tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Pure or Impure Science?
Authors: Robert A. Aronowitz
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1997)

Medical Writings1 August 1997Pure or Impure Science?Robert A. Aronowitz, MD, ReviewerRobert A. Aronowitz, MD, ReviewerUniversity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey; Camden, NJ 08103Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-127-3-199708010-00031 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail Science on Trial: The Clash of Medical Evidence and the Law in the Breast Implant Case. Angell M. 256 pages. New York: WW Norton; 1996. $13.95. ISBN 0393316726. Order phone 800-223-2584.Impure Science: AIDS, Activism, and the Politics of Knowledge. Epstein S. 466 pages. Berkeley: Univ of California Pr; 1996. $29.95. ISBN 0520202333. Order phone 800-822-6657.In a recent piece in The New York Times [1], prominent AIDS researcher Max Essex and epidemiologist Bruce Weniger argued that two things intrinsic to the culture of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-the high premium placed on basic as opposed to applied science ...References1. Weniger BG, Essex M. Clearing the way for an AIDS vaccine. The New York Times. 4 January 1997:23. Google Scholar2. Angell M. Breast implants-protection or paternalism? [Editorial] N Engl J Med. 1992; 326:1695-7. Google Scholar3. Gabriel SE, O'Fallon WM, Kurland LT, Beard CM, Woods JE, Melton LJ 3d. Risk of connective-tissue diseases and other disorders after breast implantation. N Engl J Med. 1994; 330:1697-702. Google Scholar4. Sanchez-Guerrero J, Colditz GA, Karlson EW, Hunter DJ, Speizer FE, Liang MH. Silicone breast implants and the risk of connective-tissue disease and symptoms. N Engl J Med. 1995; 332:1666-70. Google Scholar5. Hennekens CH, Lee IM, Cook NR, Hebert PR, Karlson EW, LaMotte F, et al. Self-reported breast implants and connective-tissue diseases in female health professionals. A retrospective cohort study. JAMA. 1996; 275:616-21. Google Scholar6. Palfreman J, producer. Breast implants on trial. Frontline series, Public Broadcasting Service: 27 February 1996. Google Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey; Camden, NJ 08103Grant Support: Dr. Aronowitz is a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Generalist Physician Faculty Scholar.Corresponding Author: Robert A. Aronowitz, MD, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Camden, NJ 08103. PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited ByFuture research on structural and institutional forms of HIV discrimination 1 August 1997Volume 127, Issue 3Page: 250-254KeywordsAIDSClinical trialsConnective tissue diseasesDecision makingDrugsEpidemiologyFood and Drug AdministrationPatient advocacyScience policyScientists Issue Published: 1 August 1997 CopyrightCopyright © 1997 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF DownloadLoading ...
Adverse Effects of Niacin In Emergent Psychosis
Authors: George R. Heninger
Journal: JAMA (1969)

<h3>To the Editor:—</h3> In answer to Dr. Hoffer, we would point out that the presently accepted chemotherapies of schizophrenia are all backed by several independent and controlled studies which offer cross validation. Similarly, we would not consider the usefulness of niacin therapy in schizophrenia to be established until independent investigators using unbiased samples of patients, double-blind techniques, and objective ratings of drug effect demonstrated the superiority of niacin over placebo. Since the literature does not contain reports of this type in addition to those of Dr. Hoffer and his colleagues, we do not consider the claims of successful niacin therapy in schizophrenia to have received independent support. There are no reports directly comparing niacin to other chemotherapies, and it is, therefore, impossible to evaluate the relative magnitude or seriousness of side effects. Until the efficacy of niacin treatment in schizophrenia is established even the "false sense of security" may prevent
Clinical Uses of Radionuclides: Critical Comparison With Other Techniques
Authors: Ronald D. Harris
Journal: JAMA (1973)

The text represents a symposium at which the established and newer radionuclide procedures were assessed in comparison with other diagnostic procedures. The values, limitations, and failures of nuclear medicine as a discipline are presented and discussed, to put into a more proper perspective the value of the information obtained. The papers in the symposium were selected as a representative cross-section of diagnostic techniques of proven value in radiology, nuclear medicine and, in some instances, clinical pathology. The book has been divided into sections that cover specific organ systems of the body into which nuclides can be introduced for diagnostic tests. These are then contrasted with the other modalities of diagnostic testing, and the primary emphasis concerns the practical usefulness in clinical practice. Each section concludes with a discussion of the preceding papers with a question-and-answer format. The editing of the discussions has resulted in a somewhat haphazard sequence of questions
Neural apoptosis in the retina during experimental and human diabetes. Early onset and effect of insulin.
Authors: A J Barber, E Lieth, S A Khin, D A Antonetti, A G Buchanan, T W Gardner
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1998)

This study determined whether retinal degeneration during diabetes includes retinal neural cell apoptosis. Image analysis of retinal sections from streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats after 7.5 months of STZ diabetes identified 22% and 14% reductions in the thickness of the inner plexiform and inner nuclear layers, respectively (P < 0. 001). The number of surviving ganglion cells was also reduced by 10% compared to controls (P < 0.001). In situ end labeling of DNA terminal dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) identified a 10-fold increase in the frequency of retinal apoptosis in whole-mounted rat retinas after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of diabetes (P < 0.001, P < 0. 001, P < 0.01, and P < 0.01, respectively). Most TUNEL-positive cells were not associated with blood vessels and did not colocalize with the endothelial cell-specific antigen, von Willebrand factor. Insulin implants significantly reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells (P < 0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells was also increased in retinas from humans with diabetes. These data indicate that retinal neural cell death occurs early in diabetes. This is the first quantitative report of an increase in neural cell apoptosis in the retina during diabetes, and indicates that neurodegeneration is an important component of diabetic retinopathy.
Graduated compression and its relation to venous refilling time.
Authors: A N Nicolaides, J T Hobbs, S Vasdekis, G H Tonnison
Journal: BMJ (1987)

Euthanasia SIR,-There are two sides to every debate.Ms Madeline Simms (26 September, p 772) describes how a small determined group of people changed the law with regard to the termination of preg- nancv.On the other hand, Margaret White in her book Two Million Silent Killings describes the results of the work of that pressure group.I Now 19 doctors use your columns (14 Novem- ber, p 1276) to announce that they have formed a medical group within the Voluntary Euthanasia Society.The skilfully worded letter, which even raisesthespectreoftheacquirediimmunedeficiency syndrome, urges other doctors to join them; paradoxically, as Dr Murray Parkes wrote, "It is often those who are most afraid of dying who demand euthanasia."2Arguments put forward to legalise euthanasia do not carry conviction among practitioners caring for the dying or among moral theologians.3Conscious that one of the signatories had a similar surname to my own, I looked up the group on 10 August
A Loss-of-Function Polymorphism in the Propeptide Domain of the <i>LOX</i> Gene and Breast Cancer
Authors: Chengyin Min, Ziyang Yu, Kathrin H. Kirsch, Yingshe Zhao, Siddharth R. Vora, Philip C. Trackman, Douglas B. Spicer, Lynn Rosenberg, Julie R. Palmer, Gail E. Sonenshein
Journal: Cancer Research (2009)

The lysyl oxidase (LOX) gene reverted Ras transformation of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts and tumor formation by gastric cancer cells, which frequently carry mutant RAS genes. The secreted lysyl oxidase proenzyme is processed to a propeptide (LOX-PP) and a functional enzyme (LOX). Unexpectedly, the tumor suppressor activity mapped to the LOX-PP domain, which inhibited tumor formation and the invasive phenotype of NF639 breast cancer cells driven by human epidermal growth factor receptor-2/neu, which signals via Ras. A single-nucleotide polymorphism, G473A (rs1800449), resulting in an Arg158Gln substitution in a highly conserved region within LOX-PP, occurs with an average 473A allele carrier frequency of 24.6% in the HapMap database, but was present in many breast cancer cell lines examined. Here, we show that the Arg-to-Gln substitution profoundly impairs the ability of LOX-PP to inhibit the invasive phenotype and tumor formation of NF639 cells in a xenograft model. LOX-PP Gln displayed attenuated ability to oppose the effects of LOX, which promoted a more invasive phenotype. In a case-control study of African American women, a potential association of the Gln-encoding A allele was seen with increased risk of estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha-negative invasive breast cancer in African American women. Consistently, LOX gene expression was higher in ER-negative versus ER-positive primary breast cancers, and LOX-PP Gln was unable to inhibit invasion by ER-negative cell lines. Thus, these findings identify for the first time genetic polymorphism as a mechanism of impaired tumor suppressor function of LOX-PP and suggest that it may play an etiologic role in ER-negative breast cancer.
Experiences with outpatient medical questionnaires.
Authors: G H Hall
Journal: BMJ (1972)

In conclusion we reiterate some of the main clinical features of epiglottitis.(1) In general the patients are children aged 2-7 years.(2) There is rapid progression from the first mild respiratory symptoms to severe illness, with pronounced dysphagia and drooling, stridor, muffling of the voice, bull neck (in some cases), and such deterioration of the general condition that the terms "shock," "prostration," and "collapse" have been used by various authors.(3) There is no time to spare, and the giving of parenteral antibiotics, admission to hospital, and the establishment of an artificial airway are urgently needed life-saving measures.ADDENDUM Three more children with haemophilus epiglottitis were admitted to the Infirmary in July and September 1971.Their ages were 3, 2, and 11 years.Two were treated successfully.One died following a period of apnoea which occurred very soon after his admission, before the right diagnosis had been made.For permission to report these cases we are grateful to Dr.
The Use of Animals in Research
Authors: John K. Iglehart
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1985)

The endless struggle that has long engaged the medical-research community and animal-welfare advocates over the use of animals in research has entered a new era of intensity. Signs of the struggle abound in federal and state legislatures, in a wave of illegal break-ins of research laboratories that have been widely reported in the popular and medical media, and in other efforts to sway public opinion. The outcome of this feud is uncertain, but there are already important signs that animal-welfare activists — by thrusting animal-experimentation issues into the limelight — are influencing the willingness of federal funders of medical research . . .
FRANKLINIZATION AS A THERAPEUTIC MEASURE IN NEURASTHENIA.
Authors: MARGARET A. CLEAVES
Journal: JAMA (1896)

Looking at it from a purely scientific point of view the recognition under the head of neurasthenia of the many and varied expressions of nerve weakness is most unfortunate, and must have a tendency to hinder that investigation into the true nature of the underlying conditions which is absolutely essential to the advancement of the science of medicine. On the other hand this recognition has led to the establishment of excellent therapeutic methods, which, however, are so familiar as not to need enumeration here. Among them Franklinization takes an important place, and although it is the oldest form of electric treatment, its value is not yet fully appreciated by the profession. It is not within the scope of this paper to discuss the nature of neurasthenia, interesting as the subject is, suffice it to say that neurasthenia in an acquired form, may be regarded as primary or secondary; primary when
Assessment of the Utility of Gallbladder Imaging with 99mTc-IDA
Authors: CARLOS FONSECA, DAVID GREENBERG, LEONARD ROSENTHALL, ARTIN ARZOUMANIAN
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (1978)

Cholescintigraphy was performed in 113 patients of whom 38 had normal gallbladders, 37 had acute cholecystitis and 38 had chronic cholecystitis. The radiopharmaceuticals used in the study were either 99mTc-dimethyl acetanilide iminodiacetic acid or 99mTc-paraisopropyl acetanilide iminodiacetic acid, both of which performed equally well. All patients with non-visualized gallbladders had cholecystitis, but visualization did not exclude disease. The rapidity of obtaining the results (within one hour), the complete absence of untoward reactions to the radiopharmaceuticals, the much lower frequency of subtle or indeterminate results, the ability to render useful information in the presence of moderate jaundice and the lack of interference from overlying intestinal contents establishes these radionuclide agents as superior to both radiographic oral and intravenous cholangiography in the investigation of the acute abdomen.
Inhibition of leukocyte rolling with polysaccharide fucoidin prevents pleocytosis in experimental meningitis in the rabbit.
Authors: C Granert, J Raud, X Xie, L Lindquist, L Lindbom
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1994)

Inflammatory recruitment of leukocytes into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during bacterial meningitis has been shown to con- tribute significantly to the neurological damage commonly as- sociated with this serious disease.In this study we tested whether or not inhibition of leukocyte rolling, a precondition for firm leukocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium in vivo, may reduce CSF leukocyte recruitment and associated inflam- matory changes in rabbits with experimental meningitis.As documented by intravital microscopy of small venules in the rabbit mesentery and tenuissimus muscle, leukocyte rolling was rapidly and profoundly reduced by intravenous treatment with the polysaccharide fucoidin, a homopolymer of sulfated L-fucose known to block the function of the leukocytic "rolling receptor" L-selectin.Moreover, fucoidin treatment dramati- cally reduced the accumulation of both leukocytes and plasma protein in the CSF of rabbits challenged intrathecally with pneumococcal antigen.These main findings thus illustrate that inhibition of leukocyte rolling, an early and obligatory step in the process of leukocyte extravasation, may be an effective ther- apeutic approach to attenuate leukocyte-dependent central ner- vous system damage in bacterial meningitis.(
Colonoscopic surveillance and follow up in patients with acromegaly
Authors: N. Tehami, S. Dover
Journal: Gut (2011)

<h3>Introduction</h3> The prevalence of colonic polyps and cancer in patients with acromegaly group has remained controversial despite some earlier reports which regarded this group of patients as high risk for developing colonic cancer. <h3>Methods</h3> Patients were identified from pituitary data base and endoscopy records between year 1998 and 2009. Data on referral for screening colonoscopy, completion rates, quality of bowel preparation, examination findings and follow up arrangements was obtained and retrospective data analysis was performed. <h3>Results</h3> 48 patients were identified. 40/48 patients had a screening colonoscopy. 6/8 patients were not referred and 2/8 patients did not attend the appointments. 40 patients comprised of 21 Men:19 women, Mean age was 60 years at first colonoscopy (range 22–89). All patients were age more than 40 years except one (age 22 years). Mean age at diagnosis was 44 year (range 22–77). Mean delay in referral for screening colonoscopy from the time patient turned 40 and taking into account the age at diagnosis was 12.26 years (range 0–40 years). A total of 78 colonoscopies were performed. 20 patients had at least one surveillance colonoscopy. Indication of colonoscopy was screening/surveillance for polyps including 4 cases with altered bowel habits and anaemia. The time taken to complete the examination was not documented. All the procedures were performed by a single colonoscopist. 69/78 (88%) procedures had satisfactory bowel preparation with standard regime. Overall 72/78 (92%) of patients had a complete examination with adequate preparation. The reason for incomplete examination was excessive looping in four patients and inadequate bowel preparation in two cases. No complications relating to colonoscopy occurred. 49/78 (63%) normal colonic examination including nine patients with diverticulosis, two patients with melanosis and one each with angiodysplasia and a lipoma in the caecum. 29/78 (37%) of patients had polyps, Of these 10/78 (13 %) had adenomatous polyps, none were severely dysplastic, no cancer detected. 26/40 (65%) patients are being followed up as per BSG guidelines. Out of 14 patients who are not being followed up 1 patient has died recently, 1 patient is being followed up with a CT pneumocolon, 1 patient has DNA follow up colonoscopy. 11/20 (27.5%) patients did not have a follow up colonoscopy or CT pneumocolon. <h3>Conclusion</h3> There was a significant delay before patients are referred for screening colonoscopy. The prevalence of adenomatous colonic polyps and cancer in acromegaly patients was not very significant. Unfortunately a significant proportion of these patients were not being followed up as recommended by BSG.
Chronic Urticaria and Intermittent Anaphylaxis
Authors: Phil Lieberman
Journal: JAMA (1976)

In a case of chronic, severe urticaria and intermittent episodes of anaphylaxis due to an iophendylate injection (Pantopaque) given in the course of myelography, almost complete relief was obtained from the removal of approximately 8 ml of residual iophendylate from the spinal canal. Data obtained from direct skin testing, Prausnitz-Küstner testing, peptide inhibition of Prausnitz—Küstner testing, and IgE levels quantitated before and after removal of iophendylate indicate that these symptoms were mediated via an IgE anti-iophendylate reaction. (<i>JAMA</i>236:1495-1497, 1976)
Geranylgeranyltransferase I as a target for anti-cancer drugs
Authors: Mark R. Philips, Adrienne D. Cox
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2007)

Posttranslational modification is critical for the function of the gene products of ras oncogenes, which are frequently mutated in cancer. Ras proteins are modified by farnesyltransferase (FTase), but many related small GTPases that also end in a CAAX motif (where C is cysteine, A is often an aliphatic amino acid, and X is any amino acid) are modified by a closely related enzyme known as geranylgeranyltransferase type I (GGTase-I). Accordingly, inhibitors for both of these enzymes have been developed, and those active against FTase are in clinical trials. In this issue of the JCI, Sjogren et al. report the development of a mouse strain homozygous for a conditional allele of the gene that encodes GGTase-I (see the related article beginning on page 1294). They found that ablation of the GGTase-I–encoding gene in cells destined to produce lung tumors driven by oncogenic K-Ras resulted in delayed onset and decreased severity of disease, validating in a genetic model the theory that GGTase-I is a good target for anti-cancer drug development.
Pear-Shaped Bladder
Authors: Max I. Shaff
Journal: JAMA (1978)

<h3>History</h3> A 40-year-old man had a history of backache and recurrent urinary infection. A year previous to this he had been treated for ureteric obstruction. On rectal examination the prostate was not enlarged, but a soft mass was palpable in the pelvis. Figure 1 is a section of the scout film, and Fig 2 is the bladder area of the 20-minute film of an excretory urogram. <h3>Diagnosis</h3> Pelvic lipomatosis. <h3>Comment</h3> In Fig 1 there is increased radiolucency in the pelvis with good visualization of muscle planes and bony detail, consistent with excessive fatty tissue. Figure 2 shows bilateral and symmetrical compression of the bladder, which is pear-shaped and extends from the pelvis. Deviation and compression of the ureters with partial obstruction is present. The upper tracts were normal. The differential diagnosis of the pear-shaped bladder includes pelvic hematoma, pelvic edema and collaterals from venous obstruction, enlarged glands secondary to lymphoma
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE TREATMENT OF TABES DORSALIS.
Authors: DANIEL R. BROWER
Journal: JAMA (1898)

The treatment of any disease, as a matter of course, is largely based upon its pathogenesis; and while we may safely assume that at least 90 per cent, of the cases of tabes dorsalis have an antecedent syphilitic history, yet it is not a true syphilitic disease, for in the remaining percentage of cases other etiologic factors are at work, among which are trauma, the acute infections, alcoholism, and the auto-intoxications, so that we may call the disease rather a degenerative sequela of these various processes, and we know not whether the disease begins in the neurons, in the connective tissue, or in the blood vessels. But let it begin where it may, the resultant is a sclerosis terminating in hypertrophy of the connective tissue and a destruction of the sensory neurons of the spinal cord. I am of the opinion that with many a too gloomy prognosis is made.
Childhood cancer in the offspring of male sawmill workers occupationally exposed to chlorophenate fungicides.
Authors: H Heacock, C Hertzman, P A Demers, R Gallagher, R S Hogg, K Teschke, R Hershler, C D Bajdik, H Dimich-Ward, S A Marion, A Ostry, S Kelly
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2000)

The objective of this study was to determine whether paternal occupational exposure to chlorophenol fungicides and their dioxin contaminants is associated with childhood cancer in the offspring of sawmill workers. We used data from 23,829 British Columbian sawmill workers employed for at least 1 continuous year between 1950 and 1985 in 11 sawmills that used chlorophenates. Probabilistic linkage of the sawmill worker cohort to the provincial marriage and birth files produced an offspring cohort of 19,674 children born at least 1 year after the initiation of employment in the period 1952-1988. We then linked the offspring cohort to the British Columbia Cancer Registry. We included all malignancies in cases younger than 20 years of age that appeared on the cancer registry between 1969 and 1993. We calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) using the British Columbia population as a reference. A nested case-control analysis assessed the effects of paternal cumulative exposure and windows of exposure on the risk of developing cancer in the offspring. We identified 40 cases of cancer during 259,919 person-years of follow-up. The all-cancer SIR was 1.0 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.7-1.4]; the SIR for leukemia was 1.0 (CI, 0.5-1.8); and the SIR for brain cancer was 1.3 (CI, 0.6-2.5). The nested case-control analysis showed slightly increased risks in the highest categories of chlorophenol exposure, although none was statistically significant. Our analyses provide little evidence to support a relationship between the risk of childhood cancer and paternal occupational exposure to chlorophenate fungicides in British Columbian sawmills.