reports on the health care status quo. Preventive Medicine