tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Exercise-induced subendocardial dysfunction in dogs with left ventricular hypertrophy.
Authors: L Hittinger, R P Shannon, S Kohin, W T Manders, P Kelly, S F Vatner
Journal: Circulation Research (1990)

The effects of treadmill exercise on regional myocardial blood flow and function were examined in 10 adult, conscious dogs with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) induced by aortic banding in puppies, which resulted in a left ventricular (LV) weight/body weight ratio of 8.5 +/- 0.3. Data were compared with results from eight control dogs with an LV weight/body weight ratio of 4.9 +/- 0.2. At rest, LV systolic and end-diastolic pressures were significantly greater (p less than 0.01), and mean arterial pressure was significantly less (p less than 0.05) in LVH dogs. Mean myocardial blood flow (control dogs, 0.98 +/- 0.11 ml/min/g; LVH dogs, 1.16 +/- 0.06 ml/min/g) and the transmural blood flow distribution at baseline, as assessed by endocardial/epicardial blood flow ratio (control, 1.35 +/- 0.12; LVH, 1.21 +/- 0.09), were similar in the two groups. During exercise to a target heart rate (240 beats/min), LVH dogs demonstrated greater (p less than 0.01) increases in LV systolic and end-diastolic pressures. In control dogs, as expected, exercise augmented velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (16 +/- 9%) and shortening fraction (15 +/- 5%), but in LVH dogs, exercise reduced the velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (-14 +/- 6%) and shortening fraction (-17 +/- 5%). Exercise also increased full wall thickening (35 +/- 5%), subendocardial wall thickening (66 +/- 10%), and subepicardial wall thickening (44 +/- 9%) in control dogs. In LVH dogs, exercise increased subepicardial wall thickening (31 +/- 9%) and reduced subendocardial wall thickening (-40 +/- 7%); full wall thickening did not change (-11 +/- 9%). This was associated with a fall in endocardial/epicardial flow ratio to 0.72 +/- 0.05 (p less than 0.01) in LVH dogs. The subendocardial dysfunction persisted late into recovery, at a time when the transmural blood flow distribution had returned to baseline; this occurrence suggested myocardial stunning. Thus, in dogs with LVH, selective subendocardial hypoperfusion and profound selective depression in subendocardial wall thickening are observed during exercise. The subendocardial dysfunction persisted into recovery despite resolution of the perfusion abnormality.
DO SYSTEMIC ANTIPRURITIC AGENTS WORK?
Authors: J.A. Savin
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1980)

‘Most of the agents recommended for the control of itching during the last two decades have not stood the test of time. Many have been discarded, and the continuing use of several of the remaining ones has been dictated not so much by the results obtained as by the desire to prescribe something for the complaining patient.’ Another 20 years have slipped past since Cormia & Dougherty wrote so bluntly about the subject in 1959. But has the picture really changed? The complaining patients still exist and skin clinics still echo to the rasp of fingernails on skin. There is obviously still a demand for at least one effective antipruritic agent, to be used in conditions like atopic eczema which cannot always be controlled by topical measures, and which cause long-term distress. This demand is matched by a mass swallowing of drugs reputed to have antipruritic effects—at least 50,000 prescriptions being issued each year in the United Kingdom alone. Yet despite this, skin text books are still coy about confirming that these drugs, usually antihistamines, do in fact suppress itching. Patients are sometimes less complimentary. This review attempts the difficult task of assessing whether, 20 years on, the use of so-called antipruritic agents is still based upon inadequate evidence.
Use of quantitative analysis of urine to assess exposure to asbestos fibers in drinking water in the Puget Sound region.
Authors: E S Boatman, T Merrill, A O'Neill, L Polissar, J R Millette
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (1983)

An earlier epidemiologic and electron microscopy study of drinking water in the Everett area of Washington State indicated large numbers of naturally occurring chrysotile asbestos fibers in the water. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether significant numbers of asbestos fiber could be demonstrated in the urine of donors residing in that area for less than 3 yr and over 20 yr where the tapwater contained about 200 X 10(6) fibers/L. A control group was obtained from Seattle where the tapwater asbestos fiber content was 100 times less. Urine samples, filtered control water, tapwater samples, and additional controls were processed for transmission electron microscopy by the use of the Nuclepore membrane filter-Jaffe wick procedure. Interference by mucus in the urine was reduced by treatment with hydrogen peroxide. Samples were taken over a period of 21 months. At no time during this period did the asbestos content of the urine samples consistently exceed that of the control waters. There was a significant difference (p less than 0.05) in the asbestos content of urine samples from subjects with less than 3 yr residence times versus greater than 20 yr. Asbestos concentration in urine samples from Everett residents as a whole did not differ significantly from that in samples from Seattle residents. Variable degrees of chrysotile contamination of control water samples and of Nuclepore membrane filters presented a problem. At present, the data are inconclusive but would suggest no relationship between high concentrations of fibers in drinking water and the numbers estimated for voided urine.
Extracellular matrix remodeling at the early stages of liver regeneration in the rat
Authors: T Kim, W M Mars, D B Stolz, B E Petersen, G K Michalopoulos
Journal: Hepatology (1997)

Previous studies have shown that activity of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) increases very rapidly (within 1 minute) after partial hepatectomy. In view of the well-recognized roles of u-PA as one of the major initiators of the matrix proteolysis cascade and as an activator of plasminogen and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), we studied matrix degradation in liver shortly after partial hepatectomy. The activation of plasminogen to plasmin following partial hepatectomy was examined by Western blot analysis, and a small increase in plasmin at approximately 15 minutes followed by a large elevation at approximately 3 to 6 hours after partial hepatectomy was detected. In addition, we found that fibrinogen, the major substrate for plasmin, begins to be degraded at approximately 15 to 30 minutes following partial hepatectomy. Using immunohistochemical staining, we detected that the distribution of fibrinogen in normal liver is localized to the perisinusoidal space surrounding the periportal region. A decreased distribution of fibrinogen in the periportal region was found by 15 minutes and continued through 24 hours following partial hepatectomy. In addition, the distribution of fibronectin in normal liver was localized to the perisinusoidal space surrounding the periportal and the pericentral regions. A strikingly decreased distribution of fibronectin in the periportal region was found at 5 minutes after partial hepatectomy. Furthermore, we observed that the protein levels of laminin, entactin, and fibronectin in an extracellular matrix (ECM)-enriched preparation decreased shortly after partial hepatectomy, and were restored later. No changes were observed with either vitronectin or the integrin chain alpha(v). In contrast to the protein levels of the ECM components, the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of fibronectin, integrin chain beta1, and integrin chain alpha(v) gradually increased over 18 hours and then decreased thereafter. Taken together, these results suggest that rapid reorganization of selected ECM components are important for hepatocyte proliferation at the early stages of liver regeneration.
Life expectancy in England between the rich and poor widens for both men and women
Authors: H. Mooney
Journal: BMJ (2009)

Although life expectancy at birth in England has improved by 0.4 years for men and 0.2 years for women, the gap in life expectancy between those living in the richest parts of England and those in the most deprived areas increased for both men and women for the period 2005-7 compared with 2004-6. 

Figures from the 2009 set of “health profiles” about the health of people in England, published on 30 June, show that men in Kensington and Chelsea have a life expectancy of 83.7 years and will live on average 10.5 years longer than those …
Pain and Itch, Nervous Mechanisms—
Authors: William B. Bean
Journal: JAMA (1961)

"Touch," "itch," "pain," "tickle"—these words conjure up in our minds a spectrum of every-day sensations which seem so simple as to be almost ridiculous, but they have proved well nigh incorrigible in all efforts to make a definitive analysis of them. The experimenter is perforce doubly blind. The experimenter as subject chooses words to describe his reactions which inevitably are incomplete, if not misleading, and experiments in animals have the further barrier that they must be interpreted in terms of the animal's response rather than a description of what is being felt. Thus, despite the fact that there are marvelous recording devices for measuring the faint impulses which dart along tiny nerves or slivers of nerves, the equating of electrical current with sensation has proved far too complex to yield broad generalization. Nonetheless, much progress has been made in the past two decades in the area of clinical investigation which
Afghanistan struggles to build post-conflict health care
Authors: T. Richards
Journal: BMJ (2003)

Rebuilding a country's healthcare systems after conflict will not be easy, said Dr Egbert Sondorp, lecturer in health policy at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, at a recent seminar there about the aftermath of the war in Afghanistan.

The Ministry of Health has recently agreed on a basic package of health services that it plans to roll out over the …
Allergenic cross‐reactivity of <i>Curvularia lunata</i> with other airborne fungal species
Authors: R. Gupta, B. P. Singh, S. Sridhara, S. N. Gaur, R. Kumar, V. K. Chaudhary, N. Arora
Journal: Allergy (2002)

Background: Curvularia lunata is an important fungus for respiratory allergic disorders. Previous studies indicated cross‐reactivity of Curvularia with other fungi. However, the cross‐reactive allergenic component (s) were not identified. The present work was carried out to study the shared allergenic components of C. lunata and others. Methods: Cross‐reactivity studies were performed using pooled hypersensitive patient sera to C. lunata by ELISA, immunoblot, immunoblot inhibition and ELISA inhibition. Results: Many C. lunata sensitive patients showed positive skin test to five other fungi. Alternaria alternata exhibited maximum (68%) whereas C ladosporium herbarum showed the least (17%) skin reactivity. Immunoblots of fungal extracts with pooled sera showed common proteins. Fusarium solani and C. herbarum showed negligible IgE binding. IgE ELISA inhibition with C. lunata showed 92% inhibition whereas A. alternata and E. nigrum showed 84% and 63%, respectively. Immunoblot inhibition with self protein showed complete loss of IgE‐binding activity. Proteins of 26, 31, 38, 45 and 50 kDa of C. lunata were inhibited by A. alternata and E. nigrum, whereas A. fumigatus inhibited 26, 45 and 50 kDa proteins. Conclusions: Significant allergenic cross‐reactivity exists among proteins of C. lunata , A. alternata and E. nigrum . Proteins of 26, 31, 38, 45 and 50 kDa are shared allergens in these fungi.
The behavior of self-control
Authors: Joseph J. Plaud
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (1995)

Abstract Rachlin's view of self-control as a sequence or chain of behaviors is contrasted with traditional behavioral analyses of self-control which emphasize a simplistic interpretation of the hyperbolic function relating small-sooner (SS) and larger-later (LL) reinforcers to specific behaviors. The validity of Rachlin's teleological analysis is examined in relation to the acquisition and steady-state performance of self-control behaviors. Central to an analysis of self-control is the functional difference between behavior under the control of SS and LL reinforcers, because SS-reinforced behavior is more complex due to temporal parameters.
A Method of Extracting the Petrous Bone for a post Mortem Examination of the Ear
Authors: A. Clerk
Journal: BMJ (1881)

Uan. 8, i88x.death-all seenm to me to point to death from pure shock; whilst, on the other hand, the absence of all struggling, as also of noisy respira- tion and blue countenance, point equally away from death by the in- halation of ether.
Mechanisms of Sulfonylurea-lnduced Insulin Release
Authors: Willy J Malaisse, Philippe Lebrun
Journal: Diabetes Care (1990)

The mechanisms responsible for the stimulation of insulin release from the pancreatic β-cell by hypoglycemic sulfonylureas are reviewed herein. One hypothesis postulates that these agents act, at the level of the plasma membrane, by causing the closure of a class of K+ channels characterized by their sensitivity to ATP. This may lead to depolarization of the plasma membrane, gating of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels, increase in cytosolic Ca2+ activity, and activation of the effector system for insulin release. However, it is not evident that the closure of ATP-sensitive K+ channels accounts for effects of sulfonylureas such as inhibition of K+ inflow into the islet cells, increase in their Na+ content, or even stimulation of Ca2+ inflow and insulin release at physiological or higher concentrations of Dglucose.
Today's FDA
Authors: Eve E. Slater
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2005)

In 1992, the passage of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Prescription Drug User Fee Act and, in 1997, the FDA Modernization Act resulted in an 85 percent increase in the number of employees at the FDA and in more efficient processes for the approval of drugs. In this article, the author identifies the remaining challenges facing the FDA. She contends that the FDA should improve its post-marketing surveillance, facilitate communication of information about the risks of drugs and devices, and contribute to efforts to control the cost of drugs.
Evolution of left ventricular dysfunction in coronary artery disease. Serial cineangiographic studies without surgery.
Authors: J E Markis, C D Joffee, B H Roberts, B J Ransil, P F Cohn, M V Herman, R Gorlin
Journal: Circulation (1980)

The evolution of left ventricular dysfunction in 36 patients with coronary artery disease and no interim surgical intervention was studied over a mean interval of 26 months (range 6-71 months).The ejection fraction decreased 0.08 (p < 0.001) on the average in patients with coronary artery disease progression.However, progression of coronary artery disease was not accompanied by a decrease in ejection fraction in every patient.Though deterioration in left ventricular function in the entire group was associated with the presence of new collateral vessels and interim arteriographic total occlusion, collaterals and occlusion did not imply a decline in ejection fraction of 0.10 or more in the individual patients.The ejection fraction tended to fall in patients with progression of arterial disease and no occlusion or interim infarction.Patients with interim myocardial infarction were more likely to have a decrease in ejection fraction of 0.10 or more (p < 0.05).Isolated left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion in five patients resulted in marked segmental con- traction abnormalities and a fall in ejection fraction not observed with occlusion of the other major coronary vessels.Progression of muscle damage may result from intrinsic changes induced by primary injury, recurrent ischemic episodes or unperceived infarction.The evolution of dysfunction in association with changes in cor- onary anatomy, clinical events or as the consequence of primary injury should be considered in the evaluation of the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.SEGMENTAL AND GLOBAL disorders of left ven- tricular contraction are frequently observed in patients with coronary artery disease.Though serial coronary cineangiographic studies have shown the appearance of new coronary obstructive lesions, or progression in the severity of obstruction,1 2 little is known regarding the associated changes, if any, in left ventricular function.In single angiographic studies, equivalent degrees of coronary artery obstruction and history of myocardial infarction have been associated with mild-to-severe disorders of left ventricular con- traction.There has been recent interest in the effect of aortocoronary artery bypass surgery on left ventricular function.Improvement in ejection fraction and derived indexes of myocardial contractility,3 4 as well as failure to improve resting left ventricular per- formance,5' 6 has been reported.This study was undertaken to determine the in- fluence of initial angiographic findings, interim clinical events and subsequent angiographic progression of coronary artery disease.For many patients, coronary artery bypass graft surgery was not available
Leucoencephalopathy after treatment of Churg-Strauss syndrome with interferon 
Authors: C Metzler
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2005)

We have reported the successful induction of remission with interferon α (IFNα) in severe Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) refractory to treatment with corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide.1 The effectiveness and safety of short term administration of IFNα was confirmed by a subsequent case series.2 Now, we report a potentially hazardous adverse event seen in two of 12 patients with CSS during long term IFNα treatment.

The first patient was a 48 year old woman with biopsy proven CSS, fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology criteria and Chapel Hill Consensus Conference definition, with blood eosinophilia, involvement of the respiratory tract, skin, peripheral nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and heart. Remission was induced with cyclophosphamide and corticosteroid for 10 months and maintained with methotrexate for 12 months, but she then relapsed with eosinophilic pleural effusion and pulmonary infiltrates. To avoid prolonged administration of cytotoxic drugs she received 3×3–3×7.5 million units …
Elevated plasma concentrations of lipoprotein(a) in patients with end-stage renal disease are not related to the size polymorphism of apolipoprotein(a).
Authors: H Dieplinger, C Lackner, F Kronenberg, C Sandholzer, K Lhotta, F Hoppichler, H Graf, P König
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1993)

Patients with terminal renal insufficiency suffer from an increased incidence of atherosclerotic diseases. Elevated plasma concentrations of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] have been established as a genetically controlled risk factor for these diseases. Variable alleles at the apo(a) gene locus determine to a large extent the Lp(a) concentration in the general population. In addition, other genetic and nongenetic factors also contribute to the plasma concentrations of Lp(a). We therefore investigated Apo(a) phenotypes and Lp(a) plasma concentrations in a large group of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and in a control group. Lp(a) concentrations were significantly elevated in ESRD patients (20.1 +/- 20.3 mg/dl) as compared with the controls (12.1 +/- 15.5 mg/dl, P < 0.001). However, no difference was found in apo(a) isoform frequency between the ESRD group and the controls. Interestingly, only patients with large size apo(a) isoforms exhibited two- to fourfold elevated levels of Lp(a), whereas the small-size isoforms had similar concentrations in ESRD patients and controls. Beside elevated Lp(a) concentrations, ESRD patients had lower levels of plasma cholesterol and apolipoprotein B. These results show that elevated Lp(a) plasma levels might significantly contribute to the risk for atherosclerotic diseases in ESRD. They further indicate that nongenetic factors related to renal insufficiency or other genes beside the apo(a) structural gene locus must be responsible for the high Lp(a) levels.
Variations in patient management and outcomes for acute myocardial infarction in the United States and other countries. Results from the GUSTO trial. Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Coronary Arteries
Authors: F. Van de Werf
Journal: JAMA (1995)

To examine differences in outcomes and patient management between patients in the United States and outside the United States undergoing thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction.Patients in the United States (n = 23,105) and 14 other countries (n = 17,916) were randomized to receive streptokinase plus either subcutaneous or intravenous (IV) heparin, accelerated recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) plus IV heparin, or combined streptokinase and rt-PA plus IV heparin.Differences in 30-day mortality and patient management were compared among treatments and between US and non-US patients. Treatment-by-country interactions were assessed by logistic regression analyses. Expected mortality of US and non-US patients was estimated using a predictive model and was compared with observed mortality.Mortality reduction with accelerated rt-PA vs streptokinase was greater in the United States (1.2% absolute decrease vs 0.7% elsewhere), but the test for treatment-by-country interaction against streptokinase was not significant (P = .30). Benefits of accelerated rt-PA over combination therapy were observed in the United States, but not in other countries (P = .02). Despite differences in base-line characteristics and patient management, 30-day mortality was not significantly different: 6.8% in the United States vs 7.2% elsewhere (P = .09). After adjustment for baseline differences, observed vs predicted outcomes were slightly better in the United States (6.8% vs 7.0%) than elsewhere (7.2% vs 7.0%), indicating that enrollment in the United States was a marginally significant predictor of better survival (P = .047).No significant evidence for a differentially greater benefit of accelerated rt-PA over streptokinase was found in US vs non-US patients. However, increased procedure and treatment use in the United States was associated with only a small decrease in short-term mortality. Long-term follow-up is required to clarify the relationship between survival and the more intensive US management approach.
Ulceration of the small intestine in children with coeliac disease.
Authors: M Eltumi, M J Brueton, N Francis
Journal: Gut (1996)

Ulceration of the small intestine in children has not been previously described.Two children, aged 12 and 18 months, presented with a history of failure to thrive and intractable diarrhoea.Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed multiple ulcers involving the first and second parts of the duodenum. Histology of biopsy specimens taken from these sites confirmed ulceration and showed other features consistent with a diagnosis of coeliac disease. They both showed pronounced clinical improvement and satisfactory linear growth on a gluten free diet. A year later the diagnosis of coeliac disease was confirmed on a biopsy controlled gluten challenge, and repeat endoscopy showed complete resolution of the intestinal ulceration.
ZAP-70 expression, as detected by immunohistochemistry on bone marrow biopsies from early-phase CLL patients, is a strong adverse prognostic factor
Authors: R Zanotti, A Ambrosetti, M Lestani, P Ghia, C Pattaro, A Remo, F Zanetti, S Stella, O Perbellini, G Prato, G Guida, F Caligaris-Cappio, F Menestrina, G Pizzolo, M Chilosi
Journal: Leukemia (2006)