tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers of Methylmercury Exposure Immunotoxicity among Fish Consumers in Amazonian Brazil
Authors: Jennifer F. Nyland, Myriam Fillion, Fernando Barbosa, Devon L. Shirley, Chiameka Chine, Melanie Lemire, Donna Mergler, Ellen K. Silbergeld
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2011)

Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant with neurodevelopmental and immune system effects. An informative biomarker of Hg-induced immunotoxicity could aid studies on the potential contribution to immune-related health effects.Our objectives were to test the hypothesis that methylmercury (MeHg) exposures affect levels of serum biomarkers and to examine interactions between Hg and selenium (Se) in terms of these responses.This cross-sectional epidemiological study assessed adults living along the Tapajós River, a system long affected by MeHg. We measured antinuclear (ANA) and antinucleolar (ANoA) autoantibody levels and eight cytokines in serum samples (n = 232). Total Hg (including MeHg) and Se were measured in blood, plasma, hair, and urine.The median (range) total Hg concentrations were 14.1 μg/g (1.1-62.4), 53.5 μg/L (4.3-288.9), 8.8 μg/L (0.2-40), and 3.0 μg/L (0.2-16.1) for hair, blood, plasma, and urine, respectively. Elevated titers of ANA (but not ANoA) were positively associated with MeHg exposure (log-transformed, for blood and plasma), unadjusted [odds ratio (OR) = 2.6; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1, 6.2] and adjusted for sex and age (OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 7.5). Proinflammatory [interleukin (IL)-6 and interferon (IFN)-γ], anti-inflammatory (IL-4), and IL-17 cytokine levels were increased with MeHg exposure; however, in the subset of the population with elevated ANA, proinflammatory IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and anti-inflammatory (IL-4) cytokine levels were decreased with MeHg exposure. Although Se status was associated with MeHg level (correlation coefficient = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.29, 1.43), Se status was not associated with any changes in ANA and did not modify associations between Hg and ANA titers.MeHg exposure was associated with an increased ANA and changes in serum cytokine profile. Moreover, alterations in serum cytokine profiles differed based on ANA response, suggesting a specific phenotype of MeHg susceptibility. Further research on the potential health implications of these observed immunological changes is warranted.
Population-based incidence and survival figures in essential thrombocythemia and agnogenic myeloid metaplasia: An Olmsted county study, 1976-1995
Authors: Ruben A. Mesa, Murray N. Silverstein, Steven J. Jacobsen, Peter C. Wollan, Ayalew Tefferi
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (1999)

To provide basic information about occurrence and outcome of essential thrombocythemia (ET) and agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (AMM), we used the Rochester Epidemiology Project medical record linkage system for residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota. We identified all residents who were diagnosed with ET or AMM from 1976 to 1995. Community inpatient and outpatient medical records were reviewed to verify the diagnosis of ET or AMM, and patients were followed passively through their medical records to determine the outcome after diagnosis. We identified 39 cases of ET and 21 of AMM, with age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates of 2.53 and 1.46 cases/100,000 population annually, respectively. The respective median ages at diagnosis were 72 and 67 years. The female-to-male ratios were 1.8 and 1.6 for ET and AMM, respectively, and when adjusted for age, there was no difference in risk. The median follow-up period was 62.9 months for ET and 33.2 months for AMM. Five- and 10-year survivals were 74.4% and 61.3%, respectively, for ET and were significantly lower than expected for age-matched controls ( P = 0.012). Prognosis was worse for AMM, with a median progression time of 7 months and a 3-year survival of 52.4%. This was significantly worse than for age-matched controls (P < 0.001). This study provides population-based incidence and comparative survival figures in ET and AMM. Am. J. Hematol. 61:10–15, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
DILATATION OF OPHTHALMIC VEIN: CURE.
Authors: R. ORTEGA
Journal: JAMA (1900)

I will give a brief résumé of an operation which I was called on to perform in a case of dilatation of ophthalmic vein, and which, to my gratification, proved successful. My patient was a resident of Eagle Pass, Texas, a woman of 32 years of age, married, vigorous, and the mother of five children. The first of these died at the age of 5 months, of hydrocephalus, the second at 2 months, of "fever," and the third at 17 months, also of "fever." The fourth and fifth, both girls, aged respectively 4 years, and 5 months, are now living and in good health. The patient, referring to the illness in which my services were solicited, stated that on Dec. 21, 1898, she was attacked by la grippe; from this date a humming began in her left ear; Jan. 1, 1889, she noticed that the sight of her left eye
Child health and survival in the Eastern Mediterranean region
Authors: Zulfiqar A Bhutta, Asim Belgaumi, Mohammad Abdur Rab, Zein Karrar, Mohamed Khashaba, Nezha Mouane
Journal: BMJ (2006)

The way forwardNaturally, health professionals are expected to have a central role in promoting reform through actions to improve health.Such a role is fundamentally different from the roles demanded of health professionals in countries that have undergone political reform, such as South Africa and Eastern European countries 19 20 where the focus has been on monitoring of health effects of democratisation.Although priorities for health actions depend on the country and context, health professionals may consider three broad strategies:Mobilising health professionals-Acknowledging our current disengagement and historical responsibilities towards the current situation and rallying to the cause of reform are prerequisites to engaging the wider public.This will determine our credibilityMobilising the public-By engaging the public, civil institutions, opposition politicians, and even government agencies in discussions and projects, health professionals will be able to highlight the social and political determinants of healthHealth system actions-We become more effective advocates for reform if we are successful at reforming our hospitals, clinics, and health ministries.Democratising structures, undoing hierarchies, and advancing transparency and accountability in our institutions will contribute to wider reforms.The box gives some specific actions corresponding to these strategies.These are not meant to be prescriptive but to stimulate debate.Regional collaborations will prove helpful in advancing the cause of reform through drawing on rich perspectives and experiences from different settings.We need wide contributions and research from countries and regions to inform action leading to change.We thank Dean Huda Zurayk for her pivotal role in creating a stimulating intellectual environment at the faculty of health sciences at the American University of Beirut and for her uncompromising engagement with ideas on health and social concerns.
Independent prognostic value of intravenous dipyridamole with technetium-99m sestamibi tomographic imaging in predicting cardiac events and cardiac-related hospital admissions
Authors: Gary V. Heller, Steven D. Herman, Mark I. Travin, John I. Baron, Carlo Santos-Ocampo, Joseph R. Mcclellan
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (1995)

This study sought to establish the prognostic value of intravenous dipyridamole technetium-99m (Tc-99m) sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging. Optimal management of patients with coronary artery disease involves strategies designed to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and cardiac death. The role of myocardial perfusion imaging using newer clinical techniques to determine risk and possible benefit from therapy has not been evaluated. Myocardial imaging results were classified as normal or abnormal (fixed or reversible defects; small, moderate or large). Follow-up evaluation of all patients included the occurrence of cardiac death or nonfatal myocardial infarction and other cardiac-related hospital admissions. During a mean (±SD) follow-up period of 12.8 ± 6.8 months in 512 patients, 25 had a cardiac event. Patients with abnormal perfusion had significantly more cardiac events than those with normal perfusion (22 vs. 3, p < 0.01). Patients with reversible defects had the highest event rates (8.6%), and those with normal study results had a very low event rate (1.4%). Large defects were strongly associated with more cardiac events and hospital admissions than either normal scan results or abnormal results showing small defects. Patients with normal study results or a small defect after intravenous dipyridamole Tc-99m sestamibi SPECT imaging had an excellent short-term prognosis. Those with abnormal results (reversible or large defect) had an increased risk of subsequent cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction and other cardiac-related hospital admissions.
Allergenicity of peanut protein isolate after in vitro gastric and pancreatic hydrolysis assessed in the presence of plant polysaccharides*1
Authors: J. Mouécoucou, S. Frémont, C. Sanchez, C. Villaume, D. Moneret-Vautrin, L. Méjean
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2004)
Is measurement of girth of value in assessing intraperitoneal bleeding after trauma?
Authors: W J Mintowt-Czyz, J A Fairclough
Journal: BMJ (1983)

infarction but with raised titres of Coxsackie virus, and I have been impressed with the prevalence of normal arteriograms in this group, which is relatively young and pre- dominantly female.Is it possible that some of the patients with normal arteriograms, dis- cussed by Dr Fox, have never had coronary occlusion at all ?
Glycosylated Serum Protein and Hemoglobin A_1 Levels to Measure Control of Glycemia
Authors: ALLAN L. KENNEDY
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1981)

The value of glycosylated serum protein and glycosylated hemoglobin levels for estimating diabetic control was compared in 14 patients over 8 weeks during which glycemic control was improved. Glycosylated hemoglobin levels were not an effective indicator of improved glycemic control for the preceding 2 weeks; glycosylated serum protein values, however, accurately reflected alteration of mean glycemic levels 1 and 2 weeks after improvement of glycemic control. Both measurements were equally satisfactory after 8 weeks. In five patients glycosylated serum protein and glycosylated albumin values appeared equally effective in predicting glycemic control.
NHS managers are found wanting
Authors: J. Warden
Journal: BMJ (1996)

Four senior health service managers in Yorkshire misapplied some pounds sterling500000 of NHS funds, including about pounds sterling150000 to their own benefit, says an investigation by the parliamentary spending watchdog, the National Audit Office. The investigation was into irregular payments of relocation expenses and other “questionable transactions.”

The four managers all worked with the former Yorkshire Regional Health Authority, which was dissolved in 1994. Keith McLean, …
Abstract 18026: Comparative Effectiveness of Pci Versus Cabg for Unprotected Left Main Stenosis- Meta Analysis of Randomzed Controlled Trials
Authors: Fatima Samad, Abdul Hakeem, James Kim, Sabha Bhatti, Abdul Waheed Mohammed, Imran Arif, Massoud Leesar, Tarek Helmy
Journal: Circulation (2011)

Background The established mode of revascularization for unprotected left main disease is coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been increasingly utilized as a viable alternate. Objectives We sought to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of PCI vs. CABG for left main disease by collating the evidence from four published randomized controlled trials. Data Sources PubMed, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, conference proceedings, and internet-based resources of clinical trials. Study Selection Randomized trials comparing PCI vs. CABG for unprotected left main disease evaluating the outcomes of interest [death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, revascularization and their composite (MACE) were included. Results Four randomized trials including 1611 participants (809 in PCI arm and 802 in CABG arm) formed the data set. There was no significant difference in the two groups with regards to baseline characteristics. The weighted mean age was 64 years with 70% men and 32% diabetics. The mean SYNTAX score was 26 in both groups. During a mean follow up of 15 months, the incidence of death was 3% in the PCI arm and 4.2% in the CABG arm [RR 0.75 (0.45, 1.25); p=0.27] .Similarly, there was no difference in the incidence of MI [RR 1(0.57, 1.75); p=0.99] or MACE [RR 1.1 (0.8, 1.5); p=0.26]. PCI was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of stroke [0.2% vs. 1.7%; RR 0.22(0.06, 0.76);p=0.02] but a higher risk of revascularization.[RR 2.09(1.49,2.92);p&lt;0.001].There was no heterogeneity found amongst the trials for these endpoints (I2=0%). Conclusion This meta analysis of randomized studies demonstrates the safety and efficacy of PCI compared to CABG for left main disease. While there was no difference in mortality, MI or MACE, PCI confered an advantage of significant reduction in the risk of stroke which was balanced by a higher rate of downstream revascularization. PCI could hence be considered a viable option in selected patients.
Group Practice Allowance
Authors: J. G. A. Gilruth
Journal: BMJ (1967)

BEDICALJOURNALone cannot help feeling that a crisis could easily have been avoided if there had been greater awareness at high level of the possible effects on the public health service of the imbalance created by recent awards in other sections of the profession.One is forced to conclude that the Government will attempt to avoid its commitments in regard to the public health service, and it may well be that the present uncertainty will, to a limited extent, effect a " shake out " into general practice.For many of us, however, such a course would be an unacceptable and unpalatable admission that the not inconsiderable personal sacrifice involved in obtaining the statutory qualification (D.P.H.) had been a pointless
TCT-592 Lower Five Year Event Rates In The Genous Endothelial Progenitor Cell Capturing Stent Compared With A Drug Eluting Stent In De-novo Coronary Artery Lesions With A High-risk Of Restenosis; A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pier Woudstra, Marcel A. Beijk, Karel T. Koch, Jan Baan, Marije M. Vis, Jose P. Henriques, Jan Piek, Jan G. Tijssen, Robbert J. de Winter
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2014)
Medical History: A matter of no importance
Authors: D A Pyke
Journal: BMJ (1984)

address Sir Donald MacAlister praised the "admirable services rendered by women doctors," noted the "large augmentation in the number of women students" (table II), and commended the appeal to "all women practitioners who are physically fit for such duty."Four years later, in 1920, he warned them that their ''services were less in demand."They would have difficulty "in obtaining suitable opportunity" and "disappointments may be encountered."Time and circumstances had changed attitudes, but it is interesting that at the beginning of the second world war the GMC was able to ensure that medical students were not called up
Protein array screening reveals IgA autoantigenicity patterns predicting anti-TNF therapy response in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Z. Konthur, K. Kopke, A. Poch-Hasnek, K. Kopke, H. Lehrach, G.-R. Burmester, K. Skriner
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2011)

<h3>Background</h3> One third of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with biologicals targeting tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) are therapy non-responders. The authors investigated the differences in seroreactivity of patients responding and not responding to TNF therapies prior and after therapy to deduce diagnostically applicable autoantigenicity patterns. <h3>Methods</h3> Screening with patient sera were conducted on protein macroarrays consisting of 37.830 unique putative expression clones. Response patterns of different Ig classes were recorded and bioinformatically evaluated enabling them to deduce a set of proteins, which allow to distinguish between therapy responders and non-responders. Next, selected candidates were expressed recombinantly in <i>Escherichia coli</i>, purified and further stratified with larger patient cohort in ELISA responder group. <h3>Results</h3> Comparative analysis of macroarray results with sera from responders and non-responders to anti-TNF drug revealed a more than 30-fold higher number of autoantigens targeted by high titres of IgA autoantibodies in non-responders compared to responders (221 vs 6). More detailed analyses suggest that with five autoantigens found to be common in all individual non-responders to anti-TNFα treatment, a reduced number of antigens might be sufficient to predict non-responsiveness. Pretreatment sera from patients with diagnosis of RA based on the ACR classification criteria who were initiated on therapy with TNFα inhibitors were analysed with three markers from the biomarker set of highest priority (RAB11B, PPP2R1A, KPNB1) using an ELISAs assay. In total, analyses of 69 patients were carried out, of which 13 were clearly defined as Responder and 8 were clearly defined as non-responder. Of these, already 5 (62.5%) non-responders could clearly be identified with already three markers from biomarker set of highest priority (RAB11B, PPP2R1A, KPNB1). None of the Responder or Intermediate Responder gave any signal on said markers on IgA-level. The remaining 48 patient samples are derived prior treatment with anti-TNFα inhibitors and were blinded. According to published studies, 20–25% of RA patients treated with TNFα inhibitors are non-responders: Hence the authors expect ∼10 patients to be non-responder. Within this set, five patients (50%) showed clear IgA response to three markers from biomarker set of highest priority (RAB11B, PPP2R1A, KPNB1). Furthermore, with five autoantigens common in all individual non-responders to anti-TNFα treatment, a reduced number of antigens may be sufficient to predict non-responsiveness. <h3>Conclusion</h3> These data suggest that non-response to anti-TNFα biologicals might be predicted based on frequency and magnitude of autoantibodies of the IgA class IgA-producing mucosal B cells might be important for disease persistence in anti-TNFα non-responders.
Microbial hijacking of mammalian iron shuttling
Authors: Günter Weiss
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2014)

![Figure][1] 

Insight from Gunter Weiss



In this issue, [Liu et al.][2] provide compelling evidence for a novel mechanism by which pathogenic bacteria can acquire iron from mammalian cells.

Iron is an essential nutrient for almost all organisms due to its central role in many enzymatic
A radioimmunoassay for serum rat thyroglobulin. Physiologic and pharmacological studies.
Authors: A J Van Herle, H Klandorf, R P Uller
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1975)

A double antibody radioimmunoassay has been developed to measure thyroglobulin in rat (RTg) serum. The lowest detectable quantity measurable was 5.0 ng/ml. Specificity was documented by: (a) fall in serum RTg to undetectable levels after thyroid ablation; (b) the fact that L-thyroxine, D-thyroxine, L-triiodothyronine, D-triiodothyronine, triiodothyroacetic acid, tetraiodothyroacetic acid, triiodothyropropionic acid, moniodotyrosine, diiodotyrosine, and human thyroglobulin (HTg) in concentrations up to 40,000 ng per tube did not cross-react in the assay; (c) the demonstration that constant levels of serum RTg were observed while varying amounts of serum (criterion of parallelism) were introduced in the assay. The mean RTg concentration in tail vein blood of adult Sprague-Dawley rats were 101.5 +/- 13.0 ng/ml (SEM) (n=21); values ranged from 12.0 to 258.0 ng/ml. Chronic administration of a high-iodine diet (HID) did not affect serum thyroglobulin levels. Chronic administration of a low-iodine diet (LID) and propylthiouracil (PTU) led to a statistically significant increase in serum RTg that was accompanied by a significant rise in serum thyrotropin (rTSH). Serum thyroxine (T4) administered to normal rats for 14 days (20 mug/day subcutaneously) depressed serum RTg concentration from a mean level of 119.4 +/- 17.5 ng/ml (n=19) to a mean of 35.0 +/- 0.27 ng/ml (n=19) (P less than 0.001). While rats were on continuous T4 suppression, bovine thyroid-stimulating hormone (bTSH) given intravenously (2 IU) resulted in a mean maximal increment of RTg of 332.0 +/- 81.5 ng/ml (n=6) at 24 h. IgC-(LATS) long-acting thyroid stimulatory injected intravenously resulted in a mean maximal increment of RTg concentration at 96 h of 87.2 +/- 14.3 ng/ml (n=5). Normal IgG had no statistical significant effect of RTg levels at any time after the injection.
Repeated evolution of an acetate-crossfeeding polymorphism in long-term populations of Escherichia coli
Authors: D. S. Treves, S. Manning, J. Adams
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (1998)

Six out of 12 independent replicate populations of Escherichia coli maintained in long-term glucose-limited continuous culture for up to approximately 1,750 generations evolve polymorphisms maintained by acetate crossfeeding. In all cases, the acetate-crossfeeding phenotype is associated with semiconstitutive overexpression of acetyl CoA synthetase, which allows for the enhanced uptake of low levels of exogenous acetate. Mutations in the 5' regulatory region of the acetyl CoA synthetase locus are responsible for all the acetate crossfeeding phenotypes found. These changes were either transposable-element insertions or a single T-->A nucleotide substitution at position -93 relative to the acs gene translation start site.
Hypoglycemia Unawareness in Older Compared With Middle-Aged Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Jan P. Bremer, Kamila Jauch-Chara, Manfred Hallschmid, Sebastian Schmid, Bernd Schultes
Journal: Diabetes Care (2009)

OBJECTIVE Older patients with type 2 diabetes are at a particularly high risk for severe hypoglycemic episodes, and experimental studies in healthy subjects hint at a reduced awareness of hypoglycemia in aged humans. However, subjective responses to hypoglycemia have rarely been assessed in older type 2 diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We tested hormonal, subjective, and cognitive responses (reaction time) to 30-min steady-state hypoglycemia at a level of 2.8 mmol/l in 13 older (≥65 years) and 13 middle-aged (39–64 years) type 2 diabetic patients. RESULTS Hormonal counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia did not differ between older and middle-aged patients. In contrast, middle-aged patients showed a pronounced increase in autonomic and neuroglycopenic symptom scores at the end of the hypoglycemic plateau that was not observed in older patients (both P &amp;lt; 0.01). Also, seven middle-aged patients, but only one older participant, correctly estimated their blood glucose concentration to be &amp;lt;3.3 mmol/l during hypoglycemia (P = 0.011). A profound prolongation of reaction times induced by hypoglycemia in both groups persisted even after 30 min of subsequent euglycemia. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate marked subjective unawareness of hypoglycemia in older type 2 diabetic patients that does not depend on altered neuroendocrine counterregulation and may contribute to the increased probability of severe hypoglycemia frequently reported in these patients. The joint occurrence of hypoglycemia unawareness and deteriorated cognitive function is a critical factor to be carefully considered in the treatment of older patients.