Journal of internal medicine
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The aetiology of the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors that initiate many years before the onset of clinical symptoms. These interactions likely include both protective and susceptibility factors which together determine the risk of developing RA. More than 100 susceptibility loci have been linked to RA. ⋯ Interestingly, patients with RA develop autoantibodies many years before the clinical onset of disease, providing strong evidence that the lack of tolerance to arthritogenic antigens is amongst the earliest events in the initiation of seropositive RA. Here, we will discuss the clinical and mechanistic evidence surrounding the role of different environmental and genetic factors in the phases leading to the production of autoantibodies and the initiation of symptomatic RA. Understanding this complexity is critical in order to develop tools to identify drivers of disease initiation and propagation and to develop preventive therapeutics.
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Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery is generally performed through a right minithoracotomy, in contrast to the traditional full median sternotomy approach. Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery is performed with increasing frequency, and by reducing surgical trauma, several observational studies suggest potential benefits with decreased bleeding and postoperative pain, reduced incidence of sternal wound infections, reduced length of hospital stay and shortened recovery period after surgery. In this review, we present an overview of mitral valve surgery, summarize the available evidence regarding the minimally invasive approach and report our experiences from introducing a minimally invasive mitral valve surgery programme at the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden.
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Comparative Study
Effect of vitamin D supplementation on total and free 25 hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone. An analysis of two randomized controlled trials.
It is questionable as to whether total serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (T25D) levels are lower in African Americans. We measured serum T25D, free 25hydroxyvitamin D (F25D) and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) in African American and Caucasian women and studied the effect of vitamin D dosing to determine if differences by race or age occur. ⋯ Serum F25D and T25D are lower in younger African American women, and since dietary vitamin D is similar in the groups, it is likely that the cause of low serum 25OHD in African American women is due to reduced UV exposure and reduced skin production of vitamin D.
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As the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) escalates, understanding its potential impact on the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is needed. ⋯ Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was independently associated with an increased risk of advanced CKD development suggesting renal function screening and regular monitoring are needed in this population.