The influence of social support on COPD outcomes mediated by depression.

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the association between perceived social support and COPD outcomes and to determine whether the associations are mediated by depressive symptoms.

Methods: Subjects with COPD who were enrolled as part of SPIROMICS were included in this analysis. Questionnaires relating to quality of life, symptom burden, and functional status were administered at annual clinic visits for over a 3 year period.

Occupational Exposures and Computed Tomographic Imaging Characteristics in the SPIROMICS Cohort.

Rationale: Quantitative computed tomographic (CT) imaging can aid in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) phenotyping. Few studies have identified whether occupational exposures are associated with distinct CT imaging characteristics.

Objectives: To examine the association between occupational exposures and CT-measured patterns of disease in the SPIROMICS (Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study).

Marijuana Use Associations with Pulmonary Symptoms and Function in Tobacco Smokers Enrolled in the Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study (SPIROMICS).

Marijuana is often smoked via a filterless cigarette and contains similar chemical makeup as smoked tobacco. There are few publications describing usage patterns and respiratory risks in older adults or in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A cross-sectional analysis of current and former tobacco smokers from the Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study (SPIROMICS) study assessed associations between marijuana use and pulmonary outcomes.

Prospective CT screening for lung cancer in a high-risk population: HIV-positive smokers.

Background: Epidemiological evidence suggests that HIV-infected individuals are at increased risk of lung cancer, but no data exist because large computed tomography (CT) screening trials routinely exclude HIV-infected participants.

Methods: From 2006 to 2013, we conducted the world's first lung cancer screening trial of 224 HIV-infected current/former smokers to assess the CT detection rates of lung cancer. We also used 130 HIV-infected patients with known lung cancer to determine radiographic markers of lung cancer risk using multivariate analysis.

Impact of co-morbidities on self-rated health in self-reported COPD: an analysis of NHANES 2001-2008.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) coexists with co-morbidities. While co-morbidity has been associated with poorer health status, it is unclear which conditions have the greatest impact on self-rated health. We sought to determine which, and how much, specific co-morbid conditions impact on self-rated health in current and former smokers with self-reported COPD.

Calmodulin-dependent kinase I regulates adrenal cell expression of aldosterone synthase.

Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) is expressed in the adrenal glomerulosa and controls the capacity of the adrenal glomerulosa to produce aldosterone. Herein, human NCI-H295R (H295R) adrenocortical cells were used to define the calcium-dependent mechanisms regulating CYP11B2 gene transcription using reporter constructs containing CYP11B2 gene 5'-flanking DNA. Treatment of H295R cells with calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) inhibitor (KN93) or calmodulin inhibitor (calmidazolium) blocked angiotensin II and potassium (K(+)) stimulation of CYP11B2 reporter gene expression.