tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Is Percutaneous Coronary Angioplasty Less Expensive Than Bypass Surgery?
Authors: Guy S. Reeder, Iqbal Krishan, Fred T. Nobrega, James Naessens, Mary Kelly, Jon B. Christianson, Molly K. McAfee
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1984)

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is widely considered to be an acceptable and less expensive alternative to bypass surgery in carefully selected patients. We compared expenditures related to cardiac care for 79 unselected patients undergoing coronary angioplasty with expenditures for 89 unselected patients undergoing elective coronary bypass surgery without a previous attempt at angioplasty. All the patients had single-vessel disease. The mean aggregate one-year monetary outlay was 15 per cent lower in the angioplasty group than in the bypass-surgery group. A major component of the expense of angioplasty was the treatment of restenosis in the 33 per cent of patients in this group in whom this late complication occurred. We conclude that percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty has potential for reducing expenditures for cardiac revascularization and that a further reduction may be obtainable when the rates of restenosis are improved.
Doctors are urged to be ambassadors for flu vaccine by getting the jab
Authors: J. Wise
Journal: BMJ (2011)

Flu experts have urged all doctors to be vaccinated against influenza to protect themselves and vulnerable high risk patients.

At a press briefing in London this week, organised by the Society for General Microbiology, a panel of experts agreed that vaccine uptake must increase among healthcare workers.

Richard Pebody, head of flu surveillance at the Health Protection Agency, said: “Last season only 35% of healthcare workers were vaccinated so there is clearly a long way to go. There is also big variation between trusts, with 95% in some trusts.”

Peter Openshaw, professor of experimental medicine and honorary physician at Imperial College NHS Trust, said part of the problem was the mechanism for getting the vaccine in many hospitals. 

“Many healthcare workers are busy and don’t like taking time off to book in for the vaccine and wait in long queues. We have had great success when we have initiated a …
Biliary Varices on Endoscopic Ultrasonography: Clinical Presentation and Outcome
Authors: None Palazzo, None 2, None Hochain, None Helmer, None Cuillerier, None Landi, None Roseau, None Cugnenc, None Barbier, None Cellier
Journal: Endoscopy (2000)

Bile duct varices are not a well-recognized feature of portal venous obstruction. The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical and endosonographic features of biliary involvement in patients with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EPVO).A retrospective study was conducted of the clinical features, outcome, and endosonographic findings (using Olympus EUM-3 or EUM-20 probes) in 21 patients with EPVO and endosonographic features of biliary varices. Biliary varices were defined as multiple, large, serpiginous, anechoic vascular channels in and/or surrounding the extrahepatic biliary tracts.Biliary varices have not previously been visible using conventional imaging methods (computed tomography and ultrasonography). They were identified using EUS in the wall of the common bile duct in 16 patients (76%), surrounding the common bile duct (CBD) in 11 patients (52%), and in the gallbladder in nine (43%). The varices were the cause of obstructive jaundice in three of the 21 patients (14%), but only when they were in the wall of the CBD. Two of these patients were treated using portosystemic shunting, and the other received a biliary endoprosthesis. The EUS examination also provided evidence of unrecognized pancreatic or biliary tumors in three other patients with EPVO of undetermined origin.EUS can serve to diagnose biliary varices in patients with EPVO and jaundice. Although biliary varices are mainly asymptomatic, they may cause obstructive jaundice when they are located in the wall of the CBD. EUS can also detect unrecognized malignant tumors in patients with EPVO of undetermined origin.
Ophthalmic Graves's Disease
Authors: P. Turner, J. M. Sneddon
Journal: BMJ (1967)

<h3>BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:</h3> Improved MR imaging at higher field strengths enables more detailed imaging of cranial nerves. The aim of this study was to assess the identifiability of the NI in the CPA and IAC by using high-resolution 3T MR imaging. <h3>MATERIALS AND METHODS:</h3> Twenty-seven healthy volunteers (13 men and 14 women; mean age, 33 years) underwent 3T MR imaging of the CPA. The section thicknesses of the CISS sequence was 0.4 mm (TR, 12.18 ms; TE, 6.09 ms) using a 12-channel head coil. Evaluation was performed by using MPR mode. Image quality and identifiability of the NI were rated independently by 2 observers according to predefined criteria on an ordinal scale. Interobserver agreement was assessed by κ statistics. <h3>RESULTS:</h3> Fifty-four NIs were evaluated. Both observers were able to identify the NI in nearly 60% of cases. It was possible to indentify at least 1 NI in 70% of all volunteers in the CPA and/or IAC. Image quality ratings showed a substantial agreement (κ = 0.65) and identifiability ratings an almost perfect (κ = 0.83) agreement. <h3>CONCLUSIONS:</h3> Careful evaluation of all nervous and vascular structures in the CPA and IAC at high-resolution 3T MR imaging allows reliable depiction of the NI.
8-MOP plasma levels in PUVA problem cases with psoriasis
Authors: G. WAGNER, C. HOFMANN, U. BUSCH, J. SCHMID, G. PLEWIG
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2006)

8-MOP plasma levels of psoriatic patients poorly responsive to PUVA treatment (PUVA problem cases) (N = 14) and of psoriatic patients with adequate response to photochemotherapy (N = 7) were measured for 8 h after oral ingestion of 0.6-0.8 mg/kg body weight, using a gas chromatographic method. We investigated whether there are any differences in the course of the plasma kinetics between the two groups. Problem patients showed significantly lower 8-MOP plasma levels than the control group. Furthermore, the 8-MOP plasma levels increased more rapidly in the control group than in these problem patients. Deviations in time of the maximum 8-MOP plasma levels from the expected 2 h peak could be observed in 50% of the problem cases compared to only 14% of the control patients. There is no correlation between the dose and the 8-MOP plasma level achieved in the two groups, i.e. higher doses do not result in high levels. In individual cases there is not always a correlation between the plasma maximum of 8-MOP at the time of UV-A irradiation and the response to treatment. Adjustment of the UV-A irradiation to coincide with the maximum plasma levels led to an improvement in therapeutic results for three problem patients.
An Adult Homozygous for Persistent Fetal Hemoglobin
Authors: WILLIAM SIEGEL
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1970)

Target cells were predominant in the blood smear of a 53-year-old negro man admitted for a perforated duodenal ulcer. Hemoglobin was 100% fetal by alkali denaturation, cellulose acetate and starch gel electrophoresis, and cation and anion exchange chromatography. Restudy more than 2½ years later when the patient was asymptomatic revealed mild microcytosis, anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, numerous target cells, and erythrocytosis. Abnormalities consistent with the heterozygous state for persistent fetal hemoglobin were demonstrated in both parental lines. This is the first recognized instance of homozygosity for persistent fetal hemoglobin in an adult.
Plasmodium cynomolgi genome sequences provide insight into Plasmodium vivax and the monkey malaria clade
Authors: Shin-Ichiro Tachibana, Steven A Sullivan, Satoru Kawai, Shota Nakamura, Hyunjae R Kim, Naohisa Goto, Nobuko Arisue, Nirianne M Q Palacpac, Hajime Honma, Masanori Yagi, Takahiro Tougan, Yuko Katakai, Osamu Kaneko, Toshihiro Mita, Kiyoshi Kita, Yasuhiro Yasutomi, Patrick L Sutton, Rimma Shakhbatyan, Toshihiro Horii, Teruo Yasunaga, John W Barnwell, Ananias A Escalante, Jane M Carlton, Kazuyuki Tanabe
Journal: Nature Genetics (2012)

P. cynomolgi, a malaria-causing parasite of Asian Old World monkeys, is the sister taxon of P. vivax, the most prevalent malaria-causing species in humans outside of Africa. Because P. cynomolgi shares many phenotypic, biological and genetic characteristics with P. vivax, we generated draft genome sequences for three P. cynomolgi strains and performed genomic analysis comparing them with the P. vivax genome, as well as with the genome of a third previously sequenced simian parasite, Plasmodium knowlesi. Here, we show that genomes of the monkey malaria clade can be characterized by copy-number variants (CNVs) in multigene families involved in evasion of the human immune system and invasion of host erythrocytes. We identify genome-wide SNPs, microsatellites and CNVs in the P. cynomolgi genome, providing a map of genetic variation that can be used to map parasite traits and study parasite populations. The sequencing of the P. cynomolgi genome is a critical step in developing a model system for P. vivax research and in counteracting the neglect of P. vivax.
Relation between left coronary artery stenosis and regional left ventricular function.
Authors: M G St John Sutton, R L Frye, H C Smith, J H Chesebro, E L Ritman
Journal: Circulation (1978)

The effect of stenosis of the left main and proximal anterior descending coronary arteries on anterior left ventricular wall dynamics was investigated in 70 patients with ischemic heart disease by the use of roentgen videometric analysis of left ventricular angiograms. In all patients with ischemic heart disease, mean values for peak rate of systolic wall thickening and diastolic wall thinning were significantly smaller than normal (P less than 0.01). In patients without infarction, there was no correlation between peak rate of systolic anterior wall thickening and stenosis of the coronary artery supplying it, but there was a significant reduction in peak rate of diastolic wall thinning (P less than 0.01) in patients with stenosis greater than 90%; this difference was not apparent at any lower degree of stenosis. This population could not be recognized by any other parameter of global or regional ventricular function; thus, diastole is more sensitive to regional left ventricular dysfunction than systole.
Telomerase activity in B and T lymphocytes of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: W Klapper
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2004)

<b>Objective:</b> To evaluate telomerase activity as a marker of lymphocyte proliferation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). <b>Methods:</b> CD19+, CD4+, and CD8+ lymphocytes were isolated from the peripheral blood of nine patients with SLE and nine healthy controls by means of magnetic bead-coupled antibodies and tested for telomerase activity with the TRAP assay. <b>Results:</b> Telomerase activity was significantly increased in CD19+ B cells from patients with SLE. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from lupus patients displayed increased mean telomerase activity, although the difference from normal controls did not reach statistical significance. <b>Conclusions:</b> Increased telomerase activity in the B and the T cell lineage might indicate activation and proliferation of these lymphocytes.
Apolipoprotein E Genotype and Circulating Interleukin-10 Levels in Patients With Stable and Unstable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Dimitrios N. Tziakas, Georgios K. Chalikias, Christos O. Antonoglou, Stavroula Veletza, Ioannis K. Tentes, Alexandros X. Kortsaris, Dimitrios I. Hatseras, Juan Carlos Kaski
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2006)
The Hirsute Female
Authors: Kendall Emerson
Journal: JAMA (1964)

This collection of papers, presented by an eminent group of endocrinologists at a symposium held in 1961, covers an important area in the field of the endocrinology of sex, both normal and abnormal, in a remarkably clear and concise fashion, liberally supplemented with illustrative case histories. Beginning with a fundamental discussion of the endocrine and genetic factors influencing the growth of the pilosebaceous apparatus, the book proceeds to a very helpful explanation of the origin and significance of the urinary 17-ketosteroids, of much practical value to the physician. The etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of Cushing's disease and the adrenogenital syndrome are presented by investigators in the light of the most recent concepts. Included is a fascinating, if speculative, discussion of borderline abnormalities of adrenal function associated with virilism, including consideration of the role of the hypothalamus. The manifestations of virilizing adrenal tumors at various ages are clearly depicted. The latest
Raloxifene Improves Endothelial Dysfunction in Hypertension by Reduced Oxidative Stress and Enhanced Nitric Oxide Production
Authors: Sven Wassmann, Ulrich Laufs, Djordje Stamenkovic, Wolfgang Linz, Johannes-Peter Stasch, Katja Ahlbory, Renate Rösen, Michael Böhm, Georg Nickenig
Journal: Circulation (2002)

Background — It has not been completely clarified whether selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) such as raloxifene exert vasoprotective effects similar to those of estrogens. Methods and Results — To investigate vascular effects of raloxifene, male spontaneously hypertensive rats were treated for 10 weeks with either raloxifene (10 mg · kg −1 · d −1 ) or vehicle. Raloxifene improved endothelium-dependent vasodilatation but had no effect on either endothelium-independent vasorelaxation or phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction. Raloxifene treatment increased the release of NO from the vessel wall by enhanced expression and activity of endothelial NO synthase. Blood pressure reduction after bradykinin infusion was more pronounced in animals treated with SERMs. The production of superoxide in intact aortic segments was decreased by raloxifene treatment. Administration of raloxifene had no effect on the expression of the essential NAD(P)H oxidase subunits p22phox and nox1 in the vasculature but reduced the activity and expression of vascular membrane-bound rac1, a GTPase required for the activation of the NAD(P)H oxidase. Finally, blood pressure levels were significantly decreased in spontaneously hypertensive rats treated with raloxifene. All SERM effects were also detected in healthy age-matched Wistar rats. In cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells, raloxifene inhibited angiotensin II-induced reactive oxygen species production dependent on estrogen receptor activation. Conclusions — Raloxifene treatment improves hypertension-induced endothelial dysfunction by increased bioavailability of NO. This is achieved by an increased activity of endothelial NO synthase and by an estrogen receptor-dependent reduction in release of reactive oxygen species from vascular cells. These vascular effects cause a profound blood pressure reduction and lead to decreased vascular damage in male spontaneously hypertensive rats.
Vascular involvement and toxoplasma infection
Authors: G. Carmenini, A. Toto, S. Martusciello, B. Valiante, A. Magrine, F. Meloni
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1991)

Journal Article Vascular involvement and toxoplasma infection Get access G. Carmenini, G. Carmenini Department of 1st Clinica Medica La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar A. Toto, A. Toto Department of 1st Clinica Medica La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar S. Martusciello, S. Martusciello Department of 1st Clinica Medica La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar B. Valiante, B. Valiante Department of 1st Clinica Medica La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar A. Magrine, A. Magrine Department of 1st Clinica Medica La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar F. Meloni F. Meloni Department of 1st Clinica Medica La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 124, Issue 1, 1 January 1991, Page 114, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1991.tb03299.x Published: 01 January 1991
Disproportionate Short Stature: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Jonathan Cohen
Journal: JAMA (1973)

This book has two virtues—(1) it makes available to students and practitioners a handy reference to all the conditions that lead to dwarfism; and (2) by describing the better-known kinds and listing the many others, it impresses the reader with how many patterns of disturbances of growth can occur, most of them of unknown cause. The data are so unwieldy that it would be unfair to expect a logical or even a workable classification. One has to be satisfied with a compendium of the data with the needed references. The physician can best use this book by thumbing it through soon after seeing a patient short in stature, to find out the alternatives in skeletal diagnosis. The chapters on work-up do not effectively help with a diagnostic routine. The usual diagnostic measures, especially the roentgenograms, will have been taken and the next step would be a consideration of the many
Lumbar Puncture and Spinal Analgesia
Authors: Rudolph H. de Jong
Journal: JAMA (1979)

This once-slim volume, now in its fourth edition, fortunately has retained all that was good in earlier versions. The anatomic color relief illustrations of the vertebral column, spinal cord, and meninges are masterpieces of simplicity and clarity. The chapter on history has grown from seven to 23 pages; though it reads well, it would have been better placed at the rear to reward the persistent reader. The new editors have added a section on extradural analgesia almost as an afterthought; it contributes little and distracts from the main thrust of the work. The sterilization and equipment chapter still shows the original old-fashioned "typical spinal pack" photo; no mention is made of sterile disposable trays. If you already own an older edition, there is no need to buy this one. These little quibbles notwithstanding, this is an outstanding book. Design and layout are clear and readable, the quality of paper is
A Population-Based Method for the Estimation of Defibrillation Energy Requirements in Humans
Authors: David Newman, Aiala Barr, Mary Greene, David Martin, Miney Ham, Sally Thorne, Paul Dorian
Journal: Circulation (1997)

Background A weighted logistic regression analysis was developed to allow pooling of patient data for the study of the stability of defibrillation energy requirements with a new nonthoracotomy lead defibrillation system. Methods and Results One hundred twenty patients were prospectively studied with a single-model nonthoracotomy implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) system at the time of implant and at 3 months. The pooled data of all shocks delivered to all patients were fitted to a logistic function to construct a defibrillation voltage/energy dose-response relationship. The crude logit curve was weighted in quartiles according to the average shock energy delivered per patient. Shocks at implant (n=802; 6.6±2.5 shocks/patient) and follow-up (n=292; 2.4±1.2 shocks/patient) were analyzed. The modeled voltage/energy required for 50% successful defibrillation (95% CI) in the pooled data was 367 V (273, 461) and 9.8 J (6.7, 12.9) at implant and 338 V (264, 412) and 10.5 J (8, 13.0) at follow-up. The conventional measure of lowest successful voltage/energy (95% CI) was 430 V (411, 449) and 12.1 J (11, 13.2) at implant and 415 V (391, 439) and 11.3 J (10, 12.6) at follow-up. There were no statistically significant differences between implant and follow-up energy requirements with either method. Conclusions The nonthoracotomy lead system used in this study demonstrated stability of defibrillation energy requirements at implant and 3-month follow-up. A new technique for the estimation of the defibrillation energy dose-response relationship was derived by using a weighted logistic regression analysis.
Pulmonary blood volume and haemodynamic changes with legs raised in chronic lung disease patients
Authors: F. V Schrijen, A. Henriquez, R. Candina, J M Polu
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (1991)

The aim was determine the early effect of a posture change from supine (S) to legs raised 30 degrees above the table plane (LR) on haemodynamics in patients with chronic lung disease.Right heart catheterization was performed as part of a routine evaluation. Pulmonary arterial, pulmonary wedge, right atrial, and systemic arterial pressure were monitored at rest supine and during 8 min (steady values) after LR. Pulmonary blood volume was measured by double dye dilution, at rest S and after 1 and 8 minutes LR, in 14 patients; cardiac output was measured by thermodilution in the remaining 15 subjects, during S and 1, 4, and 8 minutes LR.29 patients with chronic pulmonary disease of various types, mainly chronic bronchitis and emphysema, were studied when in a stable clinical condition, with no signs of heart failure.Raising the legs produced a sharp increase in all the pressures measured, with a subsequent decline towards a steady value slightly higher than during S. Pulmonary blood volume increased in all patients initially, but stayed elevated only in the normocapnic patients; in the patients with hypercapnia it decreased from 1 to 8 min LR. The pulmonary blood volume change showed a significant correlation with PaCO2 (p less than 0.01), and with the VD/VT ratio (p less than 0.01). The relation between the pulmonary blood volume and the distending pressure changes from S to 1 and 8 min LR was linear in the normocapnic group, but not in the hypercapnic group, where it showed a hysteresis.In patients with chronic lung disease who are hypercapnic, the volume/pressure relation following leg raising cannot be expressed by a single distensibility coefficient.
Antibody profiles and self‐reported symptoms to pollen‐related food allergens in grass pollen‐allergic patients from northern Europe
Authors: N. Ghunaim, H. Grönlund, M. Kronqvist, R. Grönneberg, L. Söderström, S. Ahlstedt, M. Van Hage‐Hamsten
Journal: Allergy (2005)

Background: Most studies on pollen‐related food allergy have so far focused on the association of birch/weed pollen allergens and plant food allergy. The aim of this study was to elucidate the allergen spectrum among a group of grass pollen‐allergic patients from northern Europe and to relate the results to clinical histories of pollen‐related food allergy. Methods: Fifty‐eight grass pollen‐allergic patients answered a questionnaire regarding allergy to foods. Blood samples were taken to test IgE‐reactivity to a large panel of pollen allergens and pollen‐ and nonpollen‐related food allergens using crude allergen extracts and recombinant and native allergens. Results: Three different groups of grass pollen‐allergic patients were identified according to their IgE antibody profile: a grass pollen group only (19%), a grass and tree pollen group (29%) and a grass, tree and compositae (pan‐) pollen group (48%). No sensitization to Bet v 1 as well as almost no IgE to plant food was observed in the grass pollen group. In contrast, nearly all patients in the two tree‐related groups had IgE to Bet v 1, which reflected the high frequency of adverse reactions to typical birch‐related food in these groups. Only four patients belonging to the pan‐pollen group displayed IgE to profilin Phl p 12/Bet v 2. Patients in the pan‐pollen group reported significantly more symptoms to food allergens compared with patients in the two other groups. The most frequently reported symptom was the oral allergy syndrome. Conclusions: Sensitization to grass pollen alone is rare among grass pollen‐allergic patients from northern Europe. The majority of patients are in addition sensitized to birch (Bet v 1), which seems to be closely related to their pollen‐derived food allergy. The study highlights the advantage of using well‐defined allergen molecules for the diagnosis of cross‐reactivity between pollen and food allergens.