tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Ventricular Echoes
Authors: ROBERT J. MIGNONE, ANDREW G. WALLACE
Journal: Circulation Research (1966)

These experiments were designed to examine further the concept of a dual pathway for AV transmission in the heart, and to determine whether or not the atrium is a necessary link in the reentry pathway used for a ventricular echo. Studies were performed on anesthetized and awake dogs with recording electrodes implanted on the atrium, bundle of His, and right ventricle. When paired stimuli (V 1 V 2 ) were applied to the ventricle with an appropriate delay, the second stimulated beat was followed by a nonstimulated ventricular echo. The echo response was of supraventricular origin. During paired stimulation with echoes, stimulation of the atrium prior to arrival of the retrograde response to V 2 produced a propagated ventricular beat in advance of the expected echo. Stimulation of the atrium immediately after an echo was associated with apparent supernormal AV conduction. These observations support the conclusion that the AV node can be dissociated functionally into at least two pathways. It was possible to render the atrium refractory without abolishing the echo. This finding indicates that the atrium per se does not participate in the reentry path used for ventricular echo.
Improving Accuracy of Death Certificates
Authors: Randy Hanzlick
Journal: JAMA (1993)

<h3>To the Editor.</h3> —In a recent letter, it was suggested that review of hospital-based death certificates by a designated physician might be one way to promote correction and amendment of improperly completed death certificates.<sup>1</sup>To that end, a small study was conducted to test the idea. Over a 10-day period, all 56 death certificates completed in a large teaching hospital were reviewed. If the cause of death section showed (1) an omission or (2) an underlying cause of death that was nonspecific or in need of further explanation (such as "hyperglycemia" or "bedridden"), a form letter was sent to the physician via intrahospital mail. The letter included a listing of omissions and questions about the cause of death and the suggestion that the physician consider amending the certificate. Instructions for amending were provided, and a contact phone number was included to allow for questions or comments. Letters were warranted
Drugs Five Years Later
Authors: ROSS J. BALDESSARINI
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1975)

Lithium ion provides a useful and specific form of chemotherapy for manic and hypomanic episodes, although its antimanic effect may be delayed for as long as a week or more, requiring the use of an antipsychotic agent in the initial period to control the behavior of very disturbed patients. The mechanisms of action of lithium remain obscure, but probably involve effects on neuronal and hormone-target cell membranes. Lithium has interesting antithyroid and anti-antidiuretic hormone effects that are potentially useful medically. The main limitation of the use of lithium is its narrow therapeutic index and requirement of close medical supervision. The most promising aspects of the use of lithium are its encouragement of better psychiatric diagnosis and its "prophylactic" effectiveness in at least reducing the frequency and severity of manic and depressive attacks in manic-depressive illness.
Short-Term Intensive Insulin Therapy in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Keiji Yoshioka, Toshihide Yoshida, Toshikazu Yoshikawa
Journal: Diabetes Care (2004)

The recent report by Ryan et al. (1) demonstrated that in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, a short course of intensive insulin therapy successfully laid a foundation for long-term good glycemic control and suggested that the only predictors that could be maintained on diet alone in the long term were those concerned with the ease with which glycemic control could be achieved. We agree with their strategy of short-term intensive insulin therapy to restore β-cell insulin secretion and/or insulin action that is impaired by glucose …
Molecular Basis of Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiencies
Authors: Laurie E. Cohen, Sally Radovick
Journal: Endocrine Reviews (2002)

Pituitary gland commitment from oral ectoderm occurs in response to inductive signals from the neuroepithelium of the ventral diencephalon. Invagination of the oral ectoderm leads to the creation of Rathke's pouch. Intensified cell proliferation within Rathke's pouch results in formation of the anterior pituitary lobe. Subsequently, highly differentiated cell types arise sequentially due to overlapping, but distinct, spatial and temporal patterns of signaling molecules and transcription factors. Mutations in some of the pituitary-specific transcription factors have been identified in patients with hypopituitarism, confirming the role of these factors in pituitary development.
CONGENITAL COLOBOMA OF THE EYELID
Authors: SANFORD R. GIFFORD
Journal: JAMA (1925)

Cases of congenital coloboma of the eyelid of slight degree, varying from a small notch to a V shaped defect in the lid, are rare. Cases with complete absence of a large portion of the lid are exceedingly rare, and the chance of seeing two such cases and a photograph of a third, within three months, is the occasion of this note. <h3>Case 1.</h3> —A healthy boy, aged 8, showed no abnormalities of development except those to be described, which had been present since birth. Vision was: right eye, 20/30; left eye, 20/200. As shown in Figure 1, about half the left upper lid was entirely absent, there being no sign of a tarsal plate in the region, no cilia, nor signs of meibomian glands. On the lower, outer part of the cornea and sclera was a large, solid dermoid, which, when the eyes were closed, fitted into the gap
Diversity and similarity in signaling events leading to rapid Cox-2 induction by tumor necrosis factor-? and phorbol ester in human endothelial cells
Authors: S ELIGINI, S STELLABARBIERI, V CAVALCA, M CAMERA, M BRAMBILLA, M DEFRANCESCHI, E TREMOLI, S COLLI
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2004)

Objective: This study examines whether cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2) synthesis in human endothelial cells involves different signaling pathways when induced by the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) or by the tumor and angiogenic promoter phorbol ester (PMA). Moreover, the hypothesis that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an altered redox status within the cell are fundamental steps for Cox-2 synthesis is verified. Methods: Human endothelial cells isolated from umbilical vein (HUVEC) were exposed to PMA and TNFα and Cox-2 protein and mRNA levels were evaluated by Western blot and Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription–PCR analysis. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 6-keto prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1α) levels were measured in cell medium as an index of Cox-2 activity. Intracellular ROS formation was detected by flow cytometry in HUVEC loaded with the oxidant-sensitive 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and by nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction. Reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG) were measured by HPLC. Results: Data show that TNFα and PMA signal for early Cox-2 induction through distinct pathways. PMA-induced Cox-2 expression involves a small GTPase-dependent pathway acting via tyrosine kinase, activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) ERK1/2. Conversely, MAPK p38 is critical for Cox-2 induction by TNFα. Of interest, intracellular ROS generation and consequent GSH/GSSG ratio reduction represents a common step through which PMA and TNFα signal for early Cox-2 induction. In addition, we provide evidence that phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3)-kinase activation plays a regulatory role for Cox-2 synthesis in HUVEC. Conclusion: Cox-2 represents a critical link among vascular homeostasis, inflammatory response, angiogenesis and tumor growth. The finding that two independent pathways and an overlapping upstream event signal for Cox-2 induction in HUVEC may be of relevance to develop strategies aimed at selectively interfering with Cox-2 regulating pathways.
Lung Function in Premature Lambs and Rabbits Treated with a Recombinant SP-C Surfactant
Authors: AUDREY J. DAVIS, ALAN H. JOBE, DIETRICH HÄFNER, MACHIKO IKEGAMI
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (1998)

We evaluated the efficacy of a recombinant surfactant protein-C (rSP-C) surfactant in vitro and in vivo, using ventilated preterm lambs and rabbits. The surface tension measured with a Wilhelmy balance of the rSP-C surfactant was lower than the surface tension of natural sheep surfactant (containing SP-B and SP-C). The rSP-C and natural surfactants were equivalently sensitive to inhibition by plasma. Over a 5-h study period, lambs treated with 100 mg/kg rSP-C and natural surfactants at birth had similar Pco 2, lung mechanics, and FRC values. Indicators of injury also were not different. In preterm rabbits ventilated with 3 cm H2O positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), similar compliance responses were measured for the rSP-C and natural surfactant. Large-aggregate surfactants recovered from alveolar washes of the lambs treated with rSP-C or natural surfactant retained their function when tested in preterm rabbits. In conclusion, the rSP-C surfactant was effective in preterm animals with surfactant deficiency.
Adaptive Functional Diversification of Lysozyme in Insectivorous Bats
Authors: Yang Liu, Guimei He, Huihui Xu, Xiuqun Han, Gareth Jones, Stephen J. Rossiter, Shuyi Zhang
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (2014)

The role of gene duplication in generating new genes and novel functions is well recognized and is exemplified by the digestion-related protein lysozyme. In ruminants, duplicated chicken-type lysozymes facilitate the degradation of symbiotic bacteria in the foregut. Chicken-type lysozyme has also been reported to show chitinase-like activity, yet no study has examined the molecular evolution of lysozymes in species that specialize on eating insects. Insectivorous bats number over 900 species, and lysozyme expression in the mouths of some of these species is associated with the ingestion of insect cuticle, suggesting a chitinase role. Here, we show that chicken-type lysozyme has undergone multiple duplication events in a major family of insect-eating bats (Vespertilionidae) and that new duplicates have undergone molecular adaptation. Examination of duplicates from two insectivorous bats—Pipistrellus abramus and Scotophilus kuhlii—indicated that the new copy was highly expressed in the tongue, whereas the other one was less tissue-specific. Functional assays applied to pipistrelle lysozymes confirmed that, of the two copies, the tongue duplicate was more efficient at breaking down glycol chitin, a chitin derivative. These results suggest that the evolution of lysozymes in vespertilionid bats has likely been driven in part by natural selection for insectivory.
Adducted proteins for identification of endogenous electrophiles.
Authors: M Törnqvist, A Kautiainen
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (1993)

Chemically reactive compounds in tissues can be monitored through their products of reaction with biomacromolecules. For the purpose of in vivo dose monitoring, hemoglobin (Hb) has been preferred to DNA because of its well-defined life span and more facile chemical identification of adducts. Through the N-alkyl Edman method, adducts to the N-terminals (valines) of the globin chains are measured mass spectrometrically with high sensitivity. In studies of low molecular weight adducts from occupational exposures or tobacco smoke, background levels were found in nonexposed control persons. In some cases the origin of these adducts could be determined. For instance, the 2-hydroxyethyl adduct has been shown to originate from ethylene oxide, a metabolite of endogenously produced ethene. The measured level, about 20 pmole/g globin, agrees well with the ethylene oxide dose calculated from expired ethene. Animal studies indicate contributions from the intestinal flora and dietary factors. An average background level of about 200 pmole/g globin of methylvaline has been observed in unexposed humans. From reaction-kinetic studies of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), it has been shown that the background mainly originates from SAM. In twin studies, a genetic influence on the level has been shown. Furthermore, a contribution from tobacco smoking to the level was demonstrated in these studies. Certain aldehydes, e.g., malonaldehyde, have been shown to be related to dietary factors and lipid peroxidation. These studies show the usefulness of the method in a search for reactive compounds in the body, with the ultimate goal of assessing the total genotoxic load.
OMICS PROFILING HIGHLIGHTS ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM-ASSOCIATED DEGRADATION AND UBIQUITIN PROTEASOME PATHWAYS IN INSULIN RESISTANCE AND GLYCEMIC CONTROL
Authors: Robert McGarrah, Damian M. Craig, Carol Haynes, Elizabeth Hauser, Christopher B. Newgard, Simon G. Gregory, William Kraus, Svati Shah
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2014)
Air Transport of Pediatric Emergency Cases
Authors: Richard E. Black, Thom Mayer, Marion L. Walker, Earl L. Christison, Dale G. Johnson, Michael E. Matlak, Bruce Storrs, Pamela Clark
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1982)

Prompt delivery of appropriate care is of great importance in the management of medical emergencies. The necessity for adequate, efficient resuscitation and rapid transportation of patients has been most clearly demonstrated in patients with severe illnesses or injuries.1 2 3 One response to the need for prompt delivery of proper medical care has been the development of regional centers to care for specific illnesses or injuries, including regionalization of pediatric critical care to children's hospitals. Early reports indicate that regionalization of some facets of critical care may result in lower rates of morbidity and mortality, particularly in cases of trauma.2 3 4 5 The need . . .
1006 SERUM LEVELS OF CHEMERIN AND VASPIN IN NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE
Authors: M. Kukla, K. wirska-Korczala, M. Hartleb, M. Waluga, A. Chwist, M. Kajor, M. Ciupińska-Kajor, A. Berdowska, E. Woźniak-Grygiel, R. Bułdak
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2009)
Postoperative myocardial wall stress in patients with chronic aortic insufficiency: Ross procedure versus St. Jude mechanical aortic valve prosthesis
Authors: Pavlos Moustakidis, Brian P. Cupps, Hersh S. Maniar, Giridhar Vedala, Lisa De Las Fuentes, Thoralf M. Sundt, Nicholas T. Kouchoukos, Victor G. Davila-Roman, Michael K. Pasque
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2002)
Reducing High Blood Cholesterol Levels With Drugs-Reply
Authors: Kevin A. Shulman
Journal: JAMA (1991)

<h3>In Reply. —</h3> Drs Bentkover, Boselli, and Lambird raise several issues concerning our article; the principal ones concern our construction of the LDL-HDL index, our analytic perspective, and the costs of side effects. We address these in turn. Dr Bentkover correctly observes that the LDL-HDL index reported in Table 1 (p 3028) does not appear well calibrated; it finds gemfibrozil ( —16) to be almost equivalent to cholestyramine resin ( —14), yet the two long-term trials for these agents indicate substantially different reductions in CHD risk (34% vs 19%). Dr Boselli also faults our first index, arguing that Gordon's<sup>1</sup>observations indicate that elevations of HDL cholesterol levels and diminutions of LDL cholesterol levels have equivalent effects on CHD risk. Neither author notes that we report on a second index in our sensitivity analysis. This index is better calibrated with the long-term trials (gemfibrozil, —15.5; cholestyramine resin, —10.9) and equates the effects
Effect of a Monoclonal Antibody to PCSK9 on LDL Cholesterol
Authors: Evan A. Stein, Scott Mellis, George D. Yancopoulos, Neil Stahl, Douglas Logan, William B. Smith, Eleanor Lisbon, Maria Gutierrez, Cheryle Webb, Richard Wu, Yunling Du, Therese Kranz, Evelyn Gasparino, Gary D. Swergold
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2012)

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9), one of the serine proteases, binds to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors, leading to their accelerated degradation and to increased LDL cholesterol levels. We report three phase 1 studies of a monoclonal antibody to PCSK9 designated as REGN727/SAR236553 (REGN727).In healthy volunteers, we performed two randomized, single ascending-dose studies of REGN727 administered either intravenously (40 subjects) or subcutaneously (32 subjects), as compared with placebo. These studies were followed by a randomized, placebo-controlled, multiple-dose trial in adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia who were receiving atorvastatin (21 subjects) and those with nonfamilial hypercholesterolemia who were receiving treatment with atorvastatin (30 subjects) (baseline LDL cholesterol, >100 mg per deciliter [2.6 mmol per liter]) or a modified diet alone (10 subjects) (baseline LDL cholesterol, >130 mg per deciliter [3.4 mmol per liter]). REGN727 doses of 50, 100, or 150 mg were administered subcutaneously on days 1, 29, and 43. The primary outcome for all studies was the occurrence of adverse events. The principal secondary outcome was the effect of REGN727 on the lipid profile.Among subjects receiving REGN727, there were no discontinuations because of adverse events. REGN727 significantly lowered LDL cholesterol levels in all the studies. In the multiple-dose study, REGN727 doses of 50, 100, and 150 mg reduced measured LDL cholesterol levels in the combined atorvastatin-treated populations to 77.5 mg per deciliter (2.00 mmol per liter), 61.3 mg per deciliter (1.59 mmol per liter), and 53.8 mg per deciliter (1.39 mmol per liter), for a difference in the change from baseline of -39.2, -53.7, and -61.0 percentage points, respectively, as compared with placebo (P<0.001 for all comparisons).In three phase 1 trials, a monoclonal antibody to PCSK9 significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels in healthy volunteers and in subjects with familial or nonfamilial hypercholesterolemia. (Funded by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi; ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT01026597, NCT01074372, and NCT01161082.).
Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Combined Pentoxifylline and Tocopherol for Regression of Superficial Radiation-Induced Fibrosis
Authors: Sylvie Delanian, Raphael Porcher, Saida Balla-Mekias, Jean-Louis Lefaix
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2003)

Radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) is a rare morbid complication of radiotherapy, without an established method of management. RIF treatment with a combination of pentoxifylline (PTX) and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E; Vit E) was recently prompted by the good results of a clinical trial and an animal study. The present double-blind, placebo-controlled, monocentric study was designed to assess the efficacy of this combination in treating RIF sequelae.Twenty-four eligible women with 29 RIF areas involving the skin and underlying tissues were enrolled from December 1998 to April 2000. These patients, previously irradiated for breast cancer, were randomly assigned to four balanced treatment groups: (A) 800 mg/d of PTX and 1,000 U/d of Vit E; (B) PTX plus placebo; (C) placebo plus Vit E; and (D) placebo-placebo. The main end point measure was the relative regression of measurable RIF surface after 6 months of treatment. Assessment was completed by depth (with ultrasonography) and associated symptom measures.Twenty-two patients with 27 RIF areas were analyzed at 6 months. Mean RIF surface regression was significant with combined PTX/Vit E versus double placebo (60% +/- 10% v 43% +/- 17%; P =.038). The median slope for the speed of RIF surface area and volume regression was significantly higher for group A than groups B, C, and D. All treatments were well tolerated.Six months' treatment of combined PTX/Vit E can significantly reduce superficial RIF. Synergism between PTX and Vit E is likely, as treatment with each drug alone is ineffective, but these results require confirmation in larger series.
Volvulus of the sigmoid colon among Pathans.
Authors: I. Ahsan, H. Rahman
Journal: BMJ (1967)

Volvulus of the sigmoid colon is rare, and a surgeon is likely to see only a few cases during his lifetime.This paper reports its prevalence among the Pathans, and describes our experience with primary resection and anastomosis.Geographical Distribution.-InGreat Britain sigmoid volvulus accounts for only 2.5 % of cases of intestinal obstruc- tion from all causes (Porritt, 1950) and in the U.S.A. between 1% (Hinton and Steiner, 1942) and 4% (Campbell and Smith, 1950).This is in sharp contrast with those countries where a high incidence of sigmoid volvulus has been reported-namely, Germany 31% (Braun and Wortmann, 1949), Russia 50%
Long-Term Healthcare and Cost Outcomes of Disease Management in a Large, Randomized, Community-Based Population With Heart Failure
Authors: Autumn Dawn Galbreath, Richard A. Krasuski, Brad Smith, Karl C. Stajduhar, Michael D. Kwan, Robert Ellis, Gregory L. Freeman
Journal: Circulation (2004)

Because of the prevalence and expense of congestive heart failure (CHF), significant efforts have been made to develop disease management (DM) programs that will improve clinical and financial outcomes. The effectiveness of such programs in a large, heterogeneous population of CHF patients remains unknown.We randomized 1069 patients (aged 70.9+/-10.3 years) with systolic (ejection fraction 35+/-9%) or echocardiographically confirmed diastolic heart failure (HF) to assess telephonic DM over an 18-month period. Data were collected at baseline and at 6-month intervals. Survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods. Healthcare utilization was defined after extensive record review, with an attempt to account for all inpatient and outpatient visits, medications, and diagnostic tests. We obtained data on 92% of the patients, from nearly 53,000 health-related encounters. Total cost per patient was defined by adding estimated costs for the observed encounters, excluding the cost of the DM. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that DM patients had a reduced mortality rate (P=0.037), with DM patients surviving an average of 76 days longer than controls. Subgroup analysis showed that DM had beneficial outcomes in patients with systolic HF (hazard ratio 0.62; P=0.040), which was more pronounced in NYHA classes III and IV. Although improvements in NYHA class were more likely with DM (P<0.001), 6-minute walk data from 217 patients in whom data were available at each visit showed no significant benefit from DM (P=0.08). Total and CHF-related healthcare utilization, including medications, office or emergency department visits, procedures, or hospitalizations, was not decreased by DM. Repeated-measures ANOVA for cost by group showed no significant differences, even in the higher NYHA class groups.Participation in DM resulted in a significant survival benefit, most notably in symptomatic systolic HF patients. Although DM was associated with improved NYHA class, 6-minute walk test results did not improve. Healthcare utilization was not reduced by DM, and it conferred no cost savings. DM in HF results in improved life expectancy but does not improve objective measures of functional capacity and does not reduce cost.