Journal of investigative medicine : the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research
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This article describes how one Institutional Review Board (IRB) chose to implement the issue of waiver of consent for a research study involving brain trauma victims brought to an emergency department. ⋯ Based on our experience, we conclude that in collaborating with local IRBs, research teams can successfully develop strategies for obtaining "acceptable community consultations" as required by regulatory mandates. We suggest that standardized community consultation guidelines be developed for obtaining waivers of informed consent in emergency research. Such criteria should form the basis for local IRBs to obtain their respective community consultations.
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Biography Historical Article
Andrew C. von Eschenbach, MD, director, National Cancer Institute.
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MRL/MpJ-Tnfrsf6lpr(MRL/lpr) mice, a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), have defective expression of Fas, substantially reducing signaling for apoptosis via this mechanism. However, it is known that MRL/lpr mice have increased spontaneous apoptosis of leukocytes. These conflicting observations have stimulated interest in apoptosis in this SLE model. MRL/lpr mice overproduce nitric oxide (NO) as autoimmune disease progresses. In vitro administration of NO may induce or decrease apoptosis depending on the cell type. Therefore, we hypothesized that NO induces MRL/lpr spleen lymphocyte apoptosis independent of Fas receptor engagement. ⋯ These results suggest that NO plays a role in spleen lymphocyte apoptosis in MRL/lpr mice, possibly via inhibition of PKC, despite a Fas defect.
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Among blacks, we have observed that diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a more frequent primary cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in women (approximately 50%) than in men (< 20%). In this study, we consider the role of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphism in determining this gender discrepancy and its role in the course of DN. ⋯ The gender discrepancy observed in rates of ESRD owing to DN in blacks is not likely dependent on ACE genotype. The effects of ACE genotype on renal disease progression were not significant; however, patients with diabetic nephropathy and DD genotype were less likely to have traditional risk factors for diabetes or diabetic nephropathy.