Texas Medical Center

About: Texas Medical Center is a healthcare organization based out in Houston, Texas, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Cancer. The organization has 2845 authors who have published 2394 publications receiving 79426 citations.

Genomic Comparisons of Humans and Chimpanzees

Abstract: The genome consists of the entire DNA present in the nucleus of the fertilized embryo, which is then duplicated in every cell in the body. A draft sequence of the chimpanzee genome is now available, providing opportunities to better understand genetic contributions to human evolution, development, and disease. Sequence differences from the human genome were confirmed to be ∼1% in areas that can be precisely aligned, representing ∼35 million single base-pair differences. Some 45 million nucleotides of insertions and deletions unique to each lineage were also discovered, making the actual difference between the two genomes ∼4%. We discuss the opportunities and challenges that arise from this information and the need for comparison with additional species, as well as population genetic studies. Finally, we present a few examples of interesting findings resulting from genome-wide analyses, candidate gene studies, and combined approaches, emphasizing the pros and cons of each approach.

Innate Allorecognition and Memory in Transplantation.

Abstract: Over the past few decades, we have witnessed a decline in the rates of acute rejection without significant improvement in chronic rejection. Current treatment strategies principally target the adaptive immune response and not the innate response. Therefore, better understanding of innate immunity in transplantation and how to target it is highly desirable. Here, we review the latest advances in innate immunity in transplantation focusing on the roles and mechanisms of innate allorecognition and memory in myeloid cells. These novel concepts could explain why alloimmune response do not abate over time and shed light on new molecular pathways that can be interrupted to prevent or treat chronic rejection.

Endomembrane targeting of human OAS1 p46 augments antiviral activity

Abstract: Many host RNA sensors are positioned in the cytosol to detect viral RNA during infection. However, most positive-strand RNA viruses replicate within a modified organelle co-opted from intracellular membranes of the endomembrane system, which shields viral products from host cell innate immune sensors. Targeting innate RNA sensors to the endomembrane system may enhance their ability to sense viral RNA generated by viruses that use these compartments for replication. Here, we reveal that an isoform of oligoadenylate synthetase 1, OAS1 p46, is prenylated and targeted to the endomembrane system. Membrane localization of OAS1 p46 confers enhanced access to viral replication sites and results in increased antiviral activity against a subset of RNA viruses including flavivirus, picornavirus, and SARS-CoV-2. Finally, our human genetic analysis shows that the OAS1 splice-site SNP responsible for production of the OAS1 p46 isoform strongly associates with COVID-19 severity. This study highlights the importance of endomembrane targeting for the antiviral specificity of OAS1 and suggests early control of SARS-CoV-2 replication through OAS1-p46 is an important determinant of COVID-19 severity.

Olanzapine use in cancer patients for refractory vomiting

Abstract: Recent investigations suggest the efficacy of olanzapine in cancer patients with intractable vomiting or chemotherapy-induced nausea. Olanzapine,indicated for schizophrenia in Japan, has an affinity for multiple neurotransmitter receptors including dopaminergic, serotonergic, histaminergic, adrenergic and muscarinic receptors. This pharmacological activity thus has a potential role in the treatment of nausea and vomiting. In the present study, olanzapine was given to five cancer patients with refractory vomiting to standard medications. In 3 cases, olanzapine resolved vomiting completely and also improved anorexia, In 2 cases, vomiting was controlled for a limited period. No adverse effect was observed. These results suggest olanzapine is a useful agent for the management of both vomiting and anorexia.

Patient preferences regarding spine surgical decision making.

Abstract: Study design Patient surveys to determine preferences in surgical decision making. Objective To evaluate spine patient preferences regarding physician and patient roles in surgical decision making and to discuss the ethical considerations that arise. Summary of background data Since the 1980s, there has been a push toward increasing patient autonomy and self-determination, and away from the paternalism of the past. Commensurate with this shift, patients have been encouraged to take the primary active role in surgical decision making. To date, there is little empirical evidence regarding how deeply patients want to be involved in this decision-making process. Methods A total of 200 consecutive patients seen at our academic spine center were administered 1 of 2 questionnaires (previously validated) aimed at determining patient preferences about how clinical decision making should take place. Results Patients felt strongly that complete risk information be provided. The majority of patients felt that the physician, rather than the patient, should make the basic treatment decision, and the great majority felt that the physician should make the technical decisions regarding treatment. Conclusions Spine surgical patients often prefer to defer surgical decision making to their surgeons. In clinical scenarios where there is little controversy and the evidence is clear, this results in little consequence, assuming that the surgeon aims to provide evidence-based care. In scenarios with greater controversy and less clear evidence, the choice of treatment offered by the surgeon may be based on factors outside of the available science, and, accordingly, efforts should be made to educate fully the patient and to help the patient make his/her own decision based on personal values regarding outcomes.