tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Computerized measurement of iron in liver biopsies: A comparison with biochemical iron measurement
Authors: John Olynyk, Pauline Hall, Richard Sallie, William Reed, Keith Shilkin, Malcolm Mackinnon
Journal: Hepatology (1990)

The measurement of stainable hepatic iron using a microcomputer image analysis system was compared with standard biochemical measurements of liver iron content in 103 liver biopsy specimens–29 of idiopathic hemochromatosis, 51 of alcoholic liver disease and 23 of various nonalcoholic liver diseases. Sections were stained using Perls' method for iron; the mean area staining positively for iron was measured and expressed as a percentage of the area of biopsy measured. Biochemical (biochemical hepatic iron [μmol/gm dry wt]/age) and morphometrical (morphometrical hepatic iron [%]/age × 100) hepatic iron indices were calculated. Patients in the idiopathic hemochromatosis group had significantly higher biochemical hepatic iron concentrations (p < 0.001) compared with the alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic liver disease groups: 284 (range = 119 to 631), 21 (range = 2 to 65) and 15 (range = 3 to 31) μmol/gm dry wt, respectively. The biochemical hepatic iron index was also significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the hemochromatosis group compared with the alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic liver disease groups: 5.8 (range = 2.1 to 13.7), 0.4 (range = 0 to 1.6) and 0.4 (range = 0 to 1.1), respectively. Computerized measurements were significantly higher in the hemochromatosis group (p < 0.001) compared with the alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic liver disease groups: 9.72% (range = 1.50% to 29.26%), 0.13% (range = 0% to 1.20%) and 0.03% (range = 0% to 0.40%), respectively. The morphometrical hepatic iron index was also significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the hemochromatosis group compared with the alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic liver disease groups: 19.32 (range = 2.60 to 75.10), 0.21 (range = 0 to 1.90) and 0.09 (range = 0 to 1.10), respectively. There was no overlap between the hemochromatosis and the alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic liver disease groups. Significant linear relationships were demonstrated between morphometrical and biochemical measurements of hepatic iron (p < 0.001) and morphometrical and biochemical hepatic iron indices (p < 0.001). We conclude that computerized measurements of stainable hepatic iron show a significant linear relationship with biochemical iron measurements. Also, the morphometrical hepatic iron index, like the biochemical hepatic iron index, may help differentiate idiopathic hemochromatosis from other disorders with increased hepatic iron levles. (HEPATOLOGY 1990;12:26–30).
Emergence of clonally related multidrug resistant Haemophilus influenzae with penicillin-binding protein 3-mediated resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, Norway, 2006 to 2013
Authors: D Skaare, I L Anthonisen, G Kahlmeter, E Matuschek, O B Natås, M Steinbakk, A Sundsfjord, B E Kristiansen
Journal: Eurosurveillance (2014)

Resistance to cephalosporins in Haemophilus influenzae is usually caused by characteristic alterations in penicillin-binding protein 3 (PBP3), encoded by the ftsI gene. Resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins is associated with high-level PBP3-mediated resistance (high-rPBP3), defined by the second stage S385T substitution in addition to a first stage substitution (R517H or N526K). The third stage L389F substitution is present in some high-rPBP3 strains. High-rPBP3 H. influenzae are considered rare outside Japan and Korea. In this study, 30 high-rPBP3 isolates from Norway, collected between 2006 and 2013, were examined by serotyping, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), ftsI sequencing, detection of beta-lactamase genes and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination. MICs were interpreted according to clinical breakpoints from the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). Respiratory isolates predominated (proportion: 24/30). The 30 isolates included one serotype f isolate, while the remaining 29 lacked polysaccharide capsule genes. Resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (cefixime, 29 isolates/30 isolates; cefepime, 28/30; cefotaxime, 26 /30; ceftaroline, 26/30; ceftriaxone, 14/30), beta-lactamase production (11/30) and co-resistance to non-beta-lactams (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, 13/30; tetracycline, 4/30; chloramphenicol, 4/30; ciprofloxacin, 3/30) was frequent. The N526K substitution in PBP3 was present in 23 of 30 isolates; these included a blood isolate which represents the first invasive S385T?+?N526K isolate reported from Europe. The L389F substitution, present in 16 of 30 isolates, coincided with higher beta-lactam MICs. Non-susceptibility to meropenem was frequent in S385T?+?L389F?+?N526K isolates (8/12). All 11 beta-lactamase positive isolates were TEM-1. Five clonal groups of two to 10 isolates with identical MLST-ftsI allelic profiles were observed, including the first reported high-rPBP3 clone with TEM-1 beta-lactamase and co-resistance to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Prior to this study, no multidrug resistant high-rPBP3 H. influenzae had been reported in Norway. Intensified surveillance of antimicrobial resistance is needed to guide empiric therapy.
Laparoscopy does have a role in tuberculous peritonitis
Authors: J Hossain, M Kinirons, R R Lewis
Journal: BMJ (1996)

Bacterial superinfection in chickenpoxChildren are probably more susceptible EDITOR,-In their lesson of the week about bacterial complications of childhood chickenpox Andrew J Pollard and colleagues state that there have been no community based studies of complications of chickenpox in Britain.'In a hospital based study we reviewed the clinical data on 222 patients with chickenpox (including 78 children) admitted to our infectious diseases unit from 1989 to 1993.2A third of the children had appreciable secondary bacterial skin infec- tion, and four of these had disease mediated by superantigens (bacterial toxins that bind T cell receptors at the variable part of the I chain away from the conventional antigen binding site, resulting in non-specific stimulation of large numbers of T cells).Only 17% of the 144 adults had superinfection, and none had superantigen disease.Of five children with eczema, one (who was taking topical steroids) developed secondary skin infection.Six children developed bacterial chest infections, including one with sickle crisis.Of seven asthmatic children, two had pneumonia and one had pneumonitis.Pollard and colleagues proffer explanations for the increased propensity to invasive streptococ- cal infection after infection with varicella zoster virus.The lesions of chickenpox predispose to bacterial skin infections, and children are probably more susceptible than adults as they may not have acquired protective antibodies.We suggest that the expression of staphylococcal and streptococcal superantigens is more likely to occur in patients with chickenpox than in those with a simple bacterial infection.Perhaps the microenvironment of vesicles enhances the expression of superantigens, the effect of this being exacerbated by immune impairment mediated by chickenpox.Pollard and colleagues point out that the association of chickenpox with toxic shock has been largely neglected in standard texts.In our experience it is not an uncommon complication, and it is discussed and illustrated in one of the recent standard texts3.
Feasibility of Outpatient Fully Integrated Closed-Loop Control
Authors: Boris P. Kovatchev, Eric Renard, Claudio Cobelli, Howard C. Zisser, Patrick Keith-Hynes, Stacey M. Anderson, Sue A. Brown, Daniel R. Chernavvsky, Marc D. Breton, Anne Farret, Marie-Josée Pelletier, Jérôme Place, Daniela Bruttomesso, Simone Del Favero, Roberto Visentin, Alessio Filippi, Rachele Scotton, Angelo Avogaro, Francis J. Doyle
Journal: Diabetes Care (2013)

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility of a wearable artificial pancreas system, the Diabetes Assistant (DiAs), which uses a smart phone as a closed-loop control platform. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Twenty patients with type 1 diabetes were enrolled at the Universities of Padova, Montpellier, and Virginia and at Sansum Diabetes Research Institute. Each trial continued for 42 h. The United States studies were conducted entirely in outpatient setting (e.g., hotel or guest house); studies in Italy and France were hybrid hospital–hotel admissions. A continuous glucose monitoring/pump system (Dexcom Seven Plus/Omnipod) was placed on the subject and was connected to DiAs. The patient operated the system via the DiAs user interface in open-loop mode (first 14 h of study), switching to closed-loop for the remaining 28 h. Study personnel monitored remotely via 3G or WiFi connection to DiAs and were available on site for assistance. RESULTS The total duration of proper system communication functioning was 807.5 h (274 h in open-loop and 533.5 h in closed-loop), which represented 97.7% of the total possible time from admission to discharge. This exceeded the predetermined primary end point of 80% system functionality. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that a contemporary smart phone is capable of running outpatient closed-loop control and introduced a prototype system (DiAs) for further investigation. Following this proof of concept, future steps should include equipping insulin pumps and sensors with wireless capabilities, as well as studies focusing on control efficacy and patient-oriented clinical outcomes.
Tc-99m HMPAO Labeled Donor Leukocyte Scan in Liver Transplant
Authors: BELKIS ERBA??, G??NAYDIN ERBENGI, MEHMET HABERAL
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (1991)

Tc-99m HMPAO labeled donor leukocytes were used to image the focus of an hepatic infection in a 32-year-old liver transplant patient. Six hours after the administration of labeled leukocytes, radioactivity accumulation was detected in the liver suggesting an intrahepatic infection focus. Diagnosis of infection was confirmed at surgery.
Eulogy for Minnie Munsey
Authors: Raymond Downing
Journal: JAMA (1982)

Every time we visited Minnie Munsey, we found her second husband John sitting on the front porch smoking, obeying the NO SMOKING sign Minnie had posted in the house. We were usually met by two small, yapping Chihuahuas, a species Minnie kept because they were supposed to "catch" some of her asthma, relieving her of it. The house was furnished like many others in the east Tennessee hills: a Warm Morning wood stove stood in the middle of the living room, the chairs were soiled but sturdy, and a picture of Jesus kneeling in prayer occupied a prominent place on the table. More striking in this house, though, were the blue plastic egg cartons tacked on the wall in the shape of a cross, symbol of a faith apparently the same as mine, though at times elusive and almost unrecognizable to me. We visited Minnie because of her asthma and
Haploidentical, unmanipulated, G-CSF–primed bone marrow transplantation for patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies
Authors: Paolo Di Bartolomeo, Stella Santarone, Gottardo De Angelis, Alessandra Picardi, Laura Cudillo, Raffaella Cerretti, Gaspare Adorno, Stefano Angelini, Marco Andreani, Lidia De Felice, Maria Cristina Rapanotti, Loredana Sarmati, Pasqua Bavaro, Gabriele Papalinetti, Marta Di Nicola, Franco Papola, Mauro Montanari, Arnon Nagler, William Arcese
Journal: Blood (2012)
Specific probiotic therapy attenuates antibiotic induced visceral hypersensitivity in mice
Authors: E F Verdu
Journal: Gut (2005)

Abdominal pain and discomfort are common symptoms in functional disorders and are attributed to visceral hypersensitivity. These symptoms fluctuate over time but the basis for this is unknown. Here we examine the impact of changes in gut flora and gut inflammatory cell activity on visceral sensitivity.Visceral sensitivity to colorectal distension (CRD) was assessed at intervals in healthy mice for up to 12 weeks, and in mice before and after administration of dexamethasone or non-absorbable antibiotics with or without supplementation with Lactobacillus paracasei (NCC2461). Tissue was obtained for measurement of myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), histology, microbiota analysis, and substance P (SP) immunolabelling.Visceral hypersensitivity developed over time in healthy mice maintained without sterile precautions. This was accompanied by a small increase in MPO activity. Dexamethasone treatment normalised MPO and CRD responses. Antibiotic treatment perturbed gut flora, increased MPO and SP immunoreactivity in the colon, and produced visceral hypersensitivity. Administration of Lactobacillus paracasei in spent culture medium normalised visceral sensitivity and SP immunolabelling, but not intestinal microbiota counts.Perturbations in gut flora and in inflammatory cell activity alter sensory neurotransmitter content in the colon, and result in altered visceral perception. Changes in gut flora may be a basis for the variability of abdominal symptoms observed in functional gastrointestinal disorders and may be prevented by specific probiotic administration.
Cardiovascular Biology of the Incretin System
Authors: John R. Ussher, Daniel J. Drucker
Journal: Endocrine Reviews (2012)

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone that enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and exerts direct and indirect actions on the cardiovascular system. GLP-1 and its related incretin hormone, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, are rapidly inactivated by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4), a key determinant of incretin bioactivity. Two classes of medications that enhance incretin action, GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors, are used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We review herein the cardiovascular biology of GLP-1R agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors, including direct and indirect effects on cardiomyocytes, blood vessels, adipocytes, the control of blood pressure, and postprandial lipoprotein secretion. Both GLP-1R activation and DPP-4 inhibition exert multiple cardioprotective actions in preclinical models of cardiovascular dysfunction, and short-term studies in human subjects appear to demonstrate modest yet beneficial actions on cardiac function in subjects with ischemic heart disease. Incretin-based agents control body weight, improve glycemic control with a low risk of hypoglycemia, decrease blood pressure, inhibit the secretion of intestinal chylomicrons, and reduce inflammation in preclinical studies. Nevertheless, there is limited information on the cardiovascular actions of these agents in patients with diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. Hence, a more complete understanding of the cardiovascular risk to benefit ratio of incretin-based therapies will require completion of long-term cardiovascular outcome studies currently underway in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The relative contributions of reabsorptive rate and redistributed nephron filtration rate to changes in proximal tubular fractional reabsorption during acute saline infusion and aortic constriction in the rat
Authors: Ettore Bartoli, Laurence E. Earley
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1971)

The absolute rate of reabsorption by superficial rat proximal tubules was measured by the in situ microperfusion technique under conditions of hydropenia, infusion of saline, and infusion of saline plus aortic constriction sufficient to decrease whole kidney filtration rate below hydropenic levels. Fractional reabsorption was measured in adjacent filtering nephrons by collecting and recollecting tubular fluid from late proximal convolutions during each experimental condition. During hydropenia, the absolute rate of proximal tubular reabsorption averaged 3.56 +/-0.60 nl/min per mm and late proximal tubular fractional reabsorption averaged 0.56 +/-0.10. From these two measurements and measurements of tubule length to the site of micropuncture, a value for filtration rate was calculated for filtering nephrons. During hydropenia this value averaged 32.9 +/-7.1 nl/min. Saline infusion increased sodium excretion to 5.5% of the filtered load as the absolute rate of proximal tubular reabsorption decreased 38% and fractional reabsorption decreased 45%. Calculated superficial nephron filtration rate increased 21% which on the average was identical with the simultaneously measured increase in whole kidney filtration rate. Similar results were obtained in a separate group of animals by the technique of total collection of late proximal tubular fluid. Aortic constriction during saline infusion decreased whole kidney and calculated nephron filtration rate to the same degree and to values lower than those during hydropenia. Fractional reabsorption increased but not to hydropenic values. The persistent natriuresis during aortic constriction was associated with a continued depression of the absolute rate of proximal tubular reabsorption which was sufficient to maintain an increased delivery of filtrate out of the proximal tubule despite the fall in nephron filtration rate. These results indicate that depressed fractional reabsorption in the proximal tubule during acute saline infusion is due predominantly to a decrease in absolute reabsorptive rate and to a lesser extent to an increase in superficial nephron filtration rate which is proportional to the increase in whole kidney filtration. Continued natriuresis when filtration rate is decreased during saline infusion can be accounted for entirely by the persistent large reduction in the absolute rate of proximal tubular reabsorption.
Erratum to: Helmet CPAP vs. oxygen therapy in severe hypoxemic respiratory failure due to pneumonia
Authors: Anna Maria Brambilla, Stefano Aliberti, Elena Prina, Francesco Nicoli, Manuela Del Forno, Stefano Nava, Giovanni Ferrari, Francesco Corradi, Paolo Pelosi, Angelo Bignamini, Paolo Tarsia, Roberto Cosentini
Journal: Intensive Care Medicine (2014)
Immunohistochemistry of the Hepatic Extracellular Matrix in Acute Viral Hepatitis
Authors: Sadataka Inuzuka, Takato Ueno, Takuji Torimura, Michio Sata, Hirohiko Abe, Kyuichi Tanikawa
Journal: Hepatology (1990)

The distribution of several extracellular matrix components in the liver of patients with acute viral hepatitis was studied by light and electron microscopy using indirect immunoperoxidase methods. Light microscopy revealed type III and type V collagen and fibronectin in the portal tracts and the area of focal necrosis, showing cell infiltration. Type III and type V collagen were more strongly stained in the periphery of focal necrosis. Type IV collagen was seen around the vessels and hepatocytes near the focal necrosis. Electron microscopy showed many transitional Ito cells in the area of focal necrosis and fibroblasts were observed in the portal tracts, showing collagen fiber deposition. Numerous collagen fibrils were observed around fibroblasts, Ito cells and hepatocytes. Using immunoelectron microscopy, type III and type IV collagen and fibronectin were observed in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of Ito cells and hepatocytes localized near the area of focal necrosis or fiber deposition. In addition, type IV collagen was seen in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of endothelial cells forming capillary vessels. These results suggest that several extracellular matrix components such as types III, IV and V collagen and fibronectin, produced by Ito cells, hepatocytes or endothelial cells, play important roles in the healing of liver damage in acute viral hepatitis.
Serotonin Regulates the Secretion and Autocrine Action of a Neuropeptide to Activate MAPK Required for Long-Term Facilitation in Aplysia
Authors: Jiang-Yuan Hu, Leonard Glickman, Fang Wu, Samuel Schacher
Journal: Neuron (2004)

In Aplysia, long-term facilitation (LTF) of sensory neuron synapses requires activation of both protein kinase A (PKA) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). We find that 5-HT through activation of PKA regulates secretion of the sensory neuron-specific neuropeptide sensorin, which binds autoreceptors to activate MAPK. Anti-sensorin antibody blocked LTF and MAPK activation produced by 5-HT and LTF produced by medium containing sensorin that was secreted from sensory neurons after 5-HT treatment. A single application of 5-HT followed by a 2 hr incubation with sensorin produced protein synthesis-dependent LTF, growth of new presynaptic varicosities, and activation of MAPK and its translocation into sensory neuron nuclei. Inhibiting PKA during 5-HT applications and inhibiting receptor tyrosine kinase or MAPK during sensorin application blocked both LTF and MAPK activation and translocation. Thus, long-term synaptic plasticity is produced when stimuli activate kinases in a specific sequence by regulating the secretion and autocrine action of a neuropeptide.
Incidental Detection of Thoracic Stomach on Pertechnetate Imaging
Authors: ASEEM BHATNAGAR, KISHEN SAWROOP, SHYAMAL KUMAR CHAKRAVORTY, RAVI KASHYAP, ANUPAM MONDAL
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (1995)

Using intravenous Tc-99m pertechnetate, an unsuspected large paraesophageal hernia was discovered in a 2-year-old child being investigated for Mackel diverticulum. The report demonstrates the utility of nuclear medicine procedures in investigating a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Additional views within the first minute postinjection may further help in defining relative placement of the lung, heart, and liver.
A VIRUS FROM CASES OF ATYPICAL PNEUMONIA
Authors: Monroe D. Eaton, M. Dorthy Beck, Harold E. Pearson
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1941)

From the lungs of two fatal cases and from the sputum of two non-fatal cases of atypical bronchopneumonia, a psittacosis-like virus was isolated by direct intranasal inoculation of mice. Intraperitoneal injection of the same human material into mice gave negative results. The virus has a relatively high virulence for mice by intranasal or intra-cerebral inoculation, but does not kill after intraperitoneal inoculation. Its virulence for Java ricebirds is low and it fails to produce a carrier state in mice and birds. Two cases showed an increase in complement-fixing antibodies to the new virus and to psittacosis. The virus is antigenically related to the viruses of meningopneumonitis and psittacosis by complement fixation and by active immunity tests in mice.
Oral lipid-based drug delivery systems – an overview
Authors: Sandeep Kalepu, Mohanvarma Manthina, Veerabhadhraswamy Padavala
Journal: Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B (2013)

The formulation of drugs is carried out with the principle objective of enhancing their bioavailability. Poorly water soluble drugs are challenging for the formulation scientists with regard to solubility and bioavailability. Lipid-based drug delivery systems (LBDDS) are one of the emerging technologies designed to address such challenges. Encapsulating or solubilizing the drug in lipid excipients can lead to increased solubilization and absorption, resulting in enhanced bioavailability. Recent advances in these formulation technologies have led to the successful commercialization of lipid-based formulations. This review provides a comprehensive summary and characterization of lipid-based formulations, especially for oral delivery, from both physicochemical and biopharmaceutical perspectives. This review also focuses on the processing techniques necessary to obtain solid lipid-based formulations for oral delivery, along with a brief discussion of lipid excipients and their characterization.