2 results match your criteria: "USA. pcastaldi@tuftsmedicalcenter.org[Affiliation]"
Impact of non-linear smoking effects on the identification of gene-by-smoking interactions in COPD genetics studies.
Thorax
October 2011
Institute for Clinical Researchand Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Article Synopsis
- The study highlights the importance of identifying gene-by-environment interactions in understanding the genetics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly regarding the relationship between smoking exposure and lung function.
- Non-linear relationships between smoking pack-years and forced expiratory volume (FEV(1)) were found in four large cohorts, suggesting that a piecewise linear model is more effective than the standard total pack-years model for analyzing these interactions.
- The research concluded that utilizing approaches that account for non-linearity can enhance the accuracy and power of genetic association studies, leading to better insights into COPD susceptibility and variations based on smoking exposure.
Inhaler costs and medication nonadherence among seniors with chronic pulmonary disease.
Chest
September 2010
Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
Background: Chronic pulmonary diseases (CPDs) such as asthma and COPD are associated with particularly high rates of cost-related medication nonadherence (CRN), but the degree to which inhaler costs contribute to this is not known. Here, we examine the relationship between inhaler-specific out-of-pocket costs and CRN in CPD.
Methods: Using data obtained in 2006 in a national stratified random sample (N = 16,072) of community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries aged >or= 65 years, we used logistic regression to examine the relationship between inhaled medications, various types of out-of-pocket costs, and CRN in persons with CPD.