tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
External cardiac pacing using low impedance electrodes suitable for defibrillation: A comparative blinded study
Authors: Rodney H. Falk, Nancy J. Battinelli
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (1993)

Objectives. The objective of this study was to determine whether the threshold for successful cardiac pacing is affected by electrode impedance and whether this procedure can be success. fully carried out through low impedance electrodes that are also suitable for difibrillation. Background. Reintroduced in the early 1980s, external cardiac pacing utilizes large externally placed electrodes with a high impedance, in conjunction with a stimulator capble of producing an impulse of 20 to 40 ms in duration. On the basis of empiric observation, high impedance electrodes (>500 Ω) are believed to be optimal for external cardiac pacing. Such electrodes are unsuitable for defibrillation, a technique that is most successful when impedance is low. In view of the absence of controlled data to support this recommendation, as well as the desirability of using one set of electrodes for both pacing and defibrillation, we undertook the following study. Methods. Thirty-two normal subjects underwent a total of 110 attempts at external cardiac pacing with either (or both) high or low impedance electrodes in combination with one or two commercially available external cardiac pacemakers. Each subject underwent pacing at least twice in a randomized double-blind fashion to determine the pacing threshold and level of discomfort. Results. Individual subjects had a wide range of pacing thresholds but did not experience any greater discomfort with one pacemaker-electrode combination then with any other. Similarly, no pacemaker-electrode combination was superior to another in terms of pacing thresholds. The mean pacing threshold was 72.5 ± 6 mA for the 40.ms impulse/high impedance electrode combination, 78.7 ± 6 mA for the 40-ms impulse/low impedance electrode, 73.8 ± 7 mA for the 20-ms impulse/high impedance electrode and 77.5 ± 7 mA for the 20-ms impulse/low impedance electrode (p = NS for all comparisons). Conclusions. Contrary to previous belief, a high impedance electrode offers no advantage for external pacing in terms of either pacing threshold or discomfort level during pacing. This study demonstrates that it is feasible to perform external pacing through an electrode that is also suitable for defibrillation and suggests that a single external pacing-defibrillation electrode is all that is needed to perform these two procedures.
A Proposed Neurophysiological Basis of Alexithymia
Authors: Denton C. Buchanan, Gloria J. Waterhouse, Sam C. West
Journal: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics (1980)

The possibility that alexithymia represents a symptom of subtle brain dysfunction is discussed. Several lines of research have shown that emotional thought, behavior and, in particular, the use of affect-laden speech are influenced by impaired function of the right hemisphere or a disconnection between the two hemispheres. A patient with agenesis of the corpus callosum is presented demonstrating severe alexithymia.
Evaluation of Serum Immunoglobulins among Individuals Living Near Six SuperfundSites
Authors: Dhelia M. Williamson, Mary C. White, Charles Poole, David Kleinbaum, Robert Vogt, Kari North
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2006)

Residents living in communities near Superfund sites have expressed concern that releases from these facilities affect their health, including adverse effects on their immune systems. We used data from six cross-sectional studies to evaluate whether people who live near several Superfund sites are more likely to have individual immunoglobulin test results (IgA, IgG, and IgM) below or above the reference range than those who live in comparison areas with no Superfund site. Study participants consisted of target-area residents who lived close to a Superfund site and comparison-area residents who were not located near any Superfund or hazardous waste sites. A consistent modeling strategy was used across studies to assess the magnitude of the relationship between area of residence and immunoglobulin test results, adjusting for potential confounders and effect modifiers. In all study areas, the results suggest that people who live near a Superfund site may have been more likely to have IgA test results above the reference range than comparison areas residents regardless of modeling strategy employed. The effect measures were larger for residents who lived in communities near military bases with groundwater contamination. For all analyses the wide confidence intervals reflect uncertainty in the magnitude of these effects. To adequately address the question of whether the immune system is affected by low-level exposures to hazardous substances, we recommend that more functional immunotoxicity tests be conducted in human populations where individual exposure information is available or when it can be reasonably estimated from environmental exposure measurements.
Evaluation of ash pollen sensitization pattern using proteomic approach with individual sera from allergic patients
Authors: P. Poncet, H. Senechal, G. Clement, A. Purohit, J.‐P. Sutra, F.‐X. Desvaux, J.‐M. Wal, G. Pauli, G. Peltre, M.‐L. Gougeon
Journal: Allergy (2009)

In Europe, sensitization to ash pollen induces pollinosis with cross-reactivities with other pollen sources. The aim of the study was to identify the repertoire of ash pollen allergens and evaluate the extent of the diversity of the IgE response in ash allergic patients.The IgE reactivities of 114 ash pollen- and eight grass pollen-sensitized patients were screened by 1D immunoblot (SDS-PAGE) against ash pollen extract. The IgE reactivities of 13 ash pollen- and two grass pollen-sensitized patients were then evaluated in 2D immunoblots. Some IgE- and non-IgE-reactive proteins were identified by mass spectrometry.In 1D analysis, 86% of sera showed binding to Fra e 1 (18-20 kDa), 23% to Fra e 2 (14 kDa), 3% to Fra e 3 (10 kDa) and 57% to High Molecular Weight allergens (HMW, >30 kDa). Individual analysis of 2D immunoblots showed several IgE-binding protein areas among which three were more often recognized: (i) Fra e 1 comprising, at least, 15 isoforms, (ii) a series of acidic spots (45 kDa), and (iii) Fra e 2, the ash profilin. HMW allergens could be resolved in four areas; two unidentified, one homologous to beta-galactosidase and the other to sugar transport proteins. A malate deshydrogenase and calmodulin were shown to be IgE-binding proteins and 10 non-IgE reactive proteins were identified.No direct correlation was evidenced between IgE profile and the degree of sensitization even though 2 spectrotypes could be distinguished. Our data contribute to a better delineation of ash pollen allergens and patterns of sensitization.
Surgical Treatment of Obesity — Weighing the Facts
Authors: Malcolm K. Robinson
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2009)

There has been an explosion in the number of bariatric surgical procedures performed worldwide. It is estimated that in 2005, the number of procedures performed in the United States was more than 10 times as great as the number performed in 1994, an increase from approximately 16,200 procedures to 171,000, and the number is still rising. This roaring growth has caused many observers to ask vital questions: Is bariatric surgery safe? Is it effective? Is it affordable?In the past, now outdated bariatric procedures carried unacceptably high risks. The weight loss associated with the procedures was questionable, and the long-term . . .
Anatomic Findings in a Case of Ventricular Pre-Excitation (WPW) Terminating in Complete Atrioventricular Block
Authors: MAURICE LEV, WILLIAM B. LEFFLER, RICHARD LANGENDORF, ALFRED PICK
Journal: Circulation (1966)

1. Electrocardiographic and detailed histological studies are presented of a case of ventricular pre-excitation with progressive A-V and intraventricular block terminating in complete A-V dissociation. 2. Whereas the demonstration of a tract which leads from the atrial septal musculature to the A-V bundle bypassing the A-V node explains the short P-R interval, the delta wave is accounted for by the demonstration of unusually copious Mahaim fibers from the A-V bundle to the posterior portion of the muscular ventricular septum. 3. Thus, this appears to be the first demonstration of Mahaim fibers responsible for A-V transmission in the pre-excitation syndrome. 4. The correlation of the data permitted reconstruction of anatomic changes preceding, and responsible for, the gradual progression of the atrioventricular and intraventricular conduction disorder. 5. On the basis of this correlation it would appear that the two characteristic criteria of ventricular pre-excitation, shortened P-R and the delta wave, may in some cases have a different anatomic background. A separation of these parameters permits an explanation of certain atypical and puzzling aspects encountered in the syndrome of ventricular pre-excitation and related conditions.
Multiple Sclerosis: Explorations of Cause
Authors: Hugh H. Hussey
Journal: JAMA (1976)

In years past (possibly even now), a standard textbook of medicine would begin, "Multiple sclerosis is a disease of unknown cause characterized by..." (a brief definition of the disease would follow at this point). Two facts about multiple sclerosis (MS) have led students of the disease to speculate about two possible causes. First, MS occurs mainly in northern latitudes, and the occasional appearance of more than one case within families suggested to some scholars that an infectious agent is basic to the disorder. This idea was strengthened by the demonstration that other demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) (Kuru, a disease endemic in New Guinea; Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease; subacute sclerosing panencephalitis; and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy) had been shown to be caused by viruses and had been placed firmly in the category of slow virus diseases. Second, the same observations of familial groupings of MS cases and its geographic localization
Paediatrics in Vienna
Authors: P. L. P. Brand, F. Ratjen, P. Aurora, J. E. Dankert-Roelse, R. I. Ross-Russell, C. E. Kuehni, F. Midulla, G. Hedlin
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2010)

The aim of this article is to describe the paediatric highlights from the 2009 European Respiratory Society Annual Congress in Vienna, Austria. The best abstracts from the seven groups of the Paediatric Assembly (asthma and allergy, respiratory epidemiology, cystic fibrosis, respiratory physiology, respiratory infections and immunology, neonatology and paediatric intensive care, and bronchology) are presented alongside findings from the current literature.
Differential in vivo potential of endothelial progenitor cells from human umbilical cord blood and adult peripheral blood to form functional long-lasting vessels
Authors: Patrick Au, Laurence M. Daheron, Dan G. Duda, Kenneth S. Cohen, James A. Tyrrell, Ryan M. Lanning, Dai Fukumura, David T. Scadden, Rakesh K. Jain
Journal: Blood (2007)
The regulation of focal adhesion complex formation and salivary gland epithelial cell organization by nanofibrous PLGA scaffolds
Authors: Sharon J. Sequeira, David A. Soscia, Basak Oztan, Aaron P. Mosier, Riffard Jean-Gilles, Anand Gadre, Nathaniel C. Cady, Bülent Yener, James Castracane, Melinda Larsen
Journal: Biomaterials (2012)
Modulation of parasystolic activity by nonparasystolic beats.
Authors: G J Nau, A E Aldariz, R S Acunzo, M S Halpern, J M Davidenko, M V Elizari, M B Rosenbaum
Journal: Circulation (1982)

We studied 12 patients with ventricular parasystole in whom pacemaker activity could be modulated by nonparasystolic beats (NPBs). In six patients (group 1) in whom the intrinsic parasystolic cycle length (XX interval) was obtained without interposed NPBs, we found that NPBs falling during the first half of the cycle prolonged the XRX interval (containing one NPB) and that NPBs falling during the second half of the cycle abbreviated the XRX interval; both effects were maximal when NPBs fell close to the middle of the cycle and were separated by a reversal point. However, because of mutual interference between parasystolic beats and NPBs, only 13.2-43.4% of the parasystolic cycle could be effectively scanned. We also found that the XRX and RX intervals were linearly related. This relationship served to establish that in six patients in whom the XX interval was not obtained (group 2), modulation showed a similar behavior, although neither the reversal point nor the sense of the modulation could be determined. In this report, we suggest diagnostic criteria of parasystolic modulation.
Ankylosing spondylitis in monozygotic twins: studies on immunological parameters
Authors: T. Hohler, R. Hug, P. M Schneider, F. Krummenauer, C. Gripenberg-Lerche, K. Granfors, E. Marker-Hermann
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1999)

<h3>OBJECTIVE</h3> To examine immunological parameters that might explain disease discordance in monozygotic twin pairs with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). <h3>METHODS</h3> 11 monozygotic twin pairs (nine with AS, two with undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy) were investigated. The peripheral T cell receptor Vβ repertoire was investigated using FACS analysis and 14 different Vβ antibodies. In addition serum samples were tested for antibodies to <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>,<i>Streptococcus pyogenes</i>,<i>Candida albicans</i>,<i>Proteus mirabilis</i>, and<i>Escherichia coli.</i> Peripheral blood lymphocyte reactivity against a number of bacteria was investigated by interferon γ ELISPOT assays. <h3>RESULTS</h3> Twins suffering from AS showed cellular hyporeactivity against<i>K pneumoniae</i>, <i>S pyogenes</i>, <i>C albicans</i> in the ELISPOT assays compared with healthy twins. In contrast with the antibody data, where no significant differences were observed between the two groups, AS concordant twins showed the most pronounced differences in their Vβ repertoire on CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> Cellular hyporeactivity of peripheral blood cells to bacterial antigens might reflect defective T cell responses allowing bacterial antigens to persist in diseased patients. There are probably other environmental factors that influence disease concordance.
Release of motilin by oral and intravenous nutrients in man.
Authors: N D Christofides, S R Bloom, H S Besterman, T E Adrian, M A Ghatei
Journal: Gut (1979)

Motilin is a hormonal peptide found in the duodenum and jejunum which potently influences gastrointestinal tract motility. Its role in human physiology is not yet established. After a standard hospital lunch the plasma concentration of motilin showed a small, transient, but significant rise in 28 healthy subjects. Individual food components either stimulated (oral fat) or suppressed release (oral glucose). Plasma motilin levels were, in addition, altered to an equal extent by intravenous nutrients, with glucose and amino acids suppressing release, and intravenous fat causing a significant rise in plasma concentration. These results demonstrate a consistent response to food stimuli, whether oral or intravenous. The release mechanism appears to be complicated and after a balanced meal, containing food components which both stimulate and suppress release, there is only a small net change.
Data Audit for Clinical Trials-Reply
Authors: Raymond B. Weiss
Journal: JAMA (1993)

In Reply.  —Some of the Cancer and Leukemia Group B studies do prohibit use of certain concurrent medications. These prohibitions are usually limited to corticosteroids in such malignancies as myeloma, breast carcinoma, and lymphomas. Dr Wilson asks if our audit process critiques protocol deviations where a prohibited drug is given anyway. The answer is, Yes indeed, and when this occurs, it is coded as a major deviation. This deviation occurs most often in use of dexamethasone as an antiemetic to be administered with chemotherapy. There are a number of such additional issues that could have been evaluated in our analysis of the audit reports generated during the past 11 years. However, we chose to assess those protocol deviations and administrative deficiencies that we thought were particularly important. Although I cannot provide Wilson with a precise figure of how often this sort of protocol deviation occurs, a reasonable estimate is something
Lung Cancer Screening with Sputum Cytologic Examination, Chest Radiography, and Computed Tomography: An Update for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
Authors: Linda L. Humphrey, Steven Teutsch, Mark Johnson
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2004)

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States and worldwide. No major professional organizations, including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), currently recommend screening for lung cancer. Purpose: To examine the evidence evaluating screening for lung cancer with chest radiography, sputum cytologic examination, and low-dose computed tomography (CT) to aid the USPSTF in updating its recommendation on lung cancer screening. Data Sources: MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, reviews, editorials, and experts. Study Selection: Studies that evaluated mass screening programs for lung cancer involving the tests of interest were selected. All studies were reviewed, but only studies with control groups were rated in quality since these would most directly influence the USPSTF screening recommendation. Data Extraction: Data were abstracted to data collection forms. Studies were graded according to criteria developed by the USPSTF. Data Synthesis: None of the 6 randomized trials of screening for lung cancer with chest radiography alone or in combination with sputum cytologic examination showed benefit among those screened. All studies were limited because some level of screening occurred in the control population. Five case–control studies from Japan suggested benefit to both high- and low-risk men and women. All studies were limited by potential healthy screenee bias. Six cohort studies showed that when CT was used to screen for lung cancer, lung cancer was diagnosed at an earlier stage than in usual clinical care. However, these studies did not have control groups, making mortality evaluation difficult. In addition, the studies demonstrated a high rate of false-positive findings. Conclusions: Current data do not support screening for lung cancer with any method. These data, however, are also insufficient to conclude that screening does not work, particularly in women. Two randomized trials of screening with chest radiography or low-dose CT are currently under way and will better inform lung cancer screening decisions.
P159Early changes in neutrophil morphology predict myocardial damage after myocardial infarction
Authors: G.P.J Van Hout, R De Jong, MPJ Teuben, F Nijhoff, HJ Duckers, L Koenderman, P Stella, WW Van Solinge, G Pasterkamp, IE Hoefer
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2014)

Background: Revascularization after myocardial infarction (MI) induces a strong inflammatory response resulting in an increase of circulating neutrophils. Neutrophil quantities have found to be a good predictor for future adverse events. In this study, we hypothesized that the extent of morphological changes in circulating neutrophils also reflects the myocardial damage after MI and therefore relates to outcome. Methods: One hundred seven STEMI patients treated between 2009 and 2012 with at least one white blood cell count determined by an automated hematology analyzer within 24 hours after PCI were selected. This analyzer differentiates between leukocyte subsets based on morphological characteristics derived from light scatter patterns. Neutrophil morphology was compared with simultaneously measured creatine kinase (CK). Pigs (n=9) were subjected to left anterior descending artery (LAD) occlusion for 75 minutes followed by 3 days of reperfusion. Blood was collected at baseline, during ischemia and at multiple time-points during reperfusion followed by whole-blood analysis with the same hematology analyzer as above. Cardiac damage was determined by histological infarct size, 3D-echocardiography and Troponin measurements. Coronary blood sampling was performed to determine differences in neutrophil morphology between simultaneously sampled arterial and venous coronary blood. Results: In STEMI patients, a significant increase in neutrophil axial light loss (ALL) over time was seen (p<0.001) correlating with CK levels (R=0.314, p<0.001). In pigs, neutrophil ALL increased over time (p<0.001). Neutrophil ALL measured at 15 min after reperfusion correlated significantly with infarct size (R=0.745, p=0.021) and Troponin I levels (R=0.792, p=0.019). Neutrophil ALL also negatively correlated with LVEF measured by 3D-echocardiography (R=-0.760, p=0.017). Coronary sinus sampling revealed structural differences in neutrophil morphology between arterial and coronary venous blood (p=0.013), pinpointing the infarcted myocardium as the source of the observed changes. Conclusion: MI alters the morphology of circulating neutrophils in both patients and pigs in relation to the extent of damage reflected by CK and Troponin I levels. In pigs, neutrophil morphology early after reperfusion predicts infarct size and cardiac function after 3 days. Neutrophil scatter profiles might therefore prove valuable markers for the prediction of cardiac damage after MI.
SHIP BERI-BERI
Authors: G. A. Turner
Journal: BMJ (1905)

WHILE carrying on the work of Additional Port Health Officer for Table Bay, it was my duty to board and examine all vessels before they were granted pratique.During the fifteen months I was thus employed I came across a number of cases of the type of the disbase known as ship beri-beri. SYMPTOMS.As my duties merely consisted in the diagnosis of disease and the superintendence of subsequent precautions, it will be understood that I neither speak from personal experience of the course of the disease nor its treaement.I will therefore merely enumerate some of the principal symptoms which I noticed: z.Oedema.2. Irregularity of the heart's action.3. Paralysis of very varying degrees.4. Tenderness of the calves.5. Irregularity of the knee-jerks.My experience with regard to crews and passengers suffer- ing from beri-beri was as follows: On boarding a vessel I was told that there were one or two men sick; in many cases the captain or chief officer stated at once that the men had beri- beri, and I would be shown one or two men lying in their bunks with well-marked symptoms and apparently extremely ill.Such cases were plain sailing, but when I endeavoured to ascertain whether the other members of the crew were in any way affected matters became more difficult.As a rule they all (being in port) declared themselves quite well, and it was only after careful examination of each individual that I was in a position to estimate the extent of the outbreak.Generally, if one or two of the crew were laid up in their bunks with marked beri-beri I found several others in the earlier stages of the disease.The symptoms I looked for were: (i) Rlpidity of the pulse, (2) oedema of the ankles.Wherever marked cases of beri-beri existed on board a ship I considered the presence of these indications sufficient to justify me in putting a man down as suffering from the disease.As regards the knee-jerks, I may say that I attached no particular reliance to them.I have seen them exaggerated in some cases, absent in some, and, again, in others quite normal.In advanced or acute cases the walk was cha- racteristic.