tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Correlates of sodium-lithium countertransport. Findings from the Gubbio Epidemiological Study. The Gubbio Collaborative Study Group.
Authors: M Trevisan, M Laurenzi
Journal: Circulation (1991)

BACKGROUND Numerous reports have presented evidence for a positive association between the maximal velocity of the sodium-lithium countertransport (Na-Li CT) in erythrocytes and hypertension. The nature of this association remains to be clarified. METHODS AND RESULTS This report presents correlates of Na-Li CT in a population sample of 3,591 people aged 5-74 years. Males had higher mean age-specific levels of Na-Li CT than females except for the 5-14-year age stratum. In adults aged 25-74, for both men (n = 1,044) and women (n = 1,192), body mass index, plasma uric acid and glucose, alcohol consumption, and red blood cell mean corpuscular volume were positively related to countertransport in multivariate analyses; plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and plasma potassium were inversely related. Plasma non-HDL cholesterol was independently and directly related to Na-Li CT in women, and plasma sodium was inversely associated with Na-Li CT in men. These relations prevailed for men when persons with hypertension were excluded from the analyses and prevailed in part for women. When stepwise regression analyses were done for all men and women combined (n = 2,236), sex ceased to be significantly related to countertransport with plasma uric acid and alcohol intake in the model. In adults of either sex, no independent association was detected between Na-Li CT and age, heart rate, or the ratios of sodium to potassium or of sodium to creatinine in overnight untimed urine. CONCLUSIONS In both sexes, Na-Li CT is significantly and independently associated with a number of metabolic variables (plasma uric acid, plasma glucose, body mass index, plasma potassium, and life-style habits [e.g., alcohol intake]). Further research is needed to elucidate the meaning of the significant associations between Na-Li CT and the foregoing variables (all of them also related to blood pressure).
A survey of the burden of allergic rhinitis in the USA
Authors: M. Schatz
Journal: Allergy (2007)

Background: A prospective, cross‐sectional, international survey was conducted among patients and physicians to identify symptom perception and the impact of allergic rhinitis (AR) on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). This paper presents the results from the USA. Methods: Data were recorded by 447 patients and matched with data collected on these patients by primary care physicians or specialists. Tests to confirm a diagnosis of AR had been performed on 345 (77.2%) patients. Because of the intermittent nature of the disease, both physicians and patients recorded the presence, severity and impact of symptoms at the time of consultation, in addition to symptoms frequently, but not currently, present. Health‐related quality of life was assessed using the Mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results: According to the physicians’ assessment, a large proportion of patients had moderate or severe disease (62.6%; n = 280), persistent disease (47.0%; n = 213) and comorbidities such as asthma (28.4%; n = 127). Comparison of the physicians’ and patients’ assessment of disease severity found that patients rated their disease as more severe than physicians across all three types of AR ( P &lt; 0.001). At the time of the consultation, 44.0% ( n = 197) of patients were suffering from nasal and ocular symptoms, and 23.7% ( n = 106) of all patients reported that their current nasal and ocular symptoms were moderate or severe in nature. More than 50% of the patients surveyed (56.4%; n = 252) were using two or more medications for their AR. Health‐related quality of life correlated negatively with the number of symptom‐free days in the previous 4 weeks. Allergic rhinitis had a significantly greater impact on patients with more persistent disease compared with those with intermittent disease (2.3 ± 1.3 vs 1.4 ± 1.1; P &lt; 0.001); nevertheless, approximately two‐thirds of patients with intermittent disease reported some impairment of their professional or daily life as a result of AR. Conclusions: The results of this survey highlight the unmet needs of the many patients in the USA who present during routine care with moderate or severe and/or persistent disease and an associated high symptom burden and impaired HRQoL.
Myocardial force-frequency defect in mitral regurgitation heart failure is reversed by forskolin.
Authors: L A Mulieri, B J Leavitt, B J Martin, J R Haeberle, N R Alpert
Journal: Circulation (1993)

Postoperative ejection phase parameters and patient survival rates for mitral valve replacement surgery are considerably lower than for similar aortic valve surgery. While chordal transection probably is the major contributor to the lowered values, there is also evidence for decreased preoperative myocardial contractile reserve in mitral regurgitation patients. This study characterizes abnormalities in the force-frequency relation that may underlie impaired function of myocardium isolated from mitral regurgitation patients with New York Heart Association class II-III heart failure.Left ventricular epicardial myocardium was obtained by surgical biopsy during mitral valve replacement surgery in patients with mitral regurgitation heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction, 0.64 +/- 0.05) and during coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with normal ventricular function. The steady-state twitch tension versus frequency relation was measured in myocardial strip preparations (37 degree C, 12 to 228 min-1) in the absence and presence of forskolin. Relative to normal function, peak isometric twitch tension in mitral regurgitation is depressed by 50% (P < .02) and 74% (P < .003) at contraction frequencies of 60 min-1 and 168 min-1, respectively. The slope of the tension-frequency curve is blunted and its peak is shifted to a lower frequency (mitral regurgitation: 134 min-1; normal function: 173 min-1; P < .02). The myosin heavy chain concentration did not differ between mitral regurgitation and normal function strips (53 +/- 4 versus 54 +/- 4 nmol/g blotted wt). Forskolin (0.5 mumol/L) completely reversed the tension depression, blunting, and the lowered peak frequency in the mitral regurgitation preparations.Preoperatively, myocardial tension generation in mitral regurgitation patients is severely depressed, and the force-frequency curve is blunted and has a negative slope in the exercise range of heart rates. The reversal of these defects by forskolin suggests that abnormal excitation-contraction coupling may underlie the decreased contractile reserve in mitral regurgitation patients.
Ozone and Other Air Pollutants and the Risk of Oral Clefts
Authors: Bing-Fang Hwang, Jouni J.K. Jaakkola
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2008)

BackgroundAir pollution influences the development of oral clefts in animals. There are few epidemiologic data on the relation of prenatal air pollution exposure and the risk of oral clefts.ObjectivesOur goal in this study was to assess the relations between exposure to ambient air pollution and the risk of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P).MethodsWe conducted a population-based case–control study of all 653 cases of CL/P and a random sample of 6,530 control subjects from 721,289 Taiwanese newborns in 2001–2003. We used geographic information systems to form exposure parameters for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm (PM10) during the first 3 months of pregnancy using inverse distance weighting method. We present the effect estimates as odds ratios (ORs) per 10-ppb change for SO2, NOx, and O3, 100-ppb change for CO, and 10-μg/m3 change for PM10.ResultsThe risk of CL/P was increased in relation to O3 levels in the first gestational month [adjusted OR = 1.20; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02–1.39] and second gestational month (adjusted OR = 1.25; 95% CI, 1.03–1.52) in the range from 16.7 ppb to 45.1 ppb, but was not related to CO, NOx, SO2, or PM10.ConclusionsThe study provides new evidence that exposure to outdoor air O3 during the first and second month of pregnancy may increase the risk of CL/P. Similar levels of O3 are encountered globally by large numbers of pregnant women.
Eruptive pyogenic granulomas: a successfully treated patient and review of the literature
Authors: M. SHAH, T.P. KINGSTON, J.A. COTTERILL
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2006)

Pyogenic granuloma, also known as lobular capillary haernangioma, is a solitary, benign vascular skin tumour. Although a single pyogenic granuloma is common, multiple eruptive pyogenic granulomas are extremely rare. We report the occurrence of multiple, eruptive pyogenic granulomas in a previously healthy 17‐year‐old girl. Over 200 lesions appeared spontaneously over an 8‐month period. Lesions were initially treated with cryolherapy, and then with the pulsed dye laser, resulting in their complete clearance.
Why failed asylum seekers must not be denied access to the NHS
Authors: Paul D Williams
Journal: BMJ (2004)

The UK government is consulting on implementing proposals to exclude overseas visitors from eligibility for free primary care (www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/08/22/67/04082267.pdf). Recently published rules state that failed asylum seekers are not entitled to free nonurgent primary or secondary care from the day their asylum claim failed.

Failed asylum seekers are not bogus asylum seekers. Of 58 475 decisions on asylum made by the Home Office in 2003-4, 87% were refused. Most people appeal, and of 79 385 appeals received, 21% were accepted, leaving 60 000 failed asylum seekers. Although some of these people may not be in need of protection, many certainly are but are unable to establish to a “reasonable degree of likelihood” that they would suffer persecution if returned to their country. Amnesty International recently criticised decisions made on “inaccurate information, unreasoned decisions about credibility and a failure to properly consider complex torture cases.”

> It is unethical to refuse to provide care for some of the most vulnerable people in society 

Most of the people refused asylum in 2003-4 were not removed, including more than 4000 Sri Lankans, 4000 Iraqis, 3500 Afghans, 3000 Turkish people, 3000 …
Synovial pathology in Behcet's syndrome.
Authors: B Vernon-Roberts, C G Barnes, P A Revell
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1978)

Eight specimens of synovial membrane from 6 patients with 'definite' Behcet's syndrome were available for histological examination. Only the superficial zones of the synovia were affected, all except one being replaced by dense inflamed granulation tissue composed of lymphocytes mingled with macrophages, vascular elements, fibroblasts, and neutrophils. There was a marked plasma cell infiltrate and lymphoid follicle formation in one synovium only, and there was no evidence of infection. Pannus and erosive change were present in the three specimens which included the articular surface, the erosive change being visualised radiologically in two of these. It is suggested that these appearances are characteristic of Behcet's syndrome and should be added to the list of diagnostic criteria.
Intestinal Perforation and Widespread Arteritis in Rheumatoid Arthritis during Treatment with Cortisone
Authors: R. A. Parker, P. M. Thomas
Journal: BMJ (1959)

Perforations of the small and large intestines in patients under treatment with cortisone have not often been reported, and the few cases recorded usually have had coexisting intestinal disease.Sloan, Briggs, and Halsted (1951) report one case of intestinal perforation, Tulin, Kern, and Almy (1952) three cases
Heterotopic Pancreatic Tissue and Intestinal Mucosa in the Umbilical Cord
Authors: Lloyd E. Harris, James E. Wenzl
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1963)

THE following case seemed worth reporting because of its embryologic significance and its apparent uniqueness.Case ReportAn infant, the product of a normal pregnancy of a 28-year-old gravida 4, para 3, was delivered by cesarean section at term because of placenta praevia. The baby weighed 3080 gm. and measured 50 cm. in length. On physical examination shortly after birth a symptomless circular, red, nodular mass was noted on the umbilical cord approximately 4 mm. from the umbilical-skin margin and measuring 4 mm. in diameter (Fig. 1). The mass was excised by wedge resection 24 hours after birth. Excision was . . .
Chloramphenicol in the Newborn Infant
Authors: Charles F. Weiss, Anthony J. Glazko, Jean K. Weston
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1960)

DURING the past few years there has been much concern regarding the increased incidence of nursery infections. This has resulted in the widespread use of antibiotics for prophylaxis as well as for therapy. The variable response of hospital strains of micro-organisms led to a gradual increase in the size of doses being administered. Chloramphenicol has proved to be an effective agent in this field, but doses higher than those recommended for older subjects have been used in many cases. Associated with these high doses of chloramphenicol, several pediatric centers found a number of toxic reactions and a higher mortality in . . .
Lysozyme promotes the release of toll-like receptor-2 stimulants from Gram-positive but not Gram-negative intestinal bacteria
Authors: Clett Erridge
Journal: Gut Microbes (2010)

We recently reported that intestinal concentrations of soluble stimulants of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 and TLR4 are markedly elevated in two murine models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); dextran-sodium-sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis and Toxoplasma gondii-induced ileitis. It was also shown that while enterobacterial species, such as Escherichia coli, released abundant soluble pro-inflammatory stimulants of macrophage TNF-a secretion and TLR2-signalling into their growth environment, the release of such stimulants by Gram-positive organisms, including Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus plantarum and Enterococcus faecalis, was approximately three orders of magnitude lower, leading to the proposal that Gram-positive commensals are unlikely to be major contributors of soluble pro-inflammatory TLR-stimulants during IBDs. In this addendum to the previous study, additional data are presented to address the question of whether elevated soluble TLR2-stimulants may derive from the action of intestinal lysozyme on the host micribiota via increased release of bacterial lipopeptides. It is shown that while lysozyme treatment of Gram-positive organisms, including Lactobacillus plantarum and Enterococcus faecalis, promotes the release of TLR2-stimulants from these organisms, lysozyme did not promote the release of soluble pro-inflammatory stimulants from two model intestinal Gram-negative organisms (Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis), or from human faecal samples. The increase in TLR2-stimulants in murine colitis and ileitis therefore most likely reflects the overgrowth of enterobacterial species, rather than the action of lysozyme on Gram-positive bacteria.
Hepatocellular Na+/H+ exchange is activated early, transiently and at a posttranscriptional level during rat liver regeneration
Authors: Andreas Dällenbach, Ulrich Marti, Eberhard L. Renner
Journal: Hepatology (1994)

In hepatocytes in vitro, Na+/H+ exchange, an important regulator of intracellular pH, is activated by epidermal growth factor, but its activity during liver regeneration in vivo is unknown. We therefore compared activity and regulation of Na+/H+ exchange in hepatocytes isolated after two-thirds partial hepatectomy or sham surgery, respectively, by measuring intracellular pH (fluorimetry) and steady state Na+/H+ exchange mRNA levels (Northern blotting). Resting intracellular pH increased from 7.06 +/- 0.02 to 7.12 +/- 0.02 (p < 0.05) 2 hr but not 20 hr after partial hepatectomy. Na+/H+ exchange-mediated rates of intracellular pH recovery from an acid load increased from 0.075 +/- 0.018 to 0.151 +/- 0.018 pH units/min (p < 0.05) 2 hr but not 20 hr after partial hepatectomy. Because intracellular buffering capacity was not affected, this reflects increased Na+/H+ exchange activity. The inverse relationship between Na+/H+ exchange activity and intracellular pH was shifted by about 0.1 pH units toward more alkaline pH values 2 hr but not 20 hr after partial hepatectomy, whereas steady-state Na+/H+ exchange mRNA levels remained unchanged. In conclusion, hepatocellular Na+/H+ exchange is activated early, transiently and at a posttranscriptional level during liver regeneration induced in the rat by partial hepatectomy.
Measurement of lung microvascular pressure in the intact anesthetized rabbit by the micropuncture technique.
Authors: S Bhattacharya, M R Glucksberg, J Bhattacharya
Journal: Circulation Research (1989)

We have developed a micropuncture technique for the measurement of microvascular pressure in the intact lung of rabbit. We anesthetized 16 rabbits (halothane, 0.8%) and mechanically ventilated them through a tracheotomy. Then, we exposed the right lung by rib resection over the right anterior chest. We measured pulmonary artery, left atrial, and systemic pressures by direct catheterization and cardiac output by the thermodilution technique. For micropuncture, we stabilized the lung on a shelf and stopped ventilation for 3-4 minutes at an airway pressure of 7 cm H2O. We injected pancuronium intravenously to paralyze the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Of the total pulmonary vascular pressure drop, 52% occurred in the microvascular segment between arterioles and venules of 20 micron diameter, 28% occurred in the arterial segment, and 20% occurred in the venous segment. We conclude that in the intact lung of rabbit, the major pressure drop occurs in the microvascular segment.
TRANSMISSIBILITY OF HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS IN HAEMOPHILIC AND NON-HAEMOPHILIC CHILDREN LIVING IN A PRIVATE SCHOOL IN FRANCE
Authors: A. Berthier, R. Fauchet, N. Genetet, M. Pommereuil, S. Chamaret, J. Fonlupt, M. Gueguen, A. Ruffault, L. Montagnier
Journal: The Lancet (1986)
Glomerulonephritis induced in the rabbit by antiendothelial antibodies.
Authors: S Matsuo, A Fukatsu, M L Taub, P R Caldwell, J R Brentjens, G Andres
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1987)

The effects of interaction between endothelial angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and goat anti-rabbit ACE (GtARbACE) antibodies were studied in rabbit glomeruli. By immunofluorescence ACE was not detectable in normal glomeruli. However, when kidneys were perfused with GtARbACE antibodies glomerular bound IgG was seven times higher than that of non-immune IgG and granular deposits of goat IgG were found on the endothelium of glomeruli and arteries. Rabbits injected intravenous for 4 d with GtARbACE antibodies showed on day 1 granular deposits of goat IgG on the glomerular endothelium; from day 3 to 24 there was gradual development of subepithelial deposits of goat IgG, rabbit IgG and C3. When GtARbACE antibodies were similarly injected into proteinuric rabbits there was formation of subepithelial granular deposits of goat IgG and ACE. The results document that a glomerular endothelial antigen is redistributed in vivo by a specific ligand, an event associated with formation of immune deposits. Furthermore, if the glomerular permeability is artificially increased, immune complexes shed from nonglomerular endothelia into the circulation can contribute to form subepithelial immune deposits.
Multimodality Imaging in a Patient With Adrenocortical Carcinoma Leading to Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy
Authors: Kim Francis Andersen, Anders Mellemgaard, Helle Westergren Hendel
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (2009)

In the recommended staging system for adrenocortical carcinoma, nuclear medicine modalities are optional. In cases of distorted postoperative anatomy and when postoperative infection/inflammation mimics malignancy, functional imaging is helpful. We present a case of a patient with adrenocortical carcinoma where F-18 FDG dual time point imaging and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy were used in the diagnostic work up after surgery complicated by infection, until end-stage palliative peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. The estimated uptake on somatostatin receptor scintigraphy is traditionally done visually on planar images. We suggest a more objective, semiquantitative approach by comparing the tumor uptake with a standard reference.
Healthy Lifestyle Factors in the Primary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease Among Men
Authors: Stephanie E. Chiuve, Marjorie L. McCullough, Frank M. Sacks, Eric B. Rimm
Journal: Circulation (2006)

Healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a prudent diet, exercising regularly, managing weight, and not smoking may substantially reduce coronary heart disease (CHD) risk by improving lipids, blood pressure, and other risk factors. The burden of CHD that could be avoided through adherence to these modifiable lifestyle factors has not been assessed among middle-aged and older US men, specifically men taking medications for hypertension or hypercholesterolemia.We prospectively monitored 42 847 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, 40 to 75 years of age and free of disease in 1986. Lifestyle factors were updated through self-reported questionnaires. Low risk was defined as (1) absence of smoking, (2) body mass index <25 kg/m2, (3) moderate-to-vigorous activity > or = 30 min/d, (4) moderate alcohol consumption (5 to 30 g/d), and (5) the top 40% of the distribution for a healthy diet score. Over 16 years, we documented 2183 incident cases of CHD (nonfatal myocardial infarction and fatal CHD). In multivariate-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, men who were at low risk for 5 lifestyle factors had a lower risk of CHD (relative risk: 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09, 0.19) compared with men who were at low risk for no lifestyle factors. Sixty-two percent (95% CI: 49%, 74%) of coronary events in this cohort may have been prevented with better adherence to these 5 healthy lifestyle practices. Among men taking medication for hypertension or hypercholesterolemia, 57% (95% CI: 32%, 79%) of all coronary events may have been prevented with a low-risk lifestyle. Compared with men who did not make lifestyle changes during follow-up, those who adopted > or = 2 additional low-risk lifestyle factors had a 27% (95% CI: 7%, 43%) lower risk of CHD.A majority of CHD events among US men may be preventable through adherence to healthy lifestyle practices, even among those taking medications for hypertension or hypercholesterolemia.
Steroid Biosynthesis and Lymphocytotoxic Effects in Prostatic Cancer
Authors: Alvaro Morales
Journal: JAMA (1972)

<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> Robinson and Thomas<sup>1</sup>reported on the fall of serum testosterone levels and the subjective improvement in patients with cancer of the prostate treated with a combination of diethylstilbestrol and amino-glutethimide, a powerful inhibitor of adrenal corticosteroid biosynthesis. On the basis of animal experimentation, we had suggested the use of aminoglutethimide in those patients with metastatic carcinoma of the prostate who failed to respond to conventional treatment or who suffered a relapse after an initial response.<sup>2</sup>Further investigation (unpublished data) seems to indicate that immunological mechanisms are involved as well: the inhibition of steroid biosynthesis, by removing the lympholytic effect of corticosteriods, produces a marked lymphoid hyperplasia and an increase in the number of circulating lymphocytes. Ablin and Baird (<b>216:</b>2015,1971) reported the presence of lymphocytotoxic antibodies in patients with prostatic cancer. It appears, then, that inhibition of steroid biosynthesis is capable of counteracting the lymphocytotoxic effect