Thank you to those who have sent feedback for our interactive map which we hope will provide a useful resource of data for your research.

apsresp.org/education/asia-pacific-health/map.html

Recently added (to the existing common causes of death and highest risk factors):

• lung cancer statistics of incidence, mortality and prevalence for all ages, both sexes and aged 40-80 in across the Asia-Pacific region
• Air pollution data for 89 cities across the region
• Smoking prevalence by age group, smokeless (e-cigarettes), &c.

More data is needed to increase the value of this facility so we'd welcome details of any source of reliable data for adding to the map.

Please send ideas, suggestions and data sources to APSRinfo@theapsr.org.

The next congress will be 14-17 November 2019 in Hanoi, Vietnam; a popular and exotic location for you to broaden your expertise, share research with your peers, and find valuable new contacts from the thousands of other delegates.

The congress website is now online:

apsr2019.com

Keep checking regularly for updates, and we'll also post updates on the APSR website as soon as we get them.

Continuing this new series we are delighted to share a tribute to Prof. Nan-shan Zhong, prepared by Prof. Rongchang Chen.

This series complements our APSR Members' Honour Roll, on which as a member, you are welcome to add your appreciation of your mentor(s) at any time.

Prof. Zhong

Recollection of Prof. Nan-shan Zhong's Research

Prof. Zhong received his bachelor's degree from Peking University, and began his career in the early 1970s at The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, majoring in the research of Chronic Bronchitis. He pursued his fellowship at the Royal Infirmary, University of Edinburgh and St Bartholomew's Hospital, University of London. After returning to China in 1981, he developed the hand-squeezed atomizer for bronchial provocation tests available in the community setting and firstly defined "asymptomatic asthma" (Thorax. 1990, Chest 1992).

The greatest contribution of Prof. Zhong was his endeavours to manage the most critically-ill patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and established the highest survival rate in the world (Lancet. 2003; Nat Med. 2005). He was one of the leaders combating the emerging infectious diseases including H7N9, H5N6 (N Engl J Med. 2013/2016). Later, he led a series of important research on COPD, including: 1) The largest epidemiologic survey that indicated a high prevalence (8.2%) of COPD in China (Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2007); 2) Incomplete combustion of biomass fuels was the probable risk factor for COPD in non-smokers in rural China (Thorax. 2007); 3) Installation of ventilation devices plus introduction of clean fuels could collectively slow down the annual decline in lung function and reduce the incidence of COPD in community settings (Plos Med. 2014); 4) Sulfhydri-compounds; i.e., carbocisteine and high-dose N-acetylcysteine, could effectively prevent the exacerbation of COPD (Lancet. 2008; Lancet Respir Med. 2014); and 5) A large-scale clinical trial proving that tiotropium inhalation could slow down the annual decline in lung function in early-stage COPD (N Engl J Med. 2017). He has also been proactively advocating a greater awareness on improving the quality of atmospheric and household air in China (Lancet. 2016; Lancet Respir Med. 2016; Lancet Planet Health. 2017).

He was awarded as "Giant of Respiratory Medicine" by the ACCP in 2017.

The January 2019 issue of the APSR Newsletter includes glowing reports from last year's award winners.

Enjoy similar rewards yourself by taking advantage of the following opportunities:

APSR Travel Award to the ATS International Conference

ATS International Conference in Dallas, TX, USA, 17–22 May 2019

Application deadline: 1 March 2019

APSR Travel Award to the ERS International Congress

ERS International Congress in Madrid, Spain, 28 September – 2 October 2019

Abstract submission deadline: 21 February 2019

APSR Travel Award to the CHEST Annual Meeting

CHEST Annual Meeting 2019 in New Orleans, LA, USA, 19–23 October 2019

Abstract submission deadline: 15 March 2019

APSR Short-Term Research/Training Scholarship

The scholarship is to enable young respirologists to develop, acquire, and apply advanced research procedures and techniques in the area of respiratory medicine for up to six months in a foreign country/region within the Asia-Pacific region.

Application closing dates: 31 March, 31 July and 30 November

Awards and opportunities for APSR Senior Scientists

APSR Medal

Award of the APSR Medal at the APSR Congress in Hanoi, Vietnam, 14–17 November 2019.

Nomination/self-nomination deadline: 28 February 2019

Harasawa Research Award at the APSR Congress

Award to deliver the Memorial Lecture at the APSR Congress in Hanoi, Vietnam, 14–17 November 2019.

Nomination/self-nomination deadline: 28 February 2019

Woolcock Research Award at the APSR Congress

Award to deliver the Memorial Lecture at the APSR Congress in Hanoi, Vietnam, 14–17 November 2019.

Nomination/self-nomination deadline: 28 February 2019

Faculty opportunity at the ATS International Conference

Awards to attend the ATS International Conference in Dallas, USA, 17–22 May 2019

Self-nomination deadline: (Date to be confirmed)

Faculty opportunity at the ERS International Congress

ERS International Congress in Madrid, Spain, 18 September – 2 October 2019

Self-nomination deadline: (Date to be confirmed)

If you need a visa for the US, please note that processing can take a long time, depending on nationality and location. Contact your nearest US Embassy for details.

Details of several other 2019 awards can be seen at apsresp.org/awards/index.html

Fukuchi Award winner for the best original research paper published in Respirology in the year preceding the 2018 APSR Congress

Awardee report

I would like to thank the APSR, the Editors of Respirology and the Fukuchi Award selection panel for this prestigious award and for the opportunity to attend the 23rd Congress of the APSR in Taipei.

My experience with the Congress was very positive in several aspects. I was impressed by the breadth and depth of the topics covered and enjoyed attending many presentations at the Congress. I particularly liked the symposium on e-cigarettes and health. As a researcher working on substance use policy in Canada, this session was very valuable for me. The three speakers of this session provided insightful and critical coverage of the latest policy efforts to address rising e-cigarette use in 3 different countries (Taiwan, Singapore and the US).

Dr Nguyen (left) and Dr Paul Reynolds (Co-Editor in Chief of Respirology)

I also enjoyed meeting and networking with colleagues from several countries. For a health economist who is interested in cost effectiveness of health care interventions like me, it is both exciting and rewarding to get to know new research of clinicians on new treatments and then contemplate its candidacy for an economic evaluation! Last, but not least, I was amazed by the beauty of Taipei and the warmth and friendliness of its people. The visit to the National Place Museum was definitely one of the highlights of my trip.

If there is one thing that I wished for, however, it was my desire to see more presentations on health services research and health economics during the Congress. Of a total of 776 presentations, I found only 4 presentations on cost and cost effectiveness topics. Given the increasing relevance of cost and cost effectiveness considerations in diagnoses, treatment and management of respiratory diseases, I do hope to see more of this research covered in the next Congress, which I very much look forward to.

Hai Nguyen
Assistant Professor
Canada Research Chair (Tier 2)
Canada Institute for Health Research (CIHR) New Investigator
School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Co-authors (left to right): Devanand Anantham, Shin Yuh Ang, Mariko S Koh, Eric Finkelstein, Sean Shao Wei Lam

Ref: Is bronchial thermoplasty cost-effective as treatment for problematic asthma patients? Singapore's perspective on a global model Hai V Nguyen, Saideep Bose, Shweta Mital, Anthony Chau Ang Yii, Shin Yuh Ang, Sean Shao Wei Lam, Devanand Anantham, Eric Finkelstein, Mariko Siyue Koh DOI: 10.1111/resp.13027

The January issue (Vol 11.1) features Updates on Treatment in Drug Resistant Tuberculosis:

• Inside this issue: Updates on Treatment in Drug Resistant Tuberculosis
• World TB Day 2018: the challenge of drug resistant tuberculosis
• Drug resistant tuberculosis: challenges and progress
• WHO Treatment Guidelines for Drug Resistant Tuberculosis: 2016 Update
• Eligibility for the shorter multidrug-resistant tuberculosis regimen: ambiguities in the World Health Organization recommendations
• Limited benefit of the new shorter multidrug-resistant tuberculosis regimen in Europe
• Effectiveness and safety of standardised shorter regimens for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: individual patient data and aggregate data meta-analyses
• Effect of the short-course regimen on the global epidemic of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
• Six-month response to delamanid treatment in MDR TB patients
• Combined use of delamanid and bedaquiline to treat multidrug-resistant and extensively drugresistant tuberculosis: a systematic review
• Rapid Communication: Key Changes to Treatment of Multidrug- and Rifampicin-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB)

The following case has been selected for inclusion in the February 2019 Respirology Case Reports, Volume 07 Issue 2

Summary of activities in 2018 (to 31 October 2018)

The Bangladesh Lung Foundation undertook many activities in 2018, of which the important ones are:

1. Master class on Asthma & COPD

   This Continuing Professional Development (CPD) initiative is being regularly conducted. In 2018, seven workshops were held. At the end of the sessions the participants demonstrated confidence in correctly screening, differentiating and managing Asthma, ACOS & COPD.

2. Tobacco control activities organized by the United Forum Against Tobacco (UFAT)

   The BLF, as a component society of the UFAT, participated in various activities including a press conference to augment tobacco control activities.

3. Induction as en bloc society of APSR

   This was the paramount achievement for the BLF this year. An MOU was signed inducting 162 members of the BLF as en bloc members with effect from 17 July 2018.

4. 
   World Lung Day
   (Click image to enlarge)

   Observance of World Lung Day

   "World Lung Day 2018" was observed by the BLF on Tuesday 25 September 2018 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Dhaka.

   The event was chaired by Prof. Md. Rashidul Hassan, President of BLF, and a large number of pulmonologists and specialists from different disciplines participated. A video on "Challenges of Air Pollution" was presented. An interactive session "Airway Friends" was held with the participation of role models, celebrities, patients and care-givers, where well-known celebrities expressed their commitment to raising awareness among the public about the importance of lung diseases and increasing patient access for quality-based lung health. The day was marked by festivities including hoisting special festoons and releasing balloons by the participants.

   Mr Yasutomi Yamanaka, Executive Manager of the APSR Secretariat, gave an elaborate presentation on various opportunities for BLF members as en bloc society members. He expressed his belief that BLF members will utilize these opportunities and build stronger relationship with other societies under the APSR umbrella.

Asif Mujtaba Mahmud
Hena Khatun
Ashraful Alam Khan
APSR Councilors, Bangladesh

BLF leadership (Click image to enlarge)

The APCB Congress Organising Committee looks forward to seeing you on the Gold Coast for the most engaging interventional programme on offer at APCB 2019!

They are thrilled to announce a Saturday morning session by Dr Noriaki Kurimoto Reading CT Scans to Make Virtual Pathways. This session is not to be missed with many finding the "Kurimoto method" indispensable in their practice sampling peripheral nodules.

When you register, consider the Introduction to Bronchoscopy Training session. Every trainee from novice to experienced bronchoscopists will learn an enormous amount from these sessions which will be staffed by the best trainers in the world; international faculty as well as local staff. Even consultants have learnt a great deal when they have done this course. Every attendee at these sessions will have a tick-box evaluation and personal feedback on technical tips.

REGISTER NOW for the congress which runs from 28–30 March 2019 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre for one of the most significant scientific events for the Bronchoscopy and Interventional Pulmonology Field. You can choose to stay on and attend the TSANZSRS Annual Scientific Meeting directly after APCB.

For more information visit our website. Please feel free to share this message with interested colleagues.

2019 Local Organising Committee
David Fielding
Congress President
Asia-Pacific Congress of Bronchology 2019

The 59th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Respiratory Society will be held on 12-14 April 2019 at the Tokyo International Forum.

The Meeting's president will be Prof. Koichiro Tatsumi (Department of Respirology, Chiba University)

Details: www.jrs.or.jp/english/?content_id=27

The Forum of International Respiratory Society (FIRS) General Assembly Meeting will be held on 4-5 February 2019 in Berlin, Germany. The APSR has been working with the FIRS and our sister societies to contribute to better lung health. Dr Kwun Fong, Dr Yoichi Nakanishi and Mr Yasutomi Yamanaka will represent the APSR at the meeting. The APSR is working with the FIRS to reach out to the WHO to collaborate on mutually beneficial opportunities for lung health in our Asia-Pacific region.

Respirology is delighted to provide all APSR members access to the full content of the recent Respirology workshop "Author awareness of transparency for successful publishing: Face the challenges and enjoy the benefits". This event was organized as part of 23rd APSR Congress in Taipei, Taiwan, on 29 November 2018.

The event was sponsored by Respirology's publisher Wiley and featured invited presentations by the Chief Editor of the European Respiratory Journal, Prof. Martin Kolb, and the Editors in Chief of Respirology, Profs Philip Bardin and Paul Reynolds. Wiley Journal Publishing Manager Alison Bell, ORCID representative (Asia-Pacific) Chieh-Chih Estelle Cheng, and Respirology Managing Editors Lieve Bultynck and Anke van Eekelen also presented their insight knowledge on how to enhance your success in publishing clinically relevant research.

The presentations can be accessed at apsresp.org/education/how-to/transparency-for-successful-publishing.php

Respirology hopes that this training material, with a focus on the role of transparency in research publishing, will enhance awareness among APSR members of the latest developments in research publishing to improve research writing skills and publication success.

has kindly sent his donation towards the Society's goals, as outlined at apsresp.org/members/donors.php.

The APSR is profoundly grateful for his generosity.

We are delighted to announce that Honorary membership has been bestowed on Dr Dushantha Madegedara of Sri Lanka.

Congratulations to the following members who have recently become APSR Fellows.

• Dr Fenty Anggrainy FAPSR (Indonesia)
• Dr Masrul Basyar FAPSR (Indonesia)
• Dr Diyan Ekawati FAPSR (Indonesia)
• Dr Sabrina Ermayanti FAPSR (Indonesia)
• Dr Saurabh Karmakar FAPSR (India)
• Dr Oea Khairsyaf FAPSR (Indonesia)
• Dr Irvan Medison FAPSR (Indonesia)
• Dr Yessy Susanty Sabri FAPSR (Indonesia)
• Dr Diana Septiyanti FAPSR (Indonesia)
• Dr Bintang Yinke Magdalena Sinaga FAPSR (Indonesia)

A warm welcome to the following members who have recently joined APSR assemblies. They will undoubtedly enjoy working with and networking with their assembly colleagues.

by John Ray T Galamay
Clinical Research Fellow-in-Training, Adult Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Philippine Heart Center

I am very honoured to have been chosen to receive an APSR Travel Award to attend the CHEST 2018 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, 5-10 October 2018. This was a very informative conference with a large range of medical and scientific sessions, with many novel and innovative information being presented. The meeting was by all accounts a world-class forum that comprised individuals at the forefront of respiratory research and I was fortunate enough to be exposed to great variety of quality clinical and medical researches. Furthermore, the CHEST Annual Meeting was a perfect opportunity to interact personally with respiratory researchers and discuss promising collaborative associations.

My role at this conference was to discuss and present my research paper in a thematic poster session under Critical Care Medicine entitled "Accuracy of Gas Exchange Measurements as Predictors of Early Successful Weaning among ICU Patients of Philippine Heart Center: a Prospective Cohort Study". Gas exchange measurements such as inspired – expired oxygen concentration difference (I–E)O₂ and end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration (PETCO₂) are useful in identifying patients who are likely to succeed in liberation from mechanical ventilation. By being able to determine the accuracy of gas exchange measurements, it will greatly aid physicians in the ventilator management and weaning of patients, which would affect both morbidity and mortality.

The thematic poster session that I attended spanned a range of topics related to pulmonary and critical care with an emphasis on novel application to aid the diagnosis and treatment of several pulmonary and respiratory pathologies to improve lung health. Learning from the constructive discussions I had at the session with world-class and front-runners in pulmonary medicine and experienced researchers attending my poster presentation, was one for the books and truly a memorable experience for me. The opportunity to network with the like-minded professionals in the field was invaluable and I feel very fortunate to be a part of such inspiring group of people.

I would like to thank my institution, the Philippine Heart Center and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, together with my research advisers Dr Maria Encarnita Blanco-Limpin, Dr Teresita S de Guia, Dr Aileen Guzman-Banzon, Dr Rommel Bayot and Dr Fernando Ayuyao, for being an inspiration as leading researchers in the field and for giving me the opportunity to carry this research work at the CHEST 2018 Annual Meeting; and to all my colleagues for their help and support.

Lastly, I would like to sincerely thank the APSR committee and staff for honouring me with the APSR Travel Award and for giving me the opportunity to attend the CHEST 2018 Annual Meeting. It was truly an excellent experience for me!

If you have news or announcements that may be of interest to other APSR members, please send details to Bulletin Coordinator Dr Arata Azuma (a-azuma@nms.ac.jp) or APSR Bulletin (bulletin@apsresp.org).