tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
MEMS: Enabled Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Angelica Cobo, Roya Sheybani, Ellis Meng
Journal: Advanced Healthcare Materials (2015)

Drug delivery systems play a crucial role in the treatment and management of medical conditions. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies have allowed the development of advanced miniaturized devices for medical and biological applications. This Review presents the use of MEMS technologies to produce drug delivery devices detailing the delivery mechanisms, device formats employed, and various biomedical applications. The integration of dosing control systems, examples of commercially available microtechnology‐enabled drug delivery devices, remaining challenges, and future outlook are also discussed.
Analysis of cellular and protein content of broncho-alveolar lavage fluid from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Authors: H Y Reynolds, J D Fulmer, J A Kazmierowski, W C Roberts, M M Frank, R G Crystal
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1977)

To evaluate cellular and protein components in the lower respiratory tract of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP), limited broncho-alveolar lavage was done in 58 patients (19 IPF, 7 CHP, and 32 controls). Analysis of the cells and protein in the lavage fluids from patients with IPF revealed an inflammatory and eosinophilic response and a significant elevation of IgG in the lungs. With corticosteroid therapy, inflammation diminished but eosinophils remained. Lavage fluid from patients with CHP also had eosinophils and elevated levels of IgG. However, in contrast to IPF, lavage fluid from CHP patients contained IgM, fewer inflammatory cells, and a strikingly increased number (38-74%) of lymphocytes. Identification of lavage lymphocytes in CHP showed that T lymphocytes were significantly elevated and B lymphocytes were decreased compared to peripheral blood. These studies suggest nthat the lung in IPF and CHP may function as a relatively independent immune organ, and that analysis of cells and proteins in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid may be of diagnostic, therapeutic, and investigative value in evaluating patients with fibrotic lung disease.
AUTOANTIBODIES AGAINST ANGIOTENSIN II TYPE 1 RECEPTOR AND LEFT VENTRICULAR REMODELING CHANGES IN RESPONSE TO PERINDOPRIL TREATMENT
Authors: Lin Zhang, Xin Wang, Zhiyong Zhang, Lin Xu, Jiamei Liu, Juan Zhang, Hua Wang, Jin Chen, Hakon Hakonarson, Aihua Hu, Qian Du
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2013)
THE HISTORY OF A HYPERNEPHROMA
Authors: K. V. Trubshaw
Journal: BMJ (1928)

ALTHOUGH the vagaries of hypernephromata are well known, the following case is so unusual that it is worth recording.Tn August, 1924, a girl, aged 15, was admitted to the Clhester Royal Infirmary with a hard, firm, rounded mass occupying the left loin.The urine had a speciflc gravity of 1020, and contained a trace of albumin, but no blood or pus.She stated that she had had attacks of vomiting and of pain in the left side for some years and that, shortly before admission, she had noticed a
Endocardial injury and the pathogenesis of mural thrombosis in the left ventricle
Authors: G. CARTER, J. B GAVIN
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (1989)

To define the interactions between blood and endocardium damaged by lactic acid, the left ventricles of 48 isolated continuously perfused and beating hearts were exposed for 0–4 hours to Krebs Henseleit buffer (KHB) with or without 33 μmol.ml−1 of lactic acid (pH 6.4). After excising its apex, the left ventricle was flushed with KHB, followed by 10 ml of lightly heparinised blood, and then by a further 10 ml of KHB. Lactic acid caused endothelial cell membrane rupture, intercellular separation, and exfoliation with exposure of the basal lamina and underlying connective tissue. Whereas multilayered platelet aggregations formed on exposed basal lamina, fibrin deposition and incorporation of blood cells were only observed in the larger thrombi which formed on exposed collagen. These findings indicate that a metabolite which accumulates in ischaemic myocardium can cause endocardial injury which would predispose to the mural thrombosis which can complicate myocardial infarction.
Abstract LB-457: Multiplexing protein and DNA biomarkers on a single analytical platform
Authors: Shuqiang Li, Maria F. Campo, Cecilia A. Fernandez, Anthony P. Shuber
Journal: Cancer Research (2012)

Abstract We have recently developed a non-invasive assay that combines protein and DNA biomarkers for triaging bladder cancer patients and demonstrated that this multi-analyte approach improves clinical performance. This assay combines detection in urine of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) protein, hypermethylation of two DNA markers (Twist1 and Nid2) and mutation detection of the FGFR3 gene. To eliminate the need to perform separate analytical procedures for protein and DNA, and to decrease assay complexity and cost while increasing assay throughput, we are now developing a method for simultaneous detection of protein and DNA biomarkers on a qPCR platform. To this end, we have identified and characterized six DNA aptamers that specifically bind Matrix Metalloprteinase-2 (MMP-2). DNA aptamers are single stranded DNA oligos that can bind specifically to their target molecules, including proteins. Once bound to the protein, these aptamers can then be used as templates for quantitative PCR-mediated protein detection. We have developed qPCR assays for each of the six MMP-2-specific aptamers, and demonstrate detection limits for each aptamer as low as 5x102 copies. Kinetic and equilibrium analysis was used to determine the KD constant for the aptamers. High affinity interactions were observed for all aptamers, with two aptamers having the highest affinity and calculated KD values of 15 and 10nM. Using one of these aptamers, we bound MMP-2 protein to the aptamer in solution and then immunoprecipitated the protein/aptamer complexes using biotin-labeled MMP-2-specific antibodies. Immunoprecipitated complexes were then quantitated using the aptamer-specific qPCR assay. In this study, we show that by qPCR, we can efficiently detect 10-12 mol/L of MMP-2 using the aptamer as the detection molecule. This level of MMP-2 protein detection is equivalent to commercially available ELISA assays. To further improve performance and to take advantage of the known specificity of aptamers, we intend to develop a system that uses one aptamer for detection and a second biotin-labeled aptamer for immunoprecipitation. We subsequently demonstrate the ability to multiplex the aptamer qPCR assay with our qPCR assay for FGFR3 and intend to add the other DNA markers into this multiplex system in the future. This is the first demonstration of simultaneous detection of protein and DNA biomarkers using a single analytical platform. 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 LB-457. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-457
Drug industry challenges government's action on generic statins
Authors: Clare Dyer
Journal: BMJ (2007)

The UK government has announced a review of the NHS in a bid to ensure that clinical priorities and local accountability are paramount in the health service's day to day operations.The health secretary, Alan Johnson, has asked the junior health minister and surgeon Sir Ara Darzi to lead the review and to consult widely with patients and staff.The move is widely seen as a bid to mend relationships with health professionals, many of whom feel aggrieved by a decade of nonstop NHS reforms.Mr Johnson said that providing more accessible and convenient care for patients; achieving better value for money; and ensuring that people with long term illness were "treated with dignity in safe, clean environments" were all key areas that the review would look at.He also announced an extra £50m (€74m; $100m) to fight hospital acquired infections.Mr Johnson said, "The past 10 years have seen huge improvements in the NHS, and thanks to record investment and measures to raise standards, nine out of 10 patients rate their care as good to excellent."He added, "What was right for the last decade-top down targets and important but sometimes difficult reforms-will not be right for the next, where more local decision making and staff empowerment need to drive the NHS."He said that the review could result in an NHS constitution that sets out its values and lines of accountability.The full report will be published in June 2008.An interim assessment in autumn 2007 will inform the next comprehensive spending review.Gill Morgan, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said, "We hope that this is not just another review but a genuine exercise in listening and understanding where the service has got to and where it needs to go.The opportunity to re-engage staff with the NHS reform programme is too important to be missed.
219 Angiotensin II type 1 receptor inhibition in early stage cirrhotic patients: Effects on portal pressure and liver fibrosis
Authors: S. Martini, C. Alessandria, W. Debernardi Venon, A. Marzano, F. Biasi, N. Leone, C. Barletti, L. Todros, G. Poli, G. Saracco, M. Rizzetto
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2004)
Spontaneous choledochal-colonic fistula treated by duodenoscopic sphincterotomy.
Authors: P Bannister, C Bennett, M E Denyer
Journal: BMJ (1984)

the diet free of gluten and cows' milk was the cause of his failure to thrive.The lack of new gastrointestinal symptoms and the normal results of investigations made allergy to the soybean protein an unlikely explanation for his weight loss.The incidence of coeliac disease proved by jejunal biopsy in patients with eczema is less than 1 %.'There is no justification for withdrawing gluten unless malabsorpion is present and coeliac disease is suspected, when prior jejunal biopsy is mandatory.Ingestion of cows' milk and infantile eczema are associated,3 and the many symptoms attributable to intolerance of cows' milk have received medical and public attention.4The criteria for diagnosing intolerance to cows' milk are strict,4 and referral to hospital is reasonable when symptoms are persistent or severe, and essential if coeliac disease is suspected.Empirical changes in diet are sometimes necessary but should never be undertaken without careful review of weight gain.Complex alterations in diet should be undertaken only with the advice of a dietitian.
Comprehensive assessment of T-cell receptor β-chain diversity in αβ T cells
Authors: Harlan S. Robins, Paulo V. Campregher, Santosh K. Srivastava, Abigail Wacher, Cameron J. Turtle, Orsalem Kahsai, Stanley R. Riddell, Edus H. Warren, Christopher S. Carlson
Journal: Blood (2009)
Scintigraphic Evaluation of Reduced-Size Liver Transplant From Living Related Donor in Byler??s Disease
Authors: BELKIS ERBAS, MEHMET HABERAL, GUNAYDIN ERBENGI, HALIS SIMSEK, HASAN TELATAR
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (1993)

Byler's syndrome is a rare form of autosomal recessive intrahepatic cholestasis that is fatal in children. A 10-year-old girl diagnosed with Byler's syndrome underwent reduced-size liver transplantation using lateral segments of her living mother's liver. The donor's and the recipient's liver functions after transplantation were evaluated using Tc-99m disofenin and Tc-99m SC to investigate morphology, liver perfusion, and hepatobiliary function.
Can the fall in Avon's sudden infant death rate be explained by changes in sleeping position?
Authors: R. E. Wigfield, P. J. Fleming, P. J. Berry, P. T. Rudd, J. Golding
Journal: BMJ (1992)

OBJECTIVE--To examine the impact of changing practice with regard to infant sleeping position on mortality from the sudden infant death syndrome. DESIGN--A population based study of all infants dying suddenly and unexpectedly during February 1990 to July 1991, and two groups of controls; one comprising every 125th baby born to Avon residents and the other comprising pairs of infants matched to each index case for age, neighbourhood, and date of study. Information about sleeping position was collected at home visits soon after the index baby9s death or, for the population based controls, on several occasions in the first six months of life. The design was comparable to that of an earlier study of the same population. SETTING--County of Avon. SUBJECTS--35 infants who died suddenly and unexpectedly (32 of the sudden infant death syndrome), 70 matched controls, and 152 population based controls. RESULTS--The prevalence of prone sleeping in the matched controls was much lower than that found in an earlier study in Avon (28% (18/64) 1990-1 v 58% (76/131) 1987-9; p less than 0.001) and was comparable with the prevalence in population based controls (29%). This would be expected to lead to a reduction in the incidence of the sudden infant death syndrome to 2.0/1000 live births (95% confidence interval 1.8/1000 to 2.5/1000). The actual mortality fell from 3.5/1000 in 1987-9 to 1.7/1000. CONCLUSION--The fall in mortality can be almost entirely accounted for by the reduction in prone sleeping, suggesting a causal relation exists between them. Side and supine positions confer protection but the side position is unstable and the infant may roll prone. We therefore recommend supine as the safest sleeping position for babies.
Pulmonary Artery Flow-Guided Catheters in the Perioperative Period
Authors: Jonathan D. Katz
Journal: JAMA (1977)

The risk factor of pulmonary artery catheterization was assessed in 392 critically ill patients. Major indications for catheterization in the operating room were marginal cardiovascular reserve, anticipated large fluid and blood loss, and hypotensive anesthesia. Immediate complications included cardiac arrhythmia, carotid artery puncture, and pneumotherax. Long-term complications included positive bacterial cultures, pulmonary infarction and neuropathy. None of the complications were directly responsible for the deaths in this series. Pulmonary artery monitoring in critically ill persons is a relatively safe procedure.
TRPC3 channel contributes to nitric oxide release: significance during normoxia and hypoxia–reoxygenation
Authors: Jun-Hao Huang, Guo-Wei He, Hong-Mei Xue, Xiao-Qiang Yao, Xiao-Cheng Liu, Malcolm John Underwood, Qin Yang
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2011)

AimsIntracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) regulation in endothelial cells depends on transient receptor potential channels (TRPs), and the role of canonical TRPs (TRPCs) during hypoxia–reoxygenation (H–R) is unclear. We hypothesized that TRPC3 contributes to endothelial nitric oxide (NO) release and that H–R may reduce TRPC3 activity and the associated endothelial function, including NO release.
PUVA treatment for alopecia areata—does it work? A retrospective review of 102 cases
Authors: E. HEALY, S. ROGERS
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1993)

The results of PUVA treatment for severe alopecia areata (AA) were reviewed in 102 patients. Fifty-three per cent had greater than 90% regrowth of hair. Although these results appear to be encouraging, they differ little from what would be expected with no treatment. We consider that PUVA is not an effective treatment for AA.
F-18 FDG PET-CT Findings in a Case of Normal-Sized Ovarian Cancer Syndrome
Authors: Kazuyoshi Suga, Yasuhiko Kawakami, Atsuto Hiyama, Tomoyoshi Kusano, Syougo Nawata
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (2009)

The "normal-sized ovary carcinoma syndrome (NOCS)" is defined as a clinical situation, in which diffuse metastatic malignant disease of the abdominal cavity of the female with normal-sized ovaries is noted, but no origin is assigned by preoperative or intraoperative evaluation. We report a case of ovarian serous surface papillary carcinoma with manifestation of NOCS, where F-18 FDG PET/CT scan correctly detected the site of origin, although computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging failed to detect it. This technique may play a role to discern the site of origin of some malignancies.
The Best Medicine for Febrile Seizures
Authors: John M. Freeman
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1992)

Observing a seizure may be one of life's most frightening experiences. Many parents who witness a child's first seizure think the child is dying. Their lack of knowledge and sense of helplessness may be compounded by misconceptions about the risks of swallowing the tongue, choking, brain damage, mental retardation, and death.Febrile seizures are the most common seizures of childhood. The thousands of parents each year who are terrified by such an event are in need of good information and reassurance. The report by Berg et al. in this issue of the Journal 1 is a welcome addition to this productive . . .
Liver grafts from anti-hepatitis B core positive donors: A systematic review
Authors: Evangelos Cholongitas, George V. Papatheodoridis, Andrew K. Burroughs
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2009)

Background & AimsAlthough hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission after liver transplantation of grafts from HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc positive donors is well established, the growing organ shortage favours the use of such marginal grafts. We systematically evaluated the risk of HBV infection after liver transplantation with such grafts and the effect of anti-HBV prophylaxis.MethodsWe performed a literature review over the last 15 years identifying 39 studies including 903 recipients of anti-HBc positive liver grafts.ResultsRecurrent HBV infection developed in 11% of HBsAg-positive liver transplant recipients of anti-HBc positive grafts, while survival was similar (67–100%) to HBsAg-positive recipients of anti-HBc negative grafts. De novo HBV infection developed in 19% of HBsAg-negative recipients being less frequent in anti-HBc/anti-HBs positive than HBV naive cases without prophylaxis (15% vs 48%, p < 0.001). Anti-HBV prophylaxis reduced de novo infection rates in both anti-HBc/anti-HBs positive (3%) and HBV naive recipients (12%). De novo infection rates were 19%, 2.6% and 2.8% in HBsAg-negative recipients under hepatitis B immunoglobulin, lamivudine and their combination, respectively.ConclusionsLiver grafts from anti-HBc positive donors can be safely used, preferentially in HBsAg-positive or anti-HBc/anti-HBs positive recipients. HBsAg-negative recipients should receive prophylaxis with lamivudine, while both anti-HBc and anti-HBs positive recipients may need no prophylaxis at all. Although hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission after liver transplantation of grafts from HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc positive donors is well established, the growing organ shortage favours the use of such marginal grafts. We systematically evaluated the risk of HBV infection after liver transplantation with such grafts and the effect of anti-HBV prophylaxis. We performed a literature review over the last 15 years identifying 39 studies including 903 recipients of anti-HBc positive liver grafts. Recurrent HBV infection developed in 11% of HBsAg-positive liver transplant recipients of anti-HBc positive grafts, while survival was similar (67–100%) to HBsAg-positive recipients of anti-HBc negative grafts. De novo HBV infection developed in 19% of HBsAg-negative recipients being less frequent in anti-HBc/anti-HBs positive than HBV naive cases without prophylaxis (15% vs 48%, p < 0.001). Anti-HBV prophylaxis reduced de novo infection rates in both anti-HBc/anti-HBs positive (3%) and HBV naive recipients (12%). De novo infection rates were 19%, 2.6% and 2.8% in HBsAg-negative recipients under hepatitis B immunoglobulin, lamivudine and their combination, respectively. Liver grafts from anti-HBc positive donors can be safely used, preferentially in HBsAg-positive or anti-HBc/anti-HBs positive recipients. HBsAg-negative recipients should receive prophylaxis with lamivudine, while both anti-HBc and anti-HBs positive recipients may need no prophylaxis at all.
Multiple Organ Failure Syndrome
Authors: J. U. Bascom
Journal: JAMA (1994)

<h3>To the Editor.</h3> —In their review of the literature on multiple organ failure (MOF), Drs Beal and Cerra<sup>1</sup>focus almost exclusively on the biochemical aspects of MOF. We write to call attention to additional and important physical changes such as separation of capillary endothelial cell junctions. Such physical changes interact with biochemical changes to complicate patient recovery. All these changes lead to capillary leak.<sup>2</sup>The leak releases water, electrolytes, and albumin into the extracellular or third space. Enlargement of the third space physically multiplies the distance between the delivery system's capillary membrane and the mitochondria of the cell. Diffusion of oxygen and other substances slows across the lungs and in tissues. The resultant decline in oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption and the increase in oxygen debt are three changes that uniformly accompany MOF and shock. Furthermore, the enlarged third space physically compresses tissues and often hampers diuresis. Diuresis
Streptokinase induces intravascular release of platelet-activating factor in patients with acute myocardial infarction and stimulates its synthesis by cultured human endothelial cells.
Authors: G Montrucchio, S Bergerone, F Bussolino, G Alloatti, L Silvestro, E Lupia, A Cravetto, M Di Leo, G Emanuelli, G Camussi
Journal: Circulation (1993)

BACKGROUND Reocclusion of a successfully recanalized infarct-related artery may account for failure of thrombolytic therapy. Evidence suggests that the intravascular activation of platelets may limit the response to this treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether platelet-activating factor (PAF), an ether lipid mediator with multiple potent biological activities, is synthesized during therapy with thrombolytic agents. Two sets of experiments were performed: (1) we extracted and quantified PAF in blood of patients with acute myocardial infarction treated or untreated with streptokinase (SK), and (2) since the endothelium/platelet interaction is thought to be at the basis of vascular reocclusion, we studied whether cultured human endothelial cells synthesize PAF after stimulation with SK or plasmin. METHODS AND RESULTS PAF was extracted from blood samples immediately after acidification to destroy the acid-labile PAF-acetylhydrolase in 25 patients with acute myocardial infarction treated (group A, n = 14) and untreated (group B, n = 11) with intravenous infusion of SK. PAF was detected in 10 of 14 patients of group A and none of group B. PAF began to be detectable 60 to 90 minutes after SK infusion and disappeared from the circulation within 120 to 180 minutes. Percent variation of platelet count over basal values correlated negatively with the amount of PAF present in the circulation at 90 minutes (r = -.719; P &lt; .001) and at 120 minutes (r = -.652; P &lt; .001). Cultured human umbilical cord vein-derived endothelial cells (ECs) synthesized PAF in a dose-dependent manner in response to SK and plasmin, with a synthesis that peaked at 15 minutes and persisted up to 30 minutes for SK and 2 hours for plasmin. PAF extracted from blood samples or from ECs was quantified by bioassay performed after purification by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). PAF-bioactive material was characterized as PAF with physicochemical and enzymatic treatments, HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry, and specific PAF-receptor antagonists. CONCLUSIONS The observation that PAF was detectable in the blood of patients of group A only after treatment with SK and was not detectable in patients with a comparable infarct not treated with SK (group B) suggested that SK stimulates the synthesis of this mediator either directly or via plasmin generation. Indeed, cultured human ECs synthesize PAF after stimulation with both SK and plasmin. PAF production by ECs may promote platelet activation and interaction of these cells as well as of circulating leukocytes with endothelium. These events may limit the beneficial effects of thrombolytic therapy.