0000000000894158
AUTHOR
Rica Zinsky
News from the Underground: What were the most important scientific/clinical take-home messages for juniors?
The ERS International Congress has traditionally been a splendid opportunity to present current updates in clinical respiratory medicine and new research findings. This year’s programme was packed, making it impossible to attend all sessions, but juniors interested in specific fields were there for you to highlight the most important take home messages from the 2014 ERS International Congress in Munich. Amongst the most important news for the clinicians was the publication of a Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines update [1]. In the updated guidelines, the heterogeneity of asthma is emphasised, suggesting the need of “4P” (Personalised, Predictive, Preventive and Participatory) tr…
Environmental Isocyanate-Induced Asthma: Morphologic and Pathogenetic Aspects of an Increasing Occupational Disease
Occupational diseases affect more and more people every year. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), in 2000 an estimated amount of at least 160 million people became ill as a result of occupational-related hazards or injuries. Globally, occupational deaths, diseases and injuries account for an estimated loss of 4% of the Gross Domestic Product. Important substances that are related to occupational diseases are isocyanates and their products. These substances, which are used in a lot of different industrial processes, are not only toxic and irritant, but also allergenic. Although the exposure to higher concentrations could be monitored and restricted by technical means, v…
Doing Science: Peer reviewing
External peer review is a hallmark of science. “Published in a peer-reviewed journal” is a sign of quality, meaning that the work has been scrutinised by knowledgeable and independent peers. Moreover, peer review also serves the purpose of improving the work after the authors have done their best and, thus, being a reviewer carries a responsibility. However, it comes with little reward; reviewing is usually done without financial compensation and often outside of work hours. But reviewing is rewarding in itself! Besides being pro bono , it exposes you, as a reviewer, to novel findings and adds a new perspective to your own research and scientific writing. And you can add “Peer reviewer for …