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Fish TR, Lefkowitz J, Galar F, Markham DJ, Imber P, Denneny JC, Chen PG. An Analysis of Political Contributions from Otolaryngologists in the United States. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2024; 170:804-811. [PMID: 37997397 DOI: 10.1002/ohn.585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Doctors can influence the development of sound healthcare policy through financial contributions to political campaigns and candidates. Our objective was to characterize the political contributions of otolaryngologists in the United States, both individually and through the ENT Political Action Committee (ENTPAC) between the years 2003 and 2020. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective observational study. SETTING Publicly available information on the internet: fec.gov. METHODS The Federal Election Commission's website, fec.gov, was used to identify the political contributions of individual otolaryngologists and the ENTPAC between 2003 and 2020. Each contribution is associated with a political group or candidate, designated as a Republican, Democratic, or Independent entity. RESULTS A total of 1407 distinct political contributions were made by individuals identifying as otolaryngologists between 2003 and 2020, totaling $432,201. Overall, Republicans received more individual donations than Democrats (711 vs 540), while Democrats received more money ($231,139 vs $183,427). Donations peaked during election years, with the total amount overall increasing each election year ($9664 in 2004 vs $75,102 in 2020). The predominant political party receiving donations between 2003 and 2020 in each US state matched each state's predominant party of the governors and senators 48.6% of the time. The ENTPAC donated $3,027,383 between 2003 and 2020 to a variety of political candidates and entities. CONCLUSION Otolaryngologists are making increased political contributions over time and interest in political advocacy may be at an all-time high. Increased time and attention should be devoted to educating otolaryngologists to best politically advocate for interests which are of the most importance to themselves and the profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor R Fish
- UT Health San Antonio Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Jonathan Lefkowitz
- UT Health San Antonio Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Federico Galar
- UT Health San Antonio Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Dane J Markham
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Paul Imber
- ENT & Allergy of Delaware, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - James C Denneny
- American Academy of Otolaryngology, Alexandria, Virginia, USA
| | - Philip G Chen
- UT Health San Antonio Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Guo Q, Cheng ZM, Gonzalez-Cantú H, Rotondi M, Huelgas-Morales G, Ethiraj P, Qiu Z, Lefkowitz J, Song W, Landry BN, Lopez H, Estrada-Zuniga CM, Goyal S, Khan MA, Walker TJ, Wang E, Li F, Ding Y, Mulligan LM, Aguiar RCT, Dahia PLM. TMEM127 suppresses tumor development by promoting RET ubiquitination, positioning, and degradation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113070. [PMID: 37659079 PMCID: PMC10637630 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The TMEM127 gene encodes a transmembrane protein of poorly known function that is mutated in pheochromocytomas, neural crest-derived tumors of adrenomedullary cells. Here, we report that, at single-nucleus resolution, TMEM127-mutant tumors share precursor cells and transcription regulatory elements with pheochromocytomas carrying mutations of the tyrosine kinase receptor RET. Additionally, TMEM127-mutant pheochromocytomas, human cells, and mouse knockout models of TMEM127 accumulate RET and increase its signaling. TMEM127 contributes to RET cellular positioning, trafficking, and lysosome-mediated degradation. Mechanistically, TMEM127 binds to RET and recruits the NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligase for RET ubiquitination and degradation via TMEM127 C-terminal PxxY motifs. Lastly, increased cell proliferation and tumor burden after TMEM127 loss can be reversed by selective RET inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. Our results define TMEM127 as a component of the ubiquitin system and identify aberrant RET stabilization as a likely mechanism through which TMEM127 loss-of-function mutations cause pheochromocytoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianjin Guo
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Science Center at Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Zi-Ming Cheng
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Science Center at Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hector Gonzalez-Cantú
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Science Center at Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Matthew Rotondi
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Science Center at Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Gabriela Huelgas-Morales
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Science Center at Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Purushoth Ethiraj
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Science Center at Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Zhijun Qiu
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Science Center at Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan Lefkowitz
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Science Center at Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Wan Song
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Science Center at Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Bethany N Landry
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Science Center at Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hector Lopez
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Science Center at Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Cynthia M Estrada-Zuniga
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Science Center at Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Shivi Goyal
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Science Center at Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Mohammad Aasif Khan
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Science Center at Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Timothy J Walker
- Division of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Exing Wang
- Department Cell Structure and Anatomy, UTHSCSA, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Faqian Li
- Department of Pathology, UTHSCSA, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Yanli Ding
- Department of Pathology, UTHSCSA, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Lois M Mulligan
- Division of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Ricardo C T Aguiar
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Science Center at Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, TX, USA; Mays Cancer Center, UTHSCSA, San Antonio, TX, USA; South Texas Veterans Health Care System, Audie Murphy VA Hospital, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Patricia L M Dahia
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Science Center at Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, TX, USA; Mays Cancer Center, UTHSCSA, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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Trotter JF, Olson J, Lefkowitz J, Smith AD, Arjal R, Kenison J. Changes in international normalized ratio (INR) and model for endstage liver disease (MELD) based on selection of clinical laboratory. Am J Transplant 2007; 7:1624-8. [PMID: 17511686 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2007.01822.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Priority for liver transplantation is based on the Model for Endstage Liver Disease (MELD) score, a mathematical function which includes international normalized ratio (INR). We present an analysis to determine the lab-to-lab variation in INR at 14 clinical laboratories across the United States. We performed a survey to identify representative clinical laboratories across the United States, where INR was measured in the determination of MELD score. Five 'standard' samples for INR were formulated and were sent to the 14 clinical laboratories to determine variation in INR and MELD score. Among the 14 clinical laboratories, the range in INR for the five samples was: sample 1 (1.2-2.0), sample 2 (1.4-2.5), sample 3 (1.7-3.4), sample 4 (1.9-3.7) and sample 5 (2.4-5.1). The range in calculated MELD score was: sample 1 (8-14), sample 2 (10-17), sample 3 (12-20), sample 4 (14-21) and sample 5 (16-25). The selection of the clinical laboratory used to determine INR may result in substantial changes in MELD score independent of severity-of-illness. These data suggest that further review of interlaboratory variation in MELD should be undertaken because of the potential impact on prioritization for liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Trotter
- University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO, USA.
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Baker DC, Robbe SL, Jacobson L, Manco-Johnson MJ, Holler L, Lefkowitz J. Hereditary deficiency of vitamin-K-dependent coagulation factors in Rambouillet sheep. Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis 1999; 10:75-80. [PMID: 10192655 DOI: 10.1097/00001721-199903000-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A flock of Rambouillet sheep experienced unexpected lamb mortality associated with excessive bleeding at the time of parturition. Most lambs died of blood loss through the umbilicus or into subcutaneous tissues. Subsequently, nine ewes which had previously delivered lambs that bled to death were bred to the suspected sire of the previous bleeding lambs. Fifteen lambs were born alive the following Spring, and three males and one female bled clinically. These lambs had markedly decreased factor IX (< 16%) and factor X (< 4%) activities, with variably decreased factor II (11-36%) and factor VII (20-37%) activities. Protein C chromogenic activity was also markedly decreased (< 1%) in these lambs. The results from crossed immunoelectrophoresis and 'protein-induced-in-vitamin-K-absence' determination of the plasma of affected lambs, with antiserum directed against coagulation factor X, protein C or proteins S, suggested that these proteins were not carboxylated normally. Examination of liver from one lamb in the first batch and the four subsequent lambs did not reveal a known vitamin K antagonist. The breeding data suggested that the coagulopathy in these sheep was inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. The genetic or molecular defect that exists in these lambs is unknown, but possibilities include abnormal gamma-glutamyl carboxylase activity or abnormal metabolism of vitamin K.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C Baker
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523, USA.
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Manco-Johnson MJ, Nuss R, Key N, Moertel C, Jacobson L, Meech S, Weinberg A, Lefkowitz J. Lupus anticoagulant and protein S deficiency in children with postvaricella purpura fulminans or thrombosis. J Pediatr 1996; 128:319-23. [PMID: 8774497 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-3476(96)70274-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the cause of purpura fulminans, disseminated intravascular coagulation, or thrombosis in seven children with varicella. All children were found to have a lupus anticoagulant and acquired protein S deficiency. Thrombosis in five children was associated with presumed or documented infection with streptococcus. STUDY DESIGN Coagulation tests included determinations of the activated partial thromboplastin time, the prothrombin time, the dilute Russell viper venom time, the prothrombin F 1 + 2 fragment, the C4b-binding protein (C4b), total and free protein S antigen, and clotting activities of factors II, V, VII, and X and of protein C and protein S. Autoantibodies to phospholipids, cardiolipin, and protein S were determined in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS All children had a lupus anticoagulant and acquired protein S deficiency. Thrombosis in five children was associated with presumed or documented infection with streptococcus. All children transiently expressed free protein S deficiency, elevated levels of IgG, IgM, or both binding to protein S, the lupus anticoagulant, and increased concentration of the F 1+2 fragment. Four children also had antiphospholipid or anticardiolipin antibodies. In one child a purified IgG fraction cross-reacted with both protein S and a specific varicella antigen. CONCLUSIONS A subset of children with varicella infection, some of whom are coinfected with streptococcus, are prone to development of a lupus anticoagulant and an autoantibody to protein S, which results in acquired free protein S deficiency. Such children are at risk of having life-threatening thrombotic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Manco-Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262, USA
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Davies J, Lefkowitz J. Delayed effects of prenatal or postnatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol in the adult female guinea pig. Acta Anat (Basel) 1987; 130:351-8. [PMID: 3434191 DOI: 10.1159/000146470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Of 25 mature female guinea pigs exposed transplacentally to diethylstilbestrol (DES) for more than 20 days before term, 8 showed abnormal changes in the genital tract (stimulation of the epithelium and stroma, cystic glandular hyperplasia of the endometrial glands near the junction of the upper endocervix and endometrium) and 9 showed severe changes (cystic glandular hyperplasia of the endometrial glands throughout the corpus uteri and cornua, squamous metaplasia). Hyperkeratosis of the vulvar and nipple skin was also observed. No neoplastic changes were observed with one exception at 14 months in one ovary. Prenatal exposure to DES for less than 15 days before term or after birth for 3 days failed to result in abnormal changes in the adults. Prenatal exposure to estradiol for more than 20 days also was without effect in the adult, despite the higher tolerated doses given to the mothers. Cycling activity as judged by vaginal opening was abnormal in all experimental groups, suggesting a derangement of the pituitary-hypothalamic function not specifically related to DES exposure. It was concluded that there is a critical period of exposure of the Müllerian duct- and sinus-derived tissues with respect to the delayed effects of prenatal exposure to DES, which is estimated on the basis of embryological studies to range from the 28th to about the 45th day of gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Davies
- Department of Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn
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