tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
GPs are urged to identify unpaid carers
Authors: J. Wise
Journal: BMJ (2014)

Unpaid carers are not accessing support services or benefits and often struggle to cope, new research shows.1

There are around 6.5 million people voluntarily caring for adults in the United Kingdom, about 10% of the population. Many of these carers support someone with a terminal illness. The research report, carried out by the University of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian, and the charities Voices of Carers across Lothian and Marie Curie Cancer Care, says that …
PTU-158 Botulinum Toxin Use In Oesophageal Dysmotility
Authors: MGO Saunders, KL Woolson, CR Chimakurthi, DK George
Journal: Gut (2014)

<h3>Introduction</h3> Oesophageal dysmotility represents a treatment challenge, with many patients refractory to medical management. There is a lack of evidence for the treatment of oesophageal dysmotility, with only a handful of studies into the use of Botulinum Toxin (Botox) injections, the largest being of 29 patients in 2002.<sup>1</sup> Our retrospective, multi-centre study assessed the efficacy of Botox injections for oesophageal dysmotility in the South West of England. <h3>Methods</h3> The pharmacy databases in three hospitals were interrogated for Botox released to the gastroenterology departments, between January 2009 and December 2013. Then electronic endoscopy databases were utilised to identify those patients treated for oesophageal dysmotility. Patients with achalasia were excluded. Clinical notes were reviewed looking at prior investigations, treatments and presenting symptoms. The numbers of treatments, symptom improvement, duration of response and morbidity or mortality associated with treatment were also assessed. <h3>Results</h3> Forty-three patients with oesophageal dysmotility were treated with Botox (mean age 69 years, range 25–95), with a mean of 2.8 treatments per patient (range 1–19). The main presenting symptom was dysphagia (n = 38), either alone or with chest pain, vomiting, reflux or regurgitation. All patients had failed at least one pharmacological treatment, with 11 patients having tried over three different treatments, prior to Botox. A good treatment response was reported by 56% (n = 24) of patients with their first injection. There was a variable duration of response, from three months to five years, with an average response of 12 months. In 25% (n = 6) of patients with a good initial response, further treatments were not as effective. There were a variety of injection techniques used, by different endoscopists, with no obvious difference in success rates between the techniques. There were no immediate post-procedure complications. Four patients died within 30 days of Botox injection, all of whom were on an end of life pathway. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Botox can be a useful treatment in oesophageal dysmotility; however, careful patient selection is important. Further research is needed into the most effective injection technique and whether there are any patient predictors of response. <h3>Reference</h3> Miller LS, Pullela SV, Parkman HP, Schiano TD, Cassidy MJ, Cohen S, Fisher RS. Treatment of chest pain in patients with noncardiac, nonreflux, nonachalasia spastic esophageal motor disorders using botulinum toxin injection into the gastroesophageal junction. <i>Am J Gastroenterol</i>. 2002;97(7):1640. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None Declared.
INTERFERENCE IN THE SCHICK TEST BY DIPHTHERIA ANTITOXIN INJECTION IN THE HUMAN SUBJECT
Authors: R. B. Mayfield
Journal: BMJ (1934)

THEDIBTJOSUNL ference round the thigh than the other, the incisions were granulating in healthily, and the movements of the limb normlial.On recent,inquiry from his doctor it was learnt that the wounds soon healed, and the child has since remained perfectly well.
Questionnaire study of use of emergency contraception among teenagers
Authors: E. Kosunen, A. Vikat, M. Rimpela, A. Rimpela, H. Huhtala
Journal: BMJ (1999)

This is a report of a survey on the use of emergency contraception among teenagers in Finland. The school health promotion study provided data on adolescent health behaviors. Each of the 52,700 respondents from comprehensive schools and upper secondary schools answered a structured questionnaire. Findings showed that adolescent girls were widely aware of emergency contraception. Only a small proportion of teenagers had actually used emergency contraception. The proportion of girls who had used emergency contraception increased in proportion with age, but among multiple users, there was no evidence that multiple use increased systematically with age. The survey results suggest that accessibility of contraception and intensive sex education has not increased the level of adolescent sexual activity.
Frequency of congenital anomalies in patients with histiocytosis X
Authors: Catherine Sheils, George J. Dover
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (1989)

Abstract The frequency of congenital anomalies in 39 cases of histiocytosis × collected over a 30 year period was 23%. Through a retrospective chart review of these cases and two control populations (children with bone tumors and children with suspected child abuse) we sought to assess the significance of this finding as well as any special characteristics of those histiocytic patients who had congenital anomalies. The frequency of congenital anomalies in the histiocytosis × group (23%) was greater than the frequency found in our control groups, the bone tumor group (13%), and the child advocacy control group (15%). Considering only major congenital anomalies, the histiocytic population had an increased frequency (18%) relative to both control groups (3% and 8%, respectively). Only one patient with unifocal eosinophilic granuloma had congenital anomalies. Patients with histiocytosis × and congenital anomalies were more likely to have histiocytosis X involving organ dysfunction (lung, liver, hematopoietic). Through this retrospective study we observe an increased frequency of congenital anomalies in patients with histiocytosis X. This observation does not seem to apply to patients with unifocal eosinophilic granuloma. The presence of congenital anomalies, especially multiple congenital anomalies, seemed to be a prognostic indicator of organ dysfunction in our histiocytic population.
FERGUS(S)ON'S SPECULUM
Authors: A. Doran
Journal: BMJ (1916)

CORRESPONDENCE.(ToicJOwT -37 hiis hieart, and who was his doctor.The evidence thus obtained showed that a large percentage of these irritable ineffective hearts dated back to the fourteentlh to sixteenth year, when as boys at school they were in an atlhletic team struggling for pre-eminence--a struggle wlliclh the patient still looks on as being one of the toughest jobs he had ever lhad a hand in.The bistory, with the doctor's description.showed that the onset was gradual, although the realization of it by the patient was sudden.The irritable heart of the young man was the bypertrophied overdone heart of the boy.We have still to find out whether the irritable hearts are all included in the classes roughlly sketched in this letter, or whether the irritable heart of the soldier on active service is starting in him although he is nearer to his fuill development than these patients usually are.Then we shall have to find out what the truly irritable lheart is.-I am, etc.,
Immune evasion by a staphylococcal complement inhibitor that acts on C3 convertases
Authors: Suzan H M Rooijakkers, Maartje Ruyken, Anja Roos, Mohamed R Daha, Julia S Presanis, Robert B Sim, Willem J B van Wamel, Kok P M van Kessel, Jos A G van Strijp
Journal: Nature Immunology (2005)
The Treatment Efficacy of Pegylated Interferon Plus Ribavirin Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients With Mixed Genotype 1/2 Infection
Authors: Ching-I Huang, Chung-Feng Huang, Jee-Fu Huang, Chia-Yen Dai, Ming-Lun Yeh, Ming-Yen Hsieh, Zu-Yau Lin, Shinn-Cherng Chen, Liang-Yen Wang, Ming-Lung Yu, Wan-Long Chuang
Journal: Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (2013)
Delivery of c-myb Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotides to Human Neuroblastoma Cells Via Disialoganglioside GD2-Targeted Immunoliposomes: Antitumor Effects
Authors: Gabriella Pagnan, Darrin D. Stuart, Fabio Pastorino, Lizzia Raffaghello, Paolo G. Montaldo, Theresa M. Allen, Bruno Calabretta, Mirco Ponzoni
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2000)

BACKGROUND: Advanced-stage neuroblastoma resists conventional treatment; hence, novel therapeutic approaches are required. We evaluated the use of c-myb antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (asODNs) delivered to cells via targeted immunoliposomes to inhibit c-Myb protein expression and neuroblastoma cell proliferation in vitro.METHODS: Phosphorothioate asODNs and control sequences were encapsulated in cationic lipid, and the resulting particles were coated with neutral lipids to produce coated cationic liposomes (CCLs). Monoclonal antibodies directed against the disialoganglioside GD2 were covalently coupled to the CCLs. 3H-labeled liposomes were used to measure cellular binding, and cellular uptake of asODNs was evaluated by dot-blot analysis. Growth inhibition was quantified by counting trypan blue dye-stained cells. Expression of c-Myb protein was examined by western blot analysis. RESULTS: Our methods produced GD2-targeted liposomes that stably entrapped 80%-90% of added c-myb asODNs. These liposomes showed concentration-dependent binding to GD2-positive neuroblastoma cells that could be blocked by soluble anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies. GD2-targeted liposomes increased the uptake of asODNs by neuroblastoma cells by a factor of fourfold to 10-fold over that obtained with free asODNs. Neuroblastoma cell proliferation was inhibited to a greater extent by GD2-targeted liposomes containing c-myb asODNs than by nontargeted liposomes or free asODNs. GD2-targeted liposomes containing c-myb asODNs specifically reduced expression of c-Myb protein by neuroblastoma cells. Enhanced liposome binding and asODN uptake, as well as the antiproliferative effect, were not evident in GD2-negative cells. CONCLUSIONS: Encapsulation of asODNs into immunoliposomes appears to enhance their toxicity toward targeted cells while shielding nontargeted cells from antisense effects and may be efficacious for the delivery of drugs with broad therapeutic applications to tumor cells.
Rationally engineered nanoparticles target multiple myeloma cells, overcome cell-adhesion-mediated drug resistance, and show enhanced efficacy in vivo
Authors: T Kiziltepe, J D Ashley, J F Stefanick, Y M Qi, N J Alves, M W Handlogten, M A Suckow, R M Navari, B Bilgicer
Journal: Blood Cancer Journal (2012)

In the continuing search for effective cancer treatments, we report the rational engineering of a multifunctional nanoparticle that combines traditional chemotherapy with cell targeting and anti-adhesion functionalities. Very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) mediated adhesion of multiple myeloma (MM) cells to bone marrow stroma confers MM cells with cell-adhesion-mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR). In our design, we used micellar nanoparticles as dynamic self-assembling scaffolds to present VLA-4-antagonist peptides and doxorubicin (Dox) conjugates, simultaneously, to selectively target MM cells and to overcome CAM-DR. Dox was conjugated to the nanoparticles through an acid-sensitive hydrazone bond. VLA-4-antagonist peptides were conjugated via a multifaceted synthetic procedure for generating precisely controlled number of targeting functionalities. The nanoparticles were efficiently internalized by MM cells and induced cytotoxicity. Mechanistic studies revealed that nanoparticles induced DNA double-strand breaks and apoptosis in MM cells. Importantly, multifunctional nanoparticles overcame CAM-DR, and were more efficacious than Dox when MM cells were cultured on fibronectin-coated plates. Finally, in a MM xenograft model, nanoparticles preferentially homed to MM tumors with ∼10 fold more drug accumulation and demonstrated dramatic tumor growth inhibition with a reduced overall systemic toxicity. Altogether, we demonstrate the disease driven engineering of a nanoparticle-based drug delivery system, enabling the model of an integrative approach in the treatment of MM.
Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: John Bridgewater, Peter R. Galle, Shahid A. Khan, Josep M. Llovet, Joong-Won Park, Tushar Patel, Timothy M. Pawlik, Gregory J. Gores
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2014)

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) comprises a heterogeneous group of cancers with pathologic features of biliary tract differentiation, and is presumed to arise from the intra- or extrahepatic biliary tract. Two recent papers suggest these cancers may also arise directly from transdifferentiation of hepatocytes [1,2]. Gallbladder cancer is distinct from cholangiocarcinoma in epidemiology, pathobiology, clinical presentation and management, and should be considered a different form of biliary tract cancer [3].
Arsenic concentrations in well water and risk of bladder and kidney cancer in Finland.
Authors: P Kurttio, E Pukkala, H Kahelin, A Auvinen, J Pekkanen
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (1999)

We assessed the levels of arsenic in drilled wells in Finland and studied the association of arsenic exposure with the risk of bladder and kidney cancers. The study persons were selected from a register-based cohort of all Finns who had lived at an address outside the municipal drinking-water system during 1967-1980 (n = 144,627). The final study population consisted of 61 bladder cancer cases and 49 kidney cancer cases diagnosed between 1981 and 1995, as well as an age- and sex-balanced random sample of 275 subjects (reference cohort). Water samples were obtained from the wells used by the study population at least during 1967-1980. The total arsenic concentrations in the wells of the reference cohort were low (median = 0.1 microg/L; maximum = 64 microg/L), and 1% exceeded 10 microg/L. Arsenic exposure was estimated as arsenic concentration in the well, daily dose, and cumulative dose of arsenic. None of the exposure indicators was statistically significantly associated with the risk of kidney cancer. Bladder cancer tended to be associated with arsenic concentration and daily dose during the third to ninth years prior to the cancer diagnosis; the risk ratios for arsenic concentration categories 0.1-0.5 and [Greater/equal to] 0.5 microg/L relative to the category with < 0.1 microg/L were 1.53 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.75-3.09] and 2.44 (CI, 1.11-5.37), respectively. In spite of very low exposure levels, we found some evidence of an association between arsenic and bladder cancer risk. More studies are needed to confirm the possible association between arsenic and bladder cancer risk at such low exposure levels.
EXPERIMENTS ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE ACTIVE AGENT OF MOSAIC DISEASE IN TOBACCO AND TOMATO PLANTS
Authors: Peter K. Olitsky
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1925)

The results of the attempts here described to cultivate the incitant of mosaic disease of tobacco and tomato plants give good reason to suppose that this has been accomplished. The agent in the tissues of affected plants induces the disease not infrequently in a dilution of 1:10,000 but only very rarely at a higher dilution. During its transference from tube to tube of the special medium used in the present study it underwent a dilution far beyond these effective limits-in one experiment to 4 x 10(-16). Nevertheless, the material of the remote subplants proved effective in inducing the disease, which appeared as rapidly and in as active a form as if the undiluted inoculum had been employed. Material derived from plants in which mosaic developed as result of inoculation with the culture fluid induced the disease in yet other plants, and from these again the agent could be propagated in vitro, or transfers to other plants could be made. In the course of the experiments a significant fact was noted; namely, that the agent present in remote subplants which can induce the disease was not readily filterable. The nature of the change thus indicated remains to be determined. No formed elements could at any time be distinguished in the medium. The conclusion seems justified that the incitant of mosaic disease of tobacco and tomatoes is a living microbic body which can be cultivated in an artificial medium.
Infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2
Authors: David M. Markovitz
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1993)

Purpose: To review the clinical, epidemiologic, and biological features of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2). Data Identification: Studies published since 1981 identified from MEDLINE searches, articles accumulated by the author, bibliographies of identified articles, and discussions with other investigators. Study Selection: Information for review was taken from the author's own studies, data from other investigators that have been submitted for publication, and from 131 of the more than 200 articles examined. Data Extraction: Pertinent studies were selected and the data synthesized into a review format. Results of Data Synthesis: Infection with HIV-2 is prevalent in West Africa and is increasingly being identified elsewhere. The human immunodeficiency virus type 2 is spread through sexual contact and via contaminated blood but, unlike HIV-1, perinatal transmission is limited. Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 is genetically much more closely related to the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) than to HIV-1; biological and demographic data suggest that HIV-2 may have originally been transmitted from monkeys to man. Although HIV-2 causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the asymptomatic incubation period after infection with HIV-2 appears to be substantially longer than that following HIV-1 infection. Consistent with these clinical observations, genetic regulation of HIV-2 differs from that of HIV-1. Therapeutic studies of patients infected with HIV-2 are lacking. Conclusions: The human immunodeficiency virus type 2 is prevalent in West Africa and is now recognized on several other continents, including North America. Its epidemiology, biology, and clinical course differ from HIV-1. Therapeutic studies are needed.
Cardiac-Specific Troponin I Levels and Risk of Coronary Artery Disease and Graft Failure Following Heart Transplantation
Authors: Carlos A. Labarrere
Journal: JAMA (2000)

6][17][18][19] It has been proposed that rejection episodes should lead to elevated serum troponin T concentrations following myocyte necrosis. 15However, data regarding this issue are controversial.1][22][23] Recipients who eventually develop transplant CAD or allograft failure show a prothrombogenic microvasculature and the presence of myocardial cell damage during the early months after transplantation. 20,22,23
[658] OPTIMAL PRE-TREATMENT HCV-RNA LEVEL FOR PREDICTION OF SVR WITH PEGINTERFERON a-2a (40 kD) PLUS RIBAVIRIN IN GENOTYPE 1 PATIENTS: GENERALISED ADDITIVE LOGISTIC REGRESSION MODEL (GAM) ANALYSIS
Authors: S. Zeuzem, M.W. Fried, F. Torriani, E. Zehnter, T. Berg, A. Lin, S.J. Hadziyannis
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2007)
Effect of Deuterium Oxide on Wound Healing, Collagen and Metabolism of Rats
Authors: Hyman Rosen, Erving F. Geever, Costan W. Berard, Stanley M. Levenson
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1964)

IT has been found that molecular forms of proteins are significantly different in deuterium oxide from those in water. For example, ovalbumin undergoes urea denaturation more slowly in deuterium oxide than in water,1 ribonuclease dissolved in deuterium oxide is more stably held in the alpha-helix form than then in water,2 and collagen is more stable in deuterium oxide solutions of acetic acid than it is in water solutions of this acid. The last is evidenced by the markedly greater viscosity of these solutions of deuterium and acetic acid at a given temperature than solutions of water and acetic acid, the . . .
Asthma, skin symptoms, and allergy in a condom factory
Authors: A. Rask‐Andersen, J. Boman, A. Grängsjö, M. Silverdal, M. Lindberg, M. Lundberg, L. Svensson
Journal: Allergy (2000)

Background: Cases of occupational asthma have been reported in condom factories in the UK and France, but there has been no epidemiologic studyof groups of workers in such factories. This investigation aimed to study the prevalence of symptoms in a Swedish condom factory, to determine groupsat special risk, and to suggest preventive measures. Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to 35 employees, 29 women and six men with mean ages of 37 and 32 years, respectively. All subjects were interviewed by a physician and underwent skin prick test with latex and epicutaneous testing with 39 substances, and blood samples were taken for allergy testing. Results: Phadiatop® was positive in 23%, RAST against Lycopodium in 31%,and RAST against latex in one of these 11. Ten subjects (29%) had work‐related nose/eye symptoms; of these, eight had positive RAST to Lycopodium; three also had symptoms of occupational asthma and contact urticaria. Only one had positive RAST to latex. Five of the nine subjects with positive Phadiatop also had positive RAST to Lycopodium . All those with RAST positive to Lycopodium had worked in packaging, the area of the factory with the greatest exposure. The results of the patch tests did not correlate with the work‐related symptoms. Conclusions: In a Swedish condom factory, there were a high prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis and a small number of cases of asthma and contact urticaria caused by allergy to Lycopodium .
Effects of nonpathogenic gram-negative bacterium<i>Vitreoscilla filiformis</i>lysate on atopic dermatitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Does this make a real difference?
Authors: L. La Colla, Alb. Mangano, Ale. Mangano, A. Albertin
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2009)

Conflicts of interest: none declared. Sir, We read with interest the article published by Drs Gueniche et al.1 While the authors are to be commended for their aim to conduct a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial about the effect of a nonpathogen bacterium on the course of atopic dermatitis, there are some issues with both the design of the study and the statistical analysis used. As for study design, the major issue is that there is no reference to any sample size calculation. In fact, in order for a particular finding to be claimed as significant (or not), the study should be powered enough. In this particular case, the authors do not state anything about the expected change in SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Therefore, it is almost impossible to perform a pre‐study sample size calculation (at least, we could not). Similarly, as the authors do not provide any tables describing their data, it is almost impossible to perform a post‐hoc sample size calculation or power analysis on the statistical tests they have used. However, given the significant overlap of VAS scores in the groups (see Fig. 4 in the referenced paper1), a total sample of 75 patients might not have been sufficient to make inferences with a real significance (e.g. considering the ‘standard’α error of 0·05 and a power of 0·8). As the authors do actually draw conclusions from their data, could they confirm the correctness of their sample size calculation or provide the power and level of significance of each test given a total sample of 75 patients?