tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
A New Diagnostic Test for Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Angeliki Asimaki, Harikrishna Tandri, Hayden Huang, Marc K. Halushka, Shiva Gautam, Cristina Basso, Gaetano Thiene, Adalena Tsatsopoulou, Nikos Protonotarios, William J. McKenna, Hugh Calkins, Jeffrey E. Saffitz
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2009)

The diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) can be challenging because the clinical presentation is highly variable and genetic penetrance is often low.To determine whether a change in the distribution of desmosomal proteins can be used as a sensitive and specific diagnostic test for ARVC, we performed immunohistochemical analysis of human myocardial samples.We first tested myocardium from 11 subjects with ARVC; of these samples, 8 had desmosomal gene mutations. We also tested myocardium obtained at autopsy from 10 subjects with no clinical or pathological evidence of heart disease as control samples. All ARVC samples but no control samples showed a marked reduction in immunoreactive signal levels for plakoglobin (also known as gamma-catenin), a protein that links adhesion molecules at the intercalated disk to the cytoskeleton. Other desmosomal proteins showed variable changes, but signal levels for the nondesmosomal adhesion molecule N-cadherin were normal in all subjects with ARVC. To determine whether a diminished plakoglobin signal level was specific for ARVC, we analyzed myocardium from 15 subjects with hypertrophic, dilated, or ischemic cardiomyopathies. In every sample, levels of N-cadherin and plakoglobin signals at junctions were indistinguishable from those in control samples. Finally, we performed blinded immunohistochemical analysis of heart-biopsy samples from the Johns Hopkins ARVC registry. We made the correct diagnosis in 10 of 11 subjects with definite ARVC on the basis of clinical criteria and correctly ruled out ARVC in 10 of 11 subjects without ARVC, for a sensitivity of 91%, a specificity of 82%, a positive predictive value of 83%, and a negative predictive value of 90%. The plakoglobin signal level was reduced diffusely in ARVC samples, including those obtained in the left ventricle and the interventricular septum.Routine immunohistochemical analysis of a conventional endomyocardial-biopsy sample appears to be a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic test for ARVC.
Arnoldus Goudsmit, MD, PhD: Chemotherapist, Visionary, Founder of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 1909-2005
Authors: Gretchen M. Krueger, Lori L. Alexander, Deborah A. Whippen, Charles M. Balch
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2006)

Article Tools History of Oncology Article Tools OPTIONS & TOOLS Export Citation Track Citation Add To Favorites Rights & Permissions COMPANION ARTICLES No companion articles ARTICLE CITATION DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2005.05.0443 Journal of Clinical Oncology - published online before print September 21, 2016 PMID: 16921061 Arnoldus Goudsmit, MD, PhD: Chemotherapist, Visionary, Founder of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 1909-2005 Gretchen M. KruegerxGretchen M. KruegerSearch for articles by this author , Lori L. AlexanderxLori L. AlexanderSearch for articles by this author , Deborah A. WhippenxDeborah A. WhippenSearch for articles by this author , Charles M. BalchxCharles M. BalchSearch for articles by this author Show More From Editorial Rx Inc; Whippen Consulting, Orange Park, FL; and the Departments of the History of Medicine and Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2005.05.0443 First Page Full Text PDF Figures and Tables © 2006 by American Society of Clinical Oncology
Human Influenza Viruses in Domesticated Animals
Authors: P. N. Meenan, M. R. Boyd, R. Mullaney
Journal: BMJ (1962)

During the 1957 pandemic of Asian influenza W.H.O.initiated a study into the possible role of animals in the epidemiology of influenza (Kaplan and Payne, 1959).More than 20 countries participated, and the findings suggested that A2 viruses can cause inapparent infection in horses and swine, which were the only animals tested.In addition, serological evidence of A/equi influenza virus was discovered in countries which had not previously been aware of its presence.
END-RESULTS OF FRIEDMANN'S VACCINE
Authors: HARRY LEE BARNES
Journal: JAMA (1918)

Friedmann's attempt to cure tuberculosis by inoculation of patients with large doses of living acid-fast bacilli must ever remain of interest to medical men. The temporary results from the vaccine in 120 of our patients treated in 1913 appeared in an earlier report.1Observers may honestly differ as to whether a remedy has been beneficial to living patients, but the fact of death and the value of the mortality rate in determining results cannot be successfully disputed. In the accompanying tables the Friedmann cure is subjected to the acid tests of time and the mortality rate.    For purposes of comparison with Table 1, Table 2 has been prepared, giving in similar form the results of routine sanatorium treatment in all cases in which the patients were discharged during 1911.    From these tables it appears that the sanatorium cases in the bacillary group had 29.38 per cent, survivors against 26.58
Prenatal nutrition and asthma: hope or hype?
Authors: Seif O Shaheen
Journal: Thorax (2008)

David Barker’s “fetal origins” hypothesis has changed the way we think about the aetiology of adult onset diseases, such as coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes.1 Underpinning the epidemiological evidence are recent animal data which suggest that fetal programming of these diseases by prenatal nutrition may be mediated through epigenetic mechanisms.2 If adult onset disease is partly programmed in utero, it seems even more plausible that the prenatal environment influences the inception of asthma, which may first manifest in infancy. A number of exposures during pregnancy have been implicated3–5 and, although data are conflicting, associations with birth anthropometry prompted speculation that prenatal nutrition might programme fetal lung and immune development leading to asthma and atopy.6 Given that the diet of pregnant mothers has clearly changed considerably while asthma has been rising, the notion that it might be modified as a strategy for the primary prevention of asthma has considerable appeal.7 This has perhaps been reinforced by recent disappointments with dietary interventions aimed at secondary prevention of adult asthma.8

Trying to measure prenatal nutrition presents a major challenge for epidemiologists. Estimating maternal dietary intake in pregnancy, usually using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire on one occasion, leads to considerable exposure misclassification, and fetal nutrition will depend, not just on maternal intake, but also on nutrient absorption by the mother, placental transfer and fetal demand. Nutrients measured in maternal blood during pregnancy may be useful to validate dietary intake, and biomarkers measured in umbilical cord blood, cord tissue or deciduous tooth enamel may estimate fetal exposure more precisely. Furthermore, biomarkers may be the best way to capture the overall status of nutrient exposures such as vitamin D which are not exclusively determined by diet.

Initial epidemiological interest focused on the antioxidant hypothesis,9 …
Molecular Pathways: Tumor-Derived Microvesicles and Their Interactions with Immune Cells<i>In Vivo</i>
Authors: Ferdinando Pucci, Mikael J. Pittet
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2013)

Abstract Cancer is not merely a cell-intrinsic genetic disease but also the result of complex cell-extrinsic interactions with host components, including immune cells. For example, effector T lymphocytes and natural killer cells are thought to participate in an immunosurveillance process, which eliminates neoplastic cells, whereas regulatory T lymphocytes and some myeloid cells, including macrophages, can create a milieu that prevents antitumor activity, supports tumor growth, and reduces survival of the host. Increasing evidence supports the notion that carcinoma cells communicate with immune cells directly, both within and away from the tumor stroma, and that this process fosters suppression of immunosurveillance and promotes tumor outgrowth. An important mode of communication between carcinoma cells and immune cells may involve tumor-derived microvesicles (tMV), also known as exosomes, ectosomes, or microparticles. These microvesicles carry lipids, proteins, mRNAs and microRNAs and travel short or long distances to deliver undegraded and undiluted material to other cells. Here, we consider the capacity of tMVs to control tumor-associated immune responses and highlight the known and unknown actions of tMVs in vivo. We also discuss why microvesicles may play a role in cancer diagnostics and prognostics and how they could be harnessed for anticancer therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 19(10); 2598–604. ©2013 AACR.
Flu vaccine does not reduce number of elderly people admitted to hospital with respiratory disease
Authors: Roger Dobson
Journal: BMJ (2007)

Relying on the influenza vaccine to control pressure on UK hospitals each winter is unlikely to work, a new report concludes.

The researchers found no evidence that the vaccine lowers the risk of admission to hospital in winter among elderly patients with acute respiratory disease ( Vaccine doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.09.005).

They wrote, “In a winter typical of levels of circulating influenza in recent years, influenza vaccine did not show a protective effect on emergency respiratory admissions overall (adjusted odds ratio 1.2 (95% confidence interval 0.8 to 1.9)).”

The authors, from the University of Birmingham, the Health Protection Agency, and other centres, added, “Policy makers should not rely solely on influenza vaccine routinely having a large effect on winter pressures, and should focus on additional preventive strategies.”

The report says that the effect of vaccination on the number of people with respiratory illness …
Effect of High Carbohydrate Intake on Hyperglycemia, Islet Function, and Plasma Lipoproteins in NIDDM
Authors: Abhimanyu Garg, Scott M Grundy, Michael Koffler
Journal: Diabetes Care (1992)

To study effects of high carbohydrate intake on hyperglycemia, islet functions, and plasma lipoproteins in patients with NIDDM.An attempt was made to induce hyperglycemia in 10 men with NIDDM by feeding them an isocaloric high-carbohydrate diet (65% of energy as simple carbohydrates [31% as glucose] and 20% as fat) for 28 days in a metabolic ward. Response to the high-carbohydrate diet was compared with that of feeding a diet rich in monounsaturated fat (45% of energy as fat [31% as monounsaturated fat] and 38% as carbohydrates) for 28 days in a cross-over manner. Islet functions were assessed by evaluating plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide and glucagon responses to standard meal tolerance tests on days 0, 14, 21, and 28 of each dietary period. Fasting plasma lipoproteins were determined during the last week of each dietary period.The high-carbohydrate diet caused significant but modest accentuation of hyperglycemia, particularly in patients with moderately severe diabetes mellitus, whereas no change was observed with the high-monounsaturated fatty-acid diet. Accentuation of hyperglycemia was accompanied by an increase in plasma glucagon levels, but no significant change in insulin and C-peptide responses. In 1 patient, feeding the high-carbohydrate diet for 68 days produced marked hyperglycemia and caused definite suppression of insulin and C-peptide responses along with an increase in glucagon levels. Compared with the high-monounsaturated fat diet, the high-carbohydrate diet also raised plasma triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol concentrations.High-carbohydrate diets may cause accentuation of hyperglycemia and a rise in plasma glucagon levels in NIDDM patients. High-carbohydrate diets also adversely affect lipoproteins and therefore may not be desirable in all NIDDM patients.
Rapid Intravascular Injection into Limb Skeletal Muscle: A Damage Assessment Study
Authors: Hechmi Toumi, Julia Hegge, Vladimir Subbotin, Mark Noble, Hans Herweijer, Thomas M. Best, James E. Hagstrom
Journal: Molecular Therapy (2005)

We have recently developed a simple and highly efficient methodology for delivering plasmid DNA (pDNA) to skeletal muscle cells of mammalian limbs. The procedure involves the rapid intravascular injection of a large volume of saline (containing pDNA) into the vasculature of the distal limb. As a result of the robust delivery methodology involved, it is important to understand the effects of the injection procedure on the skeletal muscle tissue in the targeted limb. In previous studies, only modest and transient muscle damage was noted. In this study we quantitatively assessed the degree of muscle damage in rat limbs following intravascular injections using muscle histology (H&E staining), membrane integrity (Evans blue staining), and leukocyte infiltration (immunohistochemistry) assays. The rapid extravasation of fluid during the injection process resulted in edema of the muscle tissue of the targeted limb; however, the edema was transient and resolved within 24 h. Consistent with observations from previous studies, minimal levels of myofiber damage were detected. Immunohistochemical labeling indicated that increased numbers of neutrophils (CD43+) and macrophages (ED1+ and ED2+) were present in the muscle tissue interstitium shortly after injection but that elevations were relatively modest and resolved by 2 weeks postinjection.
Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests
Authors: Stebbins B. Chandor
Journal: JAMA (1997)

For readers familiar with previous editions of Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests , this newest one will provide the same kind of comprehensive and comprehensible guide. For those who are not, it is time to become a reader, as this text is one of the best in the field. The amount of data presented is awesome. The size has expanded, even larger than the last volume, so it certainly is not a text to be carried around but fits easily into any bookshelf.  Of the nearly 1100 pages, almost 150 are index, and for this type of reference work, a complete index is important. For the most part, the index fills this requirement with only a few referrals per entry. Nothing is more frustrating than to seek a topic, only to be referred to some other index entry and have to go there for a page designation. On occasion this happens; for
C-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Human Coronary Atherosclerotic Lesions
Authors: Takahiko Naruko, Makiko Ueda, Allard C. van der Wal, Chris M. van der Loos, Hiroshi Itoh, Kazuwa Nakao, Anton E. Becker
Journal: Circulation (1996)

Background C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) belongs to the natriuretic peptide family and is considered to have regulatory effects on vascular tone and smooth muscle growth. Since these features play a role in atherogenesis, the presence of CNP at such sites was studied. Methods and Results Thirty-three coronary artery segments were harvested at autopsy: 10 normal, with diffuse intimal thickening, and 23 atherosclerotic lesions. Samples were snap-frozen and processed for immunohistochemical staining. For the identification of CNP, a mouse monoclonal antibody (KY-CNP-1) was used. 1A4, EBM-11 (CD68), and von Willebrand factor antibodies were used to stain smooth muscle cells, macrophages, and endothelial cells, respectively. CNP is present in several cell types. Normal arterial segments show CNP-positive endothelial cells. Hypercellular atherosclerotic lesions show distinct CNP positivity of smooth muscle cells and macrophages but a decrease in positivity of endothelial cells. Advanced atherosclerotic lesions contain CNP-positive macrophages, but the smooth muscle cells within the fibrous cap and the surface endothelial cells are almost all CNP-negative. Conclusions These observations suggest that CNP has functional significance in atherogenesis.
Perinatal mortality in Iraq more than tripled since sanctions
Authors: R. Dobson
Journal: BMJ (2003)

More than 3000 children are dying every week in Iraq as a result of the decade long embargo that was enforced on the country after its invasion of Kuwait, a new report says.

It puts the total increase in the number of children who have died as a result of the embargo at around 1.6 million since 1990, with year on year increases.

In this period the number of major operations on children has more than halved, paediatric laboratory investigations have dropped by a similar proportion, and the number of low birthweight babies has increased sixfold.

The report shows that the quality of health services, especially for children, has declined sharply in Iraq since sanctions were enforced, in August 1990. It details how Iraq has become a nation with many health indicators that are at or below levels more …
A model of viral wheeze in nonasthmatic adults: symptoms and physiology
Authors: M.C. Mckean, M. Leech, P.C. Lambert, C. Hewitt, S. Myint, M. Silverman
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2001)

Episodic wheezing associated with viral infections of the upper respiratory tract (URT) is a common problem in young children but also occurs in adults. It is hypothesized that an experimental infection with human coronavirus (HCoV), the second most prevalent common cold virus, would cause lower respiratory tract (LRT) changes in adults with a history of viral wheeze. Twenty-four viral wheezers (15 atopic) and 19 controls (seven atopic) were inoculated with HCoV 229E and monitored for the development of symptoms, changes in airway physiology and provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ) (PC 20 ). At baseline, viral wheezers were similar to controls in PC 20 (mean±sd log 2 PC 20 : 5.1±1.9 and 5.8±1.4 g·L −1 , respectively) but had a lower FEV 1 than controls (mean±sd 85.8±11.4 and 95.6±13.2% predicted, respectively p&lt;0.05). Nineteen viral wheezers and 11 controls developed colds. Viral wheezers with colds reported significantly more URT symptoms than controls (median scores (interquartile range): 24 (10–37) and 6 (4–15), respectively p=0.014). Sixteen viral wheezers and no controls reported LRT symptoms (wheeze, chest tightness and shortness of breath). The viral wheezers with colds had small (3–4%) reductions in FEV 1 and peak expiratory flow on days with LRT symptoms (days 3–6), but a progressive reduction in PC 20 from baseline on days 2, 4 and 17 after inoculation (by 0.82, 1.35 and 1.82 doubling concentrations, respectively). The fall in PC 20 affected both atopic and nonatopic subjects equally. There were no changes in FEV 1 or PC 20 in controls. An adult model of viral wheeze that is independent of atopy and therefore, of classical atopic asthma was established.
Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction Demonstrated by Means of 15O-Labeled Water PET/CT in Hypothyroid Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Damien Legallois, Juliette Hardouin, Denis Agostini, Paul Milliez, Alain Manrique
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (2013)

Hypothyroidism is a rare cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. Triiodothyronine was found to target endothelial nitric oxide synthase, which serves to enhance peripheral vascular relaxation by acting on vascular smooth muscle cells. In patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, adenosine-induced coronary flow reserve is significantly reduced. We report the case of a 46-year-old woman with hypothyroid cardiomyopathy manifested as reversible severe left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF = 32%). 15O-labeled water PET at rest and during cold pressor test showed a severe coronary endothelial dysfunction. In patients with severe hypothyroidism, endothelial function is impaired and may be an important mechanism of heart failure.
The Removal and Transport of Cavalry Wounded
Authors: T. F. S. Caverhill
Journal: BMJ (1900)

January 13th I referred to some defects in the medical organisation of our army in regard to the wounded of our cavalry -and other mounted branches of the service.It was stated that over 20,000 mounted men (now to be increased to 35,000) would shortly be constantly engaged at the front in South Africa, and that for the special needs of that force a sufficiently mobile ambulance service was not in ~existence.A cavalry division had to depend on a bearer company on foot to look after its wounded.It was further pointed out that the greatest danger to the wounded soldier was immediately behind the fighting line-between the fighting line and the field hospital-and that, in the case of the cavalry soldier, that danger was enormously increased by his receiving his hurt at a great distance- from the main body, called, as he now is, .. ......... to fight in ....
"Professional," "Selected," and "Paid" Donors
Authors: Don R. Mathieson
Journal: JAMA (1963)

<h3>To the Editor:—</h3> Dr. Coye C. Mason in a recent letter toThe Journal(<b>184</b>:985, 1963) suggested that the term "selected donors" be used instead of "professional donors" in the classification of those who donate blood. The objective of the classification is to distinguish between persons who donate their blood free of charge and those who donate their blood for money. On this basis the term "selected donors" becomes meaningless. Also, being a blood donor is hardly a "profession." Why not come right out, then, and call them "paid donors"? That is precisely what they are.
Doctor and Teacher, Hospital Chief: Dr. Samuel Proger and the New England Medical Center
Authors: Lester S. King
Journal: JAMA (1982)

This is a skillfully woven story, with many distinct threads always separately discernible in the overall pattern. A major aspect are the personality and achievements of Dr Samuel Proger and, to a lesser degree, of Dr Joseph Pratt. There is the story of the Boston Dispensary, the Boston Floating Hospital, the Tufts Medical School, the New England Medical Center; the medical scene in Maine, and its physicians; the philanthropist, William Bingham; the changing medical needs and medical capabilities during the past half-century; and glimpses of the Depression, all in a well-written narrative. The author is a newspaperman who uses journalistic techniques throughtout—personal interviews, photographs, potted biographical sketches, and disinterred news originally in the public domain, although hidden under considerable dust. The result is a slick, readable account that provides a considerable amount of information. It would be superb as an extended Sunday supplement feature or a public relations document, but