Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Mediates Proliferation and Migration of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway.

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) are the major effector cells that lead to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovitis and joint destruction. Our previous studies showed that Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is involved in aberrant activation of RA-FLSs and inhibition of SHH pathway decreases proliferation and migration of RA-FLSs. The objective of this study was to investigate if the SHH pathway mediates proliferation and migration of RA-FLSs the mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal-regulated kinases (MAPK/ERK) signaling pathway.

Positive predictive value of an elevated cardiac troponin for type I myocardial infarction in ED patients based on the chief complaint.

Background: Cardiac troponin testing is used to aid the diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) in the emergency department (ED) for patients who present with a range of symptoms. From a clinical perspective, the distinction between MI due to acute coronary artery thrombosis (type I MI) and other forms of direct and secondary myocardial injury (type II MI) is very important. However, the positive predictive value (PPV) of an elevated troponin for diagnosing type I MI, based on clinical history, has not been described.

A biomechanical analysis of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy and flexor digitorum longus transfer in adult acquired flat foot.

Background: Biomechanical models have been used to study stress in the metatarsals, subtalar motion, lateral column lengthening and subtalar arthroereisis. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction has been associated with increased loads in the arch of the acquired flat foot. We examine whether a 10 millimeter (mm) medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy and flexor digitorum longus transfer to the navicular reduces these increased loads in the flat foot.

Molecular profiling of LGL leukemia reveals role of sphingolipid signaling in survival of cytotoxic lymphocytes.

T-cell large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia is characterized by clonal expansion of CD3(+)CD8(+) cells. Leukemic LGLs correspond to terminally differentiated effector-memory cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that escape Fas-mediated activation-induced cell death (AICD) in vivo. The gene expression signature of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 30 LGL leukemia patients showed profound dysregulation of expression of apoptotic genes and suggested uncoupling of activation and apoptotic pathways as a mechanism for failure of AICD in leukemic LGLs.

Risk factors for food allergy.

Food allergy is a common problem that often affects young children. Numerous factors affect the development of food allergy both prenatally and postnatally. These factors are genetic and environmental.