Chest
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Observational Study
Emphysema progression and lung function decline among angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin-receptor blockade (ARB) users in the COPDGene® Cohort.
Attenuation of transforming growth factor β by blocking angiotensin II has been shown to reduce emphysema in a murine model. General population studies have demonstrated that the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) is associated with reduction of emphysema progression in former smokers and that the use of ACEis is associated with reduction of FEV1 progression in current smokers. ⋯ Among participants with spirometry-confirmed COPD or baseline emphysema, ACEi and ARB use was associated with slower progression of emphysema and lung function decline.
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Early identification of poor adherence to CPAP treatment is of major clinical importance to optimize treatment outcomes in patients with OSA. ⋯ Civil status, educational level, household income, and foreign background predict CPAP adherence in a clinically significant manner and should be considered when treating OSA with CPAP.
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Comprehensive US epidemiologic data for adult pleural disease are not available. ⋯ Significant epidemiologic trends and changes in various pleural diseases were observed. The analysis identifies multiple opportunities for improvement in management of pleural diseases.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of two proposed changes to the current nodal classification for non-small cell lung cancer based on the number and ratio of metastatic lymph nodes.
The current nodal classification is unsatisfactory in distinguishing the prognostically heterogeneous N1 or N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). ⋯ The N-#number classification followed by the N-#ratio classification might be better prognostic determinants than the current nodal classification in prognostically heterogeneous N1 or N2 NSCLC.