tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Human plasma transport of vitamin D after its endogenous synthesis.
Authors: J G Haddad, L Y Matsuoka, B W Hollis, Y Z Hu, J Wortsman
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1993)

Transport of vitamin D3 from its sites of cutaneous synthesis into the circulation has been assumed to be via the plasma vitamin D binding protein (DBP). We studied vitamin D transport from the skin in seven healthy volunteers who received whole body irradiation with 27 mJ/cm2 dosage of ultraviolet B light (290-320 nm). Samples of venous blood were collected serially in EDTA and immediately chilled. In KBr, plasma samples were ultracentrifuged to provide a rapid separation of proteins of density < and > 1.3 g/ml. Upper and lower phases and serial fractions were analyzed for vitamin D3 (extraction, HPLC), cholesterol (enzyme assay), and human DBP (hDBP) (radial immunodiffusion). Total plasma vitamin D (basal level < 1 ng/ml) increased by 10 h and peaked at 24 h (9 +/- 1 ng/ml). 98% of the D3 remained at the density > 1.3 layers for up to 7 d, whereas cholesterol (> 85%) was detected at density < 1.3 and all of the hDBP was at density > 1.3. In three volunteers who each ingested 1.25 mg of vitamin D2, the total plasma D2 increased to 90 +/- 32 ng/ml by 4 h, and the D2 was evenly distributed between the upper and lower layers at 4, 8, and 24 h after the dose, indicating a continuing association of the vitamin with chylomicrons and lipoproteins, as well as with hDBP. Actin affinity chromatography removed D3 from plasma of irradiated subjects, indicating the association of the D3 with DBP. These findings indicate that endogenously synthesized vitamin D3 travels in plasma almost exclusively on DBP, providing for a slower hepatic delivery of the vitamin D and the more sustained increase in plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol observed after depot, parenteral administration of vitamin D. In contrast, the association of orally administered vitamin D with chylomicrons and lipoproteins allows for receptor-mediated, rapid hepatic delivery of vitamin D, and the reported rapid but less-sustained increases in plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol.
High serum IL-21 levels after 12 weeks of antiviral therapy predict HBeAg seroconversion in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Shi-Wu Ma, Xuan Huang, Yong-Yin Li, Li-Bo Tang, Xiao-Feng Sun, Xiao-Tao Jiang, Yue-Xin Zhang, Jian Sun, Zhi-Hua Liu, William G.H. Abbott, Yu-Hong Dong, Nikolai V. Naoumov, Jin-Lin Hou
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2011)
Use of Terfenadine and Contraindicated Drugs
Authors: Francois Nader
Journal: JAMA (1996)

To the Editor.  —Regarding the article by Drs Thompson and Oster, 1 Hoechst Marion Roussel is dedicated to the concept of improving the quality and longevity of human life. Because of this dedication, we were both encouraged and disappointed by the conclusion of the research of Thompson and Oster, which assessed changes in concurrent use of products containing terfenadine and contraindicated drugs. We were encouraged that the study found dramatic decreases in both the rates of same-day dispensing (down 84%) and overlapping use (down 57%). We were disappointed that misuse of terfenadine continues, albeit at a greatly reduced rate.  Hoechst Marion Roussel has been and continues to be committed to making sure health care professionals and patients understand the appropriate use of terfenadine, including who should and should not use it. Since 1990, we have aggressively included cautions about the potential for drug interactions in all our educational and promotional efforts, including the
Liposomal cationic charge and antigen adsorption are important properties for the efficient deposition of antigen at the injection site and ability of the vaccine to induce a CMI response
Authors: Malou Henriksen-Lacey, Dennis Christensen, Vincent W. Bramwell, Thomas Lindenstrøm, Else Marie Agger, Peter Andersen, Yvonne Perrie
Journal: Journal of Controlled Release (2010)
Characterization of inactive renin from human kidney and plasma. Evidence of a renal source of circulating inactive renin.
Authors: W A Hsueh, E J Carlson, V J Dzau
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1983)

An inactive form of renin has been isolated from human plasma. It has been suggested that this may represent renin precursor secreted from the kidney. However, early studies failed to isolate inactive renin from human renal tissue. In this investigation, rapid processing of human kidney cortex at temperatures below 4 degrees C in the presence of protease inhibitors followed by cibacron-blue affinity chromatography allowed us to extract a totally inactive form of renal renin. Furthermore, we found that in kidney inactive renin constituted from 10 to as much as 50% of the total renin concentration. Biochemical characterization of the inactive renin from plasma and from kidney indicates that they are structural homologues and, when activated, have enzymatic properties that resemble active renal renin. Renal and plasma inactive renin were found to have the following properties in common: (a) a pH optimum of activation of 3.3; (b) reversible activation by acid dialysis on return to pH 7.4, 37 degrees C; (c) pH optima of enzyme activity of 7.8 with sheep angiotensinogen and 5.5 and 6.7 (biphasic) with human angiotensinogen; (d) Michaelis-Menten constants, Km, of 0.29-0.34 microM with sheep angiotensinogen, and 0.99-1.25 microM with human angiotensinogen; (e) an antibody to human renal renin mean inhibitory titer of 1:30,000 with 1 X 10(-4) Goldblatt units of activated renal or plasma inactive renin; (f) gel filtration profiles consisting of two peaks with apparent molecular weights of 56,000 +/- 1,500 and 49,200 +/- 1,000. Activation of plasma and kidney inactive renin by acid plus renal kallikrein was not accompanied by a change in gel filtration elution patterns. To determine whether inactive renin is released by the kidney, we measured inactive renin in samples obtained simultaneously from both the renal veins and inferior vena cava below the origin of the renal veins. In eight consecutive patients, inactive renin concentration was significantly higher in renal venous blood than in inferior vena caval blood. These data indicate that human kidney contains and secretes significant quantities of inactive renin. Thus, the kidney appears to be a major source of inactive renin in human plasma.
Mineralocorticoid modulation of rabbit medullary collecting duct acidification. A sodium-independent effect.
Authors: D K Stone, D W Seldin, J P Kokko, H R Jacobson
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1983)

Rabbit medullary collecting duct (MCD) from inner stripe of outer medulla has been identified as a major distal nephron acidification site. The isolated, perfused tubule technique was used to examine the roles of mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid in regulation of MCD acidification. Surgical adrenalectomy reduced bicarbonate reabsorptive rate (JHCO3, pmol X mm-1 X min-1) from the normal of 9.79 +/- 1.21 to 0.67 +/- 1.1. Chronic administration of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) increased JHCO3 of MCD significantly to 18.02 +/- 1.62 whereas chronic dexamethasone administration did not affect JHCO3. The direct effects of aldosterone and dexamethasone upon MCD acidification were examined by perfusing tubules harvested from adrenalectomized rabbits in the presence of aldosterone or dexamethasone. Aldosterone, at 5 X 10(-8) M, increased JHCO3 significantly from 1.27 +/- 0.28 to 3.09 +/- 0.34. At 10(-6) M, aldosterone produced a greater increase in JHCO3 from 0.67 +/- 1.1 to 9.39 +/- 1.59. In vitro dexamethasone treatment had no effect on JHCO3. Studies examining the sodium dependence of aldosterone-stimulated acidification demonstrated that JHCO3 in tubules harvested from normal and deoxycorticosterone acetate-treated animals was unaffected by total replacement of sodium with tetramethylammonium. Likewise, luminal amiloride (5 X 10(-5) M) had no effect on JHCO3 in tubules harvested from adrenalectomized and normal animals. Moreover, the acute, in vitro stimulatory effect of aldosterone was seen to occur in the presence of luminal amiloride. These studies define a mammalian distal nephron segment that possesses major acidifying capacity, which is modulated by mineralocorticoid but independent of luminal sodium.
Remarks on Myelitis
Authors: J. S. Bristowe
Journal: BMJ (1888)

AcuITE inflammation of the spinal cord is always a serious disease, generally attended with grave danger, and in a large pro- portion of cases fatal.But it varies so muclh in its symptoms, in dependence partly on the seat and extent of inflammation, partly on its intensity, that its diagnosis is often very obscure, and it is consequently liable to be confounded with other affections of the cord, or with diseases of the peripheral nervous system.As a contribution to an exceedingly interesting subject I propose to narrate, and comment briefly on, several cases of what were, or on good grounds were believed to be, cases of acute myelitis, but which yet differed so much from one another in their severity, in their symptoms, and in their event, that they might well seem to have little or no pathological connection with one another.The first case I shall (luote is a typical example of severe myelitis ending in incomplete recovery.CASE r.-The patient was a ruiral l)ostman, 19 years of age, who was sent to me on May 17th, 1886, by M1r.Alfred Wright of Romford.On MIay 9tlh, while goinlg lis usual rounds he felt hot, for the day was sultry, and to cool himself walked into a brook with his boots on, and then lay on the grass and fell asleep.After he had thus rested for a time liewalked home,feeling perfectly well, and he remained well during the rest of the day.Shortly after going to bed, however, he experienced some numbness an(I tingling in his arms and legs, and observedl that he liad a little difliculty in moving them.These symptoms had become muchi aggravated by the next morning; when he was found to be suffering from in- complete but well-marke(l paralysis of the arms and legs, with numbness of the lower extremities.The paraplegic symptoms increased upon him during the ensuing week, at the end of which time lie was admitted into St.Thomas's.Ile had, up to the onset of his illness, always enjoyed excellent healtlh, and hadl never had syphilis or rheumatism.He was a spare, healthy-looking y-outh, sufering from paralysis of his limbs and trunk, difficulty of breathing, and want of control over the rectum and bladder.lIe
Potential Impact of National School Nutritional Environment Policies
Authors: Yvonne M. Terry-McElrath, Patrick M. O’Malley, Lloyd D. Johnston
Journal: JAMA Pediatrics (2014)

The latest US Department of Agriculture school meal and competitive venue standards (USDA standards) aim to improve student nutrition and health. However, significant opposition has been raised to their implementation.To examine (1) the percentages of US middle and high school students who currently attend schools that have specific components of the USDA standards; (2) evidence that the identified USDA standard components may be associated with student overweight/obesity; and (3) evidence of sociodemographic differences in the observed associations.We used data from annual nationally representative cross-sectional studies of students and school administrators in US public middle and high schools from the 2007-2008 through 2011-2012 school years.Administrator-reported school meal and competitive venue food and beverage availability.Body mass index and overweight/obesity calculated from student self-reported height and weight.Analytical samples included 22716 eighth grade students in 313 schools and 30596 tenth and 12th grade students in 511 schools. The mean student response rate was 86.5%; mean school administrator response rate, 83.1%. During the study period, 21.1% of middle school and 30.1% of high school students attended schools without any of the identified components; all 5 identified components were in schools attended by only 1.8% and 0.3% of middle school and high school students, respectively. No significant associations between standard components and self-reported overweight/obesity were observed among middle school students overall. Among high school students, significantly lower odds of overweight/obesity were associated with having fruits or vegetables available wherever foods were sold (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.86 [95% CI, 0.77-0.96]; P=.009), the absence of milk with higher fat levels (AOR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.85-1.00]; P=.04), and having 3 or more USDA standard components (AOR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.79-1.00]; P=.04). A significant association between the absence of sugar-sweetened beverages and lower overweight/obesity was found for Hispanic middle school students (AOR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.51-0.82]; P<.001) and nonwhite high school students (AOR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.70-0.91]; P=.001).Because only 2% of middle school and less than 1% of high school students attended schools with all 5 identified USDA standard components in place, full implementation has the potential to substantially improve school nutritional environments. Some USDA standard components were associated with a lower risk for student overweight/obesity, especially for high school and nonwhite students.
Genetic polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (<i>MTHFR</i>) and risk of vitiligo in Han Chinese populations: a genotype-phenotype correlation study
Authors: J.-X. Chen, Q. Shi, X.-W. Wang, S. Guo, W. Dai, K. Li, P. Song, C. Wei, G. Wang, C.-Y. Li, T.-W. Gao
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2014)

Recent evidence has revealed an elevation of total homocysteine (tHcy) in patients with vitiligo. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is one of the main enzymes regulating homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism. Thus, polymorphisms of MTHFR could potentially contribute to the development of vitiligo by affecting MTHFR activity and tHcy levels.To evaluate the potential association between MTHFR polymorphisms and vitiligo susceptibility.In total, 1000 patients with vitiligo and 1000 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled in this hospital-based case-control study. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene (rs1801133 C>T and rs1801131 A>C) were selected and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism and allele-specific PCR, respectively. The MTHFR activity concentration and tHcy level in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.We found that allele T of rs1801133 in the MTHFR gene was associated with a significantly reduced risk of vitiligo (adjusted odds ratio 0·58, 95% confidence interval 0·43-0·76, P < 0·001). In addition, the patients with vitiligo had a lower activity concentration of MTHFR and higher level of tHcy than the controls. Correlation between these markers and the risk of vitiligo was also observed. Furthermore, the individuals with a no-risk genotype (CT + TT) of rs1801133 and higher activity concentration of MTHFR or lower level of tHcy had a significantly decreased risk of vitiligo.Our data suggest that MTHFR gene polymorphisms may play a vital role in genetic susceptibility to vitiligo.
Oral cyclosporin A in the treatment of psoriasis: an overview of studies performed in The Netherlands
Authors: M.M.H.M. MEINARDI, M.A. DERIE, J.D. BOS
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1990)

This is a review of the clinical studies performed so far in The Netherlands of the treatment of psoriasis with cyclosporin A (CyA), a selective immunosuppressive drug that has caused a major breakthrough in transplant medicine. Data derived from a double-blind placebocontrolled study (5 mg/kg/day of CyA), dose-finding studies (2.5 mg vs 5 mg/kg/day and 1 mg, 2 mg or 3 mg/kg/day), and long-term treatment of chronic plaque-type psoriasis (1.1–7.2 mg/kg/day) suggest an initial starting dose of 3 mg/kg/day irrespective of the severity of the disease. Long-term treatment brought about dose- and time-dependent (reversible) side effects, including renal dysfunction and hypertension. Efforts to reduce the dose included concomitant administration of drugs known to have anti-psoriatic efficacy. Only combination with topical steroids appeared to add to the clinical efficacy of CyA, but did not allow a dose reduction sufficient to restore renal function. Dose reduction through intermittent treatment, however, postponed exacerbations sufficiently to permit at least partial normalization of serum creatinine levels. A similar effect was seen in the treatment of pustular palmoplantar psoriasis, which responded to doses of 1.1–6–1 mg/kg/day.
Cures for Infectious Diseases
Authors: E. H. Hankin
Journal: BMJ (1891)

<h3>Objectives:</h3> Exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) is widespread in restaurants in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. While a smoke-free policy is the most effective way of protecting restaurant workers and customers from SHS, this has not been well accepted in Mongolia. Furthermore, little is known about restaurants’ attitude toward the smoke-free policy. <h3>Methods:</h3> A cross-sectional survey directed to restaurant owners or managers was conducted in 475 representative restaurants in Ulaanbaatar. Face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire and on-site observation were performed. <h3>Results:</h3> Only 29.3% of the restaurants claimed to prohibit smoking; none of the remaining had any protection toward SHS, and half of the restaurants estimated that more than 20% of customers would smoke inside. None of them had visible “no smoking” signs and the majority never received complaints about SHS. Despite the generally high level of knowledge of the health effects of SHS, of the 336 restaurants that were not smoke free, only 25.9% expressed that they planned to take action in the near future. By contrast, 87.8% of restaurants would support the government if it asked all restaurants to ban smoking. Multivariate analysis identified that restaurants having menus in foreign languages, selling cigarettes and predicting business decline were less likely to support the government smoke-free policy. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> This survey demonstrates that restaurants owners and managers were reluctant to take action on their own, but would support government policy. The government can assume a stronger role first by revising the law on tobacco control following the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control guideline.
Hepatitis and Halothane Sniffing
Authors: STANLEY C. TUCKER
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1974)

Letters1 May 1974Hepatitis and Halothane SniffingSTANLEY C. TUCKER, M.D., THOMAS E. PATTESON, M.D.STANLEY C. TUCKER, M.D.Search for more papers by this author, THOMAS E. PATTESON, M.D.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-80-5-667_2 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptTo the editor: Previous reports have reviewed evidence that, in susceptible individuals, exposure to halothane may induce hepatitis or hepatic necrosis by a hypersensitivity reaction (1). This problem is most frequently seen among jaundiced patients after surgery, but an occasional anesthetist has been reported to have had a hypersensitivity reaction to halothane (2).We wish to report an unusual manner of exposure to halothane in a man who "sniffed" it weekly to obtain a "high."The patient, a 26-year-old inmate of a state prison, was referred with nausea, vomiting, jaundice, anorexia, light-colored stools, and tea-colored urine of approximately 1 month's...References1. CARNEY F and VAN DYKE R: Halothane hepatitis: a critical review. Anesth Analg (Cleve) 51:135-160, 1972 MedlineGoogle Scholar2. KLATSKIN G and KIMBERG D: Recurrent hepatitis attributable to halothane sensitization in an anesthetist. N Engl J Med 280:515-522, 1969 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar3. LOMANTO C and HOWLAND W: Problems in diagnosing halothane hepatitis. JAMA 214:1257-1261, 1970 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: STANLEY C. TUCKER, M.D.; THOMAS E. PATTESON, M.D.Affiliations: Medical College of Virginia Health Sciences Division Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia 23212 PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited byHalothaneHepatic ToxicologyHepatotoxityBibliography of the Solvent Abuse Literature 1 May 1974Volume 80, Issue 5Page: 667-668KeywordsHepatitis AHypersensitivityNauseaNecrosisSurgeryUrineVomiting ePublished: 1 December 2008 Issue Published: 1 May 1974 PDF downloadLoading ...
Appointment of Hamburg as FDA commissioner moves a step closer
Authors: B. Roehr
Journal: BMJ (2009)

Not the faintest whiff of discontent was evident at the confirmation hearing on 7 May for Margaret Hamburg to lead the US Food and Drug Administration, with senators from both parties saying that they thought her record was impressive.

Concern over the threat of A/H1N1 flu at a time when key health positions in Barack Obama’s administration remain unfilled—including several at the FDA, the National Institutes for Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—had prompted the Senate health committee to bring the hearing forward by a week.

Dr Hamburg played it safe at the confirmation session, saying that she was “deeply honoured” to be nominated. She saw her …
Neutrophil kinetics in health and disease
Authors: Charlotte Summers, Sara M. Rankin, Alison M. Condliffe, Nanak Singh, A. Michael Peters, Edwin R. Chilvers
Journal: Trends in Immunology (2010)

Neutrophils play a key role in the elimination of pathogens. They are remarkably short-lived with a circulating half life of 6-8h and hence are produced at a rate of 5x10(10)-10x10(10) cells/day. Tight regulation of these cells is vital because they have significant histotoxic capacity and are widely implicated in tissue injury. This review outlines our current understanding of how neutrophils are released from the bone marrow; in particular, the role of the CXC chemokine receptor 4/stromal-derived factor 1 axis, the relative size and role of the freely circulating and marginated (i.e. slowly transiting) pools within the vascular compartment, and the events that result in the uptake and removal of circulating neutrophils. We also review current understanding of how systemic stress and inflammation affect this finely balanced system.
Mutations in the NOTCH pathway regulator MIB1 cause left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy
Authors: Guillermo Luxán, Jesús C Casanova, Beatriz Martínez-Poveda, Belén Prados, Gaetano D'Amato, Donal MacGrogan, Alvaro Gonzalez-Rajal, David Dobarro, Carlos Torroja, Fernando Martinez, José Luis Izquierdo-García, Leticia Fernández-Friera, María Sabater-Molina, Young-Y Kong, Gonzalo Pizarro, Borja Ibañez, Constancio Medrano, Pablo García-Pavía, Juan R Gimeno, Lorenzo Monserrat, Luis J Jiménez-Borreguero, José Luis de la Pompa
Journal: Nature Medicine (2013)
95 JNK1-DEPENDENT MODULATION OF miR-34a CONTRIBUTES TO APOPTOSIS INDUCED BY DEOXYCHOLIC ACID IN PRIMARY RAT HEPATOCYTES
Authors: D.M.S. Ferreira, M.B. Afonso, P.M. Rodrigues, P.M. Borralho, C.M.P. Rodrigues, R.E. Castro
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2013)