tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Interleukin 13 is a B cell stimulating factor.
Authors: T Defrance, P Carayon, G Billian, J C Guillemot, A Minty, D Caput, P Ferrara
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1994)

The recently cloned human interleukin 13 (IL-13) is a novel cytokine expressed in activated T cells that has been shown to inhibit inflammatory cytokine production by lipopolysaccharide-activated monocytes. The protein encoded by the IL-13 cDNA is the human homologue of a mouse Th2-product called P600. Here, we show that IL-13 acts at different stages of the B cell maturation pathway: (a) it enhances the expression of CD23/Fc epsilon RII and class II MHC antigens on resting B cells; (b) it stimulates B cell proliferation in combination with anti-Ig and anti-CD40 antibodies; and (c) it induces IgE synthesis. Thus, the spectrum of the biological activities of IL-13 on B cells largely overlaps that previously ascribed to IL-4. The present observations suggest that IL-13 may be an important factor, in addition to IL-4, in the development of allergic diseases.
Treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Authors: B Lask
Journal: BMJ (1978)

Hazard of chemical sympathectomy SIR,-The essential requirement in performing injections with neurolytic solutions is firstly to ensure correct needle placement and secondly to make sure that the solution spreads in the correct tissue plane so as to destroy only the intended nervous tissue.Drs J M B Burn and L Langdon (29 April, p 1143) deny the need for radiological control for chemical sympath- ectomies on the grounds of expediency and on the basis of their own experience.They miss the point that cases of paraplegia, including the one described by Dr R C Smith and others (4 March, p 552), have occurred for the very reason that the operator was unaware of any error in the needle placement or aberrant spread of solution.The potential for in- accurate needle placement is well illustrated in the study by Brechner and Brechner,' who showed that even with technical proficiency check x-rays after final positioning will show up to 400o error in needle placement.When x-ray control with an image in- tensifier is used from the start accurate placement of the needles is very rapid, reducing patient discomfort to a minimum.The satis- factory position of the needles having been seen, subsequent injection of radio-opaque solution then determines the accuracy and extent of spread, allowing for minor adjustments when an occasional intravascular dispersion is seen.We therefore strongly recom- mend, as the safest practice, that all neurolytic injections in the region of the vertebral column should be made under x-ray control.
Controlled Low Oxygen Concentration by Venturi Effect
Authors: E. Leslie Chusid
Journal: JAMA (1971)

<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> In reference to the new low oxygen mask described in our paper, Farzan has emphasized a point which we consider to be of utmost importance. As we have stated in the conclusions of our paper (last paragraph), the new mask is probably not any more efficacious in treating hypoxemia than the Ventimask or nasal cannulae; however, the advantage<i>is</i>the lower price. Further, it is not only the price of the mask, but the cost of the oxygen used which is of import to the patient on an individual basis. Since a low flow of oxygen (1.5-2 liters/min) through any Venturi mask is all that is necessary to bring about the desired effect, then 4 to 8 liters/min<i>is</i>excessive and wasteful. We agree that a change in advertising or recommendations should be made with Venturi masks concerning their flow. Our description of the new mask serves
Abstract B12: PTEN modulates sensitivity to a novel ERK inhibitor in BRAFV600E-mutant melanomas
Authors: Clemens Krepler, Meenhard Herlyn, Jessie Villanueva, Ahmed Samatar, Yuhao Chen, Molly Halloran, Minu Samanta, Xu He, Adina Vultur, Bradley Wubbenhorst, Katherine Nathanson
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2012)

Abstract The presence of activating BRAF mutations in approximately 50% of melanomas, the majority of which are BRAFV600E, has prompted the development of selective inhibitors of the BRAF/MAPK/ERK pathway for targeted therapy. RAF inhibitors, including vemurafenib and GSK2118436, have shown striking results in clinical trials, highlighting this pathway as a suitable target for melanoma therapy. A number of other pharmacological agents targeting this pathway are currently in pre-clinical or clinical development. However, therapy with MAPK pathway inhibitors results in a wide range of response patterns in patients with BRAF-mutant tumors. Furthermore, even in patients with measurable responses, tumors eventually develop resistance and patients relapse. It has been previously reported that activation of the PI3K pathway may play a role modulating the response to RAF and MEK inhibitors. Here we report that melanoma cells which harbor the BRAFV600E mutation and express PTEN have low levels of phospho-AKT and are sensitive to a novel ATP-competitive ERK inhibitor. In contrast, BRAFV600E mutant melanoma cell lines that do not express PTEN have higher levels of phospho-AKT and are less sensitive to ERK inhibition. Importantly, we have confirmed these findings in an in vivo xenotransplantation model of melanoma. Additionally, we found that siRNA-mediated PTEN silencing in a PTEN wild-type cell line modestly decreases sensitivity to ERK inhibition. Conversely, PTEN overexpression in a PTEN-null cell line partially sensitizes cells to the ERK small molecule inhibitor. Consistent with these findings, targeting PI3K in melanoma cells lacking functional PTEN sensitizes them to ERK inhibition. Our studies suggest that the presence or absence of functional PTEN can modulate response to ERK inhibitors and warrant further evaluation of combination strategies to treat melanomas refractory to inhibitors of the MAPK pathway.
Diffuse Lung Uptake of Tc-99m MDP Associated with Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia in a Patient with Neuroblastoma
Authors: W GRANVILLE BATTE, S D J YEH, STEVEN M. LARSON
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (1991)

A pattern of reversible abnormal lung deposition of the bone seeking radiopharmaceutical Tc-99m MDP is demonstrated in a patient with Stage IV neuroblastoma with a coincident pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, in whom the preinfection and postinfection bone scans demonstrated normal tracer activity.
Platelet Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 in Patients With Type II Diabetes
Authors: Rudolf Jokl, Marta Laimins, Richard L Klein, Timothy J Lyons, Maria F Lopes-Virella, John A Colwell
Journal: Diabetes Care (1994)

OBJECTIVE To compare platelet plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) concentration in type 11 diabetic patients and healthy control subjects. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We studied a group of 12 diabetic patients whose disease was controlled by diet or sulfonylurea therapy and a group of 17 nondiabetic control subjects. All subjects were free of clinically advanced vascular disease. PAI-1 antigen concentrations were measured in 5 × 108 isolated platelets, which were lysed by 1% Triton X-100. RESULTS Mean platelet PAI-1 was significantly higher in diabetic patients (264 ± 83 ng/5 × 108 platelets) compared with control subjects (202 ±71 ng/5 × 108platelets) (P &amp;lt; 0.05). A significant independent positive correlation was found between platelet PAI-1 concentrations and fasting plasma specific insulin levels in the diabetic patients (r = 0.63, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that 1) a higher platelet PAI-1 concentration may contribute to enhanced thrombosis in type II diabetes and 2) megakaryo-cyte PAI-1 synthesis may be under the control of insulin.
A prospective study of the relationship between exposure and specific antibodies in workers exposed to organic acid anhydrides
Authors: H. Welinder, J. Nielsen, L. Rylander, B. Ståhlbom
Journal: Allergy (2001)

Background: The exposure–response relationships for the induction of specific IgE and IgG were evaluated in a prospective study of workers exposed to organic acid anhydrides (OAAs). Special attention was paid to the modifying effects of atopy and smoking. Methods: The subjects were 163 previously unexposed persons exposed to epoxy resins with hexahydro‐, methylhexahydro‐, and methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride as curing agents. The levels of OAAs in air and of specific IgE and IgG in serum were recurrently monitored. The mean observation time was 32 (1–105) months. Results: The mean combined OAA exposure of the subjects was 15.4 (&lt;1–189) μg/m 3 . Positive specific IgE was demonstrated by 21 (13%) subjects with a mean induction time of 8.8 (1–35) months. The incidence of sensitization was 4.1 cases/1000 months at risk. The relative risk (OR) for atopics was 5.4 (1.9‐15.3; 95% CI). An exposure–response relationship was demonstrated by an increasing risk of sensitization with increasing exposure. Conclusions: An association between exposure and atopy, respectively, and the induction of specific antibodies against OAAs were observed. The risk for atopics was comparable with the risk for the subjects in the most exposed group.
Abdominal Muscle Strength in Patients with Tetraplegia
Authors: MARC ESTENNE, CHRISTOPHE PINET, ANDRÉ DE TROYER
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2000)

The abdominal muscles are completely paralyzed after traumatic transection of the cervical cord. To assess the residual pressure-generating capacity of these muscles, we first measured the changes in gastric pressure ( Δ Pga) during paired bilateral stimulation of the lower thoracic nerve roots in eight chronic patients with C5–C7 tetraplegia and eight matched unaffected subjects in the seated posture. Stimulations were applied with a 90-mm circular magnetic coil positioned at the level of T10 and connected to a Magstim 250 stimulator. During relaxation at FRC, Δ Pga during maximal stimulation averaged (mean ± SE) 76.0 ± 11.7 cm H2O in the control subjects, whereas in the patients it was only 29.9 ± 3.7 cm H2O (p = 0.002). Stimulations were next applied during the course of a forced expiration. All patients consistently demonstrated an abrupt increase in esophageal pressure (22.7 ± 4.5 cm H2O), and six of them also showed an increase in expiratory flow. The cumulative thickness of the four abdominal muscles, as measured with an ultrasound probe, was 34% smaller in the patients than in the control subjects and correlated positively with maximal Δ Pga. We conclude that in patients with tetraplegia, muscle atrophy causes a marked reduction in abdominal muscle strength. However, magnetic stimulation of the abdominal muscles elicits increases in intrathoracic pressure that are greater than those required to initiate dynamic airway compression; it might, therefore, improve the clearing of airway secretions. Estenne M, Pinet C, De Troyer A. Abdominal muscle strength in patients with tetraplegia.
Human Developmental Anatomy
Authors: Ira Fowler
Journal: JAMA (1964)

This is a new medical embryology textbook written by an experienced anatomist. Beginning with a description of fertilization and implantation, a logical account of human development is presented in a style which should enable the student to grasp readily the fundamental processes of normal development. A description of many of the more common variations and malformations is provided in the body of the text. This may be a more useful approach than the usual one of having a separate section on abnormal development. The morphologic changes during development are well illustrated with accurate line drawings which the student will find more useful in most cases than photographs. Pertinent references are given at the end of each chapter. An extensive timetable of human development, based largely on Streeter, is presented at the end of the book. This will be a valuable reference list for assessing the "critical period" involved in production
TESTS OF CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN INFANTS
Authors: SAMUEL LIVINGSTON
Journal: JAMA (1942)

Although the dextrose tolerance test has been widely used both in pediatrics and in general medicine for the recognition of disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism, difficulties are often encountered in the interpretation of the results obtained. In part, these difficulties appear to arise from a lack of conformity to accepted technics and consequently also to inadequate standards for comparison. In addition, there has been a tendency to view certain characteristics of blood sugar curves as specific for individual diseases without giving adequate consideration to the complexity of the physiologic processes involved. The present study was, therefore, undertaken with a view toward a better standardization and interpretation of the tests used to evaluate the state of carbohydrate metabolism in small infants. <h3>METHODS</h3> In the present study, the various tests of carbohydrate function commonly used in clinical medicine have been applied to a group of selected normal infants. The tests involved observations on
The Natural History of Isolated Ventricular Septal Defect
Authors: RUSSELL V. LUCAS, PAUL ADAMS, RAY C. ANDERSON, NICOLAAS G. MEYNE, C. WALTON LILLEHEI, RICHARD L. VARCO
Journal: Circulation (1961)

Forty patients with isolated ventricular septal defect were studied physiologically two or more times before they underwent surgical treatment. Utilizing baselines obtained by heart catheterizations of normal infants and children, we grouped patients with ventricular septal defect according to the magnitude of the total pulmonary resistance, pulmonary blood flow, and pulmonary arterial pressure, and according to changes in these values over time. The patients with small defects (less than 1 cm. per M. 2 of body surface area) were easily separable on the basis of physiologic findings. Patients with large ventricular septal defects (greater than 1 cm. per M. 2 of body surface area) exhibited one of three possible initial responses to the stress of high pulsatile pulmonary flow and increased pulmonary artery pressure: (1) normal regression of total pulmonary resistance; (2) delayed fall in total pulmonary resistance; (3) failure of the total pulmonary resistance to decrease with age. These physiologic responses were thought to be related to normal maturation, delayed maturation, or failure of maturation of the pulmonary vascular bed. It was observed that a subsequent increase in total pulmonary resistance could be superimposed on any of the three initial responses at any time. Clinical evidence and catheterization data suggested that the relative size of the ventricular septal defect had decreased in five patients. The variability of the physiologic courses, the importance of the pulmonary vascular bed in determining these responses, and our lack of understanding of the etiology of the pulmonary vascular changes were noted. The indications for, and timing of surgical intervention in patients with isolated ventricular septal defects, are discussed in light of the above findings.
The Effect of Blood Sample Volume on 11 Glucose Monitoring Systems
Authors: Zeina Yared, Khaled Aljaberi, Nancy Renouf, Jean-François Yale
Journal: Diabetes Care (2005)

The effect of variable blood sample volume on the accuracy of 11 glucose meters was studied to verify the reliability of self-monitoring of blood glucose. A total of 11 meters were assessed: OneTouch FastTake, OneTouch Basic, OneTouch Profile, and SureStep (LifeScan Canada, Burnaby, B.C., Canada); AccuSoft Advantage and AccuSoft Manager (Roche, Hoffman-LaRoche, Laval, P.Q., Canada); Precision Pen and Precision QID (MediSense Canada, Mississauga, ON, Canada); and Glucometer Elite, Glucometer Elite XL, and Glucometer DEX (Bayer, Toronto, ON, Canada). Venous blood collected from …
Dissolution of Phytobezoar Using Pineapple Juice
Authors: Janice L. Feffer
Journal: JAMA (1976)

To the Editor.—  We wish to report the successful dissolution of a phytobezoar using unprocessed pineapple juice which contains the proteolytic enzyme bromelain.  Report of a Case.—  A 57-year-old woman underwent hemigastrectomy and bilateral truncal vagotomy for a 1-cm lesser-curvature gastric ulcer that had not healed after eight weeks of intensive medical management. Histopathologic study showed an adenocarcinoma limited to the area under the ulcer. One year later she had no evidence of recurrence and sought to lose weight with a low-calorie diet containing increased amounts of fruits and vegetables. Five months later she noted frequent episodes of vomiting and postprandial epigastric distress. An upper gastrointestinal roentgenographic study showed an 8×13-cm bezoar. A diet low in fiber was initiated immediately. Dissolution with papain (Adolph's Meat Tenderizer) was attempted, but excessive burning discomfort made her stop within two days. She then took bromelain in the form of fresh pine-apple juice; she
"Publishers' dawdle" -- a case for treatment?
Authors: D. J Hearse, M. Avkiran, G. Brooks, D. J Chambers, W. A Coetzee, M. J Curtis, F. J Kelly, M. J Shattock
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (1992)

Journal Article “Publishers' dawdle” — a case for treatment? Get access David J Hearse, David J Hearse Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Metin Avkiran, Metin Avkiran Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Gavin Brooks, Gavin Brooks Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar David J Chambers, David J Chambers Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar William A Coetzee, William A Coetzee Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Michael J Curtis, Michael J Curtis Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Frank J Kelly, Frank J Kelly Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Michael J Shattock Michael J Shattock Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Cardiovascular Research, Volume 26, Issue 1, January 1992, Pages 1–2, https://doi.org/10.1093/cvr/26.1.1 Published: 01 January 1992
Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis — Where Do We Go from Here?
Authors: Marcea Whitaker, Jia Guo, Theresa Kehoe, George Benson
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2012)

In response to reports of rare but serious adverse events associated with bisphosphonates, the FDA reviewed long-term bisphosphonate efficacy. Two FDA committees recommended an update to bisphosphonate labeling but no regulatory restriction on duration of use.
Hypoparathyroidism in Wilson's Disease
Authors: Thomas O. Carpenter, David L. Carnes, Constantine S. Anast
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1983)

An 11-year-old girl with Wilson's disease presented with mild hypocalcemia (8.0 mg per deciliter), hypophosphatemia (2.7 mg per deciliter), hypercalciuria (569 mg per day), and hyperphosphaturia (tubular reabsorption of phosphate, 67 per cent). The hyperphosphaturia and hypercalciuria were attributed to the Fanconi syndrome, a known component of Wilson's disease. Circulating immunoreactive parathyroid hormone was usually undetectable or, occasionally, detectable at minimal levels in the presence of depressed blood levels of ionized calcium. Normal levels of ionized calcium were not maintained throughout a 24-hour monitoring period. The patient had tetany during a period of rapid reduction in ionized calcium levels, and an appropriate rise in circulating immunoreactive parathyroid levels was never demonstrated. Induced hypocalcemia during citrate infusion did not stimulate parathyroid secretion, nor did infusion of magnesium. We conclude that parathyroid insufficiency may be associated with Wilson's disease. We speculate that it is due to deposition of copper in the parathyroid glands. (N Engl J Med 1983; 309:873–7.)
The Relationship between Hospital Volume and Mortality in Severe Sepsis
Authors: David F. Gaieski, J. Matthew Edwards, Michael J. Kallan, Mark E. Mikkelsen, Munish Goyal, Brendan G. Carr
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2014)

Severe sepsis is increasing in incidence and has a high rate of inpatient mortality. Hospitals that treat a larger number of patients with severe sepsis may offer a survival advantage.We sought to assess the effect of severe sepsis case volume on mortality, hypothesizing that higher volume centers would have lower rates of inpatient death.We performed a retrospective cohort study over a 7-year period (2004-2010), using a nationally representative sample of hospital admissions, examining the relation between volume, urban location, organ dysfunction, and survival.To identify potential differences in outcomes, hospitals were divided into five categories (<50, 50-99, 100-249, 250-499, and 500+ annual cases) and adjusted mortality was compared by volume. A total of 914,200 patients with severe sepsis were identified over a 7-year period (2004-2010). Overall in-hospital mortality was 28.1%. In a fully adjusted model, there was an inverse relationship between severe sepsis case volume and inpatient mortality. Hospitals in the highest volume category had substantially improved survival compared with hospitals with the lowest case volume (adjusted odds ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.60-0.69). In cases of severe sepsis with one reported organ dysfunction, a mortality of 18.9% was found in hospitals with fewer than 50 annual cases compared with 10.4% in hospitals treating 500+ cases (adjusted odds ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.59). Similar differences were found in patients with up to three total organ dysfunctions.Patients with severe sepsis treated in hospitals with higher case volumes had improved adjusted outcomes.
Arachidonate metabolism in cultured fibroblasts derived from normal and infarcted canine heart.
Authors: D R Weber, E D Stroud, S M Prescott
Journal: Circulation Research (1989)

Metabolites of arachidonic acid (eicosanoids) may have an important role in the healing process after myocardial infarction. We examined the ability of cardiac fibroblasts from normal and from healing infarcted ventricle to metabolize arachidonate. We induced myocardial infarction in dogs and then allowed them to recover for 1 week, at which time they were killed, and the heart was removed. Fibroblasts were harvested from normal and from the healing, infarcted areas of the left ventricle. The cells from each source were morphologically indistinguishable. There were 347 +/- 102-fold more fibroblasts cultured from the infarcted area than from the normal area. Interestingly, the infarct-derived cells had a slower doubling time (37.4 +/- 3.7 hours) than the normal cells (22.0 +/- 3.6 hours). The uptake of exogenous arachidonate and its distribution in complex lipids was the same in the cells from each area. When stimulated with the calcium ionophore, free exogenous arachidonate, bradykinin, or histamine the cells produced prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin I2. In each case the infarct-derived cells produced from twofold to fivefold more prostaglandin than the normal cells. We also found that prostaglandin synthesis was highly dependent on the growth state of the cells with a marked decrease a confluence. Finally, in experiments designed to mimic the early state of infarction, we confirmed that isolated cardiac myocytes release arachidonate and showed that normal fibroblasts can incorporate it. The production of eicosanoids by cardiac fibroblasts may be substantial during the healing of myocardial infarction due to their dramatic proliferation and the increased prostaglandin production per cell.