Obesity-related upregulation of monocyte chemotactic factors in adipocytes: involvement of nuclear factor-kappaB and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase pathways.

Objective: We sought to evaluate the entire picture of all monocyte chemotactic factors that potentially contribute to adipose tissue macrophage accumulation in obesity.

Research Design And Methods: Expression and regulation of members in the entire chemokine superfamily were evaluated in adipose tissue and isolated adipocytes of obese versus lean mice. Kinetics of adipose tissue macrophage infiltration was characterized by fluorescence-activated cell sorting.

Impact of spiral computed tomography on the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in a community hospital setting.

Background: While the optimal role of spiral CT angiography (CTA) in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) remains controversial, this technology is already being widely utilized in the community setting.

Objectives: To assess the impact CTA has had on angiography utilization rates and the overall diagnostic rate of PE.

Methods: All patients evaluated for PE during a 4-year period were studied.