tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Note on the late effect of vagotomy and pyloroplasty on the maximal acid response to histamine
Authors: A. M. Gelb, H. D. Janowitz
Journal: Gut (1964)

EDITORIAL SYNOPSIS There is scanty information on the longer terms of vagotomy on the maxi- mal acid response to histamine and this paper records a follow-up study on eight patients.Seven of the eight patients maintained a sustained reduction in both free and total acid secretion one to three years after vagotomy and of the same order of magnitude as found in the immediate post-operative period.One woman who had a 40% reduction immediately post-operatively, had a return in acid secretory capacity two years later to levels slightly above those found pre-operatively.
The methylation pattern of p16<sup>INK4a</sup>gene promoter in psoriatic epidermis and its clinical significance
Authors: M. Chen, Z-Q. Chen, P-G. Cui, X. Yao, Y-M. Li, A-S. Li, J-Q. Gong, Y-H. Cao
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2008)

Alteration of the p16INK4a gene by epigenetic changes has been described in some hyperproliferative skin diseases, but its importance in psoriasis has not yet been established.To investigate the methylation status of the p16INK4a gene in psoriatic epidermis, its clinical significance and the possible epigenetic mechanisms of psoriasis.DNA and RNA specimens were obtained from the lesional epidermis of 56 patients with plaque psoriasis. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing were used to detect the density and sites of methylation in the p16INK4a promoter region. The reverse transcription-PCR technique was applied to detect the mRNA expression of p16INK4a.p16INK4a gene promoter methylation was shown in 17 of 56 (30%) patients with psoriasis. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores in patients showing methylation were higher than in those who did not (P<0.05). The mRNA expression level of p16INK4a in the methylated group was significantly lower than in the unmethylated group (t=2.515, P=0.015). In the methylated group, about 50% of the CpG islands were methylated in the promoter region.Overall, methylation of the p16INK4a gene promoter is found in psoriatic epidermis, which is associated with the mRNA level of p16INK4a expression and activity of the disease. These data indicate that methylation of the p16INK4a promoter may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Investigating beneficial drug reactions
Authors: J. Parle, N. Ross, J. Jones
Journal: BMJ (2012)

Abstract  OBJECTIVES  The aim of this study was to explore the full range of tricuspid valve regurgitation velocity (TRV) at rest and with exercise in disease free individuals. Additionally we examined the relationship of stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO) and TRV to exercise capacity.  BACKGROUND  Doppler evaluation of TRV can be used to estimate pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). Most studies have assumed TRV ≤2.5 m/s as the upper limits of normal. The full range of TRV with exercise has been incompletely defined.  METHODS  Highly conditioned athletes (n = 26) and healthy, active, young male volunteers (n = 14) underwent standardized recumbent bicycle exercise. Exercise parameters included: TRV, SV, CO, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) systemic blood pressure.  RESULTS  Tricuspid valve regurgitation, SV, HR and CO were significantly higher in athletes than in nonathletes over all workloads, including rest. Systolic blood pressure and DBP did not show significant differences between the two groups.  CONCLUSIONS  This study defines the upper physiologic limits of TRV at rest and during exercise in normals and provides a noninvasive standard for the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.
The Pineal Gland: Basic Implications and Clinical Correlations
Authors: JAMES P. PRESLOCK
Journal: Endocrine Reviews (1984)

THE PINEAL gland has received increasing interest from investigators during the past decade. As the pineal has become more intensively investigated, its involvement in the modulation of specific endocrine systems, in particular the gonadal system, has become more clearly delineated. Due to the obvious difficulty in obtaining human material with which to work, investigators by necessity have concentrated their efforts in determining pineal gland function by utilizing a number of subhuman mammals, primarily the rat and the hamster. This review will discuss the historical literature relevant to the pineal gland, the anatomy of the pineal gland including neural and vascular connections, and the histological appearance of the vertebrate pineal gland. The biologically active substances which have been identified within the pineal gland will be discussed, with particular emphasis on the synthesis of melatonin and the photoperiodic and hormonal modulation of melatonin synthesis. Evidence which is currently available concerning the effects of the pineal gland and melatonin on the gonadal system will be discussed in some detail; in addition some less well-known effects such as on the thyroid gland, adrenal gland and growth hormone secretion will also be discussed. The final portion of this review will involve a discussion of the role of the pineal gland in tumors, the different types of pineal tumors, and the clinical manifestations of these tumors, both neurological and endocrinological.
Medical Care — Is More Always Better?
Authors: Elliott S. Fisher
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2003)

During the past decade, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) undertook a major reform of its health care system, one that is increasingly relevant as the United States confronts rapidly rising health care spending and persistent gaps in the quality of care. While the rest of the country moved toward less tightly structured delivery systems and unfettered access to specialists, the VA reform established 22 regional, integrated service-delivery networks, closed a substantial fraction of its hospital beds, and focused on ensuring access to high-quality primary care.1 According to the VA Central Office, between 1994 and 1998 the number of veterans . . .
The fecal bifidobacterial transcriptome of adults: A microarray approach
Authors: Eline S. Klaassens, Kaouther Ben-Amor, Aldwin Vriesema, Elaine E. Vaughan, Willem de Vos
Journal: Gut Microbes (2011)

Bifidobacteria are a predominant group present among adult human intestinal microbiota and are considered to be beneficial to host health. Both the dynamics and functional activity of bifidobacteria from the intestinal tract of four adults, following ingestion of a mix consisting of short chain galactooligosaccharides, long chain fructooligosaccharides and acidic oligosaccharides from pectin hydrolysate (GFP), was investigated. The percentage of total bifidobacteria, monitored by quantitative real time PCR, was not significantly altered but marked species-specific changes occurred in all individuals over time, indicating a dynamic bifidobacterial community. Insight into the functional activity of the bifidobacteria was acquired using a clone library-based microarray comprising the genomes of various bifidobacteria to reveal the bifidobacterial transcriptome within the fecal community. Total RNA from the fecal microbial community was hybridized to the microarray and 310 clones were selected for sequencing which revealed genes belonging to a wide range of functional groups demonstrating substantial metabolic activity. While the intake of GFP did not have a significant effect on the overall change in gene expression, 82 genes showed a significant change. Most of the predicted genes were involved in metabolism of carbohydrates of plant origin, house keeping functions such as DNA replication and transcription, followed by membrane transport of a wide variety of substrates including sugars and metals and amino acid metabolism. Other genes were involved in transport, nucleotide metabolism, amino acid metabolism, environmental information processing and cellular processes and signalling. A smaller number of genes were involved in general metabolism, glycan metabolism, energy metabolism, lipid metabolism and cell surface. These results support the notion that bifidobacteria utilize mainly indigestible polysaccharides as their main source of energy and biosynthesis of cellular components.
Acute suppurative pancreatic ductitis associated with pancreatic duct obstruction
Authors: T. Fujinaga, T. Nishida, M. Miyazaki, M. Shigekawa, K. Ikezawa, K. Iwahashi, T. Inoue, T. Yamada, H. Ezaki, S. Shinzaki, T. Yakushijin, H. Iijima, M. Tsujii, T. Takehara
Journal: Endoscopy (2013)

A 70-year-old man with abdominal pain and high fever was referred to our hospital because of suspected branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and pancreatolithiasis. Laboratory results showed a total bilirubin of 4.7 mg/dL, slight elevation in the serum pancreatic enzyme level and marked elevation in the serum C-reactive protein level and white blood cell count. Plain computed tomography (CT) showed mild swelling of the pancreas and a 10-mm calcified stone in the head of the pancreas ([Fig. 1]). Due to the presence of obstructive cholangitis and pancreatitis, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was carried out for drainage. When a catheter was inserted in the papilla of Vater, there was discharge of a large amount of pus mixed with pancreatic juice ([Fig. 2]). The pancreatic juice was purulent ([Fig. 3], left tube), but the drained bile was not ([Fig. 3], right tube). Klebsiella oxytoca was isolated from the pancreatic juice. Following nasobiliary drainage and medical treatment with antibiotics and gabexate mesilate, the patient recovered quickly with no fever and the abdominal pain. The final diagnosis was acute suppurative pancreatic ductitis (ASPD).
Editorial: How many transplant centers do we need?
Authors: B. H. Scribner
Journal: JAMA (1973)

The publication of the 1973 kidney transplant registry report in this issue has very special importance because beginning last July 1, all of the costs of transplantation now are covered by Medicare. Among other things, the report indicates that approximately 1,300 transplants were performed in 1971. Although the 1972 figure undoubtedly will be higher, it will fall far short of the estimated 4,000 to 6,000 transplants that must be carried out annually to meet the projected need that is rapidly becoming apparent, since Medicare assumed a major funding responsibility for these patients. How should this need be met? Traditionally, American medicine has expanded its capability to meet a new health care need through self-generated programs sponsored either by individual physicians or local hospitals and clinics. In many expansion programs the free enterprise system continues to work well. However, in recent years this system has been getting American medicine deeper and
Kinetics of Senescence-associated Changes of Gene Expression in an Epithelial, Temperature-sensitive SV40 Large T Antigen Model
Authors: Ola Larsson, Camilla Scheele, Zicai Liang, Jürgen Moll, Christina Karlsson, Claes Wahlestedt
Journal: Cancer Research (2004)

Replicative senescence limits the number of times primary cells can divide and is therefore regarded as a potential checkpoint for cancer progression. The majority of studies examining changes of gene expression upon senescence have been made with stationary senescent cells. We wanted to study the transition from normal growth to senescence in detail and identify early regulators of senescence by analyzing early changes in global gene expression, using Affymetrix microarrays. For this purpose, we used a murine epithelial senescence model, where senescence is abrogated by SV40 large T antigen and can be induced by using a temperature-sensitive form of SV40 large T antigen (SV40ts58). Comparisons were made to wild-type SV40 large T antigen-expressing cells and to cells expressing SV40ts58 large T antigen grown to confluence. After removal of genes that are similarly regulated in wild-type and temperature-sensitive SV40 large T antigen-expressing cells, 60% of the remaining genes were shared between cells arrested by inactivation of SV40 T antigen and by confluence. We identified 125 up-regulated and 39 down-regulated candidate genes/expressed sequence tags that are regulated upon SV40 T antigen inactivation and not during heat shock or confluence and classified these based on their kinetic profiles. Our study identified genes that fall into different functional clusters, such as transforming growth factor-beta-related genes and transcription factors, and included genes not identified previously as senescence associated. The genes are candidates as early regulators of the senescence checkpoint and may be potential molecular targets for novel anticancer drugs.
Eosinophil viability is increased by acidic pH in a cAMP- and GPR65-dependent manner
Authors: Leah C. Kottyan, Ann R. Collier, Khanh H. Cao, Kathryn A. Niese, Megan Hedgebeth, Caius G. Radu, Owen N. Witte, Gurjit K. Khurana Hershey, Marc E. Rothenberg, Nives Zimmermann
Journal: Blood (2009)

Abstract The microenvironment of the lung in asthma is acidic, yet the effect of acidity on inflammatory cells has not been well established. We now demonstrate that acidity inhibits eosinophil apoptosis and increases cellular viability in a dose-dependent manner between pH 7.5 and 6.0. Notably, acidity induced eosinophil cyclic adenosine 5′-monophosphate (cAMP) production and enhanced cellular viability in an adenylate cyclase–dependent manner. Furthermore, we identify G protein-coupled receptor 65 (GPR65) as the chief acid-sensing receptor expressed by eosinophils, as GPR65-deficient eosinophils were resistant to acid-induced eosinophil cAMP production and enhanced viability. Notably, GPR65−/− mice had attenuated airway eosinophilia and increased apoptosis in 2 distinct models of allergic airway disease. We conclude that eosinophil viability is increased in acidic microenvironments in a cAMP- and GPR65-dependent manner.
The effect of ischemic preconditioning is preserved on QT dispersion in elderly patients undergoing coronary angioplasty
Authors: Takashi Ashikaga, Mitsuhiro Nishizaki, Masataka Arita, Hiroyuki Fujii, Eijirou Hattori, Toshiyuki Furukawa, Noriyoshi Yamawake, Kaori Kanbara, Yukio Kishi, Mitsuaki Isobe, Masayasu Hiraoka
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2003)
<i>Arizona hinshawii</i>Infections
Authors: RUDOLPH H. JOHNSON
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1976)

Although disease caused by Arizona hinshawii is known to resemble the spectrum of clinical syndromes seen with Salmonella infections, little is known of their sensitivity to antimicrobials. We present three cases that are illustrative of Arizona sepsis, localized infection, or both; review the literature; and report sensitivities to 12 antimicrobials for 32 human and animal isolates of Arizona hinshawii from various geographic areas. With the exception of erythromycin and streptomycin, most strains were sensitive to many of the commonly used antibiotics. As with Salmonella infections, ampicillin or chloramphenicol appear to be the initial antimicrobial agents of choice for severe infections with A. hinshawii. Definitive antimicrobial therapy must be individualized on the basis of sensitivity testing and with regard to host factors.
OBSERVATIONS RELATING TO THE NATURE OF ATROPHY OF INTESTINAL ORIGIN.
Authors: DAVID L. EDSALL
Journal: JAMA (1907)

General atrophy that is associated with, and ap- parently stands in direct relation to, a greater or lesser degree of preceding intestinal disturbances occupies a position of profound importance in the pathology of in- fancy.Marasmus is, indeed, so common and often so intractable that the laity are almost as familiar with its general features as are physicians.Much less commonly, but still occasionally, a condition that is, in its chief clinical features, apparently the same as the atrophy of infancy, appears in early childhood.In later life, typ- ical cases of this kind are rare; there are, however, very many instances of serious disturbance of general nutri- tion that seem to bear a direct relation to intestinal
Sulphhydryl and disulphide stainings of subepidermal hyaline bodies
Authors: KIICHIRO DANNO, TAKESHI HORIO
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1981)

The localization of sulphhydryl (-SH) groups and disulphide (-S-S-) bonds in subepidermal hyaline bodies was examined using histochemical techniques with the specific fluorescent thiol reagent (DACM). In lichen planus, hyaline bodies showed -S-S- but not -SH staining, suggesting that erythematosus and dermatomyositis, there were not only -S-S-positive hyaline bodies, considered of epidermal origin, but also -S-S- negative ones. The latter may consist of dermal components, since no dermal components are stainable with DACM. DACM staining therefore seems to be of help in determining the origin of hyaline bodies.
Increased expression of the natural killer cell inhibitory receptor CD94/NKG2A and CD158b on circulating and lesional T cells in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis
Authors: Y.H. Liao, S.H. Jee, B.C. Sheu, Y.L. Huang, M.P. Tseng, S.M. Hsu, T-F. Tsai
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2006)

Background Psoriasis is a common inflammatory cutaneous disorder characterized by activated T-cell infiltration. T lymphocytes bearing natural killer cell receptors (NKRs) have been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. However, the expression pattern of activating and inhibitory NKRs on T lymphocytes from psoriatic patients and its significance in psoriasis needs further study. Objectives To investigate the pathogenesis of NKR-expressing T cells in psoriasis. Materials and methods Thirty patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The immunophenotypic profiles of NKRs, including CD56, CD16 (activating NKRs), CD158a, CD158b, CD94 and NKG2A (inhibitory NKRs), were analysed in peripheral blood T lymphocytes, as well as psoriatic lesional infiltrating T cells, by triple-fluorescence flow cytometry. Results A significant increase of inhibitory CD8+ CD158b+, CD4− CD8− CD158b+ and CD8+ CD94/NKG2A+ T cells was found in the peripheral blood of patients with psoriasis when compared with controls. Tissue-infiltrating T lymphocytes expressing inhibitory receptors CD158b, CD94 and NKG2A were found in psoriatic lesions. There was a significant positive correlation between the increased percentage of circulating CD8+ CD94/NKG2A+ T cells and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. Conclusions In the present study, we demonstrated increased proportions of particular subsets of inhibitory CD158b+ and/or CD94/NKG2A+ T cells in patients with psoriasis. The elevation of these inhibitory NKR-expressing T cells was correlated with disease severity, which may signify the possibility of chronic antigen-driven stimulation and dysregulated cytokine production in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Spending money on end of life drugs will divert resources from prevention and chronic care, MPs told
Authors: O. Mashta
Journal: BMJ (2009)

Measures to improve patients’ access to end of life treatments announced by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) will divert resources away from preventive and chronic treatments, says a leading health economist.

Professor Christopher McCabe, chair in health economics at the Institute of Health Sciences at the University of Leeds, told MPs on the Health Select Committee that the move provided incentives for manufacturers that “are not consistent with promoting the health of the UK population.”

After a consultation on appraising end of life medicines, the institute will consider all the benefits when they …
Ventricular performance related to transmural filling pressure in clinical cardiac tamponade.
Authors: C M Boltwood
Journal: Circulation (1987)

In clinical cardiac tamponade, open-catheter intrapericardial pressure (IPP) may be used to estimate left ventricular transmural filling pressure (TMFP). However, it has been suggested recently that right atrial pressure (RAP) is superior to IPP in assessing true extracardiac pressure during pericardial drainage. In 10 patients with subacute cardiac tamponade, pulmonary wedge pressure (PWP), RAP, and IPP were measured along with indexes of systolic function. To test the relative merits of IPP and RAP in assessing true pericardial pressure, three TMFP estimates were analyzed: TMFP1 = (PWP - IPP); TMFP2 = (PWP - 1/3 RAP - 2/3 IPP); and TMFP3 = (PWP - RAP). An accurate TMFP presumably should increase during pericardiocentesis and correlate with left ventricular stroke work. In addition, to test the role of preload variation in pulsus paradoxus, respiratory variation in TMFP was analyzed. In the initial tamponade state, RAP and IPP were essentially equal, so all three TMFP estimates gave equivalent results. For instance, TMFP1 averaged 4 +/- 2 mm Hg but fell to 0.2 +/- 1.3 mm Hg during inspiration (p less than .001 vs expiration) and showed beat-by-beat correlation with pulse arterial pressure. After intermediate pericardiocentesis (280 +/- 160 ml), the IPP of 6 +/- 3 mm Hg fell significantly below the RAP of 10 +/- 3 mm Hg (p less than .001), but with a 570 +/- 320 ml residual effusion suggesting continued IPP measurement accuracy. By complete pericardiocentesis (810 +/- 430 ml) there was a significant increase in TMFP1 to 8 +/- 4 mm Hg (p less than .05 vs tamponade) but not in the TMFP3 of 1 +/- 3 mm Hg. Encompassing tamponade and pericardiocentesis data, left ventricular stroke work index showed positive correlation with TMFP1 (r = .59) and TMFP2 (r = .52) but not with TMFP3. Thus cardiac tamponade often may be diagnosed with a TMFP averaging well above zero, and diastolic equalization of PWP, RAP, and IPP may be a predominantly inspiratory finding ("inspiratory tracking"). This supports the role of preload variation in the genesis of pulsus paradoxus. On the other hand, true pericardial pressure may fall substantially below RAP in the course of pericardial drainage. This may be reconciled with the concept that normal pericardial pressure nearly equals RAP by hypothesizing an increased pericardial capacity in subacute tamponade so that pericardiocentesis produces a state analogous to removal of normal pericardial constraint.