tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Genetic basis of gall stone disease
Authors: Saumya Pandey
Journal: Hepatology (2013)

The recently published article by von Kampen et al.1 dissecting the pathobiology of cholesterol gall stone disease (GSD) using sophisticated genetic approaches appears to be indeed interesting in the postgenomic era. Linkage and association studies have identified the cholesterol transporter ABCG5/G8 as a genetic determinant of gallstone formation, or LITH gene, in humans.2 The research group reports two disease-associated variants, ABCG5-R50C and ABCG8-D19H, in pooled clinical samples (cases and controls) in human populations, including specimens from India. The study's overall quality could have been enhanced with more meaningful interpretation of the data if the authors had maintained homogeneity in case and control numbers. Stratified/subgroup analysis in females and males recruited in the study would further aid in understanding the gender-specific genetic background of cholelithiasis and gall stone formation. Further, I wish to comment that SNP T400K in the ABCG8 gene has also been investigated in GSD pathophysiology in an Indian population3; this particular genetic variant could have been included for genetic mapping in clinical samples drawn from Germany, Chile, Denmark, India, and China for a better understanding of the precise mechanism(s) of hypercholesterolemia and gallstone risk in disease-susceptible human populations. Moreover, family/twin studies and animal model studies using inbred strains of mice provide evidence that GSD is, in part, genetically determined.4 Therefore, a more comprehensive, well-designed global collaborative study approach is needed to fully understand the genetic basis of GSD in diverse ethnic groups and accordingly identify rational drug targets for early prevention of GSD. Saumya Pandey, M.Sc., Ph.D. University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
LIGATION OF PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN APPARENT BACTERIAL ENDOCARDITIS; REPORT OF CASE APPARENTLY CURED
Authors: Ralph B. Bettman, William Tannenbaum
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1944)

Case Reports1 December 1944LIGATION OF PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN APPARENT BACTERIAL ENDOCARDITIS; REPORT OF CASE APPARENTLY CUREDRALPH B. BETTMAN, M.D., WILLIAM TANNENBAUM, M.D.RALPH B. BETTMAN, M.D.Search for more papers by this author, WILLIAM TANNENBAUM, M.D.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-21-6-1035 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptThe feasibility of ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus was first demonstrated by Gross.1 The fact that ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus in the presence of what appears to be a bacterial endocarditis may result in the cure of the disease was definitely established by Touroff2 and confirmed by several other reports.However, inasmuch as medicine operates very much as law, on the basis of precedent, it will take an accumulation of statistics from many cases before the medical profession in general will become cognizant of this new therapeutic procedure. We, therefore, think it wise that for the next...Bibliography1. GROSSHUBBARD REJP: Surgical ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus, Jr. Am. Med. Assoc., 1939, cxii, 729. CrossrefGoogle Scholar2. TOUROFFVESELL ASH: Subacute streptococcus endarteritis complicating patent ductus arteriosus. Recovery following surgical treatment, Jr. Am. Med. Assoc., 1940, cxv, 1270. TOUROFF A. S. W.: A modified technique of surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus, Surgery, 1942, xii, 24. CrossrefGoogle Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: *Received for publication January 28, 1943.From the Surgical and Medical Services of Michael Reese Hospital. PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics 1 December 1944Volume 21, Issue 6Page: 1035-1037KeywordsBacterial diseasesEndocarditisLigation assayMedical servicesPatent ductus arteriosus Issue Published: 1 December 1944 PDF downloadLoading ...
AGRANULOCYTOSIS DUE TO PROPYLTHIOURACIL
Authors: P H FUTCHER, E MASSIE
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1950)

Case Reports1 January 1950AGRANULOCYTOSIS DUE TO PROPYLTHIOURACILPALMER H. FUTCHER, M.D., EDWARD MASSIE, M.D., F.A.C.P.PALMER H. FUTCHER, M.D.Search for more papers by this author, EDWARD MASSIE, M.D., F.A.C.P.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-32-1-137 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptThat agranulocytosis1, 2 and leukopenia3 may occur during the treatment of hyperthyroidism with propylthiouracil has already been reported. We have utilized this drug in treating hyperthyroidism in a small group of patients and have encountered agranulocytosis in one instance. In order to facilitate the accumulation of statistics on the toxicity of this drug, we are reporting this latter episode. The smallness of our group renders worthless any calculation of the incidence of agranulocytosis due to propylthiouracil based on our data alone.We have treated 27 patients with 6-n-propylthiouracil†for periods varying from 13 to 328 days; 26 of the group...Bibliography1. Lahey FH: Thiouracil, thiobarbital, propylthiouracil and the treatment of hyperthyroidism, Postgrad. Med. 1: 126, 1947. CrossrefGoogle Scholar2. LivingstoneLivingstone HMSF: Agranulocytosis and hepatocellular jaundice, J. A. M. A. 135: 422, 1947. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar3. EisenmengerSteele WJJM: Leukopenia following the use of propylthiouracil, J. A. M. A. 135: 510, 1947. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: *Received for publication January 24, 1948.From the Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, and Barnes and McMillan Hospitals, Saint Louis, Missouri.†The propylthiouracil was supplied by Dr. Stanton M. Hardy of Lederle Laboratories, Pearl River, N. Y. PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited bySpecies Differences in the Oxidative Desulfurization of a Thiouracil-Based Irreversible Myeloperoxidase Inactivator by Flavin-Containing Monooxygenase EnzymesDiscovery of 2-(6-(5-Chloro-2-methoxyphenyl)-4-oxo-2-thioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2 H )-yl)acetamide (PF-06282999): A Highly Selective Mechanism-Based Myeloperoxidase Inhibitor for the Treatment of Cardiovascular DiseasesLong-term propylthiouracil use and acute myeloid leukemia: A case report and review of the literaturePropylthiouracil (PTU)-Induced Agranulocytosis Treated with Recombinant Human Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF)The Relative Toxicity of Antithyroid Drugs 1 January 1950Volume 32, Issue 1Page: 137-138KeywordsAdverse reactionsDrugsHospital medicineHyperthyroidismRiversToxicity Issue Published: 1 January 1950 PDF downloadLoading ...
Pneumonia, cholera, and dysentery feared after earthquake
Authors: Rohit Sharma
Journal: BMJ (2001)

More than a week after the worst earthquake in India's history devastated Gujarat in western India, hundreds of thousands of Indians are struggling to cope with its after effects.

With buildings unsafe and dangerous to live in, thousands are forced to live outside, exposed to chilling winter temperatures and in unhygienic conditions. They now face the threat of disease.

A large number of hospitals and nursing homes have been destroyed, and many operations had …
Ireland to introduce tougher tobacco law
Authors: Doug Payne
Journal: BMJ (2001)

The Irish Cabinet has approved a public health and tobacco bill—due to be published by June—which will require retailers of tobacco products to be registered. It will also raise the maximum fine for those convicted of selling tobacco to underage people (currently those aged under 16) from £Ir500 (£405; $607) to £Ir1500.

The minister for health, Micheal Martin, called it the most comprehensive anti-tobacco legislation ever published in Ireland, but has modified some of its original elements.

He had originally indicated that cigarette vending machines were …
Abstract 18119: Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery and Stroke Risk: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ghanshyam Palamaner Subash Shantha, Dipti Pancholy, Samir B Pancholy
Journal: Circulation (2014)

Introduction:  New-onset post-operative atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs in nearly 20% of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Though, most studies supported the association between AF and incident stroke in patients undergoing CABG, some refuted it. A systematic review of this topic is unavailable in the literature.   Hypothesis:  We systematically reviewed the literature and pooled evidence that has associated AF and incident stroke in patients undergoing CABG.   Methods:  Medline, Embase, Cochrane central library, and electronic databases were searched for relevant studies in all languages and without time restriction. Studies were included if: 1) they studied patients undergoing CABG, 2) reported rates of AF post-CABG and 3) reported rates of incident stroke. We excluded studies in which participants underwent concomitant valve surgeries and CABG.   Results:  From a total of 3176 retrieved citations, 13 observational studies were included representing 86,537 CABGs. Of these 23,259 developed AF and 63,278 remained in sinus rhythm (SR). Stroke occurred in 1079 (4.6%) of the 23,259 patients with AF and in 2038 (3.2%) of the 63,278 patients with SR. In the pooled analysis, AF significantly increased stroke risk post CABG [risk ratio (RR): 2.36, 95% CI: 1.81 - 3.06, P  2 : 88%, 13 included studies)]. The association between AF and incident stroke remained robust in a sensitivity analysis restricted to studies prior to 2006 (RR: 3.72, 95% CI: 1.61 - 8.63, P = 0.02, I 2 : 83%, 4 included studies) and post 2006 (RR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.57 - 2.83, P  2 : 89%, 9 included studies) (arbitrary dichotomization to account for temporal trends in advancement in post cardiac surgery care). Factors namely; age, gender, diabetes diagnosis, hypertension diagnosis, aspirin use, and statin use did not account for between study heterogeneity.   Conclusions:  AF is strongly associated with risk of stroke post CABG even in the era of defined guidelines for anticoagulation in patients with post-operative AF. Refinement of risk stratification tools and revised strategies for long term anticoagulation are needed to effectively reduce stroke risk in this population.
Abstract 1173: Risk of Recurrent Cerebrovascular Events in Patients with Cryptogenic Cerebral Ischemia and Patent Foramen Ovale: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Stephen B Wilton, Mohammed A Almekhlafi, Doreen M Rabi, William A Ghali, Diane L Lorenzetti, Michael D Hill
Journal: Circulation (2008)

In patients with a patent foramen ovale (PFO) and a prior cryptogenic ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), the risk of recurrent events is unclear. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing the risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events in patients with cryptogenic cerebral ischemia and PFO. MEDLINE (1950 to February 2008) and EMBASE (1980 to February 2008) databases were searched to identify studies in any language. Searches were supplemented by scanning bibliographies of key articles. Studies reporting original data on recurrent cerebrovascular events in patients with prior cryptogenic stroke or TIA and PFO, with or without a non-PFO comparison group, were included. Uncontrolled case series evaluating device or surgical closure of PFO were excluded. Two authors independently extracted the data from included studies and evaluated study quality. For studies with a non-PFO comparison group, relative risks were pooled using a fixed effects model after confirming homogeneity of results. For all studies, the pooled absolute rate of recurrent events was calculated using a random effects model due to heterogeneity of results. Fifteen studies published between 1994 and 2007, following 2377 patients over a mean of 37 months were included. In the four studies with a non-PFO comparison group, the pooled relative risk of recurrent stroke or TIA associated with the presence of a PFO was 1.1 (95% CI 0.8 to 1.5), while for recurrent ischemic stroke the pooled relative risk associated with the presence of a PFO was 0.8 (95% CI 0.5 to 1.3). The pooled absolute rate of recurrent ischemic stroke or TIA in patients with PFO was 4.0 events per 100 person-years (95% CI 3.0 to 5.1) while the rate of recurrent ischemic stroke was 1.6 events per 100 person years (95% CI 1.1 to 2.1). No clinical or imaging features are reliably associated with increased risk of recurrent events. In medically treated patients with prior cryptogenic stroke, available evidence does not support an increased risk of recurrent ischemic events in those with vs. without a PFO. Routine PFO closure in these patients may not be warranted, outside of ongoing clinical trials.
Abstract P313: Estimated Risk of Coronary Heart Disease Associated With the Replacement of Refined Grains With Whole Grains in Two Large Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Monica L Bertoia, Kenneth J Mukamal, Mary M Franz, Qi Sun, Alan J Flint, Kim Overvad, Walter C Willett, Eric B Rimm
Journal: Circulation (2015)

BACKGROUND:  Whole grains have been associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), in part through mechanisms related to fiber content and its impact on cholesterol levels. The 2010 US Dietary Guidelines recommend that at least 50% of grain intake should come from whole grains, implying a health benefit for the replacement of refined grains with whole grains on a national level.   OBJECTIVE:  To examine whether the replacement of refined grains with whole grains is associated with a lower risk of CHD. We further explored if fiber content was an important characteristic of the major food sources of whole grains.   METHODS:  We identified incident cases of nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) or fatal CHD in 42,178 men participating in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) from 1986 to 2012 and 70,960 women participating in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) from 1984 to 2012. Participants self-reported their diet via validated FFQ at baseline and every four years for 26+ years of follow-up. We excluded individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease at baseline. We used substitution models to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for total CHD, adjusting for total calories, age, smoking, alcohol, family history of MI, physical activity, aspirin use, BMI, and history of hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.   RESULTS:  We confirmed 2,136 incident CHD events among men and 1,950 among women. In fully adjusted models, we estimated that replacing one serving/day of refined grains (16 grams) with one serving/day of whole grains was associated with a lower risk of CHD in men (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.96) and women (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.00). Cold cereals were a major source of whole and refined grains. Consuming cold cereals classified as a “high” source of fiber by the FDA (≥ 5 grams/serving, ≥ 20% RDA) vs.    CONCLUSIONS:  Overall, our results suggest that replacing refined grains with whole grains is associated with a lower risk of CHD. For a main source of whole grains, choosing cold breakfast cereals that are a good source of fiber was in general associated with a lower risk of CHD.
Distinct eosinophil cytokine expression patterns in skin diseases – the possible existence of functionally different eosinophil subpopulations
Authors: N. Roth, S. Städler, M. Lemann, S. Hösli, H.‐U. Simon, D. Simon
Journal: Allergy (2011)

To cite this article: Roth N, Städler S, Lemann M, Hösli S, Simon H‐U, Simon D. Distinct eosinophil cytokine expression patterns in skin diseases – the possible existence of functionally different eosinophil subpopulations. Allergy 2011; 66 : 1477–1486. Abstract Background: The function of eosinophils has been attributed to host defense, immunomodulation, and fibrosis. Although eosinophils are found among infiltrating cells in a broad spectrum of skin diseases, their pathogenic role remains uncertain. This study aimed to analyze the cytokine expression by eosinophils in different skin diseases. Methods: Skin specimens from different skin diseases [allergic/reactive, infectious, autoimmune, and tumors/lymphomas (LY)] were stained by antibodies directed to eosinophil cationic protein, cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐11, IL‐13, IL‐17, IL‐25, IL‐33, interferon‐γ, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin], eotaxins (CCL11, CCL24, and CCL26), metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 as well as extracellular matrix proteins (tenascin‐C and procollagen‐3) and then analyzed by laser scanning microscopy. Results: The number of eosinophils varied considerably in and between disease groups and did not correlate with the numbers of accompanying inflammatory cells. The expression of IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐11, TGF‐β, CCL24, and MMP‐9 by eosinophils significantly differed between disease groups. Eosinophils in tumors/LY predominantly expressed IL‐6, TGF‐β, and CCL24, but not IL‐11. On the other hand, in autoimmune diseases, eosinophils largely contributed to MMP‐9 production. IL‐5‐generating eosinophils were particularly obvious in allergic and infectious diseases. Conclusion: In skin diseases, eosinophil expresses a broad spectrum of cytokines. The different cytokine expression patterns suggest distinct functional roles of eosinophils in these diseases that might be related to host defense, immunomodulation, fibrosis, and/or tumor development.
Abstract P341: Associations between Middle-age Risk Factors and Risk of Asymptomatic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study
Authors: Weihong Tang, Alvaro Alonso, Pamela L Lutsey, Frank Lederle, Lu Yao, Weihua Guan, Aaron R Folsom
Journal: Circulation (2014)

Introduction: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an important cardiovascular disease in older adults and rupture of an AAA is associated with high mortality. Although traditional cardiovascular risk factors have been associated with the risk of AAA, their importance in the etiology of AAA is not well established, partly due to limited data for asymptomatic AAA from large prospective studies with a long follow up. The objective of this study was to prospectively assess the association between mid-life atherosclerotic disease risk factors and later-life asymptomatic AAA in the ARIC Study, a large, community-based cohort. Methods: Risk factors were measured at baseline, at 45-64 years of age, in 1987-1989. Abdominal aortic ultrasound was conducted in 2011-2013. Ultrasound images with maximal infrarenal abdominal aortic diameter (IAD) ≥ 28 mm were over-read by radiologists. Diagnosis of asymptomatic AAA was made in the over-reading based on IAD ≥ 30 mm. Participants who had a history of repair for abdominal aorta or were identified as clinical AAAs via previous hospital discharge diagnoses were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the association of baseline risk factors with AAA risk. Results: A total of 113 asymptomatic AAAs were ascertained in 5,904 participants (78% whites) who had an abdominal ultrasound exam (prevalence=1.9%). Age, male gender, white race, smoking, height, total, HDL, and LDL cholesterols, triglycerides, white blood cell count, and fibrinogen were risk factors for asymptomatic AAA (Table). BMI, diabetes, alcohol consumption, hypertension, and peripheral artery disease were not associated with AAA. In multivariable adjustment that included the significant risk factors, age, smoking, height, LDL or total cholesterol, white blood cell count, and fibrinogen remained independently associated with AAA risk (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Several lifestyle and clinical variables measured in middle-age were associated with risk of asymptomatic AAA during a long follow up.
Latent infection of CD4+ T cells provides a mechanism for lifelong persistence of HIV-1, even in patients on effective combination therapy
Authors: Diana Finzi, Joel Blankson, Janet D. Siliciano, Joseph B. Margolick, Karen Chadwick, Theodore Pierson, Kendall Smith, Julianna Lisziewicz, Franco Lori, Charles Flexner, Thomas C. Quinn, Richard E. Chaisson, Eric Rosenberg, Bruce Walker, Stephen Gange, Joel Gallant, Robert F. Siliciano
Journal: Nature Medicine (1999)
Association Between Thoracic Spinal Cord Gray Matter Atrophy and Disability in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Regina Schlaeger, Nico Papinutto, Alyssa H. Zhu, Iryna V. Lobach, Carolyn J. Bevan, Monica Bucci, Antonella Castellano, Jeffrey M. Gelfand, Jennifer S. Graves, Ari J. Green, Kesshi M. Jordan, Anisha Keshavan, Valentina Panara, William A. Stern, H.-Christian von Büdingen, Emmanuelle Waubant, Douglas S. Goodin, Bruce A. C. Cree, Stephen L. Hauser, Roland G. Henry
Journal: JAMA Neurology (2015)

IMPORTANCEIn multiple sclerosis (MS), upper cervical cord gray matter (GM) atrophy correlates more strongly with disability than does brain or cord white matter (WM) atrophy.The corresponding relationships in the thoracic cord are unknown owing to technical difficulties in assessing GM and WM compartments by conventional magnetic resonance imaging techniques.OBJECTIVES To investigate the associations between MS disability and disease type with lower thoracic cord GM and WM areas using phase-sensitive inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging at 3 T, as well as to compare these relationships with those obtained at upper cervical levels.DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Between July 2013 and March 2014, a total of 142 patients with MS (aged 25-75 years; 86 women) and 20 healthy control individuals were included in this cross-sectional observational study conducted at an academic university hospital.MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Total cord areas (TCAs), GM areas, and WM areas at the disc levels C2/C3, C3/C4, T8/9, and T9/10.Area differences between groups were assessed, with age and sex as covariates. RESULTSPatients with relapsing MS (RMS) had smaller thoracic cord GM areas than did ageand sex-matched control individuals (mean differences [coefficient of variation (COV)]: 0.98 mm 2 [9.2%];P = .003at T8/T9 and 0.93 mm 2 [8.0%];P = .01at T9/T10); however, there were no significant differences in either the WM area or TCA.Patients with progressive MS showed smaller GM areas (mean differences [COV]: 1.02 mm 2 [10.6%];P < .001at T8/T9 and 1.37 mm 2 [13.2%];P < .001at T9/T10) and TCAs (mean differences [COV]: 3.66 mm 2 [9.0%];P < .001at T8/T9 and 3.04 mm 2 [7.2%];P = .004at T9/T10) compared with patients with RMS.All measurements (GM, WM, and TCA) were inversely correlated with Expanded Disability Status Scale score.Thoracic cord GM areas were correlated with lower limb function.In multivariable models (which also included cord WM areas and T2 lesion number, brain WM volumes, brain T1 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery lesion loads, age, sex, and disease duration), cervical cord GM areas had the strongest correlation with Expanded Disability Status Scale score followed by thoracic cord GM area and brain GM volume.CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Thoracic cord GM atrophy can be detected in vivo in the absence of WM atrophy in RMS.This atrophy is more pronounced in progressive MS than RMS and correlates with disability and lower limb function.Our results indicate that remarkable cord GM atrophy is present at multiple cervical and lower thoracic levels and, therefore, may reflect widespread cord GM degeneration.