American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
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In the past 2 years, lung cancer research and clinical care have advanced significantly. Advancements in the field have improved outcomes and promise to lead to further reductions in deaths from lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. These advances include identification of new molecular targets for personalized targeted therapy, validation of molecular signatures of lung cancer risk in smokers, progress in lung tumor immunotherapy, and implementation of population-based lung cancer screening with chest computed tomography in the United States. In this review, we highlight recent research in these areas and challenges for the future.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Aug 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialLVRS Improves Endothelial Function and Blood Pressure in Patients with COPD: A Randomized-controlled Trial.
Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Preliminary studies have shown that both airflow obstruction and systemic inflammation may contribute to endothelial dysfunction in COPD. Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is a treatment option in selected patients with COPD with emphysema that improves breathing mechanics and lung function. ⋯ Endothelial function and blood pressure are improved 3 months after LVRS in patients with severe COPD and emphysema. LVRS may therefore have beneficial effects on cardiovascular outcomes. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 01020344).
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Aug 2015
Observational StudyDisease Progression and Changes in Physical Activity in Patients with COPD.
Little is known about the role of physical activity in the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ Over time, physical activity substantially decreases across all severity stages of COPD, and this decline is paralleled by a worsening of lung function and health status. Sustained physical inactivity is associated with a progression of exercise intolerance and muscle depletion.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Aug 2015
An Official American Thoracic Society Research Statement: Current Understanding and Future Research Needs in Tobacco Control and Treatment.
Since the mid-20th century, the scientific community has substantially improved its understanding of the worldwide tobacco epidemic. Although significant progress has been made, the sheer enormity and scope of the global problem put it on track to take a billion lives this century. Curbing the epidemic will require maximizing the impact of proven tools as well as the development of new, breakthrough methods to help interrupt the spread of nicotine addiction and reduce the downstream morbidity. ⋯ In the coming era of tobacco research, pooled talent from multiple disciplines will be required to further illuminate the complex social, environmental and biological codeterminants of tobacco dependence.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Aug 2015
RNAseq Reveals a Novel Pathway of Endothelial Dysfunction in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension is characterized by endothelial dysregulation, but global changes in gene expression have not been related to perturbations in function. ⋯ The novel relationship between BMPR2 dysfunction and reduced expression of endothelial COL4 and EFNA1 may underlie vulnerability to injury in pulmonary arterial hypertension.