Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
6.0
3.4
Journals
Life
Special Issues
Pathology, Diagnosis, and Treatments of Airway Diseases
share announcement

Pathology, Diagnosis, and Treatments of Airway Diseases

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 October 2026 | Viewed by 2753

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Laura Bergantini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, Siena University Hospital, 53100 Siena, Italy
Interests: severe asthma; biological therapy; immunology; biomarkers; lung transplantation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Tommaso Pianigiani

E-Mail
Guest Editor Assistant
Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences & Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
Interests: severe asthma; biologics; biomarkers; airway diseases

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Airway diseases encompass a heterogeneous group of disorders, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and respiratory infections, which are considered among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

The diagnosis and management of airway diseases represent a significant challenge for clinicians due to the incomplete understanding of their pathogenesis and the variability in patients’ response to first-line therapies.

In recent decades, cutting-edge technologies have deepened our knowledge of the pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions, paving the way for novel targeted approaches.

Unravelling the genetic roots, molecular pathways, and environmental factors guiding airway disease development and prognosis is crucial to improving patient outcomes.

This Special Issue aims to provide an up-to-date, comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis of airway diseases, while exploring emerging diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that may shape the future of respiratory healthcare.

Dr. Laura Bergantini
Guest Editor

Dr. Tommaso Pianigiani
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • airway diseases
  • COPD
  • asthma
  • cystic fibrosis
  • bronchiectasis
  • biomarkers
  • biologics
  • targeted
  • immunology
  • pathogenesis

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

16 pages, 970 KB  
Article
Effectiveness and Physiological Safety of a Lung Vibration Device for Airway Clearance in Patients with Sputum Retention: A Randomized Crossover Study
by Tadsawiya Padkao, Kamolthip Channak, Panupich Kheunkhieo, Pimonpan Taweekarn, Kunavut Vannajak, Orachorn Boonla, Jatuporn Phoemsapthawee and Piyapong Prasertsri
Life 2026, 16(5), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16050794 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2026
Viewed by 166
Abstract
Lung vibration is a chest physiotherapy technique used to facilitate sputum mobilization and improve airway clearance; however, its effectiveness may vary due to therapist-dependent factors. This study developed a lung vibration device and evaluated its effectiveness in patients with sputum retention. Twenty-five patients, [...] Read more.
Lung vibration is a chest physiotherapy technique used to facilitate sputum mobilization and improve airway clearance; however, its effectiveness may vary due to therapist-dependent factors. This study developed a lung vibration device and evaluated its effectiveness in patients with sputum retention. Twenty-five patients, aged ≥18 years with sputum retention, including those with bronchiectasis, pneumonia, and COPD-related conditions, participated in a randomized crossover trial and received two single interventions in random order: a conventional intervention (manual percussion, manual vibration, and suction) and an experimental intervention (manual vibration replaced by the device). Sputum volume and quality, rating of perceived dyspnea (RPD), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), cardiovascular dynamics, respiratory rate, and body temperature were assessed before and immediately after each intervention. Sputum volume was significantly higher following the experimental intervention compared with the conventional intervention (p = 0.010). No significant between-intervention differences were observed in sputum quality, RPD, SpO2, cardiovascular parameters, respiratory rate, or body temperature (all p > 0.05). No potential adverse effects were reported. These findings suggest that the lung vibration device enhances sputum clearance in the short term, with no immediate adverse physiological effects observed, and may serve as a practical alternative to manual vibration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathology, Diagnosis, and Treatments of Airway Diseases)
14 pages, 1391 KB  
Article
Scaling Surface-Guided Radiation Therapy to Larger Lung Cancer Cohorts: Frameless Immobilization and Enhanced Setup Accuracy
by Jang Bo Shim, Jeongeun Hwang, Sun Myung Kim, Yeong Cheol Lee, Eun Hee Jeon and Hakyoung Kim
Life 2026, 16(3), 517; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16030517 - 20 Mar 2026
Viewed by 508
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the setup accuracy and intrafractional geometric stability of surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) under frameless immobilization in lung cancer radiotherapy and to assess its clinical utility in a relatively large patient cohort. Materials and Methods: A total of [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the setup accuracy and intrafractional geometric stability of surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) under frameless immobilization in lung cancer radiotherapy and to assess its clinical utility in a relatively large patient cohort. Materials and Methods: A total of 678 treatment fractions from 52 patients with primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), treated between October 2024 and November 2025, were retrospectively analyzed. Patient setup was performed using SGRT with the Identify system, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) served as the reference for internal target localization Intrafractional setup displacements, center-of-mass (COM) shifts, residual setup errors, and intrafractional clinical target volume (CTV) variations were evaluated. Spatial agreement between planned and intrafractional tumor volumes was quantified using the Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC). Results: The mean CBCT-based intrafractional shifts were −0.01 mm (vertical), 0.03 mm (longitudinal), and 0.01 mm (lateral), indicating negligible systematic errors. The greatest variability was observed in the longitudinal direction (standard deviation, 1.32 mm), with a maximum displacement of 4.58 mm. COM-based analysis demonstrated near-zero mean displacements in all directions, with standard deviations ranging from 0.01 to 0.02 mm. DSC values ranged from 0.91 to 0.98, with a mean of 0.96, indicating excellent spatial agreement between planned and intrafractional tumor volumes. Residual setup errors were predominantly within ±1 mm, and the mean intrafractional CTV volume change was minimal (0.27 cm3). Conclusions: SGRT-based frameless lung cancer radiotherapy demonstrated high setup accuracy and robust intrafractional geometric stability. Although slightly greater variability was observed in the longitudinal direction, overall positional deviations and volumetric changes remained within clinically acceptable limits. These findings support the feasibility of integrating SGRT with CBCT-guided radiotherapy and suggest potential benefits for workflow efficiency and planning target volume margin optimization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathology, Diagnosis, and Treatments of Airway Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 212 KB  
Article
The Prognostic Significance of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Cellular Analysis in Evaluating Disease Burden in Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis
by Ahmet Yurttaş, Deniz Çelik, Sertan Bulut, Özkan Yetkin and Hüseyin Lakadamyalı
Life 2026, 16(2), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16020206 - 27 Jan 2026
Viewed by 545
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cellular profiles, microbiological status, and clinical outcomes such as hospital admission in adult patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on thirty adult bronchiectasis patients. Demographic, [...] Read more.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cellular profiles, microbiological status, and clinical outcomes such as hospital admission in adult patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on thirty adult bronchiectasis patients. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. The cellular components of BAL fluid (macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and eosinophils) were analyzed. Patients were grouped according to the presence of microbial culture growth and history of hospitalization in the past year. Statistical analyses were performed to determine significant relationships. Results: The median age was 57 years, and the gender distribution was equal. There was no significant difference in BAL cellular profiles between groups with and without culture growth. However, in the group with a hospital admission in the past year, BAL showed a significantly lower percentage of alveolar macrophages (20% vs. 47%, p = 0.011) and a higher percentage of eosinophils (5% vs. 1%, p = 0.036). The hospitalized group also showed a trend toward a higher neutrophil percentage and a lower lymphocyte/neutrophil ratio. Furthermore, surprising associations were noted, such as a higher BAL macrophage count in married individuals and higher BAL eosinophilia in patients with diabetes. Conclusions: BAL cellular analysis provides valuable information beyond routine microbiological investigations in bronchiectasis. The low-alveolar-macrophage and high-eosinophil profile was found to be significantly associated with hospitalization, and this profile has the potential to serve as a prognostic biomarker in defining the “high-risk” phenotype. These findings highlight the complexity of the local inflammatory response and reveal the potential role of BAL in developing personalized treatment strategies for patients with bronchiectasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathology, Diagnosis, and Treatments of Airway Diseases)
14 pages, 1156 KB  
Article
Beyond Daily Values: Are Day-to-Day and Albumin-Adjusted Ratios of IL-6, PCT, and CRP Better Predictors of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia?
by Tobias Bexten, Golo-Sung Haarmeier, Johann Klein, Holger A. Lindner, Chaimae Rahali and Verena Schneider-Lindner
Life 2025, 15(11), 1697; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15111697 - 1 Nov 2025
Viewed by 960
Abstract
Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a frequent complication in neurosurgical intensive care patients. This leads to prolonged mechanical ventilation, increased 30-day mortality rates, and extended hospital stays. However, early diagnosis remains a challenge. Biomarkers, such as IL-6, PCT, and CRP, are considered a [...] Read more.
Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a frequent complication in neurosurgical intensive care patients. This leads to prolonged mechanical ventilation, increased 30-day mortality rates, and extended hospital stays. However, early diagnosis remains a challenge. Biomarkers, such as IL-6, PCT, and CRP, are considered a cornerstone for recognizing VAP and initiating early treatment. Only a very limited number of studies have compared IL-6, PCT, and CRP, focusing on day-to-day dynamics and their albumin ratios. Therefore, we investigated whether, compared with their daily levels, the day-to-day dynamics and albumin-adjusted ratios of IL-6, PCT, and CRP offer improved diagnostic value for VAP. Second, we investigated these biomarkers in patients treated for VAP who did not meet the criteria for VAP. Methods: In this exploratory, matched case–control study, we investigated 171 neurosurgical ICU patients. Daily biomarker levels, their dynamics, and ratios to serum albumin were assessed beginning four days before VAP. Logistic regression and receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses were performed to evaluate the association between each biomarker and VAP. Results: IL-6 and its day-to-day dynamics demonstrated the largest differences between VAP patients and nonVAP patients (r = 0.631; r = 0.452) and were associated with VAP, yielding AUCs of 0.816 and 0.726, respectively. In contrast, for PCT, we did not demonstrate any associative utility, whereas CRP showed a significant, moderate effect size on the day of VAP occurrence (p = 0.015 *; r = 0.351). We could not demonstrate any superiority in the day-to-day dynamics or the albumin-adjusted ratios compared to the daily values. For patients who were treated for VAP without fulfilling the criteria for biomarkers, we did not observe any significant difference from nonVAP patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathology, Diagnosis, and Treatments of Airway Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop