Low-affinity insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 and its association with pulmonary arterial hypertension severity and survival.

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding proteins (IGFBPs) are a family of growth factor modifiers, some of which are known to be independently associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) survival. IGF factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) is a unique low-affinity IGFBP that, independent of IGF, stimulates prostacyclin production. This study proposed to establish associations between IGFBP7 and PAH severity and survival, using enrollment and longitudinal samples.

Associations between aflatoxin B-albumin adduct levels with metabolic conditions in Guatemala: A cross-sectional study.

Background And Aims: Metabolic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are highly prevalent in Guatemala and increase the risk for a number of disorders, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aflatoxin B (AFB) levels are also notably elevated in the population and are known to be associated with HCC risk. Whether AFB also contributes to the high prevalence of the metabolic disorders has not been previously examined.

Certificates of confidentiality and unexpected complications for pragmatic clinical trials.

Introduction: The need to protect the confidentiality of research data has long been recognized. One means to help protect research data from use in civil or criminal matters in the United States is a Certificate of Confidentiality (CoC). Until recently, investigators applied for a CoC when conducting research that was sensitive, stigmatizing or where the disclosure of private information could possibly result in civil or criminal liability.

Anti-retinoblastoma Protein Antibodies: A New Specificity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Associated With Protection Against Lupus Nephritis.

Objective: Retinoblastoma (Rb) protein is a nuclear protein with several important functions, including the ability to stabilize heterochromatin. Because antibodies against the nucleosome and chromatin are key in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we sought to determine whether Rb was an autoantigen in SLE and to evaluate any associated clinical phenotypes.

Methods: Sera from 222 patients with SLE from the Hopkins longitudinal cohort were studied.

Olfactory dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

We utilized the well-validated University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) to examine whether olfactory dysfunction occurs in ALS participants. After adjusting for relevant confounders in a multiple linear regression model, ALS participants scored significantly lower on the UPSIT compared with control participants, with an estimated mean difference of 2.31 points ( = 0.