National Jewish Health

About: National Jewish Health is a healthcare organization based out in Denver, Colorado, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: T cell & Asthma. The organization has 883 authors who have published 833 publications receiving 79201 citations. The organization is also known as: National Jewish Medical and Research Center.

Effects of β-Carotene Supplementation on Molecular Markers of Lung Carcinogenesis in Male Smokers

Abstract: Two primary prevention trials unexpectedly showed adverse effects of supplemental beta-carotene on lung cancer incidence in cigarette smokers. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms that might underlie these effects, we studied the immunohistochemical expression of cytochrome P450 1A1, 1A2, and 2E1, retinoic acid receptor beta, activated protein-1 elements, cyclin D1, and Ki67 in lung tumors and, when available, adjacent normal tissues obtained from incident cases in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study. Archival lung tissue was available from 52 men randomized to receive 20 mg of beta-carotene per day and 30 men randomized to the placebo arm, all of whom were diagnosed with incident non-small-cell lung carcinoma during the course of the trial and subsequently underwent radical pulmonary resection. In normal-appearing bronchial epithelium, positive staining for cyclin D1 was observed in 23% of cases in the beta-carotene group and 0% of cases in the placebo group (based on only 3 of 13 versus 0 of 11 cases staining positively, however; P = 0.04), with no differences in expression noted in lung tumor tissue (P = 0.48). There were no statistically significant differences in Ki67 expression in normal or cancerous lung tissue between intervention groups, although a small increase in staining in tumors was noted among cases in the beta-carotene versus placebo group (88% versus 71% of cases stained positive, respectively; P = 0.13). Contrary to expectation, beta-carotene supplementation had no apparent effect on retinoic acid receptor-beta expression. These findings suggest that male smokers supplemented with beta-carotene may have had an increased risk of lung cancer due to aberrant cell growth, although our results are based on a relatively small number of cases and require confirmation in other completed trials of beta-carotene supplementation.

Exciting middle and high school students about immunology: an easy, inquiry-based lesson

Abstract: High school students in the United States are apathetic about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and the workforce pipeline in these areas is collapsing. The lack of understanding of basic principles of biology means that students are unable to make educated decisions concerning their personal health. To address these issues, we have developed a simple, inquiry-based outreach lesson centered on a mouse dissection. Students learn key concepts in immunology and enhance their understanding of human organ systems. The experiment highlights aspects of the scientific method and authentic data collection and analysis. This hands-on activity stimulates interest in biology, personal health and careers in STEM fields. Here, we present all the information necessary to execute the lesson effectively with middle and high school students.

Suggested approaches for research protocols involving the potential for life-threatening reactions

Abstract: These guidelines are intended to reduce the potential for serious or life-threatening reactions when clinical research is conducted. The following issues were addressed: identifying the risks involved in the research, providing adequate safeguards in the protocol design and during withholding of medication, anticipating risks, minimizing the chances for human error, providing resuscitative equipment sufficient to deal with the most serious anticipated life-threatening reactions, planning for medical support in case of a life-threatening emergency, and optimizing the use of medical personnel and expertise to handle emergency situations. The guidelines also discuss important general issues about protocol design and implementation and the human subject consent form, which should facilitate the approval of protocols by the governing institutional review board. The guidelines are not meant to be inflexible or applicable to all research situations. However, it is our hope that they will allow for clinical research to be conducted in a manner that affords the research subjects a high degree of protection from unnecessary and possibly fatal injuries.

Assessment and management of connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease.

Abstract: The intersection of the connective tissue diseases (CTD) and the interstitial lung diseases (ILD) is complex. Although often considered as a single entity, “CTD-ILD” actually reflects a heterogeneous spectrum of diverse CTDs and a variety of patterns of interstitial pneumonia. The evaluation of patients with CTD that develop ILD, or the assessment for underlying CTD in those presenting with presumed “idiopathic” ILD can be challenging and these evaluations can be optimized by effective multidisciplinary collaboration. When a diagnosis of CTD-ILD is confirmed, careful and thorough assessments to determine extra- versus intra-thoracic disease activity, and degrees of impairment are needed. Pharmacologic intervention with immunosuppression is the mainstay of therapy for all forms of CTD-ILD, but should be reserved only for those that demonstrate clinically significant and/or progressive disease. The management of CTD-ILD is not yet evidence based and there is a desperate need for controlled trials across the spectrum of CTD-ILD. Non-pharmacologic management strategies and addressing comorbidities or aggravating factors should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals with CTD-ILD.