tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Initial Experience With an Implantable Hemodynamic Monitor
Authors: David M. Steinhaus, Robert Lemery, Dennis R. Bresnahan, Larry Handlin, Tom Bennett, Alan Moore, Debbie Cardinal, Laura Foley, Richard Levine
Journal: Circulation (1996)

Background Measurement of intracardiac hemodynamic parameters has been limited to brief periods in the acute care setting. We developed and evaluated an implantable hemodynamic monitor that is capable of measuring chronic right ventricular oxygen saturation and pulmonary artery pressure. Methods and Results The device consists of an electronic controller placed subcutaneously and two transvenous leads placed in the right ventricle (reflectance oximeter) and pulmonary artery (variable capacitance pressure sensor). Implantation was performed in 10 patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction. Average implant pulmonary artery pressures were systolic, 52±16 mm Hg; diastolic, 29±11 mm Hg; and mean, 40±12 mm Hg. The mean right ventricular oxygen saturation at implant was 51%. Provocative maneuvers, including postural changes, sublingual nitroglycerin, and bicycle exercise, demonstrated expected changes in measured oxygen saturation and pulmonary artery pressures over time. At follow-up of 0.5 to 15.5 months, there were no significant differences between pulmonary artery pressures or oxygen saturation values transmitted from the device and simultaneous measurement with balloon flotation catheters. Four of the pulmonary artery leads dislodged and three demonstrated sensor drift, whereas two of the oxygen saturation sensors failed. Four patients died and four received transplants. Pathological study did not demonstrate injury to the right ventricular outflow tract or pulmonic valve. Conclusions Chronic measurement of hemodynamic parameters in the outpatient setting with implantable sensor technology appears to be feasible. The devices are well tolerated without significant untoward effects, and the sensors generally function well over time, providing reliable information. Clinical usefulness remains to be established.
Increased cerebral and peripheral vasodilation, and whole body nitricoxide (NO) production after insertion of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPSS) in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Rajiv Jalan, Steven Olde Damink, Nicholaas Deutz, Doris Redhead, Alistair Lee
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2002)
Interstitial Collagenase (MMP-1) Expression in Human Carotid Atherosclerosis
Authors: Seppo T. Nikkari, Kevin D. O’Brien, Marina Ferguson, Thomas Hatsukami, Howard G. Welgus, Charles E. Alpers, Alexander W. Clowes
Journal: Circulation (1995)

Background In human atherosclerosis, most clinical events occur when plaque integrity is compromised and hemorrhage and thrombosis result. One mechanism for this might be the release by plaque cells of matrix-degrading proteases, such as interstitial collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-1, MMP-1), which degrades two major plaque structural proteins, types I and III collagen. This study was undertaken to determine whether MMP-1 is expressed in human atherosclerotic plaques. Methods and Results To determine the cellular source and location of MMP-1 in human carotid atherosclerotic lesions, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were performed on 20 endarterectomy specimens. Six nonatherosclerotic carotid arteries also were studied. Intense MMP-1 expression (mRNA and protein) was detected in a subset of plaque macrophages located at the borders of the lipid cores adjacent to fibrous caps and shoulder regions. Subsets of plaque smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells also expressed MMP-1. There was a strong correlation between the percentage of the lipid core occupied by hemorrhage and the percentage of the lipid core perimeter positive for MMP-1 ( r =.823, P =.0001). MMP-1 was not detected in any cell type in nonatherosclerotic carotid arteries. Conclusions This study demonstrates that MMP-1 is expressed by several cell types in human carotid atherosclerosis and that there is a correlation between the expression of the protease and histopathological evidence of plaque instability. Since MMP-1 may degrade the major structural collagens of the plaque, expression of the protease by macrophages in regions critical to plaque integrity could contribute to plaque expansion, rupture, and hemorrhage.
Single dosing comparison of the relative cardiac beta 1/beta 2 activity of inhaled fenoterol and salbutamol in normal subjects.
Authors: D M Newnham, N M Wheeldon, B J Lipworth, D G McDevitt
Journal: Thorax (1993)

BACKGROUND--The aim of the present study was to compare the dose related effects of fenoterol and salbutamol on cardiac beta 1 and beta 2 receptors using the beta 1 selective antagonist atenolol, in order to dissect out relative beta 1/beta 2 mediated responses. METHODS--Fourteen normal volunteers were randomised to receive pretreatment with either atenolol 25 mg or placebo, followed by inhaled fenoterol or salbutamol in equal doses by weight (cumulative doses of 1 mg and 4 mg). Measurements were made 30 minutes after inhaling each dose of beta 2 agonist. Values (mean and 95% CI) were expressed as a change from baseline. RESULTS--At 4 mg fenoterol produced equivalent falls in serum potassium and increases in tremor to salbutamol. The mean (95% CI) increase in heart rate (beats/min) with fenoterol at 4 mg after placebo was 47 (41-53) and after atenolol was 34 (28-40), with values for salbutamol being 46 (40-52) after placebo and 30 (24-36) after atenolol. The inotropic response (stroke distance) after atenolol at the 4 mg dose was 5.0 (3.9-6.1) cm for fenoterol and 4.7 (3.5-5.9) cm for salbutamol. There were no significant differences in heart rate or stroke distance response between the two drugs after either placebo or atenolol. Furthermore, ECG effects (Q-Tc and T wave) of fenoterol and salbutamol were comparable at both doses. CONCLUSIONS--These results show that there is no difference in the respective chronotropic or inotropic activities of fenoterol and salbutamol on cardiac beta 1 or beta 2 receptors when given at higher than conventional doses.
Can phenformin-induced lactic acidosis be prevented?
Authors: E A Gale, R B Tattersall
Journal: BMJ (1976)

Although patients taking phenformin are more likely to develop lactic acidosis in the presence of renal, cardiovascular, or hepatic disease, criteria for safe use of the drug are not well established. Eight diabetics died of lactic acidosis in Nottingham in 1972-5 and all were taking phenformin in therapeutic doses. Six had attended the diabetic clinic within a month of their terminal illness. Two patients had appreciable renal impairment and should not have been given phenformin. Four had hypertension and minimal evidence of renal disease, while in two no predisposing factor was identified. There are so many contraindications to the use of phenformin that it is doubtful whether patients on the drug can be monitored adequately. We suggest that phenformin should be withdrawn from general use.
18 F-FLUORODEOXYGLUCOSE POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FOR LOCALIZATION OF INFLAMED AND LIPID-RICH AORTIC PLAQUES
Authors: Sharath Subramanian, Meredith Lawler, Jayanthi Vijayakumar, Amr Abdelbaky, Thomas Brady, Zahi Fayad, John Chen, Ahmed Tawakol
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2011)
Author's reply to Hayes and Broggio
Authors: D. Spence
Journal: BMJ (2011)

I referenced my facts from national data sources,1 but like all “facts” they are debatable and often contradictory.2 3 The key issue, however, is whether the observed increased incidence of melanoma is real or an overdiagnosis artefact.

Overdiagnosis occurs when “cancers” that would never progress to overt disease are removed. This can reflect variation in histological practice. Doctors …
Ionizing radiation–induced expression of INK4a/ARF in murine bone marrow–derived stromal cell populations interferes with bone marrow homeostasis
Authors: Cynthia L. Carbonneau, Geneviève Despars, Shanti Rojas-Sutterlin, Audrey Fortin, Oanh Le, Trang Hoang, Christian M. Beauséjour
Journal: Blood (2011)
Hemodialysis-Induced Release of Hemoglobin Limits Nitric Oxide Bioavailability and Impairs Vascular Function
Authors: Christian Meyer, Christian Heiss, Christine Drexhage, Eva S. Kehmeier, Jan Balzer, Anja Mühlfeld, Marc W. Merx, Thomas Lauer, Harald Kühl, Jürgen Floege, Malte Kelm, Tienush Rassaf
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2010)
Police investigate allegations of data falsification at Essex hospital
Authors: C. Dyer
Journal: BMJ (2013)

Essex Police are considering launching a criminal investigation into allegations that junior administrative staff were bullied into falsifying data to cover up delays in treating patients with cancer at Colchester General Hospital in Essex.

Police were called in by the chief inspector of hospitals, Mike Richards, after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out an unannounced inspection in response to a whistleblower’s tip off.

Hospital staff told the inspectors, who visited in August and September, that they had been pressured or bullied by managers to alter data to make it appear that patients who experienced delays had been treated in line with national guidelines.

These guidelines provide that patients who are suspected of having cancer should see a …
Near-Fatal Hyperacute Reaction to Intravenously Administered Heroin
Authors: Arnold Werner
Journal: JAMA (1969)

Respiratory arrest occurring within minutes of a dose of intravenously administered heroin was successfully treated with simple resuscitative measures. Sudden death from heroin is poorly understood. This case points to a mechanism primarily involving respiratory rhythm. The disturbance is of a very transient nature and differs from respiratory depression from overdose.
FTA-ABS and VDRL Slide Test Reactivity in a Population of Nuns
Authors: Jerome N. Goldman
Journal: JAMA (1971)

Although the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test is extremely sensitive and widely utilized as a confirmatory test for syphilis, additional data are needed concerning its specificity. The FTA-ABS tests performed on the serum samples of 250 female lifelong celibates with no history of acquired or congenital syphilis indicated less than a 1% incidence of unexplained, probably false-positive reactions. None of the serum samples were reactive to venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) slide testing.
The Yersinia kristensenii O11 O-Antigen Gene Cluster was Acquired by Lateral Gene Transfer and Incorporated at a Novel Chromosomal Locus
Authors: M. M. Cunneen, P. R. Reeves
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (2007)

We have sequenced the O-antigen gene clusters for the Escherichia coli O98 and Yersinia kristensenii O11 O antigens. The basic structures of these O antigens are identical, and the sequence data indicate that Y. kristensenii O11 gained its O-antigen gene cluster by lateral gene transfer (LGT). Escherichia coli O98 has a typical O-antigen gene cluster between galF and gnd as is usual in E. coli. However, the O-antigen gene cluster of Y. kristensenii O11 is not located at the traditional Yersinia O-antigen gene cluster locus, between hemH and gsk, but at a novel chromosomal locus between aroA and cmk where it is flanked by remnant galF and gnd genes that indicate the probable source of the gene cluster. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the source was not E. coli itself but a species in the Escherichia, Salmonella, and Klebsiella group of genera. Although other O-antigen studies imply LGT on the basis of the hypervariability of the loci and GC content, this report also identifies a potential donor and provides evidence for the mechanism involved. Remnant insertion sequence (IS) sequences flank the galF and gnd remnants and suggest that LGT of the gene cluster was IS mediated.
Abstract 2113: Age and Pathology Impair Cardiac Stem Cells
Authors: Daniela Cesselli, Antonio Paolo Beltrami, Federica D'Aurizio, Patrizia Marcon, Elisa Puppato, Natascha Bergamin, Silvia Rigo, Nicoletta Finato, Stefania Marzinotto, Barbara Toffoletto, Carlo Alberto Beltrami
Journal: Circulation (2009)

Cardiac stem cells (CSCs), expressing Oct-4, NANOG and Sox-2, displayed, in vitro, extensive growth capacity, telomerase activity, clonogenicity and wide multipotency.  Aims: to verify if age and heart failure impair CSCs.  Methods and results: an in vitro system aimed at studying both senescence-associated molecular changes and functional impairment of CSCs was developed. Human CSCs were obtained from 18 donor hearts (D-CSCs) and 23 recipient hearts (R-CSCS). When compared in terms of telomerase activity, D-CSCs displayed significantly higher levels of enzymatic activity (154±76 TPG units vs. 30±29 TPG units, p=0.0002), longer telomeres (32±9 vs 24±8, p=0.012), and a lower fraction of cells with telomere dysfunction-induced foci-TIFs- (31.5±9.1 vs 33.7±7.3%, p=0.012). In R-CSCs, the presence of TIFs was associated with an increase in phospho-p53ser15, p21 and p16. Since age could affect the analyzed parameters, we determined, by statistical analysis, that pathology was an inedependent predictor of telomerase activity (p=0.0001), and TIFs (p=0.012). Finally, age and gender matched R- (n=21) and D-CSCs (n=12) were evaluated in terms of expansion potential, differentiation capacity, and migration ability. As expected, D-CSCs displayed, with respect to D-CSCs, longer population doubling time (55±15 vs 36±4 hours) and reduced maximum cell population doubling number (52±5 vs 43±6, p=0.002). Moreover, R-CSCs displayed a significantly impaired ability to differentiate into myocytes and endothelial cells and to migrate along a chemotactic gradient. However, when R-CSCs were cloned at single cell level, the fraction of TIF-positive cells was 40% smaller in clonogenic than in polyclonal recipient cells and the cardiomyogenic potential of cells from explanted hearts was partly restored when clonogenic cells were employed.  In conclusion: Although CSCs can be isolated and grown from atria of normal and pathological human hearts, pathological processes can functionally impair the resident cardiac stem cell reservoir. However, it is possible to isolate a rare population of clonogenic cells with unaffected potential. This rare population could represent the ideal cell source to be employed in autologous regenerative approaches.
Hazardous solid wastes generated in the cleanup of air and water.
Authors: M Eisenbud
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (1978)

Air and water pollution control programs sometimes result in production of solid wastes that are difficult to manage. The sludges from sewage treatment plants and flue gas scrubbers are two examples. In many coastal communities, there is no alternative to ocean dumpling of sewage sludges for the foreseeable future. The use of sludges as soil conditioners, their conversion to fuels by pyrolysis, and other alternatives are frequently mentioned options, but they have not been demonstrated to be practical on a large scale. The Federal requirement that ocean dumping be terminated by 1981 presents the large seaboard population centers with a dilemma, due to the absence of economically feasible alternative methods of disposal. Another major solid waste problem is arising from the Federal policy that requires flue gas desulfurization on practically all power plants. This policy, designed to reduce sulfur oxide emissions, will require that vast quantities of sludge be stored. Their environmental impact is as yet not fully evaluated. Commercial use of the sulfur or sulfates produced in these processes may be possible, but its practicability on a large scale remains to be demonstrated.
Urinary Calcium Oxalate Crystals in Ethylene Glycol Intoxication
Authors: Jose Morfin, Andrew Chin
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2005)

This 73-year-old man presented with a self-inflicted stab wound, plasma ethanol level of 27 mg per deciliter, and a pH of 6.91. Analysis of the urine showed calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals. Free crystals were extensive.
Professing Ethically
Authors: Leon R. Kass
Journal: JAMA (1983)

Medicine, despite technological advances and societal changes, remains essentially what it has always been, a profession rather than a trade, with its own ends, means, and intrinsic norms of conduct. Being a professional is an ethical matter, entailing devotion to a way of life, in the service of others and of some higher good. The medical profession is devoted to the naturally given end of health and assists the immanent powers of self-healing. It serves the needs as it treats the infirmities of the sick, sensitive to their vulnerability, shame, and exposure and mindful of the meaning of the delicate tension between bodily wholeness and necessary decay. These special characteristics imply specific and inherently medical obligations, both of omission and commission, as well as an appropriately reverential stance of the physician before his chosen profession. (<i>JAMA</i>1983;249:1305-1310)
Puff Adder Snakebite
Authors: William Y. Takahashi
Journal: JAMA (1970)

<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> Approximately 6,680 people are bitten annually by poisonous snakes in the United States.<sup>1</sup>Among these bites, it is estimated that about eight are by poisonous snakes from foreign countries.<sup>2</sup>During the ten-year period, 1950 through 1959, there were 138 fatal snakebites in the United States; three of them by imported snakes.<sup>3</sup>Because of the extensive use of antivenin in the United States, death due to native snake envenomation is remarkably small and only about 15 per cent are fatal cases. However, foreign snake envenomation causes a problem in the United States, due to a lack of specific antivenin, and difficulty in locating it. In this communication a bite by an African puff adder (<i>Bitis arietans</i>) is reported.
Dramatic Response to Low-Dose Erlotinib of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation-Positive Recurrent Non-small Cell Lung Cancer After Severe Cutaneous Toxicity
Authors: Joline S.W. Lind, Pieter E. Postmus, Daniëlle A.M. Heideman, Erik B. Thunnissen, Otto Bekers, Egbert F. Smit
Journal: Journal of Thoracic Oncology (2009)
Akt1/PKB upregulation leads to vascular smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and polyploidization
Authors: Mary L. Hixon, Carlos Muro-Cacho, Mark W. Wagner, Carlos Obejero-Paz, Elise Millie, Yasushi Fujio, Yasuko Kureishi, Terry Hassold, Kenneth Walsh, Antonio Gualberto
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2000)

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) at capacitance arteries of hypertensive individuals and animals undergo marked age- and blood pressure–dependent polyploidization and hypertrophy. We show here that VSMCs at capacitance arteries of rat models of hypertension display high levels of Akt1/PKB protein and activity. Gene transfer of Akt1 to VSMCs isolated from a normotensive rat strain was sufficient to abrogate the activity of the mitotic spindle cell–cycle checkpoint, promoting polyploidization and hypertrophy. Furthermore, the hypertrophic agent angiotensin II induced VSMC polyploidization in an Akt1-dependent manner. These results demonstrate that Akt1 regulates ploidy levels in VSMCs and contributes to vascular smooth muscle polyploidization and hypertrophy during hypertension.
Randomised trial of prophylactic daily aspirin in British male doctors
Authors: R Peto, R Gray, R Collins, K Wheatley, C Hennekens, K Jamrozik, C Warlow, B Hafner, E Thompson, S Norton, J Gilliland, R Doll
Journal: BMJ (1988)

A six year randomised trial was conducted among 5139 apparently healthy male doctors to see whether 500 mg aspirin daily would reduce the incidence of and mortality from stroke, myocardial infarction, or other vascular conditions. Though total mortality was 10% lower in the treated than control group, this difference was not statistically significant and chiefly involved diseases other than stroke or myocardial infarction. Likewise, there was no significant difference in the incidence of non-fatal myocardial infarction or stroke—indeed, disabling strokes were somewhat commoner among those allocated aspirin. The lower confidence limit for the effect of aspirin on non-fatal stroke or myocardial infarction, however, was a substantial 25% reduction. Migraine and certain types of musculoskeletal pain were reported significantly less often in the treated than control group, but as the control group was not given a placebo the relevance of these findings was difficult to assess. There was no apparent reduction in the incidence of cataract in the treated group. The lack of any apparent reduction in disabling stroke or vascular death contrasts with the established value of antiplatelet treatment after occlusive vascular disease.
Abstract 5499: Kinase inhibitor selectivity profiling utilizing a versatile TR-FRET kinase binding assay platform
Authors: Connie S. Lebakken, Elizabeth Koepnick, Rica Bruinsma, Steve Riddle
Journal: Cancer Research (2010)

Abstract There is great potential for the utilization of selective kinase inhibitors in the treatment of many clinical indications, especially in oncology and autoimmune conditions. Kinase inhibitor selectivity profiling has become an important tool during lead development to understand a compound's selectivity, potential off-target effects and possible new indications for the compound. We have utilized the LanthaScreen® Eu Kinase Binding Assay platform to develop a simple, robust means for profiling compounds across the kinome utilizing pre-plated reagents and controls. The assay is based on competitive displacement of a tracer (a fluorophore conjugated to a kinase inhibitor scaffold) from specific kinases of interest. Binding of the tracer to a kinase is detected by addition of a europium-labeled anti-tag antibody. Binding of the tracer and antibody to a kinase results in a high degree of FRET, whereas displacement of the tracer with a kinase inhibitor results in a loss of FRET. This platform is useful to explore activation-state binding selectivity, time-dependent binding, and binding to kinases for which substrates have not been identified. The assay detects both ATP-competitive as well as non-competitive, allosteric kinase inhibitors. We will present data demonstrating the utility of these reagents for kinase profiling efforts with a variety of kinase inhibitors. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5499.
Nuclear Factor-κ B Repression in Antiinflammation and Immunosuppression by Glucocorticoids
Authors: Bart van der Burg, Johan Liden, Sam Okret, Franck Delaunay, Sacha Wissink, Paul T van der Saag, Jan-Åke Gustafsson
Journal: Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism (1997)