Gasotransmitters, such as nitric oxide, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen, have emerged as potent mediators of cardiovascular and lung cellular and molecular pathophysiology. While the physiological importance of these agents is becoming clearer, studies of gasotransmitters continue to suffer from several limitations such as formation, detection, metabolism, and molecular and cellular mechanistic insights. ...more »

microRNA have potential to be new drugs for the treatment of different diseases. There is a need to improve methods for the synthesis and delivery of microRNA miimics.

What is the optimal dose and duration of post-cardiac arrest hypothermic targeted temperature management?

At what INR threshold does prophylactic plasma transfusion, in non-bleeding critically ill patients who are planned to undergo an invasive procedure, prevent bleeding complications and improve patient outcomes?

The big database of -omics and noncoding RNAs provide a valuable search engine to establish the link of various disease conditions with pathways and molecules. During recent year, data mining of available biomedical data and information has merged for target discovery and mechanism identification. However, current database mining research remains limited and largely hypothetical. Comprehensive research using the combinatory ...more »

What are optimal transfusion practices for acute coronary syndrome?

We need new ideas in how to make clinical trials more efficient and cost effective. (Randomized) comparison of different methods for accrual might be of interest; blinded versus unblinded trials; behavioral controls versus placebo controls or usual care controls might be explored.

COPD exacerbations

a. Better tools for early recognition

b. More research in self-management and communications technology to assist patients

What are the underlying dependencies (genomic, metabolic, disease) in individual donors that either accelerate or delay the changes to red blood cells during refrigerated storage? What methods of preparation might protect patients from the risks posed by the accelerated degradation of RBCs provided by "poor storers"? What characteristics of individual patients make them particularly vulnerable to transfusion of red ...more »

Out of hospital cardiac arrest remains a major cause of mortality in the United States and there is a large variability in survival within communities. We need to better understand the reasons for this variability which include patient, event, EMS system and care processes and work as a nation to reduce the variability but adopting best practices and actively addressing the barriers to change which can be social, cultural, ...more »

A comprehensive research plan is needed to identify the vascular causes of cognitive decline, to develop early treatment options, and most ideally, develop effective measures to maintain cognitive function.

What are the determinants of persistent respiratory failure in children? Are obese children at greater risk for prolonged mechanical ventilation than non-obese children? Does BMI affect the time to recovery of lung function in obese children with ARDS? What is the pathogenesis and molecular contributors of obesity on respiratory failure in critical illness?