tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Reconciling 21st century temptations with 20th century resources and problems
Authors: Marcos Bosi Ferraz
Journal: BMJ (2006)

H ealthcare systems in many developing countries face a major challenge: how to meet the demand for 21st century standards of health care and technology with funds that, as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), remain lower than what developed nations were investing in health in the 1980s. And, furthermore, how can developing countries meet such expectations when they are still dealing with health problems that rich countries had overcome 40 or 50 years ago?

Take my country, for example. In recent years Brazil has been spending some 7-8% of its GDP (both public and private sector investment) on the health sector. Over the past few decades developed nations have been progressively increasing their spending on health. In the 1960s countries such as Canada, France, Switzerland, Australia, Italy, and the United States spent some 4-5% of their GDP on health. By the end of the 1980s this figure had …
Induced pluripotent stem cell–derived human platelets: one step closer to the clinic
Authors: Christos Gekas, Thomas Graf
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2011)

The era of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells carries with it the promise of virtually unlimited sources of autologous cells for regenerative medicine. However, efficiently differentiating iPS cells into fully functional mature cell types remains challenging. A new study reporting the formation of fully functional platelets from human iPS (hiPS) cells improves upon recent efforts to generate this enucleated cell type, which remains in high demand for therapeutic transfusions. Notably, their lack of nucleus renders platelets unable to retain the pluripotent or tumorigenic properties of iPS cells.
The Use of Progestins in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Authors: Edwin J. DeCosta
Journal: JAMA (1970)

This is a particularly timely book, serendipitous perhaps, as a result of the confusion and dismay engendered by the not-so-scientific testimony before the Nelson Committee. The entire profession is anxious to know what really gives. Are the allegations of danger founded on fact or fancy? Are those who have appeared before the committee speaking with authority or expressing personal opinions and bias? I think Kistner has done a fine job in presenting factual material as an experienced gynecologist who for years has been interested in progestins and used them extensively. In seven chapters he covers the field admirably. His chapter on the chemistry of progesterone and the progestins is simple and intelligible to the average physician—in a word, excellent. His chapters on indications, proved and proposed, are also excellent, and dispel again the presumed role of progestational substances in the management of abortion. His chapter on contraception and the discussion
Rational or rationed medicine? The promise of genetics for improved clinical practice
Authors: R. Fears
Journal: BMJ (2000)

A recent BMJ editorial highlighted the challenges and the opportunities for improving the quality of health care that are afforded by advances in genomics and molecular medicine.1 It also emphasised that the NHS must develop a coherent strategy to realise the substantial benefits that new technologies can deliver. We applaud this recommendation and the concluding sentiment that “at a time of uncertainty about future potential, the NHS must anticipate innovation, not block it.” A BMJ editorial published a year earlier had also drawn attention to the urgency in meeting the challenge of defining future service needs by orchestrating optimum relations between laboratory, clinic, and society.2 Much has been written since then about the likely future impact of genetics on clinical care, the potential models for service provision,3 and the broader ethical, legal, and social issues relating to the use of genetic information for non-medical purposes. However, there seems to be little tangible progress in the capacity of the NHS to anticipate and respond to the accelerating momentum of technological change.

We believe that a pluralistic approach, with commitment to a new public-private partnership in strategic thinking and policy development might help to inform NHS priorities and preparedness. The BMJ editorial described the United Kingdom's aspiration to become the “Genome Valley” of Europe by building on a strong bioscience base for generating health and wealth,1 and it is understandable that the Silicon Valley experience in the United States should be chosen as a model in developing this. However, we need to understand and analyse the factors contributing to the success of Silicon Valley in order to determine whether they can be generalised to medical research and development and the NHS. Foremost in the evolution of the microelectronic and computer industries in California was the large public procurement …
Stunned Thyroid After a Diagnostic Dose of 1-131 for a Whole Body Scan
Authors: CHIA-HUNG KAO
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (1998)

A negative 1-131 scan may be due to "stunning" with diagnostic dose 1-131. The influence of the initial diagnostic dose on subsequent uptake of ablative or therapeutic 1-131 in well differentiated thyroid tissues is described. Three cases with stunned thyroid after a diagnostic dose of 1-131 whole body scan are presented.
European Commission seeks to tackle health inequalities
Authors: R. Watson
Journal: BMJ (2009)

The European Commission wants to see health given a higher priority among the European Union’s various policies and funding programmes, to raise standards throughout the continent.

In particular, it sees greater scope in the use of the billions of pounds the European Union spends every year on regional and social projects to tackle the health inequalities which exist within and between countries.

Androulla Vassiliou, the EU health commissioner, said, “I want to see a Europe where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a high level of health regardless of where they live or their social or ethnic background. …
Get Off My Back! Rapid Receptor Internalization through Circular Dorsal Ruffles
Authors: James D. Orth, Mark A. McNiven
Journal: Cancer Research (2006)

Internalization and subsequent trafficking of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) play an important role in the modulation of growth factor-stimulated signaling events that affect different cellular processes, from cell growth and mitosis to motility and invasion. The intracellular transport of these receptors has traditionally been viewed as being initiated via clathrin-coated pits. However, nonclathrin pathways have been implicated as well, although these remain poorly understood. Most recently, the formation of dynamic, transient endocytic membrane structures termed circular dorsal ruffles or "dorsal waves" have been reported to selectively sequester and internalize a large percentage of a specific RTK from the surface of growth factor-stimulated cells. This process is dependent on dynamin and cortactin, two endocytic proteins that are also associated with the actin cytoskeleton, whereas it is independent of traditional coat proteins, such as clathrin and caveolin. Additionally, dorsal wave formation requires the participation and remodeling of a dynamic actin cytoskeleton. Most importantly, the formation of these structures may be less frequent in tumor cells and thereby have significant effects on receptor signaling and cell growth.
ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SECTION ON NEUROLOGY AND PYSCHIATRY OF THE PAN-AMERICAN MEDICAL CONGRESS.
Authors: C. D. HUGHES
Journal: JAMA (1893)

Colleagues of the Continent:—I bid you cordial welcome. For the first time in the history of the world the medical profession of all the Americas meets fraternally for mutual work and words of counsel for the welfare of the North and South American medical profession and people.  In this Neurologic and Psychiatric Section, brothers, we also, for the first time, grasp the hand of fellowship. We heartily clasp hands with you and in our hearts we embrace you, with the prayer that nothing shall ever dissever the friendship between the Northern and Southern American profession now so auspiciously consummated. May the final handshake between the profession of the North and South American States never be permitted to take place. We want your friendship forever. So long as earth grows a plant or sea rolls a wave, we pray that it may endure, growing closer and closer in ties of inseparable
Awareness and use of glucagon in diabetics treated with insulin.
Authors: D M Matthews, A W Patrick, D A Collier, H A Kellett, J M Steel, B F Clarke, C C MacIntyre
Journal: BMJ (1986)

was assessed in each patient by two clinicians by ophthalmoscopic examination of the ocular fundi through fully dilated pupils.Statistical analysis was by the x2 test.Proteinuria was found in 53 (14%) of the Asian and 23 (6%o) of the white patients (p<0 001).There was no difference in the sex distributions of patients with proteinuria.Proteinuria in the Asians tended to occur with diabetes of shorter duration-(<lGfyears) (p<001) and in the absence of clinical retinopathy (p<O 001).No significant differences were noted in glycaemic control or the prevalence of hypertension between the two groups (table).Twenty five of the Clinical details ofpatens studied Asian White No studied 370 368 Men 228 223 Women 142 145 Mean (SD) age (years) 52 (12) 58(15) Mean (SD) duration of diabetes (years) 8(3-6) 12 (4-2)* No (%) treated with insulin 135 (37) 258 (70)* No (%)with proteinuria 53(14) 23 (6)** Men 32 14 Women 21 9 Without retinopathy 25 (47) 4 (17)* With hypertension u160/95 mm Hg 27(51) 14( 62) Mean (SD) glycosylated haemoglobin (%) 9 5 (2t0) 9-3 (2-5) *p<0-01, **p<o0OOl.228 Asian men had a serum creatinine concentration above norma4 (>120 pmol/l (>1-4 mg/100 ml)), compared with 11 of the 223 white men (p=002).No such difference was found in the women.J FEEHALY, MRCP, senor rgsar(eproy) J WALLS, MB, PlC, consutant nehrlgist Corspoonce to: Dr Burdn.
Effects of hypernatremia on organic brain osmoles.
Authors: Y H Lien, J I Shapiro, L Chan
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1990)

We studied the effects of varying degrees and durations of hypernatremia on the brain concentrations of organic compounds believed to be important, so-called "idiogenic" osmoles in rats by means of conventional biochemical assays, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography. There were no changes in the concentrations of these osmoles (specifically myoinositol, sorbitol, betaine, glycerophosphorylcholine [GPC], phosphocreatine, glutamine, glutamate, and taurine) in rats with acute (2 h) hypernatremia (serum Na 194 +/- 5 meq/liter). With severe (serum Na 180 +/- 4 meq/liter) chronic (7 d) hypernatremia, the concentrations of each of these osmoles except sorbitol increased significantly: myoinositol (65%), betaine (54%), GPC (132%), phosphocreatine (73%), glutamine (143%), glutamate (84%), taurine (78%), and urea (191%). Together, these changes account for 35% of the change in total brain osmolality. With moderate (serum Na 159 +/- 3 meq/liter) hypernatremia, more modest but significant increases in the concentrations of each of these osmoles except betaine and sorbitol were noted. When rats with severe chronic hypernatremia were allowed to drink water freely, their serum sodium as well as the brain concentrations of all of these organic osmoles except myoinositol returned to normal within 2 d. It is concluded that: idiogenic osmoles play an important role in osmoregulation in the brain of rats subjected to hypernatremia; the development of these substances occur more slowly than changes in serum sodium; and the decrease in concentration of myoinositol occurs significantly more slowly than the decrease in serum sodium which occurs when animals are allowed free access to water. These observations may be relevant to the clinical management of patients with hypernatremia.
Abstract 032: Examination of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Rurality in Appalachian Children using Surveillance, Clustered Statistical Design and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) capabilities.
Authors: Christa Ice, Lesley Cottrell, Evan Fedorko, William Neal
Journal: Circulation (2012)

Recent evidence suggests a strong link between rurality and obesity. Our hypothesis for this study is that children living in more rural areas will have higher percentages of body mass index (BMI) above the median; higher levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TRIG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL); lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL); and higher systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels after controlling for individual covariates. Coronary Artery Risk Detection in Appalachian Communities (CARDIAC) data was used; 65,531 5 th grade children with home zip codes. Our statistical approach uses a clustered ANCOVA nesting individual children’s fasting lipid profile, BMI and BP results within their home zip coded using the Rural-Urban Continuum Code (RUCC) and controlling for child age, gender, race, and parent education. RUCC, a 9-point classification system, was reduced to 5 categories for this analysis (Figure 1). Significant nested effects were seen for all variables after controlling for covariates, including BMI, HDL, SBP, DBP, TRIG, LDL, and TC (p &lt; 0.001). However, post-hoc comparisons disputed our hypothesis that rural areas would have significantly higher risk factors than urban or metro areas. In particular, Mid-sized metro areas had significantly higher BMI percent above ideal than Large or Small metro areas [21.45 v. 16.57 (p=0.035) and 16.65 (p=0.008)]; no differences between Rural or Urban areas. Large metro and Rural had significantly higher HDLs than Small metro, Urban, and Mid-sized metro areas. Mid-sized metro areas had higher SBP and LDL than Rural or Small Metro areas. This data directly contradicts previous literature suggesting a straight-forward link between rurality and cardiovascular risk factors. In general, Mid-sized metro areas presented the worst outcomes. Future research should include longitudinal design and mechanisms between cardiovascular risk factors and rurality, which could not be addressed in this study.
936-88 Relationship of Donor Age and Pre-existing Coronary Disease by Angiography and Intracoronary Ultrasound to Later Development of Cardiac Allograft Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Shou-Zhou Gao, Sharon A. Hunt, Edwin L. Alderman, Irene R. Hill, Alan C. Yeung, John S. Schroeder
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (1995)
Identification of Chaetognaths as Protostomes Is Supported by the Analysis of Their Mitochondrial Genome
Authors: Daniel Papillon, Yvan Perez, Xavier Caubit, Yannick Le Parco
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (2004)

Determining the phylogenetic position of enigmatic phyla such as Chaetognatha is a longstanding challenge for biologists. Chaetognaths (or arrow worms) are small, bilaterally symmetrical metazoans. In the past decades, their relationships within the metazoans have been strongly debated because of embryological and morphological features shared with the two main branches of Bilateria: the deuterostomes and protostomes. Despite recent attempts based on molecular data, the Chaetognatha affinities have not yet been convincingly defined. To answer this fundamental question, we determined the complete mitochondrial DNA genome of Spadella cephaloptera. We report three unique features: it is the smallest metazoan mitochondrial genome known and lacks both atp8 and atp6 and all tRNA genes. Furthermore phylogenetic reconstructions show that Chaetognatha belongs to protostomes. This implies that some embryological characters observed in chaetognaths, such as a gut with a mouth not arising from blastopore (deuterostomy) and a mesoderm derived from archenteron (enterocoely), could be ancestral features (plesiomorphies) of bilaterians.
1116-11 The mineralocorticoid paradox: Profibrotic in vivo in experimental asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction but antifibrotic in vitro
Authors: Lisa C Costello-Boerrigter, Guido Boerrigter, Gail J Harty, Alessandro Cataliotti, Denise M Heublein, Sharon M Sandberg, John A Schirger, Fernando L Martin, Margaret M Redfield, John C Burnett
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2004)
High expression of genes for calcification-regulating proteins in human atherosclerotic plaques.
Authors: C M Shanahan, N R Cary, J C Metcalfe, P L Weissberg
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1994)

Calcification is common in atheromatous plaques and may contribute to plaque rupture and subsequent thrombosis. However, little is known about the mechanisms which regulate the calcification process. Using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry we show that two bone-associated proteins, osteopontin (OP) and matrix Gla protein (MGP), are highly expressed in human atheromatous plaques. High levels of OP mRNA and protein were found in association with necrotic lipid cores and areas of calcification. The predominant cell type in these areas was the macrophage-derived foam cell, although some smooth muscle cells could also be identified. MGP was expressed uniformly by smooth muscle cells in the normal media and at high levels in parts of the atheromatous intima. Highest levels of this matrix-associated protein were found in lipid-rich areas of the plaque. The pattern of expression of these two genes contrasted markedly with that of calponin and SM22 alpha, genes expressed predominantly by differentiated smooth muscle cells and whose expression was generally confined to the media of the vessel. The postulated function of OP and MGP as regulators of calcification in bone and the high levels and colocalization of both in atheromatous plaques suggest they have an important role in plaque pathogenesis and stability.
Pleural effusion in Iraq: a prospective study of 100 cases.
Authors: F Al-Alusi
Journal: Thorax (1986)

Pleural effusion is a common condition encountered by both chest physicians and chest surgeons in Iraq, and diagnosis of the cause is often difficult.The relative frequency of causes of pleural effusion are known to vary in different parts of the world.I -3 This prompted us to study the causes of pleural effusion in Iraq, and also to evaluate the laboratory methods currently being used in our hospital for the diagnosis of this condition. MethodsThis study was based on a prospective survey of 100 consecutive patients presenting with pleural effusion who were admitted to a general medical ward from January 1982 to February 1985.Sixty three were male and 37 female.Their ages ranged from 14 to 80 years (mean 38.5 years).A clinical history was obtained and a physical examination carried out on every patient.A chest radiograph was obtained and sputum when present was examined for the presence of acid fast bacilli and subjected to cytological examination.Pleural fluid was aspirated and its appearance noted.Protein and glucose content were measured, white blood cell and differential counts were obtained, and the fluid was subjected to cytological examination.
Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the increased vulnerabilities of adiponectin knockout mice to liver injury
Authors: Mingyan Zhou, Aimin Xu, Paul K. H. Tam, Karen S. L. Lam, Lawrence Chan, Ruby L. C. Hoo, Jing Liu, Kim H. M. Chow, Yu Wang
Journal: Hepatology (2008)

Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived hormone with a wide range of beneficial effects on obesity-related medical complications. Numerous epidemiological investigations in diverse ethnic groups have identified a lower adiponectin level as an independent risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases and liver dysfunctions. Animal studies have demonstrated that replenishment of adiponectin protects against various forms of hepatic injuries, suggesting it to be a potential drug candidate for the treatment of liver diseases. This study was designed to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the hepatoprotective effects of adiponectin. Our results demonstrated that in adiponectin knockout (ADN-KO) mice, there was a preexisting condition of hepatic steatosis and mitochondrial dysfunction that might contribute to the increased vulnerabilities of these mice to secondary liver injuries induced by obesity and other conditions. Adenovirus-mediated replenishment of adiponectin depleted lipid accumulation, restored the oxidative activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) complexes, and prevented the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products in ADN-KO mice but had no obvious effects on mitochondrial biogenesis. The gene and protein levels of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), a mitochondrial membrane transporter, were decreased in ADN-KO mice and could be significantly up-regulated by adiponectin treatment. Moreover, the effects of adiponectin on mitochondrial activities and on protection against endotoxin-induced liver injuries were significantly attenuated in UCP2 knockout mice.These results suggest that the hepatoprotective properties of adiponectin are mediated at least in part by an enhancement of the activities of MRC complexes through a mechanism involving UCP2.
Risk of Overweight Among Adolescents Who Were Breastfed as Infants
Authors: Matthew W. Gillman
Journal: JAMA (2001)

ContextOverweight during adolescence predicts short- and long-term morbidity as well as obesity in adulthood. The prevalence of overweight among adolescents is high and continues to increase. Physiological and behavioral mechanisms and preliminary epidemiologic data suggest that breastfeeding could lower the risk of subsequent obesity in adolescence.ObjectiveTo examine the extent to which overweight status among adolescents is associated with the type of infant feeding (breast milk vs infant formula) and duration of breastfeeding.Design, Setting, and SubjectsSurvey of 8186 girls and 7155 boys, aged 9 to 14 years, who are participants in the Growing Up Today Study, a nationwide cohort study of diet, activity, and growth. In the fall of 1996 we mailed a questionnaire to each of the subjects, and in the spring of 1997, we mailed a supplemental questionnaire to their mothers, who are participants in the Nurses' Health Study II.Main Outcome MeasureOverweight status defined as body mass index exceeding the 95th percentile for age and sex from US national data.ResultsIn the first 6 months of life, 9553 subjects (62%) were only or mostly fed breast milk, and 4744 (31%) were only or mostly fed infant formula. A total of 7186 subjects (48%) were breastfed for at least 7 months while 4613 (31%) were breastfed for 3 months or less. At ages 9 to 14 years, 404 girls (5%) and 635 boys (9%) were overweight. Among subjects who had been only or mostly fed breast milk, compared with those only or mostly fed formula, the odds ratio (OR) for being overweight was 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-0.91), after adjustment for age, sex, sexual maturity, energy intake, time watching television, physical activity, mother's body mass index, and other variables reflecting social, economic, and lifestyle factors. Compared with subjects who had been breastfed for 3 months or less, those who had been breastfed for at least 7 months had an adjusted OR for being overweight of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.67-0.96). Timing of introduction of solid foods, infant formula, or cow's milk was not related to risk of being overweight.ConclusionInfants who were fed breast milk more than infant formula, or who were breastfed for longer periods, had a lower risk of being overweight during older childhood and adolescence.