Rush Medical College

About: Rush Medical College is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 2761 authors who have published 3422 publications receiving 141288 citations.

Osteoarthritis: A Disease of the Joint as an Organ

Abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and a major cause of pain and disability in older adults (1) Often OA is referred to as degenerative joint disease “(DJD)” This is a misnomer because OA is not simply a process of wear and tear but rather abnormal remodeling of joint tissues driven by a host of inflammatory mediators within the affected joint The most common risk factors for OA include age, gender, prior joint injury, obesity, genetic predisposition, and mechanical factors, including malalignment and abnormal joint shape (2, 3) Despite the multifactorial nature of OA, the pathological changes seen in osteoarthritic joints have common features that affect the entire joint structure resulting in pain, deformity and loss of function The pathologic changes seen in OA joints (Figures 1 and ​and2)2) include degradation of the articular cartilage, thickening of the subchondral bone, osteophyte formation, variable degrees of synovial inflammation, degeneration of ligaments and, in the knee, the menisci, and hypertrophy of the joint capsule There can also be changes in periarticular muscles, nerves, bursa, and local fat pads that may contribute to OA or the symptoms of OA The findings of pathological changes in all of the joint tissues are the impetus for considering OA as a disease of the joint as an organ resulting in “joint failure” In this review, we will summarize the key features of OA in the various joint tissues affected and provide an overview of the basic mechanisms currently thought to contribute to the pathological changes seen in these tissues Open in a separate window Figure 1 Sagittal inversion recovery (A–C) and coronal fast spin echo (D–F) images illustrating the magnetic resonance imaging findings of osteoarthritis (A) reactive synovitis (thick white arrow), (B) subchondral cyst formation (white arrow), (C) bone marrow edema (thin white arrows), (D) partial thickness cartilage wear (thick black arrow), (E–F) full thickness cartilage wear (thin black arrows), subchondral sclerosis (arrowhead) and marginal osteophyte formation (double arrow) Image courtesy of Drs Hollis Potter and Catherine Hayter, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY

Analysis of shared heritability in common disorders of the brain

Abstract: Disorders of the brain can exhibit considerable epidemiological comorbidity and often share symptoms, provoking debate about their etiologic overlap. We quantified the genetic sharing of 25 brain disorders from genome-wide association studies of 265,218 patients and 784,643 control participants and assessed their relationship to 17 phenotypes from 1,191,588 individuals. Psychiatric disorders share common variant risk, whereas neurological disorders appear more distinct from one another and from the psychiatric disorders. We also identified significant sharing between disorders and a number of brain phenotypes, including cognitive measures. Further, we conducted simulations to explore how statistical power, diagnostic misclassification, and phenotypic heterogeneity affect genetic correlations. These results highlight the importance of common genetic variation as a risk factor for brain disorders and the value of heritability-based methods in understanding their etiology.

The Pathogenesis of Sepsis

Abstract: Sepsis and its sequelae (sepsis syndrome and septic shock) are increasingly common and are still potentially lethal diagnoses. Many mediators of the pathogenesis of sepsis have recently been described. These include tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), interleukins, platelet activating factor, leukotrienes, thromboxane A2, and activators of the complement cascade. Neutrophil and platelet activation may also play a role. Other agents that may participate in the sepsis cascade include adhesion molecules, kinins, thrombin, myocardial depressant substance, beta-endorphin, and heat shock proteins. Endothelium-derived relaxing factor and endothelin-1 are released from the endothelium and seem to exert a regulatory effect, counterbalancing each other. A central mediator of sepsis does not seem to exist, although TNF alpha has been commonly proposed for this role. Animal studies are difficult to extrapolate to the clinical setting because of cross-species differences and variations in experimental design. Rather than being caused by any single pathogenic mechanism, it is more likely that sepsis is related to the state of activation of the target cell, the nearby presence of other mediators, and the ability of the target cell to release other mediators. Also important is the downregulation or negative feedback of these mediators or the generation of natural inflammation inhibitors, such as interleukin-4 and interleukin-8. Endothelial damage in sepsis probably results from persistent and repetitive inflammatory insults. Eventually, these insults produce sufficient damage that downregulation can no longer occur; this leads to a state of metabolic anarchy in which the body can no longer control its own inflammatory response.

Where's the evidence that active learning works?

Abstract: Calls for reforms in the ways we teach science at all levels, and in all disciplines, are wide spread. The effectiveness of the changes being called for, employment of student-centered, active learning pedagogy, is now well supported by evidence. The relevant data have come from a number of different disciplines that include the learning sciences, cognitive psychology, and educational psychology. There is a growing body of research within specific scientific teaching communities that supports and validates the new approaches to teaching that have been adopted. These data are reviewed, and their applicability to physiology education is discussed. Some of the inherent limitations of research about teaching and learning are also discussed.

Vascular Cognitive Impairment

Abstract: Cerebrovascular disease is the second most common cause of acquired cognitive impairment and dementia and contributes to cognitive decline in the neurodegenerative dementias. The current narrow definitions of vascular dementia should be broadened to recognise the important part cerebrovascular disease plays in several cognitive disorders, including the hereditary vascular dementias, multi-infarct dementia, post-stroke dementia, subcortical ischaemic vascular disease and dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and degenerative dementias (including Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies). Here we review the current state of scientific knowledge on the subject of vascular brain burden. Important non-cognitive features include depression, apathy, and psychosis. We propose use of the term vascular cognitive impairment, which is characterised by a specific cognitive profile involving preserved memory with impairments in attentional and executive functioning. Diagnostic criteria have been proposed for some subtypes of vascular cognitive impairment, and there is a pressing need to validate and further refine these. Clinical trials in vascular cognitive impairment are in their infancy but support the value of therapeutic interventions for symptomatic treatment.