Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of upper and lower respiratory tract diseases, such as chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), allergic rhinitis (AR), and asthma (AS). In the current study, researchers from Huazhong University of Science and Technology and affiliated organizations aimed to assess the role of the essential antioxidant enzyme, heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), in these airway diseases.

One potentially serious complication of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is pulmonary hypertension (PH). Based on previous research that revealed involvement of perivascular immune and inflammatory responses in regulation of vascular remodeling and PH processing, researchers from Fudan University investigated the immunologic factors linked to OSA-induced PH.

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have tested a broadly neutralizing antibody that binds the stem of a protein against H5N1 avian influenza, which prevented severe disease in nonhuman primates and was effective for at least 8 weeks. The scientists remark on the potential of the design developed by Astrazeneca plc against a possible outbreak of the influenza A virus.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic lung disease characterized by the replacement of normal lung tissue by scar tissue, resulting in worsening lung function and impaired gas exchange. Autotaxin (ATX), the enzyme that produces the lipid mediator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), is upregulated in lung fibrotic tissue.

Masimo Corp. selected Catherine (Katie) Szyman, an industry leader with deep med-tech roots, to guide the company as it seeks to rebuild its reputation and revenues following a gritty two-year battle for control. Current CEO Michelle Brennan will serve as chairman of the Masimo board. Brennan stepped up to lead Masimo after founder and former CEO Joe Kiani resigned following a shareholder vote that ousted him from his position of board chair as part of a protracted proxy battle between Kiani and Politan Capital Management LP.