tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Behcet Disease with Pentoxifylline
Authors: Kozo Yasui
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1997)

Letters15 March 1997Treatment of Behcet Disease with PentoxifyllineKozo Yasui, MD, Kouichi Ohta, MD, and Atsushi Komiyama, MDKozo Yasui, MDShinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, JapanSearch for more papers by this author, Kouichi Ohta, MDShinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, JapanSearch for more papers by this author, and Atsushi Komiyama, MDShinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, JapanSearch for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-126-6-199703150-00023 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail IN RESPONSE:We agree with Dr. Wolchok that some inflammatory cytokines may play a substantial role in the pathogenesis of Behcet disease. Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-8 may be the most likely candidates, but serum levels of TNF-α measured in our patient 1 before pentoxifylline treatment was started were not significantly elevated. Other studies have also reported that TNF-α levels were not elevated in patients with Behcet disease [1]. Thus, we did not mention the inhibitory effect of pentoxifylline on production of TNF-α by mononuclear cells.As Arici and associates mention, pathogenetic mechanisms underlying Behcet disease are multifactorial and still ...References1. al-Dalaan A, al-Sedairy S, al-Balaa S, al-Janadi M, Elramahi K, Bahabri S, et al. Enhanced interleukin 8 secretion in circulation of patients with Behcet's disease. J Rheumatol. 1995; 22:904-7. Google Scholar2. Muller W, Lehner T. Quantitative electron microscopical analysis of leukocyte infiltration in oral ulcers of Behcet's syndrome. Br J Dermatol. 1982; 106:535-44. Google Scholar3. Chajek-Shaul T, Pisanty S, Knobler H, Matzner Y, Glick M, Ron N, et al. HLA-B51 may serve as an immunogenetic marker for a subgroup of patients with Behcet's syndrome. Am J Med. 1987; 83:666-72. Google Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: Kozo Yasui, MD; Kouichi Ohta, MD; Atsushi Komiyama, MDAffiliations: Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics 15 March 1997Volume 126, Issue 6Page: 494KeywordsAntibodiesColchicineImmune complexNecrosisNeutrophilsPathogenesisPathogensUlcersVasculitisVisual acuity ePublished: 15 August 2000 Issue Published: 15 March 1997 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 1997 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF downloadLoading ...
1052 SOCS1 PROTECTS AGAINST THE ONCOGENIC POTENTIAL OF p21Cip1WAF IN THE LIVER
Authors: M. Yeganeh, Y. Gui, Y.C. Donates, W.-S. Tobelaim, V. Boudreau, C. Saucier, G. Ferbeyre, S. Ramanathan, S. Ilangumaran
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2013)
Portuguese health system is still too reliant on emergency care, finds review
Authors: T. Villanueva
Journal: BMJ (2012)

The level of attendance at emergency departments in Portugal is about twice that of the United Kingdom and 50% more than in France, and about a quarter of patients attending don’t need immediate care, says a review of the country’s health system.

The report by the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies says that despite the increased cost of emergency care “many patients prefer to go directly to emergency care services in hospitals or the private sector where the full range of diagnostic tests can be obtained in a few hours.” In contrast, the number of outpatient contacts is 4.5 per person per year, substantially lower than the European Union average (6.2).

The report shows that the number of doctors in Portugal (377 doctors per 100 000 population) is above the EU average (328 per 100 000 population), although the number …
DOES POWER MATTER FOR THE ISOLATION OF THE PULMONARY VEINS? RESULT FROM A prospective randomized TRIAL
Authors: Luigi Di Biase, Pasquale Santangeli, John Burkhardt, Rong Bai, Prasant Mohanty, Sanghamitra Mohanty, Justin Price, Trivedi Chintan, Rachel (Xue) Yan, Javier Sanchez, Joe Gallinghouse, Salwa Beheiry, Richard Hongo, Jason Zagrodzky, Rodney Horton, Antonio Dello Russo, Michela Casella, Gaetano Fassini, Corrado Carbucicchio, Claudio Tondo, Andrea Natale
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2013)
Cause of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Authors: Carlos Navarro
Journal: JAMA (1984)

To the Editor.—  A recent issue contains a hypothesis of etiologic factors in pathogenesis of AIDS, the widely publicized condition affecting chiefly homosexual men, that is fascinating but not entirely new. In 1982, two of us (C.N. and J.W.C.H.) proposed a similar hypothesis 1 emphasizing, however, the immunosuppressive effects of human seminal plasma rather than sperm alone. The prostaglandins and polyamines present in semen are held responsible for this immunosuppressive capacity. Furthermore, prostaglandins have been implicated as factors inducing tumors, including skin tumors. 1 Prostaglandins should then be taken into account in the investigation of agents leading to AIDS, both as immunosuppressors and as possible inducers of Kaposi's sarcoma in male homosexuals.  We also postulated the possible transfer of allogeneic lymphocytes through the rectal mucosa and pointed out the similarity of AIDS to chronic graft- v -host disease (GVHD), particularly with a subset of patients who have increased activity of suppressor
Follow-up of patients undergoing percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy. Analysis of factors determining restenosis.
Authors: I F Palacios, P C Block, G T Wilkins, A E Weyman
Journal: Circulation (1989)

This study reports the clinical follow-up (13 +/- 1 months) of 100 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy (PMV). Echocardiographic (n = 32) and cardiac catheterization (n = 37) data from this group are also included. Patients were divided into two groups by an echocardiographic score. PMV resulted in a good hemodynamic result (post-PMV mitral valve area, greater than or equal to 1.5 cm2) in 88% of patients with a score of 8 or less and 44% of patients with a score of more than 8. Eighty-eight percent of patients with a score of 8 or less (n = 57) were New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional Classes III and IV before PMV; at follow-up, 81% were NYHA Class I and 12% were NYHA Class II. There were no deaths; three patients underwent mitral valve replacement (MVR). Ninety-eight percent of patients with a score of more than 8 (n = 43) were NYHA Classes III and IV before PMV; at follow-up, 58% were NYHA Classes I and II. Seven patients who did not improve and were not surgical candidates died 3.8 +/- 1.2 months after PMV. Nine patients who were surgical candidates underwent elective MVR at 4 +/- 0.9 months after PMV. Repeat cardiac catheterization demonstrated restenosis in only one of 27 patients (4%) with a score of 8 or less. Mitral valve area after PMV was 1.9 +/- 0.1 cm2 and at follow-up was 2 +/- 0.1 cm2 (NS).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Chronic Cholangitides: Aetiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Authors: S. Sherlock
Journal: BMJ (1968)

A number of different chronic diseases affect the intrahepatic bile radicles or cholangioles. They include primary and secondary sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, chronic cholestatic drug jaundice, atresia, and carcinoma. Aetiological factors include infection, immunological changes, hormones, and congenital defects. Patients with chronic cholestasis have decreased bile salts in the intestinal contents and suffer from a bile salt deficiency syndrome. Failure to absorb dietary fat is managed by a low-fat diet and by medium-chain trigly-cerides which are absorbed in the absence of intestinal bile salts. Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies are prevented by <i>parenteral</i> vitamins A, D, and K<sub>1</sub>. Calcium absorption is defective, and improvement may follow intramuscular vitamin D, medium-chain triglycerides, a low-fat diet, and oral calcium supplements. In partial intestinal bile salt deficiency the anionic bile-salt-chelating resin cholestyramine controls pruritus though steatorrhoea increases. Pruritus associated with total lack of intestinal bile salts is managed by methyl-testosterone or norethandrolone, though the jaundice increases.
Hydrolysis of Bradykinin by Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme
Authors: FREDERIC E. DORER, JOSEPH R. KAHN, KENNETH E. LENTZ, MELVIN LEVINE, LEONARD T. SKEGGS
Journal: Circulation Research (1974)

Two dipeptides, phenylalanylarginine (Phe-Arg) and serylproline (Ser-Pro), are released sequentially from bradykinin by angiotensin-converting enzyme purified from hog lungs; chloride increases the rate of release of both dipeptides. Using an automated ninhydrin-reagent method, we studied the kinetics of bradykinin hydrolysis. The reaction proceeded in the absence of chloride; however, the addition of chloride increased the rate of hydrolysis by decreasing K m and increasing V m . The K m values for bradykinin were 3.9 x 10 -6 M in the absence of chloride and 0.85 x 10 -6 M in the presence of 0.01m NaCl (optimal concentration). Both of these K m values were well below the value of 30 x 10 -6 M determined for angiotensin I at its optimal chloride concentration of 0.1M. Hydrolysis of bradykinin had a pH optimum of 7 and was inhibited by low concentrations (10 -6 M) of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or the nonapeptide pyroglutamyl (Pyr)-Trp-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gln-Ile-Pro-Pro. It is concluded that one enzyme, acting as a dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase, catalyzes both the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II and the hydrolysis of bradykinin.
Opiate detoxification under anesthesia
Authors: J. H. Solomont
Journal: JAMA (1997)

To the Editor.  —In the Medical News & Perspectives1article regarding opiate detoxification, an otherwise fair and balanced survey of the matter was marred by several instances of misleading information and factual errors.  CITA International and its subsidiary, CITAmericas, Inc, have treated more than 4000 patients with no instances of mortality and no substantial morbidity. Clinical outcomes of naturalistic studies conducted by CITA have been published2and in other instances are under review by several peer-reviewed journals. Unlike other organizations that may tout painless opiate detoxification services, CITA does not offer an easy cure for addiction and does not condone drive-through outpatient detoxification. The CITA Method comprises 2 inextricably related components—Ultra Rapid Opiate Detoxification and the Flexible Intensity Treatment program, a comprehensive psychotherapeutic program designed to minimize the incidence of relapse following detoxification.  The safety concerns mentioned in the report by Dr Stephenson may well be cited but misrepresent the facts since
Two-Year Morbidity–Mortality and Alternatives to Prolonged Breast-Feeding among Children Born to HIV-Infected Mothers in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Renaud Becquet, Laurence Bequet, Didier K Ekouevi, Ida Viho, Charlotte Sakarovitch, Patricia Fassinou, Gédéon Bedikou, Marguerite Timite-Konan, François Dabis, Valériane Leroy
Journal: PLoS Medicine (2007)

Little is known about the long-term safety of infant feeding interventions aimed at reducing breast milk HIV transmission in Africa.
Nuclear Medicine: Endocrinology
Authors: Adolph J. Rabinovitz
Journal: JAMA (1978)

The Nobel prize for medicine in 1977 appropriately recognized the importance of radioimmunoassay (RIA). This analytic technique, measuring small quantities of hormones, permitted endocrinology to take a giant step forward. This book presents the new diagnostic approaches, largely based on RIA, on a background of basic physiology and commonly encountered clinical problems. It also presents the essential technical aspects of the various tests (in vitro and in vivo) to enable one to request and interpret laboratory support intelligently and apply various clinical tests. Pictures, tables, and graphs contribute greatly to the text. The quality and mode of presentation are remarkably uniform for a multiauthored book (26 contributors), which is a credit to the editor. The title<i>Nuclear Medicine</i>is somewhat of a misnomer, since a chapter on ultrasound is also included. Some redundancy, from chapter to chapter, on RIA and basic hormonal physiologic relationship may actually make the text more
Loss of high affinity cardiac beta adrenergic receptors in dogs with heart failure.
Authors: D E Vatner, S F Vatner, A M Fujii, C J Homcy
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1985)

We studied the alterations in myocardial beta-adrenergic receptor-adenylate cyclase activity and muscarinic receptor density in a canine model of left ventricular (LV) failure. LV failure was characterized by a doubling of LV weight/body weight ratio (3.3 +/- 0.1 to 6.9 +/- 0.4 g/kg) and an elevation of LV end-diastolic pressure, 32 +/- 4.5 mmHg, compared with 7.7 +/- 0.6 mmHg in normal dogs. Despite a 44% increase in receptor density as measured by antagonist binding studies with [3H]dihydroalprenolol, there was a twofold decrease in receptor affinity, i.e., an increase in the dissociation constant (Kd) (5.6 +/- 0.7 to 12 +/- 1.6 nM) in heart failure. Agonist displacement of [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding with isoproterenol in the presence and absence of 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate [Gpp(NH)p] demonstrated a striking loss of high affinity binding sites in heart failure (51 +/- 16 to 11 +/- 5%). Beta-Adrenergic receptor-mediated stimulation of adenylate cyclase and maximal stimulation with Gpp(NH)p or sodium fluoride was reduced in heart failure. There was a concomitant marked, P less than 0.01, reduction in muscarinic receptor density (242 +/- 19 vs. 111 +/- 20 fmol/mg). Thus, while muscarinic receptor density fell, beta-adrenergic receptor density actually increased in LV failure. However, a larger portion of the beta-adrenergic receptors are not functionally coupled to the GTP-stimulatory protein (Ns), as evidenced by a decrease in the fraction of receptors that bind agonist with high affinity.
Lessons in human biology from a monogenic pancreatic β cell disease
Authors: Benjamin Glaser
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2011)

Deciphering the complexities of human β cell physiology is critical to our understanding of the pathophysiology behind both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. One way to do this is to study individuals with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), a rare genetic disease characterized by dysregulation of insulin secretion resulting in hypoglycemia. In this issue of the JCI, Henquin et al. report in vitro studies of pancreatic tissue obtained from CHI patients during therapeutic pancreatectomy that have yielded exciting new insights into human β cell physiology. The data validate and extend observations made in model organisms.
Effect of transmural vagal stimulation on electrotonic current spread in the rabbit sinoatrial node
Authors: J J Duivenvoorden, L N Bouman, T Opthof, F F Bukauskas, H J Jongsma
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (1992)

The effect of vagal stimulation on the decay of electrotonic potential caused by intracellular current injection and on input resistance was measured in the sinoatrial node of isolated rabbit right atria.Studies were performed on New Zealand White rabbits weighing approximately 2-3 kg. Vagal stimulation was achieved by transmural stimulation of intramural nerve fibres in the presence of propranolol. A K+ perfused suction electrode was used to inject hyperpolarising current pulses; input resistance was measured by means of a double barrel microelectrode.Vagal stimulation which caused a 14-20% increase of cycle length diminished electronic potential significantly by a decrease of membrane resistance. The input resistance of the sinoatrial node was not affected. Space constant values calculated by using either a one or a two dimensional model of electrotonic current spread were decreased on average by 13% and 14% respectively.The results from this study show that vagal stimulation which gave rise to a moderate negative chronotropic effect and marked changes in action potential configuration of nodal fibres affects the electrotonic interaction within the sinoatrial node. This may have consequences for the electrical activity and synchronisation of the sinoatrial nodal fibres.
Inequality can lead to poor mental health and depression, report says
Authors: L. Eaton
Journal: BMJ (2009)

GP surgeries could play a vital role in reducing the health effects of the divide between rich and poor, particularly in the current recession, says the author of a World Health Organization endorsed report.

The comments stem from a report by the Mental Health Foundation, which shows that the divide between rich and poor can have a detrimental effect on people’s mental health.

Its author, Dr Lynne Friedli, a mental health promotion specialist, argues that as well as dealing with physical illness, GP surgeries need to tackle psychological problems also.

Her report claims that inequality triggers the “fight or flight” response in humans. Living with inequality can raise …
INJURY AND ILLNESS RISKS DURING OUTDOOR EUROPEAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS: ANALYSIS OF HELSINKI 2012 CHAMPIONSHIPS
Authors: P Edouard, F Depiesse, P Branco, JM Alonso
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2014)

Objectives To evaluate the improvement in the medical surveillance system, and to continue the identification and analyses of the incidence and characteristics of newly incurred injuries and illnesses during major Athletics Championships, in order to discuss injury and illness risk factors. Design Prospective recording of newly occurred injuries and illnesses. Setting The 2012 European Athletics Championships in Helsinki, Finland. Participants The 1342 registered athletes, and the physicians and physiotherapists from the national team and local organising committee. Main outcome measures Incidence and characteristics of new injuries and illnesses. Results Regarding the medical surveillance system, all countries with more than 15 registered athletes (n=30; 60% of 50 national teams) participated in this study covering 1244 athletes (92.7% of 1342 registered), with report forms response rate of 90.7%. Overall 132 injuries were reported, representing an incidence of 97.6 injuries per 1000 registered athletes, and 61 (47%) resulted in time-loss from sport. The main injury diagnoses were hamstring strain, ankle sprain, lower leg strain, and trunk muscle cramps. Overuse (38%) was the predominant cause, but non-contact trauma represent 25% of injury causes. Injury risk was higher in male and increased with age. Injury risk during finals was significantly higher than during qualifying rounds. The highest incidences of injuries were found in combined events and middle- and long-distance events. 27 illnesses were reported, with most of upper respiratory tract infections and gastro-enteritis/diarrhoea. Illness risk factors remains unclear. Conclusions The injury and illness surveillance system seems to have improved since the first Athletics studies. During elite Athletics Championships, the gender, age, finals and some disciplines seem to be injury risk factors. Illness risk factors remains unclear. Preventive interventions should focus on overuse injuries, hamstring strains, and adequate rehabilitation of previous injuries, and to decrease the risk of infectious diseases transmission (on appropriate event scheduling, appropriate sports clothes on weather conditions and heat acclimatization).
Spontaneous Clearance and Reactivation of Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Male Homosexuals with Chronic Type B Hepatitis
Authors: ROBERT P. PERRILLO
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1984)

Abrupt increases of alanine transaminase were observed in 6 of 23 non-treated, male homosexuals with chronic hepatitis associated with hepatitis B virus. Before this occurrence, all subjects had hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and elevated DNA polymerase activity. Within 3 months, HBeAg was nondetectable in 3 subjects and elevated DNA polymerase disappeared in 4. These serologic events were not always sustained, however. In 3 subjects, reactivation of hepatitis B virus infection occurred within the subsequent 6-month period. Serologic testing for cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, delta agent, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) subtype showed that episodes of clearance and reactivation were not explainable by secondary infection with these agents or infection with a different HBsAg subtype. Spontaneous clearance and reactivation of hepatitis B virus infection may commonly occur among male homosexuals with chronic type B hepatitis. These phenomena should be considered when evaluating the need for treatment or interpreting the results of investigations that use anti-viral therapy.
Meningomyelitis due to brucellosis.
Authors: M. G. Sahadevan, M. Singh, P. P. Joseph, R. S. Hoon
Journal: BMJ (1968)

sided and his urine remained free of albumin and red blood cells.Six days after admission he complained of pain in his scrotum, which on examination was found to be slightly oedematous.No other abnormality was noted, but during the next two hours the pain worsened, the scrotum became very much more swollen, and there was extreme tenderness of the right testis with bluish-red discoloration of the overlying scrotal skin.There was also some tenderness along the spermatic cord.His temperature was normal but the pulse rate was 110.Clinically it seemed likely he had torsion of the right testis, and exploration was carried out the same evening.At operation the scrotal oedema and discoloration were noted, but there was no evidence of torsion and the body of the testis was normal.There were, however, purpuric spots scattered over the epididymis, similar to those found on the bowel wall in patients with anaphylactoid purpura requiring laparotomy on account of abdominal pain.The scrotal swelling was presumed similar in nature to the swelling that may occur in relation to joints or over the dorsum of the hands and feet in this condition, but no definite cause for the testicular pain could be found.Presumably oedema in or around the nerve endings on the surface of the testis could have been responsible.Prednisolone was given, and by the following day the scrotal oedema and pain were very much less, completely disappearing during the ensuing 72 hours.Despite the use of steroids the boy had an attack of colicky abdominal pain, and his stool 48 hours later showed a positive reaction for occult blood.His subsequent progress, how- ever, was satisfactory, his urine remained clear, and when seen at the follow-up clinic one month after discharge he was well and both testes appeared equal in size and of normal consistency.
Thrombospondin-1 plays a profibrotic and pro-inflammatory role during ureteric obstruction
Authors: Naïke Bige, Nasim Shweke, Safa Benhassine, Chantal Jouanneau, Sophie Vandermeersch, Jean-Claude Dussaule, Christos Chatziantoniou, Pierre Ronco, Jean-Jacques Boffa
Journal: Kidney International (2012)