tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
FASMA: A Service to Format and Analyze Sequences in Multiple Alignments
Authors: Susan Costantini, Giovanni Colonna, Angelo M. Facchiano
Journal: Genomics Proteomics & Bioinformatics (2007)

Abstract Multiple sequence alignments are successfully applied in many studies for understanding the structural and functional relations among single nucleic acids and protein sequences as well as whole families. Because of the rapid growth of sequence databases, multiple sequence alignments can often be very large and difficult to visualize and analyze. We offer a new service aimed to visualize and analyze the multiple alignments obtained with different external algorithms, with new features useful for the comparison of the aligned sequences as well as for the creation of a final image of the alignment. The service is named FASMA and is available at http://bioinformatica.isa.cnr.it/FASMA/.
Control and Plasticity of the Presynaptic Action Potential Waveform at Small CNS Nerve Terminals
Authors: Michael B. Hoppa, Geraldine Gouzer, Moritz Armbruster, Timothy A. Ryan
Journal: Neuron (2014)

The steep dependence of exocytosis on Ca2+ entry at nerve terminals implies that voltage control of both Ca2+ channel opening and the driving force for Ca2+ entry are powerful levers in sculpting synaptic efficacy. Using fast, genetically encoded voltage indicators in dissociated primary neurons, we show that at small nerve terminals K+ channels constrain the peak voltage of the presynaptic action potential (APSYN) to values much lower than those at cell somas. This key APSYN property additionally shows adaptive plasticity: manipulations that increase presynaptic Ca2+ channel abundance and release probability result in a commensurate lowering of the APSYN peak and narrowing of the waveform, while manipulations that decrease presynaptic Ca2+ channel abundance do the opposite. This modulation is eliminated upon blockade of Kv3.1 and Kv1 channels. Our studies thus reveal that adaptive plasticity in the APSYN waveform serves as an important regulator of synaptic function.
Recombinant HPA-1a antibody therapy for treatment of fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia: proof of principle in human volunteers
Authors: Cedric Ghevaert, Nina Herbert, Louise Hawkins, Nicola Grehan, Philip Cookson, Steve F. Garner, Abigail Crisp-Hihn, Paul Lloyd-Evans, Amanda Evans, Kottekkattu Balan, Willem H. Ouwehand, Kathryn L. Armour, Mike R. Clark, Lorna M. Williamson
Journal: Blood (2013)
Poxvirus Zoonoses — Putting Pocks into Context
Authors: Sharon E. Frey, Robert B. Belshe
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2004)

Naturally occurring poxvirus infections affect humans and many species of animals and insects. Smallpox, the dreaded disease caused by the only human-specific orthopoxvirus pathogen, variola, was successfully eradicated in the last century by the induction of cross-protection through vaccination with vaccinia virus, an iatrogenic zoonosis. In the future, cases of smallpox will occur only if there is an accidental or intentional release of smallpox virus into the environment. However, infections of humans with animal poxviruses may be confused with smallpox. The growing popularity of exotic animals as household pets increases the concern about the spread of animal poxviruses to humans, . . .
<i>KVLQT1</i> C-Terminal Missense Mutation Causes a Forme Fruste Long-QT Syndrome
Authors: Claire Donger, Isabelle Denjoy, Myriam Berthet, Nathalie Neyroud, Corinne Cruaud, Mohammed Bennaceur, Guy Chivoret, Ketty Schwartz, Philippe Coumel, Pascale Guicheney
Journal: Circulation (1997)

Background KVLQT1 , the gene encoding the α-subunit of a cardiac potassium channel, is the most common cause of the dominant form of long-QT syndrome (LQT1-type), the Romano-Ward syndrome (RWS). The overall phenotype of RWS is characterized by a prolonged QT interval on the ECG and cardiac ventricular arrhythmias leading to recurrent syncopes and sudden death. However, there is considerable variability in the clinical presentation, and potential severity is often difficult to evaluate. To analyze the relationship between phenotypes and underlying defects in KVLQT1 , we investigated mutations in this gene in 20 RWS families originating from France. Methods and Results By PCR-SSCP analysis, 16 missense mutations were identified in KVLQT1 , 11 of them being novel. Fifteen mutations, localized in the transmembrane domains S2-S3, S4-S5, P, and S6, were associated with a high percentage of symptomatic carriers (55 of 95, or 58%) and sudden deaths (23 of 95, or 24%). In contrast, a missense mutation, Arg 555 Cys, identified in the C-terminal domain in 3 families, was associated with a significantly less pronounced QT prolongation (459±33 ms, n=41, versus 480±32 ms, n=70, P =.0012), and significantly lower percentages of symptomatic carriers (7 of 44, or 16%, P &lt;.001) and sudden deaths (2 of 44, or 5%, P &lt;.01). Most of the cardiac events occurring in these 3 families were triggered by drugs known to affect ventricular repolarization. Conclusions Our data show a wide KVLQT1 allelic heterogeneity among 20 families in which KVLQT1 causes RWS. We describe the first missense mutation in the C-terminal domain of KVLQT1, which is clearly associated with a fruste phenotype, which could be a favoring factor of acquired LQT syndrome.
Catheter Induced Error in Hepatic Venous Sampling
Authors: LEO A. SAPIRSTEIN, EDWARD J. REININGER
Journal: Circulation Research (1956)

That the composition of hepatic venous blood sampled by catheter is not representative of the mixed hepatic venous blood has been shown by demonstrating that the concentrations of mesenterically infused para-aminohippuric acid and systemically infused Rose Bengal are exceedingly variable in blood sampled by a catheter placed at various positions within the hepatic venous system. These results suggest that a large and previously unsuspected error may confound the estimation of hepatic blood flow by dye infusion technics employing catheterization of the hepatic veins.
Aberrant CpG-island methylation has non-random and tumour-type–specific patterns
Authors: Joseph F. Costello, Michael C. Frühwald, Dominic J. Smiraglia, Laura J. Rush, Gavin P. Robertson, Xin Gao, Fred A. Wright, Jamison D. Feramisco, Päivi Peltomäki, James C. Lang, David E. Schuller, Li Yu, Clara D. Bloomfield, Michael A. Caligiuri, Allan Yates, Ryo Nishikawa, H.-J. Su Huang, Nicholas J. Petrelli, Xueli Zhang, M. S. O'Dorisio, William A. Held, Webster K. Cavenee, Christoph Plass
Journal: Nature Genetics (2000)
Lysine 63 Polyubiquitination in Immunotherapy and in Cancer-promoting Inflammation
Authors: Ivan Martinez-Forero, Ana Rouzaut, Asis Palazon, Juan Dubrot, Ignacio Melero
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2009)

Covalent and reversible post-translational modifications of proteins are a common theme in signaling. Ubiquitin conjugation was originally described to target proteins to proteasomal degradation by ubiquitin polymerization involving lysine (K) 48 residues. Differently linked polymers of polyubiquitin have been found that modify proteins without targeting to proteasomal degradation. Instead this pathway creates docking sites for signaling scaffolds that are key to control the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway. Indeed TRAF-2, TRAF-6, and TRAF-3 are E3 ubiquitin ligases that form K63-linked ubiquitin polymers. Therefore signaling via TNF family receptors, IL1R, IL-18R, T-cell receptor (TCR), and Toll-like receptors (TLR) use this type of post-translational modification. Specific enzymes exist (DUBs) that deactivate this system, degrading K63 polyubiquitin chains. Interestingly, mice deficient in these deubiquitinases develop autoimmunity and inflammation. In carcinogenesis, the K63 polyubiquitin pathway is possibly critical for inflammation-driven tumor promotion. The pathway is also critically involved in costimulation of tumor immunity/immunotherapy as well as in the biology of malignant cells themselves. The elements of this new signaling paradigm offer the opportunity for therapeutic exploitation and drug discovery.
Vasodilator Therapy for Chronic Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Jonathan Abrams
Journal: JAMA (1985)

THE USE of vasodilators as adjunctive therapy for congestive heart failure was first popularized over ten years ago by the work of Parmley, Chatterjee, Cohn, and Franciosa, although occasional clinical investigative reports using vasodilators date back to the 1950s and even earlier. Physicians have had considerable experience with vasodilators, yet important questions remain unanswered regarding the ultimate role of this therapeutic approach to the failing heart. This review will focus on the present status of the currently available vasodilators (nitrates, hydralazine hydrochloride, prazosin hydrochloride, and captopril) in the management of chronic congestive heart failure. <h3>THE CONCEPT OF VASODILATOR THERAPY Afterload or Impedance Reduction</h3> <i>Afterload</i>, a term derived from isolated cardiac muscle experiments, is best defined as the forces opposing left ventricular fiber shortening during ejection.<i>Impedance</i>, a term preferred by many investigators, is the instantaneous resistance to flow to the contracting left ventricle and is equivalent to instantaneous left ventricular
Effect of Lithium on the Responses to Added Respiratory Resistances
Authors: Mitchell Weiner, Alan Chausow, Edward Wolpert, Whitney Addington, Peter Szidon
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1983)

IN spite of extensive experience with the use of lithium as a psychoactive drug in manic-depressive disorders, little is known about its effects on the control of breathing. There have been no published studies on the effects of the drug on the pattern of breathing or on hypercapnic and hypoxic ventilatory responses. Standard reviews on the biologic effects of lithium and case reports dealing with undesirable effects do not mention respiratory depression as a manifestation of lithium toxicity.1 , 2 We have recently observed an episode of reversible respiratory failure in a patient with stable chronic obstructive lung disease and manic-depressive psychosis . . .
Acromegaly With an Adenomatous Pharyngeal Pituitary
Authors: Bernard Corenblum
Journal: JAMA (1980)

A patient with acromegaly was found to have a discrete adenoma of the pharyngeal pituitary lodged within the sphenoid sinus. Removal of this adenoma, believed to be complete, did not normalize the growth hormone secretion. At the time of surgery, inspection and biopsy of the pituitary gland failed to disclose the presence of any identifiable intrasellar adenoma; one year later, however, definite radiological changes indicated the presence of an intrasellar mass. The underlying pathophysiology in this patient may have been due to diffuse hyperplasia of hypersecreting nonsuppressible somatotrophs, with adenoma formation secondary to the hyperplasia.
Weil's Disease in Normandy: Penicillin Treatment
Authors: E. Bulmer
Journal: BMJ (1945)

MEDICALJORNL 113 to penicillin on subcultivation in laboratory media.It may be that penicillin-resistant staphylococci are an exception to the general rule, and that, consequently, resistant strains of this organism will not appear in clinical practice after more prolonged use of the drug.Summary Two strains of coagulase-positive staphylococci were made penicillin-" fast " by cultivation in increasing quantities of penicillin.They were then subcultured daily in broth without penicillin and, contrary to expectations, a rapid fall in resistance to penicillin was noted.It therefore appears that "fastness" of staphylococci to penicillin is not a permanent characteristic.
Endoscopic complications. Results of the 1974 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Survey
Authors: S. E. Silvis
Journal: JAMA (1976)

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (211,410 examinations) had a complication rate of 1.3/1,000 cases. Duodenoscopy with cannulation was performed 3,884 times and had a complication rate of 21.6/1,000 examinations. Diagnostic coloscopy (25,298 examinations) had a complication rate of 3.4/1,000. Polypectomies during coloscopy (6,124 cases) had a complication rate of 23.3/1,000 cases. Esophageal dilations (13,139 cases) had a complication rate of 4.25 with mercury bougies, and in 9,431 cases metal olives produced a complication rate of 6.1/1,000 treatments. Dilation for achalasia in 1,224 patients produced a complication rate of 18.4/1,000 procedures. Peritoneoscopy (4,404 examinations) produced a complication rate of 5.4/1,000 patients. The value of these diagnostic and therapeutic procedures is now well established but must be weighed against a potential risk of complications.
ABC of Medical Computing: ONLINE SEARCHING
Authors: J. Rowlands, T. Morrow, N. Lee, A. Millman
Journal: BMJ (1995)

Searching for references is part of everyday life in medicine. If your computer is equipped with a modem and communications software you can now do online searches without needing to visit a library. Online searching refers to the use of information sources held on remote computer systems, perhaps the most popular of which is Medline.

The BMA library runs a Medline service for BMA members, which is available 24 hours a day through a modem and also through the Internet or Joint Academic Network (JANET). The Medline database runs on a modern PC with a very large hard disk in the library. The computer is connected to a number of telephone lines so up to 20 people can dial in and access the system simultaneously. BMA members can access the Medline database at no cost apart from normal telephone charges. You will, however, need to apply to the library for a password before using the system.



BMA's Medline system.



The following description is based on the OVID (3.0) DOS version of the system interface. It is best to use Norton pcAnywhere to access the BMA's Medline service as this gives best performance but you can also use any standard communications program. The commands vary slightly depending on the program that you use but clear instructions are always given on the screen. When you log on to the database you need to type IBMOVID if you have Norton pcAnywhere or VTOVID if you have other communications software.



Initial search screen in Medline



To carry out a search on a particular subject, type the relevant term or phrase at the cursor prompt. The system will attempt to map your word(s) to relevant standard terms, known as medical subject headings (MeSH). Medline, which is produced by the United States National Library of Medicine, …
Engineering a morphogenetically active hydrogel for bioprinting of bioartificial tissue derived from human osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells
Authors: Meik Neufurth, Xiaohong Wang, Heinz C. Schröder, Qingling Feng, Bärbel Diehl-Seifert, Thomas Ziebart, Renate Steffen, Shunfeng Wang, Werner E.G. Müller
Journal: Biomaterials (2014)
Living donor liver transplantation for fulminant liver failure
Authors: Y. Tokat, S. Ersoz, Z. Karasu, C. Arikan, D. Nart, M. Kilic, M.A. Yerdel, K. Karayalcin, M. Zeytunlu, S. Aydogdu, Y. Yuzer
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2003)
Micro-RNA 155 controls the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis
Authors: S. Bluml, M. Bonelli, B. Niederreiter, A. Puchner, G. Mayr, S. Hayer, M. I. Koenders, W. B. van den Berg, J. Smolen, K. Redlich
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2011)

<h3>Objective</h3> Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are a new class of regulatory elements. Altered expression of miRNAs has been demonstrated in inflamed joints of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the exact role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of this disease has not been defined so far. <h3>Methods</h3> Collagen induced arthritis (CIA) and K/BxN serum transfer arthritis was induced in wt and miR155<sup>−/−</sup> mice. Severity of arthritis was determined clinically and histologically. Anticollagen antibodies and cytokines were measured by ELISA. The cellular composition of the draining lymph node after induction of CIA was measured by flow cytometry. <h3>Results</h3> Here the authors show that miR155<sup>−/−</sup> mice are completely protected from CIA. miR155 deficiency prevents the generation of pathogenic autoreactive B and T cells since anticollagen antibodies and the generation of antigen specific T cells are strongly reduced in miR155<sup>−/−</sup> mice. Moreover, Th17 polarisation of miR155<sup>−/−</sup> T cells is impaired as interleukin 17 (IL-17) and IL-22 levels are significantly reduced. Using the K/BxN serum transfer arthritis model, which only depends on innate effector mechanisms, the authors demonstrate that miR155<sup>−/−</sup> mice, although developing similar severity of joint inflammation, show significantly reduced local bone destruction due to reduced generation of osteoclasts. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Taken together, this study demonstrates that miR155 is essentially involved in adaptive and innate immune reactions leading to autoimmune arthritis, and therefore might provide a novel target to treat RA.
The effect of ambient temperature on capillary vascular malformations
Authors: D.J. McGill, I.R. Mackay
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2006)

Following pulsed dye laser (PDL) treatment of capillary vascular malformations (CMs), the capillaries left behind tend to be smaller and deeper. The PDL is most effective against capillaries over 50 microm, suggesting that clearance of CM could be improved by inducing capillary vasodilation of the smaller remaining capillaries. However, there are reduced perivascular nerves within CMs, implying that autonomic innervation to these capillaries may be abnormal.To investigate whether CM capillaries will vasodilate in response to autonomic stimulation by raising ambient temperature.Ten patients with untreated CMs and nine with previously laser-treated CMs were studied as ambient temperature was increased from 20 degrees C to 28 degrees C. The following measurements were taken at 2 degrees C intervals: skin blood flow (SBF); capillary diameter and depth; CM colour; and skin and core temperatures.All the subjects studied demonstrated superficial capillary vasodilation and increased SBF as the ambient temperature was raised from 20 degrees C to 28 degrees C. Mean+/-SEM capillary diameter increased from 66+/-7 microm to 110+/-13 microm (P<0.001) in the untreated group, compared with an increase from 28+/-5 microm to 70+/-14 microm (P<0.001) in the treated group. Mean+/-SEM SBF increased from 427.2+/-98.2 perfusion units (PU) to 580.9+/-92.7 PU (P<0.01) in the untreated group, compared with an increase from 201.3+/-28.4 PU to 458.1+/-53.7 PU (P<0.05) in the treated group.Superficial capillary vasodilation within CM is achievable by raising ambient temperature, including in those patients resistant to PDL treatment, potentially allowing further clearance of these lesions.
Supraventricular Arrhythmia in Patients Having Noncardiac Surgery: Clinical Correlates and Effect on Length of Stay
Authors: Carisi A. Polanczyk
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1998)

Background: Few recent data are available on risk factors for perioperative supraventricular arrhythmia (SVA) after noncardiac surgery or on the effect of SVA on clinical outcomes. Objective: To determine the incidence, clinical correlates, and effect on length of stay of perioperative SVA in patients having major noncardiac surgery. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Urban tertiary care teaching hospital. Participants: 4181 patients 50 years of age or older who had major, nonemergency, noncardiac procedures and were in sinus rhythm at the preoperative evaluation. Measurements: Preoperative clinical data, postoperative enzyme data, serial electrocardiograms, and clinical outcomes were collected prospectively. Outcomes were 1) SVA that persisted or led to treatment and 2) increase in length of stay attributable to SVA. Results: Perioperative SVA occurred in 317 patients (7.6%); it occurred in 83 patients (2.0%) during surgery and in 256 (6.1%) after surgery. Independent preoperative correlates of SVA were male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.3 [95% CI, 1.0 to 1.7]), age 70 years or older (OR, 1.3 [CI, 1.0 to 1.7]), significant valvular disease (OR, 2.1 [CI, 1.2 to 3.6]), history of SVA (OR, 3.4 [CI, 2.4 to 4.8]) or asthma (OR, 2.0 [CI, 1.3 to 3.1]), congestive heart failure (OR, 1.7 [CI, 1.1 to 2.7]), premature atrial complexes on preoperative electrocardiography (OR, 2.1 [CI, 1.3 to 3.4]), American Society of Anesthesiologists class III or IV (OR, 1.4 [CI, 1.1 to 1.9]), and type of procedure: abdominal aortic aneurysm (OR, 3.9 [CI, 2.4 to 6.3]) or abdominal (OR, 2.5 [CI, 1.7 to 3.6]), vascular (OR, 1.6 [CI, 1.1 to 2.4]), and intrathoracic (OR, 9.2 [CI, 6.7 to 13]) procedures. Among patients who had intrathoracic surgery, those receiving digoxin were at lower risk (OR, 0.2 [CI, 0.04 to 0.8]) for SVA than those not receiving digoxin. Patients with perioperative acute cardiac and noncardiac events had high relative risks for SVA. Supraventricular arrhythmia was associated with a 33% increase in length of stay after adjustment for other clinical data (P < 0.001). Conclusions: In this cohort, SVA was common after noncardiac surgery and was associated with prolonged length of stay.
Swinging Copy and Sober Science
Authors: Franz J. Ingelfinger
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1969)

Abstract The subscription price of the Journal is some 70 per cent less than cost because of income derived from pharmaceutical advertising. This fact does not affect the Journal's contents but has been criticized as influencing medical practice to the advantage of the industry and disadvantage of the patient. Advertising is a fact of capitalistic life, and it is inherently prejudiced, not objectively educational. Suggestions that it be totally eliminated from the Journal, subjected to the same stringent review applied to scientific manuscripts, or meticulously censored are impractical and unrealistic. For the moment, medical journals should amplify the information they publish about drugs so that physicians need not depend on advertisements for such information. In the future, the adoption of pharmaceutical promotional practices acceptable to all will depend on the establishment of better rapport and greater co-operation among industry, government and the medical profession.
Amelioration of Ischemia- and Reperfusion-Induced Myocardial Injury by 17β-Estradiol
Authors: Koichi Node, Masafumi Kitakaze, Hiroaki Kosaka, Tetsuo Minamino, Hiroharu Funaya, Masatsugu Hori
Journal: Circulation (1997)

17Beta-estradiol increases the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin and opens Ca2+-activated K+ (K(Ca)) channels. Whether these effects of 17beta-estradiol reduce infarct size and the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia was investigated in dogs subjected to myocardial ischemia and reperfusion.Infarct size was measured in open-chest dogs after 90 minutes' occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery and a subsequent 6 hours of reperfusion. Infusion of 17beta-estradiol into the coronary artery was initiated 10 minutes before coronary occlusion and continued until after 1 hour of reperfusion, with the exception of the occlusion period. The difference in NO concentration between coronary venous and arterial blood 10 minutes after the onset of reperfusion was significantly greater in dogs treated with 17beta-estradiol (10 ng x kg(-1) x min(-1)) than in control animals. Infarct size (13.1+/-3.0% versus 43.7+/-5.4% of the area at risk) and the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia during ischemia and reperfusion periods were significantly reduced in the 17beta-estradiol group. Both N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (an inhibitor of NO synthase) and iberiotoxin (a blocker of K(Ca) channels) reduced both the infarct size-limiting effect (infarct size, 29.3+/-3.0% and 31.7+/-2.1%, respectively) and the antiarrhythmic effect of 17beta-estradiol; indomethacin (an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase) did not attenuate the beneficial effects of 17beta-estradiol.17Beta-estradiol reduced both myocardial infarct size and the occurrence of ischemia- and reperfusion-induced ventricular arrhythmias, which appear to be mediated by NO and the opening of K(Ca) channels in canine hearts.