tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
How irritant is alcohol?
Authors: H. Löffler, G. Kampf, D. Schmermund, H.I. Maibach
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2007)

Background Alcohol‐based hand rubs are used worldwide to prevent transmission of nosocomial pathogens. Objectives To investigate skin irritation caused by alcohols alone and in combination with detergent washing. Methods Single and repetitive patch testing with 60–100% alcohols [ethanol, 1‐propanol, 2‐propanol (synonyms: isopropyl alcohol, isopropanol)], a positive control [0·5% sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)] and negative controls (empty chamber and water) were performed. Wash tests were performed with 80% ethanol and 0·5% SLS on the forearms with each agent alone and with both agents in a tandem design. Skin hydration, erythema and barrier disruption [measured as transepidermal water loss (TEWL)] were evaluated (always 15 volunteers). Results We found no significant change in skin barrier or erythema induced by the alcohols in the patch tests, whereas skin hydration decreased significantly. Application of alcohols to previously irritated skin did not show a stronger skin barrier disruption than application of SLS alone. Wash tests demonstrated that alcohol application caused significantly less skin irritation than washing with a detergent (TEWL, P < 0·001; skin hydration, P < 0·05; erythema, P < 0·05). Even on previously irritated skin, ethanol did not enhance irritation. By contrast, a protective effect of ethanol used after skin washing was observed (TEWL, P < 0·05; skin hydration, P < 0·05; erythema, P < 0·05). Conclusions Alcohol‐based hand rubs cause less skin irritation than hand washing and are therefore preferred for hand hygiene from the dermatological point of view. An alcohol‐based hand rub may even decrease rather than increase skin irritation after a hand wash due to a mechanical partial elimination of the detergent.
BASELINE ESTIMATED RIGHT ATRIAL PRESSURE BY ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY PREDICTS MORTALITY IN IDIOPATHIC AND ASSOCIATED PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Christopher Austin, Khadija Alassas, Ricardo Pagan, Malik Al-Omari, Preetham Kumar, Katherine Duello, Charles Burger, Brian Shapiro
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2013)
Online marketing of medical procedures needs better regulation
Authors: Richard Smith
Journal: BMJ (2012)

The British Association of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeons, prompted by the problems with breast implants made by Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP), has called for several changes, including a ban on all advertising of cosmetic surgery.1 This is understandable, perhaps, as a kneejerk reaction to protect the reputation of the industry, but with increasing globalisation how realistic is such a ban?

The recent debacle has highlighted the challenges in regulating direct to consumer advertising of medical care in the internet age. In the United Kingdom, healthcare has not traditionally been viewed as a product to be marketed and advertised. Advertising for medical products, for instance, is strictly controlled by legislation and codes of practice.2 3 Promotional material on the internet directed at a UK audience is also subject to the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry’s code of practice. …
Role of sinusoidal endothelial cells of the liver in concanavalin A-induced hepatic injury in mice
Authors: P A Knolle, G Gerken, E Löser, H P Dienes, F Gantner, G Tiegs, Meyer K zum Büschenfelde, A W Lohse
Journal: Hepatology (1996)

CD4+ T lymphocytes have been identified as being responsible for organ damage in the murine model of experimental liver injury induced by intravenous injection of concanavalin A (Con A). Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (SEC) and Kupffer's cells (KC) are among the first cells that come into contact with lymphocytes in the liver sinusoid. We aimed to investigate the respective role of these cell populations in the initial steps of T–cell–mediated liver injury in Con A–induced hepatitis. By electron microscopy, we could show that intravenously applied Con A bound predominantly to SEC but not to KC. KC depletion by gadolinium chloride treatment of mice did not result in protection from liver injury, indicating that KCs are not primarily involved in the generation of liver injury. We could show that a CD4+ T–cell line (LNC.2) displayed selective cytotoxicity toward SEC (&gt;50%) but not KC (12%) or fibroblasts (5%) in the presence of Con A in vitro . Microscopic observation revealed that the SEC monolayer was rapidly destroyed by LnC2 in the presence of Con A. Specificity of the Con A–induced cytotoxicity was shown by the ability of a competitive ligand, methyl–α–D–mannopyranoside, to reduce T–cell–mediated cytotoxicity to SEC by more than 50%. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF–α) was produced by LnC2 in high amounts after Con A stimulation (&gt;6 ng/mL), but antiserum to TNF–α did not reduce LnC2–mediated cytotoxicity toward SEC. In conclusion, we could show for the first time that liver SECs have accessory function and are selectively destroyed by CD4+ T lymphocytes in the presence of Con A. We speculate that SEC damage is an early event in T–cell–mediated liver injury recruiting T lymphocytes from the sinusoidal circulation. Loss of the SEC barrier function then exposes underlying hepatocytes to further attack by activated T lymphocytes. These results offer a model of initiating events in T–cell– mediated liver diseases, such as viral or autoimmune hepatitis, and suggest an important role for sinusoidal endothelial cells.
Plain packs will make no difference to illegal tobacco trade, says report
Authors: M. Limb
Journal: BMJ (2012)

The introduction of plain cigarette packaging in the United Kingdom would not boost the illegal tobacco trade, says a report commissioned by Cancer Research UK.

The report criticises “unjustified” claims made by tobacco companies that plain packs would be easier to counterfeit than branded designs and would lead to further illicit production and smuggling.1

Its author, Luk Joossens, who works for the Association …
Abstract B31: Cell-based screening of novel anticancer molecules for prostate cancer
Authors: Karen Cristina dos Santos, Isadora Malavolta, Andrei Leitao
Journal: Cancer Research (2013)

Abstract Metastatic and mutant androgen receptor prostate cancer are still of major concern for chemotherapy, lacking an efficacious approach to tackle this life threatening disease. This is so, because of the resilience to androgen ablation therapy. To accomplish with that, new molecules for prostate cancer have been tested in different in vitro models by academic groups and pharmaceutical entrepreneurs. In this work, novel molecules were tested in cell line that do not express androgen receptor (DU145) or cells harboring the mutant androgen receptor (LNCaP). Mouse fibroblast (Balb-c 3T3) cells were also tested in this cell-based screening to check for selectivity. These novel molecules came from previous studies using computational medicinal chemistry tools regarding mutant androgen receptor, surviving and mTOR inhibitors. All biological results were compared with the reference molecules bicalutamide, rapamycin, doxorubicin and YM155. The first screening comprised MTT colorimetric assay, further confirmed by flow cytometry studies, including cell cycle analysis and apoptosis indicators. Several novel molecules presented activity according to the screenings using prostate cancer cell lines. YM155 (a survivin inhibitor) was the only active molecule from the reference set when using the DU145 cells. Besides that, YM155 was the most selective molecule from the whole compound series (composed by reference and test sets). These phenotypic screenings provided the first evidence of anticancer molecules amenable for further chemical optimization. Citation Format: Karen Cristina dos Santos, Isadora Malavolta, Andrei Leitao. Cell-based screening of novel anticancer molecules for prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Third AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; Sep 18-22, 2013; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(19 Suppl):Abstract nr B31.
Hirschsprung-like disease is exacerbated by reduced de novo GMP synthesis
Authors: Jonathan I. Lake, Olga A. Tusheva, Brittany L. Graham, Robert O. Heuckeroth
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2013)

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a partially penetrant oligogenic birth defect that occurs when enteric nervous system (ENS) precursors fail to colonize the distal bowel during early pregnancy. Genetic defects underlie HSCR, but much of the variability in the occurrence and severity of the birth defect remain unexplained. We hypothesized that nongenetic factors might contribute to disease development. Here we found that mycophenolate, an inhibitor of de novo guanine nucleotide biosynthesis, and 8 other drugs identified in a zebrafish screen impaired ENS development. In mice, mycophenolate treatment selectively impaired ENS precursor proliferation, delayed precursor migration, and induced bowel aganglionosis. In 2 different mouse models of HSCR, addition of mycophenolate increased the penetrance and severity of Hirschsprung-like pathology. Mycophenolate treatment also reduced ENS precursor migration as well as lamellipodia formation, proliferation, and survival in cultured enteric neural crest–derived cells. Using X-inactivation mosaicism for the purine salvage gene Hprt, we found that reduced ENS precursor proliferation most likely causes mycophenolate-induced migration defects and aganglionosis. To the best of our knowledge, mycophenolate is the first medicine identified that causes major ENS malformations and Hirschsprung-like pathology in a mammalian model. These studies demonstrate a critical role for de novo guanine nucleotide biosynthesis in ENS development and suggest that some cases of HSCR may be preventable.
Alzheimer's Disease and Corticotropin-Releasing Factor
Authors: L. W. Swanson
Journal: JAMA (1985)

Two subjects of broad interest to the basic and medical sciences have found a common ground in the accompanying article by Bissette and colleagues. 1 Alzheimer's disease is a common form of senile dementia with severe effects on cognition and affect. It has been studied intensely in recent years because a firm diagnosis can be made postmortem on the basis of neurofibrillary tangles and neuritic plaques, which are most common in the cerebral cortex, particularly in the hippocampal formation. Nothing is known with certainty about the etiology of Alzheimer's disease, although current interest has been sparked by the discovery that levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine are severely depleted in the hippocampus and other parts of the cerebral cortex in patients with the disorder. 2 This finding was of particular interest in view of evidence that the hippocampus plays a critical role in short-term memory, and the more permanent consolidation of
Hepatocellular carcinoma in primary haemochromatosis in the absence of cirrhosis.
Authors: I W Fellows, M Stewart, W J Jeffcoate, P G Smith, P J Toghill
Journal: Gut (1988)

Two patients with primary haemochromatosis are reported in whom hepatocellular carcinoma supervened despite removal of excess iron after venesection therapy. These are the first patients described in whom hepatocellular carcinoma has complicated primary haemochromatosis in the absence of concomitant cirrhosis.
Continuous measurements of renal perfusion in pigs by means of intravascular Doppler
Authors: Martin Möckel, Dierk Scheinert, Evgenij V. Potapov, Ernst Wellnhofer, Volker Combé, Boris A. Nasseri, Dirk Maier, Sabine Meyer, Charles Yankah, Roland Hetzer, Ulrich Frei, Kai-Uwe Eckardt
Journal: Kidney International (2001)
Somatostatin and Dopamine Receptor Profile of Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Evanthia Diakatou, Gregory Kaltsas, Michail Tzivras, George Kanakis, Eugenia Papaliodi, George Kontogeorgos
Journal: Endocrine Pathology (2011)
Endoscopy-related infections and toxic reactions: an international comparison
Authors: E. Seoane-Vazquez, R. Rodriguez-Monguio, J. Visaria, A. Carlson
Journal: Endoscopy (2007)

This article is an analysis of the characteristics of exogenous endoscopy-related infections, pseudoinfections, and toxic reactions that have occurred worldwide during the period 1974 - 2004. A systematic review of the scientific literature published between 1966 and 2004 was conducted in Medline and the Food and Drug Administration Reports database, using a prospective protocol developed by the authors. The literature review identified 140 outbreaks, reported in 134 scientific articles. More than 94 % of the outbreaks identified could have been prevented by improved decontamination processes. Proper decontamination practices and the improvement of surveillance systems could reduce the clinical burden associated with exogenous endoscopy-related events.
Alcohol and Breast Cancer in Women
Authors: Stephanie A. Smith-Warner, Donna Spiegelman, Shiaw-Shyuan Yaun, Piet A. van den Brandt, Aaron R. Folsom, R. Alexandra Goldbohm, Saxon Graham, Lars Holmberg, Geoffrey R. Howe, James R. Marshall, Anthony B. Miller, John D. Potter, Frank E. Speizer, Walter C. Willett, Alicja Wolk, David J. Hunter
Journal: JAMA (1998)

Objective.-Toassess the risk of invasive breast cancer associated with total and beverage-specific alcohol consumption and to evaluate whether dietary and nondietary factors modify the association.Data Sources.-Weincluded in these analyses 6 prospective studies that had at least 200 incident breast cancer cases, assessed long-term intake of food and nutrients, and used a validated diet assessment instrument.The studies were conducted in Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United States.Alcohol intake was estimated by food frequency questionnaires in each study.The studies included a total of 322 647 women evaluated for up to 11 years, including 4335 participants with a diagnosis of incident invasive breast cancer.Data Extraction.-Pooledanalysis of primary data using analyses consistent with each study's original design and the random-effects model for the overall pooled analyses.Data Synthesis.-Foralcohol intakes less than 60 g/d (reported by Ͼ99% of participants), risk increased linearly with increasing intake; the pooled multivariate relative risk for an increment of 10 g/d of alcohol (about 0.75-1 drink) was 1.09 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.13;P for heterogeneity among studies, .71).The multivariate-adjusted relative risk for total alcohol intakes of 30 to less than 60 g/d (about 2-5 drinks) vs nondrinkers was 1.41 (95% CI, 1.18-1.69).Limited data suggested that alcohol intakes of at least 60 g/d were not associated with further increased risk.The specific type of alcoholic beverage did not strongly influence risk estimates.The association between alcohol intake and breast cancer was not modified by other factors.Conclusions.-Alcoholconsumption is associated with a linear increase in breast cancer incidence in women over the range of consumption reported by most women.Among women who consume alcohol regularly, reducing alcohol consumption is a potential means to reduce breast cancer risk.
Service is abused because it is perceived as being free
Authors: J. Tuppen
Journal: BMJ (1996)

EDITOR,—I agree with many of the points that Per Fugelli and Iona Heath make about the nature of general practice.1 I believe that general practice should lead the shift from an authoritarian to a democratic model of decision making. This model, however, must emphasise the joint responsibility of the doctor and patient in the careful and judicious use of scarce resources.

I prioritise the future in a different way from that of Fugelli and Heath. …
The Significance of Unexplained Dilated Common Bile Duct at Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Y. Avni, J. Rattan, S. Bar-Meir
Journal: Endoscopy (1988)

The clinical significance of unexplained dilation of the common bile duct (CBD) seen at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in non-jaundiced patients with abdominal pain, was studied in a group of 14 patients. A CBD diameter of more than 15 mm was associated with choledocholithiasis (29%), periampullary carcinoma (14%), papillary stenosis (14%), or no definite pathology (43%) during a follow-up of 20 months. Dilation of the CBD exceeding 20 mm, was associated with periampullary carcinoma or papillary stenosis in 80% of the patients. It is recommended that such a group of patients be followed very closely, and the ERCP examination repeated within a few months.
Aging, Immunity, and the Varicella–Zoster Virus
Authors: Ann Arvin
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2005)

Older people and their physicians are all too well acquainted with herpes zoster — commonly called shingles, from the Latin cingulum, or "girdle." Most recognize that aging creates a special vulnerability to this often severely painful skin rash caused by varicella–zoster virus (VZV). VZV is so named because varicella (chickenpox) represents the first encounter between the virus and the host, and herpes zoster represents the second. VZV persists in the sensory ganglia of the cranial nerves and the spinal dorsal-root ganglia after varicella resolves, and it may become reactivated after many decades of latency; molecular analyses of VZV DNA demonstrate . . .
An Address on NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY: A CRITICAL SURVEY
Authors: J. L. Brownlie
Journal: BMJ (1933)

By the collation of the statistics of incapacity the Depart- ON ment is in a position to supplement the ordinary statistics NATIONAL IEALTH POLICY: A CRITICAL |of mortality with those of morbidity among the insured population according to age, sex, occupation, and locality.SURVEY * This appears to me to be an important development; it BY may be a landmark in the history of public health of the same kind, though not of the same significance, as the J. L. BROWNLIE, M.D., D.P.H. institution of the comprehensive system of vital statistics Cl-IIEF MIEDICAL OFFICER, DEPAIM-r.lEENTOF 1II1ALTH FOR SCOTIAND lst century.
THE CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC SUPPURATION OF THE MIDDLE-EAR.
Authors: SAMUEL THEOBALD
Journal: JAMA (1907)

As I have for many years been an advocate of conservatism in dealing with otitis media, acute as well as chronic, it was with pleasure that I accepted the invitation extended me to say something on this occasion regarding "The conservative treatment of chronic suppuration of the middle-ear." Still, I fear I shall not have much to add to what I have said heretofore on this subject. No one will deny that a chronic suppurative process of the middle-ear, because of the dangerous complications to which it may give rise, is a matter of serious concern, and that the condition should not be permitted to continue indefinitely all will admit. The only point on which there can be a difference of opinion is as to the remedial measures that should be employed for its control. The prevailing tendency of the day in dealing with this condition, it seems to me,
Clinical algorithms: generalised pruritus
Authors: R H Champion
Journal: BMJ (1985)

Early Warning Scores (EWS) have become increasingly used by hospitals throughout the world to prevent unexpected admission to intensive care or even death in their inpatient population. It is well known that signs of deterioration are present well before collapse and by a combination of systems, EWS enable healthcare professionals to intervene at an appropriate time. A number of national bodies and regulators in the UK have required the use of Early Warning Scores in locations where children are inpatients. This article attempts to describe the background to their development, identify common problems and provide information for units interested in introducing an EWS into their department.
Laminar flow attenuates interferon-induced inflammatory responses in endothelial cells
Authors: Y TSAI, H HSIEH, F LIAO, C NI, Y CHAO, C HSIEH, D WANG
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2007)

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease that involves inflammation, in which cytokines, including interferon-gamma (IFNgamma), participate. Endothelial cells (ECs) exposed to IFNgamma increase the expression of CXC chemokines. ECs subjected to laminar flow (LF) are atheroprotective, despite an unclear mechanism. This study was conducted to analyze whether ECs under LF were protected from IFNgamma-induced responses.IFNgamma-treated human umbilical cord ECs were subjected to LF in a well-defined flow chamber system. IFNgamma-induced STAT1 activation and downstream target genes were examined.ECs exposed to IFNgamma triggered STAT1 activation via the phosphorylation of Tyr701 and Ser727 in STAT1. ECs exposed to LF alone did not activate STAT1. LF exposure of IFNgamma-treated ECs significantly attenuated IFNgamma-induced Tyr701 phosphorylation in a shear-force- and time-dependent manner, whereas Ser727 phosphorylation was unaffected. Consistently, LF inhibited IFNgamma-induced STAT1 binding to DNA. ECs treated with IFNgamma induced the expression of three T-cell-specific CXC chemokines (CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11) as well as CIITA, a transcriptional regulator of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII). Consistently, LF exposure of IFNgamma-treated ECs reduced the expression of CXC chemokines and CIITA.LF attenuates IFNgamma-induced responses via the suppression of STAT1 activation. Inhibition by LF of the interferon-induced ECs' response may explain some aspects of LF's atheroprotective effects on the endothelium.
Defective Epstein-Barr virus specific suppressor T cell function in progressive systemic sclerosis.
Authors: A Kahan, A Kahan, C J Menkes, B Amor
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1986)

Several immunoregulatory defects of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) induced B cell activation have been described in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), suggesting that EBV may have a role in the pathogenesis of RA. We assessed EBV specific T cell regulation in 20 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) and immune to EBV and in 10 control subjects also immune to EBV by comparing the secretion of IgM into supernatants of 16 day cultures of B cells alone and cocultures of B and autologous T cells. In control subjects autologous T cells mediated a significant decrease in the secretion of IgM by B cells at 12 and 16 days of culture. Analysis of individual responses showed the existence of two subgroups of patients with PSS: group I (10 patients) had a suppressor T cell function similar to that of controls; group II (10 patients) had a defective T cell function. Differences in the duration or severity of the disease, the slow acting therapeutic agents, and anti-inflammatory drugs could not account for these subdivisions. These results suggest that several immunoregulatory defects of EBV induced B cell activation exist in different connective tissue diseases.