tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Mortality Attributable to Smoking in China
Authors: Dongfeng Gu, Tanika N. Kelly, Xigui Wu, Jing Chen, Jonathan M. Samet, Jian-feng Huang, Manlu Zhu, Ji-chun Chen, Chung-Shiuan Chen, Xiufang Duan, Michael J. Klag, Jiang He
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2009)

Smoking is a risk factor for many diseases and has been increasingly prevalent in economically developing regions of the world. We aimed to estimate the number of deaths attributable to smoking in China.We conducted a large, prospective cohort study in a nationally representative sample of 169,871 Chinese adults who were 40 years of age or older. Investigators for the China National Hypertension Survey collected data on smoking and other risk factors at a baseline examination in 1991 using a standard protocol. Follow-up evaluation was conducted in 1999 and 2000, with a response rate of 93.4%. We used multivariable-adjusted relative risk, prevalence of smoking, mortality, and population size in each age group, stratified according to sex, to calculate the number of deaths attributable to smoking in 2005.There was a significant, dose-response association between pack-years smoked and death from any cause in both men and women after adjustment for multiple risk factors (P<0.001 for trend). We estimated that in 2005, a total of 673,000 deaths (95% confidence interval [CI], 564,700 to 781,400) were attributable to smoking in China: 538,200 (95% CI, 455,800 to 620,600) among men and 134,800 (95% CI, 108,900 to 160,800) among women. The leading causes of smoking-related deaths were as follows: cancer, 268,200 (95% CI, 214,500 to 321,900); cardiovascular disease, 146,200 (95% CI, 79,200 to 213,100); and respiratory disease, 66,800 (95% CI, 20,300 to 113,300).Our study documents that smoking is a major risk factor for mortality in China. Continued strengthening of national programs and initiatives for smoking prevention and cessation is needed to reduce smoking-related deaths in China.
Persistent ascites and low serum sodium identify patients with cirrhosis and low MELD scores who are at high risk for early death
Authors: Douglas M. Heuman, Souheil G. Abou-assi, Adil Habib, Leslie M. Williams, R. Todd Stravitz, Arun J. Sanyal, Robert A. Fisher, Anastasios A. Mihas
Journal: Hepatology (2004)

Despite the adoption of "sickest first" liver transplantation, pretransplant death remains common, and many early deaths occur despite initially low Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores. From 1997–2003, we studied 507 cirrhotic United States veterans referred for consideration of liver transplantation to identify additional predictors of early mortality. Most of the patients were male (98%) with cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C and/or alcohol (88%). Data for 296 patients referred prior to February 27, 2002 (training group), were analyzed; findings were validated in 211 patients referred subsequently (validation group). In the training group, 61 patients (21%) died within 180 days without transplantation; their median initial MELD score was 21. MELD score, persistent ascites, and low serum sodium (< 135 meq/L) were independent predictors of early mortality. In patients with a MELD score of less than 21, only low serum sodium and persistent ascites were independent predictors of mortality; for MELD scores above 21, only MELD was independently predictive. Prognostic significance of persistent ascites and low serum sodium for low MELD score patients was confirmed in the validation group. Risk varied continuously with worsening hyponatremia. Modifying MELD, by including points for persistent ascites and low serum sodium, improved prediction of early pretransplant mortality in low MELD score patients. In conclusion, persistent ascites and low serum sodium identify patients with cirrhosis with high mortality risk despite low MELD scores. Ascites, hyponatremia, and other findings indicative of hemodynamic decompensation merit further prospective study as prognostic indicators in patients awaiting liver transplantation, and should be considered in setting minimal listing criteria. Supplementary material for this article can be found on the Hepatology website (http://interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0270–9139/suppmat/index.html). (Hepatology 2004;40:802-810).
The generation of DNA single-strand breaks during the reduction of chromate by ascorbic acid and/or glutathione in vitro.
Authors: A Kortenkamp, P O'Brien
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (1994)

The potential role of iron and copper and the involvement of hydroxyl radicals in the DNA cleavage caused by chromate and glutathione (GSH) has been investigated. We have also studied the ability of chromate, on reaction with ascorbate as well as in mixed solutions of ascorbate and GSH, to cause DNA strand breaks. In both fully demetalated and conventional (i.e., metal contaminated) systems, chromate and GSH induced similar numbers of DNA strand breaks. This observation suggests that traces of iron or copper contaminating the reaction mixtures do not play a major role in the DNA cleavage caused by chromate and GSH. A series of hydroxyl radical scavengers exhibited a protective influence on the induction of DNA strand breaks. However, glucose and sucrose, both strong hydroxyl radical scavengers, showed no concentration-dependent inhibition of DNA cleavage. Competition kinetics studies yielded apparent rate constants that were not consistent with hydroxyl radicals being the species responsible for DNA strand breaks. Ascorbate in combination with chromate was also found to induce strand breaks in DNA; this damage could be attributed to reactive intermediates generated during the reduction. When mixed systems of ascorbate and GSH in the presence of chromate were investigated, there were clearly interactions between the two reductants.
"Parasite and Host."
Authors: Geo. M. Gould
Journal: JAMA (1896)

Philadelphia, Nov. 16, 1896. <h3>To the Editor:</h3> —Your editorial entitled "Parasite and Host" in your issue of November 14 should be read, pondered and inwardly digested by every member of the American profession. I can heartily subscribe to every word of it so far as relates to one publishing house. It is, however, gratifying to know that medical publishers are generally not guilty of the (medical) sin you so justly stigmatize, and that as a rule they are either sufficiently courteous or politic to recognize their duty to the medical profession. In this connection it is espeally noteworthy that I have heard nothing of any disinclination upon the part of the one publishing firm which pays its contributors for articles published in its journals. How much more astonishing therefore is the stand taken by our publisher who pays contributors nothing ("not even reprints" ), that the matter and illustrations of articles
Introduction of Elizabeth G. Nabel
Authors: Eugene Braunwald
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2014)

Conflict of interest: The author has declared that no conflict of interest exists.



Citation for this article:J Clin Invest. 2014;124(7):2827–2831. doi:10.1172/JCI77276.



This article is adapted from a presentation at the ASCI/AAP Joint Meeting, Chicago, Illinois, USA, April 26, 2014.
Abstract 1968: Breast cancer cells escape from chemotherapy and hypoxia by distinct mechanisms
Authors: Siobhan O'Brien, Liang Chen, Wenyan Zhong, Douglas Armellino, Maximillian Follettie, Marc Damelin
Journal: Cancer Research (2014)

Abstract Cancer relapse following treatment remains a significant barrier to achieving cures for many patients. An emerging framework for addressing this problem focuses on cancer stem cells (CSCs). Clinical and preclinical data suggest that CSCs survive chemotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy. In breast cancer, CSCs are marked by the cell surface expression of CD44, the major receptor for hyaluronic acid. The SKBR3 cell line was previously shown to be a clinically relevant model of breast CSCs in vivo, and we have further developed this model to enable mechanistic studies of tumor relapse in vitro. We found that chemotherapy and hypoxia both enriched for CD44hi populations in SKBR3, but surprisingly, the populations were phenotypically distinct. CD44hi cells from chemotherapy but not hypoxia exhibited increased tumor cell growth and increased sensitivity to the CSC-specific inhibitor salinomycin, compared to CD44lo cells. To examine these CD44hi and CD44lo populations further, we performed transcriptional profiling with sorted cells. We found that the growth factor TGF beta-2 was upregulated in chemotherapy-treated CD44hi cells and also enhanced the growth of these cells, which suggests that TGF beta-2 autocrine/paracrine signaling can promote the growth of surviving cells. We also observed an increase in xCT (SLC7A11) expression upon chemotherapy treatment and identified the CD44v8-10 variant expressed in the CD44hi SKBR3. CD44v could therefore stabilize xCT and promote survival by lowering intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). We have also established a functional role for CD44 in SKBR3 cell growth: CD44 knockdown prevented colony formation, and conversely the CD44 ligand hyaluronic acid enhanced colony formation. These findings indicate that CD44 not only marks CSC populations that arise in response to chemotherapy but also functions in their survival. Our work suggests that mechanisms of tumor relapse vary based on the particular therapy, and defining these mechanisms will allow for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to enable long-term responses in the clinic. Citation Format: Siobhan O'Brien, Liang Chen, Wenyan Zhong, Douglas Armellino, Maximillian Follettie, Marc Damelin. Breast cancer cells escape from chemotherapy and hypoxia by distinct mechanisms. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1968. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1968
The unmet need
Authors: B. Lieberman
Journal: BMJ (2001)

When a man discovers his infertility, the shock, pain, and sense of failure are enormous. He is emotionally traumatised and grief stricken. One courageous man asked to meet others who were also unable to father a child. He identified the need for men to express their thoughts and feelings.

> One man locked himself away and did not speak to anyone for days 

The response to the men's group has been overwhelming. Each group meets for six sessions on Friday afternoons. This time, chosen by the men, is important, as they have to interrupt busy careers and schedules to give themselves an opportunity to meet.

One man had a burning need to talk. The group listened intently and, through the bravado of laughter, the group understood the underlying abject pain. This has become important: to tell, to be listened to, to be heard, to be acknowledged, and to be supported through the grieving process. Another was very quiet. He was encouraged by the group to …
Cholesterol Lowering and the Reduction of Coronary Heart Disease Risk
Authors: Basil M. Rifkind
Journal: JAMA (1986)

Cholesterol is an essential yet potentially dangerous molecule. As recently described by Brown and Goldstein<sup>1</sup>in their Nobel Laureate lecture, the very property of cholesterol that makes it essential in cell membranes, namely, its absolute insolubility in water, also makes it potentially lethal. When it accumulates in the arterial wall it cannot be readily mobilized, and its presence eventually leads to the development of an atherosclerotic plaque and its sequelae. Brown and Goldstein also described the potential for errant cholesterol deposition to be aggravated by its dangerous tendency to exchange passively between blood lipoproteins and cell membranes. To transport cholesterol safely in the blood, its concentration must be kept sufficiently low and its tendency to escape from the bloodstream must be controlled. The serious consequences of high cholesterol concentrations are readily apparent in familial hypercholesterolemia (FHC). Fortunately, its homozygous form is rare: one in 1 million in the population.
Positive inotropic effects of NO donors in isolated guinea-pig and human cardiomyocytes independent of NO species and cyclic nucleotides
Authors: D Sarkar
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2000)

Objective: To characterise the inotropic response of isolated myocytes to a range of structurally unrelated NO donors and to assess the role of NO release kinetics, NO species and cyclic nucleotides in mediating the observed changes. Method: Guinea-pig (GP) and human myocytes were prepared by enzymatic digestion. Paced contractile amplitude was recorded at 37°C. NO release was measured by reduction of oxyhaemoglobin and using an NO electrode. Cyclic nucleotides were measured using a tritium labelled competitive binding assay. Results: The NO donors S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and diethylamine/NO (DEA/NO) produced positive inotropic effects in GP myocytes at (10−5 M) (25 and 111% increases of contraction amplitude).The response to GSNO was significantly enhanced in the presence of a low concentration of isoprenaline (3×10−10 M). Positive inotropy was observed with a range of both thiol and non-thiol donors, amongst which a fast rate of NO release was associated with positive inotropy. The response to GSNO was abolished by the free NO scavenger oxyhaemoglobin, but not by ODQ (soluble guanylyl cyclase [sGC] inhibitor), Rp-cAMPS (protein kinase A inhibitor) or thapsigargin (sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ uptake blocker). Direct measurement of cyclic nucleotides showed a rise in cGMP but not cAMP. Human ventricular myocytes showed a significant increase of contraction with GSNO (48±15.8%, n = 7, P<0.05) in the presence of isoprenaline and a marked response to DEA/NO alone. Conclusions: Isolated GP and human myocytes show a positive inotropic effect with certain NO donors. This is independent of sGC and cAMP. The rate of NO release from donors appears important in mediating the effect.
The London stroke strategy
Authors: N. Losseff, D. Ames, G. Cloud, G. Cluckie, P. Gompertz, B. Grant, H. Markus, M. M Brown
Journal: BMJ (2009)

Sudlow and Warlow assume that the benefits of the proposed hyperacute stroke units (HASUs) in London are limited to the delivery of thrombolysis.1 However, the aims are to provide all patients with stroke with emergency assessment from specialists in acute stroke, cost effective brain imaging,2 and a high dependency unit environment for physiological monitoring and active intervention. …
Use of Pulse Oximetry for Assessing Ulnar Collateral Flow
Authors: James A. Kruse
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1996)

Letters15 September 1996Use of Pulse Oximetry for Assessing Ulnar Collateral FlowJames A. Kruse, MDJames A. Kruse, MDWayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-125-6-199609150-00037 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail TO THE EDITOR:O'Mara and Sullivan [1] report the anecdotal use of pulse oximetry for evaluating collateral patency before radial artery cannulation, and they propose that the technique be called the Sullivan test. Other reports on this use of finger pulse oximetry and pulse transduction have been published, and there is a potentially important distinction between the two methods.Fuhrman and colleagues [2] found that finger plethysmography could detect abnormal circulatory patterns but that significant changes in blood flow in the hand did not result in decreased oxyhemoglobin saturation as assessed by pulse oximetry. They concluded that “plethysmography can be ...References1. O'Mara K, Sullivan B. A simple bedside test to identify ulnar collateral flow [Letter]. Ann Intern Med. 1995; 123:637. Google Scholar2. Fuhrman TM, Pippin WD, Talmadge LA, Reilley TE. Evaluation of collateral circulation of the hand. J Clin Monit. 1992; 8:28-32. Google Scholar3. Glavin RJ, Jones HM. Assessing collateral circulation in the hand—four methods compared. Anaesthesia. 1989; 44:594-5. Google Scholar4. Williams T, Schenken JR. Radial artery puncture and the Allen test. Ann Intern Med. 1987; 106:164-5. Google Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: James A. Kruse, MDAffiliations: Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201 PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics 15 September 1996Volume 125, Issue 6Page: 522KeywordsArteriesBlood flowCannulationHeart ratePulse oximetry ePublished: 15 August 2000 Issue Published: 15 September 1996 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 1996 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF downloadLoading ...
Prediction of postpartum onset of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: T. Iijima, H. Tada, Y. Hidaka, A. Yagoro, N. Mitsuda, T. Kanzaki, Y. Murata, N. Amino
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1998)

<h3>OBJECTIVE</h3> To investigate the prediction of the postpartum onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). <h3>METHODS</h3> Two thousand five hundred and forty seven healthy pregnant subjects were examined prospectively and the relation between serum rheumatoid factors (RF) and postpartum onset of RA was observed. Rheumatoid factors were measured in early pregnancy by the antihuman IgG latex agglutination test (Latex test) and antirabbit IgG haemagglutination test (RAHA test). <h3>RESULTS</h3> Latex test and RAHA test were positive in 26 (1.0%) and 64 (2.5%) pregnant subjects, respectively. Four hundred and ten subjects of 2547 pregnant women could be followed up for one year after delivery. None of 401 subjects without RF, or with only one RF on either Latex test or RAHA test, developed RA after delivery. Two (22.2%) of nine subjects with both RFs developed RA at one and three months postpartum, respectively. Transient arthralgia was found within 12 months postpartum in three of nine (33.3%) subjects with both RFs and this prevalence was significantly higher than that in RF negative subjects (8.1%). <h3>CONCLUSION</h3> Postpartum onset of RA was found in at least 2 of 2547 healthy subjects (0.08%) and onset was predicted by positive test for rheumatoid factors.
Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Function in Aborigines from Tropical Western Australia
Authors: PETER R. BREMNER, NICHOLAS H. de KLERK, GERARD F. RYAN, ALAN L. JAMES, MICHAEL MUSK, CATHERINE MURRAY, PETER N. LE SÖUEF, SALLY YOUNG, RANDOLPH SPARGO, A. WILLIAM MUSK
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (1998)

To estimate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, smoking, and atopy in a population of Australians of Aboriginal descent (AAD), to determine the association of these and other factors with lung function, and to compare levels of lung function of AAD with Australians of European descent (AED) according to age and height, and to explore reasons for their differences, we conducted a study of 96 male (41 of whom were under 18 yr of age) and 111 female (48 of whom were under 18 yr of age) AAD living in a single remote tropical community in 1993. This population provided data on age, height, and lung function. A modified British Medical Research Council (MRC) questionnaire on respiratory symptoms and smoking was administered. FEV1, FVC, height, age, and bronchial responsiveness to inhaled methacholine were measured. Atopic status was assessed by skin prick tests for eight common allergens. Age- and sex-adjusted lung function was similar to that of other AAD groups and lower than in AED. For children, lung function increased less with increasing height in AAD than in AED. Lung function was reduced in adult AAD as compared with adult AED, although it was not possible to determine statistically whether lung function started to decline at an earlier age or declined faster with increasing age in AAD. A history of asthma, smoking, dyspnea, cough, or sputum production; atopic status; and increased bronchial responsiveness were all associated with lower levels of lung function. Differences in lung function between AAD and AED appear to be determined by characteristics that may be inherited, as well as by adverse external influences.
778-3 Better Vessel Status with Less Reocclusion at 3 Months as Additional Mechanism for Improved Outcome of Primary Angioplasty for Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Gerrit Veen, Menko Jan de Boer, Felix Zijlstra, Freek W.A. Verheugt
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (1995)
Contempo '81. Diagnostic radiology
Authors: H. G. Jacobson
Journal: JAMA (1981)

Dramatic advances in diagnostic radiology have continued during the past year, affecting substantially the practice of medicine in many vital areas. Primarily, these advances lie in interventional radiology, ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), nuclear radiology, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), positron-emission tomography (PET), and computed digital radiography (CDR). Because of limitations of space only a brief description of the more important innovative developments and their clinical applications will be included. Technical details are kept to a minimum. <h3>Interventional Radiology</h3><h3>Angioplasty.—</h3> Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty permits compression of atherosclerotic plaques in an artery by a balloon of fixed diameter, thus enlarging the arterial lumen and increasing blood flow at the site of obstruction. Balloon angioplasty is used currently with considerable success in stenoses (short occlusions) of the renal, iliac, and femoral arteries. Complications are few and are readily managed by the vascular surgeon when they do occur. Angioplasty of the coronary arteries is still
Blockade of Brain ‘Ouabain’ Prevents the Impairment of Baroreflexes in Rats After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Bing S. Huang, Baoxue Yuan, Frans H. H. Leenen
Journal: Circulation (1997)

Background The purpose of this study was to test whether increased brain “ouabain” contributes to impairment of both arterial and cardiopulmonary baroreceptor reflexes in congestive heart failure (CHF). Methods and Results Two to 5 days after coronary artery ligation (MI) or sham surgery in male Wistar rats, chronic intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion was started with either antibody Fab fragments, which bind ouabain and related steroids with high affinity, or γ-globulins as control (200 μg · 12 μL −1 · d −1 for both) with osmotic minipumps implanted subcutaneously. After 8 weeks of infusion, in conscious rats, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), central venous pressure (CVP), and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) were recorded at rest and in response to ramp changes in blood pressure (BP) induced by intravenous phenylephrine and nitroprusside and to changes in CVP elicited by acute volume expansion with 5% dextrose. Compared with sham rats, in MI rats with ICV γ-globulins, resting MAP was significantly lower and CVP increased, and both arterial and cardiopulmonary baroreflex control of RSNA and HR were attenuated. ICV Fab fragments prevented the decrease in resting BP and largely prevented impairment of arterial and cardiopulmonary baroreflex control of both RSNA and HR. Conclusions These data indicate that increased brain ouabain plays a major role in the impairment of baroreflexes in rats with CHF after myocardial infarction.