tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Experimental and clinical parameters of cardiac reverse remodeling after LVAD support: a call for uniformity
Authors: H Baba
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2003)

We are grateful for the comments of Razeghi et al. elicited by our recent report [1] on the important issue of comparability of experimental data raised from myocardial tissue samples among different studies on cardiac reverse remodeling under LVAD support. We completely agree that there are a number of non-standardized parameters among the different studies published thus far that make the direct comparison of experimental data difficult. These include patient characteristics and the underlying cause of heart failure as well as the make, duration and degree of LVAD support. In addition, we wish to emphasize another critical issue missing in most studies published thus far in the literature (with exceptions such as a study by Ragehzi et al. [2]): the lack of positive or negative correlative data between experimental findings and the clinical condition of the patients before and during LVAD support. Cardiac function parameters such as echocardiography, pulmonary artery and capillary wedge pressure are rarely mentioned, and are not correlated with the experimental data from myocardial tissue samples. Neither is the clinical follow-up or outcome of the LVAD-supported patients elaborated in most studies. However, it is just this attempt to associate clinical with experimental findings that is crucial for differentiating between causal and epiphenomenal observations in the pathophysiological process of cardiac …
Self-inactivating Retroviral Vector-mediated Gene Transfer Induces Oncogene Activation and Immortalization of Primary Murine Bone Marrow Cells
Authors: Marita Bosticardo, Amrita Ghosh, Yang Du, Nancy A Jenkins, Neal G Copeland, Fabio Candotti
Journal: Molecular Therapy (2009)

Insertional mutagenesis leading to insurgence of leukemia has been shown as a consequence of retroviral (RV)-mediated gene transfer in animal models and in clinical trials of gene therapy for X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency. Aberrant expression of oncogenes neighboring the γ-RV vector insertion site via induction by the enhancer element of the viral long terminal repeats (LTRs) is thought to have played a role in leukemogenesis. Consequently, RV vectors devoid of LTR enhancer elements could prove as safer tools for gene transfer. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the immortalization ability of two RV vectors: one carrying the full-length Moloney leukemia virus (MLV) LTR and one with the same LTR in which the enhancer element was deleted [MLV self-inactivating (SIN)]. Unexpectedly, transduction with MLV SIN resulted in an only slightly and not significant decreased immortalization frequency of primary bone marrow (BM) cultures (about 37%) compared to transduction with MLV (about 48%). Similar to MLV, immortalization by MLV SIN is likely caused by insertional activation of oncogenes including Evi1, Mds1, Mef2c, and Hoxa7. Our results indicate that the MLV SIN, devoid of the LTR enhancer element, was still able to immortalize BM cells by activating nearby gene expression, indicating the need of an accurate selection of the internal promoter to obtain safer SIN RV vectors. Insertional mutagenesis leading to insurgence of leukemia has been shown as a consequence of retroviral (RV)-mediated gene transfer in animal models and in clinical trials of gene therapy for X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency. Aberrant expression of oncogenes neighboring the γ-RV vector insertion site via induction by the enhancer element of the viral long terminal repeats (LTRs) is thought to have played a role in leukemogenesis. Consequently, RV vectors devoid of LTR enhancer elements could prove as safer tools for gene transfer. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the immortalization ability of two RV vectors: one carrying the full-length Moloney leukemia virus (MLV) LTR and one with the same LTR in which the enhancer element was deleted [MLV self-inactivating (SIN)]. Unexpectedly, transduction with MLV SIN resulted in an only slightly and not significant decreased immortalization frequency of primary bone marrow (BM) cultures (about 37%) compared to transduction with MLV (about 48%). Similar to MLV, immortalization by MLV SIN is likely caused by insertional activation of oncogenes including Evi1, Mds1, Mef2c, and Hoxa7. Our results indicate that the MLV SIN, devoid of the LTR enhancer element, was still able to immortalize BM cells by activating nearby gene expression, indicating the need of an accurate selection of the internal promoter to obtain safer SIN RV vectors.
A prospective newborn screening and treatment program for sickle cell anemia in Luanda, Angola
Authors: Patrick T. McGann, Margaret G. Ferris, Uma Ramamurthy, Brigida Santos, Vysolela de Oliveira, Luis Bernardino, Russell E. Ware
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (2013)

Over 300,000 infants are born annually with sickle cell anemia (SCA) in sub-Saharan Africa, and >50% die young from infection or anemia, usually without diagnosis of SCA. Early identification by newborn screening (NBS), followed by simple interventions dramatically reduced the mortality of SCA in the United States, but this strategy is not yet established in Africa. We designed and implemented a proof-of-principle NBS and treatment program for SCA in Angola, with focus on capacity building and local ownership. Dried bloodspots from newborns were collected from five birthing centers. Hemoglobin identification was performed using isoelectric focusing; samples with abnormal hemoglobin patterns were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. Infants with abnormal FS or FSC patterns were enrolled in a newborn clinic to initiate penicillin prophylaxis and receive education, pneumococcal immunization, and insecticide-treated bed nets. A total of 36,453 infants were screened with 77.31% FA, 21.03% FAS, 1.51% FS, and 0.019% FSC. A majority (54.3%) of affected infants were successfully contacted and brought to clinical care. Compliance in the newborn clinic was excellent (96.6%). Calculated first-year mortality rate for babies with SCA compares favorably to the national infant mortality rate (6.8 vs. 9.8%). The SCA burden is extremely high in Angola, but NBS is feasible. Capacity building and training provide local healthcare workers with skills needed for a functional screening program and clinic. Contact and retrieval of all affected SCA infants remains a challenge, but families are compliant with clinic appointments and treatment. Early mortality data suggest screening and early preventive care saves lives.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Authors: ROBERT S. ZIMMERMAN
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1986)

The records of eight patients with thyroid tenderness secondary to Hashimoto's thyroiditis were reviewed. The pathologic characteristics of thyroid tissue sections from these patients were compared with those from patients with nontender Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and no difference was identified. Laboratory features helpful in distinguishing tender Hashimoto's thyroiditis from subacute (de Quervain's) thyroiditis include normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate, significant 131I uptake, and significant antithyroid antibody titer. Diagnosis should be confirmed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Corticosteroid therapy was unsuccessful in treating these patients; L-thyroxine and aspirin were successful more often. Two patients required thyroidectomy to control pain.
Morbidity and mortality after peritoneovenous shunt surgery for refractory ascites.
Authors: D Rubinstein, I McInnes, F Dudley
Journal: Gut (1985)

A prospective analysis of the morbidity and mortality after peritoneovenous shunting was carried out in 25 patients who had a total of 27 shunts for refractory ascites. Major complications were limited to the patients in whom ascites was secondary to hepatic rather than peritoneal disease. Immediate postoperative complications followed 17 out of the 23 shunts carried out in patients with liver disease and included septicaemia (two), profound hypotension (two), pulmonary oedema (one), and clinically evident disseminated intravascular coagulation (14). Long term morbidity was again limited to the patients with liver disease and included chronic shunt infection (two) and major venous thrombosis (two). Shunt associated mortality was only seen in the patients with liver disease. Despite late shunt blockage in five long term survivors with alcoholic liver disease fluid retention was easily controlled by simple medical means probably because of improved liver function associated with abstinence from alcohol. It is concluded that: (1) patients with hepatic and malignant ascites respond differently to the insertion of a peritoneovenous shunt; (2) Shunt patency should be monitored regularly in patients with liver disease and, because of the potential for septic and thrombotic complications, if blocked the shunt should be removed and; (3) because of the morbidity and mortality of peritoneovenous shunt surgery in patients with liver disease and refractory ascites, an alternative mode of therapy, such as repeated ultrafiltration and reinfusion of ascitic fluid, may be a more effective initial therapeutic approach especially in patients in whom there is a reversible element to their underlying liver disease.
Reduced Protamine Dosage for Heparin Neutralization in Open-Heart Operations
Authors: ROBERT L. BERGER, KRISHNASWAMY RAMASWAMY, THOMAS J. RYAN
Journal: Circulation (1968)

Two comparable groups of open-heart patients were given 0.79 and 1.37 mg of protamine for neutralization of exogenous heparin. The influence of protamine dosage on postoperative bleeding was then evaluated. The lower protamine dosage was associated with a more rapid neutralization of heparin, reduced postoperative blood loss, and a reduced incidence of exploratory thoracotomy for excessive bleeding.
Fasting plasma insulin level is an important risk factor for the development of complications in Japanese obese children—Results from a cross-sectional and a longitudinal study
Authors: A.H.M.Waliul Islam, Shizuya Yamashita, Kazuaki Kotani, Tadashi Nakamura, Katsuto Tokunaga, Takeshi Arai, Makoto Nishida, Kaoru Kameda-Takemura, Yuji Matsuzawa
Journal: Metabolism (1995)
UK consultants fear erosion of pay and conditions in public sector spending squeeze
Authors: M. Pownall
Journal: BMJ (2010)

Consultants are braced for attacks on their pay and conditions as NHS managers seek to drive down spending in response to the fierce retrenchment in public finances.

Representatives to the BMA UK Consultants Conference in London this week said that despite assurances from the new coalition government in Westminster that the NHS budget would be protected, they still expected cuts.

Robin Arnold, consultant psychiatrist at Avon and Wiltshire Partnership NHS Trust said: “Managers throughout the NHS are talking about cuts of between 10% and 20%, and some mental health trusts are looking at a 30% reduction in spending.”

He said he was “deeply concerned” that some NHS employers were using …
964-8 Oral Loading with Propafenone in Recent-Onset Atrial Fibrillation: A Controlled Evaluation on 240 Patients
Authors: Alessandro Capucci, Giuseppe Boriani, G. Luca Botto, Ida Rubino, Camillo Falcone, Stefano Della Casa, Mario Sanguinetti, Bruno Magnani
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (1995)
Toxicity and carcinogenicity studies of boric acid in male and female B6C3F1 mice.
Authors: M P Dieter
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (1994)

Toxicity and potential carcinogenicity studies of boric acid were investigated in mice to verify in a second rodent species that this was a noncarcinogenic chemical. Earlier chronic studies in rats indicated boric acid was not a carcinogen. The chemical is nominated for testing because over 200 tons are produced annually, there are multiple uses for the product, and there is potential for widespread human exposure, both orally and dermally. Both sexes of B6C3F1 mice were offered diets mixed with boric acid for 14 days, 13 weeks, or 2 years. Dietary doses used in the acute, 14-day study were 0, 0.62, 1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10%; those in the subchronic, 13-week study were 0, 0.12, 0.25, 0.50, 1, and 2%; and doses in the 2-year, chronic study were 0, 0.25, and 0.50% in the diet. Mortality, clinical signs of toxicity, estimates of food consumption, body weight gain, and histopathologic examination of selected tissues constituted the variables measured. In the 14-day study mortality was proportional to dose and time of exposure in both sexes, occurring in dose groups as low as 2.5% and as early as 7 days of exposure. Body weights were depressed more than 10% below controls in the higher dose groups of both sexes. Mortality in the 13-week study was confined to the two highest dose groups in male mice and to the 2%-dose group in females. Body weight depression from 8 to 23% below those of controls occurred in the 0.50% and higher dose groups of both sexes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Elimination of Dietary Gluten Does Not Reduce Titers of Type 1 Diabetes-Associated Autoantibodies in High-Risk Subjects
Authors: Michael Hummel, Ezio Bonifacio, Heike E. Naserke, Anette G. Ziegler
Journal: Diabetes Care (2002)

OBJECTIVE—Removal of the dietary wheat protein gluten protects against autoimmune diabetes in animal models. Furthermore, elimination of dietary gluten reduces the frequency of type 1 diabetes in patients with celiac disease. Herein we test the hypothesis that gluten is the driving antigen for type 1 diabetes-associated islet autoimmunity. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Seven autoantibody-positive, first-degree relatives of patients with type 1 diabetes were placed on a gluten-free diet for 12 months followed by gluten reexposure for 12 months. Gliadin antibodies as well as the diabetes-related antibodies insulin autoantibody (IAA), GAD antibody (GADA), and tyrosin phosphatase IA2 antibody (IA-2A) were measured every 3 months; oral glucose tolerance tests were performed every 6 months. Changes in autoantibody titers were compared with those observed in a matched historical cohort. RESULTS—A reduction in IgG gliadin antibody titers was observed during the gluten-free period, but titers of diabetes-associated autoantibodies changed independently of gluten exposure. Type 1 diabetes-associated islet autoantibody levels at the end of the gluten-free diet period were not significantly different from those before commencement of the diet (P = 0.2) or at the end of the gluten reexposure period (P = 0.4). Changes in individual subjects were identified, but no differences were noted between the gluten-free and the gluten re-exposure periods, and the changes were similar to those observed in the historical control cohort (P = 1.0). Major titer reductions (&amp;gt;50%) in the gluten-free period were observed in only one subject for all antibodies. Type 1 diabetes developed in this subject and in a second subject during the gluten reexposure period. CONCLUSIONS—The findings do not support the hypothesis that gluten is a driving antigen in type 1 diabetes.
FRACTURES OF THE SPINE: TREATMENT AND TRANSPORTATION
Authors: W. S. Haughton
Journal: BMJ (1933)

I MEDICAL JOURNfAL of the bladder or Raynaud's disease, section of the nerves involved has a beneficial result, but in the normal economy the sympathetic, like the appendix or gallbladder, can be dispensed with.The observations on the pulse rate and blood pressure were conducted by Dr. Ghoslh, who took a keen interest in the work.I have also to thank my house-surgeon, Dr.Apparajoo, for his careful clinical record of both cases.
Regarding Maas's editorial letter on serum suPAR levels
Authors: Howard Trachtman, Debbie S. Gipson, Frederick Kaskel, Gian M. Ghiggeri, Christian Faul, Vineet Gupta, Alessia Fornoni, George W. Burke, David B. Thomas, Laura Barisoni, Franz Schaefer, Changli Wei, Jochen Reiser
Journal: Kidney International (2012)
Emerging Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologies for Musculoskeletal Imaging Under Loading Stress: Scope of the Literature
Authors: Issa J. Dahabreh, Nira Hadar, Mei Chung
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2011)

Imaging under loading stress is hypothesized to improve the diagnostic value of magnetic resonancel imaging (MRI) for musculoskeletal conditions. This article reviews 57 studies about MRI under physiologic loading stress performed in an upright or sitting position or under axial loading by using a compression device. The most commonly imaged regions were the spine (33 studies) and knee (13 studies). Most studies had a cross-sectional (n = 37) or case–control (n = 13) design and reported on anatomical measurements rather than patient-relevant end points. Studies were generally small: The median (25th, 75th percentile) number of case patients was 26 (17, 45), and the median (25th, 75th percentile) number of control participants was 13 (12, 20 for case–control studies). Fifteen of 57 studies used at least 2 imaging tests and reported on diagnostic or patient-relevant outcomes but did not report meaningful information on the relative performance of the tests. In 10 studies that included information on adverse effects, 5% to 15% of participants reported new-onset or worsening pain and neuropathy during MRI under loading stress. Overall, evidence is insufficient to support the clinical utility of MRI under loading stress for musculoskeletal conditions.
Variant t(2;11)(p11;q13) associated with the IgK-CCND1 rearrangement is a recurrent translocation in leukemic small-cell B-non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: I Wlodarska, P Meeus, M Stul, L Thienpont, E Wouters, L Marcelis, H Demuynck, J-L Rummens, V Madoe, A Hagemeijer
Journal: Leukemia (2004)
Exercise Testing and Training
Authors: Donald A. Weiner
Journal: JAMA (1984)

This new work is extremely well written, concise, and easy to read and should provide rewarding reading to physicians, exercise physiologists, and nurses who perform exercise tests and supervise exercise training and cardiac rehabilitation. It is written by an authority whose style is always scientific, objective, and practical. There are five major chapters and two appendices. Each chapter is organized into sections with numerous subheadings listed in the contents and offers an enormous amount of information that has been condensed and presented as a few pages under a subheading. The page layout and typeface are easy on the eye. Figures and tables are concise and clear. There are extensive and current references (through 1981) at the end of each chapter. At times, searching for a reference is a bit distracting because they are listed under the subsection titles of each chapter rather than consecutively numbered. The conclusions at the end
Letter: Effect of replacement therapy with natural oestrogens on blood clotting.
Authors: M Notelovitz
Journal: BMJ (1975)

A letter was written in response to an article by Dr. Jean Coope et al. Regarding the use of natural estrogens in postmenopausal women and their effect on blood clotting. Their results differ considerably from those of a recently published investigation. In the latter investigation 45 postmenopausal women were selected at random and were treated with conjugated estrogen (Premarin) for 1 year. Blood estimations of fibrinogen, platelets, single-stage prothrombin time, kaolin partial thromboplastin time, Factors 5 and 10, and euglobulin lysis time were carried out prior to treatment, after 3 and 9 months of treatment and 1 month after treatment had been suspended. The only marked alteration noted was a depressant effect on the platelet count. The raised level of Factor 10 and accelerated prothrombin time reported by Dr. Coope were not seen.
Penicillin-Sensitive Streptococcal Endocarditis
Authors: JOHN C. WOLFE
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1974)

The in-vitro activity of penicillin and streptomycin against 48 strains of viridans streptococci isolated from patients with endocarditis was studied. All strains were inhibited by penicillin, up to 0.4 μg/ml, and streptomycin, up to 200 μg/ml. The combination of penicillin, 0.8 μg/ml, and streptomycin, 5 μg/ml, sterilized a 106 inoculum of 37 of the 48 strains. Penicillin, 1.6 μg/ml, killed only 1 strain, and none were killed by streptomycin, 10 μg/ml. Rate of killing was also increased for 45 of the 48 strains by the addition of streptomycin to penicillin. Over 100 patients with endocarditis caused by penicillin-sensitive strains of viridans streptococci (minimal inhibitory concentration, ≤ 0.1 μg/ml) have been treated at the New York Hospital with parenteral penicillin and streptomycin for 2 weeks, followed by parenteral penicillin alone for an additional 2 weeks, without relapse. Penicillin, in combination with streptomycin, appears to be the optimal therapy for viridans streptococcal endocarditis.
Clinical-Physiological Correlations in the Development of Hypertensive Heart Disease
Authors: EDWARD D. FROHLICH, ROBERT C. TARAZI, HARRIET P. DUSTAN
Journal: Circulation (1971)

In order to understand more precisely the progression of ventricular dysfunction in hypertension prior to development of ventricular failure, 25 normal volunteer subjects and 97 untreated essential hypertensive patients (21 of whom had coronary arteriography and failed to show significant atherosclerosis) were classified into three groups: (I) normal-sized hearts, 54 patients; (II) left atrial enlargement (ECG criteria), 20 patients; and (III) left ventricular enlargement (ECG and chest X-ray criteria), 23 patients. Heart rate was elevated ( P &lt; 0.001) in all three groups; total peripheral resistance and arterial pressure increased progressively from group I to II to III ( P &lt; 0.001); cardiac index was reduced only in group III ( P &lt; 0.001). However, despite normal cardiac index in group II, left ventricular ejection rate was impaired ( P &lt; 0.01), and tension-time index and pressure-time per beat were greater than in patients with normal-sized hearts ( P &lt; 0.001). Thus, left atrial enlargement provided the initial evidence of left ventricular dysfunction. Later, when left ventricular hypertrophy became clinically apparent (always associated with left atrial abnormality) further impairment of left ventricular function was evident. Since these hemodynamic changes were observed in patients with normal coronary arteries, presence of left atrial and ventricular enlargement should provide useful criteria for classifying functional impairment in hypertensive heart disease.
Phenylpropanolamine-Induced Arrhythmias
Authors: Richarderso Peterson
Journal: JAMA (1973)

<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> Hypertensive following the ingestion of nasal deconde-tcongsuppressants containing phenylpropanolamine have been<sup>2</sup>orted.ase report describes both a transient hypertensive episode and cardiac arrhythmiasurring simultaneously in a young girl. She had been taking a proprietary antiobesityn containing phenylpropanolamine a period of five weeks. <h3>Report of a Case.—</h3> A 15-year-old girl was brought to the hospital following sudden, severe onset of occipital headache. The blood pressure was 188/112 mm Hg. During the next 20 minutes it rose to 210/130 mm Hg. She was an obese, very restless girl whose skin was extremely moist. She vomited frequently. There was no nuchality. Pupils were equal and slightly dilated; the optic fundiared normal. The heart was not enlarged. A grade 1systolic ejection murmur was heard along the left sternal border. Initial laboratory data included a hematocrit reading of 47%. white blood cell count was 9,620/cuh 70% neutrophils, 28% lymphocytes, and 2% monocytes. The
Molecular epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus from implant orthopaedic infections: Ribotypes, agr polymorphism, leukocidal toxins and antibiotic resistance
Authors: Davide Campoccia, Lucilla Baldassarri, Valter Pirini, Stefano Ravaioli, Lucio Montanaro, Carla R. Arciola
Journal: Biomaterials (2008)