University of Colorado Denver

About: University of Colorado Denver is a education organization based out in Denver, Colorado, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 27444 authors who have published 57213 publications receiving 2539937 citations. The organization is also known as: CU Denver & UCD.

Strategies to Prevent Surgical Site Infections in Acute Care Hospitals: 2014 Update

Abstract: Previously published guidelines are available that provide comprehensive recommendations for detecting and preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The intent of this document is to highlight practical recommendations in a concise format designed to assist acute care hospitals in implementing and prioritizing their surgical site infection (SSI) prevention efforts. This document updates “Strategies to Prevent Surgical Site Infections in Acute Care Hospitals,” published in 2008. This expert guidance document is sponsored by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) and is the product of a collaborative effort led by SHEA, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the American Hospital Association (AHA), the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), and The Joint Commission, with major contributions from representatives of a number of organizations and societies with content expertise. The list of endorsing and supporting organizations is presented in the introduction to the 2014 updates.

Acute Exacerbation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. An International Working Group Report

Abstract: Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has been defined as an acute, clinically significant, respiratory deterioration of unidentifiable cause. The objective of this international working group report on acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was to provide a comprehensive update on the topic. A literature review was conducted to identify all relevant English text publications and abstracts. Evidence-based updates on the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, prognosis, and management of acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are provided. Finally, to better reflect the current state of knowledge and improve the feasibility of future research into its etiology and treatment, the working group proposes a new conceptual framework for acute respiratory deterioration in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and a revised definition and diagnostic criteria for acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

A subtype of nicotinic cholinergic receptor in rat brain is composed of alpha 4 and beta 2 subunits and is up-regulated by chronic nicotine treatment.

Abstract: The subunit composition and pharmacological regulation of rat neuronal nicotinic cholinergic receptors were assessed. Specific immunoprecipitation was determined in solubilized rat brain homogenates using [3H]cytisine, a high affinity agonist at nicotinic receptors, in conjunction with polyclonal antisera generated against nonhomologous domains of the various subunits comprising this receptor class. In all brain regions tested, only antisera generated against the alpha 4 and beta 2 subunits were able to immunoprecipitate specifically receptors labeled by [3H]cytisine. Thus, these sera were further characterized in order to validate and optimize their use in the immunoprecipitation protocol. Preincubation of solubilized receptors from rat forebrain with antisera generated against the alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 5, beta 3, or beta 4 subunits did not decrease the amount of precipitable alpha 4 or beta 2 subunit. On the other hand, when either anti-alpha 4 or anti-beta 2 serum was used to immunoprecipitate solubilized receptors from rat forebrain, the supernatants contained little if any remaining receptors that could be specifically precipitated by either antibody. Because these antisera do not cross-react, the data indicate that alpha 4 and beta 2 subunits are associated with each other in at least one neuronal nicotinic receptor subtype that has high affinity for agonists. Moreover, these results imply that all alpha 4 subunits that are labeled by [3H]cystisine are coupled to beta 2 subunits. We also present evidence that the alpha 4/beta 2 subtype characterized in this report is significantly increased in the cortex of rats chronically treated with nicotine.

Rituximab, B-Lymphocyte Depletion, and Preservation of Beta-Cell Function

Abstract: BackgroundThe immunopathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus is associated with T-lymphocyte autoimmunity. However, there is growing evidence that B lymphocytes play a role in many T-lymphocyte–mediated diseases. It is possible to achieve selective depletion of B lymphocytes with rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. This phase 2 study evaluated the role of B-lymphocyte depletion in patients with type 1 diabetes. MethodsWe conducted a randomized, double-blind study in which 87 patients between 8 and 40 years of age who had newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes were assigned to receive infusions of rituximab or placebo on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of the study. The primary outcome, assessed 1 year after the first infusion, was the geometric mean area under the curve (AUC) for the serum C-peptide level during the first 2 hours of a mixed-meal tolerance test. Secondary outcomes included safety and changes in the glycated hemoglobin level and insulin dose. ResultsAt 1 year, the mean AUC for the level of C peptid...