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Biomedical subjects

Jashin J Wu

Publications and source records attributed to Jashin J Wu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Dermatology residency program characteristics that correlate with graduates selecting an academic dermatology career.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the characteristics of 107 dermatology residency programs to determine which factors are correlated with producing academic dermatologists to help reverse the trend of a growing shortage of academic dermatologists. DESIGN: We collected data ranging from total publications to grant funding. Extensive Internet searches were completed to obtain most of the data. Individual programs were contacted as needed to obtain any missing data that were not found on the program's Web site. SETTING: Dermatology residency programs (departments and divisions) in the United States. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Factors that correlated with producing full-time academic dermatologists. RESULTS: We tabulated and analyzed characteristics of 107 dermatology residency programs. Total full-time faculty members in 2004, total publications in 2004, and total publications from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2004, were the 3 factors most strongly correlated with producing full-time faculty. National Institutes of Health and Dermatology Foundation grants and American Skin Association grant recipients were the 3 characteristics most strongly inversely correlated with producing full-time faculty. Those who entered academic dermatology tended to stay at the same program where they completed a dermatology residency, especially if this program was considered a "smaller" program. CONCLUSIONS: The programs' characteristics of total publications in 2004 and from 2001 to 2004 were 2 of the 3 factors most strongly positively correlated with dermatology residents entering academic dermatology. Encouraging residents to publish may be a window to motivate them toward a career in academic dermatology.

Career Choice↗
PubMed2005

Rickettsial infections around the world, part 1: pathophysiology and the spotted fever group.

BACKGROUND: The rickettsial diseases are an important group of infectious agents that have dermatological manifestations. These diseases are important to consider in endemic areas, but in certain suspicious cases, possible acts of bioterrorism should warrant prompt notification of the appropriate authorities. OBJECTIVE: In this two part review article, we review these diverse diseases by examining established and up-to-date information about the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment of the ricksettsiae. METHODS: Using PubMed to search for relevant articles, we browsed over 500 articles to compose a clinically based review article. RESULTS: Part one focuses on pathophysiology of the rickettsial diseases and the clinical aspects of the spotted fever group. CONCLUSIONS: At the completion of part one of this learning activity, participants should be able to discuss all of the clinical manifestations and treatments of the sported fever group. Participants should also be familiar with the pathophysiology of the rickettsial diseases.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Advances in antiviral therapy.

Infections with five of the herpesviruses (herpes simplex virus 1 [HSV-1], HSV-2, varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus) are treated with topical or systemic antiviral therapies. There are more than 100 genotypes of human papillomaviruses (HPVs), which may manifest as warts, skin cancers, cervical cancer, anogenital cancers, and upper digestive tract cancers. Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common, benign viral infection of the skin. Immunomodulating agents, such as imiquimod, act on HPV and MC indirectly by inducing host immune responses, such as cytokines and cell-mediated immunity, and thereby reduce recurrences. There are multiple vaccines available for certain viral diseases and others in development for HSV-2 and HPV.

Antiviral Agents↗
PubMed2005

Biological and clinical basis for molecular studies of interferons.

The cytokine family of interferons (IFNs) has multiple functions, including antiviral, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory effects and regulation of cell differentiation. The multiple functions of the IFN system are thought to be an innate defense against microbes and foreign substances. The IFN system consists first of cells that produce IFNs in response to viral infection or other foreign stimuli and second of cells that establish the antiviral state in response to IFNs. This process of innate immunity involves multiple signaling mechanisms and activation of various host genes. Viruses have evolved to develop mechanisms that circumvent this system. IFNs have also been used clinically in the treatment of viral diseases. Improved treatments will be possible with better understanding of the IFN system and its interactions with viral factors. In addition, IFNs have direct and indirect effects on tumor cell proliferation, effector leukocytes and on apoptosis and have been used in the treatment of some cancers. Improved knowledge of how IFNs affect tumors and the mechanism that lead to a lack of response to IFNs would help the development of better IFN treatments for malignancies.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Resiquimod: a new immune response modifier with potential as a vaccine adjuvant for Th1 immune responses.

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. Currently, there are three FDA-approved nucleoside analogs and other therapies such as foscarnet and cidofovir used to treat genital herpes. Resiquimod, the latest immune response modifier (IRM), has shown in vivo evidence of efficacy against herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2. The first clinical trial involving resiquimod demonstrated that it reduced the recurrence rate of genital herpes, but phase III trials were suspended due to lack of efficacy. Resiquimod shows promise for other viral infections and as a vaccine adjuvant.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed2004

Vaccines and immunotherapies for the prevention of infectious diseases having cutaneous manifestations.

Although the development of antimicrobial drugs has advanced rapidly in the past several years, such agents act against only certain groups of microbes and are associated with increasing rates of resistance. These limitations of treatment force physicians to continue to rely on prevention, which is more effective and cost-effective than therapy. From the use of the smallpox vaccine by Jenner in the 1700s to the current concerns about biologic warfare, the technology for vaccine development has seen numerous advances. The currently available vaccines for viral illnesses include Dryvax for smallpox; the combination measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine; inactivated vaccine for hepatitis A; plasma-derived vaccine for hepatitis B; and the live attenuated Oka strain vaccine for varicella zoster. Vaccines available against bacterial illnesses include those for anthrax, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis. Currently in development for both prophylactic and therapeutic purposes are vaccines for HIV, herpes simplex virus, and human papillomavirus. Other vaccines being investigated for prevention are those for cytomegalovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, hepatitis C, and dengue fever, among many others. Fungal and protozoan diseases are also subjects of vaccine research. Among immunoglobulins approved for prophylactic and therapeutic use are those against cytomegalovirus, hepatitis A and B, measles, rabies, and tetanus. With this progress, it is hoped that effective vaccines soon will be developed for many more infectious diseases with cutaneous manifestations.

Bacterial Infections↗
PubMed2004

A review of licensed viral vaccines, some of their safety concerns, and the advances in the development of investigational viral vaccines.

Viral vaccines could be considered among the most important medical achievements of the 20th century. They have prevented much suffering and saved many lives. Although some curative antiviral drugs exist, we desperately depend on efforts by academic, governmental and industrial scientists in the advancement of viral vaccines in the prevention and control of infectious diseases. In the next decade, we hope to see advancement in the development of current and investigational viral vaccines against childhood and adult infections. In this article, we will review the licensed viral vaccines, some of their safety concerns, and the advances in the development of investigational viral vaccines.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Reactive hemophagocytosis associated with the initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in a patient with AIDS.

Reactive hemophagocytosis has been associated with neoplasia, bacteria, parasitic, and viral infections including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Here we present a case of reactive hemophagocytosis associated with the initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), probably representing a syndrome termed the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) or immune reconstitution syndrome.

Adult↗