tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule to porcine interposition vein grafts.
Authors: S J Chen, J M Wilson, D W Muller
Journal: Circulation (1994)

BACKGROUND The efficacy of aorto-coronary vein grafting is limited by early graft thrombosis and accelerated graft atherosclerosis. Direct adenovirus-mediated transfer of genes encoding inhibitory proteins may prevent or slow progression of vein graft disease. METHODS AND RESULTS Recombinant adenoviruses containing the cDNA for the marker gene lacZ (Ad.CMVlacZ) or soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM) (Ad.CB-sVCAM) were used to infect segments of porcine jugular vein or human saphenous vein. Ex vivo testing showed expression of the introduced genes after incubation with Ad.CMVlacZ or Ad.CBsVCAM for periods from 1 to 24 hours, with an increase in transfection efficiency with increasing incubation time. Porcine jugular veins were then interposed as vascular grafts in the carotid arteries of four juvenile farm pigs after ex vivo gene transfer by incubation for 90 to 120 minutes with Ad.CMVlacZ or Ad.CBsVCAM. sVCAM-transfected carotid vein grafts were placed on one side and lacZ transfected veins were placed contralaterally as controls. Three days later, the vein graft segments were resected. Expression of the lacZ gene was confirmed by X-Gal chromagen staining and visualization by light and transmission electron microscopy. Gene expression was apparent in all layers of the vein graft wall, with prominent staining in the adventitia. sVCAM expression was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that ex vivo gene transfer before vein grafting is feasible using a replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus and results in a high level of gene expression in vivo. The potential for this approach to prevent early vein graft thrombosis or accelerated vein graft atherosclerosis requires further evaluation.
Essential Nutrients: Food or Supplements?
Authors: Alice H Lichtenstein, Robert M Russell
Journal: JAMA (2005)

The consumption of adequate levels and proper balance of essential nutrients is critical for maintaining health. The identification, isolation, and purification of nutrients in the early 20th century raised the possibility that optimal health outcomes could be realized through nutrient supplementation. Recent attempts using this approach for cardiovascular disease and lung cancer have been disappointing, as demonstrated with vitamin E and beta carotene. Moreover, previously unrecognized risks caused by nutrient toxicity and nutrient interactions have surfaced during intervention studies. The most promising data in the area of nutrition and positive health outcomes relate to dietary patterns, not nutrient supplements. These data suggest that other factors in food or the relative presence of some foods and the absence of other foods are more important than the level of individual nutrients consumed. Finally, unknown are the implications on public health behavior of shifting the emphasis away from food toward nutrient supplements. Notwithstanding the justification for targeting recommendations for nutrient supplements to certain segments of the population (eg, the elderly), there are insufficient data to justify an alteration in public health policy from one that emphasizes food and diet to one that emphasizes nutrient supplements.
Double-blind trial of deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in gastric ulcer
Authors: A. Engqvist, F. Von Feilitzen, E. Pyk, H. Reichard
Journal: Gut (1973)

In order to investigate further the reported beneficial effect of deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in gastric ulcer, a trial with a double-blind, cross-over design was performed. The patients were treated during two consecutive periods of four weeks each with either liquorice extract during the first period and placebo during the second or placebo during the first period and liquorice during the second. Only patients with chronic ulcer disease were accepted for the trial. The dosage of the liquorice extract was 760 mg three times daily. During the first period 38 patients with 47 ulcers in the ventricle and during the second period 30 patients with 36 ulcers took part in the trial. The patients9 sex, age, site of the ulcer in the ventricle, and ulcer size in the groups treated with liquorice and placebo during periods I and II were similar. Nor could any difference be shown between the groups treated with liquorice and placebo with respect to heredity, duration of ulcer disease, alcohol consumption, smoking, or the use of drugs. There was no tendency to quicker healing in either group as regards change of ulcer area or complete healing. Small ulcers healed more quickly than big ones. Ulcers at the angulus healed very poorly. No side effects of treatment were observed. Our study was not able to demonstrate any healing effect of the liquorice extract (Caved-S) on gastric ulcer.
The synergistic effects of microfracture, perforated decalcified cortical bone matrix and adenovirus-bone morphogenetic protein-4 in cartilage defect repair
Authors: Xin Zhang, Zhuozhao Zheng, Ping Liu, Yong Ma, Lin Lin, Ning Lang, Xin Fu, Jiying Zhang, Kangtao Ma, Ping Chen, Chunyan Zhou, Yingfang Ao
Journal: Biomaterials (2008)
The Absolute Basophil Count
Authors: Walter B. Shelley
Journal: JAMA (1965)

The basophil leukocyte rarely enters into clinical thinking, since it is usually absent from the differential count. However, a determination of the absolute basophil count (ABC) can provide significant information. The present report describes a new technique for the ABC which gives reproducible counts coupled with excellent visualization of the cell morphology. A count of over 50/cu mm is often a sign of allergic<i>sensitization</i>, whereas a count below 20 regularly accompanies allergic<i>reactions</i>. Basophilia is found in association with myxedema, colitis, polycythemia vera, and myeloid leukemia, as well as in the sensitized individual. Conversely, basopenia occurs in hyperthyroidism, pituitary basophilism (Cushing's disease), and stress reactions, and may follow prolonged steroid therapy, as well as the immediate allergic reaction itself.
Screening and Intervention for Intimate Partner Abuse
Authors: Michael A. Rodriguez, Heidi M. Bauer, Elizabeth McLoughlin, Kevin Grumbach
Journal: JAMA (1999)

ContextAlthough practice guidelines encouraging the screening of patients for intimate partner abuse have been available for several years, it is unclear how well and in which circumstances physicians adhere to them.ObjectiveTo describe the practices and perceptions of primary care physicians regarding intimate partner abuse screening and interventions.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsCross-sectional survey of a stratified probability sample of 900 physicians practicing family medicine, general internal medicine, and obstetrics/gynecology in California. After meeting exclusion criteria, 582 were eligible for participation in the study.Main Outcome MeasureReported abuse screening practices in a variety of clinic settings, based on a 24-item questionnaire, with responses compared by physician sex, practice setting, and intimate partner abuse training.ResultsSurveys were completed by 400 (69%) of the 582 eligible physicians, including 149 family physicians, 115 internists, and 136 obstetrician/gynecologists. Data were weighted to estimate the practices of primary care physicians in California. An estimated majority (79%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 75%-83%) of these primary care physicians routinely screen injured patients for intimate partner abuse. However, estimated routine screening was less common for new patient visits (10%; 95% CI, 7%-13%), periodic checkups (9%; 95% CI, 6%-12%), and prenatal care (11%; 95% CI, 7%-15%). Neither physician sex nor recent intimate partner abuse training had significant effects on reported new patient screening practices. Obstetrician/gynecologists (17%) and physicians practicing in public clinic settings (37%) were more likely to screen new patients. Internists (6%) and physicians practicing in health maintenance organizations (1%) were least likely to screen new patients. Commonly reported routine interventions included relaying concern for safety (91%), referral to shelters (79%) and counseling (88%), and documentation in the medical chart (89%). Commonly cited barriers to identification and referral included the patients' fear of retaliation (82%) and police involvement (55%), lack of patient disclosure (78%) and follow-up (52%), and cultural differences (56%).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that primary care physicians are missing opportunities to screen patients for intimate partner abuse in a variety of clinical situations. Further studies are needed to identify effective intervention strategies and improve adherence to intimate partner abuse practice guidelines.
Separation of concanavalin A-induced human suppressor and helper T cells by the autologous erythrocyte rosette technique.
Authors: T Sakane, M Honda, Y Taniguchi, H Kotani
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1981)

Very few normal human peripheral blood T cells are capable of binding autologous erythrocytes to form rosettes, whereas in the T cell population activated by concanavalin A (Con A) the autorosette levels are markedly enhanced. Fractionation of the Con A-activated T cells with autologous erythrocytes into autorosetting and nonrosetting cells demonstrates that suppressor, but not helper, activity resides in the autorosetting population, whereas the reverse is true of the nonrosetting population. Both these activities are found to be Con A dependent. The Con A-induced human suppressor cells can be identified and separated from the Con A-induced human helper cells by the autorosette technique. Studies on the surface properties of autorosetting and nonrosetting T cells indicate that there is little correlation between the activated suppressor and helper T cell subsets defined by autorosette technique and either those defined by monoclonal antibodies (which are able to distinguish these subsets in the resting but not activated T cells) or those defined by Fc receptors. Since the autorosetting T cell population (which acts as suppressor cells) bears receptors for peanut agglutinin, the nature of Con A-induced human suppressor cells appears to be analogous to that of Con A-induced murine suppressor cells.
Why I practise in Montpelier
Authors: S. Cembrowicz
Journal: BMJ (1998)

Twenty four years ago I returned to Bristol after a spell abroad. Despite spectacular Canadian earnings, and the call of the wilderness, I hankered after English city life. A pub nearby, the arts centre handy, good bookshops, the harmonising effect of Georgian architecture. My Canadian savings were just enough to buy a small Georgian terraced house in Montpelier. Married life started out there, in an area described (then and now) as “up and coming.” I was an assistant “with a view” in another part of town; but the view became increasingly cloudy, (as through a glass darkly) and I was delighted to meet an old friend in the street who mentioned that a partnership was vacant in Montpelier.

The practice was sited in an 1850s building, which had been a doctor's house since it was built. Traces remained of a carriage sweep, and the house—though a victim of planners' blight—contained a sound family practice, with an extended role practice sister, and strong links with the local health visitors. There was also a long disused …
NICE estimates that its recommendations have cost the NHS pound575m
Authors: S. Mayor
Journal: BMJ (2002)

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE)—the organisation set up to give guidance on the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of drugs and other interventions—is providing a good model for open consultation on matters of public interest, its chief executive claimed last week.

In the two and a half years it has been operating, NICE has published appraisals on a wide range of interventions'starting in March 2000 with an appraisal of the removal of wisdom teeth and including artificial joints in hip surgery and drugs and surgery for obesity. Last week it published its 50th technology appraisal.

Andrew Dillon, the institute's chief executive, said its consultation process had evolved over time, with full publication of all consultation documents on …
Erythrocytosis with Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Dean A. Emanuel
Journal: JAMA (1963)

<h3>To the Editor:</h3> —We were not aware of the report described by Dr. Hopper at the time we submitted our article in April of 1961. We have tried to obtain it through the University of Wisconsin Library, but have been informed that these proceedings have just been printed. We are pleased that others have observed the phenomena of erythrocytosis associated with the nephrotic syndrome. <h3>Letter Reminders</h3> Contributions to Letters to the Journal are reviewed according to the same standards as other contributions. Manuscripts should be typewritten, double-spaced, and should not exceed 250 words in length. Unsigned letters cannot be published.
748. Quantitative Comparison of the Intracellular Trafficking and Expression Pattern of the Exogenous Genes between the Adenovirus and Artificial Vector
Authors: Susumu Hama, Hidetaka Akita, Rie Ito, Hiroyuki Mizuguchi, Takao Hayakawa, Hideyoshi Harashima
Journal: Molecular Therapy (2005)

Top of pageAbstract
Purpose: Despite great advantages such as low immunogenicity and cytotoxicity, in general, the utility of an artificial vector is hampered because trans-gene expression of artificial vectors is less efficient than that of viral one. To improve the artificial vectors to the comparable level of the viral ones in terms of the trans-gene expression, we must comprehend why and to what extent artificial vectors are inferior to the viral ones. Here, we quantitatively compared the cellular uptake and following intracellular trafficking of exogenous DNA transfected by adenovirus (Ad) and LipofectAMINE PLUS (LFN), highly potent and widely used virus and artificial vectors, respectively.

Methods: Trans-gene expression by both vectors was quantified by luciferase assay. The intracellular distribution of the exogenous genes (i.e. endosome/lysosome, cytosol and nucleus) was evaluated in terms of the number of the luciferase gene copies by combination of real time PCR and recently developed technique of confocal image-assisted 3-dimensionally integrated quantification (CIDIQ). In brief, total cellular uptake of exogenous DNA transfected by Ad and LFN is quantified by real time PCR. In LFN, Fraction of DNA in cytosol, endosomes/ lysosomes (end/lys) or nucleus is estimated by CIDIQ. In Ad, nuclear DNA was first assessed by nuclear isolation followed by real time PCR and the distribution of Ad in cytosol or end/lys is estimated by CIDIQ.

Results: At 1hr post-transfection, both Ad and LFN were found at nucleus. Futhermore, Consistent with the rapid nuclear delivery of the DNA, trans-gene expression was observed within 3hr and the time profiles of the trans-gene expression were quite comparable thereafter. However, LFN needs approximately three orders of magnitude more gene copies in the culture medium than that of Ad to achieve the comparable level trans-gene expression. The efficiency of cellular uptake in LFN was significantly higher than in Ad. However, once taken up into cell, nuclear fraction of Ad was significantly higher than that of pDNA transfected by LFN, considering that the efficiency of endosomal escape was about comparable in both vectors, the potential of Ad to deliver the its DNA from cytosol to the nucleus is higher than that of LFN. Moreover, LFN needs three orders of magnitude more intra-nuclear gene copies to exhibit the comparable trans-gene expression to the Ad. In other words, pDNA transfected by LFN need much larger amount of gene copies than Ad to represent a comparable level of trans-gene expression.

Conclusion: The differences of transfection efficiency between Ad and LFN were derived from the differences of the nuclear translocation and especially transcriptional processes. Improving these process would lead to the development of high efficient gene vector.
Weapons for Protection in Home Invasion Crimes-Reply
Authors: Arthur L. Kellermann
Journal: JAMA (1996)

<h3>In Reply.</h3> —We used Atlanta Police Department offense reports to analyze 198 episodes of unwanted entry into occupied homes. We found that a firearm was used for self-protection in only a small minority of cases (1.5%). Indeed, the intruder got to the homeowner's gun more often than the homeowner did (six cases vs three). We cautioned that these results should be considered preliminary, and we recommended further research to determine whether similar circumstances and outcomes occur in other types of housing and in other communities. Mr Fotis suggests that police offense reports are an unreliable source of information about key events surrounding home invasion crimes. I disagree. Offense reports are legal documents used to guide criminal investigations and subsequent prosecution. Both Fotis and Dr Suter are critical of the fact that our study was restricted to single-family dwellings. More than 62 million Americans (25% of the US population) live in
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Jeanne M. Clark, Anna Mae Diehl
Journal: JAMA (2003)

Cryptogenic cirrhosis is a common cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality in the United States. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now recognized as the most common cause of cryptogenic cirrhosis. However, the diagnosis of cirrhosis in patients with NAFLD appears to be delayed compared with those with other chronic liver diseases and thus carries a higher mortality rate. This delay in diagnosis is illustrated in our case of a 53-year-old man who presented with hepatic hydrothorax and ascites, whose workup revealed cirrhosis due to NAFLD. Although a diagnosis of presumed NAFLD can be made noninvasively, a definitive diagnosis requires a liver biopsy specimen. A biopsy specimen is also important for detecting histologically advanced disease, which may be clinically silent and undetected by aminotransferases or diagnostic imaging. Although there are no proven treatments, recommendations for patients with NAFLD include avoidance of hepatotoxins and aggressive management of associated conditions, such as hypertriglyceridemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Gallium Accumulation in the Stomach
Authors: HEBER MacMAHON, CARL VYBORNY, SHAROOZ SEPHARDARI, PETER KIRCHNER, JAMES RYAN
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (1985)

Accumulation of tracer by the stomach is a frequent incidental occurrence on gallium scans. Gastric concentration of Ga-67 equal to or greater than that seen in the liver was observed in approximately 10% of patients in a large series. Although a few of these patients had known or subsequently demonstrated gastric pathologic conditions, most had no clinically or radiographically identifiable gastric disease.
Molecular dosimetry of DNA and hemoglobin adducts in mice and rats exposed to ethylene oxide.
Authors: V E Walker, T R Fennell, P B Upton, J P MacNeela, J A Swenberg
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (1993)

Experiments involving ethylene oxide (ETO) have been used to support the concept of using adducts in hemoglobin as a surrogate for DNA adducts in target tissues. The relationship between repeated exposures to ETO and the formation of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)valine (HEtVal) in hemoglobin and 7-(2-hydroxyethyl)guanine (7-HEG) in DNA was investigated in male rats and mice exposed by inhalation to 0, 3, 10, 33, or 100 ppm ETO for 6 hr/day for 4 weeks, or exposed to 100 ppm (mice) or 300 ppm (rats) for 1, 3, 5, 10, or 20 days (5 days/week). HEtVal was determined by Edman degradation, and 7-HEG was quantitated by HPLC separation and fluorescence detection. HEtVal formation was linear between 3 and 33 ppm ETO and increased in slope above 33 ppm. The dose-response curves for 7-HEG in rat tissues were linear between 10 and 100 ppm ETO and increased in slope above 100 ppm. In contrast, only exposures to 100 ppm ETO resulted in significant accumulation of 7-HEG in mice. Hemoglobin adducts were lost at a greater rate than predicted by normal erythrocyte life span. The loss of 7-HEG from DNA was both species and tissue dependent, with the adduct half-lives ranging from 2.9 to 5.8 days in rat tissues (brain, kidney, liver, lung, spleen, testis) and 1.0 to 2.3 days in all mouse tissues except kidney (t1/2 = 6.9 days). The concentrations of HEtVal were similar in concurrently exposed rats and mice, whereas DNA from rats had at least 2-fold greater concentrations of 7-HEG than DNA from mice.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Long-Term Follow-up Results in Children and Adolescents Treated with Radioactive Iodine (<sup>131</sup>I) for Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Ali M. Safa, O. Peter Schumacher, Antonio Rodriguez-Antunez
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1975)

To evaluate the long-term results of 131I therapy for children, we studied the course of 87 patients (three to 18 years old, 24 boys and 63 girls) treated from 1949 through 1968, for hyperthyroidism due to Graves's disease. Dose of 131I per patient ranged from 2.9 to 31 mCi (mean ± S.D., 9.75 ± 6.5). Patients were followed for five to 24 years (mean, 12.3±3.5). Hyperthyroidism was controlled in 85 within one to 14 months (mean, 3.3±2.6). Recurrence of thyrotoxicosis due to toxic diffuse goiter, observed in only one case after 11 years, was successfully re-treated with 131I. Reproductive history and health status of the progeny of 13lI-treated patients were not different from those of the general population. No deaths and no cancer or leukemia were observed in patients or their offspring. The major cause of goiter regrowth was Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Hypothyroidism developed in 35 of 76 patients (46 per cent). 131I deserves further use in treatment of hyperthyroid children with Graves's disease (N Engl J Med 292:167–171, 1975)
Race-Ethnic Differences in Factors Associated with Inhaled Steroid Adherence among Adults with Asthma
Authors: Karen Wells, Manel Pladevall, Edward L. Peterson, Janis Campbell, Mingqun Wang, David E. Lanfear, L. Keoki Williams
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2008)

Adherence to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) medication is known to be low overall, but tends to be lower among African-American patients when compared with white patients.To understand the factors that contribute to ICS adherence among African-American and white adults with asthma.Eligible individuals had a prior diagnosis of asthma, one or more ICS prescriptions, and were members of a large health maintenance organization in southeast Michigan. Individuals were sent a survey that included questions about internal factors (e.g., patient beliefs, knowledge, and motivation) and external factors (e.g., socioeconomic status, barriers to care, social support, and stressors) potentially related to ICS adherence. Adherence was calculated using electronic prescription and fill data. Stepwise regression was used to identify factors associated with adherence before and after stratifying by race-ethnicity.Surveys were returned by 1,006 (56.3%) of 1,787 eligible patients. Adjusting for internal factors, but not external factors, diminished the relationship between race-ethnicity and ICS adherence. Among African-American patients, readiness to take ICS medication was the only internal or external factor significantly associated with ICS adherence; it explained 5.6% of the variance in adherence. Among white patients, perceived ICS necessity, ICS knowledge, doctors being perceived as the source of asthma control, and readiness to take medication were the internal factors associated with ICS adherence; these accounted for 19.8% of the variance in adherence.Factors associated with ICS adherence appear to differ between African-American and white patients, suggesting that group-specific approaches are needed to improve adherence.