Journal of investigative medicine : the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research
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Coronary heart disease is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The incidence of mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has gone down to less than 1% since the advent of percutaneous coronary intervention, but although mortality resulting from AMI has gone down in recent years, the burden remains high. ⋯ Detailed knowledge of the complications and their risk factors can help clinicians in making an early diagnosis. Prompt diagnosis with appropriate medical therapy and timely surgical intervention are necessary for favorable outcomes.
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The aim of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of HbA(1c) for risk of overall mortality or a composite endpoint of death and nonfatal events. ⋯ Inverse association of HbA(1c) with adverse outcomes in men and nondiabetic people indicates the involvement of HbA(1c) levels in autoimmune activation. The weaker inverse association with prevalent diabetes and in women is consistent with the operation of more pronounced confounding autoimmune processes.
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Rhinovirus (RV) infections account for most asthma exacerbations among children and adults, yet the fundamental mechanism responsible for why asthmatics are more susceptible to RV than otherwise healthy individuals remains largely unknown. Nonetheless, the use of models to understand the mechanisms of RV-induced airway disease in asthma has dramatically expanded our knowledge about the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of the disease. ⋯ This review summarizes the novel cardinal features of the asthmatic condition identified in the past few years through translational and experimental RV-based approaches. Specifically, we discuss the evidence demonstrating the presence of an abnormal innate antiviral immunity (airway epithelial secretion of types I and III interferons), exaggerated production of the master Th2 molecule thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and altered antimicrobial host defense in the airways of asthmatic individuals with acute RV infection.
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Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has increased in incidence and severity worldwide, causing direct costs estimated to range from US $3.2 billion to $4.8 billion. The aim of this study was to investigate and identify factors that predict recurrence of CDI. ⋯ Our data suggest that the use of glucocorticoids, use of proton-pump inhibitors, and having end-stage renal disease are significant risk factors associated with recurrent CDI.
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Observational Study
Associations of fibroblast growth factor 23 and fetuin-A with coronary plaque burden and plaque composition in young adults.
The total burden of subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD) is significant among young adults. Serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and fetuin-A are established predictors of morbidity and mortality because of cardiovascular disease. The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between subclinical CAD and serum FGF-23 and fetuin-A concentrations among a population of young adults. ⋯ The presence of subclinical CAD is independently associated with FGF-23 and fetuin-A and could be used as novel risk markers of cardiovascular disease in the asymptomatic young adult population.