Call for papers on cystic fibrosis

The European Respiratory Journal (ERJ) is pleased to join The Lancet Respiratory Medicine and the Journal of Cystic Fibrosis for the first time in hosting a collaborative research session on cystic fibrosis. Taking place during the annual European Cystic Fibrosis Society meeting, the session provides an educational forum to discuss how the journals operate, and to disseminate the latest cutting edge findings in this very active field. Therefore, the ERJ wishes to attract new submissions from the field in preparation for this session. Click here to find out more and submit your abstract.

ERJ podcast: macrolides in severe asthma

New Monograph! Pulmonary Manifestations of Systemic Diseases

The ERS Monograph on Pulmonary Manifestations of Systemic Diseases has now been published and is available to buy. This book provides expert clinical guidance on difficult diseases, which will be helpful to both respiratory and nonrespiratory physicians alike. Initial chapters consider diagnostic issues, pulmonary function tests and techniques currently in development. The book then goes on to cover a variety of pulmonary manifestations of very different disease entities, such as connective tissue diseases and systemic vasculitis. Access the book online here or order your print copy at ersbookshop.com

ERS statement on cardiopulmonary exercise testing

The current issue of the European Respiratory Review features the ERS statement on the standardisation of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in chronic lung diseases. The statement facilitates the standardisation of conducting, reporting and interpreting cardiopulmonary exercise tests for comparison of reference data, multi-centre studies and assessment of interventional efficacy. Read the study here or visit err.ersjournals.com to browse this open access publication.

Breathe: December issue now available

The December issue of Breathe focuses on biomarkers. It includes articles on biomarker development in asthma from a patient's perspective and procalcitonin for diagnosis and guiding antibiotic therapy. It also discusses the clinical utility of FeNO in obstructive lung diseases and features an article on COPD treatment choices based on blood eosinophil counts. Read the introductory editorial from Chief Editor Claudia Dobler here or browse the full issue at breathe.ersjournals.com

Case history: lung scarring in e-cigarette user

Researchers studying a patient with a rare lung disease called hard-metal pneumoconiosis say the disease was probably caused by vaping. The researchers say the case history, published in the European Respiratory Journal, is the first known case where the disease has been linked to vaping. In an editorial in the same edition of the Journal, the ERS Tobacco Control Committee explain why they do not recommend e-cigarettes as an aid to quitting smoking. Visit erj.ersjournals.com to browse the ERJ.

ERS Practical Handbook of Invasive Mechanical Ventilation

The new ERS Practical Handbook of Invasive Mechanical Ventilation is now available. The book's editors Leo Heunks and Marcus J. Schultz have brought together leading clinicians and researchers in the field to provide an easy-to-read guide to all aspects of invasive ventilation. Topics covered include: underlying physiology, equipment, specific diseases, patient monitoring, supportive therapy and rescue strategies, inhalation therapy, weaning and technical aspects. Order your print copy at ersbookshop.com.

The Lung Microbiome

Since its publication in March 2019, the ERS Monograph on The Lung Microbiome has been very well received. The book, Guest Edited by Michael J. Cox, Markus J. Ege and Erika von Mutius, was reviewed in the New Zealand Microbiological Society Newsletter, who said it was: "a thorough and accessible overview of research in this burgeoning field". Microbiology Today said it: "reveals a complete understanding about the lung microbiome [...] it explores not only pure microbiology, but also brings a practical, clinical and environmental point of view". Order your copy of The Lung Microbiome at ersbookshop.com

COPD death rates falling in many countries but total number increasing

COPD death rates fell in most countries between 1995 and 2017, but the total number increased in many counties over the same period, according to a new international analysis of World Health Organization data. The analysis was published in the European Respiratory Journal to coincide with World COPD Day. It includes data from counties not previously assessed for COPD mortality rates. Access the article here or visit erj.ersjournals.com to browse the latest issue.