Chest
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Accumulating evidence suggests that extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a role in the pathogenesis of lung diseases. These vesicles include exosomes, ectosomes (ie, microparticles, extracellular vesicles, microvesicles, and shedding vesicles), and apoptotic bodies. Exosomes are generated by inward budding of the membrane (endocytosis), subsequent forming of multivesicular bodies, and release by exocytosis. ⋯ EVs contain several molecules, including proteins, mRNA, microRNA, and DNA; they transfer these molecules to distant recipient cells. Circulating EVs modify the targeted cells and influence the microenvironment of the lungs. For this unique capability, EVs are expected to be a new drug delivery system and a novel therapeutic target.
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We and our patients have been aware of the high cost of medications in the United States for decades; however, we are now witnessing a relatively new phenomenon: exponential price increases for some older pharmaceuticals that have been available for years. To assist practitioners in how to respond to the issue of higher priced pharmaceuticals, an interprofessional session was developed and held at CHEST 2016 in Los Angeles. The session proceedings and a few updates are presented here to summarize what pulmonologists; a sarcoidosis expert; a retired executive of a medical society, an executive of a pharmaceutical company and of a pharmacy; and an ethicist advise that we do about the problem. ⋯ However, actually providing patient-focused care (ie, the care defined from the patient's perspective) is another matter. To significantly improve patient satisfaction and health-care outcomes, patient-focused care needs to embody the 3 Cs of (1) communication, (2) continuity of care, and (3) concordance of expectations (ie, finding the common ground). Therefore, we discuss how the 3 Cs apply to responses to higher priced pharmaceuticals.
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Comparative Study
Comparative Effectiveness of Enoxaparin versus Dalteparin for Thromboprophylaxis after Traumatic Injury.
Enoxaparin 30 mg twice daily and dalteparin 5,000 units once daily are two common low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) thromboprophylaxis regimens used in the trauma population. Pharmacodynamic studies suggest that enoxaparin provides more potent anticoagulation than does dalteparin. ⋯ Our results suggest that dalteparin has an effectiveness similar to that of enoxaparin in real-world trauma patients. Future research should investigate how the timing and consistency of prophylaxis affects LMWH effectiveness.
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Emphysema has considerable variability in its regional distribution. Craniocaudal emphysema distribution is an important predictor of the response to lung volume reduction. However, there is little consensus regarding how to define upper lobe-predominant and lower lobe-predominant emphysema subtypes. Consequently, the clinical and genetic associations with these subtypes are poorly characterized. ⋯ Subgroups of smokers defined by upper-lobe or lower-lobe emphysema predominance exhibit different functional and radiological disease progression rates, and the upper-lobe predominant subtype shows evidence of association with known COPD genetic risk variants. These subgroups may be useful in the development of personalized treatments for COPD.
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Observational Study
The use of benzodiazepine receptor agonists and the risk of pneumonia hospitalization: a nationwide population-based, nested case-control study.
The relationship between the use of benzodiazepine-receptor agonists (BZRAs) and the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia remains inconclusive. This study aimed to explore the association between BZRA use and hospitalization for pneumonia in a general population. ⋯ This study suggests that there is a dose-response relationship between current BZRA use and the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia. In addition, benzodiazepine hypnotic agents, especially midazolam, present a greater risk of hospitalization for pneumonia. These findings reinforce the importance of a careful analysis of the benefits vs the risks of BZRA use.