tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Activation of the WNT/β-Catenin Pathway Attenuates Experimental Emphysema
Authors: Nikolaus Kneidinger, Ali Önder Yildirim, Jens Callegari, Shinji Takenaka, Maria Magdalena Stein, Rio Dumitrascu, Alexander Bohla, Ken R. Bracke, Rory E. Morty, Guy G. Brusselle, Ralph Theo Schermuly, Oliver Eickelberg, Melanie Königshoff
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2010)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a devastating disease, for which no causal therapy is available.To characterize WNT/β-catenin signaling in COPD in humans and elucidate its potential role as a preventive and therapeutic target in experimental emphysema in mice.The expression, localization, and activity of WNT/β-catenin signaling was assessed in 12 COPD and 12 transplant donor samples using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. The role of WNT/β-catenin signaling was assessed in elastase- and cigarette smoke-induced emphysema and therapeutic modulation thereof in elastase-induced emphysema in TOPGAL reporter and wild-type mice in vivo.No differences in the mRNA expression profile of the main WNT/β-catenin signaling components were observed comparing COPD and donor lung homogenates. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed reduced numbers of nuclear β-catenin-positive alveolar epithelial cells in COPD. Similarly, WNT/β-catenin signaling was down-regulated in both experimental emphysema models. Preventive and therapeutic, WNT/β-catenin activation by lithium chloride attenuated experimental emphysema, as assessed by decreased airspace enlargement, improved lung function, reduced collagen content, and elevated expression of alveolar epithelial cell markers.Decreased WNT/β-catenin signaling is involved in parenchymal tissue destruction and impaired repair capacity in emphysema. These data indicate a crucial role of WNT/β-catenin signaling in lung repair mechanisms in vivo, and highlight WNT/β-catenin activation as a future therapeutic approach for emphysema.
Regional and geographical variations in infertility: effects of environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic factors.
Authors: R J Leke, J A Oduma, S Bassol-Mayagoitia, A M Bacha, K M Grigor
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (1993)

Fertility is affected by many different cultural, environmental, and socioeconomic factors, especially in developing countries where poverty and infections are commonplace. Environmental factors play a major role in infertility in Africa. One of the most important health problems in sub-Saharan Africa is the high rate of infertility and childlessness. The African society has a strong traditional heritage, and the study of the patterns of infertility in this part of the world would be incomplete without consideration of the sociocultural and environmental factors. The most cost-effective approach to solving the infertility problems in Africa is prevention and education. In Mexico, problems of reproductive health are associated with pregnancy in adolescents, sexually transmitted diseases and genitourinary neoplasms. Infertility affects 10% of couples, usually as a result of asymptomatic infection. Education, poverty, nutrition, and pollution are problems that must be tackled. The government has taken positive action in the State of São Paulo in Brazil, where gender discrimination is a major factor affecting women's health and reproductive outcomes. The implementation of new policies with adequate funding has resulted in marked improvements.
Nurse-led clinics reduce severity of childhood atopic eczema: a review of the literature
Authors: E. Moore, A. Williams, E. Manias, G. Varigos
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2006)

Background The increasing prevalence and impact of atopic eczema in children in Western countries such as Australia substantiate the need to evaluate the current management of this illness. It has been well documented that the most important aspects in the management of atopic eczema are to allow adequate time for education and demonstration of treatments. However, current models of healthcare funding restrict the opportunity for patient education during medical consultation times. The contribution of nursing to patient care through nurse-led clinics has significant potential in the management of many common chronic illnesses, although atopic eczema has received minimal attention by researchers to date. Objectives To discuss the current clinical management of atopic eczema, and to identify the evidence surrounding the benefits of nurse-led clinics in managing patients with chronic illnesses. Methods Systematic searches were undertaken using the Cochrane Library, MedLine, PUBMed and CINAHL from 1995 to 2005. Manual searches of references of retrieved articles identified two additional key studies from 1990 and 1993 which were also included in the review. Results In total, 22 relevant publications were identified. These included both primary research and descriptive studies that covered the medical management of eczema, patient education and improved patient outcomes. The evidence emerging from the literature indicates that the current management of eczema through doctor-led clinics could be improved, with doctors often lacking the time to offer sufficient patient education to manage chronic illnesses effectively. The literature supports the efficacy of nurse-led clinics in the management of chronic illnesses. The benefits of nurse-led clinics include increased patient satisfaction, longer consultations resulting in improved patient education and similar health outcomes when compared with care from a doctor. No studies were identified comparing nurse-led and doctor-led clinics in the management of eczema. Conclusions The most effective way to manage atopic eczema is to provide adequate time for education and demonstration of treatments, which the literature suggests can be achieved through nurse-led clinics. The literature review supports an investigation researching the outcomes of a nurse-led clinic on reducing the severity of eczema in children.
A winter of discontent
Authors: T. Jackson
Journal: BMJ (2013)

“The disconnect between the drug industry’s proclamations—of the ‘highest ethical standards,’ of ‘following . . . all legal requirements,’ and providing ‘most accurate information available regarding prescription medicines’—and the reality of the conduct of big pharma is vast.” So says Peter C Gotzsche, director of the Nordic Cochrane Centre, in his Personal View article this week (doi: 10.1136/bmj.e8462). His is an outspoken attack on drug company malfeasance, which he identifies as illegal marketing (the subject of a recent feature by Ed Silverman, BMJ 2013;346:f320), misrepresentation of research results, hiding data on harms, and—in the United States—Medicare and Medicaid fraud. Gotzsche says, “As the crimes were …
Genetics in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Authors: Edwin M. Gold
Journal: JAMA (1982)

<i>Genetics in Obstetrics and Gynecology</i>is not just another textbook on genetics. It presents practical and accurate information on genetics and teratology written expressly for the practicing obstetrician-gynecologist. Beginning with a lucid chapter on basic genetics, the text proceeds to discuss genetically determined disorders of clinical interest with emphasis on genetic counseling as relevant to obstetric and gynecologic practice. Contemporary antenatal diagnostic technology and genetic aspects of spontaneous abortion and twinning are well covered. Both clinical and genetic aspects of common gynecologic disorders, pelvic cancer, and disorders of sexual differentiation are discussed. Detailed chapters on potential human teratogens—radiation, ultrasound, and other physical agents, viruses and infectious agents, and drugs and environmental agents—are presented in detail. Overall, the book is a quality publication. It is well printed with a succinct and streamlined format that is both practical and clinically oriented. A voluminous bibliography with up-to-date references is included at the end
Tumours of the thymic region. Symptomatology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Authors: S Bertelsen, J Malmstrom, J Heerfordt, H Pedersen
Journal: Thorax (1975)

Fifty-three patients operated on between 1952 and 1971 were originally diagnosed as having thymoma. Re-examination of the material shows that only half of these tumours were true thymomas. The rest were classified as malignant lymphomas, primary and secondary carcinomas, and a few haemangiomas. Half of the patients had symptoms at the time of diagnosis. However, in half of the asymptomatic cases the tumours had penetrated the capsule. Decisive in prognosis are the macroscopic findings around the capsule. Of 33 patients with infiltration of the capsule, 30 had died at the time of investigation. Twenty-five patients died within two years of operation, Twenty-five patients had thymomas, of which 14 were well defined. Twelve patients with thymomas suffered from myasthenia gravis. The treatment of choice of thymoma is total excision, if necessary enbloc, and if there is penetration of the capsule, radiotherapy should be given. None of the patients with a well-defined thymoma had died from their tumour while only two patients with infiltrating thymomas are still alive, Of eight patients with Hodgkin's disease located in the thymus, six had penetration of the capsule, and of these only one patient is still alive. Two patients with well-defined tumours are both alive. The treatment of localized Hodgkin's disease is excision and irradiation. The prognosis for patients with other malignant tumours was bad, the mean time of survival being less than six months.
Heterogeneity of atopy. I. Clinical and immunologic characteristics of patients allergic to cypress pollen
Authors: J. Bousquet, J. Knani, A. Hejjaoui, R. Ferrando, P. Cour, H. Dhivert, F.‐B. Michel
Journal: Allergy (1993)

The heterogeneity of pollen‐allergic persons is well known but poorly characterized. Cypress is one of the major pollen‐producing plants of the Mediterranean area. A study was undertaken to characterize the symptoms presented by patients allergic to cypress pollen and the heterogeneity of the IgE immune response between patients allergic only to cypress pollen and those who are polysensitized. Eighty‐nine patients allergic to cypress pollen were studied, 26 being allergic only to cypress pollen. The IgE response was assessed by skin prick tests and the titration of serum total IgE and cypress‐specific IgE by RAST. Clinical reactivity was assessed by symptom scores during the cypress pollen season and skin tests. Pollen counts were obtained. The clinical reactivity was similar in both patient groups. Rhinitis was present in all patients, conjunctivitis in 73.7–88.5%, and asthma in only 7.4–19.2%. The age of onset of symptoms caused by cypress pollen allergy was significantly greater in patients allergic to cypress pollen only. Total serum IgE was within the normal range in the cypress pollen group and significantly lower than in the polysensitized groups. Cypress pollen RAST was higher in the polysensitized group. We concluded that conjunctivitis is particularly common in cypress pollen allergy. Patients allergic only to cypress pollen may be unique in their way of expressing serum total IgE levels.
Ethics, Mandated Choice, and Organ Donation
Authors: Ann Klassen
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1997)

Letters1 February 1997Ethics, Mandated Choice, and Organ DonationAnn Klassen, PhD and David K. Klassen, PhDAnn Klassen, PhDJohns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201Search for more papers by this author and David K. Klassen, PhDJohns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-126-3-199702010-00020 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail IN RESPONSE:We appreciate Dr. Meshkov's letter. As researchers and clinicians who work with persons awaiting renal transplantation, we are sympathetic to the difficulties that accompany the waiting list experience for patient and family.Because Dr. Meshkov asks others to understand his situation, however, we find it concerning that he expresses little compassion for families suffering an equally devastating event. His comment that “the usual reason for rejection involves some poorly defined religious principle” shows a lack of respect for families. If families cannot (or will not) articulate their spiritual beliefs to his satisfaction, it may be because they sense ... Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: Ann Klassen, PhD; David K. Klassen, PhDAffiliations: Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201 PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics 1 February 1997Volume 126, Issue 3Page: 251-252KeywordsAlcoholismDiabetes preventionHypertensionPrevention, policy, and public healthRenal transplantation ePublished: 15 August 2000 Issue Published: 1 February 1997 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 1997 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF downloadLoading ...
Evaluation of a novel tuberculosis complex-specific 34 kDa protein in the serological diagnosis of tuberculosis
Authors: M Amicosante, S Barnini, V Corsini, G Paone, None Read CA, PL Tartoni, M Singh, C Albera, A Bisetti, S Senesi, al. et
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1995)

Tuberculosis (TB) serological testing with antigen complexes, although very sensitive, is not always as specific due to reactive serum antibodies in patients with inactive TB or nontuberculous infections. Since the use of recombinant M. tuberculosis proteins may enhance specificity, this study was designed to evaluate a novel 34 kDa tuberculosis complex-specific protein as a component of an antigen panel of recombinant proteins. Seventy patients with active TB (41 positive and 29 negative for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in sputum) were evaluated, in comparison with 30 tuberculin purified protein derivative skin test positive (PPD+) and 30 PPD- normals, 20 subjects with inactive TB and 20 PPD+ subjects with nontuberculous pneumonia as controls. Serum antibody levels were quantified using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests with MS2-34, a fusion protein comprising the NH2-terminal 16 kDa of the 34 kDa protein, a recombinant 38 kDa protein (p38), and PPD. Using MS2-34 and p38 as an antigen panel in active TB patients yielded higher sensitivity and negative predictive value (sensitivity 86%; negative predictive value 91%) than using PPD (sensitivity 66%; negative predictive value 81%). Importantly, the MS2-34+p38 panel yielded a higher sensitivity (83%) than PPD (66%) in the subset of AFB- active TB patients. Thus, this novel protein increases sensitivity and specificity of serological testing for TB when used in panels of recombinant proteins.
Rapid improvement of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis with rapamycin therapy: Possible role of phospho-70-ribosomal-S6 kinase
Authors: Sundararaman Swaminathan, Jack L. Arbiser, Kim M. Hiatt, Whitney High, Sameh Abul-Ezz, Thomas D. Horn, Sudhir V. Shah
Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2010)
Cloning of a human nucleoside transporter implicated in the Cellular uptake of adenosine and chemotherapeutic drugs
Authors: Mark Griffiths, Nick Beaumont, Sylvia Y. M. Yao, Manickavasagam Sundaram, Christine E. Boumah, Anthony Davies, Francis Y. P. Kwong, Imogen Coe, Carol E. Cass, James D. Young, Stephen A. Baldwin
Journal: Nature Medicine (1997)
Potential False-positive In-111 Labeled Leukocyte Study in a Patient with Orthopedic Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: DONALD W. TREPASHKO, DAN G. PAVEL
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (1992)

The usefulness of In-111 leukocyte scintigraphy for infected orthopedic hip prostheses has been documented. Nevertheless, the potential for falsely interpreting a study as positive for infection exists when an In-111 leukocyte study is the only imaging modality performed. The normal pattern of In-111 leukocyte uptake is drastically altered after placement of the femoral component of a hip prosthesis. Within the marrow cavity, active cells are displaced or removed, leaving only isolated regions of normally functioning bone marrow. These, in turn, can generate isolated regions of pseudo-increased uptake that can be falsely interpreted as sites of infection. To avoid this, the authors recommend interpreting In-111 leukocyte scans in conjunction with a recent bone or marrow scan.
The auditory P300 event—related potential: An objective marker of the encephalopathy of chronic liver disease
Authors: Mark G. Davies, Michael J. Rowan, Padraig Macmathuna, Napoleon P. W. Keeling, Donald G. Weir, John Feely
Journal: Hepatology (1990)

Recently many variants of electroencephalogram-evoked responses have been studied as potential diagnostic aids in the detection and evaluation of hepatic encephalopathy. This study assesses the value of the auditory P300 event-related potential--a slow component of the auditory evoked response--as a tool in this field. Twenty-one nonencephalopathic and 12 encephalopathic (grade 1/2) cirrhotic patients and 26 controls were assessed clinically and psychometrically. Electroencephalogram spectral analysis and visual evoked response recordings were also conducted. An auditory P300 wave was elicited using the standard two-tone discrimination paradigm. The latency and amplitude of this wave were measured. The latency of the P300 was found to be significantly increased in the encephalopathic patients compared with both nonencephalopathic cirrhotic and control groups (p less than 0.05). Amplitude of the wave was decreased in both nonencephalopathic and encephalopathic patients, but this was not statistically significant. This study suggests that the latency of the P300 is a good marker of grades 1 and 2 clinical hepatic encephalopathy. The delays in the P300 latency may indicate that encephalopathic patients have a deterioration of their stimulus evaluation abilities.
Myocardial beta-adrenoceptor densityone month after acute myocardial infarctionpredicts left ventricular volumes at six months
Authors: Nicos Spyrou, Stuart D Rosen, Farzin Fath-Ordoubadi, Rohan Jagathesan, Rodney Foale, Jaspal S Kooner, Paolo G Camici
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2002)
Double-blind efficacy and safety study of a novel anti-ischemic agent, ranolazine, versus placebo in patients with chronic stable angina pectoris. Ranolazine Study Group.
Authors: U Thadani, M Ezekowitz, L Fenney, Y K Chiang
Journal: Circulation (1994)

BACKGROUND Ranolazine modulates the metabolism of ischemic myocardial cells and improves the efficiency of oxygen use. This study was conducted to evaluate the antianginal and anti-ischemic effects and safety of different doses of ranolazine administered three times daily (tid) compared with placebo in patients with stable angina pectoris. METHODS AND RESULTS Patients with stable angina pectoris took part in the study. Previous antianginal drugs were discontinued under medical supervision. Three hundred nineteen patients received single-blind placebo for up to 18 days, and 318 stopped exercise because of angina of moderate severity, had evidence of myocardial ischemia (&gt; or = 1-mm ST segment depression), and were randomized to one of four study groups in a double-blind manner: ranolazine 30 mg tid (n = 81), ranolazine 60 mg tid (n = 81), ranolazine 120 mg tid (n = 78), and placebo tid (n = 79). After the 4-week double-blind phase, symptom-limited exercise tests were repeated at 1 hour (peak test) and 8 hours (trough test) after the study medication was administered. In addition, patients kept an angina diary throughout the study and wore a Holter monitor for 48 hours. Total exercise duration at baseline (+/- SEM) was 5.9 +/- 0.2 minutes for the placebo group and 6.4 +/- 0.3, 5.9 +/- 0.3, and 6.6 +/- 0.2 minutes for the ranolazine 30-, 60-, and 120-mg groups, respectively (P = NS). After 4 weeks of double-blind therapy, compared with baseline values, at 1 hour after the study medication was administered (peak effect), total exercise duration (+/- SEM) increased by 0.45 +/- 0.2 minutes in the placebo group and by 0.3 +/- 0.2, 0.6 +/- 0.2, and 0.5 +/- 0.2 minutes in the ranolazine 30-, 60-, and 120-mg groups, respectively (placebo versus ranolazine, P = NS). Times to 1-mm ST segment depression at baseline were similar in the four groups and, after 4 weeks of therapy in each group, increased significantly by similar magnitudes at 1 hour after the administration of the medications. Similar changes were seen for the time to onset of angina. Eight hours after administration (trough effect), no differences in total exercise time or any other exercise variables were observed between the placebo and the ranolazine groups. Compared with the baseline values, the number of anginal attacks per week and the number and duration of ischemic episodes per 48 hours during Holter monitoring decreased significantly by similar magnitudes in the placebo and ranolazine groups. CONCLUSIONS Therapy with ranolazine 30, 60, and 120 mg tid was not superior to placebo. Our study does not support the published beneficial effects of similar doses of ranolazine on either myocardial ischemia or exercise performance or on anginal attacks during daily life in patients with angina pectoris.
Prolonged Cardiac Pain Following the Intra-Arterial Injection of Priscoline
Authors: Elliot L. Sagall, Howard J. Lewenstein
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1953)

PRISCOLINE (2–-benzyl–4, 5–imidazoline hydrochloride) has been advocated in the treatment of a variety of conditions. Recently, the intra-arterial injection of this drug has been recommended in the therapy of vasospastic and occlusive vascular diseases.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 It has been suggested that by this route of administration a safe, effective, sustained, maximal dose of the drug may be delivered to the site where it is most needed, with a minimal degree of systemic reactions.Although systemic reactions have been described after the administration of Priscoline, its toxicity has been considered to be low and the side effects minor and transient. A review of . . .