Patricia Inácio, PhD, science writer —

Patricia holds her PhD in cell biology from the University Nova de Lisboa, Portugal, and has served as an author on several research projects and fellowships, as well as major grant applications for European agencies. She also served as a PhD student research assistant in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Columbia University, New York, for which she was awarded a Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) fellowship.

Articles by Patricia Inácio

Blood, Lung-function Tests Can Lead to Early Detection of Serious Bacteria in CF Children, Study Shows

Measuring antibodies in the blood and administering lung-function tests, either alone or in combination, significantly increase health-care specialists’ ability to detect the serious bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). The study, “Assessment of serology and spirometry and the combination of both to complement microbiological isolation…

Mucociliary Clearance, Difficult in CF, Might Be Possible by Blocking Mucus Absorption

Blocking mucus absorption in the airways through the use of certain agents can strengthen an innate airway mechanism, called mucociliary clearance (MCC), that is often impaired in lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF). The study, “Marked increases in mucociliary clearance produced by synergistic secretory agonists or inhibition of the epithelial sodium…

#NACFC2016 – Colonoscopy Recommendations for Colon Cancer Screening in CF Patients

In a recent talk titled “Implementation of Colorectal Guidelines,” Alexander Khoruts, MD, from the University of Minnesota, discussed recommendations for an effective screening for colorectal cancer in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The talk was presented at the 30th Annual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference Oct. 27-29 in Orlando, Florida. Patients…

#NACFC2016 – Research into Airway Bacteria Key to Better Understanding of CF

The importance of investigating the role of the airway microbiome in lung damage associated with cystic fibrosis (CF) was the focus of two talks at the recent 30th Annual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference (NACFC) in Orlando, Florida. Both talks were based on the topic, “Microbiome Studies Can be Helpful in Understanding CF Infections.” CF and CF manifestations, particularly…

#NACFC2016 – Next-Gen CFTR Correctors Show Improved Activity in Repairing Defects

In a recent talk, researchers showed the enhanced benefits of two next-generation CFTR correctors in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with specific mutations. The positive results support the clinical evaluation of both drugs in early-stage clinical trials. The talk, “Discovery and biological profile of next-generation CFTR correctors,” was recently presented at the…

#NACFC2016 – New Database Could Better Identify CF Patient Variables, Outcomes After Lung Transplant

A new database to improve the characterization of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and more effectively identify variables that may impact patient success following lung transplant, was proposed recently at the 30th Annual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference (NACFC), Oct. 27-29, in Orlando, by Dr. Elliott Dasenbrook, of the Cleveland Clinic. Dasenbrook proposed the database in…

#NACFC2016 – Dietary Habits of CF Children Often Don’t Meet Health Needs or Guidelines, Studies Find

Two talks, presented today at the 30th Annual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference (NACFC), focused on the role of nutrition in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). In a first presentation, “Have we journeyed to Junk?,” Tamarah Katz, MSc (Nutr&Diet), with the Sydney Children’s Hospital, quantified how much core (e.g., fruit, vegetables) and non-core foods (e.g., snacks, sweetened beverages) contribute to…

#NACFC2016 – Kalydeco Seen to Improve Insulin Secretion in Patients with CF-related Diabetes

Kalydeco (ivacaftor), an approved therapy for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with a specific mutation, improves insulin secretion in those with CF-related diabetes, researchers led by Ronald Rubenstein, MD, with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, found. The mechanism underlying this benefit, however, remains unknown. The results were presented today at the 30th Annual North American…