Journal of investigative medicine : the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research
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To study whether low plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) reported in Asian Indians is common in both men and women when compared with whites and whether it is related to increased body mass index (BMI) and plasma triglyceride concentration. ⋯ Increased prevalence of low HDL-C independently of obesity or hypertriglyceridemia is observed in women but not in men of Asian Indian origin. The sex gap in HDL-C is significantly smaller in Asian Indians compared with whites independent of geographical location.
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The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma is a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors. Thiazolidinediones, pharmacological ligands for PPARgamma, are currently used in the management of type 2 diabetes. ⋯ Furthermore, thiazolidinedione PPARgamma ligands reduced pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling in several experimental models of pulmonary hypertension. This report reviews current evidence that PPARgamma may represent a novel therapeutic target in pulmonary hypertension and examines studies that have begun to elucidate mechanisms that underlie these potential therapeutic effects.
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There are no studies evaluating the epidemiology of pediatric acute lung injury (ALI) in the emergency department (ED), where early identification and interventions are most likely to be helpful. The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of the ALI precursor acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) in the ED. ⋯ We found nonintubated AHRF to be prevalent in the ED. The low R(2) for the regression model for AHRF underscores the lack of criteria for early identification of patients with respiratory compromise. Our findings represent an important first step toward establishing the true incidence of ALI in the pediatric ED.
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Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality can be prevented by identification and modification of specific risk factors. Ethnic minorities have a higher incidence of cardiovascular risk factors. Additionally, ethnic minorities often reside in medically underserved areas and are subject to health care disparities. We hypothesized that ethnic minorities residing in medically underserved areas would experience greater health care disparities related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and treatment compared with those residing near an urban academic medical center. ⋯ Hispanics have more CVD risk factors than non-Hispanic whites but receive equivalent prevention initiatives. Residing in a rural, medically underserved area, regardless of ethnicity, was associated with the largest CVD treatment and health care disparity.