tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
European Medicines Agency is to tighten up on advisers' conflicts of interest
Authors: D. Cohen
Journal: BMJ (2012)

The European Medicines Agency is to further restrict experts with conflict of interests from participating in their scientific committees, an agency spokesperson said on 26 March.

The announcement comes as the European Parliament prepares to approve the agency’s budget amid concerns that it might be delayed again. Last year, the agency’s budget was held back because of problems with management of the agency and issues around conflicts of interest.

The Court of Auditors found the agency had a “lack of respect to, and frequent lack of, implementing procedures regarding the identification and management of conflicts of interest for its staff and experts.”

Although the agency already has procedures in place, new policies will place further restrictions on experts who might have a household member with …
Venous and Lymphatic Disorders of the Leg
Authors: Theodore B. Massell
Journal: JAMA (1967)

This slender volume is the collaborative effort of the members of the staff of the Malmö Clinic and the University of Skola, Sweden. About half the material is authored by the editor, Dr. Haeger, whose original publications on varicose veins have brought him international recognition. The text is in English with only occasional lapses into foreign idiomatic form. The material is based largely on the experience in the Malmö Clinic and the contributions of other Swedish medical centers. Surprisingly the authors seem unaware of some of the most significant advances in their field that have been reported in the British, French, and American medical journals in the past decade. As a result there is a certain provincialism in the book and, in the section on the therapy of thrombosis, what might even be called a little naïve chauvinism. The chapter headings include most aspects of venous disorders of the leg,
Drug treatment beats prison for cutting crime and addiction rates
Authors: J. Jones
Journal: BMJ (1999)

Treating drug users who commit offences cuts crime rates more effectively than putting them in prison, according to an analysis of research in the United States and in England. Yet provision of drug treatment services is patchy, and treatment centres often have long waiting lists of users wanting help in breaking their habits, says the analysis from the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders in London.

A third of all thefts, burglaries, and …
Abstract 1860: Association of esophageal cancer risk with genetic polymorphisms of xenobiotic metabolizing genes, DNA repair genes, and inflammation-regulating genes in Huaian, China
Authors: Li Xu, Zemin Wang, Lili Tang, Shaokang Wang, Xu Hu, Guiju Sun, Jia-Sheng Wang
Journal: Cancer Research (2010)

Abstract Accumulating evidences suggest that both exposure to environmental carcinogens and individual susceptibility factors contribute to the formation of esophageal cancer. Huaian City is one of the highest risk areas of esophageal cancer in China with the annual incidence over 100/100,000 people. To explore etiological risk factors contributing to the high rate of esophageal cancer, a population-based case-control study was conducted in 185 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cases and 515 age-, gender-, and residency-matched healthy controls in Huaian. Our previous study found an association between dietary fumonisin exposure and ESCC risk in this population. In the present study, we further investigated the association between ESCC and polymorphic genes involving in xenobiotic metabolizing activities, DNA repair, and inflammation regulation including GSTM1, GSTT1, XPD (Lys751Gln), hOGG1 (Ser326Cys), TNF-α (G308A), NF-κB (−94ins/delATTG), COX-2 (G765C), and iNOS (Ser608Leu). Genetic polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 were determined by multiplex PCR and other polymorphisms were determined by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis using genomic DNA samples obtained from lymphocytes of study subjects. The prevalence of GSTT1 null genotype was significantly higher in cases (53.51%) than in controls (41.94%) (p=0.0067), with an age- and gender-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.68 and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.18 − 2.39. After stratifying by gender, GSTT1 null type was found more prevalent in male cases (57.14%) than in male controls (42.64%) (p=0.0117). XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism was associated with increased ESCC risk (age- and gender-adjusted OR=1.74, 95% CI: 1.11-2.74). XPD heterozygous and mutant genotypes (Lys/Gln+Gln/Gln) were more prevalent in cases (20.54%) than in controls (14.26%) (p=0.0453), and in female cases (24.32%) than in female controls (13.01%) (p=0.0187). Heterozygous genotype of TNF-α was found in 12.97% of cases and 7.65% of controls, showing a marginal increased risk of ESCC (adjusted OR=1.68, 95% CI: 0.95-2.98). These results suggest that polymorphisms of GSTT1, XPD and TNF-α gene may contribute to ESCC risk in this high-risk population. (Supported by NIH/NCI grants, CA94683 and CA90997). Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1860.
The Effects of Ristocetin and von Willebrand Factor on Platelet Electrophoretic Mobility
Authors: Barry S. Coller
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1978)

Ristocetin will induce the agglutination of platelets in the presence of von Willebrand factor. In previous studies, an electrostatic mechanism was proposed for this phenomenon wherein first the platelet's surface charge is reduced by the binding of ristocetin and then the von Willebrand factor acts as a bridge between platelets. To test this hypothesis, the effects of ristocetin and von Willebrand factor, singly and together, on the electrophoretic mobility of normal, trypsinized, and Bernard-Soulier platelets was measured. Ristocetin alone, at concentrations of 0.5 mg/ml or more, produced a statistically significant reduction in the electrophoretic mobility of fresh or fixed platelets. Control experiments showed that the reduction was not due to changes in the ionic milieu of the solution. Therefore, the decrease in platelet mobility is evidence for binding of ristocetin to the platelet surface. Bernard-Soulier and trypsinized platelets also had reductions in mobility with ristocetin, suggesting that ristocetin binds to the platelet at sites other than the binding site for von Willebrand factor. The presence of plasma from a patient with von Willebrand's disease did not alter the reduction in mobility of normal platelets by ristocetin. However, the reduction was markedly enhanced in the presence of normal plasma. This enhancement did not occur with Bernard-Soulier platelets and was inhibited by anti-Factor VIII/von Willebrand factor antiserum or trypsinization of the platelets. Thus, the enhanced reduction appears to be associated with the binding of von Willebrand factor to the platelet surface. These studies indicate that platelets undergo two changes with ristocetin and von Willebrand factor, both of which facilitate agglutination: reduction in net surface charge and binding of von Willebrand factor, a large molecule which can serve as a bridge between platelets. In parallel studies, bovine von Willebrand factor, without ristocetin, agglutinated and reduced the electrophoretic mobility of normal but not Bernard-Soulier or trypsinized platelets; this indicates a similar mechanism of agglutination.
Epratuzumab with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone chemotherapy in patients with previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Ivana N. M. Micallef, Matthew J. Maurer, Gregory A. Wiseman, Daniel A. Nikcevich, Paul J. Kurtin, Michael W. Cannon, Domingo G. Perez, Gamini S. Soori, Brian K. Link, Thomas M. Habermann, Thomas E. Witzig
Journal: Blood (2011)
Trajectories of PTSD: A 20-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Zahava Solomon
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (2006)

Objective: This study assessed the psychopathological effects of combat in veterans with and without combat stress reaction. Method: Veterans (N=214) from the 1982 Lebanon War were assessed in a prospective longitudinal design: 131 suffered from combat stress reaction during the war, and 83 did not. They were evaluated 1, 2, 3, and 20 years after the war. Results: Combat stress reaction is an important vulnerability marker. Veterans with combat stress reaction were 6.6 times more likely to endorse posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at all four measurements, their PTSD was more severe, and they were at increased risk for exacerbation/reactivation. A qualitative analysis of the profile of PTSD symptoms revealed some time-related changes in the symptom configuration of veterans who did not suffer from combat stress reaction. In both groups, the course fluctuated; PTSD rates dropped 3 years postwar and rose again 17 years later; 23% of veterans without combat stress reaction reported delayed PTSD. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the detrimental effects of combat are deep and enduring and follow a complex course, especially in combat stress reaction casualties. The implications of aging and ongoing terror in impeding recovery from the psychological wounds of war are discussed.
ESCHERICHIA COLI FROM HOUSEHOLD PETS-Reply
Authors: Khurshid A. Mian
Journal: JAMA (1960)

The above comment was referred to the author of the article, and he has submitted the following reply. <h3>To the Editor:—</h3> Thank you for sending me the letter from Dr. Price. Details of serologic identification of strains of<i>Esch. coli</i>serotypes isolated from household pets was intentionally omitted from the article in question. The bacteriological methods described in the article are primarily given for the guidance of hospital and small public health laboratories which may, after confirmation of O group antigens, forward the culture to a state or regional health department laboratory where final identification may be carried out. Complete serologic identification of<i>Esch. coli</i>serotypes isolated from household pets was done during the study. The O antigens of cultures that belong to<i>Esch. coli</i>O group 55 are not related significantly to those of other<i>Esch. coli</i>O antigens, but the O group has been subdivided. For accurate epidemiologic
Abstract 4198: Transcriptional regulation of breast cancer microRNAs by GATA3 and TFAP2A
Authors: Simo Huang, Kathy Yee, Jessica Bockhorn, Sun Kim, Dezheng Huo, Olufunmilayo Olopade, Huiping Liu, Geoffrey Greene
Journal: Cancer Research (2012)

Abstract Metastasis remains a major obstacle in the successful treatment of breast cancer because it is responsible for an estimated ninety percent of breast cancer related deaths. An emerging field in the understanding of breast cancer metastasis is the study of microRNAs (miRNAs) which are short nucleotide sequences shown to be involved in the regulation of cell self-renewal, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer progression [1]. Our previous data suggested that miR-200 and other miRNAs regulate EMT and breast cancer metastasis [2]. Given the significant roles of miRNAs and their modulated levels in cancer, it is important to understand their regulatory mechanisms. We hypothesize that miRNAs are transcriptionally regulated in breast cancer. Our preliminary data with clinical breast cancer specimens suggests correlative relationships between transcription factors TFAP2A and GATA3 with mir-200a and other miRNAs. The goal of this project is to determine whether TFAP2A and GATA3 regulate these miRNA levels in breast cancer cells. Using quantitative real-time PCR, the miRNA levels were measured in MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells with modulated expression of GATA3 or TFAP2A. The results show that overexpression of GATA3 in MDA-MB 231 cancer cells significantly increased the expression of miRNAs aberrantly downregulated in ER- breast tumors, such as miR-138. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation and reporter luciferase assays will be used to determine whether the regulation of miRNAs by GATA3 and TFAP2A is a direct transcriptional regulation. 1. Mani, S.A. et al., 2008. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition generates cells with properties of stem cells. Cell 133, 70415. 2. Park, S.M. et al., 2008. The miR-200 family determines the epithelial phenotype of cancer cells by targeting the E-cadherin repressors ZEB1 and ZEB2. Genes Dev 22, 894-907. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4198. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4198
Intraoperative tissue expansion in eyelid reconstruction
Authors: Jill A. Foster, Adam J. Scheiner, Allan E. Wulc, Ira B. Wallace, Steven S. Greenbaum
Journal: Ophthalmology (1998)

Chronic tissue expansion is a well-accepted modality for increasing available tissue for reconstructive surgery. In rapid intraoperative tissue expansion (RITE), a tissue expander is used intraoperatively to increase the available tissue area for defect closure. The use of the ubiquitous and inexpensive Foley catheter has previously been reported as a tissue expander in RITE. In this paper, the authors examine the application of the Foley catheter for RITE in oculoplastic surgery.Case series.Twenty-six patients (ages 50 to 87) with eyelid defects from various causes underwent reconstruction using RITE.Using this technique, the tip of a #14 French Foley catheter is trimmed, keeping the balloon intact. The balloon is inserted under a skin-muscle flap. Counter traction is applied, and the balloon is filled with saline until the flap blanches. The balloon is inflated twice for 5 minutes with a 1- to 2-minute rest period between expansions. This provides increased tissue area for reconstruction of periocular defects.The linear extent of the eyelid defect was measured prior to and after expansion with RITE. A comparison was made between the two measurements.The linear extent of the eyelid margin defect decreased by 36% after RITE.Rapid intraoperative tissue expansion with a Foley catheter is a means of providing increased tissue area for reconstructive surgery of the eyelids and periorbital region. This technique provides excellent tissue match for color, texture, and thickness. The technique decreases the size of the incised and undermined skin-muscle flap and the tension needed for wound closure.
NRAMP1 and hGPX1 Gene Polymorphism and Response to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Therapy for Bladder Cancer
Authors: Edmund Chiong, Arshvin Kesavan, Ratha Mahendran, Yiong Huak Chan, Jen Hwei Sng, Yew Koon Lim, Revathi Kamaraj, Theresa M.C. Tan, Kesavan Esuvaranathan
Journal: European Urology (2010)
Case 6-1966
Authors: Howard Ulfelder, Robert E. Scully
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1966)

Presentation of CaseA seven-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital because of abdominal pain.On the morning of admission she experienced the onset of pain localized to the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. The pain became more severe during the next few hours. The stools passed had been slightly harder than usual in recent days, but a normal stool was passed on the day before entry.There was no history of anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, melena, dysuria, hematuria or pain in the flank. Her birth and early development had been normal.Physical examination revealed a well developed girl . . .
Surgery: Scientific Principles and Practice
Authors: Christine E. Haycock
Journal: JAMA (1994)

This new surgical textbook, which has over 2000 pages and weighs a hefty 12 lb, is an impressive compendium of information. I would first like to suggest to the publisher that it be divided into two volumes for easier handling. The subject matter is well presented overall, and the illustrations are well selected and useful. Why, however, the color plates representing soft-tissue lesions are bound into the section on cell structure and function is unfathomable. They would be best placed for reference in the section on skin and soft tissue. A large portion (500 pages) is devoted to the basic sciences of physiology and cellular biology as they relate to surgery and, in particular, to transplantation procedures. I found this information to be well presented and a valuable asset to the student and to the practicing surgeon to update his or her knowledge of these increasingly important aspects of surgical
A Case of Arsenical Poisoning with Some Unusual Features
Authors: Walter S. Priest
Journal: JAMA (1961)

<h3>To the Editor:—</h3> When a 64-year-old male notices gradual onset of moderately severe, continuous, deep-seated, pressure-type substernal pain which lasts several hours and is associated with pallor, air hunger, and weakness, attention naturally centers on the heart. But, when physical examination, electrocardiogram, and other laboratory tests are negative for cardiac involvement, it may be well to inquire into the patient's gardening activities immediately preceding onset of symptoms. Such a case recently came to my attention. Onset of symptoms began about 3 hours after the patient had spread calcium arsenate (crabgrass deterrent) on his lawn. Blood arsenic level was 330 mg.%. (The normal level is variously given as from 0 to 60 mg.%.) Arsenic was also present in the urine. Approximately 32 hours after exposure to the arsenic compound, slight nausea occurred followed by 3 loose, watery stools. Malaise continued in decreasing severity for 3 days. On the fifth day after
A Decision Tree To Predict Four or More Positive Axillary Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer Patients with Positive Sentinel Node Biopsy: Determining Necessity for Regional Nodal Irradiation in the Absence of Axillary Dissection.
Authors: R. Macrorie-Fairweather, K. Albuquerque, K. Yao, J. Sinacore
Journal: Cancer Research (2009)

Abstract Background: Regional Nodal Irradiation (RNI) is indicated for breast cancer patients with ≥4 positive axillary lymph nodes (ALN). The need for RNI is unclear for women who don't undergo axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) yet have 1-3 positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLN). In an effort to guide clinician decision-making and potentially spare patients combined toxicities of ALND and radiation, the purpose of this study was to create a decision tree of clinicopathologic variable interactions to predict patients with ≥4 positive ALN.Methods: We reviewed the records of 197 women with breast tumors &amp;lt;5cm and 1-3 positive SLN. After ALND, patients were labeled as having &amp;lt; 4 or ≥ 4 positive ALN. Ten clinicopathologic predictive variables were identified for analysis: patient age, size of tumor, histological type, tumor grade, number of metastatic SLN, largest SLN metastasis size, detection method, estrogen receptor, Ki67 and lymphovascular invasion (LVI). The analysis used Chi-Square Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID SPSS), a non-parametric, stepwise “regression tree” analysis, with Bonferroni adjusted p-values to create a decision tree.Results: 141 patients had &amp;lt; 4 and 56 had ≥ 4 positive ALN. Three variables were selected into the CHAID tree: LVI, the number of metastatic SLNs, and largest SLN metastasis size. 100% of patients (N=42) had &amp;lt; 4 positive ALN if negative for LVI and had only 1 positive SLN with a metastasis size &amp;lt; 0.2cm (p-value &amp;lt; 0.0432). For patients with LVI (N=77), 13 of 14 (93%) had &amp;lt; 4 positive ALN if the SLN metastasis size was &amp;lt; 0.2cm (p &amp;lt; .0014). The highest prevalence of ≥ 4 positive ALN were patients with LVI and a SLN metastasis size &amp;gt; 0.2cm.Conclusion: The CHAID analysis more accurately predicted patients with &amp;lt; 4 positive ALN compared to those with ≥4. The decision tree provides a new tool for the clinician to determine the necessity for RNI without ALND. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 1026.
Accelerometer Systolic Time Intervals as Fast-Response Sensors of Upright Posture in the Young
Authors: Marc Ovadia, Kathy Gear, David Thoele, Frank I. Marcus
Journal: Circulation (1995)

Sensors of posture may improve rate-adaptive pacing in syndromes where syncope occurs in the upright posture, particularly in the young. No sensor of posture has been described to date. Previous studies suggest that two sensors currently under investigation (preejection period [PEP] and left ventricular ejection time [LVET] systolic time intervals [STIs] and accelerometers) may be affected by posture. A PEP-sensing pacemaker is available commercially in which heart rate (HR) decreases with an increase in PEP (delta(HR)/delta[PEP]< 0). In patients with upright syncope, it is not known how such algorithms respond to posture. Also, it is not known whether STIs correlate with posture independent of autonomic tone.We studied accelerometer-derived STIs in head-upright tilt-testing with beta-blockade and catecholamine stimulation in patients with syncope or presyncope using an ultra-low-frequency accelerometer placed on the chest. Thirty-two patients age 6 to 22 years with unexplained recurrent syncope or presyncope underwent tilt-testing involving two to four tilts (60 degrees) at baseline, during esmolol infusion (500 micrograms/kg load, 50 to 140 micrograms/kg per minute), after esmolol withdrawal, and during isoproterenol infusion if not contraindicated. PEP, LVET, and other indexes were quantified, and their relations to posture and to autonomic state were determined. With tilt, PEP increased from 98.9 +/- 2.2 to 109.1 +/- 2.8 msec (P < .0001), and LVET decreased (supine-to-upright) from 295.5 +/- 4.5 to 247.2 +/- 4.7 msec (P < .0001). PEP/LVET changed from 0.337 +/- 0.01 to 0.45 +/- 0.02 (P < .0001). Similar postural changes were observed during tilt with beta-blockade and esmolol withdrawal, and during isoproterenol infusion. STI changes occurred immediately on postural change and were stable. Postural change of PEP was greater than the beta-adrenergic effect by 6:1. Postural change of STIs was independent of vagal tone.First, accelerometer-derived STIs detect postural changes. Because these changes are independent of autonomic tone and are rapid and stable, they may be useful as fast-response sensors of upright posture in rate-adaptive pacemakers. Second, with postural change, HR increases when PEP increases. However, PEP-sensing pacemakers presently under investigation assume the opposite (inverse) mathematical relationship. Therefore, current PEP-sensing pacemakers use an incorrect algorithm for physiological postural responses in syncope patients. These data predict a paradoxical tachycardic response to the supine posture in patients implanted with these devices.
Reducing mortality from meningococcal disease.
Authors: N. Begg
Journal: BMJ (1992)

good evidence that such immunity occurs and may reduce symptoms or even prevent colonisation.25The relation of serum concentrations of antibodies and immunity has yet to be established, though immunity may be mediated by IgG.26The value of epidemiological studies would be greatly enhanced if investigators documented the serological anti- body status of cases and controls and if more reliable and convenient methods of identifying immunity were available.The answer to the second question may lie in a combination of cross contamination and the low infectious dose in the susceptible.Some sources of the organism may have been identified, but other vehicles may be so numerous and each one in itself so uncommon that studies of sporadic cases fail to identify them.Or there may be an as yet unidentified source.More widely available typing schemes would help greatly not only in analytical epidemiological investigations but also in the environmental and human microbiological studies that are vital to tracing the possible routes by which campylobacter may move from the environment, through food and domestic animals, ultimately to cause illness in humans.