Research in the Brian Garibaldi Lab focuses on acute lung injury (ALI) resolution. Recently, we... evaluated the mechanisms underlying mobility therapy and found that therapeutic exercise reduces neutrophilic lung injury and skeletal muscle wasting in ALI mice. view more

Founded in 1942 by surgeon Alfred Blalock and surgical technician Vivien Thomas, the Cardiac Su...rgery Research Lab at The Johns Hopkins Hospital serves not only to spearhead discovery and innovation in cardiothoracic surgery, but also to train future leaders in the field. Active areas of investigation include the development of novel, nanoparticle-based therapeutics to mitigate acute lung injury, avoid neurological injury during cardiac surgery, and improve organ preservation during heart and lung transplantation. The lab is also active in a variety of clinical research projects aimed at improving outcomes for our patients.

Equally important, the lab plays a critical role in training residents for impactful careers in academic cardiothoracic surgery. Medical students, residents, and fellows receive hands-on simulation experiences to hone surgical skills outside of the operating room. The lab also serves as a training ground to develop research and investigation skills as trainees learn methods of advanced statistical analysis and academic writing. Special programs for undergraduates and medical students help develop their passion for cardiac surgery and surgical research, giving unique opportunities to young talent. view more

The Franco D’Alessio Lab investigates key topics within the fields of critical care, internal a...nd pulmonary medicine. We primarily explore immunological determinants of acute lung inflammation and repair. Our lab also investigates age-dependent lung immune response in patients with acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), regulatory T-cells in lung injury and repair, and modulation of alveolar macrophage innate immune response in ARDS. view more

The Li Gao Lab researches functional genomics, molecular genetics and epigenetics of complex ca...rdiopulmonary and allergic diseases, with a focus on translational research applying fundamental genetic insight into the clinical setting. Current research includes implementation of high-throughput technologies in the fields of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), massively parallel sequencing, gene expression analysis, epigenetic mapping and integrative genomics in ongoing research of complex lung diseases and allergic diseases including asthma, atopic dermatitis (AD), pulmonary arterial hypertension, COPD, sepsis and acute lung injury/ARDS; and epigenetic contributions to pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with systemic sclerosis. view more

Work in the Mahendra Damarla Lab focuses primarily on the field of vascular biology. Much of ou...r research involves exploring alternatives to mechanical ventilation as a therapy for acute lung injury. We investigate mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 2 as a method to mediate apoptosis during lung vascular permeability by regulating movement of cleaved caspase 3. We have also conducted research on the prevalence of confirmatory tests in patients hospitalized with congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). view more

The Outcomes After Critical Illness and Surgery Group is focused on understanding and improving... patient outcomes after critical illness and surgery. Research projects include improving long-term outcomes research for acute respiratory distress syndrome/acute respiratory failure (ARDS/ARF) patients; examining the long-term outcomes for acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) patients; and evaluating the effects of lower tidal volume ventilation and other aspects of critical illness and ICU care on the long-term physical and mental health outcomes of ALI/ARDS patients. view more

Work in the Pedro Alejandro Mendez-Tellez Lab focuses on critical care medicine and acute lung ...injury. Recent studies include evaluating demographic and clinical factors associated with self-reported dysphagia after oral endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation in patients with acute lung injury. We've also analyzed orticosteroids and their relationship with delirium in critically ill patients. view more

Work in the Rachel Damico Lab explores topics within the fields of vascular biology and pulmona...ry medicine, with a focus on acute lung injury and apoptosis in lung diseases. Our studies have included examining idiopathic and scleroderma-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension, vascular receptor autoantibodies, and the link between inflammation and the Warburg phenomenon in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. We have also researched the inhibitory factor of macrophage migration and its governing of endothelial cell sensitivity to LPS-induced apoptosis. view more

Research in the Sanjay Desai Lab focuses primarily on clinical outcomes in survivors of critica...l illnesses, such as acute lung injury. We also investigate techniques to improve graduate medical education and are conducting a clinical trial on the comparative effectiveness of models that optimize patient safety and resident education. Our research examines factors such as residency work-hour reform, hand hygiene practices and the use of etiquette-based communication. view more

Research in the William Checkley Lab explores the field of lung health, with an emphasis on the... epidemiology of obstructive lung diseases as well as acute lung injury and mechanical ventilation. We also explore the interactions between nutrition and infection, and the impact of environmental exposures to health. view more