Search

A study conducted by researchers at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in Kerala, India, focused on evaluating the mucolytic effectiveness of Ambroxol and N-Acetylcysteine in patients with Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study found that both Ambroxol and N-Acetylcysteine led to improvements in lung function, cough relief, and control of AECOPD symptoms. The research suggests that these treatments could be beneficial alongside standard COPD therapy for better therapeutic outcomes. The study used various scales to assess patient condition before and after treatment, showing positive results in terms of quality of life, cough relief, and reduction in COPD symptoms. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application by Norton (Waterford) Limited for an inhaler system has been filed, aiming to improve methods of identifying the risk of impending respiratory disease exacerbations. The system includes an inhaler arrangement with a use-detection system, a sensor system measuring airflow parameters, a user interface for inputting the respiratory disease status, and a processor to determine the probability of exacerbation based on recorded data. This innovation could help predict respiratory disease exacerbations accurately, providing opportunities for pre-emptive treatment and improved patient care. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application titled "Inhaler System" has been published online by inventors from various countries, including Israel, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. The system aims to determine the probability of an asthma exacerbation in patients by analyzing rescue inhalations and airflow parameters. The system utilizes machine learning models to predict exacerbations and improve treatment plans for respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD. The patent application highlights the importance of identifying impending exacerbations to enhance patient care and reduce risks associated with respiratory diseases. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a surgical implant delivery system developed by Athena Surgical LLC to address urinary incontinence, a common condition affecting both men and women. The system aims to improve the repeatability and reproducibility of surgical procedures, particularly the retropubic midurethral sling procedure, by providing a more controlled and precise method for delivering implants to the target site. This innovation seeks to enhance the quality of life for individuals suffering from urinary incontinence by offering a more effective and reliable treatment option. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Food Weekly News discusses the concept of the "Man Cold" and whether it is a real phenomenon. HALLS, a popular cough and throat drop brand, conducted a national survey revealing that many people believe men exaggerate cold symptoms. In response, HALLS is offering a limited-edition Man Cold Relief Kit to help alleviate symptoms during the cough and cold season. The brand aims to provide temporary relief for those experiencing cold symptoms, regardless of gender. [Extracted from the article]

Applied Biological Laboratories, a biotechnology company based in New York City, will present research on their product Biovanta at the American Society for Microbiology's Clinical Virology Symposium. Biovanta is a line of over-the-counter and dietary supplement products designed to treat cold symptoms. The company's research focuses on developing novel treatments for respiratory diseases by targeting inflammatory pathways and strengthening immunity. The presentation will include results from a clinical trial showing that Biovanta significantly improved common cold symptoms in less than two days. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a combination vaccine composition that aims to provide immunization against multiple diseases. The vaccine includes a reduced dose of inactivated poliovirus and utilizes different antigens and adjuvants. The patent discusses the challenges in developing combination vaccines and addresses concerns about the long-term effectiveness of certain vaccines. It also provides a detailed process for manufacturing the vaccine composition, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the development and production of combination vaccines. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application titled "Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2" has been published by the US Patent and Trademark Office. The application, filed by inventors from Atreca Inc., discusses antibodies that can inhibit the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to cells and reduce infection. The antibodies target various variants of the virus, including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Mu, and Omicron. The application also provides information on COVID-19 symptoms, illness categories, current treatment options, and the need for safe and effective prophylactic and treatment options. It describes the use of antibodies in inhibiting virus binding, reducing infection, inducing an immune response, treating infected patients, and identifying infected patients. The application also includes details on recombinant nucleic acids, expression vectors, host cells, and methods for producing and identifying antibodies with anti-viral activity. The patent application was filed by Jason Botten, Daniel Eric Emerling, Shaun M. Lippow, Ngan Nguyen Atkins, Annalis Whitaker, and Katherine L. Williams on March 24, 2022. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to Hill-Rom Services Inc. for a method of monitoring and treating chronic diseases by analyzing clinical parameters such as breathing rate, heart rate, and sleep patterns. The method aims to detect pre-episodic indicators of diseases like asthma and congestive heart failure in order to initiate preventive treatment and reduce the severity of clinical episodes. The patent describes using sensors to collect data on these parameters over a period of time and generating alerts based on the analysis of the combined clinical parameter signals. This method could improve the effectiveness of preventive treatment and enhance the quality of life for patients with chronic diseases. [Extracted from the article]

The US Patent and Trademark Office has published a patent application titled "Tcm Throat Tea Method And Composition," which details a herbal tea designed to alleviate symptoms of cough and throat discomfort. The composition specifically targets hot cough and dry cough, as diagnosed in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The application provides information on the ingredients, preparation methods, therapeutic dosage, and administration methods for the tea. The invention aims to offer a herbal remedy that effectively suppresses and relieves cough symptoms. [Extracted from the article]

Koninklijke Philips N.V. has been issued a patent for a system and method for unobtrusively monitoring symptoms in allergic asthma patients. The system includes a measurement unit that measures a patient's heart signal and/or blood circulation signal, a detection unit that detects cough and sneeze events, a calculation unit that calculates an exacerbation risk score based on these events, and an interface unit that provides the score to the patient or physician. The system utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict exacerbation risk and can help patients take their medication in a timely manner. This technology aims to improve the management of respiratory diseases like asthma. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a treatment of allergic rhinitis using a combination of mometasone and olopatadine. This treatment has been found to provide faster relief of symptoms compared to using either medication alone. The treatment involves administering a fixed-dose pharmaceutical composition of mometasone and olopatadine through the nose. The patent specifies the weight ratio of the two medications, reduction of adverse effects, impurity content, and storage conditions. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH discusses the burden of cough in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). The researchers conducted a systematic review of studies published between January 2010 and October 2023 to assess the impact of cough on patients' quality of life. The findings indicate that cough has a negative impact on the quality of life of patients with IPF and suggest a similar impact in other ILDs. The study highlights the need for standardized assessment tools and further research on the economic burden of cough in ILDs. [Extracted from the article]

Labrador Diagnostics LLC has been issued a patent for devices, systems, methods, and kits for receiving a swab. The patent describes the need for improved methods and devices for collecting and analyzing samples obtained by swabs. The invention includes a swab container with an entry port, an assay chamber, and a conduit that provides fluidic communication between the entry port and the assay chamber. The patent also mentions the possibility of including reagents and other elements in the cartridge. This patent provides valuable information for researchers and practitioners in the field of diagnostics and screening. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a patent application for an "Airway Clearance System" that aims to improve mucus clearance in the respiratory tract for individuals with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma. The system utilizes high frequency chest wall oscillations to stimulate mucus and airway clearance, as well as improve blood flow and relieve muscular and nerve tensions. The patent application describes a system that includes a therapy garment, a pulsator with a control panel and touchscreen for programming the therapy, and a mobile app for data collection and communication. The system also offers features such as adjustable display orientation, customizable display brightness, and wireless connectivity. The collected data can be stored on the pulsator, mobile app, or a server, and the mobile app can be used as a remote control for the therapy. The system can also coordinate with other devices to gather health information. Overall, this patent application presents a comprehensive and technologically advanced system for airway clearance therapy. [Extracted from the article]

Walgreens is now offering flu shots for individuals aged 3 and up at their stores nationwide. Appointments can be scheduled through the Walgreens app, website, or by calling their hotline. Walgreens also provides flexible vaccination options, including walk-ins and nights and weekends appointments, and offers additional vaccines such as RSV, shingles, and pneumococcal pneumonia. They also offer testing for flu and COVID-19, including a rapid test that provides results in 30 minutes. Walgreens pharmacists can evaluate and prescribe antiviral medicine if an individual tests positive for flu or COVID-19. They also offer delivery services for medications. Pharmacies have become a popular destination for routine vaccinations, with approximately 70% of adult flu vaccinations administered in retail pharmacies. Walgreens has administered over 105 million vaccinations since 2010. To prepare for a visit, individuals can schedule an appointment, complete consent paperwork digitally, and use the digital check-in feature to skip the line. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for an inhaler system that aims to determine the probability of an asthma exacerbation in a patient. The system uses sensors in the inhaler to track the number of inhalations and measure airflow parameters. This data is then used in a trained machine learning model to generate a probability of an asthma exacerbation. The system can provide notifications to the user indicating the probability of an exacerbation, allowing for preemptive treatment. The patent was filed by inventors from various countries and is assigned to Norton (Waterford) Limited. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers from Sanofi in Lyon, France, examined the incidence of pertussis (whooping cough) and its complications among individuals with preexisting asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the United States. The study found that individuals with asthma or COPD had a higher risk of pertussis infection and severe pertussis compared to the general population. The risk of pertussis complications was also increased in these cohorts. The study suggests that pertussis may have a long-term effect on individuals with COPD. The research was supported by Sanofi and published in the CHEST Journal. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co. Ltd. for an information processing method, recording medium, and information processing system that control airflow in a space where a cough or sneeze has been detected. The patent describes a technique that reduces the risk of infection in a space where a cough or sneeze has occurred by detecting the cough or sneeze, acquiring an image of the space, recognizing the state around the person's mouth, generating a control signal to control the airflow, and outputting the control signal. The technique aims to disperse droplets and reduce the risk of infection in the space. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to HYFE Inc. for methods of automatic cough detection. The invention aims to address the limitations of existing cough detection systems, such as accuracy, privacy concerns, data management, and cost. By continuously analyzing ambient sounds, these systems can identify cough sounds and differentiate them from other environmental noises. The technology has potential applications in healthcare, public health monitoring, epidemiological studies, and remote patient monitoring. However, challenges remain in terms of accuracy, privacy, data management, societal acceptance, and integration into existing healthcare frameworks. The patent outlines a method for automatically detecting cough events by recording ambient sound, identifying possible cough events, classifying them as cough or non-cough, and compiling a record of all cough events detected. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application has been submitted for a nucleic acid-based vaccine that targets SARS-CoV-2 infections caused by emerging variant strains. The vaccine uses RNA to encode antigenic peptides or proteins from the spike protein of the virus. This RNA can be genetically modified to adapt to new variants and stimulate immune responses in humans. The development of effective vaccines and strategies is important to address the evolving variants of the virus. The patent application describes a nucleic acid-based vaccine for COVID-19 that contains RNA encoding antigenic peptides from the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The RNA is combined with a lipid-based carrier and can be administered to prevent or treat COVID-19. The patent application also includes claims related to the specific sequences and compositions of the RNA vaccine. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to Resmed Sensor Technologies Limited for systems and methods for monitoring and managing chronic diseases. The technology involves medical and lifestyle devices used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of respiratory disorders. The system includes a management device that communicates with a physiological monitor to analyze physiological and environmental parameters and detect trigger patterns indicative of exacerbation of the chronic condition. The device can control activation of an automated response, such as a warning or treatment, based on the detection of these trigger patterns. [Extracted from the article]

Dain Technology Inc., a South Korean company, has submitted a patent application for a method of accurately counting coughs by analyzing sound signals. Currently, the only way to count coughs is through subjective methods such as patient interviews or expert analysis of recorded sounds. The proposed method involves transforming the sound signal into spectrogram images, detecting coughs using a cough determination model, and calculating the total number of coughs based on time points and corresponding tags. This method aims to provide a more objective and efficient way of counting coughs. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to Immunotec Inc. for compositions and methods for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 1 in 68 children in the United States, with boys being more commonly diagnosed than girls. Currently, there are no known cures for autism, and techniques for medical detection are lacking. The patent describes the use of whey protein isolate and/or whey protein concentrate as a potential treatment for autism, with studies suggesting improvements in behavioral traits such as socialization, daily living skills, maladaptive behavior, and internalization. However, further research is needed to fully understand the effects of these compositions on autism. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a two-way protective respirator system that filters harmful airborne particles and vapors to provide safe breathing for the wearer and prevent the spread of contaminants to others. The patent highlights the presence of microscopic microorganisms and chemical substances in the air that can cause various health issues, including respiratory diseases and infections. It emphasizes the limitations of common masks in filtering out small viral particles and proposes a portable respirator system as a more effective solution. The invention aims to reduce the transmission of diseases like COVID-19 and protect individuals and communities from airborne contaminants. The system consists of a respirator mask connected to an air inflow blower fan unit with filter media. The first airflow stream, produced by the blower fan unit and filtered by the media, is delivered to a first chamber in the respirator mask for the person to breathe. The exhaled second airflow stream passes through outlet orifices into a second chamber defined by a gaiter made from woven fabric, where submicron biologic particles are removed before the sanitized airflow enters the surrounding community. The system protects both the wearer and others from harmful particles. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application by Aquestive Therapeutics Inc. describes a system and method for producing personalized individual unit doses (IUDs) of pharmaceutical actives. Currently, IUDs are limited to government-approved dosages, but this system aims to customize IUDs according to an individual's prescription, allowing for off-label use and variation in dose. The system includes an apparatus for making the IUDs and a networked system for electronically communicating health information to a medical professional who determines the prescription. The method involves obtaining biometric measurements, transmitting them to a manufacturer, manufacturing the IUDs according to the prescription, and delivering them to the individual. This system aims to provide personalized medication tailored to the individual's needs. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Analysis Group Inc. examined the real-world safety of first-line immuno-oncology combination therapies for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study analyzed data from a de-identified database of patients with advanced NSCLC who were treated with different combination therapies. The most common adverse events reported were fatigue, pain, dyspnea, weight loss, decreased appetite, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, cough, constipation, and rash. The study found that the safety experiences of patients treated with the immuno-oncology combination therapies were generally similar across different treatment groups. These findings suggest that these therapies have similar safety profiles when used as a first treatment for NSCLC that has spread or come back. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Beijing, China, examined the effectiveness of combining terbutaline sulfate and budesonide inhalation therapy in pregnant women with acute bronchial asthma. The study divided 100 pregnant patients into control and study groups, with the study group receiving the combined therapy in addition to standard treatment. The study found that the combination therapy resulted in shorter relief times for symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and chest tightness compared to the control group. Additionally, pulmonary function improved in both groups after treatment. The researchers suggest that further clinical trials should be conducted to determine the efficacy of this therapy in different populations. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application has been submitted for a system and method that uses spectral analysis to detect particles of interest, such as pathogens, allergens, and environmental hazards. The invention aims to address the challenges of detecting contaminants in food and beverages, as well as identifying infected individuals during a pandemic. The system processes spectral data obtained from samples and applies trained models to determine whether a positive or negative detection of the particle of interest has occurred. The invention has the potential to improve food safety, public health, and environmental monitoring. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to Dain Technology Inc. for a method of accurately counting coughs based on analyzing sound signals. Currently, the only way to count coughs is by having an expert listen to cough sounds and count them in person. This new method involves acquiring onset signals from the sound signal, obtaining spectrograms corresponding to each onset signal, determining if each spectrogram represents a cough using a cough determination model, and calculating the number of coughs based on the time points of the cough signals. This method aims to provide a more objective and efficient way of counting coughs for respiratory disease management and clinical trials. [Extracted from the article]

A new report discusses research findings on thoracic medicine, specifically focusing on refractory or unexplained chronic cough (RCC or UCC) in adults. The report highlights the challenges in managing RCC or UCC and the off-label use of drugs approved for other indications. The systematic literature review (SLR) included 20 eligible publications from 19 unique trials, with placebo being the most common comparator. The review identified significant improvements in cough frequency, severity, or quality of life measures during treatment, but these improvements did not persist in post-treatment follow-ups. The research emphasizes the need for approved therapies and highlights the limitations in study design, populations, and outcome measures. [Extracted from the article]

The article provides information on the reporting requirements for adverse events following vaccine administration, as mandated by the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act (NCVIA). Healthcare providers are required to report specific events, and vaccine manufacturers must also report adverse experiences to the FDA. The article emphasizes the safety and effectiveness of vaccines and highlights the success of immunization programs in reducing vaccine-preventable diseases. The CDC supports state governments in enacting and enforcing immunization laws, and exemptions for vaccination requirements vary among states. Vaccinations have been effective in reducing the incidence of diseases, and high vaccination rates contribute to "herd immunity." Adverse event information can be obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the FDA, and vaccine expiration dates can be extended based on data submitted to the FDA by the manufacturer. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for methods of vibrationally exciting a laryngeal nerve. The invention aims to treat conditions such as dysphagia, chronic cough, and spasmodic dysphonia by stimulating the laryngeal nerve through noninvasive vibration on the neck. The device includes a collar or neckband with nerve exciters that provide adjustable vibrations to the branches of the vagus nerve. The therapy system also includes software that wirelessly connects to the device, allowing for monitoring and customization of the treatment. The patent was filed by Passy-Muir Inc. and published in December 2023. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Vaccines explored the safety and immunogenicity of a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prefusion maternal vaccine. The study involved healthy, nonpregnant women who were randomized into five groups and received different combinations of the RSV vaccine and a diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (dTpa). The results showed that the RSV vaccine was well-tolerated and induced robust immune responses, regardless of the dose level or coadministration with dTpa. The findings suggest that this combination could be a promising approach for preventing RSV infection. The study is registered under Clinical Trials Registration NCT04138056. [Extracted from the article]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a new communications effort to address the expected increase in flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases during the fall and winter virus season. The goal of this educational campaign is to raise public awareness about the risks of viral respiratory diseases and promote preventive measures, including vaccination, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick, improving ventilation, and getting tested and treated when necessary. The campaign uses emotionally appealing ads that emphasize the importance of protecting loved ones and aims to reach a diverse audience, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates and high incidence of these viruses. [Extracted from the article]