tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECT OF SPERMINE ON TUBERCLE BACILLI
Authors: James G. Hirsch, René J. Dubos
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1952)

A crystalline substance capable of suppressing the growth of a variety of mycobacteria in vitro has been isolated from extracts of tissue in acidified dilute ethanol. This inhibitory material was found to be equally active against virulent, attenuated, and avirulent variants of human and bovine tubercle bacilli, but had little or no effect on saprophytic mycobacteria and on several non-acid-fast microorganisms under the conditions of the test. Its inhibitory activity on the growth of tubercle bacilli was essentially independent of the size of the inoculum within the limits studied. The crystalline material appeared to exert a bactericidal action on the susceptible organisms. Tubercle bacilli maintained in the presence of the agent for 4 days failed to grow when transferred to inhibitor-free media. The findings were not appreciably altered by minor variations in the composition of the medium or by shift in its reaction. When certain preparations of whole serum were used in the medium in place of albumin, no antimycobacterial activity was observed; however, this activity was restored by adding bovine albumin (fraction V) to the media containing whole serum. By chemical purification and analysis, the inhibitory material was identified as spermine, an organic base widely distributed in animal tissues.
Nicholas John Unsworth
Authors: Norman Walford, Carole Unsworth
Journal: BMJ (2007)

<h3>BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:</h3> Neurologic complications in infective endocarditis are frequent and affect patient prognosis negatively. Additionally, detection of asymptomatic lesions by MR imaging could help early management of this condition. The objective of our study was to describe MR imaging characteristics of cerebral lesions in a neurologically asymptomatic population with infective endocarditis. <h3>MATERIALS AND METHODS:</h3> One hundred nine patients at the acute phase of a definite or possible infective endocarditis according to the Duke modified criteria and without neurologic manifestations according to the NIHSS were prospectively included. Each patient underwent cerebral MR imaging and MRA within 7 days of admission. <h3>RESULTS:</h3> MR imaging showed abnormalities in 78 patients (71.5%). Acute ischemic lesions (40 patients, 37%) and cerebral microbleeds (62 patients, 57%) were the most frequent lesions. Eight patients had an acute SAH, 3 patients had brain microabscesses, 3 had a small cortical hemorrhage, and 3 had a mycotic aneurysm. Acute ischemic lesions mostly appeared as multiple small infarcts disseminated in watershed territories (25/40, 62.5%) and as lesions of different ages (21/40, 52.5%). Cerebral microbleeds were preferentially distributed in cortical areas (362/539 cerebral microbleeds, 67%). No significant correlation was found among lesions, in particular between acute ischemia and cerebral microbleeds. <h3>CONCLUSIONS:</h3> Occult cerebral lesions, in particular cerebral microbleeds and acute ischemic lesions, are frequent in infective endocarditis. The MR imaging pattern of acute small infarcts of different ages predominating in watershed territories and cortical cerebral microbleeds may represent a surrogate imaging marker of infective endocarditis.
Use of MODIS Satellite Images and an Atmospheric Dust Transport Model To Evaluate Juniperus Spp. Pollen Phenology and Dispersal to Support Public Health Alerts
Authors: J.C. Luvall, W. Sprigg, E. Levetin, A. Huete, S. Nickovic, G. Pejanovic, P. Van de Water, O. Myers, A. Budge, T. Crimmins, H. Krapfl, A. Zelicoff
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2011)
Comparison of Anti- Embolic Protection with Proximal Balloon Occlusion and Filter Devices During Carotid Artery Stenting: Clinical and Procedural Outcomes
Authors: Ersan Tatlı, Ali Buturak, Emir Doğan, Mustafa Alkan, Murat Sayın, Mustafa Yılmaztepe, Selçuk Atakay
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2013)
Gene expression profiling of folate pathway related genes in methotrexate naïve- and methotrexate-treated rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: M Blits, G Jansen, S Vosslamber, Y G Assaraf, C L Verweij
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2012)

<h3>Backgroundand objectives</h3> The folate antagonist methotrexate (MTX) is an anchor drug in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Many attempts have been undertaken to predict response to MTX treatment, in particular by evaluating possible correlations with polymorphic variations of methotrexate/folate-related genes. Thus far, however, many of these studies were not elusive in providing robust predictive markers. The aim of this study was to explore whether analysis of expression of methotrexate/folate-related genes provide information on the pharmacodynamics and (non)responsiveness of RA patients for MTX therapy. <h3>Methods</h3> Gene expression profiling was performed on peripheral blood from 25 MTX-treated (MTX<sup>+</sup>) and 10 untreated (MTX<sup>−</sup>) RA patients, and 15 healthy controls (HC). Statistical analysis was performed for 25 genes involved in the methotrexate/folate pathway using student9s t test or Mann–Whitney U test, p values of ≤0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. <h3>Results</h3> Several folate/MTX-related genes were markedly and significantly altered between the three study groups. Interestingly, the metabolic enzymes FPGS and GGH were significantly up-regulated in the MTX<sup>−</sup> RA group compared to the healthy control group (HC group), whereas GART expression was markedly down-regulated. Following MTX treatment, these alterations in expression levels were normalised to those observed in the HC group. Furthermore, the MTX-efflux transporters multidrug resistance protein-2 (MRP2) and MRP3 showed an increased expression in the MTX<sup>+</sup> group compared to the MTX<sup>−</sup> group and the HC group, suggesting that cellular extrusion may contribute to a diminished MTX response in the MTX<sup>+</sup> group. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Collectively, these results indicate that, under inflammatory conditions, basal folate metabolism is altered in blood cells of RA patients versus HC. Treatment with MTX restores expression of these genes to the levels within the range of the HC group. Finally, our results provide the first indication that multidrug resistance protein efflux transporters could contribute to an attenuated MTX response in MTX-based RA treatment. <h3>Acknowledgements</h3> Dr Y G Assaraf (Technion, Haifa, Israel) was a recipient of a visiting professor fellowship provided by the Dutch Arthritis Foundation to the VU University Medical Center Amsterdam. This study is partly supported by the 'TRACER' consortium of the Center for Translational and Molecular Medicine (CTMM), and the Dutch Arthritis Foundation.
The biosynthesis of guanidinosuccinic acid by perfused rat liver.
Authors: G Perez, A Rey, E Schiff
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1976)

The metabolic pathway for the synthesis of guanidinosuccinic acid was studied in the rat. Labeled guanidinosuccinic acid was isolated from the urine of animals given L-[guanidino-14C]arginine intraperitoneally but did not appear in the urine after administration of D,L-[guanidino-14C]canavanine. Radioactive arginine and nonradioactive aspartic acid and arginine were infused in the isolated, perfused rat liver. After 20 min, small amounts of both labeled and unlabeled guanidinosuccinic acid and large amounts of urea were detected in radiochromatograms of the perfusate. These results support the theory that guanidinosuccinic acid is formed in the liver from transamidination of arginine to aspartic acid.
Case of Haemophilia with Marfan's Syndrome
Authors: M. Erdohazi, V. Cowie, S. S. Lo
Journal: BMJ (1964)

The case of a male haemophiliac with an abnormal large chromosome was recently reported (Elves and IsraEls, 1962).This patient was eunochoid, of normal intelligence, and showed arachnodactyly in both hands and feet, a high arched palate, slight kyphosis, and a mild degree of hypospadias.Sex chromatin in the buccal mucosa was negative.An abnormal lage chromosome was, however, found, and this was thought to be an abnormal X.We now report a case which is similar in some respects.
Bilateral Upper Thoracic Sympathectomy in Angina Pectoris: Results in 52 Cases
Authors: D. A. Birkett, G. H. Apthorp, D. A. Chamberlain, G. W. Hayward, E. G. Tuckwell
Journal: BMJ (1965)

<h3>Résumé</h3> <h3>Objectif</h3> Présenter un cadre clinique afin de prendre en considération les éléments sociaux critiques pour les patients autochtones atteints de diabète de type 2. <h3>Sources de l'information</h3> Le Cadre de soins fondé sur l'éducation pour l'équité (Educating for Equity [E4E] Care Framework) a été produit à la suite de l'analyse rigoureuse d'une recherche qualitative portant sur les points de vue de patients autochtones (n = 32), de médecins (n = 28) et d'élaborateurs de cursus en santé autochtone (n = 5) dans toutes les régions du Canada. Un groupe consultatif national formé d'experts en santé autochtone, d'enseignants, de dirigeants, de médecins et de membres de la collectivité a exprimé des commentaires sur une analyse intégrant la recherche primaire dans les recommandations à l'intention des médecins. Des revues systématiques de la documentation ont été effectuées, et la technique du groupe nominal a servi à en arriver à un consensus de l'équipe de recherche sur les thèmes et les recommandations du cadre. <h3>Message principal</h3> Pour les patients autochtones atteints du diabète de type 2, les facteurs sociaux découlant des séquelles de la colonisation sont souvent des obstacles à l'amélioration des issues du diabète, et la culture n'est souvent pas reconnue comme une facilitatrice dans la gestion du diabète. Il est essentiel que le processus clinique unisse la compétence structurelle en juste équilibre avec la sécurité culturelle dans la négociation de la gestion du diabète avec des patients autochtones. Le Cadre de soins fondé sur l'éducation pour l'équité présenté dans cet article propose des recommandations pour naviguer dans ces eaux. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Il est fondamental de mettre l'accent sur les éléments sociaux et culturels pour offrir des soins du diabète efficaces aux patients autochtones. Le Cadre de soins fondé sur l'éducation pour l'équité est une ressource qui peut aider les cliniciens à améliorer la capacité des patients autochtones à apporter des changements d'une façon qui reconnaît les facteurs sociaux qui influencent les taux croissants de diabète, tout en ayant une perspective culturelle pour favoriser de meilleurs résultats.
Composite Measures for Profiling Hospitals on Bariatric Surgery Performance
Authors: Justin B. Dimick, Nancy J. Birkmeyer, Jonathan F. Finks, David A. Share, Wayne J. English, Arthur M. Carlin, John D. Birkmeyer
Journal: JAMA Surgery (2013)

The optimal approach for profiling hospital performance with bariatric surgery is unclear.To develop a novel composite measure for profiling hospital performance with bariatric surgery.Using clinical registry data from the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative, we studied all patients undergoing bariatric surgery from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2010. For laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, we used empirical Bayes techniques to create a composite measure by combining several measures, including serious complications, reoperations, and readmissions; hospital and surgeon volume; and outcomes with other related procedures. Hospitals were ranked for 2008 through 2009 and placed in 1 of 3 groups: 3-star (top 20%), 2-star (middle 60%), and 1-star (bottom 20%). We assessed how well these ratings predicted outcomes in the next year (2010) compared with other widely used measures.Risk-adjusted serious complications.Composite measures explained a larger proportion of hospital-level variation in serious complication rates with laparoscopic gastric bypass than other measures. For example, the composite measure explained 89% of the variation compared with only 28% for risk-adjusted complication rates alone. Composite measures also appeared better at predicting future performance compared with individual measures. When ranked on the composite measure, 1-star hospitals had 2-fold higher serious complication rates (4.6% vs 2.4%; odds ratio, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1-3.5) compared with 3-star hospitals. Differences in serious complication rates between 1- and 3-star hospitals were much smaller when hospitals were ranked using serious complications (4.0% vs 2.7%; odds ratio, 1.6; 95% CI, 0.8-2.9) and hospital volume (3.3% vs 3.2%; odds ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.4-1.7).Composite measures are much better at explaining hospital-level variation in serious complications and predicting future performance than other approaches. In this preliminary study, it appears that such composite measures may be better than existing alternatives for profiling hospital performance with bariatric surgery.
Central Adiposity Is Associated With Increased Risk of Esophageal Inflammation, Metaplasia, and Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Siddharth Singh, Anamay N. Sharma, Mohammad Hassan Murad, Navtej S. Buttar, Hashem B. El–Serag, David A. Katzka, Prasad G. Iyer
Journal: Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (2013)
P136 Comparison of the ROBD and the Ventimask method of pre-flight evaluation
Authors: S. E. Martin, J. M. Bradley, J. B. Buick, J. S. Elborn
Journal: Thorax (2010)

<h3>Introduction</h3> The Ventimask method of HCT is widely used in clinical practice however; a major limitation of this method is that the gas concentration administered during testing cannot be verified. The Reduced Oxygen Breathing Device (ROBD) is a flight simulator developed by the US military and the inspired fraction of oxygen (FiO<sub>2</sub>) can be accurately determined. <h3>Aim</h3> The aim of this study was to compare the results obtained during HCT, in patients with chronic respiratory disease, using the ROBD compared to the Ventimask method. The relationship of PaO<sub>2</sub> and SpO<sub>2</sub> by both methods was compared to in-flight oxygen saturations. <h3>Methods</h3> Patients with chronic respiratory disease undertook a HCT by the ROBD and Ventimask methods. The FiO<sub>2</sub> was 15.1% to simulate 8,000 ft which is equivalent to the maximum cabin altitude patients are likely to encounter during commercial air travel. <h3>Results</h3> 60 patients, (45 males) with stable chronic obstructive or restrictive respiratory disease participated in the study; age mean (SD) 57 (15) years, FEV<sub>1</sub> 66 (27)%, FVC 66 (27)%, FEV<sub>1</sub>/FVC ratio 60 (18). There was no significant difference between PaO<sub>2</sub> pre-ROBD HCT 9.74 (1.19) and pre-Ventimask HCT 9.72 (1.05) paired t-test p&gt;0.05. PaO<sub>2</sub> measured post-ROBD HCT (7.36 (0.93)) was significantly lower compared to PaO<sub>2</sub> post-Ventimask HCT (7.96 (0.97)) (p&lt;0.01). There was no significant difference in the mean decrease in SpO<sub>2</sub> in-flight mean (SD) 6 (3) compared to the mean decrease in SpO<sub>2</sub> post-ROBD HCT 5 (3) (p 0.334). In contrast, there was a significant difference in the mean decrease in SpO<sub>2</sub> post-Ventimask HCT 3 (2) compared to the mean decrease in SpO<sub>2</sub> in-flight and post-ROBD HCT (p&lt;0.01) <h3>Conclusion</h3> The ROBD HCT results in a lower PaO<sub>2</sub> compared to a Ventimask HCT at a FiO<sub>2</sub> of 15.1%. The ROBD assessment more accurately reflected actual changes in SpO<sub>2</sub> in-flight and may be a better method of assessment for in-flight oxygen.
Anaesthesia and Monoamine-oxidase Inhibitors
Authors: H. C. Churchill-Davidson
Journal: BMJ (1965)

SIR,-In 1947 we published a paper' entitled " Studies on the Mechanism of the Fanconi Syndrome."The subject of the study was a man aged 34, presenting in 1945 with gross osteomalacia.He was found to have the full renal-tubular abnormalities usually associated with the name " Fanconi syndrome "-namely, renal tubular reabsorp- tive defects of phosphate, glucose, and amino- acid, with renal-tubular acidosis.He was also found to have severe cirrhosis, from which he died in early 1946, his bone disease having been largely controlled by treatment.We thought then that cirrhosis was an occasional association of " Fanconi syndrome," indeed we then speculated that the cirrhosis might have resulted from amino-acid depletion in consequence of the amino-aciduria.'(We do not believe this any longer.)Our subsequent clinical studies at Univer- sity College Hospital have shown that cirrhosis is only consistently associated with a childhood form of the Fanconi syndrome, as in the case described by Baber.3One of us (C.E. D.) began to get worried about the original case in an adult man, since no further similar " idiopathic " cases have since been seen or heard of in this age group.The postmortem material was no longer available, but a measured aliquot of the patient's 24-hour urine of 7 January 1946 has been traced in our cold room.It has been sent to Professor J. N. Cumings, who reports that it contained 45 jeg./100 ml. of copper, or 594 pig. in the 24-hour specimen.He adds that this grossly excessive excretion is "undoubtedly diag- nostic of Wilson's disease if it cannot be explained by contamination."It would seem necessary to record now that the diagnosis of " idiopathic adult Fanconi syndrome with cirrhosis of the liver" prob- ably no longer exists on the basis of present evidence.Any apparent case should there- fore be carefully screened for causes of secondary renal tubular or of liver dysfunction such as myeloma, and heavy-metal poisoning-but especially for Wilson's dis- ease, for which we now have excellent treatment.4The existence of adult Fanconi syndrome without cirrhosis remains fully substantiated.-We are, etc.,
Influence of the American Society of Hematology Guidelines on the Management of Newly Diagnosed Childhood Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Corinna L. Schultz, Nandita Mitra, Marilyn M. Schapira, Michele P. Lambert
Journal: JAMA Pediatrics (2014)

<h3>Importance</h3> In 2011, the American Society of Hematology (ASH) published updated guidelines for the management of childhood immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) recommending management with observation alone when there are mild or no bleeding symptoms, regardless of platelet count. Little is known about practice patterns of newly diagnosed ITP in the United States. <h3>Objective</h3> To understand the impact of management recommendations on practice patterns. <h3>Design, Setting, and Participants</h3> Retrospective medical record review in the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, a large, urban, pediatric tertiary care hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The study involved 311 pediatric patients with newly diagnosed ITP managed between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2012. <h3>Main Outcomes and Measures</h3> Management type (observation alone vs pharmacotherapy) was determined via medical record review and electronic pharmacy data at diagnosis and within 6 months after diagnosis. <h3>Results</h3> Overall, 44.7% of patients were managed with observation alone at diagnosis, with a significant increase from 34.9% in 2007-2010 to 49.2% in 2011 (<i>P</i> &lt; .02) and 71.1% in 2012 (<i>P</i> &lt; .001). Of those treated, 99% were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin. In multivariable logistic regression, younger age (odds ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.87-0.99), lower platelet count (odds ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.83-0.89), and earlier period (2007-2010) of diagnosis (odds ratio, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.09-0.34) were significantly associated with increased odds of pharmacologic management. During 2010-2012, 20.8% of patients were also treated within 6 months after diagnosis. There was no significant difference by year or initial management type in those who received this later pharmacotherapy. Additionally, 19.6% of patients had documented bleeding symptoms beyond cutaneous bruising or petechiae at diagnosis. Intracranial hemorrhage at diagnosis was rare (0.6%). <h3>Conclusions and Relevance</h3> We demonstrated a significant practice change in the management of newly diagnosed ITP at a pediatric care tertiary care hospital in the United States surrounding revision of the ASH management guidelines for childhood ITP. Our experience supports adoption of observation alone for a proportion of patients with newly diagnosed childhood ITP. This form of management did not lead to an increase in later treatment or an increase in delayed bleeding symptoms.
Biophysical characterization of hyper-branched polyethylenimine-graft- polycaprolactone-block-mono-methoxyl-poly(ethylene glycol) copolymers (hy-PEI-PCL-mPEG) for siRNA delivery
Authors: Yu Liu, Olga Samsonova, Brian Sproat, Olivia Merkel, Thomas Kissel
Journal: Journal of Controlled Release (2011)
Surgical Expertise and Outcome in Osteosarcoma Trials
Authors: Stefan S. Bielack, Heribert Jürgens
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2004)

In reply to the comments on our letter, 1 we accept the rectification of the total number of patients being 1,702 instead of 480; nonetheless, Bielack et al should have also specified that this number includes not only the patients with nonmetastatic osteosarcoma of the extremities who entered the neoadjuvant Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group (COSS) studies, 2 but also patients with tumors
Codon 54 polymorphism of the fatty acid binding protein 2 gene is associated with increased fat oxidation and hyperinsulinemia, but not with intestinal fatty acid absorption in Korean men
Authors: Chul-Hee Kim, Seog-Ki Yun, Dong-Won Byun, Myung-Hi Yoo, Ki-Up Lee, Kyo-Il Suh
Journal: Metabolism (2001)
Failure to induce secretion in jejunal biopsies from children with cystic fibrosis.
Authors: C J Taylor, P S Baxter, J Hardcastle, P T Hardcastle
Journal: Gut (1988)

The secretory activity of jejunal biopsies from children with cystic fibrosis (CF) has been investigated using a modified Ussing chamber technique. Samples from six children with CF failed to respond when challenged with the intestinal secretagogues acetylcholine (10(-3) M), prostaglandin E2 (1.4 X 10(-6) M) and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (10(-3) M), while control tissues exhibited rises in short circuit current of 28.1 (7.4) (6) microA/cm2, 23.4 (4.6) (6) microA/cm2 and 10.0 (2.0) (4) microA/cm2 respectively in response to these agents. The calcium ionophore, A23187 (3.8 X 10(-6) M), increased the short circuit current in all the control tissues (mean change = 10.1 (2.7) (5) microA/cm2) and induced a small response in some of the CF tissues. Both groups of tissues generated a rise in short circuit current associated with sodium linked glucose (10 mM/l) absorption (control = 32.6 (9.3) (6) microA/cm2, CF = 36.2 (13.9) (6) microA/cm2, p greater than 0.05). These results show that the defect in chloride transport observed in other epithelia in CF also exists in the jejunum and could contribute to the intestinal effects of the disease. The technique used should permit further studies of the basic defect and may be of diagnostic value.