tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Early and late changes in sulphydryl group and copper protein concentrations and activities during drug treatment with aurothiomalate and auranofin.
Authors: K J Rae, C N Mackay, C J McNeil, D H Brown, W E Smith, D Lewis, H A Capell
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1986)

Superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), plasma and lysate thiol concentrations (PSH and LSH), and caeruloplasmin oxidase activity (CP) reflect the underlying reduction-oxidation imbalance associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and are believed to be involved in the protection of the cell against free radical activity. The early and late changes in these parameters have been observed and compared with standard clinical and biochemical assessments of disease activity in 90 patients with active RA, randomly assigned to receive either sodium aurothiomalate, auranofin, or auranofin placebo. An index based on clinical criteria was used to identify patients as responders or non-responders after 24 weeks of therapy. In the first six weeks of treatment a change in SOD activity and LSH concentration in a direction away from controls was followed by a return towards control levels in responders only. This suggests that in RA evidence of clinical improvement induced by gold drugs is preceded by an initial biochemical response in an inflammatory direction. The extracellular parameters PSH and CP did not show the same early response, but PSH levels in responders showed a slower change towards normal values, though at no time were values obtained that might suggest a complete remission. Thus the intracellular parameters appear to reflect an early effect of the drugs on cells which may possibly be of use in predicting the outcome of therapy, whereas the extracellular parameters provide confirmatory evidence for an eventual improvement.
1144 WHAT IS THE MOST ACCURATE METHOD FOR EVALUATING CHANGES IN FIBROSIS? ASSESSMENT WITH MAINTENANCE INTERFERON IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C
Authors: P. Calés, J.-P. Zarski, C. Michelet, S. Bertrais, N. Sturm, J.-M. Chapplain, G. Babany, M. Eddine Charaf
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2011)
LATENT VIRAL INFECTION OF CELLS IN TISSUE CULTURE
Authors: John P. Bader, Herbert R. Morgan
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1958)

Mouse fibroblasts (L cells) fail to support the growth of psittacosis virus (6BC strain) if they are maintained on a medium containing only inorganic salts and glucose for 2 days prior to infection. Virus propagation can be stimulated by the addition of a synthetic medium containing amino acids, water-soluble vitamins, glutamine, glucose, and inorganic salts. By omitting single amino acids from the complete synthetic medium, tyrosine, threonine, methionine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, leucine, valine, and cysteine or cystine were found to be essential for stimulation, while lysine, arginine, histidine, hydroxyproline, proline, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, serine, alanine, and glycine were not essential. The cells on deficient media showed varying degrees of degenerative changes, but there was little correlation between ability to support psittacosis virus growth and morphologic condition of the cells. Glucose is also an essential component of the medium for viral growth, but the absence of glutamine had no effect on stimulation of virus propagation. L cell cultures maintained on media deficient in phenylalanine or tryptophan for 2 days before infection were also found to be incapable of supporting virus growth. The implications of this study in latent viral infections are discussed.
Encephalopathy without cirrhosis: hunt the shunt
Authors: E R HOWARD
Journal: Gut (1999)

<h3>Objectives</h3> We applied machine learning approaches to efficiently assist multiple experts to transparently estimate occupational lead exposure in a case-control study of renal cell carcinoma. <h3>Method</h3> We used hierarchical cluster models to classify the 7154 study jobs with occupational history and job/industry questionnaires into 360 groups with similar responses. Each group was reviewed independently by two or three experts and was assigned probabilities of lead exposure (&lt;5%, ≥5– &lt;50%, ≥50%) for three time periods (&lt;1980, 1980–1994, ≥1995). When the group’s mean response pattern suggested within-group exposure variability, experts identified programmable conditions that defined the rating differences where possible or flagged the group for further review. After splitting jobs that overlapped time periods at the calendar cut point, the 9992 job/time periods were assigned their relevant expert/group/time period estimate. Classification and regression tree (CART) models were developed to predict each expert’s expected assignment, based on previous decisions, to assign estimates for jobs in groups that expert had not assessed and for jobs requiring further review. <h3>Results</h3> In preliminary analyses, CART models predicted 91–96% of the experts’ pre-1995 estimates and 77–96% of ≥1995 estimates. CART estimates were assigned to 3–48% of the job/time periods, varying by expert. Overall, 92% of the job/time periods were assigned the same estimate by at least two experts. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Our framework reduced the number of exposure decisions needed from each expert compared to job-by-job assessment. Future work will use CART models to identify differences between experts to be resolved and incorporate frequency and intensity of lead exposure estimates.
Mutant Human Presenilin 1 Protects presenilin 1 Null Mouse against Embryonic Lethality and Elevates Aβ1–42/43 Expression
Authors: Su Qian, Ping Jiang, Xiao-Ming Guan, Gurparkash Singh, Myrna E. Trumbauer, Hong Yu, Howard Y. Chen, Lex H.T. Van der Ploeg, Hui Zheng
Journal: Neuron (1998)
Prevalence of hepatitis C among pregnant women attending an inner London obstetric department: uptake and acceptability of named antenatal testing
Authors: C Ward
Journal: Gut (2000)

<h3>OBJECTIVE</h3> To examine the value of universal antenatal screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among an inner London population, with regard to prevalence, uptake, and acceptability of testing, and identification of new cases. <h3>DESIGN</h3> Serum analysis for antibodies against HCV in pregnant women following informed consent ("opt out" policy). Samples positive for HCV antibodies were tested for the presence of HCV RNA by polymerase chain reaction. Information on hepatitis C was provided for all women. Acceptability of antenatal HCV testing and identification of risk factors for infection were assessed through the use of questionnaires randomly distributed among a cohort of 300 pregnant women. <h3>SETTING</h3> Antenatal clinics at St Mary9s Hospital, London, serving a multiethnic population. <h3>SUBJECTS</h3> A total of 4825 pregnant women booking for antenatal care between November 1997 and April 1999. <h3>RESULTS</h3> The overall prevalence of anti-HCV was 0.8% and HCV viraemia was 0.6%. Ninety eight per cent of samples (n=4729) were tested; 0.2% of women had a false positive result. In 207 women who completed a questionnaire regarding our testing policy, 84% made a positive decision to be tested for anti-HCV and 92% said that HCV testing should be offered to all pregnant women. The majority (22/32—69%) of HCV infected women were newly diagnosed and although HCV positive women were significantly more likely to have a history of drug abuse, most (16/22—73%) new cases had no identified risk factors for HCV infection at booking. <h3>CONCLUSION</h3> The prevalence of anti-HCV in an inner London multiethnic antenatal population is high (0.8%). Routine screening for HCV is acceptable to pregnant women. The majority of women diagnosed during their current pregnancy would not have been identified as HCV infected by epidemiological risk factors at the time of booking.
Prescription for a better British diet.
Authors: R Passmore, D F Hollingsworth, J Robertson
Journal: BMJ (1979)

A new approach to establishing an upper or prescriptive level of recommended intakes of nutrients was devised for use in Britain. It was based on present food supplies in the UK, and the following measures were proposed to improve the national diet: moderate reductions in intakes of fat, sugar, meat, and alcohol; increased intakes of cereals, potatoes, and other vegetables and fruit; while intakes of milk and eggs and fish, pulses, and nuts were to remain unchanged. The proportions of food energy derived from protein would be increased, despite reduced meat consumption. Nutrient content of the diet may be expressed in terms of food groups or as nutrient concentrations per energy unit, which is particularly applicable to planning or prescribing diets for individuals or small groups. The suggested changes in the national diet are large enough to be meaningful, yet would not disrupt agricultural or trade policies if implemented over the next decade. Furthermore, the methods used to assess the recommended intakes of nutrients are flexible enough to be used both for planning and prescribing diets and for evaluating results of dietary surveys or histories.
Thomas Swan Matheson
Authors: J. Matheson, I. Matheson
Journal: BMJ (2010)

Thomas Swan Matheson (“Tom”) was one of the last truly general surgeons, with a special interest in gastrointestinal surgery. He worked at a time when medical professionals managed, as well as practised, their work—predating targets and the current business management model. Tom was a “gentle-man,” treating patients as people, and is remembered …
Records study finds no clear clinical benefit from proton therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: K. Epstein
Journal: BMJ (2012)

A study that used patients’ records to compare outcomes and morbidity from the three most common radiation treatments for prostate cancer showed no clear clinical benefit from the increasingly popular and expensive use of proton beams. Those patients had more complications.

The study of 12 000 patient records, financed by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health, adds to questions in the United States not only about the relative …
Possibilities, limitations, and technique for the study of regional myocardial perfusion in man by Xenon-133
Authors: A. MASERI, A. L'ABBATE, C. MICHELASSI, A. PESOLA, P. PISANI, M. MARZILLI, M. DE NES, P. MANCINI
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (1977)

The theoretical possibilities and the practical limitations of the Xenon-133 (133Xe) method for the study of regional myocardial perfusion in man are discussed. The techniques for data acqusition and processing developed over the past 5 years are described in detail. Illustrative examples of experimental findings are reported. The practical interpretation of the data, at the light of the influence of injection site, initial tracer distribution, constancy of counting geometry, spatial resolution, and Xenon retention in fat, is presented.
Developmental Chemotherapy and Management of Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
Authors: M. A. Bookman
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2003)

Despite improvements in median and overall survival using a combination of platinum and paclitaxel, long-term survival rates for patients with advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) remain disappointing, and the development of more effective primary therapies remains a priority. In particular, several nonplatinum agents have demonstrated activity in phase II trials among patients with recurrent platinum-resistant EOC. These agents include gemcitabine, topotecan, liposomal doxorubicin, and prolonged oral etoposide. Preclinical models have indicated a biologic basis for combinations of these agents with platinum, which has been attributed to inhibition of pathways involved in DNA repair. However, efforts to develop multidrug combinations with platinum and paclitaxel have encountered substantial bone marrow toxic effects, necessitating significant dose reductions and prompting exploration of alternative schedules and sequences of drug administration. In this regard, the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) and other organizations have conducted pilot studies in previously untreated patients to define combinations that are suitable for group-wide phase III trials. With international collaboration, GOG has launched a five-arm trial that will compare four new combinations against carboplatin and paclitaxel. The selection of candidate regimens for this trial illustrates the challenges of drug development in EOC, emphasizing the role of phase II trials in patients with recurrent disease and indicating potential strategies to help evaluate newer biologic and molecular-targeted reagents.
Vaccination with Minigenes Encoding VH-derived Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I–binding Epitopes Activates Cytotoxic T Cells that Ablate Autoantibody-producing B Cells and Inhibit Lupus
Authors: Guo-Chang Fan, Ram Raj Singh
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2002)

Current treatments for autoantibody-mediated diseases, such as lupus, can cause nonspecific immune suppression. In this paper, we used a bioinformatic approach to identify major histocompatibility complex class I–binding epitopes in the heavy chain variable region of anti-DNA antibodies from lupus-prone (NZB/NZW F1) mice. Vaccination of such mice with plasmid DNA vectors encoding these epitopes induced CD8+ T cells that killed anti-DNA antibody-producing B cells, reduced serum anti-DNA antibody levels, retarded the development of nephritis, and improved survival. Vaccine-mediated induction of anti-VH cytotoxic T lymphocytes that ablate autoreactive B cells represents a novel approach to treat autoantibody-mediated diseases.
Characteristics of Primary Care Office Systems as Predictors of Mammography Utilization
Authors: Peter Gann
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1993)

Objective: To evaluate the association between primary care office systems and mammography utilization by women older than 50 years. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: An independent-practice association health maintenance organization (HMO) in Massachusetts. Participants: One hundred thirty-two primary care practices, representing 321 physicians and 4378 women with at least 12 months of recent, continuous assignment to a practice participating in the HMO. Measurements: Practice characteristics and procedures for mammography referral and follow-up were ascertained by interviews of office managers. For each practice, the proportion of women older than 50 years who received a mammogram during their most recent 12-month period of assignment to the practice was calculated. Main Results: Forty-five percent of eligible women received a mammogram during their most recent year of assignment to an HMO practice. In a regression model, use of one particular urban mammography center, group practice, and low percentage of Medicaid patients in the practice were each associated with 9% to 12% higher mammography utilization; use of flowsheets and the scheduling of mammograms by the patients themselves were associated with 7% to 9% higher utilization. Smaller, nonsignificant increases were associated with the use of reminders to patients (5%) and the presence of only internists on staff (5%). The model accounted for 51% of the variation in mammography utilization among practices. Conclusions: Mammography utilization among women older than 50 years, in a population in which cost was not a barrier, was related to specific office characteristics. Features of the mammography center, the process for scheduling mammograms, the use of flowsheets to prompt physicians, and the use of reminders to patients are important.
EARLY FUNCTIONAL IMPROVEMENT POST-TAVR WITH THE EDWARDS SAPIEN TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE (THV): IS AFTERLOAD REDUCTION ALL THAT MATTERS?
Authors: Adrian A. Chong, Hatim Al Lawati, Robert Chisholm, Mark Peterson, Asim Cheema, David A. Latter, Karey Logghe, Howard Leong-Poi, Jeremy Edwards
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2013)
PYLORIC OCCLUSION FOLLOWING THE INGESTION OF CORROSIVE LIQUIDS
Authors: SAMUEL McLANAHAN
Journal: JAMA (1934)

The drinking of corrosive liquids, whether acids or alkalis, is not an infrequent occurrence. Usually done accidentally, it is, however, an occasional method of attempted suicide. The results of this violent insult to the walls of the upper digestive tract vary tremendously. Between the minor ulcerations in the mouth and pharynx of the individual who realized his mistake or lost his nerve and the major lesions in the esophagus and stomach are seen many examples of what injury the irritating fluids can inflict. Probably the earliest report of a gastric lesion from such a cause is that of Robert1in 1828, whose patient had swallowed sulphuric acid and died after nine weeks. Postmortem examination revealed no pathologic changes in the esophagus, but there were ulcerated areas in the cardiac end of the stomach and the pylorus was markedly contracted. By 1902, Quenu and Petit2were able to collect
No increase in primary nosocomial candidemia in 682 German intensive care units during 2006 to 2011
Authors: E Meyer, C Geffers, P Gastmeier, F Schwab
Journal: Eurosurveillance (2013)

We evaluated the epidemiology of and trends in primary nosocomial candidemia within a network of 682 German intensive care units (ICUs) during 2006 to 2011. Nosocomial laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (NLCBI) was diagnosed using standard definitions from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Incidences were calculated by NLCBI per 1,000 patients and incidence densities per 1,000 patient-days and per 1,000 central-line days. In the 682 ICUs, there were 2,220,803 patients, 7,943,615 patient-days and 5,363,026 central-line days. A total of 381 of the 6,666 NLCBIs were associated with Candida albicans, 142 with non-albicans Candida. Non-albicans Candida made up 26% of all the Candida isolates. The mean incidence density of Candida central line-associated NLCBIs was 0.09 per 1,000 central-line days and remained unchanged between 2006 and 2011. Crude ICU mortality was 21.9% for C. albicans and 29.7% for non-albicans Candida. Candida was the fourth leading cause of primary NLCBIs, accounting for 6.5% of all bloodstream infections acquired in ICUs. Based on an incidence density of 0.07 per 1,000 patient-days, extrapolation of our data resulted in 465 primary nosocomial Candida NLCBIs in German ICUs per year. Our data show that there was no increase in primary Candida NLCBIs during 2006 to 2011.
Ratio of Serum Triiodothyronine to Thyroxine and the Prognosis of Triiodothyronine-Predominant Graves' Disease
Authors: JUNTA TAKAMATSU
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1984)

Triiodothyronine (T3)-predominant Graves' disease is characterized by persistently high serum T3 level, normal serum thyroxine (T4) level, and high (> 20) serum T3/T4 ratio (nanograms/micrograms) during thionamide drug therapy. We studied the clinical course of 30 patients with T3-predominant Graves' disease. After receiving drug therapy for 1 to 4 years, 24 patients with T3-predominant Graves' disease had relapses, whereas only 9 control patients with Graves' disease whose serum T3/T4 ratio had become persistently normal (< 20) had relapses. The T3-predominant patients had greater serum TSH receptor antibody activity, thyroid T4 5′-deiodinase activity, and decreased T3 content of thyroglobulin when compared with the control patients. Our findings show that patients with T3-predominant Graves' disease are unlikely to have a long-term remission with drug therapy. The cause of high serum T3/T4 ratio is due, in part, to the more active thyroid T4 5′-deiodinase that may be mediated by high levels of Graves' immunoglobulin.
Hamilton and Hardy's Industrial Toxicology
Authors: Neill K. Weaver
Journal: JAMA (1984)

This classic text and reference book now appears in the fourth edition, extensively revised and updated. Like the original (1929), the second (1946), and third (1974) editions, it has been prepared "to alert and excite students of medicine to the harmful effects of industrialization," an objective well served by the efforts of the present author. Recognizing the explosion of information and the enormity of world literature on the subject, it was wisely decided not to use an encyclopedic approach. Instead, a judicious selection of toxic materials is presented with emphasis on clinical considerations. Tradition has been maintained by including historically important material, and updating is evident in the extensive listing of recent references and the addition of newly recognized toxins from the industrial scene. The diagnosis and methods of control of occupational diseases (subjects with comprehensive coverage in other textbooks of occupational medicine and industrial hygiene) are treated with brevity
Dose-Response Characteristics of Cholesterol-Lowering Drug Therapies: Implications for Treatment
Authors: Gordon Schectman
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1996)

Purpose: To develop an optimal treatment strategy that reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and improves adherence to therapy by reviewing clinical trials that define the dose-response characteristics for 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins), bile acid sequestrants, and niacin. Data Sources: Data were obtained from a MEDLINE search of the English-language literature published from 1975 through November 1995 and from an extensive bibliography review. Study Selection: Controlled, clinical trials were reviewed if they evaluated 1) the effectiveness and toxicity of one LDL cholesterol-lowering agent [statins, bile acid sequestrants, or niacin, at two or more doses] or 2) monotherapy with two LDL cholesterol-lowering agents at defined doses used alone and in combination. Studies that had fewer than 10 patients in a treatment group or that selected patients on the basis of previous response to therapy were not included. Data Extraction: Trials were reviewed for overall methodology, inclusion and exclusion criteria, sources of bias, and outcomes. Data Synthesis: Dose-response relations for bile acid sequestrants and statins are nonlinear, and most of their LDL cholesterol-lowering effects can be obtained with lower doses. The few dose-response studies of niacin that have been done suggest that most of niacin's high-density lipoprotein cholesterol-increasing effect can also be achieved with relatively low doses, but higher doses are needed to substantially reduce LDL cholesterol levels. If bile acid sequestrants or niacin are added to statin therapy, the effect of combined therapy on LDL cholesterol levels is additive. Conclusion: The nonlinear dose-response relation of statins, bile acid sequestrants, and niacin and their additive LDL cholesterol-lowering effect when used together suggest a strategy for treating hypercholesterolemia that may optimize effectiveness while minimizing adverse effects and cost.
The Association of Cataract Formation and Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy
Authors: Conrad L. Giles
Journal: JAMA (1962)

A group of 56 patients who had received sustained, systemic corticosteroid therapy were examined in order to determine the incidence of posterior subcapsular cataracts. Thirty-eight of the patients were rheumatoid arthritics, while 12 received corticosteroids because of bronchial asthma, 5 for systemic lupus erythematosus, and 1 for dermatomyositis. Fourteen patients out of the group of 38 (37%) rheumatoid arthritics exhibited the characteristic posterior subcapsular cataracts while a control group of 24 arthritic patients failed to show similar lens changes. Two patients in the group of 12 (17%) asthmatics also demonstrated posterior subcapsular cataracts. The dosage and duration of systemic corticosteroid administration appeared to be the major determining factor in the production of the lens changes.