tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Saturation-Inhibition Index as a Measure of the Risk of Calcium Oxalate Stone Formation in the Urinary Tract
Authors: William G. Robertson, Munro Peacock, Robert W. Marshall, David H. Marshall, B.E. Christopher Nordin
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1976)

Studies were carried out on multiple urine samples from eight patients with recurrent idiopathic calcium oxalate stone formation and eight normal persons to define an index of the risk of forming calcium oxalate stones. Under the same conditions of dietary and fluid intake the urine samples of the patients with stone formation were more supersaturated with calcium oxalate (P less than 0.001) and had lower concentrations of protective inhibitors of crystallization (P less than 0.001) than those of the controls. However, the best separation between the groups was defined by a discriminant line relating inhibitory activity and urine saturation. A measure of the risk of forming large crystals, the saturation-inhibition index, was defined as the distance of each urine from the discriminant line. The patients with stone formation had a significantly higher mean saturation-inhibition index than the controls (P less than 0.001). Both the percentage of large calcium oxalate crystals excreted (P less than 0.001) and the stone episode rate (P less than 0.005) were significantly correlated with the saturation-inhibition index.
Evaluating Novel Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Can We Better Predict Heart Attacks?
Authors: Paul M. Ridker
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1999)

Myocardial infarction often occurs among persons without traditional risk factors, and it has been hypothesized that assessment of "novel" markers may help identify persons who are prone to premature atherothrombosis. However, when considering the clinical utility of screening for any new marker for cardiovascular disease, physicians should consider whether there is a standardized and reproducible assay for the marker of interest; whether there is a consistent series of prospective epidemiologic studies indicating that baseline elevations of the novel marker predict future risk; and whether assessment of the novel marker adds to the predictive value of other plasma-based risk factors, specifically, the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In this article, these criteria are used to evaluate five promising markers of cardiovascular risk: lipoprotein(a), total plasma homocysteine, fibrinolytic capacity, fibrinogen, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Background is also provided to assist physicians in deciding whether one or more of these novel markers deserve clinical consideration in general outpatient settings.
Mobilization of Bone Marrow-Derived Oct-4+ SSEA-4+ Very Small Embryonic-Like Stem Cells in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Wojciech Wojakowski, Michał Tendera, Magda Kucia, Ewa Zuba-Surma, Edyta Paczkowska, Joanna Ciosek, Maciej Hałasa, Marek Król, Maciej Kazmierski, Paweł Buszman, Andrzej Ochała, Janina Ratajczak, Bogusław Machaliński, Mariusz Z. Ratajczak
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2008)
Letter to the editor: Granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor gene in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Heidi I. Karlic, Elisabeth Weber, Ernst Schlögl, Otto Krieger, Dieter Lutz, J. Boultwood, J. S. Wainscoat
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (1991)

The paper by Boultwood and co-workers [l] on the structure of the granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) gene in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) indicates that the GM-CSF gene is neither structurally nor quantitatively affected in patients with MDS including those with the chromosomal marker 5q-.Furthermore, the authors regret the paucity of molecular markers associated with this group of diseases.However, this report appears to be contradictory to a series of papers describing deletions of genes located at 5q [2, 3, 4, 51 including our own data.We have performed restriction analyses of 4 patients: Two AMLIM"' L. transformed from MDS with t(3;5), one AMWM4 with del(5q) and one RAEB with monosomy 5 .Deletions resulting in hemizygosity of the GM-CSF gene and the cFMS oncogene have been found in all cases.Although we could confirm the report of Boultwood et al. by finding no aberrant fragments with BamHI and Hind 111, one of these patients (AMWM2) had an aberrant 10.6 kb Eco RI-fragment in the GM-CSF gene (in addition to the normal 9.5 and 4.0 kb fragments) indicating a rearrangement or a microdeletion of a restriction site in the second GM-CSF allele.An additional analysis of the CD 14 gene which is situated in close vicinity to the GM-CSiF gene detected no aberrant restriction fragment in that patient.Thus, considering the complex organization of genes on the long arm of chromosome 5 , we suggest that structural analyses of genes such as GM-CSF, performed with a much larger panel of restriction enzymes and DNA-probes than those described by Boultwood et al. [I] will give valuable information on polymorphisms and structural aberrations within this gene cluster.As a consequence, comparative quantitative analyses of (hemizygous) genes located at 5q may provide valuable interpretations on the pathogenesis of AML and MDS carrying cytogenetic abnormalities of chromosome 5.
Host Cell Traversal Is Important for Progression of the Malaria Parasite through the Dermis to the Liver
Authors: Rogerio Amino, Donatella Giovannini, Sabine Thiberge, Pascale Gueirard, Bertrand Boisson, Jean-François Dubremetz, Marie-Christine Prévost, Tomoko Ishino, Masao Yuda, Robert Ménard
Journal: Cell Host & Microbe (2008)
Isolated hyperbilirubinemia following standard dose cytosine arabinoside in a patient with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Ozden Altundag, Kadri Altundag, Ismail Celik, Alev Turker, Ayse Kars
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (2004)

Granulocytic Sarcoma of the Urinary BladderTo the Editor: Granulocytic sarcomas are tumors of myeloid precursor cells presenting as extramedullary mass lesions, known to occur in clinical settings such as acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, and myelodysplastic syndrome.They can, however, occur in patients without a hematological disorder, in which case they are a harbinger of AML [1].We would like to present a case of granulocytic sarcoma at an unusual location in a patient without history of a hematological malignancy.
Fluorocarbon simulation of myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion: studies of relationships between force and intracellular calcium
Authors: O. H L Bing, Y. Kihara, W. W Brooks, C. H Conrad, J. P Morgan
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (1993)

Objective: The aim was to compare the effects of simulated ischaemia-reperfusion with those of hypoxia-reoxygenation in isolated muscle preparations from the ferret right ventricle. Methods: Ischaemia was simulated using fluorocarbon immersion plus hypoxia. Intracellular calcium transients were determined from aequorin luminescence during isometric contractions. Results: Hypoxia in fluorocarbon and physiological saline solution resulted in a similar reversible depression of the peak of the calcium transient. Peak active tension, however, was more depressed in fluorocarbon than in physiological salt solution. The dissociation between peak light and peak active tension was most pronounced on reoxygenation, with near complete recovery of peak light, while there was little recovery of tension in fluorocarbon. When fluorocarbon was then replaced by physiological salt solution, peak active tension recovered promptly. A prolongation of the decay of the calcium transient was seen in both fluorocarbon and physiological salt solution during hypoxia, which shortened promptly on reoxygenation. The time to the peak of the calcium transient was most prolonged during hypoxia in fluorocarbon and there was gradual recovery on reoxygenation. Conclusions: While some changes in the calcium transient during simulated ischaemia are rapidly reversible with reoxygenation (in fluorocarbon), suggesting an effect of hypoxia, others are incompletely reversed or only reversed with physiological salt solution, suggesting an effect of metabolite accumulation. The pronounced dissociation between peak light and peak active tension during reoxygenation in fluorocarbon is promptly reversed by changing to physiological salt solution, suggesting that metabolite retention in the postischaemic period may contribute to depressed myocardial function after reperfusion. Cardiovascular Research 1993;27:1863-1868
Principles of Judicious Antibiotic Use: Nonspecific Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Ralph Gonzales, Richard E. Besser
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2002)

Letters7 May 2002Principles of Judicious Antibiotic Use: Nonspecific Upper Respiratory Tract InfectionsRalph Gonzales, MD and Richard E. Besser, MDRalph Gonzales, MDUniversity of CaliforniaSan Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94118Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlanta, GA 30333Search for more papers by this author and Richard E. Besser, MDUniversity of CaliforniaSan Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94118Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlanta, GA 30333Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-136-9-200205070-00019 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail IN RESPONSE:Dr. Johnson believes that evidence relating to the cause of purulent secretions associated with acute respiratory tract infections and evidence of response to antibiotic therapy should have been more prominently displayed in our paper. We agree that purulent secretions are a poor predictor of microbial cause and response to antibiotic therapy and that better communication of this fact will aid in improving physician prescribing practices. Our Table was intended to display randomized, controlled trials of nonspecific upper respiratory tract infections and was not intended to reflect the evidence for Principle 3. The other studies Dr. Johnson mentions (1, ...References1. Stott NC, West RR. Randomised controlled trial of antibiotics in patients with cough and purulent sputum. Br Med J. 1976;2:556-9. [PMID: 0000786428] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar2. Verheij TJ, Hermans J, Mulder JD. Effects of doxycycline in patients with acute cough and purulent sputum: a double blind placebo controlled trial. Br J Gen Pract. 1994;44:400-4. [PMID: 0008790652] MedlineGoogle Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: University of CaliforniaSan Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94118Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlanta, GA 30333 PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics 7 May 2002Volume 136, Issue 9Page: 709KeywordsAntibioticsBronchitisUpper respiratory tract infections ePublished: 7 May 2002 Issue Published: 7 May 2002 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 2002 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF downloadLoading ...
A student with macrocytic anaemia
Authors: W. Thomas, F. d'Orey, G. Turner
Journal: BMJ (2014)

Thank you for your interest in spreading the word about The BMJ.NOTE: We only request your email address so that the person you are recommending the page to knows that you wanted them to see it, and that it is not junk mail. We do not capture any email address. Username * Your Email * Send To * You are going to email the following A student with macrocytic anaemia Your Personal Message CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
SARS: understanding the coronavirus: Accuracy of WHO criteria was similar in a "non-SARS" hospital in Singapore
Authors: Paul Ananth Tambyah, Kamaljit S Singh, Abdul G Habib
Journal: BMJ (2003)

Editor—We report a similar experience at the National University Hospital, Singapore, to that of Rainer et al in Hong Kong's New Territories.1

We screened patients for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) by using criteria from the World Health Organization and transferred suspect and probable cases to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, the country's designated SARS hospital, for further management. Patients with undifferentiated fever or respiratory symptoms who did not meet WHO criteria (and would not be accepted at Tan Tock Seng Hospital due to the limited resources available) were monitored in isolation rooms with daily blood counts, chest radiography, and temperature monitoring every four hours without antipyretic drugs until an alternative diagnosis was established.

From 17 March to 16 May 2003 we isolated 909 patients and transferred 47 patients directly to Tan Tock Seng Hospital for evaluation (table). Thirteen of the 18 patients with SARS treated at our hospital did not initially meet the WHO criteria. WHO criteria when applied at presentation had a sensitivity of 27.8% (95% confidence interval 9.7% to 53.5%) and a specificity of 95.5% (94.0% to 96.8%). We found a much lower positive predictive value (10.6%) than Rainer et al, as expected given the lower prevalence at a general hospital rather than a specialised SARS screening centre. Our data reaffirm that even during an epidemic, many patients may have atypical presentations2 and require a period of careful observation under isolation until the clinical course is manifest or WHO criteria are met. They also highlight the urgent need for a rapid diagnostic test that can be applied early in the course of the infection especially if SARS reappears next winter.



Table 1

Accuracy of WHO criteria for SARS in a general teaching hospital. Values are numbers of patients
Scientists debunk idea that rise in allergic diseases is due to homes becoming "too clean"
Authors: M. Limb
Journal: BMJ (2012)

UK researchers say that they have dismantled the “myth” that allergic diseases have risen to epidemic levels because people now live in sterile homes and have become “too clean.”

A report published today by the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene rejects the so called hygiene hypothesis, which first suggested more than 20 years ago that reduced exposure to infection in early childhood as a result of improved cleanliness might explain the rise of some allergies.1

Not only is the theory unsupported by evidence, says the report, it is “confusing and potentially dangerous” because it could put people off washing and cleaning to remove possible pathogens when the threat of infectious disease is rising.

Graham Rook, a coauthor of the study and a professor at University College London’s Centre for Clinical Microbiology, said, “The rise in allergies and inflammatory …
Probe Radiocardiography: Validation of a Technique to Routinely Determine Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: JOHN L. FLOYD, ROBERT E. SONNEMAKER, ROBERT F. BODE
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (1979)

We investigated the probability of obtaining a valid radiocardiogram with the first commercially available cardiac probe and a peripheral injection of the radiopharmaceutical. Measurements of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were obtained in a series of 15 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Probe LVEF determinations using central, peripheral and rapid sequential injections correlated well with each other and with ventriculography (r = .88-.98). By documenting its accuracy and precision, this study confirms the validity of a new technique for measuring LVEF.
Modulation by 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol of the acute change in cytosolic free calcium induced by thyrotropin-releasing hormone in GH4C1 pituitary cells.
Authors: J C Chisholm, S Kim, A H Tashjian
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1988)

Receptor-mediated regulation of prolactin synthesis by 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2D3) in the pituitary cell strain GH4C1 is dependent on the concentration of extracellular calcium. We have now investigated the actions of 1,25(OH)2D3 on cytosolic free calcium concentrations [( Ca2+]i) in these cells using the fluorescent indicator quin2. Basal resting [Ca2+]i was unchanged in cells treated with 1 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 either acutely (from 0 to 15 min) or for periods of up to 48 h. However, the initial peak of the biphasic change in [Ca2+]i induced by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) was enhanced more than twofold in cells pretreated for 24 or 48 h with 1,25(OH)2D3. This 1,25(OH)2D3-enhanced calcium response was restricted to the initial phase of TRH action; the secondary plateau phase was unaffected. Neither the affinity nor number of TRH receptors nor the early time course of [3H]MeTRH binding to GH4C1 cells were affected by pretreatment with 1,25(OH)2D3. Because TRH binding was not altered, four sites along the intracellular signal transduction pathway of TRH action were examined. Neither protein kinase C activation nor inositol polyphosphate accumulation were enhanced in response to TRH, in 1,25(OH)2D3 pretreated cells, indicating that phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis was unchanged by pretreatment. A low concentration of ionomycin was used to probe the size of the nonmitochondrial intracellular calcium pool that is sensitive to TRH. Ionomycin was not able to mobilize more calcium from 1,25(OH)2D3 pretreated cells, indicating that TRH-responsive intracellular calcium stores were probably not enhanced by pretreatment. Chelation of extracellular calcium, however, did eliminate enhancement of the TRH response in 1,25(OH)2D3-pretreated cells. We conclude that 1,25(OH)2D3 modulates acute dynamic changes in [Ca2+]i induced by TRH without affecting basal [Ca2+]i. The mechanism of the enhanced response of 1,25(OH)2D3-pretreated cells to TRH appears to depend upon a postreceptor event independent of phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis that involves increased calcium conductance at the level of the plasma membrane. A less likely explanation involves enhancement of intracellular calcium stores in an ionomycin-resistant, EGTA-sensitive, TRH-mobilizable reservoir.
Does the quantitative assessment of coronary artery dimensions predict the physiologic significance of a coronary stenosis?
Authors: F Zijlstra, J van Ommeren, J H Reiber, P W Serruys
Journal: Circulation (1987)

To study the relationship between the quantitatively assessed coronary artery dimensions and the regional coronary flow reserve as measured by digital subtraction cineangiography, we investigated 17 coronary arteries with a single discrete proximal stenosis and 12 normal coronary arteries before and after intracoronary administration of papaverine. Coronary flow reserve was found to be curvilinearly related to minimal luminal cross-sectional area (r = .92, SEE = 0.73) and to percentage area stenosis (r = .92, SEE = 0.74). Normal coronary arteries had a coronary flow reserve of 5.0 (+/- 0.8 [SD]), which differed significantly from the coronary flow reserve of the coronary arteries with obstructive disease, in which values ranging from 0.5 to 3.9 were found. Coronary arteries with a percentage area stenosis between 50% and 70% and a minimal luminal cross-sectional area between 2 and 4.5 mm2 differed significantly (p = .001), with respect to the coronary flow reserve, from coronary arteries with a percentage area stenosis in excess of 70% and a minimal luminal cross-sectional area less than 2 mm2. With the use of hemodynamic equations that describe the pressure loss over a stenosis, a theoretical pressure-flow relationship can be inferred that characterizes the severity of the stenosis. Based on this theoretical pressure-flow relationship, coronary arteries that have a limited coronary flow reserve and critical stenosis (distal coronary perfusion pressure below 40 mm Hg at coronary flow of 3 ml/sec) can be identified with high sensitivity (83%) and specificity (82%). Thus, in coronary artery disease the consequent reduction in coronary flow reserve can be predicted with reasonable accuracy by quantitative assessment of coronary artery dimensions.
DNA Diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis 2
Authors: Mia MacCollin
Journal: JAMA (1993)

<h3>Objective.</h3> —To define the DNA mutation causing neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), a severe genetic disorder involving the development of multiple nervous system tumors in adulthood, in a large, well-studied NF2 pedigree previously used to chromosomally map and to isolate the disease gene. <h3>Design.</h3> —Single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) and DNA sequence analysis of the NF2 gene amplified from affected and unaffected family members. <h3>Participants.</h3> —Affected, unaffected, and at-risk members of a large pedigree segregating NF2, an autosomal dominant disorder caused by inactivation of the<i>merlin</i>tumor suppressor encoded in chromosome band 22q12. <h3>Results.</h3> —A DNA alteration in the<i>merlin</i>coding sequence caused a shift on SSCP gels that was characteristic of the disease chromosome in this NF2 pedigree, being transmitted with the disorder, present only in affected members of the pedigree, absent in unaffected members of the family, and absent from 158 unrelated individuals. The alteration caused substitution of a tyrosine for an asparagine at position 220 of the<i>merlin</i>protein, in a region highly conserved in closely related members of the family of cytoskeletal-associated proteins. The DNA change could also be detected by restriction enzyme digestion with<i>Rsa</i>I. <h3>Conclusion.</h3> —Current practice dictates screening of all those "at risk" for NF2 with magnetic resonance imaging, but the frequency and duration of screening are problematic because of the variable course of the disease. The identification of a DNA alteration in the NF2 gene will permit predictive molecular testing of individuals at risk in this specific family, sparing the expense and emotional burden of protracted screening programs. This information, by providing diagnostic certainty, should also reduce psychological and financial burdens and improve medical care for affected family members. A similar approach to defining the underlying lesion and developing a predictive test is applicable in any documented NF2 family. (<i>JAMA</i>. 1993;270:2316-2320)
Deaths from coronary artery disease and coalworkers' pneumoconiosis.
Authors: D Davies
Journal: BMJ (1976)

When pneumoconiosis makes a material contribution to a miner's death benefit is paid to his widow. Doctors from the Department of Health and Social Security have argued that extensive pneumoconiosis not only does not increase the risks of death if coronary thrombosis develops but also that it may exert a beneficial effect. This view has been put to the National Insurance Commissioners on at least three occasions recently. There are however, several reasons for coming to the opposite conclusion. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT PROGRESSIVE MASSIVE FIBROSIS Reduces mortality or the development of atheroma, and until such evidence is produced it is unwise to believe that the presence of any severe disease improves anyone's changes of surviving coronary thrombosis. Rather, it should be recongised that any disease which produces a high mortality is inevitably associated with a lower mortality from other conditions. As doctors from the Department will continue to argue that severe pneumoconiosis does not increase the risk of death from coronary thrombosis informed readers are asked to adjudicate between the conflicting views.