tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Abstract 2192: Fcgamma Receptor II On Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Christiane Trimpert, Stephan B Felix, Andreas Greinacher, Katrin Birkenmeier, Alexander Staudt
Journal: Circulation (2007)

Introduction : Recently we detected the FcγII receptor on rat and human cardiomyocytes. Binding of cardiac antibodies obtained from DCM-patients to this receptor induced negative inotropic effects. The mechanism of these effects remains to be elucidated. Methods: Isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes stained with Fura-2-AM were field-stimulated (1 Hz, 12 V). The relative change of the calcium transients and systolic cell shortening due to superfusion with a polyclonal goat-antibody against the FcγII receptor (10 μg/ml) were recorded with a dual-excitation fluorescence microscope. For inhibition of possible involved tyrosine kinases we used PP2 (1μM) and specific syk-Kinase inhibitors. Results: Superfusion of rat cardiomyocytes with anti-FcγII-receptor antibody induces a negative inotropic effect. The tested concentrations (6 μg/ml, 8 μg/ml, 10 μg/ml and 16 μg/ml) show a clear dose-response-relationship. The contractility of the cells decreases after 2 min by −5,3%, −11,5%, −14,2% and −18,3% from baseline as well as the Ca 2+ -Ratio (−9,5%, −11,2%, −12,2%, −15,6%). The negative inotropic reaction could be blocked by preincubation of the cells with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP2 (change of contractility/Ca2+-Ratio from baseline: −1, 3%/−2,4%, p&lt;0,001). Cells preincu-bated with specific inhibitors for syk-Kinases did not show a negative inotropic reaction after superfusion with the antibody (change of contractility/Ca 2+ -ratio from baseline +0,7%/−5,5%, p&lt;0,05). A polyclonal goat control antibody (anti-CD45, c = 10 μg/ml)) did not trigger a reaction (change from baseline for contractility/Ca2+-Ratio: −3%/−2,4%, p&lt;0,001). Conclusion: The inhibition of the negative inotropic effect of antibodies against FcγII receptor shows an involvement of Kinases in the signalling pathway like described for other cell types.
Harsh decisions behind closed doors
Authors: S. Goldbeck-Wood
Journal: BMJ (1997)

BBC 1, Panorama “Behind Closed Doors,” Monday 24 March 

Few doctors in obstetrics and gynaecology enter the specialty with any enthusiasm for performing abortions, yet it is a duty few escape. An awareness of the sepsis and death that have always attended illegal abortion mingles with a realisation that an unpleasant job shunned by one doctor must, none the less, be performed by a colleague. Together these arguments persuade most gynaecologists to accept, reluctantly, the role of abortionist. It was a discussion of the ethical ramifications of this role which formed Panorama 's documentary “Behind Closed Doors.”

The programme began with a more or less familiar rehearsal of the arguments surrounding social termination of pregnancy: the woman's rights, the fetus's rights, the problems caused when unnecessary delays lead to more complicated or expensive procedures (one interviewee whose drug dealer partner changed his mind about parenthood paid £645 in a private abortion clinic), and the little that science can tell us about fetal stress responses and when they begin. Dr John Parsons …
Abstract 647: Uncoupling Protein 3 Does Not Regulate Myocardial Fatty Acid Oxidation Rates But Regulates ROS Production and Cardiac Efficiency
Authors: Sihem Boudina, Joseph Tuinei, Heather Theobald, Sandra Sena, E. Dale Abel
Journal: Circulation (2007)

The biological functions of uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) in cardiac muscle are incompletely understood. These studies were designed to investigate the role of UCP3 in cardiac muscle energy metabolism under normal and high fat diet (HFD) conditions. Mice lacking UCP 3 (UCP3KO) and wildtype (WT) littermate controls were fed normal chow (NC) or HFD for 10 weeks. Palmitate oxidation rates (POX), myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2), cardiac efficiency (CE) and cardiac power were determined in isolated working hearts perfused with 5mM glucose and 0.4mM palmitate. Mitochondrial respiration and ATP synthesis were determined in saponin-permeabilized cardiac fibers. ROS levels were determined using the dye dichlofluorescein (DCF). HFD increased UCP3 protein levels by 2-fold in WT (p&lt;0.005). On NC, POX rates were similar between UCP3KO and WT and increased similarly with HFD to 726.5 ± 41.8 and 731.7 ± 7.1 nmol/min/mg DHW, respectively. MVO2 increased by 21% in WT on HF (P &lt; 0.05) but did not increase in HFD UCP3KO. On the HFD, cardiac efficiency (16.3±1.9 vs. 20.4±1.2) and cardiac power (38.1±1.5 vs.45.8±2.6, mW/g) were lower in WT vs. UCP3KO (p&lt;0.05). Mitochondrial state 3 respirations were similar in WT and UCP3KO under NC or HFD conditions. However, ATP synthesis rates were 28% higher in HF UCP3KO vs. HF WT. HFD increased ROS generation by 49% (P &lt; 0.005) in WT hearts. However, ROS generation increased to a greater extent in UCP3KO on HF when compared to WT on HF (212.1 ± 16.2 versus 177.8 ± 9.1, P &lt; 0.05). Thus the efficiency of ATP production was increased in UCP3KO hearts despite higher levels of ROS. In conclusion, UCP3 mediates the increase in MVO2 that accompanies HF feeding without influencing the increase in FA Oxidation. UCP3 limits FA-induced ROS accumulation, by reducing membrane potential and mitochondrial ATP generation and regulates the efficiency of ATP generation in the heart.
General practitioners' self assessment of knowledge
Authors: A. Edwards, M. R. Matthews, S. Matthews, H. Houston, C. Wilkinson, M. Crilly, P. Taylor, J. Tracey
Journal: BMJ (1998)

Editor—Factual recall is only one element of a needs assessment that should be taken into account in developing continuing medical education programmes for general practitioners. A poor correlation of self assessed knowledge with performance in a knowledge test, as shown by Tracey et al,1 does not invalidate the rationale for a needs assessment. The knowledge tests used by Tracey et al do not reflect the range of practical issues relevant to patient management. Knowledge of practical management that is relevant to the concerns and questions likely to be raised by patients, and confidence and experience in dealing with specific conditions, are the needs that should be assessed in planning continuing medical education programmes. 

In two studies evaluating guidelines in primary care, one set for the use of magnetic resonance imaging for common orthopaedic conditions (182 general practitioners)2 and the other for the management of breast conditions in primary care (113 general practitioners),3 we undertook needs assessments with the participating practices. In each study doctors rated their confidence in using magnetic resonance imaging or managing breast conditions respectively and identified problems from recent clinical practice, and knowledge of practically relevant issues was assessed. In the first study the doctors indicated their frequency of using magnetic resonance imaging. Good knowledge of the contraindications for magnetic resonance imaging was associated with higher self assessed knowledge (P<0.05) and confidence (P<0.01) and frequency (P<0.05) of using magnetic resonance imaging in practice. Knowledge of lifetime risk of breast cancer was associated with confidence in dealing with breast conditions (P<0.05). Knowledge was also associated with membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (P<0.01) 

General practitioners can correctly assess their knowledge and needs if the relevant aspects are explored. Identifying needs from personal experience is perhaps more valid than general rating scales of knowledge; the knowledge that is assessed should be relevant to the discussions that take place with patients and the management issues that arise in combination with up to date factual information. The range of clinical conditions encountered in primary care is too vast for high levels of personal knowledge to be maintained in all these areas. It is more important that general practitioners can access information when required rather than having it readily accessible. The nature of general practice is also characterised by high levels of uncertainty in dealing with many patients’ conditions, and general practitioners have to be able to cope with this in everyday practice.4 Assessing knowledge of practical management, experience, and confidence can then inform the content and method of an educational programme.
Abstract 3928: Impact of Asymptomatic and Symptomatic End Organ effects of Diabetes Mellitus on the Quality of Life in The Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation of Type 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D)
Authors: Nirat Beohar, Charles J Davidson, William Hillegass, Elaine Massaro, Mark Hlatky, Mary Krauland, Mary Korytkowski, Kathryn Melsop, Maria Brooks for Bari D Investigators
Journal: Circulation (2006)
Abstract 17540: The CC Variant of Locus 9p21 Increases Coronary Disease Risk with High Values of Hs-CRP
Authors: Roberto Palma dos Reis, Bruno Silva, Hugo Cafe, Sonia Freitas, Ilidio Ornelas, Graca Guerra, Ana I Freitas, Antonio Brehm, Maria I Mendonca
Journal: Circulation (2011)

Recent genomic wide association studies have identified several loci associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. Among them, SNP rs 1333049 in the locus 9p21 (variant CC) has demonstrated a solid association with CAD which has been replicated in several populations, namely ours. High sensibility C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has also been associated with inflammatory activity and atherosclerosis. An eventual interaction among these two atherosclerotic markers is unknown. Aim: To explore the interaction between this homozygous genetic variant (CC) and hs-CRP plasmatic levels in the emergence of CAD. Methods: Case-control study with 1561 participants, 695 consecutive coronary patients (mean age 53.9±8.9 years, 78.8% male) and 838 controls without apparent CAD (mean age 52.0±11.4 years, 71% male) selected in order not to present significant differences in sex and age. The G/C variants were studied blindly using a combined technique of PCR and TaqMan. Hardy-Weinberg distribution was analyzed. The CAD risk was investigated by univariate analysis and the OR and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. hs-CRP values were distributed by quartiles and the highest one, considered as the risk, was evaluated. To determine the interaction between CC genotype and elevated hs-CRP values we used a 4x2 table approach, as well as synergy measurements in additive (SI) and multiplicative (SIM) models. Finally, the risk excess (RERI) and the attributable proportion (AP) due to the interaction were calculated. Results: The CC variant was significantly associated with CAD risk in the whole population (OR=1.32; p=0.011). The presence of this genetic variant with normal hs-CRP values presented a smaller risk (OR=1.28) when compared to the association with the elevated hs-CRP values in the highest quartile (OR=1.7; p=0.007; SI=1.63; SIM=1.15; RERI=0.27). Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that the CC variant of the 9p21 locus globally increases the risk of CAD. This risk can be further increased in the presence of elevated hs-CRP values, as shown by the addictive and multiplicative interaction. This concept allows us to foresee the possibility of genetic risk factors management through the control of associated conditions, whenever possible.
Presepsin (soluble CD14 subtype) Is Secreted from Human Monocytes after Phagocytosis – in Vitro Analyses and a Retrospective Cohort Study in Patients with Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Yasuyuki Arai, Kouhei Yamashita, Kiyomi Mizugishi, Akifumi Takaori-Kondo
Journal: Blood (2014)
Abstract 15331: Reduced Fibulin-4 Expression Induces Cardiomyocyte Remodeling and Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Els Moltzer, Devashish Das, Paula M van Heijningen, Dick H Dekkers, Marcel Vermeij, Miranda Harteveld, Wim Sluiter, Richard van Veghel, Lambert Speelman, Ivo Que, Eric Kaijzel, Clemens Lowik, AH Jan Danser, Jeroen A Demmers, Roland Kanaar, Jeroen Essers
Journal: Circulation (2011)

Fibulin-4 is a glycoprotein, expressed in medial layers of arteries, heart valves and the myocardium. Mice homozygous for the fibulin-4 reduced expression allele (Fibulin-4R/R) show severe dilation...
Abdominal and pelvic stop-flow chemotherapy. Effect of chemotherapeutic agents and tissue ischemia on rectoanal pressures.
Authors: E Chrysos, E Athanasakis, T Vrekousis, S Almarashdah, G Fiorentini, E Xynos, O Zoras
Journal: Journal of experimental & clinical cancer research (2006)

In hypoxic stop-flow chemoperfusion high doses of chemotherapeutic agents are almost directly administered to locally advanced tumors without risking significant systemic toxicity, although chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity is still a problem. The aim of the study was to assess rectoanal motility and sensation before, during and after abdominal and pelvic stop-flow chemotherapy using the methods of stationary and ambulatory manometry. Stationary rectoanal manometry was performed within 24 hrs before and repeated 48 hrs after stop-flow chemotherapy in 7 consecutive patients with a history of locally advanced or recurrent abdominal and pelvic tumors. Anal sphincter resting and squeeze pressures, rectal sensitivity, rectoanal inhibitory reflex and rectal volumes at which temporary and permanent urge to defecate were reported were examined. Rectal volume associated with leak of rectal contents and rectal compliance were also assessed. Intraoperatively, changes in rectal and anal resting pressures before, during and after occlusion of the vessels and after administration of chemotherapeutic agent were as well recorded, analyzed and interpreted using ambulatory manometry. Induction of anesthesia reduced distal and proximal anal resting pressures. Vascular occlusion further and dramatically decreased resting pressures at all levels, which were fully recovered after re-establishing local blood circulation and for the rest of the recording period. Intraoperative administration of chemotherapy did not further affect anal resting pressures during or after hypoxia. No significant changes in rectoanal motility and sensation were detected on the 48 hrs postoperative assessment as compared to the preoperative state. Tissue hypoxia induced by vascular occlusion during stop-flow chemotherapy procedure, seems to be the only factor leading to a dramatic drop of anal pressures. Anal pressures fully recover after reperfusion of the isolated area. Furthermore, anorectal motility and sensation are not affected by any direct or indirect toxic action of the chemotherapeutic agents.
Abstract 5417: Peripheral Blood Monocytes Are Activated in Patients With Well Controlled Hypertension: Implications for the Understanding of the Residual Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Marta Czesnikiewicz-Guzik, Malgorzata Bzowska, Barbara Jasiewicz-Honkisz, Richard Korbut, Marek Naruszewicz, Juliusz Pryjma, Tomasz J Guzik
Journal: Circulation (2009)

Hypertension is associated with significant risk of cardiovascular events which remains increased even in the setting of well controlled hypertension. This residual risk may be related to inflammation persisting in spite of sufficient blood pressure control. We have recently reported that monocytes show pro-inflammatory and pro-atherosclerotic phenotype (co-expression of the Fc-gamma receptor-CD16+ and LPS receptor-CD14+) in relation to atherosclerosis risk factors and that hypertension is the strongest independent predictor of CD16+CD14+ monocytes. It is thus possible that monocytes remain activated in spite of appropriate blood pressure control and thus may be in part responsible for residual risk. We studied 112 hypertensive subjects and 25 control non-hypertensive individuals matched for major risk factors. Hypertension was well controlled (&lt;140/90) in 52 and poorly controlled in 60 pts. Cytokine production was assessed by ELISA. Results: The prevalence of CD14+CD16+ monocytes was significantly positively correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (R=0.3; p&lt;0.01). Both subpopulations CD14(high)CD16+ (R=0.4; p&lt;0.01) and to the lesser extent CD14(dim)CD16+ (R=0.2; p&lt;0.05) showed relationships to systolic but only the CD14(high)CD16+ to diastolic blood pressure. The percentage of total CD14+CD16+ and CD14(high)CD16+ monocytes were highest in subjects whose blood pressure was poorly controlled. A significant difference was also observed between normotensives and hypertensive subjects with well controlled blood pressure. Further analysis of monocyte subpopulations showed that levels of pro-atherosclerotic CD14(high)CD16+ monocytes, revealed a strong relationship to hypertension and greatest difference between well controlled hypertension and normotensives (6±0.2 vs 9±0.4 p&lt;0.01). These monocytes showed significantly higher expression of activation markers HLA-DR and CD45RA and TNF-a production in patients with hypertension, even in the absence of high blood pressure at the time of the study. These results provide a novel marker of inflammation in hypertension which remains increased even in the setting of well controlled disease providing an inflammatory mechanism for the residual risk.
Abstract 21322: Cardiac Resynchronization With Fusion Produce a Better Lv Resynchronization and Lv Systolic Function vs Atrio-Biventricular Pacing - An Acute Study
Authors: Radu-Gabriel Vatasescu, Corneliu Iorgulescu, Alexandra Vasile, Cristina Caldararu, Stefan Bogdan, Maria Dorobantu
Journal: Circulation (2010)

Background: Recent data showed that CRT with optimal fusion produce a better acute haemodinamic response and superior LV reverse remodeling. Purpose: to explore the mechanisms of this superior resp...
Abstract 4189: Gender Difference in Inflammatory Markers: What is the Contribution of Visceral Adiposity?
Authors: Amélie Cartier, Mélanie Côté, Isabelle Lemieux, Louis Pérusse, Angelo Tremblay, Claude Bouchard, Jean-Pierre Després
Journal: Circulation (2006)

Several studies have reported a gender difference in inflammatory markers associated with obesity. Indeed, whereas C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations have been found to be higher in pre-menopausal women compared to men, interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels have been found to be lower in women than in men because of the inhibitory effect of estrogens on the expression of inflammatory genes. Since body fat distribution is very different between men and pre-menopausal women, the contribution of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) to the gender difference in inflammatory markers is a question of clinical relevance. To examine this issue, plasma CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were measured in a sample of 195 healthy men (age: 41.7±14.9 years) and 139 healthy women (age: 36.6±11.2 years). Pre-menopausal women were characterized by lower plasma TNF-α levels (1.57±0.59 pg/mL vs.1.85±0.99 pg/mL, p=0.001) and higher CRP concentrations (1.91±1.77 mg/L vs. 1.65±1.78 mg/L, p=0.04) than men whereas the IL-6 levels did not differ between genders. Significant positive relationships were observed between VAT accumulation and CRP concentrations in men (r=0.43, p&lt;0.0001) and in women (r=0.42, p&lt;0.0001), or IL-6 in men (r=0.42, p&lt;0.0001) and in women (r=0.51, p&lt;0.0001). Regression analyses showed that gender did affect the associations between VAT and CRP. In order to investigate the contribution of visceral adiposity to the gender variation in inflammatory markers, 85 men and 85 pre-menopausal women were individually matched on the basis of similar VAT accumulation. After such matching procedure, women still had significantly higher CRP levels than men (2.07±1.88 and 1.57±1.84 mg/L, p=.01) whereas no differences were observed in IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations. Thus, these results suggest that the gender difference in CRP levels is not entirely explained by the greater amount of VAT generally observed in men.
Abstract 14044: Prevalence of Rheumatic Heart Disaese in Ugandan School-Aged Population: Implications for Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Jacqueline Weinberg, Andrea Beaton, Jimmy C Lu, Twalib Aliku, Peter Dean, Lasya Gaur, Justin Godown, Peter Lwabi, Grace Mirembe, Emmy Okello, Alison Reese, Ashley Shrestha Astudillo, Janet Scheel, Catherine Webb, Gregory Ensing, Craig Sable
Journal: Circulation (2014)

Background:  The global prevalence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is estimated between 15.6 and 30 million based on population-based data, including 1 million sub-Saharan African school-aged children. A paucity of data from sub-Saharan Africa likely contributes to a significant underestimate of the true global burden of RHD. The 2012 World Heart Federation (WHF) echocardiographic guidelines allow for standardized assessment of RHD prevalence. We provide an updated estimate of RHD prevalence based on a large screening effort in northern Uganda.   Methods:  Over a 1 week period, children aged 5-16 years at 5 local schools in Gulu, Uganda underwent echocardiography using the 2012 WHF guidelines. Gulu is the third largest city in Uganda with a population of 154,000. The results of this study were extrapolated to 51 other sub-Saharan African countries based on country-by-country population and age distribution. Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and South Africa were excluded. The prevalence of RHD in sub-Saharan African children of the same age was assumed to be similar to Gulu.   Results:  Of 4,773 children screened, 4,561 studies were normal (95.6%), 52 met criteria for definite RHD (1.1%), and 140 met criteria for borderline RHD (2.9%). Of Uganda’s 35.4 million population, 12.1 million are between 5 and 16 years old, resulting in an estimate of definite and borderline RHD in Uganda of 132,704 and 349,856 school-aged children respectively. The total population in the 51 countries included is 852.5 million, with 27.2 million between 5 and 16 years old, resulting in an estimate of definite and borderline RHD in sub-Saharan Africa of 3.0 million and 7.9 million school-aged children respectively.   Conclusion:  With systematic echocardiographic screening using 2012 WHF criteria, the estimated number of sub-Saharan African school-aged children with definite RHD is dramatically higher than prior reports, and borderline RHD cases may represent additional burden of disease. This may still be an underestimate, as it excludes children not well enough to attend school. Additionally the prevalance in older children and young adults is likely even higher. More systematic prevalence studies are needed to determine the true global burden of RHD.
Net Clinical Benefit of Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Anders Nissen Bonde, Gregory Y.H. Lip, Anne-Lise Kamper, Peter Riis Hansen, Morten Lamberts, Kristine Hommel, Morten Lock Hansen, Gunnar Hilmar Gislason, Christian Torp-Pedersen, Jonas Bjerring Olesen
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2014)