Thorax Podcast
The Thorax podcast offers the latest insights in respiratory medicine. Each episode features in-depth interviews with renowned authors and leading experts in the field, delving into the latest respiratory research and treatments. Thorax, an esteemed international journal from the BMJ Group and the British Thoracic Society (BTS), is dedicated to publishing research and reviews in respiratory medicine to improve clinical practice. Stay ahead in your field by tuning into our expert discussions and accessing cutting-edge content.
Episodes
Interstitial lung disease: a global review series
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) can be considered an umbrella term for a large number of conditions involving inflammation and scarring in the lungs. It can come from a range of causes, including occupational exposures such as asbestosis or silicosis, environmental factors like animal exposure, or idiopathic pulmonary issues. The diagnosis and management of the disease can vary from region to regi
The risks of inhaled corticosteroid withdrawal in COPD treatment
Previous trials on triple therapy inhaler use (ETHOS and IMPACT) were understood to show a reduction in mortality in COPD patients. However, a reanalysis published in Thorax shows that this benefit may have been misattributed. Host Dr. Kate Diomede is joined by the paper's authors, pharmacist Kari Leung¹ and physician Prof. Aroon Hingorani², both members of the North Central London Joint Formular
A real-life study of blood eosinophils and exhaled nitric oxide
In this episode, Thorax social media editor Dr. Kate Diomede speaks to Dr. Susan Muiser¹, author of a research paper based on the NOVELTY study that included over 12,000 patients globally with asthma, COPD, or asthma plus COPD. The research sought to find potential biomarkers that could link to exacerbations in these patients, giving consideration to blood eosinophils and fractional exhaled nitric
Unpacking the BTS Trainee Survey 2024
Last year the British Thoracic Society published the results of their 2024 survey of trainees. Since then, a number of commentary pieces have been published in Thorax, and two authors join the podcast this episode. Dr. Abigail MacKintosh¹ a respiratory medicine trainee, and Dr. Daniel Smith², consultant and chair of the BTS workforce committee, join host Dr. Kate Diomede to discuss some of the iss
Bronchiectasis, with the PulmPEEPs
This journal club episode is guest-hosted by Dr. David Furfaro and Dr. Kristina Montemayor of the PulmPEEPs, in conversation with Thorax education editor Dr. Christopher Turnbull, and Dr. George Doumat, author of a recent journal club article focussing on the theme of bronchiectasis. These papers highlight the exciting progress that is being seen in the treatment of this condition, and the challen
Smarter prescription of azithromycin using machine learning, with Prof. Wim Janssens
Prophylactic use of azithromycin is common in the management of COPD patients with frequent acute exacerbations. But its application is conservative due to concerns around adverse events, interactions with other drugs, and bacterial resistance. Given these concerns, it is important to identify patients who are likely to be responders or non-responders.
According to the NICE guidance in the UK, you
Sleep and ventilation, with the PulmPEEPs
Another journal club episode featuring guest-host Dr. Kristina Montemayor of the PulmPEEPs, in conversation with Thorax education editor Dr. Christopher Turnbull, and Dr. Natalie McCleod, author of a recent journal club article focussing on the theme of ventilation and sleep. They discuss the four papers selected by Natalie, covering topics including CPAP therapy's benefit on blood pressure, and H
Understanding the causes of asthma medication non-adherence in the USA
There are many factors which might contribute to asthma patients not adhering to their medication, such as access to services, or convenience of use. One well-known and important barrier in the United States is simply cost. Thorax social media editor Dr. Kate Diomede speaks to Dr. Chun-Tse Hung¹, Dr. Steven Erickson², and Prof. Chung-Hsuen Wu¹, the authors of a recent study on the subject.
Read
Pulmonary sarcoidosis, with Dr. Michelle Sharp
With no identified cause or cure, sarcoidosis is a challenging disease that has a heterogeneous presentation and an unpredictable clinical course. A recent paper in Thorax examined the outcomes for patients grouped by pulmonary function phenotypes, race and sex. First author for the study, Dr. Michelle Sharp¹, joins social media editor Dr. Kate Diomede to talk through the findings.
Read the paper:
COPD, with the PulmPEEPs
The PulmPEEPs are back with another journal club episode. Dr. Kristina Montemayor and Dr. David Furfaro are joined by Thorax education editor Dr. Christopher Turnbull, and journal club author Dr. Ewan Mackay. They discuss a handful of selected papers focussing on COPD, covering the global impact of different household fuels on lung disease, early signs of CT changes in smokers before the detection
Fixing lung health, with Dr. Samantha Walker
Lung conditions remain one of the biggest causes of death and cost the economy billions annually. Despite this they receive only 2.5% of total public research investment in the UK. The Asthma + Lung UK charity brought together a number of experts and stakeholders in an effort to improve the working approach to this problem. This group published a letter in Thorax recently with a number of recommen
The troubling rise of artificial stone silicosis, with Dr. Johanna Feary
The growing use of artificial stone has seen the emergence of an aggressive, progressive respiratory disease, which is causing silicosis in young people. Dr. Johanna Feary¹ ² joins Thorax's Dr. Kate Diomede in the studio, to discuss. They talk through some the UK's earliest cases, the background to this phenomenon, international response, and the broader history of silicosis as a disease.
Links:
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Airway disease, with the PulmPEEPs
A special journal club episode featuring guest-hosts Dr. Kristina Montemayor and Dr. David Furfaro of the PulmPEEPs. They're joined in conversation with Thorax education editor Dr. Christopher Turnbull, and Dr. Imran Howell, author of a recent journal club article in Thorax. Focussing on the theme of airway disease, they discuss the four papers in Imran's roundup, covering topics from nutritional
BTS Clinical Statement: Management of inpatient tobacco dependency, with Prof. Sanjay Agrawal and Dr. Matthew Evison
A new clinical statement from the British Thoracic Society was recently published in Thorax. It describes a building-block approach for how to manage patients with tobacco dependency in a hospital setting. Thorax podcast host Dr. Kate Diomede speaks with two of the authors, Prof. Sanjay Agrawal (1) and Dr. Matthew Evison (2).
Read the statement: Medical management of inpatients with tobacco depen
Social media’s influence on smoking and vaping, with Prof. Nick Hopkinson
What are the effects of high levels of social media consumption amongst young people? New research published in Thorax quantifies the impact that exposure to marketing on online platforms is having, showing a greater likelihood of smoking or vaping with greater time spent on these platforms. Thorax associate editor Prof. Nick Hopkinson (1) joins Dr. Kate Diomede to discuss the paper's findings.
Re
Allergic asthma immunotherapy, with Dr. Klaus Bønnelykke
Asthma prevalence is increasing around the world, and is theorised to be due to a number of environmental factors. One such factor is a sensitivity to house dust mite (HDM) allergens, which is common in asthma patients. Dr. Klaus Bønnelykke (1) joins the podcast to speak with Dr. Kate Diomede about this topic, following the publication of the paper, "Genetic and T2 biomarkers linked to the efficac
Invitation strategies in lung cancer screening, with Dr. Patrick Goodley
Socioeconomic deprivation is a driving factor in lung cancer rates. With the roll out of a national lung cancer screening programme in the UK, it's important that the right invitation strategies are used for reaching community members who may be at risk. This episode, Dr. Patrick Goodley (@patrick_goodley) joins host Dr. Kate Diomede to discuss the recent paper, "Invitation strategies and particip
Female reproductive history and COPD risk, with Prof. Gita Mishra
What impact do reproductive events, like menarche, miscarriage or menopause have on female lung health? Prof. Gita Mishra (1) joins Thorax host Dr. Kate Diomede to discuss this question. They consider how recurrent fertility issues can point to an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease later in life, and how variance in oestrogen levels throughout the lifespan affect lung developm
Immediate smoking cessation support during lung cancer screening, with Parris Williams
Lung cancer screening in the UK has only been introduced in recent years, and its processes around smoking cessation guidance may have opportunities for improvement. Visiting the studio today is PhD student Parris Williams (1), to discuss the newly published Thorax research paper, "Immediate smoking cessation support during lung cancer screening: long-term outcomes from two randomised controlled t
Comparing COVID detection rates for oral and nasal swabs, with Dr. Tobias Todsen
Head and neck consultant Dr. Tobias Todsen (1) joins the podcast from Copenhagen to speak with social media editor Dr. Kate Diomede. The topic of conversation is the recent paper, "Higher SARS-CoV-2 detection of oropharyngeal compared with nasopharyngeal or saliva specimen for molecular testing: a multicentre randomised comparative accuracy study" (https://thorax.bmj.com/content/78/10/1028). They
Linking obesity and asthma, with Dr. Hayley Scott
In a conversation touching on diet, fat distribution, and inflammatory pathways, Dr. Hayley Scott (1) speaks with host Dr. Kate Diomede about the recent paper, “Effect of obesity on airway and systemic inflammation in adults with asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis".
Read the article here: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/78/10/957
(1) School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The Unive
Community-acquired pneumonia readmissions, with Dr. Wei Shen Lim
Dr. Wei Shen Lim (1) joins Thorax's podcast host and social media editor Dr. Kate Diomede to talk over the recent research paper, “Readmission following hospital admission for community-acquired pneumonia in England”.
Read the article here: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2023/07/28/thorax-2022-219925
(1) Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingha
Preterm birth and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, with Dr. Elizabeth Smith
Dr. Kate Diomede, podcast host and Thorax social media editor, is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Smith (1) to discuss a study on the longterm respiratory outcomes for survivors of very preterm birth, titled "Risk factors for poorer respiratory outcomes in adolescents and young adults born preterm."
Read the article here: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2023/05/18/thorax-2022-219634
Find more info o
New BTS pleural disease guideline, with Prof. Najib Rahman and Prof. Nick Maskell
Dr. Kate Diomede, podcast host and Thorax social media editor, is joined by Prof. Najib Rahman (1) and Prof. Nick Maskell (2) to discuss the July 2023 update of the British Thoracic Society's guideline for treatment of pleural disease. This document was last updated in 2010, and now accounts for the high quality data provided by more recent trials, as well as modern practices informed by those.
Re
Lung cancer screening with Dr. Sam Janes
Dr. Kate Diomede, social media editor at Thorax, is joined by Dr. Sam Janes (1) to discuss the history of lung cancer screening, and its use in early detection. They also examine the process and results of his recent paper, "Growing small solid nodules in lung cancer screening: safety and efficacy of a 200 mm3 minimum size threshold for multidisciplinary team referral". The paper is available onli
Not all vaping is the same: CBD vs nicotine
Dr. Kate Diomede, social media editor at Thorax, is joined by Dr. Yasmin Thanavala (1) to discuss her group's recent research paper, "Not all vaping is the same: differential pulmonary effects of vaping cannabidiol versus nicotine". Their study used a using a mouse model of vaping and in vitro experiments with human cells. The paper is available online: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2023/04
Smoking and vaping: policy and challenges with Nick Hopkinson
Dr. Kate Diomede, social media editor at Thorax, is joined by Prof. Nick Hopkinson(1) to delve into the history of smoking policy in the UK, as well as detailing the lay of the land in current smoking-cessation practices, especially pertaining to vaping. Hear the previous discussion with Prof. Andrew Bush on recent developments in paediatric therapy: https://on.soundcloud.com/PY9Nz
(1) Prof. of
Recent developments in paediatric therapy with Prof. Andrew Bush
In this episode Dr. Kate Diomede, social media editor at Thorax, speaks with Prof. Andrew Bush(1) about the state of paediatric treatment for thoracic issues, including discussion of cystic fibrosis and asthma.
Hear the previous discussion with Prof. Ian Hall on the future of respiratory medicine: https://on.soundcloud.com/yb7pJ
(1) Consultant paediatric chest physician at Royal Brompton Hospita
MUC5B, telomere length and longitudinal quantitative interstitial lung changes: the MESA Lung Study
Dr. Kate Diomede, social media editor at Thorax, speaks with Dr. Anna Podolanczuk(1) and Dr. John Kim(2) about their article, "MUC5B, telomere length and longitudinal quantitative interstitial lung changes: the MESA Lung Study", published in Thorax:
https://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2022/08/04/thorax-2021-218139
Please engage in the conversation through the social media channels (Twitter - @Th
Live from the British Thoracic Society (BTS) Winter Meeting 2022
Thorax social media editor, Dr. Puja Mehta, caught up with several Respiratory consultants from across the UK at the British Thoracic Society (BTS) Winter Meeting 2022, and asked them the question, 'What makes the Winter BTS meeting special?'
Please engage in the conversation through the social media channels (Twitter - @ThoraxBMJ; Facebook - @Thorax.BMJ · Pulmonologist) and subscribe on your pre
Respiratory research in the UK: investing for the next 10 years
In this episode, Thorax social media editor Dr. Puja Mehta speaks with Professor Ian Hall, Director of the Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre and the University of Nottingham about his paper "Respiratory Research in the UK: investing for the next 10 years". They discuss some of the biggest challenges facing respiratory research in the UK, and why respiratory diseases need more investment. Read
The Thorax Podcast is back! Meet the new Editors
Welcome back to the Thorax Podcast, home to the discussion of new research and hot topics in respiratory research and clinical practice. In this first episode, we introduce you to the three new Editors of the Thorax journal: Dr. Mark Griffiths and Dr. Jennifer Quint, both from Imperial College London, and Dr. Cecilia O'Kane, from Queen's University Belfast. They outline plans for the Thorax journa
Better asthma control, half of the carbon footprint with climate-friendly inhalers
In this podcast, Rachael Moses, Multimedia Editor of Thorax BMJ, is joined by Professor Ashley Woodcock, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, The University of Manchester, UK, to discuss the paper "Effects of switching from a metered dose inhaler to a dry powder inhaler on climate emissions and asthma control: post-hoc analysis."
This paper was a secondary analysis of the Salford Lung Study
What are the risks from ’aerosol-generating procedures’ in the treatment of patients with COVID-19?
Do hospitalised COVID-19 patients receiving treatment with CPAP and HFNOT present a significant added risk of viral contamination to the surrounding environment used by healthcare workers?
And is there enough evidence to suggest or recommend levels of PPE that should be used for healthcare workers caring for patients on CPAP or HFNOT?
Two of the main questions this short podcast addresses. Rachael
Cigarettes and COVID-19: clearing the smoke
In this podcast, Rachael Moses, Multimedia Editor of Thorax BMJ, talks to Dr Ash Clift Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford.
The evidence surrounding COVID-19 has been conflicting and inconsistent. This podcast discusses the findings of this observational and Mendelian randomisation study using the UK Biobank cohort. The author discusses the findings with regar
Do financial incentives improve key COPD outcomes?
In this podcast, we discuss the impact of Best Practice Tariffs (BPT) in improving outcomes for people with COPD admitted to hospital following an acute exacerbation. The key question was to understand if the combination of specialist review within 24 hours and a discharge care bundle incentivised by the English COPD BPT scheme was associated with improved mortality and readmission rates for those
The BCG Vaccine Programme: Are we getting it right?
In this podcast, Rachael Moses, Multimedia Editor of Thorax BMJ, talks to Professor James Trauer, Epidemiological Modelling Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
Tuberculosis is the world’s leading infectious disease killer with the BCG vaccine being the only approved vaccine for its control. The paper on hand was a systematic review of st
Sleep Vibrations: Can a positional therapy device improve outcomes in obstructive sleep apnoea?
In this podcast Rachael Moses, MultiMedia Editor Thorax BMJ talks to Ms Laura Hidalgo Armas, OSI Araba Hospital University, Vitoria, Spain. They discuss the effectiveness of a new vibrational positional device located on the forehead on reducing the apnea-hypopnea index and total sleep time in the supine position for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
Links to related papers: https://thorax.bm
Smoking cessation at work: Do heated tobacco products work?
In this podcast, Rachael Moses, Multimedia Editor of Thorax, is joined by Dr Makiko Kanai, National Hospital Organisation Kyoto Medical Center, Japan, to discuss how a smoking cessation pathway was trialed in a Japanese workplace using heated tobacco products.
Listen to a related podcast on the SUR-VAPES Study (https://soundcloud.com/bmjpodcasts/the-sur-vapes-study?in=bmjpodcasts/sets/thorax)
Link
The SUR-VAPES Study
In this podcast, Rachael Moses, Multimedia Editor of Thorax BMJ, talks to Professor Lorenzo Loffredo, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy. They discuss the impact of chronic use of heat-not-burn cigarettes on oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and platelet activation. This is also known as the SUR-VAPES Chronic Study. Are these products safer than smoking?
Listen to a related podcast on smok
Ivacaftor: Long term adherence and outcomes
The recent development of triple CFTR modulation means that up to 90% of people with CF will be eligible for ‘highly effective’ CFTR modulator therapy. In this podcast, Rachael Moses, Multimedia Editor of Thorax, and Dr Peter Barry, Consultant Respiratory Physician, Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, discuss the long-term adherence to and effects of ivacaftor on lung function, weight and hea
Meat Consumption and Childhood Wheeze: The implications of Western Diet
Multimedia Editor of Thorax, Rachael Moses, interviews Dr Sonali Bose, Faculty in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Medicine, New York. They discuss the relationship between western diet, particularly increased advanced glycation end product and meat consumption, in childhood wheeze and the public health implications of the findings.
Read the related articles:
https://tho
Hormonal Contraception and severe asthma exacerbation: Is there a link?
In this podcast, the effect of hormonal contraception on the impact of severe asthma exacerbation in women of reproductive age is discussed.
Multimedia Editor of Thorax, Rachael Moses, interviews Dr Nwaru, Associate Professor of epidemiology, Krefting Research Centre, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, author of the longest longitudinal study investigating this impact in women with established ast
No Symptoms? Why wearing a mask still matters
We discuss the viral load of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and the potential protracted course of COVID-19 infection than initially thought. The data within this study further supports the use of face masks in the community to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
Read the paper: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2020/08/28/thoraxjnl-2020-215042
Behind the mask: COVID-19 exposure and viral carriage in healthcare workers
This podcast discusses the exposure and potential viral carriage of healthcare workers in a large UK Hospital. It also discusses the impact of exposure, the importance of personal protective equipment and how we can use the findings ot help prepare for future pandemics.
Read the article on the Thorax website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-215414
COVID-19: In the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton
An expedition ship departed on an Antarctic cruise mid-March 2020 with no known COVID passengers or crew members. However after 8 days the first passenger became febrile and isolation procedures were followed. A further 24 members of the ship developed symptoms (some as late as 23 days later) with 8 requiring medical evacuation. Of the 217 passengers and crew on board, 128 tested positive for COVI
Childhood obstructive sleep apnoea: it’s more than a snore
Childhood obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is an independent determinant of blood pressure in adulthood – a longitudinal follow-up study’ with host Rachael Moses and Dr Kate Chan, Chinese University of Hong Kong.
This podcast discusses the relationship between Childhood OSA and adverse BP in adulthood as well as the long term health implications and why it is important this is treated.
Read the pape
Smoking in cars: how the recent ban is affecting young people in England and Scotland
Smoking with children in a car has been illegal since 2015 in England and 2016 in Scotland. This podcast explores the importance and impact of this ban on children and the important message it gives to the public to ensure smoking rates continue to fall. Listen to the conversation between Rachael Moses and Dr Anthony Laverty, Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial
Overweight and out of breath: cause and effect?
In this podcast, Multimedia Editor of Thorax Rachael Moses, discusses with Dr Magnus Ekstrom, Lund University, Sweden, the key findings of a population-based study investigating the relationship between increased body mass index with breathlessness and lung function. Read the paper on the Thorax website: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/74/10/958.
The role of sex hormones on the development of asthma
The study discussed in this podcast introduces evidence that supports a biological explanation behind the observed asthma discordance between males and females.
Read the paper on the Thorax website: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2019/01/29/thoraxjnl-2018-212207
Assisted reproductive technologies and asthma risk in children
Assisted reproduction techniques might increase asthma risk in children conceived this way, a study published by Thorax concludes.
Maria Magnus, Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, talks with Thorax podcast editor Rachel Moses about her research group findings, that you can also read for free at http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2018-211886.
A related editorial
How toxic is your vape?
The study discussed in this podcast cautions against the widely held opinion that e-cigarettes are safe.
Listen to the conversation between the Multimedia Associate Editor of Thorax Rachael Moses and Professor David Thickett (Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, UK) and read the study 'Pro-inflammatory effects of e-cigarette vapour condensate on human alveolar' on the T
Growing up on a farm as related to adult lung function and allergic phenotypes
In this podcast Jennifer Quint talks to Shyamali Dharmage and Brittany Campbell about their recent press released paper "Growing up on a farm as related to adult lung function and allergic phenotypes: An international population based study".
Air Pollution affects Lung Cancer Survival
Patients exposed to air pollution after diagnosis of lung cancer have shorter survival, in particular those patients with early-stage non-small cell cancers (specially adenocarcinomas), according to a study published by Thorax and conducted by researchers from the Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California.
The first study of this kind was based on a population of over 3
Air pollution and the London low emission zone
In this podcast Dr Ian Mudway talks to Dr Elizabeth Batalla-Duran about his recent paper in Plos-One entitled "Effects of air pollution and introduction of the London low emission zone on the prevalence of respiratory and allergic symptoms on the school children of East London".
E-cigarette use and smoking in early adolescence
In this podcast Dr Elizabeth Batalla-Duran talks to Dr Adam Leventhal from the University Southern California about his paper "Association of Electronic Cigarette Use With Initiation of Combustible Tobacco Product Smoking in Early Adolescence" recently published in JAMA.
Long-term experience with rituximab in anti-synthetase syndrome-related interstitial lung disease
In this podcast Dr Janice Higginson talks to Dr Helena Anderson from Oslo University Hospital about her recent paper published in Rheumatology. The paper is a retrospective review of research done into rituximab's effect on the rare Antisynthetase Syndrome.
Pneumococcal vaccination for welders
Thorax deputy editor Paul Cullinan talks to David Coggon, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, about pneumococcal vaccination for welders.
Read the full article: http://goo.gl/p3qN8s
The genomic origins of asthma
Ian Pavord talks to Scott Weiss, Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, about his review on the genomic origins of asthma, which considers several areas where environmental exposures, genomics, development and asthma occurrence overlap.
Read the full review: http://goo.gl/KctouZ
The promise of translational and personalised approaches for paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can result in significant morbidities including the cardiovascular, metabolic and neurocognitive systems. While great advances have been made in sleep medicine research in the past decades, there are still wide gaps in our knowledge concerning the exact underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of OSA and consequences.
A recent review in Thorax discusses the recent e
TB special: The ins and outs of interferon-gamma release assays
We are delighted to present a podcast recording of an interview with Professor Ajit Lalvani to coincide with the TB special edition of Thorax in March. He describes the development of the FDA-approved, NICE and CDC-endorsed interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA, ELISpot, T-SPOT.TB) which he invented and validated as the first advance in diagnosis of latent TB in 100-years. He will discuss new findi
Journal club: Surgical resection for stage I and II small cell carcinoma of the lung
Benny Weksler, associate professor of surgery, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, talks to Jennifer Quint, Thorax journal club editor, about surgery for small cell carcinoma of the lung.
See also:
http://ats.ctsnetjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/94/3/889
Journal club: Raised glucose levels predict death for patients with pneumonia
Jennifer Quint, Thorax’s journal club editor, talks to Philipp Lepper, consultant physician, University Hospital of Saarland, Germany, about his study which revealed glucose levels can predict mortality in patients admitted with community acquired pneumonia.
See also:
http://www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e3397
Journal club: The effects of closing schools during an influenza pandemic
Closing schools to restrict the spread of influenza during a pandemic is an idea oftern floated, but what effect does it actually have? Thorax’s Journal Club editor Jennifer Quint asks David Earn, professor of mathematics, McMaster University, what his work on the 2009 H1N1 outbreak in Alberta, Canada reveals.
See also:
http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1033342
Journal club: Prednisone, azathioprine, and N-acetylcysteine for pulmonary fibrosis
A combination of prednisone, azathioprine, and N-acetylcysteine has been widely used as a treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, however the safety and efficacy of this three-drug regimen is unknown. Jennifer Quint, Thorax’s Journal Club editor, talks to Fernando Martinez, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, about the controversy surrounding the que
Journal Club: Predicting survival in resected non-small-cell lung cancer
Jennifer Quint, Thorax’s Journal Club editor, talks to David Jablons, University of California San Francisco, and consultant for Life Technologies, about his assay to predict survival in resected non-squamous, non-small-cell lung cancer.
See also:
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2811%2961941-7/abstract
Journal Club: Outcomes after thoracoscopic versus open lobectomy
Jennifer Quint, Thorax’s Journal Club editor, talks to Subroto Paul, Division of Thorasic Surgery at New York Presbrytarian Hospital System, about his study comparing short-term postoperative outcomes following open and thoracoscopic lobectomy.
See also:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22826474
http://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2012/08/23/thoraxjnl-2012-202521.full
Journal Club: Lung protective mechanical ventilation
Jennifer Quint (Thorax’s journal club editor) talks to Dale Needham (associate professor of medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine) about his paper recently published in the BMJ:
See also:
http://www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e2124
Non-eosinophilic asthma
Ian Pavord (Thorax editor) talks to Peter Gibson (professor of respiratory medicine, John Hunter Hospital, New South Wales, Australia) about non-eosinophilic asthma, particularly neutrophilic asthma.
They discuss the stability of the different inflammatory phenotypes, tools to recognise non-eosinophilic asthma, whether these patients benefit from inhaled steroids, and Professor Gibson’s paper inve
Journal club: Bioartificial scaffolds to replace airway defects
Jennifer Quint (Thorax’s journal club editor) talks to Paolo Macchiarini (professor in the Advanced Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm) about using bioartificial scaffolds to replace complex airway defects.
Professor Macchiarini was part of a team who replaced the airway of a tracheal cancer patient with a tailor-made bioartificial scaffold. Their pape
Journal Club: CPAP for the metabolic syndrome in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with an increased prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its components. Professor SK Sharma (head of the Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences) has investigated whether treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) would modify these outcomes. Jennifer Quint (Thorax’s Journal Club edi
Journal club: Detecting COPD through lung cancer screening
Jennifer Quint (Thorax’s Journal Club editor) talks to Onno Mets (Department of Radiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht) about his paper recently published in JAMA:
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1104554
Journal club: Chronic disease management for tobacco dependence
Jennifer Quint (Thorax’s journal club editor) talks to Ann Joseph (Wexler Professor of Medicine, University of Minnesota) about whether treating tobacco dependence as a chronic condition results in better short and long term quit rates.
Journal club: Lung regeneration after influenza and the role of stem cells
Jennifer Quint (Thorax’s Journal Club editor) talks to Frank McKeon (Genome Institute of Singapore, Harvard Medical School) about his work into the extent of lung regeneration following catastrophic damage and the potential role of adult stem cells. Dr McKeon’s latest paper, published in Cell, examines airway regeneration in mice after H1N1 influenza infection.
See also:
http://www.cell.com/abstra
Journal club: Cytisine for smoking cessation
Many treatments available for smoking cessation are unaffordable for the majority of smokers, however cytisine is one exception. Jennifer Quint (Thorax’s journal club editor) talks to Robert West (Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London) about the mechanism of the drug and his research into its efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Professor West’s trial was recently pub
Journal club: Efficacy of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Only one treatment is licensed for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and this only in Europe. Luca Richeldi (Center for Rare Lung Diseases, University of Modena, Italy) describes his phase 2 trial of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor to see if it could be safely and effectively used in patients with the disease. Dr Richeldi’s research was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
See also:
http://ww
Journal club: Airway bypass for emphysema
Jennifer Quint (Thorax’s journal club editor) talks to Pallav Shah (a respiratory physician at the Royal Brompton Hospital, UK) about his trial of airway bypass for patients with severe emphysema, recently published in the Lancet.
Dr Shah explains the procedure and how effective it was.
See also:
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2811%2961050-7/abstract
Journal club: Lebrikizumab treatment in adults with asthma
Jennifer Quint (Thorax’s journal club editor) talks to Dr John Matthews (Genentech) about his New England Journal of Medicine published study into whether lebrikizumab, an interleukin-13 monoclonal antibody, can improve asthma control.
Dr Matthews explains the proposed mechanism behind the treatment and how they found it increased FEV1 in adults for whom inhaled glucocorticoids didn’t control thei
Journal club: Azithromycin and increased mycobacterial infections in cystic fibrosis patients
In this inaugural Thorax journal club podcast, Jennifer Quint (Thorax’s journal club editor) talks to Dr Andres Floto (University of Cambridge) about how he’s confirmed long-term use of azithromycin in cystic fibrosis patients can lead to increased nontuberculous mycobacteria infections. Having recently had this work published in the Journal of Clinical Investigations, Dr Floto also explains the u
Smoking in the young
We were delighted to speak to Professor John Britton about the research published in the October issue of Thorax, by his and other groups, on smoking in the young.
John is a chest physician, an epidemiologist and a former editor of Thorax. He is the director of the UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies at the University of Nottingham. John has been a giant in tobacco research. He chaired the influ
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