Sallese, A; Suzuki, T; McCarthy, C; Bridges, J; Filuta, A; Arumugam, P; Shima, K; Ma, Y; Wessendarp, M; Black, D; Chalk, C; Carey, B; Trapnell, BC. Targeting cholesterol homeostasis in lung diseases. Scientific Reports. 2017; 7(1).
Sallese et al shown that cholesterol accumulation injures lung macrophages causing pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP), a disease in which surfactant accumulates in the lungs. This work demonstrates that correction of the disease in mice can be achieved by treatment with a widely used non-toxic drug. The work provides the framework for development of a novel therapy for PAP and other forms of chronic lung disease.
COMMITTEE ON INFECTIOUS DISEASES,; COMMITTEE ON FETUS AND NEWBORN. Elimination of Perinatal Hepatitis B: Providing the First Vaccine Dose Within 24 Hours of Birth. Pediatrics. 2017; 140(3):e20171870-e20171870.
Immunization has transformed the lives of children, preventing diseases throughout the world. Since immunization against hepatitis B prevents perinatal transmission of the virus, this paper, from the Academy of Pediatrics, serves to ensure administration of hepatitis vaccine to all children by 24 hours of age.
Tang, X; Snowball, JM; Xu, Y; Na, CL; Weaver, TE; Clair, G; Kyle, JE; Zink, EM; Ansong, C; Wei, W; Huang, M; Lin, X; Whitsett, JA. EMC3 coordinates surfactant protein and lipid homeostasis required for respiration. Journal of Clinical Investigation. 2017; 127(12):4314-4325.
Tang et al identify a critical role for a gene, EMC3, demonstrating that it encodes a protein complex critical for pulmonary surfactant lipid and protein production and for breathing at birth. These are the first studies demonstrating a role for the EMC complex in mammalian development. The studies provide insights into the causes of lung disease in preterm infants and in patients with mutations in genes critical for surfactant production and lung function.
Swarr, DT; Peranteau, WH; Pogoriler, J; Frank, DB; Adzick, NS; Hedrick, HL; Morley, M; Zhou, S; Morrisey, EE. Novel Molecular and Phenotypic Insights into Congenital Lung Malformations. American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine. 2018; 197(10):1328-1339.
Swarr et al provide the first molecular and cellular insights into the causes of a relatively common congenital lung malformation affecting infants before and after birth. Molecular pathways causing the tumor-like growth were identified, providing clues for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of the disorder.
Kaplan, HC; King, E; White, BE; Ford, SE; Fuller, S; Krew, MA; Marcotte, MP; Iams, JD; Bailit, JL; Bouchard, JM; Friar, K; Lannon, CM. Statewide Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Early Elective Deliveries and Improve Birth Registry Accuracy. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2018; 131(4):688-695.
Kaplan et al developed methods to use the Ohio Birth Registry to reduce unnecessary preterm deliveries. Hospitals participating in the initiative reduced preterm delivery rates. Nonmedically indicated deliveries contribute to morbidity and lengthy hospital stays in newborns that are prevented by the initiative. The use of registry data serves as a powerful strategy to reduce unnecessary preterm deliveries on a state wide basis.