University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

About: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is a education organization based out in Houston, Texas, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Cancer. The organization has 27309 authors who have published 42520 publications receiving 2151596 citations. The organization is also known as: UTHealth & The UT Health Science Center at Houston.

Effects of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes.

Abstract: The myelodysplastic syndromes are characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and refractory cytopenias. In an attempt to improve hematopoiesis, we administered recombinant human granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) to eight patients with myelodysplastic syndrome, as part of a Phase I trial. The GM-CSF was given by continuous intravenous infusion daily for two weeks and then again after a two-week rest period. Over the entire dose range tested (30 to 500 μg per square meter of body-surface area), treatment was associated with marked increases in peripheral-blood leukocytes (5- to 70-fold), including granulocytes (5- to 373-fold), in all eight patients. The absolute number of monocytes, eosinophils, and lymphocytes increased in all patients. Three of eight patients also had 2- to 10-fold increases in platelet counts and improvement in erythropoiesis, with the result that two of three patients who had required red-cell and platelet transfusions no longer needed them (at 20 to 27...

A genome–wide search for human non–insulin–dependent (type 2) diabetes genes reveals a major susceptibility locus on chromosome 2

Abstract: Non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is a common disorder of middle-aged individuals characterized by high blood glucose levels which, if untreated, can cause serious medical complications and lead to early death. Genetic factors play an important role in determining susceptibility to this disorder. However, the number of genes involved, their chromosomal location and the magnitude of their effect on NIDDM susceptibility are unknown. We have screened the human genome for susceptibility genes for NIDDM using non-and quasi-parametric linkage analysis methods in a group of Mexican American affected sib pairs. One marker, D2S125, showed significant evidence of linkage to NIDDM and appears to be a major factor affecting the development of diabetes mellitus in Mexican Americans. We propose that this locus be designated NIDDM1.

Maximum likelihood estimation of the heterogeneity of substitution rate among nucleotide sites.

Abstract: This paper presents a maximum likelihood approach to estimating the variation of substitution rate among nucleotide sites. We assume that the rate varies among sites according to an invariant+gamma distribution, which has two parameters: the gamma parameter alpha and the proportion of invariable sites theta. Theoretical treatments on three, four, and five sequences have been conducted, and computer program have been developed. It is shown that rho = (1 + theta alpha)/(1 + alpha) is a good measure for the rate heterogeneity among sites. Extensive simulations show that (1) if the proportion of invariable sites is negligible, i.e., theta = 0, the gamma parameter alpha can be satisfactorily estimated, even with three sequences; (2) if the proportion of invariable sites is not negligible, the heterogeneity rho can still be suitably estimated with four or more sequences; and (3) the distances estimated by the proposed method are almost unbiased and are robust against violation of the assumption of the invariant + gamma distribution.

Spectrum of Congenital Anomalies of the Inferior Vena Cava: Cross-sectional Imaging Findings

Abstract: Congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and its tributaries have become more commonly recognized in asymptomatic patients. The embryogenesis of the IVC is a complex process involving the formation of several anastomoses between three paired embryonic veins. The result is numerous variations in the basic venous plan of the abdomen and pelvis. A left IVC typically ends at the left renal vein, which crosses anterior to the aorta to form a normal right-sided prerenal IVC. In double IVC, the left IVC typically ends at the left renal vein, which crosses anterior to the aorta to join the right IVC. In azygos continuation of the IVC, the prerenal IVC passes posterior to the diaphragmatic crura to enter the thorax as the azygos vein. In circumaortic left renal vein, one left renal vein crosses anterior to the aorta and another crosses posterior to the aorta. In retroaortic left renal vein, the left renal vein passes posterior to the aorta. In circumcaval ureter, the proximal ureter courses posterior to the IVC. Other anomalies include absence of the infrarenal IVC or the entire IVC. These anomalies can have significant clinical implications. Awareness of these anomalies is necessary to avoid diagnostic pitfalls.