tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Normal C1 inhibitor mRNA expression level in type I hereditary angioedema patients: newly found C1 inhibitor gene mutations
Authors: H. R. Kang, E. Y. Yim, S. Y. Oh, Y. S. Chang, Y. K. Kim, S. H. Cho, K. U. Min, Y. Y. Kim
Journal: Allergy (2006)

Background: C1 esterase inhibitor (C1INH) plays a key role in the classical pathway of the complement cascade. Mutations in this gene cause a decreased level of antigenic (type I hereditary angioedema, HAE) or functional (type II HAE) C1INH. Objective: To find novel mutations in C1INH and evaluate the expression of C1INH gene in HAE patients. Methods: Direct sequencing mutation analysis was performed for genomic DNA from three unrelated families (14 HAE patients and 18 family members). Genomic DNA from one family was also analyzed for larger genomic rearrangements, using Southern blotting analysis. We used real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to evaluate C1INH mRNA expression level. Results: Four mutations in exons (2311 T→C, 14 034 G→A, 16 830 G→A, and 16 979–16 980 G insertion) and four in introns (738 G→A, 8531 A→G, 14 254 A→G, and 14 337–14 378 TT deletion) were found. Interestingly, all of the nine patients in one family share the same mutation of Gly345Arg (14 034 G→A) in the seventh exon. In another family, a single base mutation near the splice site (14 254 A→G) was found in all of the three patients. In the last family, although a significant mutation was not found by direct sequencing, patients showed an abnormal 16 kb fragment in addition to the normal allele (21 kb Bcl I fragment). The C1INH mRNA expression of HAE patients in two families was not significantly different compared with that of normal controls. Conclusion: The two novel exonal mutations (G→A and A→G) and one large gene deletion were associated with the clinical phenotypes of HAE. Considering the normal C1INH mRNA levels but below normal protein levels in two families, their phenotypes would be associated with the post‐translational defect.
577 A lookback program to notify persons who received blood products in a neonatal intensive care unit before July 1992 of their risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection: results for those with managed care providers versus private sector providers
Authors: H CAGLE, J WILLIAMS, J JACOB, B MCMAHON, C HOMAN, C CHRISTENSEN, L FOXLEYVA, M SNOWBALL, R KOLLER, S NEGUS
Journal: Hepatology (2003)

State immunization and cancer registries contain data that, if linked, could be used to monitor the impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine on cervical cancer and precancer. Michigan is uniquely positioned to examine these outcomes using two population-based resources: the state-wide cancer registry and immunization information system (IIS).We assessed the feasibility of identifying females in the IIS who had continuous Michigan residence and linking them to the cancer registry. We considered continuous residence necessary for future studies of vaccine impact to avoid misclassifying those who may have been immunized while residing out-of-state and whose immunization therefore may not have been reported in Michigan.We identified females with 1976–1996 birthdates in the IIS and used probabilistic linkage software to match them with Michigan birth records. A stratified random sample of IIS-birth matches was provided to a commercial locator service to identify females with continuous Michigan residence. Cervical carcinoma in situ cases diagnosed in 2006 among females aged 10 through 30 years were also matched with the birth records; cancer registry-birth matches were merged with the IIS-birth matches using the birth record identifier.Overall, 68% of the 1274,282 IIS and 61% of the 1358 cancer registry records could be matched with birth records. Among the sample of IIS-birth matches, most (86%) were continuous residents. Seventy percent or more of cancer registry-birth matches merged with IIS-birth matches for cases born after 1984.This is the first effort in the U.S. to show that linking records across IIS and cancer registries is practical and reasonably efficient. The increasing proportion of matches between the registries and live birth file with birth year, and the use of population-based data, strengthen the utility of this approach. Future steps include use of this method to examine incidence of cervical cancer precursors in HPV immunization-eligible females.
Sale of baby milk is an expensive monopoly in Greece
Authors: S. Saripanidis
Journal: BMJ (2012)

In the present work, in vivo transporter knockout (KO) mouse models were used to characterize the disposition of diclofenac (DCF) and its primary metabolites following a single subtoxic dose in mice lacking breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp) or multidrug resistance-associated protein (Mrp)3. The results indicate that Bcrp acts as a canalicular efflux mediator for DCF, as wild-type (WT) mice had biliary excretion values that were 2.2- to 2.6-fold greater than Bcrp KO mice, although DCF plasma levels were not affected. The loss of Bcrp resulted in a 1.8- to 3.2-fold increase of diclofenac acyl glucuronide (DCF-AG) plasma concentrations in KO animals compared with WT mice, while the biliary excretion of DCF-AG increased 1.4-fold in WT versus KO mice. Furthermore, Mrp3 was found to mediate the basolateral transport of DCF-AG, but not DCF or 4ʹ-hydroxy diclofenac. WT mice had DCF-AG plasma concentrations 7.0- to 8.6-fold higher than Mrp3 KO animals; however, there were no changes in biliary excretion of DCF-AG. Vesicular transport experiments with human MRP3 demonstrated that MRP3 is able to transport DCF-AG via low- and high-affinity binding sites. The low-affinity MRP3 transport had a <i>V</i><sub>max</sub> and <i>K</i><sub>m</sub> of 170 pmol/min/mg and 98.2 <i>µ</i>M, respectively, while the high-affinity <i>V</i><sub>max</sub> and <i>K</i><sub>m</sub> parameters were estimated to be 71.9 pmol/min/mg and 1.78 <i>µ</i>M, respectively. In summary, we offer evidence that the disposition of DCF-AG can be affected by both Bcrp and Mrp3, and these findings may be applicable to humans.
Effect of functionalization of multilayered polyelectrolyte films on motoneuron growth
Authors: Constant Vodouhê, Matthieu Schmittbuhl, Fouzia Boulmedais, Dominique Bagnard, Dominique Vautier, Pierre Schaaf, Christophe Egles, Jean-Claude Voegel, Joelle Ogier
Journal: Biomaterials (2004)
Small prophylactic pancreatic duct stents: an assessment of spontaneous passage and stent-induced ductal abnormalities
Authors: C. Lawrence, P. Cotton, J. Romagnuolo, K. Payne, E. Rawls, R. Hawes
Journal: Endoscopy (2007)

Placing small stents in the pancreatic duct at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography reduces the risk of pancreatitis. However, this practice means that a second procedure might be required to remove the stent, and stents can also damage the duct. The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of spontaneous dislodgment and to assess the incidence of stent-induced ductal irregularities.We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients seen over a 3-year period (2001 - 2004) who had undergone placement of a 3-Fr pancreatic duct stent and in whom the fate of the stent had been documented. Radiographs were reviewed to determine stent passage at 30 days. If applicable, follow-up pancreatograms were reviewed to assess for stent-induced ductal abnormalities. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests for proportions, and 95 % binomial confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.Records for 125 consecutive patients who had had 3-Fr pancreatic stents placed were reviewed. The stents had passed spontaneously within 30 days in 110/125 patients (88 %). In the remaining 15 patients (12 %, 95 % CI 6.9 % - 19 %), the stents were still present on follow-up radiographs after a median time of 36 days, (range 31 - 116 days). Stent length, pancreatic sphincterotomy, and pancreas divisum had no effect on the likelihood of spontaneous passage. No stent-induced ductal irregularities were observed.Nearly 90 % of prophylactic 3-Fr pancreatic duct stents pass spontaneously within 30 days, and these stents were not observed to induce changes in the pancreatic duct.
Arsenic and Diabetes
Authors: Allan H. Smith
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2013)

We were interested to read the article by Choi et al. (2012), who investigated the effects of increased fluoride exposure and delayed neuro behavioral develop ment by reviewing published studies and performing a meta-analysis.Of the 39 studies identified, the authors considered 27 to be eligible.Choi et al. reported a mean difference in IQ (intelli gence quotient) score between exposed and reference populations of -0.4 (95% confidence interval: -0.5, -0.3) using a randomeffects model.Thus, children in high-fluoride areas had significantly lower IQ scores than those who lived in low-fluoride areas.Even if we ignore the weaknesses of the study (Choi et al. 2012), including a lack of individual-level information and the high probability of confounding because the authors did not adjust for covariates, a difference of 0.4 in mean IQ is clinically negligible (Jeckel et al. 2007;Rothman et al. 2008; Szklo and Nieto 2007) even though it was statistically significant.In general, clinical importance takes priority over statistical significance.The p-value can easily change from significant to nonsignificant because of sample size or the mean difference and standard deviation of the variable in the study population (Jeckel et al. 2007;Rothman et al. 2008;Szklo and Nieto 2007).As Choi et al. (2012) pointed out in their conclusion, there is a "possibility of an adverse effect of high fluoride exposure on children's neurodevelopment."Such a conclusion can be considered an ecological fallacy, which can easily lead to mis interpretation of the results.It is important to know that statistics cannot provide a simple substitute for clinical judgment (Jeckel et al.
Successful treatment with bosentan for severe digital ischaemia in limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis
Authors: E. P K Yu, A. J K Ostor, F. C Hall
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2007)

technique.An excess of antibodies can result in diffuse or faint staining. 10o confirm this hypothesis, some of the anti-CCP positive sera, usually diluted 1:20 for AKA determination, were then diluted in phosphate-buffered saline up to 1:200.Patients 6, 7 and 10 then showed the characteristic linear laminated pattern.These patients who were first considered to be AKA negative were in fact AKA positive!To conclude, testing for autoantibodies is highly relevant in the diagnosis or exclusion of many systemic autoimmune diseases, including RA.Our data show that IIF is an interesting diagnostic tool, provided the biologist has trained staff, quality controls, proficiency testing and keeps in mind the possible occurrence of prozone effects.As much as possible, AKA and anti-CCP antibodies should always be combined for optimum diagnostic performance.Solid-phase assays, which may be too expensive in some countries, can detect only anti-CCP antibodies, whereas IIF could give extra information such as the presence of antinuclear antibodies when examining for AKA.
ARE AMERICAN WOMEN PHYSICALLY DEGENERATED?
Authors: EDMUND ANDREWS
Journal: JAMA (1893)

Some wild errors are afloat on the subject of woman's supposed degeneration. In the October number of the<i>North American Review</i>Dr. Cyrus Edson, Commissioner of Health for New York, gives a horrible picture of American feminine "deterioration." He says that "there is at the present moment in this country a condition existing among the women which is the cause of the greatest alarm." It begins, in his opinion, in the schools, where by ambition and by rewards for success and disgraces for failure, growing girls are goaded to a disastrous amount of mental strain and over-brain work. "Thus stimulated they drive their brains and do the work" until their physical powers are wrecked, and in an "enormous number of cases . . . the women have broken down as the result of a lack of stamina sufficient to meet the physical strain of child-bearing." Again he says: "An increasingly
Diminished bronchial reactivity to cold air in diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy.
Authors: R W Heaton, R J Guy, B J Gray, P J Watkins, J F Costello
Journal: BMJ (1984)

To investigate the role of neural pathways in the nonasthmatic response to eucapnic hyperventilation with below freezing air five diabetic patients with severe symptomatic autonomic neuropathy were studied. Their responses were compared with those shown by five diabetic patients without autonomic neuropathy and five non-diabetic controls. After bronchial provocation testing with cold air the diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy did not show a significant fall in specific airways conductance (mean (SE) maximum percentage fall 2.0 (3)%), whereas conductance fell in the diabetic patients without neuropathy by 30.8 (2.0)% (p less than 0.001) and in the non-diabetic controls by 22.7 (4.6)% (p less than 0.02). In subjects who do not have asthma the bronchial response to cold air is mediated largely via neural mechanisms.
Fabrication, characterization and evaluation of bioceramic hollow microspheres used as microcarriers for 3-D bone tissue formation in rotating bioreactors
Authors: Qing-Qing Qiu, Paul Ducheyne, Portonovo S. Ayyaswamy
Journal: Biomaterials (1999)

Novel bioactive ceramic hollow microspheres with an apparent density in the range 0.8–1.0 g cm-3 have been developed as microcarriers for 3-D bone tissue formation in rotating-wall vessels (RWV). Hollow ceramic microspheres with a composition of 58–72%SiO2, 28–42%Al2O3 (wt%) and an apparent density 0.8–1.0 g cm-3 were pretreated in 1.0n NaOH for 2 h before being coated with synthesized calcium hydroxyapatite (HA) particulate sol. The HA-coated hollow microspheres were sintered for 1 h at 600, 800 and 1000°C. SEM analysis revealed that the grain size and pore size of the calcium phosphate coating increased with the sintering temperature. FTIR analysis showed that crystalline calcium hydroxyapatite was present in the coatings sintered at 600 and 800°C. When sintered at 1000°C, the coating consisted of α-tricalcium phosphate. All the coatings adhered well, independent of sintering temperature. The trajectory analysis revealed that the hollow microsphere remained suspended in a rotating-wall vessel (RWV), and experienced a low shear stress (∼0.6 dyn cm-2). Cell culture studies using rat bone marrow stromal cells and osteosarcoma cells (ROS 17/2.8) showed that the cells attached to and formed 3-D aggregates with the hollow microspheres in a RWV. Extracellular matrix was observed in the aggregates. These data suggest that these hollow bioactive ceramic microspheres can be used as microcarriers for 3-D bone tissue formation in vitro, as well as for the study of the effects of microgravity on bone cell functions.
The Effects of a Smoking Cessation Intervention on 14.5-Year Mortality
Authors: Nicholas R. Anthonisen, Melissa A. Skeans, Robert A. Wise, Jure Manfreda, Richard E. Kanner, John E. Connett
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2005)

Background: Randomized clinical trials have not yet demonstrated the mortality benefit of smoking cessation. Objective: To assess the long-term effect on mortality of a randomly applied smoking cessation program. Design: The Lung Health Study was a randomized clinical trial of smoking cessation. Special intervention participants received the smoking intervention program and were compared with usual care participants. Vital status was followed up to 14.5 years. Setting: 10 clinical centers in the United States and Canada. Patients: 5887 middle-aged volunteers with asymptomatic airway obstruction. Measurements: All-cause mortality and mortality due to cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and other respiratory disease. Intervention: The intervention was a 10-week smoking cessation program that included a strong physician message and 12 group sessions using behavior modification and nicotine gum, plus either ipratropium or a placebo inhaler. Results: At 5 years, 21.7% of special intervention participants had stopped smoking since study entry compared with 5.4% of usual care participants. After up to 14.5 years of follow-up, 731 patients died: 33% of lung cancer, 22% of cardiovascular disease, 7.8% of respiratory disease other than cancer, and 2.3% of unknown causes. All-cause mortality was significantly lower in the special intervention group than in the usual care group (8.83 per 1000 person-years vs. 10.38 per 1000 person-years; P = 0.03). The hazard ratio for mortality in the usual care group compared with the special intervention group was 1.18 (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.37). Differences in death rates for both lung cancer and cardiovascular disease were greater when death rates were analyzed by smoking habit. Limitations: Results apply only to individuals with airway obstruction. Conclusion: Smoking cessation intervention programs can have a substantial effect on subsequent mortality, even when successful in a minority of participants. *For a list of members of the Lung Health Study Research Group, see the Appendix.
Dopamine and serotonin: Integrating current affective engagement with longer-term goals
Authors: Leonard D. Katz
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (1999)

Interpreting VTA dopamine activity as a facilitator of affective engagement fits Depue &amp; Collins's agency dimension of extraverted personality and also Watson's and Tellegen's (1985) engagement dimension of state mood. Serotonin, by turning down the gain on dopaminergic affective engagement, would permit already prepotent responses or habits to prevail against the behavior-switching incentive-simulation-driven temptations of the moment facilitated by fickle VTA DA. Intelligent switching between openly responsive affective engagement and constraint by long-term plans, goals, or values presumably involves environment-sensitive balancing of these neuromodulators, such as socially dominant primates may show.
In vivo performance of a drug-eluting contact lens to treat glaucoma for a month
Authors: Joseph B. Ciolino, Cristina F. Stefanescu, Amy E. Ross, Borja Salvador-Culla, Priscila Cortez, Eden M. Ford, Kate A. Wymbs, Sarah L. Sprague, Daniel R. Mascoop, Shireen S. Rudina, Sunia A. Trauger, Fabiano Cade, Daniel S. Kohane
Journal: Biomaterials (2013)
Acute effects of inhalable particles on the frog palate mucociliary epithelium.
Authors: M Macchione, A P Oliveira, C T Gallafrio, F P Muchão, M T Obara, E T Guimarães, P Artaxo, M King, G Lorenzi-Filho, V C Junqueira, P H Saldiva
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (1999)

This work was designed to evaluate the toxicity of inhalable particles [less than/equal to] 10 microm in aerodynamic diameter (PM(10)) collected from the urban air in São Paulo, Brazil, to the mucociliary apparatus using the frog palate preparation. Seven groups of frog palates were immersed in different concentrations of PM(10) diluted in Ringer's solution during 120 min: 0 (control, n = 31); 50 (n = 10); 100 (n = 9); 500 (n = 28); 1,000 (n = 10); 5,000 (n = 11); and 10,000 microg/m(3) (n = 10). Mucociliary transport and transepithelial potential difference were determined at 0, 30, 60, and 120 min exposure. Additional groups (control and 500 microg/m(3)) were studied by means of morphometric analyses (quantification of the amount of intraepithelial and surface mucins), measurement of cilia beat frequency, and quantification of total glutathione. Mucociliary transport and transepithelial potential difference were significantly decreased at higher concentrations of PM(10) (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively). Exposure to PM(10) also elicited a significant decrease of total glutathione (p = 0. 003) and depletion of neutral intraepithelial mucins (p = 0.0461). These results show that PM(10) can promote significant alterations in ciliated epithelium in vitro.
Leg ulcers that do not heal
Authors: M J Callam, C V Ruckley, D R Harper, J J Dale
Journal: BMJ (1983)

internal auditory meatus or cochlea aqueduct or may bypass the labyrinth via the petro- mastoid canal or a defect in the fallopian canal.One should suspect the ear in all cases of otherwise unexplained recurrent meningitis in children.N P VON HAACKE C B CROFT
Macaroni and Prose
Authors: Sharon Parmet, Cassio Lynm, Richard M. Glass
Journal: JAMA (2003)

Concussion in SportsA concussion is an injury to the brain caused by a blow to the head that results in temporary loss of normal brain function.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 300 000 sports-related brain injuries occur in the United States each year.Concussions can also occur as the result of head injury from a fall or during a vehicle crash.The November 19, 2003, issue of JAMA includes 2 articles about concussions in college football players.
Influence of bone resorption on the mobilization of lead from bone among middle-aged and elderly men: the Normative Aging Study.
Authors: S W Tsaih, S Korrick, J Schwartz, M L Lee, C Amarasiriwardena, A Aro, D Sparrow, H Hu
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2001)

Bone stores of lead accrued from environmental exposures and found in most of the general population have recently been linked to the development of hypertension, cognitive decrements, and adverse reproductive outcomes. The skeleton is the major endogenous source of lead in circulating blood, particularly under conditions of accelerated bone turnover and mineral loss, such as during pregnancy and in postmenopausal osteoporosis. We studied the influence of bone resorption rate on the release of lead from bone in 333 men, predominantly white, middle-aged and elderly (mostly retired) from the Boston area. We evaluated bone resorption by measuring cross-linked N-telopeptides of type I collagen (NTx) in 24-hr urine samples with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We used K-X-ray fluorescence to measure lead content in cortical (tibia) and trabecular (patella) bone; we used graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy to measure lead in blood and urine, respectively. After adjustment for age and creatinine clearance, the positive relation of patella lead to urinary lead was stronger among subjects in the upper two NTx tertiles (beta for patella lead > or =0.015) than in the lowest NTx tertile (beta for patella lead = 0.008; overall p-value for interactions = 0.06). In contrast, we found no statistically significant influence of NTx tertile on the relationship of blood lead to urinary lead. As expected, the magnitude of the relationship of bone lead to urinary lead diminished after adjustment for blood lead. Nevertheless, the pattern of the relationships of bone lead to urinary lead across NTx tertiles remained unchanged. Furthermore, after adjustment for age, the relation of patella lead to blood lead was significantly stronger in the upper two NTx tertiles (beta for patella lead > or =0.125) than in the lowest NTx tertile (beta for patella lead = 0.072). The results provide evidence that bone resorption influences the release of bone lead stores (particularly patella lead) into the circulation.
Genetic Variants in TSLP and its Receptor, IL7R, Contribute to an Increased Risk for Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema Herpeticum in Two American Populations
Authors: P. Gao, D.Y. Leung, N.M. Rafaels, T. Hand, M. Boguniewicz, T.R. Hata, L. Schneider, J.M. Hanifin, R.L. Gallo, L. Gao, M. Yang, T.H. Beaty, L.A. Beck, K.C. Barnes
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2009)