tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Nonpathogenic Lactobacillus rhamnosus activates the inflammasome and antiviral responses in human macrophages
Authors: Minja Miettinen, Taija E. Pietilä, Riina A. Kekkonen, Matti Kankainen, Sinikka Latvala, Jaana Pirhonen, Pamela Österlund, Riitta Korpela, Ilkka Julkunen
Journal: Gut Microbes (2012)

In this study, we have utilized global gene expression profiling to compare the responses of human primary macrophages to two closely related, well-characterized Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains GG and LC705, since our understanding of the responses elicited by nonpathogenic bacteria in human innate immune system is limited. Macrophages are phagocytic cells of the innate immune system that perform sentinel functions to initiate appropriate responses to surrounding stimuli. Macrophages that reside on gut mucosa encounter ingested and intestinal bacteria. Bacteria of Lactobacillus genus are nonpathogenic and used in food and as supplements with health-promoting probiotic potential. Our results demonstrate that live GG and LC705 induced quantitatively different gene expression profiles in macrophages. A gene ontology analysis revealed functional similarities and differences in responses to GG and LC705 that were reflected in host defense responses. Both GG and LC705 induced interleukin-1β production in macrophages that required caspase-1 activity. LC705, but not GG, induced type I interferon -dependent gene activation that correlated with its ability to prevent influenza A virus replication and production of viral proteins in macrophages. Our results indicate that nonpathogenic bacteria are able to activate the inflammasome. In addition, our results suggest that L. rhamnosus may prime the antiviral potential of human macrophages.
Haemoglobin J Baltimore in a Kent Family
Authors: C. A. Holmna, A. J. Smith, W. F. Whimster, D. Beale, H. Lehmann
Journal: BMJ (1964)

Commnunications MWCAL JOLMNAL 921 essentially in agreement with and complement those obtained in a double-blind contraceptive field trial carried out in the Netherlands with Lyndiol and Conovid (tablets with 5 mg.norethynodrel and 75 jug.mestranol).The trial comprised 500 women, and each preparation was given during six months; liver-function tests were performed monthly in 30 women receiving Lyndiol and 30 receiving Conovid.The results confirmed that no impairment of hepatic function throughout these first months of treatment had occurred (Swaab, 1964a(Swaab, , 1964b)).In a recent paper from the Finnish investigators Eisalo et al. (1964) reversible elevations of serum transaminase levels and bromsulphthalein retention were reported immediately after the administration of Lyndiol or mestranol, but not that of Orgametril, in a series of 12 post-menopausal women.Other tests of liver function (total serum bilirubin and serum alkaline phosphatase) remained normal in nearly all the cases investi- gated.These results appear to be strikingly different from those obtained in the Netherlands and show only some partial agreement with the changes, much more benign, briefly men- tioned for Orgametril and Lyndiol in some cases of endo- metriosis by two other Scandinavian investigators (Soiva and Castren, 1963; Borglin, 1964).Although it seems difficult to account for such a discrepancy, one might speculate whether the high age (59 to 80 years) of the women in the study of Eisalo et al., or perhaps other characteristics of the population sample chosen, may have played a part in the results obtained.Our own data in a fairly large series of women of fertile age do not indicate that long-term administration of Orgametril, Lyndiol, or Lyndiol 2.5 results in any influence upon the status of liver function.SUMMARY Liver-function tests were carried out on 52 women who had been receiving long-term treatment with a progestational and ovulation-inhibiting substance (Orgametril), or its combination with oestrogen in two different concentrations (Lyndiol and Lyndiol 2.5), for the management of menorrhagia, endo- metriosis, or dysmenorrhoea or for contraceptive purposes.No laboratory or clinical indication of hepatic dysfunction during treatment with these products could be found.
The Mobile Coronary Care Unit
Authors: Peter F. Binnion
Journal: JAMA (1973)

<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> The excellent article by Drs. Feinleib and Davidson again emphasizes the large percentage of people with coronary artery disease who die outside medical facilities. However, some of the comments they make regarding their data are open to dispute. The Mobile Coronary Care Unit (MCCU) is not the final answer to this problem, but does present a valid approach. They mention the "high operating expenses" of a mobile CCU, but this is not necessarily the case, as shown by a detailed costing of such a system.<sup>1</sup>There is no need for a costly "specialized vehicle"; an ordinary van with equipment is all that is required, and the personnel from the hospital CCU can also man the mobile unit. The authors express the opinion that the "greatest delay in the care of a patient with acute myocardial infarction is his own unwillingness to call for help." A recent
Iodine deficiency in Belarusian children as a possible factor stimulating the irradiation of the thyroid gland during the Chernobyl catastrophe.
Authors: M Gembicki, A N Stozharov, A N Arinchin, K V Moschik, S Petrenko, I M Khmara, K F Baverstock
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (1997)

Ten years after the Chernobyl nuclear plant catastrophe more than 500 children in Belarus are suffering from thyroid cancer. The major cause of the high incidence of thyroid cancer in children under 15 years of age appears to be contamination resulting from that catastrophe, mainly with isotopes of radioactive iodine. Another important factor may be iodine deficiency in the environment. A countrywide program for investigation of goiter prevalence and iodine deficiency has been established in the Republic of Belarus with the assistance of the European World Health Organization office. The program will oversee the examination of 11,000 children and adolescents 6 to 18 years of age from 30 schools in urban and rural areas. The results obtained in a group of 824 children and adolescents (the pilot phase) are typical for significant iodine deficiency and moderate goiter endemism. It is clear that the present situation does not completely reflect the situation that existed at the time of the Chernobyl catastrophe. However, data from epidemiologic studies conducted many years before the accident showed high goiter prevalence in the contaminated areas, indicating that the prevalence of iodine deficiency at the time of the catastrophe was similar to the present one or even greater. Such an assumption could lead to a better understanding of the thyroid pathologies that have been observed.
Respiratory consultations in asthmatic compared with non-asthmatic children in general practice.
Authors: M Levy, M Parmar, D Coetzee, S W Duffy
Journal: BMJ (1985)

In a retrospective study we found that before a diagnosis of asthma had been made children with asthma had consulted their general practitioner more often with respiratory symptoms than children who were non-asthmatic under the age of four. In the second, third, and fourth years the number of consultations differed significantly between the two groups. Asthma should be suspected in any child who presents often with respiratory symptoms. This should lead to earlier diagnosis in most cases.
Acute myocarditis. Rapid diagnosis by PCR in children.
Authors: A B Martin, S Webber, F J Fricker, R Jaffe, G Demmler, D Kearney, Y H Zhang, J Bodurtha, B Gelb, J Ni
Journal: Circulation (1994)

BACKGROUND The diagnosis of viral myocarditis remains difficult and generally depends on clinical and histological criteria. Viral cultures and serology are often unrewarding, with low yields. The purpose of this study was to analyze the usefulness of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the rapid diagnosis of acute myocarditis in children. METHODS AND RESULTS PCR was used to analyze 38 myocardial tissue samples from 34 patients with suspected acute viral myocarditis and 17 control patients with congenital heart disease (14) or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (3). Myocardial samples were obtained at the time of right ventricular biopsy (13 samples), from explanted hearts (18 samples) at transplantation, and from cardiac autopsy specimens (24 samples) and were evaluated for the presence of enterovirus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), adenovirus, and herpes simplex virus (HSV) using PCR primers designed to consensus and unique sequences of these viral genomes. Blood also was obtained at the time of biopsy (11) or transplant (18). In 26 of 38 myocardial samples (68%), viral genome was detected by PCR (15 adenoviral, 8 enteroviral, 2 HSV, 1 CMV), whereas all control myocardial samples and blood samples were negative. Four patients had positive viral cultures, and these matched the PCR findings. Disagreement with histopathology occurred in 13 of 26 PCR-positive specimens, usually associated with adenovirus. CONCLUSIONS PCR offers a rapid, sensitive diagnostic method for myocardial viral infection. While enterovirus is an important etiological agent, adenovirus was more prevalent in this series and should be evaluated when etiology is sought. PCR used in conjunction with standard endomyocardial biopsy appears to enhance the likelihood of detecting viral genome in the myocardium of patients with clinical evidence of myocarditis.
ELEVATED CD14++CD16- MONOCYTE COUNT IS A RISK FACTOR FOR CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
Authors: Jin-Sok Yu, Chul-Soo Park, Yun-Seok Choi, Ju-Youn Kim, Woo-Baek Chung, Man-Young Lee, Yong-Seok Oh, Ho-Joong Youn, Wook-Sung Chung, Sang-Hyun Ihm
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2013)
Increased Macrosomia and Perinatal Morbidity Independent of Maternal Obesity and Advanced Age in Korean Women With GDM
Authors: Hak C Jang, Nam H Cho, Yong-Ki Min, In K Han, Kyu B Jung, Boyd E Metzger
Journal: Diabetes Care (1997)

To examine the impact of gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) on perinatal outcome in a setting where influences of maternal age and obesity would be minimal.A case-control study was done to compare the outcome of pregnancy in 65 women with GDM and 153 women with normal carbohydrate metabolism matched for age, height, and prepregnancy weight.The frequencies of preeclampsia and primary cesarean sections were higher and delivery was earlier in pregnancies complicated by GDM. Birth weight, symmetry index, and chest circumference were greater, and macrosomia and need for phototherapy were more common in offspring of mothers with GDM. Cord-serum C-peptide and insulin concentrations were higher in the infants of mothers with GDM and were strongly correlated with birth weight and symmetry index. However, maternal age, prepregnancy weight, and prepregnancy BMI were not correlated with birth weight. Postprandial glucose levels during the first 2 weeks after diagnosis of GDM had associations with the infants' birth weight, symmetry index, and cord insulin concentration in the diet-treated patients with GDM.Antepartum maternal glucose metabolism was significantly associated with fetal hyperinsulinemia and excessive fetal growth in relatively nonobese Korean women. These findings support a direct role for metabolic factors in the adverse outcomes in pregnancies complicated by GDM.
Guillain-Barre syndrome and Bell's palsy in Hawaii in 1981
Authors: R. L. Vogt
Journal: JAMA (1984)

To the Editor.—  We have reviewed the article entitled Simultaneous Outbreaks of Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Bell's Palsy in Hawaii in 1981 1 and have a few comments about the methods used in control selection. Proper control selection is of paramount importance for some of the serological comparisons made in this article. Unfortunately, the reader is left questioning how the childhood and adult control groups were actually selected. The reader is given no assurances that selection biases were not introduced. The Lilienfelds 2 and Sackett and Whelan 3 discuss the possible introduction of biases with controls selected from an unrepresentative population.  What percentage of the childhood control subjects had disorders that produced immunodeficiency? Persons selected as controls with underlying conditions may not respond to antigenic challenges to agents such as cytomegalovirus or herpesviruses. This could help explain the differences in titer results between case and control populations. The author states that
A Comparison Study of Different PCR Assays in Measuring Circulating Plasma Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Levels in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Quynh-Thu Le, Carol D. Jones, Tsz-Kok Yau, Haider A. Shirazi, Priscilla H. Wong, Ella N. Thomas, Bruce K. Patterson, Anne W.M. Lee, James L. Zehnder
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2005)

Abstract Purpose: To compare the performance of three PCR assays in measuring circulating Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). DNA levels in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients and to confirm its prognostic significance. Experimental Design: Plasma from 58 newly diagnosed nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were collected before, during, and every 3 to 6 months after radiotherapy. EBV DNA levels were determined by real-time quantitative PCR using primer/probe sets for polymerase-1 (Pol-1), latent membrane protein 2 (Lmp2), and BamHI-W. Pretreatment levels from the three assays were correlated with each other and serial measurements from the Pol-1 assay were correlated with clinical variables. Results: Pol-1 was more accurate than BamHI-W in predicting EBV DNA concentrations in cell lines. Of the three assays, BamHI-W yielded the highest concentrations followed by Pol-1 in plasmas (n = 23). The correlation coefficient was 0.99 (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) for Pol-1 and Lmp2, 0.66 (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) for Pol-1 and BamHI-W, and 0.55 (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) for BamHI-W and Lmp2. Elevated pretreatment DNA levels as detected by Pol-1 were correlated with advanced nodal stage (P = 0.04) and overall stage (P = 0.028). There was no correlation between pretreatment EBV DNA levels and freedom-from-relapse or overall survival; however, there was a significant correlation between posttreatment levels and these variables. The 2-year freedom-from-relapse and overall survival rates were 92% and 94% for patients with undetectable, and 37% and 55% for those with detectable, posttreatment levels (P &amp;lt; 0.0001 and P &amp;lt; 0.002). Conclusions: The three PCR assays yielded similar results in detecting EBV DNA in plasmas. The Pol-1-detected posttreatment EBV DNA level was the strongest predictor for treatment outcomes.
Gaining (on) momentum
Authors: Marc N. Branch
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (2000)

Nevin &amp; Grace's approach is an interesting and useful attempt to find ways to measure “core” effects of a history of exposure to reinforcement. The momentum analogy makes intuitive sense, and the evidence for its utility is increasing. Several questions remain, however, about how the analogy will fare in the case of concurrent rather than sequential activities, about the use of extinction as a method to test resistance to change, and about the generality of some of the effects.
Relation between zinc status and hepatic functional reserve in patients with liver disease.
Authors: H F Goode, J Kelleher, B E Walker
Journal: Gut (1990)

Patients with liver disease may be at risk of zinc depletion. We measured polymorphonuclear cell, mononuclear cell, plasma, and erythrocyte zinc values, and erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase activity to assess zinc status in 17 patients with non-alcoholic liver disease (primary biliary cirrhosis and chronic active hepatitis) and 13 patients with alcoholic liver disease. The plasma zinc concentration was reduced in both patient groups and correlated strongly with the plasma albumin concentration. The mean polymorphonuclear cell zinc value in both groups was similar to that of controls but when results were combined and grouped according to hepatic functional reserve, patients with more severe liver damage (grade C) had a lower polymorphonuclear cell zinc value (mean (SD) 0.86 (0.24) nmol/mg protein) than patients with grade A (1.44 (0.43) nmol/mg protein, p less than 0.01) or grade B liver damage (1.08 (0.30) nmol/mg protein, p less than 0.05), or control subjects (1.26 (0.28) nmol/mg protein, p less than 0.001). The polymorphonuclear cell zinc value did not correlate with other indices of zinc status. The mononuclear cell zinc value was normal in all patients and was unrelated to hepatic damage. The erythrocyte zinc value and carbonic anhydrase activity were raised in alcoholic patients only. Since the polymorphonuclear cell zinc concentration is low in human experimental zinc deficiency and also correlates with tissue zinc, we suggest that our results provide evidence of progressive leucocyte zinc depletion in patients with liver disease.
The effects of left ventricular load and contractility on mitral regurgitant orifice size and flow in the dog.
Authors: D M Borgenhagen, J R Serur, R Gorlin, D Adams, E H Sonnenblick
Journal: Circulation (1977)

Acute mitral regurgitation (MR) was produced in 12 dogs by closed chest partial valvulectomy and the relative contributions of MR pressure gradient (MRG), the time for regurgitant flow (VSI), and the MR orifice area (MRA) to mitral regurgitant volume (MRV) assessed. Aortic and left atrial pressures, biplane left ventricular (LV) angiography, forward flow and mitral regurgitant flow (MRF) were measured following MR induction and following augmentation of left ventricular end-diastolic volume (EDV), increased aortic resistance (angiotensin), and in the presence of increased ventricular contractility (calcium or epinephrine). Mitral regurgitation orifice area was determined by calculation and the diameters of the mitral anulus and subvalvular areas measured angiographically. Angiotensin and volume infusion induced a substantial increase in MRF which was largely dependent on an increase in MRA but not MRG, while augmentation of contractility decreased MRF accompanied by a decrease in MRA, relatively independent of MRG. Left ventricular size and shape are major determinants of MRA and resultant MRF in acute mitral regurgitation. These findings may help to explain the effects of such factors as ventricular loading and volume on the clinical course of mitral regurgitation in man.
TERMINOLOGY OF PULMONARY FUNCTION
Authors: E. LESLIE CHUSID
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1969)

Letters and Comments1 November 1969TERMINOLOGY OF PULMONARY FUNCTIONE. LESLIE CHUSID, M.D., F.A.C.P.E. LESLIE CHUSID, M.D., F.A.C.P.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-71-5-1025_4 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptTo the Editor:The UCLA Conference on "Evaluation of Lung Function" (Ann. Intern. Med. 71: 155, 1969) provides a good overall appraisal of pulmonary tests. However, because of terminology used in this field, data are often confusing. In the section entitled "Mechanics of Breathing," lung compliance is discussed in a general fashion asincreasedin patients with emphysema. In reality, it may be measured under static or dynamic conditions. In the absence of heart failure static compliance is increased in emphysema, but when measured under dynamic conditions with continuous recording, compliance is frequentlydecreased(1, 2). This is probably the...References1. BATESCHRISTIE DVRV: Respiratory Function in Disease, W. B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia and London, 1965, p. 192. Google Scholar2. COMROL JH: The Lung, Year Book Medical Publishers, Inc., Chicago, 1963, p. 176. Google Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: Mount Sinai Hospital New York, N. Y. 10028 PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics 1 November 1969Volume 71, Issue 5_Part_1Page: 1025-1026KeywordsBreathingEmphysemaHeart failureLungsPulmonary function Issue Published: 1 November 1969 PDF DownloadLoading ...
The Changing Approach to the Treatment of Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Beat Thürlimann, Hans-Jörg Senn
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1996)

For decades, the order of the therapeutic steps in early-stage, invasive breast cancer was largely unchallenged, proceeding according to the widely accepted priorities of Halsted with their emphasis on local tumor control: “curative” mastectomy was followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and then by everything else — if there was anything else. This established approach was challenged 20 years ago by the increased use of adjuvant systemic therapy for early breast cancer. The benefits of adjuvant systemic therapy and the evident inability of postoperative radiation to the chest wall to prolong survival rendered the use of adjuvant radiotherapy after modified radical or . . .
Asbestos Pleural Effusion
Authors: EDWARD A. GAENSLER
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1971)

The differential diagnosis of pleural effusion is large but has not included asbestos exposure. For 1 to 9 years we followed 12 patients with "idiopathic" effusions that were frequently recurrent, usually bilateral, and often followed by continued chest pain. The fluid was a sterile, serous, or blood-tinged exudate. Physical findings were limited to clubbing, dry rales, and signs of effusion. Asbestos exposure was from 3 to 38 years, but often this history was elicited only with difficulty. Usually, mechanics of breathing were normal, lung diffusing capacity reduced, and alveolar-arterial Po2 differences elevated. Decortication and lung biopsy specimens in seven patients and postmortem examination in one showed nonspecific pleuritis with rare asbestos bodies and fibers; all had various degrees of chronic interstitial pneumonitis with asbestos bodies. One case of mesothelioma was recognized 9 years after the first documented effusion. With better understanding of the dangers of asbestos and better surveillance of workers, asbestos pleural effusion will be recognized oftener. It occurred in 21% of all patients with asbestosis seen at our laboratory.
A STUDY OF PERFORATION IN TYPHOID FEVER.
Authors: RICHARD H. HARTE
Journal: JAMA (1905)

This subject is of interest to every physician and surgeon on account of the great prevalence of typhoid fever as a disease and the apparent unavoidable frequency with which this extremely fatal complication of intestinal perforation occurs. It has been estimated by Briggs that more than 16,000 perforations of the intestines due to typhoid fever occur annually in the United States alone. I am inclined to think this statement rather too high, however. From some carefully prepared statistics made by my colleague, Dr. J. Alison Scott, in reference to the frequency of this disease in the United States during the year 1900, based on the United States Census Report, he found that 35,379 persons succumbed to the disease. From the analysis of autopsies of 10 large hospitals it would appear that one death in every four was due to intestinal perforation. Assuming, therefore, that one death out of every four