tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Plastic food packaging encourages obesity
Authors: C. Relton, M. Strong, M. Holdsworth
Journal: BMJ (2012)

It is well-established that active rehearsal increases the efficacy of memory consolidation. It is also known that complex events are interpreted with reference to prior knowledge. However, comparatively little attention has been given to the neural underpinnings of these effects. In healthy adults humans, we investigated the impact of effortful, active rehearsal on memory for events by showing people several short video clips and then asking them to recall these clips, either aloud (Experiment 1) or silently while in an MRI scanner (Experiment 2). In both experiments, actively rehearsed clips were remembered in far greater detail than unrehearsed clips when tested a week later. In Experiment 1, highly similar descriptions of events were produced across retrieval trials, suggesting a degree of semanticization of the memories had taken place. In Experiment 2, spatial patterns of BOLD signal in medial temporal and posterior midline regions were correlated when encoding and rehearsing the same video. Moreover, the strength of this correlation in the posterior cingulate predicted the amount of information subsequently recalled. This is likely to reflect a strengthening of the representation of the video9s content. We argue that these representations combine both new episodic information and stored semantic knowledge (or "schemas"). We therefore suggest that posterior midline structures aid consolidation by reinstating and strengthening the associations between episodic details and more generic schematic information. This leads to the creation of coherent memory representations of lifelike, complex events that are resistant to forgetting, but somewhat inflexible and semantic-like in nature. <b>SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT</b> Memories are strengthened via consolidation. We investigated memory for lifelike events using video clips and showed that rehearsing their content dramatically boosts memory consolidation. Using MRI scanning, we measured patterns of brain activity while watching the videos and showed that, in a network of brain regions, similar patterns of brain activity are reinstated when rehearsing the same videos. Within the posterior cingulate, the strength of reinstatement predicted how well the videos were remembered a week later. The findings extend our knowledge of the brain regions important for creating long-lasting memories for complex, lifelike events.
Lipoprotein(a) Levels in the Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Wendy Y. Craig
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1994)

Letters15 January 1994Lipoprotein(a) Levels in the Nephrotic SyndromeWendy Y. Craig, PhD and Robert F. Richie, MDWendy Y. Craig, PhDFoundation for Blood Research; Scarborough, MESearch for more papers by this author and Robert F. Richie, MDFoundation for Blood Research; Scarborough, MESearch for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-120-2-199401150-00014 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail TO THE EDITOR:We read with interest the article by Wanner and colleagues [1] reporting that plasma lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) levels are elevated in patients with the nephrotic syndrome. The authors speculated that decreased oncotic pressure might stimulate hepatic protein secretion, and as apolipoprotein(a) (apo[a]) is synthesized by the liver, this might result in elevated plasma levels. Also, if the kidney has a role in Lp(a) catabolism, deterioration of function might lead to increased plasma Lp(a) levels. We suggest further possibilities related to the physical characteristics of Lp(a) itself.Lipoprotein(a) is a large particle, similar in composition to low-density lipoprotein, except ...References1. Wanner C, Rader D, Bartens W, Kramer J, Brewer HB, Schollmeyer P, et al. Elevated plasma lipoprotein(a) in patients with the nephrotic syndrome. Ann Intern Med. 1993; 119:263-9. Google Scholar2. Craig WY, Poulin SE, Ledue TB, Kamboh MI. Apolipoprotein(a): a comparison of isoforms identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or by sodium dodecyl sulfate-agarose gel electrophoresis. Electrophoresis. 1993; 14:1038-41. Google Scholar3. Ehnholm C, Garoff H, Renkonen O, Simons K. Protein and carbohydrate composition of Lp(a) lipoprotein from human plasma. Biochemistry. 1972; 11:3229-32. Google Scholar4. Glassock RJ, Adler SG, Ward HJ, Cohen AH. Primary glomerular diseases. In: Brenner BM and Rector FC Jr, eds. The Kidney. Third edition. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders; 1986:955-9. Google Scholar5. Tietz NW, ed. Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders; 1990:71, 381. Google Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: Foundation for Blood Research; Scarborough, ME PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited ByLipoprotein(a) in the Nephrotic Syndrome 15 January 1994Volume 120, Issue 2Page: 165-166KeywordsApolipoproteinsBlood plasmaLiverLow density lipoproteinPlasma proteinsProteinsProteinuriaSerum albuminSerum ferritin levelsSerum proteins Issue Published: 15 January 1994 CopyrightCopyright © 1994 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF DownloadLoading ...
An Unsuspected Property of Natriuretic Peptides
Authors: Noel Yan-Ki Chan, Nahid Seyedi, Kenichi Takano, Roberto Levi
Journal: Circulation (2011)

Background— Although natriuretic peptides are considered cardioprotective, clinical heart failure trials with recombinant brain natriuretic peptide (nesiritide) failed to prove it. Unsuspected proadrenergic effects might oppose the anticipated benefits of natriuretic peptides. Methods and Results— We investigated whether natriuretic peptides induce catecholamine release in isolated hearts, sympathetic nerve endings (cardiac synaptosomes), and PC12 cells bearing a sympathetic neuron phenotype. Perfusion of isolated guinea pig hearts with brain natriuretic peptide elicited a 3-fold increase in norepinephrine release, which doubled in ischemia/reperfusion conditions. Brain natriuretic peptide and atrial natriuretic peptide also released norepinephrine from cardiac synaptosomes and dopamine from nerve growth factor–differentiated PC12 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. These catecholamine-releasing effects were associated with an increase in intracellular calcium and abolished by blockade of calcium channels and calcium transients, demonstrating a calcium-dependent exocytotic process. Activation of the guanylyl cyclase-cyclic GMP-protein-kinase-G system with nitroprusside or membrane-permeant cyclic GMP analogs mimicked the proexocytotic effect of natriuretic peptides, an action associated with an increase in intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) and protein-kinase-A activity. Cyclic AMP enhancement resulted from an inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 3–induced cAMP hydrolysis. Collectively, these findings indicate that, by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 3, natriuretic peptides sequentially enhance intracellular cAMP levels, protein kinase A activity, intracellular calcium, and catecholamine exocytosis. Conclusions— Our results show that natriuretic peptides, at concentrations likely to be reached at cardiac sympathetic nerve endings in advanced congestive heart failure, promote norepinephrine release via a protein kinase G–induced inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 3–mediated cAMP hydrolysis. We propose that this proadrenergic action may counteract the beneficial cardiac and hemodynamic effects of natriuretic peptides and thus explain the ineffectiveness of nesiritide as a cardiac failure medication.
Ankle/Arm Blood Pressure Index
Authors: Philip D. Lief
Journal: JAMA (1994)

<h3>To the Editor.</h3> —The articles by Vogt et al<sup>1</sup>and Newman et al<sup>2</sup>and the accompanying editorial by Applegate<sup>3</sup>cogently describe the potential usefulness of ankle/arm blood pressure ratios in the assessment of cardiovascular risk. However, none of the authors mention an additional important use for arm/leg blood pressure ratios—that is, in the assessment for adult coarctation of the aorta. Culbertson et al<sup>4</sup>demonstrated lower femoral blood pressures compared with brachial pressures in a series of patients with coarctation. In nine patients for whom complete data were available, the calculated femoral to brachial blood pressure index averaged 0.64. Two of the patients were over 40 years old. Liberthson et al<sup>5</sup>noted that 10% of cases of coarction were diagnosed in patients over the age of 40 years. Thus, coarctation is associated with a low AAI and can occur in patients over the age of 40
Good Health Care for the Aged
Authors: David C. Kennie
Journal: JAMA (1983)

Despite the recent upsurge of interest in geriatrics, relatively little guidance has been given on what constitutes good health care for the aged. Ten basic principles for good health care are outlined. They include emphasis on the restoration of functional ability; the building and maintenance of a support system; a broadened approach to health assessment; the application of specific medical knowledge and skills; cautious medical intervention; true advocacy for the patient; the acceptance of the legitimacy of death; increased community orientation; the allowance of sufficient time for recovery; and continuity of care. These principles should serve as the basis for educational, research, and service programs for the aged.
Exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy are best treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Zosia Kmietowicz
Journal: BMJ (2001)

A review which found that exercise and cognitive behaviour therapy are the most effective treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is likely to split even further the two camps of patients, carers, and doctors who strongly disagree about the cause of the condition.

Simon Wessely, professor of epidemiological psychiatry at King's College, London, described the review as a “reasonable step forward that can help many people.” But he added that the majority of the chronic fatigue syndrome community does not believe in the type of approach that …
Quantification of erythema and pigmentation using a videomicroscope and a computer
Authors: H. TAKIWAKI, S. SHIRAI, Y. KANNO, Y. WATANABE, S. ARASE
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1994)

Summary We report a method for quantitative analysis of erythema and pigmentation using a videomicroscope interfaced with a computer. The analysis was carried out by examining the brightness intensity of every picture element, composed of an image picked up from each band of red, green, and blue, and by deriving the quasi-absorbance value (absorbance index) from the mean brightness for each band. In assessments of UV-induced erythema and tanning, excellent linear correlations were found between the results obtained with our system and those with a narrow-band reflectance spectrometer. Moreover, the absorbance indices of haemoglobin and melanin solutions showed linear relationships with their concentrations in in vitro examination. As the monitored picture becomes out of focus if incorrect pressure is exerted on the skin, and as regions of interest can be chosen from a magnified image, this system offers excellent interobserver reproducibility, and is suitable for the evaluation of erythema or pigmented lesions which are too small or irregular to quantify by conventional methods such as colorimetry.
Bridging infectious disease vaccines with cancer immunotherapy: a role for targeted RNA based immunotherapeutics
Authors: Elias J Sayour, Luis Sanchez-Perez, Catherine Flores, Duane A Mitchell
Journal: Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (2015)

Tumor-specific immunotherapy holds the promise of eradicating malignant tumors with exquisite precision without additional toxicity to standard treatments. Cancer immunotherapy has conventionally relied on cell-mediated immunity while successful infectious disease vaccines have been shown to induce humoral immunity. Efficacious cancer immunotherapeutics likely require both cellular and humoral responses, and RNA based cancer vaccines are especially suited to stimulate both arms of the immune system. RNA is inherently immunogenic, inducing innate immune responses to initiate cellular and humoral adaptive immunity, but has limited utility based on its poor <i>in vivo</i> stability. Early work utilized 'naked' RNA vaccines, whereas more recent efforts have attempted to encapsulate RNA thereby protecting it from degradation. However, feasibility has been limited by a lack of defined and safe targeting mechanisms for the <i>in vivo</i> delivery of stabilized RNA. As new cancer antigens come to the forefront with novel RNA encapsulation and targeting techniques, RNA vaccines may prove to be a vital, safe and robust method to initiate patient-specific anti-tumor efficacy.
A pneumococcal vaccine is launched in Africa to cut child deaths
Authors: P. Moszynski
Journal: BMJ (2011)

A newly developed vaccine against pneumococcal disease has been launched in Kenya, marking the global roll out of vaccinations targeting the world’s biggest child killer, pneumonia.

“Today’s introduction of the pneumococcal vaccine in Kenya is an historic step towards improved health for children in Kenya and in other developing countries,” said Kenya’s health minister, Beth Mugo. “The global introduction of pneumococcal vaccination is a milestone in global health.”

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been specially tailored to meet the needs of children in developing countries with support from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI), which has committed itself to introducing the vaccines in 19 developing countries within a …
Comparison of standard endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) versus an optimized ESD technique for the colon: an animal study
Authors: N. Yahagi, H. Neuhaus, B. Schumacher, A. Neugebauer, G. Kaehler, M. Schenk, K. Fischer, M. Fujishiro, M. Enderle
Journal: Endoscopy (2009)

Background and study aims: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a promising therapeutic technique for en bloc resection of large gastrointestinal tumors. However, this technique has disadvantages such as a long intervention time, complexity of the procedure, and a higher rate of complications. The primary aims of the study were to show the feasibility of ESD in the pig colon and to evaluate a new ESD technique comprising the use of a newly developed hybrid knife for colon procedures combining RF (radiofrequency) application and a distance-dependent water-jet application.
Abstract 1053: DNMT3B7 alters E-cadherin expression and cell proliferation in breast cancer cells
Authors: Patrick R. Brambert, Jennifer Rehbein, Izabela Slezak, Daniel J. Kelpsch, Kelly R. Ostler, Lucy A. Godley, Stacey L. Raimondi
Journal: Cancer Research (2012)

Abstract Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States and the progression from non-invasive to invasive/metastatic disease correlates with an increased risk of death. Changes in DNA methylation have been shown to be important in breast cancers. However, the mechanism by which cancer cells acquire and maintain abnormal methylation is not well understood. DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) are responsible for monitoring and altering DNA methylation patterns in cells. Interestingly, we have identified many aberrant DNMT3B transcripts in cancer cells compared to normal cells. Therefore, we hypothesize that aberrant DNMT3B isoforms alter gene and protein expression to promote tumor progression in breast cancer cells. Our studies indicate that the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 express many aberrant DNMT3B isoforms including DNMT3B7 and ΔDNMT3B6. Interestingly, the invasive MDA-MB-231 cells express increased levels of DNMT3B7 and ΔDNMT3B6 compared to the poorly invasive MCF-7 cells. To further our studies, poorly invasive MCF-7 cells were stably transfected with a DNMT3B7 expression construct to determine the role of this aberrant transcript in tumor progression. Preliminary data indicate that the increased expression of DNMT3B7 in these cells correlates with a significant increase in growth. Specifically, cells expressing more DNMT3B7 grow faster than those with lower levels of the aberrant protein. Furthermore, E-cadherin expression is inversely correlated with DNMT3B7 expression indicating that the expression of this aberrant protein may lead to a more aggressive phenotype. Finally, soft agar assays have been performed to determine the functional significance of these findings. The novel results presented in this study suggest the need for additional studies to determine the role of aberrant DNMT3B transcripts in cancer. Ultimately, this work may lead to a better understanding of breast cancer progression and the development of novel therapeutics. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1053. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1053
Gene Therapy of Mpl Deficiency: Challenging Balance Between Leukemia and Pancytopenia
Authors: Daniel C Wicke, Johann Meyer, Guntram Buesche, Dirk Heckl, Hans Kreipe, Zhixiong Li, Karl H Welte, Matthias Ballmaier, Christopher Baum, Ute Modlich
Journal: Molecular Therapy (2009)

Signaling of the thrombopoietin (THPO) receptor MPL is critical for the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and megakaryocytic differentiation. Inherited loss-of-function mutations of MPL cause severe thrombocytopenia and aplastic anemia, a syndrome called congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (CAMT). With the aim to assess the toxicity of retroviral expression of Mpl as a basis for further development of a gene therapy for this disorder, we expressed Mpl in a murine bone marrow transplantation (BMT) model. Treated mice developed a profound yet transient elevation of multilineage hematopoiesis, which showed morphologic features of a chronic myeloproliferative disorder (CMPD) with progressive pancytopenia. Ten percent of mice (3/27) developed erythroleukemia, associated with insertional activation of Sfpi1 and Fli1. The majority of transplanted mice developed a progressive pancytopenia with histopathological features of a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)-like disorder. To avoid these adverse reactions, improved retroviral vectors were designed that mediate reduced and more physiological Mpl expression. Self-inactivating gamma-retroviral vectors were constructed that expressed Mpl from the phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) or the murine Mpl promoter. Mice that received BM cells expressing Mpl from the Mpl promoter were free of any previously observed adverse reactions.
Coronary angioplasty ameliorates hypoperfusion-induced endothelial dysfunction in patients with stable angina pectoris
Authors: Tatsuya Komaru, Shogen Isoyama, Nobuyo Sekiguchi, Kenjiro Akai, Nobuyuki Shiba, Satoshi Yasuda, Masayuki Funakoshi, Kunio Shirato, Masayuki Zuguchi, Eiji Nozaki, Osamu Nishioka, Kenji Tamaki
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (1996)
Selective coronary arteriography in infants and children.
Authors: M Takahashi, R A Schieber, S H Wishner, G W Ritchie, P S Francis
Journal: Circulation (1983)

The recent increase in incidence of Kawasaki disease with attendant coronary artery aneurysms spurred our interest in developing a technique for selective coronary arteriographic examination of infants and children. Right and left coronary artery catheters were shaped according to the aortic root diameters and ascending aorta lengths predicted from the patient's heights. Thirty-eight studies were done in 34 patients who were 7 months to 18 years of age (median 3.2 years) and no permanent sequelae resulted. Advantages of the use of selective coronary arteriography include the ability to visualize stenoses, important branches, and intercoronary anastomoses. The technique is also useful in evaluation of anomalous coronary arteries, myocardial ischemia, and coronary artery distribution before right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction.
Identification of membrane-bound CR1 (CD35) in human urine: evidence for its release by glomerular podocytes.
Authors: M Pascual, G Steiger, S Sadallah, J P Paccaud, J L Carpentier, R James, J A Schifferli
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1994)

Complement receptor 1 (CR1) is present on erythrocytes (E-CR1), various leucocytes, and renal glomerular epithelial cells (podocytes). In addition, plasma contains a soluble form of CR1 (sCR1). By using a specific ELISA, CR1 was detected in the urine (uCR1) of normal individuals (excretion rate in 12 subjects, 3.12 +/- 1.15 micrograms/24 h). Contrary to sCR1, uCR1 was pelleted by centrifugation at 200,000 g for 60 min. Analysis by sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation showed that uCR1 was sedimenting in fractions larger than 19 S, whereas sCR1 was found as expected in fractions smaller than 19 S. The addition of detergents reduced the apparent size of uCR1 to that of sCR1. After gel filtration on Sephacryl-300 of normal urine, the fractions containing uCR1 were found to be enriched in cholesterol and phospholipids. The membrane-association of uCR1 was demonstrated by analyzing immunoaffinity purified uCR1 by electron microscopy which revealed membrane-bound vesicles. The apparent molecular mass of uCR1 was 15 kD larger than E-CR1 and sCR1 when assessed by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. This difference in size could not be explained on the basis of glycosylation only, since pretreatment with N-glycosidase F reduced the size of all forms of CR1; however, the difference in regular molecular mass was not abrogated. The structural alleles described for E-CR1 were also found for uCR1. The urine of patients who had undergone renal transplantation contained alleles of uCR1 which were discordant with E-CR1 in 7 of 11 individuals, indicating that uCR1 originated from the kidney. uCR1 was shown to bind C3b-coated immune complexes, suggesting that the function of CR1 was not destroyed in urine. A decrease in uCR1 excretion was observed in 3 of 10 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, corresponding to the three who had severe proliferative nephritis, and in three of three patients with focal sclerosis, but not in six other patients with proteinuria. Taken together, these data suggest that glomerular podocytes release CR1-coated vesicles into the urine. The function of this release remains to be defined, but it may be used as a marker for podocyte injury.
Unfair Trade e-Waste in Africa
Authors: Charles W. Schmidt
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2006)

Africa is quickly becoming a destination for information technology in the form of tons of used computers, fax machines, cell phones, and other electronics. Although many of these machines can be repaired and resold, up to 75% of the electronics shipped to Africa is junk. This equipment, when dumped, may leach lead, mercury, and cadmium into the environment; when burned, it may release carcinogenic dioxins and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. In the United States, activists are working to limit the flow of e-waste to developing countries through international agreements and voluntary e-waste export reduction efforts.