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.

Autocrine stimulation of B lymphocytes by a platelet-activating factor receptor agonist, 1-palmitoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine.

Abstract: Based on previous data which demonstrated the ability of platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonists to inhibit constitutive immunoglobulin synthesis in B-lymphoblastoid cell lines, we determined the capacity of these cells to synthesize PAF or 1-palmitoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-phosphocholine (PAGPC), an acyl-PAF identified in various cell types. In two B-lymphoblastoid cell lines (LA350 and HSCE-), significant amounts of production of PAGPC were detected, whereas the amount of PAF was below the level of detection in our system. The biologic effects of PAGPC were examined in these cells, both of which have well-characterized PAF receptors. PAGPC induced a concentration-dependent increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and activation of MAP-2 kinase (as detected by immunoblotting and measurements of kinase activity) in these cells. The kinetics and magnitude of these responses were similar to those induced by PAF, and they were inhibited by Web 2086, a PAFR antagonist. Phosphatidylcholine, which differs from PAGPC in that it contains a long fatty acid residue at position 2, did not induce any of these responses. A mutual cross-desensitization of the B lymphoblasts between PAGPC and PAF was observed for Ca2+ mobilization. To induce maximal cell stimulation, approximately 600-fold higher concentrations of PAGPC than of PAF were needed. Because the two B-lymphoblastoid cell lines synthesized significant amounts of PAGPC, this phospholipid may participate in an autocrine stimulation pathway in B cells. Furthermore, the data indicate that PAGPC is an agonist for the PAFR in B lymphoblasts and that the ether linkage in the PAF molecule is not an absolute requirement for activity, although it increases the potency of the ligand.

One-Year Outcomes from a Disease Management Program for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract: Objective: to present the results of our 1-year, telephonic disease management interventions for 349 patients with mild to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: parameters measuring utilization of medical services, days lost from work, and quality-of-life measurements (utilizing the St. George’s Questionnaire) were determined for the 12-month period prior to enrollment of patients and compared with those observed during the 12-month participation in the program. Results: there was a statistically significant reduction in all utilization measurements and a statistically significant improvement in quality of life. Emergency room (ER) visits decreased by 57% (p < 0.001), hospitalizations by 53% (p < 0.001), intensive care unit admissions by 66% (p = 0.001), unscheduled office visits by 67% (p < 0.001), and oral antibacterial bursts by 48% (p < 0.001). Of the 114 employed patients, days missed from work were reduced by 77% (p < 0.001). The total saving from reduction in hospitalizations and ER visits was $US672 000. This was against an approximate cost of the program of $US223 500 (average of $US635 per enrollee). Costs associated with medications and physician visits were not obtained. Conclusions: these outcomes suggest that, with ongoing patient support, the provision of physical rehabilitation, and improved communication between those engaged in the healing process, it is possible to reduce utilization and overall healthcare expenditures and improve the quality of life for a population of patients with moderate to severe COPD. This intervention was both cost effective and medically effective. Our experience suggests that further trials of COPD disease management are warranted.

Behavioral couples therapy for smoking cessation: A pilot randomized clinical trial.

Abstract: Heather LaChance, Patricia A. Cioe, Erin Tooley, Suzanne M. Colby, Timothy J. O€Farrell, andChristopher W. KahlerOnline First Publication, February 2, 2015. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/adb0000051CITATIONLaChance, H., Cioe, P. A., Tooley, E., Colby, S. M., O€Farrell, T. J., & Kahler, C. W. (2015,February 2). Behavioral Couples Therapy for Smoking Cessation: A Pilot Randomized ClinicalTrial. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors. Advance online publication.http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/adb0000051