tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Improved sustained response following treatment of chronic hepatitis C by gradual reduction in the interferon dose
Authors: M L Shiffman, C M Hofmann, V A Luketic, A J Sanyal, M J Contos, A S Mills
Journal: Hepatology (1996)

Interferon (IFN) treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with a high rate of relapse. IFN is thought to exert its effect against HCV via direct viral inhibition and immune stimulation. We have hypothesized that relapse following termination of therapy results from the sudden withdrawal of this immune modulatory effect and that gradual reduction in the IFN dose may decrease the incidence of relapse. One hundred six patients with chronic HCV were enrolled into this 24-month controlled, randomized prospective trial. All were treated with 5 mU of interferon-alpha-2b three times a week for 6 months. Patients who achieved biochemical response were randomized to either stop or taper IFN gradually at monthly intervals as follows; 3 mu, 2 mU, 1 mU, and 0.5 mU (all three times a week). 0.5 mU twice weekly and then once weekly. Liver histology was assessed by Knodell index and HCV RNA was measured by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Of the 92 patients who completed the initial 6 months of IFN treatment, 47 (51%) achieved biochemical response. Twenty-one of these patients were randomized to stop IFN treatment and 25 to taper (1 drop-out). At randomization patients were well matched with respect to age, sex, race, serum alanine transaminase (ALT), and liver histology. Biochemical relapse was observed in 19 of 21 (91%) patients who stopped IFN treatment compared with only 60% who tapered IFN (P= .04). Virological relapse occurred in 90% of patients who stopped and only 48% of persons who tapered IFN therapy. At completion of the 24-month study patients who achieved long-term sustained biochemical response had a significantly lower mean Knodell score (3.5 vs. 6.5) and a significantly greater number were HCV RNA negative in serum (85% vs. 18%) compared with relapsers. We conclude that gradual reduction in IFN dose is associated with a significant higher rate of sustained response and clearance of HCV RNA from serum compared with abruptly stopping treatment. This in turn is associated with a significant improvement in hepatic histology supporting the premise that response to IFN therapy can prevent progression to cirrhosis.
Chemoprevention of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Patrick C. Walsh
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2010)

Are we making progress in the chemoprevention of prostate cancer? The disease is an ideal target: not only is it the most common cancer among men in the United States, it has the highest age-specific incidence of any cancer. If we could prevent the disease or delay its progression, many men could be spared the burden of diagnostic procedures and treatments, and costs to the health care system could be reduced substantially. Because we lack a complete understanding of the pathophysiology of prostate cancer, chemopreventive strategies have empirically focused on two approaches: treatment with antioxidants to reduce damage to DNA . . .
A DISCUSSION OF INSULIN ACTION
Authors: R. D. Lawrence
Journal: BMJ (1936)

Control of Ingested Carbohydrate by P.1.The above experiments show that when P.I. is control- ling or even reducing-endogenous sugar it deals remarkably poorly with ingested carbohydrate and fails to prevent a relatively enormous increase in blood sugar.The Danish workers' 2 have recognized this, and in cases in which they give P.I. at night have been forced to give I. before a carbohydrate breakfast to obtain that full control of hyperglycaemia and glycosuria which is their ideal.We have tried, without observing much difference, in several other experiments to see whether P.I. at different stages of its absorption-that is, half an hour or four hours after injection-can obtain better control over the uniform 50 grams of carbohydrate utsed.It is very poor in this respect compared with I.An experiment in Table IV shows this clearly with large doses of prota- TABLE IV Blood Sugar in mg. per 100 c.cm.Time Arterial Venous 8.30 a.m. 32P.I. 132 -10.0 a.m. 50grams 102 101 carbohydrate 11.0 a.m.
Experience With a Hepatitis-free Plasma Protein Solution
Authors: A. J. Salsbury, M. Brozovich
Journal: BMJ (1968)

Clinical experience with a 4.3% solution of plasma protein treated to render it free of the agent of serum hepatitis is satisfactory. Sixty-seven transfusions of 400 ml. of the commercial preparation were given to 33 patients (25 with acute blood loss, 4 with severe burns, and 4 with hypoproteinaemia secondary to hepatic or renal disease).The solution was clinically as effective as reconstituted dried plasma in expanding plasma volume and in replacing serum protein lost in burns. Adverse effects were mild pyrexial reactions in one case and facial flushing in another. No cases of serum hepatitis occurred.The solution is available for immediate use, it can be kept at room temperature, and, as it does not cause rouleaux formation, it can be given before blood is taken for grouping and cross-matching.
OCTOGENARIANS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION, CARRY A HIGHER RISK OF DEATH AND STROKE WITH LESS USE OF ANTICOAGULATION. AN ACAP-RACE ANALYSIS
Authors: Emad F. Aziz, Balaji Pratap, Terrence Park, Chaithanya K. Pamidimukala, Praveen Devineni, Andre Tojino, Sejal Mehta, Joseph Hanna Bastawrose, Shubha D. Bhat, Yagnang K. Vyas, Eyal Herzog
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2011)
Evidence based management of hypertension: Using cardiovascular risk profiles to individualise hypertensive treatment
Authors: Michael Pignone, Cynthia D Mulrow
Journal: BMJ (2001)

<h3>Abstract</h3> <h3>Background</h3> The role of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the general public health is crucial and their decision to vaccinate against the COVID-19 can have a positive impact on the general population facilitating widespread COVID-19 vaccine uptake. <h3>Objective</h3> To estimate the uptake of a COVID-19 vaccine in HCWs and to expand our knowledge regarding the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake. <h3>Methods</h3> An on-line cross-sectional study was conducted in Greece during August 2021. We collected socio-demographic data of HCWs and we measured attitudes towards vaccination and COVID-19, knowledge and trust. We used a convenience sample since we distributed the questionnaire through social media and e-mails. <h3>Results</h3> Study population included 855 HCWs. The majority of HCWs were vaccinated against the COVID-19 (91.5%). According to multivariate analysis, females, HCWs without a previous COVID-19 diagnosis, and HCWs with previous seasonal influenza vaccination history had a greater probability to take a COVID-19 vaccine. Also, increased self-perceived knowledge regarding COVID-19 and increased trust in COVID-19 vaccines and government regarding the information about the COVID-19 vaccines were associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake. On the other hand, HCWs with more concerns about the side-effects of COVID-19 vaccination were more reluctant to take a COVID-19 vaccine. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Our study provides a timely assessment of COVID-19 vaccination status among HCWs and identifies specific factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake. By understanding these factors, policy makers and scientists will be able to develop novel strategies to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake among HCWs.
The effect on plasma corticosteroid levels of the short term topical application of clobetasol propionate
Authors: STUART R. WALKER, LYN WILSON, LIONEL FRY, V. H. T. JAMES
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1974)

Thirty-four patients with skin diseases which necessitated treatment with potent topical steroids at a hospital clinic were studied. All the patients received clobetasol propionate ointment (Dermovate) for a period of 2 weeks and sixteen of the patients continued with their treatment for 4 weeks, during which time their plasma corticosteroid levels were measured. Thirty patients had normal levels throughout the whole period of study (≥ 6 μg/100 ml) and five patients showed a depressed level at some stage during the investigation. Of six patients who were using a large amount of clobetasol ointment (more than 100 g/week) and who had a significant proportion of their body affected by disease (20-80%), two had lowered plasma corticosteroid levels and in four there was no evidence of adrenal suppression.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone: The Electromigration Characteristics of the Blood Plasma Expander
Authors: HUGH J. McDONALD, ROBERT H. SPITZER
Journal: Circulation Research (1953)

Before the metabolic role of the blood plasma expander, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) can be studied by the technic of ionography, some fundamental ionographic characteristics of the polymer, per se, must be determined. This study is concerned with the influence of such variable factors as time, potential gradient, temperature, the pH of the buffer and its ionic strength on the mobility of the migrant when under the influence of an electrical field, and an attempt has been made to correlate them. This work, then, may serve as a basis for later investigations to be made on the combining power of PVP for certain physiologic products with which it comes into intimate contact when used as a plasma expander.
Primary liposarcoma of the pericardium.
Authors: C J Lacey, M C Petch
Journal: Thorax (1979)

A. 40-year-old woman presented with a three-week history of arthralgia, malaise, and central chest and mid-dorsal pain influenced by posture and respiration.She had been in a road traffic accident five weeks before admission.On examination there was a loud pericardial rub but no signs of cardiac tamponade or constriction.
Ethanol metabolism in the generation of new antigenic determinants on liver cells.
Authors: I R Crossley, J Neuberger, M Davis, R Williams, A L Eddleston
Journal: Gut (1986)

Antibodies directed against ethanol altered liver cell components have been detected in the serum of nearly 50% of patients with alcoholic liver disease although the pathogenetic mechanisms are unclear. The importance of ethanol metabolism in the generation of new antigenic determinants on liver cells was investigated by in vivo inhibition of alcohol or acetaldehyde dehydrogenase and an induced cytotoxicity assay. There was a significant reduction in cytotoxicity to hepatocytes isolated from rabbits treated with ethanol 1 g/kg when the metabolism of ethanol to acetaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase was inhibited. In contrast when the oxidation of acetaldehyde was inhibited by disulfiram cytotoxicity was significantly enhanced. These results show that ethanol metabolism is integral to the expression of the ethanol related determinant and suggest that an impaired ability to metabolism acetaldehyde could lead to the development of immunological reactions to alcohol altered liver membrane antigens.
FINGERNAIL GROWTH IN NORMAL AND PSORIATIC SUBJECTS
Authors: RODNEY DAWBER
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1970)

SUMMARY.— A study has been made of nail growth in normal healthy subjects and in patients with psoriasis. Nails with pitting grew significantly faster than clinically normal nails of psoriatic patients, which in turn grew faster than those of normal controls. Of the nails measured, those of the middle finger grew more quickly than the others, the thumb and little finger growing most slowly; right hand nails grew faster than those of the left hand.
Brachioradial pruritus: response to treatment with gabapentin
Authors: S.M. Winhoven, I.H. Coulson, W.W. Bottomley
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2004)

Journal Article Brachioradial pruritus: response to treatment with gabapentin Get access S.M. Winhoven, S.M. Winhoven Department of Dermatology, Burnley General Hospital, Burnley BB10 2PQ, U.K., and Dermatology Unit, Devonshire Road Hosiptal, Blackpool FY3 8AZ, U.K. E‐mail: swinhoven@hotmail.com Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar I.H. Coulson, I.H. Coulson Department of Dermatology, Burnley General Hospital, Burnley BB10 2PQ, U.K., and Dermatology Unit, Devonshire Road Hosiptal, Blackpool FY3 8AZ, U.K. E‐mail: swinhoven@hotmail.com Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar W.W. Bottomley W.W. Bottomley Department of Dermatology, Burnley General Hospital, Burnley BB10 2PQ, U.K., and Dermatology Unit, Devonshire Road Hosiptal, Blackpool FY3 8AZ, U.K. E‐mail: swinhoven@hotmail.com Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 150, Issue 4, 1 April 2004, Pages 786–787, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0007-0963.2004.05889.x Published: 01 April 2004
Diabetes, Other Risk Factors, and 12-Yr Cardiovascular Mortality for Men Screened in the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial
Authors: Jeremiah Stamler, Olga Vaccaro, James D Neaton, Deborah Wentworth
Journal: Diabetes Care (1993)

OBJECTIVE To assess predictors of CVD mortality among men with and without diabetes and to assess the independent effect of diabetes on the risk of CVD death. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Participants in this cohort study were screened from 1973 to 1975; vital status has been ascertained over an average of 12 yr of follow-up (range 11–13 yr). Participants were 347,978 men aged 35–57 yr, screened in 20 centers for MRFIT. The outcome measure was CVD mortality. RESULTS Among 5163 men who reported taking medication for diabetes, 1092 deaths (603 CVD deaths) occurred in an average of 12 yr of follow-up. Among 342,815 men not taking medication for diabetes, 20,867 deaths were identified, 8965 ascribed to CVD. Absolute risk of CVD death was much higher for diabetic than nondiabetic men of every age stratum, ethnic background, and risk factor level—overall three times higher, with adjustment for age, race, income, serum cholesterol level, sBP, and reported number of cigarettes/day (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). For men both with and without diabetes, serum cholesterol level, sBP, and cigarette smoking were significant predictors of CVD mortality. For diabetic men with higher values for each risk factor and their combinations, absolute risk of CVD death increased more steeply than for nondiabetic men, so that absolute excess risk for diabetic men was progressively greater than for nondiabetic men with higher risk factor levels. CONCLUSIONS These findings emphasize the importance of rigorous sustained intervention in people with diabetes to control blood pressure, lower serum cholesterol, and abolish cigarette smoking, and the importance of considering nutritional-hygienic approaches on a mass scale to prevent diabetes.
Performance in motor sports
Authors: A J Klarica
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2001)

LeadersThe medicolegal aspects of automatism in mild head injury Automatism or automatic behaviour was originally described in the Hippocratic corpus in relation to sleepwalking and other nocturnal behaviours. 1 Despite its long history, this area of automatism remains confused and imprecise in the medical and legal literature.Within English common law, it is a fundamental principle that the intent (mens rea) and the act (actus reus) must occur together to constitute the crime. 2As such, the absence of a mens rea means that the person at that point in time lacks the intent to commit a crime.In the legal view, post-traumatic automatism is a form of "sane" automatism because it results from an external factor, for example, a blow to the head, rather than from a disease of the mind (which is responsible for "insane" automatisms). 3 4As a legal defence under English law, if successful, post-traumatic automatism leads to acquittal rather than the judge deciding the disposal as in the case of insane automatism. 5 In recent years, a number of cases of footballers appearing before disciplinary tribunals for striking and other charges have claimed in their defence that they suVered a prior concussive injury and at the time of the alleged incident were suVering from a "post-traumatic automatism" and as a result were not responsible for their actions.In one celebrated case in Australian football, this defence was successful and resulted in the sport's administrative body developing specific guidelines to outlaw this potential defence.This topic of post-traumatic automatism has only a limited amount of published information to guide practitioners, players, administrators, and lawyers and this paper seeks to establish appropriate medical guidelines in this area.
Dengue virus therapeutic intervention strategies based on viral, vector and host factors involved in disease pathogenesis
Authors: Lara J. Herrero, Andrew Zakhary, Michelle E. Gahan, Michelle A. Nelson, Belinda L. Herring, Andrew J. Hapel, Paul A. Keller, Maheshi Obeysekera, Weiqiang Chen, Kuo-Ching Sheng, Adam Taylor, Stefan Wolf, Jayaram Bettadapura, Shobha Broor, Lalit Dar, Suresh Mahalingam
Journal: Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2012)
The Dilated Cystic Duct Sign
Authors: ROBERT E. COLEMAN, JOHN E. FREITAS, DARLENE M. FINK-BENNETT, ROBERT L. BREE
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (1984)

COLEMAN, ROBERT E. D.O.; FREITAS, JOHN E. M.D.; FINK-BENNETT, DARLENE M. M.D.; BREE, ROBERT L. M.D. Author Information
Ireland has record fall in number of organ donations
Authors: M. Houston
Journal: BMJ (2011)

The past year saw a dramatic decline in the number of organ donors in Ireland, with only one or two patients in some major teaching hospitals providing organs for the national transplant service. The Irish Kidney Association says it is concerned that families of potential donors in hospital are not being approached because of staffing shortages and work pressures in the country’s intensive care units.

The annual report of the National Organ Procurement Service shows that in 2010 organs came from just 58 deceased people to enable kidney, liver, heart, and …
Ronald Henry Moray Mavor
Authors: Mark Hughson
Journal: BMJ (2008)

When Ronald Henry Moray Mavor was born his father, Osborne, a physician who was also the playwright James Bridie, exclaimed “Bingo!”, and the nickname stuck. Bingo was also a physician, specialising in chest diseases, who in 1957 left medicine to become drama critic of the Scotsman newspaper. While not as prolific a …
A femtomolar-acting neuroprotective peptide.
Authors: D E Brenneman, I Gozes
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1996)

A novel 14-amino acid peptide, with stress-protein-like sequences, exhibiting neuroprotection at unprecedented concentrations, is revealed. This peptide prevented neuronal cell death associated with the envelope protein (GP 120) from HIV, with excitotoxicity (N-methyl d-aspartate), with the beta amyloid peptide (putative cytotoxin in Alzheimer's disease), and with tetrodotoxin (electrical blockade). The peptide was designed to contain a sequence derived from a new neuroprotective protein secreted by astroglial cells in the presence of vasoactive intestinal peptide. The neurotrophic protein was isolated by sequential chromatographic methods combining ion exchange, size separation, and hydrophobic interaction. The protein (mol mass, 14 kD and pI, 8.3 +/- 0.25) was named activity-dependent neurotrophic factor, as it protected neurons from death associated with electrical blockade. Peptide sequencing led to the synthesis of the novel 14-amino acid peptide that was homologous, but not identical, to an intracellular stress protein, heat shock protein 60. Neutralizing antiserum to heat shock protein 60 produced neuronal cell death that could be prevented by cotreatment with the novel protein, suggesting the existence of extracellular stress-like proteins with neuroprotective properties. These studies identify a potent neuroprotective glial protein and an active peptide that provide a basis for developing treatments of currently intractable neurodegenerative diseases.
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary: Studies on Its History
Authors: Byron J. Bailey
Journal: JAMA (1985)

Since its founding in 1824, the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary has been a major force in the evolution of the specialties of ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery. As ever, the story of an institution lies in the telling of the lives of the men and women who shaped the course of historical events during their time. These biographical sketches of Edward Reynolds, John Jeffries, Mary Coonahan, and Harris P. Mosher add a personal touch to the book. The period from 1824 to 1924 is covered with the greatest detail, and the reader becomes fascinated with the dedication and foresight of the group who served the patients and students who came to the Eye and Ear Infirmary. Their vision and energy have spread from this institution over the subsequent decades, and this historical account assumes considerable relevance and importance through its recounting of the formative period. The book is
Philip Douglas Bowen
Authors: E. Bowen
Journal: BMJ (2002)

Former general practitioner Horsham (b Swansea 1925; q Guy's 1953; MRCGP), died on 25 February 2002 from complications following surgery for a perforated sigmoid diverticula.

Philip enlisted in the Royal Air Force in 1943 and trained as a flight engineer, serving in Singapore at the end of the second world war. After qualifying he did various jobs and was a ship's doctor on a trip to the Far East. In 1957 he joined a practice in Horsham, West Sussex, soon gaining a partnership. During 30 years of successful practice he became a GP trainer and wasalso a prison visitor at Lewes Prison. In retirement he learnt how to make violins. He leaves a wife, Jane; three children; and his grandchildren.
The Common Cold
Authors: Robert S. Gohd
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1954)

THE accumulation of scientific information regarding the agent or agents that cause the common cold has been exceedingly slow. Many questions and problems confronting investigators twenty years ago remain with them today. What are the mechanisms of transmission of the disease from host to host? Is there a carrier state? Does the virus remain in the tissues continuously in a manner similar to the herpes simplex virus and produce infection only when the resistance of the host is altered, or is each infection an expression of a new contact with the agent? Does an immunity develop after an attack of . . .