tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 modulates growth of vascular smooth muscle cells.
Authors: T Mitsuhashi, R C Morris, H E Ives
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1991)

We examined the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3(1,25-(OH)2D3) on the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells. Receptors for 1,25-(OH)2D3 were demonstrated in fresh rabbit aortic tissue and in cultured rat VSM using binding of [3H]-1,25-(OH)2D3 in sucrose density gradients of the tissue or cell homogenates. The receptor sedimented at 3.6 S, the sedimentation velocity of 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptors from other sources. 1,25-(OH)2D3 dramatically altered the growth of VSM, but this effect depended importantly on the basal conditions in which the cells were grown. In quiescent VSM deprived of serum for 72 h, 1,25-(OH)2D3 (0.1-10 nM), but not 25-(OH)D3 (up to 100 nM) increased thymidine incorporation up to 12-fold and cell number up to 2.6-fold compared with controls. The maximal effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on thymidine incorporation was similar to the maximal effect of the growth factors alpha-thrombin or PDGF. Furthermore, the effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and thrombin on thymidine incorporation in quiescent cells were markedly synergistic, yielding a 78-fold increase in thymidine incorporation when both agents were added simultaneously. In "nonquiescent cells" which were exposed to serum-free medium for only 24 h, 1,25-(OH)2D3 (10 nM) also increased DNA synthesis 10-fold compared with controls. However, in striking contrast to what was observed in quiescent cells, 1,25-(OH)2D3 diminished the mitogenic response to thrombin by as much as 50% in nonquiescent cells. 1,25-(OH)2D3 also modulated the transcription of c-myc in response to thrombin. In quiescent cells, transcription was enhanced by 1,25-(OH)2D3, whereas in nonquiescent cells, thrombin-induced c-myc transcription was blunted. Thus, 1,25-(OH)2D3 is a potent modulator of the growth of cultured VSM. The direction of this modulation depends strongly on the conditions under which the cells are cultured.
Induction of Labour in Primigravidae
Authors: H. Beckett-Overy
Journal: BMJ (1939)

<h3>Background</h3> A Rheumatology Obstetrics Care Clinic (ROCC) was established at our ante natal unit to ensure specialist care for women with complex rheumatological conditions (RC). Although patients are often counselled about a likely improvement in their RC in pregnancy, this was not the experience of our patients’ group from the ROCC. <h3>Objectives</h3> To obtain pregnant women with RC disease activity (DA) scores during and prior to pregnancy. To assess modes of delivery (MoD) and compare them to our general non arthritic population MoD. <h3>Methods</h3> Patients suffering from any RC attending a dedicated highly specialized antenatal ROCC were given 2 separate 10cm visual analogue scales (VAS) asking them to grade on each one of them the current ( at ROCC) DA and their perceived DA prior to pregnancy. Electronic delivery records were used to collect obstetric and foetal outcomes. SPSS was used for statistical analysis and chi square to assess the difference between the 2 groups. <h3>Results</h3> Data from 54 patients who attended the ROCC included of whom 50 were analyzed. At the time of presentation mean age ( ±sd) was 33.4 years (± 4.29) range 22-43y while age of disease presentation was 25.5 ( ±8.06). The weeks (w) of pregnancy during ROCC were (mean) 22.2 (±8.6) range 8-37 w. ESR (mean) was 27 mmHg (± 21.7), CRP 13.6 mg/L( ±14.18). DA at presentation on VAS was 4.24cm (± 2.8) and prior to pregnancy was 4.24cm (± 3.07). The recorded diseases were: Connective Tissue Diseases (CTD)=n= 18 (33.3%) Spondylo-arthropathies (SpA) n=16 (29.6%),Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)n =9 (16.7%), Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) n=7 (13%) and other n=4 (7%) The group of other (Still’s disease 1, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis 1, fibromyalgia 1 and knee pain 1) were excluded from analysis. Looking at the disease groups RA and SpA patients’ showed a reduction in the reported DA during pregnancy while CTDs and APS showed an increase; neither was statistically significant (ss). Delivery outcomes available on 35 patients revealed that 25 of 35 RC patients (71.4%) achieved a vaginal delivery with 5 of 25 (20%) requiring assisted delivery and 10 of 35 (28.5%) had a Caesarean section (CS). These percentages are comparable with non arthritic patients. <h3>Conclusion</h3> In our group of pregnant patients with RC the overall DA is the same during pregnancy and prior to conception. DA according to diseases showed that women with RA and SpA had a reduction in DA and those with CTDs and APS had an increase. The MoD showed similar percentages in vaginal and CS delivery rates as per healthy population suggesting that MoD is not impacted by RC. <h3>Acknowledgement</h3> Patients for filling the ROCC questionnaire <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None declared
Two Darkfield-Positive Reinfections in Treated Congenital Syphilis
Authors: Benjamin Schwimmer
Journal: JAMA (1969)

To the Editor:—  There are well over 100 case reports in the literature of clinical reinfection in previously treated cases of congenital syphilis. 1-3 Very few reports, however, have mentioned substantiation of reinfections by the finding of Treponema pallidum in the sexually acquired lesions.  In the Sing Sing Study of inoculation syphilis, Magnusen et al included five patients who were classified as having been adequately treated for congenital syphilis. 4 However, only one had stigmata of congenital syphilis, and in the other four, the presumption of congenital infection was made on the not too satisfactory basis of a record of a positive serologic test for syphilis early in life.  This letter reports two well-documented cases of patients with congenital syphilis, with confirmed treatment early in life, who present with darkfield-positive lesions of sexually acquired reinfections.  Report of Cases:—  Case1.—The patient was a 25-year-old man seen on May 9, 1967,
Thyroiditis
Authors: John A. Detweiler
Journal: JAMA (1965)

ACTUAL FIGURES regarding the incidence of thyroiditis in patients seen in private practice are difficult to obtain. After having the disease, the author became convinced that many patients never seek professional aid owing to the mild nature of the symptoms. Even if the patient sees a physician, the disorder may frequently be considered as only a sore throat. Despite a recent revival of interest in thyroiditis as an autoimmune disease, standard medical textbooks of less than a decade ago contained but brief mention of the condition. A slightly enlarged woody thyroid in an elderly woman would suggest an antecedent inflammatory reaction which either was not professionally seen or was considered only as an upper-respiratory-tract infection, usually not severe enough in the initial onset to require hospitalization. With these thoughts in mind, a clinical review of the incidence of thyroiditis in patients in the author's private practice (internal medicine) and in
Myocardial ultrastructural changes during extracorporeal circulation wtih anoxic cardiac arrest and its prevention by coronary perfusion. Experimental study.
Authors: J L Balibrea, A Bullon, A de la Fuente, A de la Alarcon, J Farinas, P Collantes, M Gil, M Gombau, R Morales, F Sanchez
Journal: Thorax (1975)

This experimental work has been carried out with the aim of studying the ultrastructural myocardial changes caused by prolonged anoxic cardiac arrest during cardiopulmonary bypass, and their prevention by means of two different techniques of coronary perfusion--systemic-pressure continuous and low-pressure intermittent perfusion. After 30 minutes of cardiac anoxia, the ultrastructural changes of the myocardial cell were reverted to normal by coronary perfusion; when anoxic cardiac arrest was prolonged up to 60 minutes there was severe myocardial damage, with marked mitochondrial changes and dehiscence of intercalated discs, which persisted in spite of restoring coronary flow. These morphological data were in accordance with the fact that no dog which underwent anoxic cardiac arrest for 60 minutes recovered. Both intermittent and continuous coronary perfusion were effective in preventing anoxic damage; cardiac muscle cells were better preserved by low-pressure intermittent perfusion than by systemic-pressure continuous perfusion, which caused intracellular and intramitochondrial oedema.
Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease after bone marrow transplantation.
Authors: X Troussard, J F Bernaudin, C Cordonnier, J Fleury, D Payen, J Briere, J P Vernant
Journal: Thorax (1984)

<h3>Purpose of Study</h3> The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of risky lifestyle behaviors among a national sample of medical students. <h3>Design</h3> Cross-sectional anonymous, Web-based survey. <h3>Methods Used</h3> 2,698 medical students from 36 US medical schools (1st-4th year) completed this survey. The instrument included questions regarding smoking, drug use, exercise, body mass index, sexual behavior, and two standardized scales to assess drinking (AUDIT) and gambling (South Oaks Gambling Screen) behaviors. <h3>Summary of Results</h3> Majority of the sample was female (60%) with mean age at 26 years. Based on BMI (≥ 25), 29% were considered overweight adding that 47% exercise 1 hour or less each week. Over 15% (<i>n</i> = 412) were found to have at-risk drinking behaviors (≥ 8). 9% smoked tobacco in the last 7 days and 16% in the last 30 days. Nearly 50% admitted that they have gambled for money while 3.2% scored positive for pathologic gambling (≥ 5). Drug use in the last 12 months included prescription use (79%); sedatives (8.3%); analgesics or prescription painkillers (13.1%); amphetamines (6.0%); cocaine (1.5%); marijuana (14.3%); heroin (0.1%); PCP or other hallucinogen (1.1%); inhalants (0.7%); and others (3.7%). 76% reported sexual activity in the last 6 months, with 10% having 2+ partners; less than 50% used condoms regularly. <h3>Conclusions Reached</h3> The results show mixed differences with some behaviors more prevalent when compared to the general population. These risky behaviors may be associated with the stress of medical school and ineffective interventions currently in place. Further studies should look into possible modifiable covariates that help curb the frequency of some at-risk behaviors. Physicians who have healthier lifestyles are more likely to be positive role models of healthy behaviors. Finding ways to encourage medical students to live healthier lifestyles will prepare them to become physicians with healthy lifestyles, thus becoming better health care providers and promoters.
Diagnosis of hepatitis C virus related acute hepatitis by serial determination of IgM anti-HCV titres
Authors: Evangelista Sagnelli, Nicola Coppola, Cecilia Marrocco, Giancarlo Coviello, Martina Battaglia, Vincenzo Messina, Giovanni Rossi, Caterina Sagnelli, Carlo Scolastico, Pietro Filippini
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2005)
Influence of 6-week, 6 days per week, training on pituitary function in recreational athletes.
Authors: M Lehmann, K Knizia, U Gastmann, K G Petersen, A N Khalaf, S Bauer, L Kerp, J Keul
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (1993)

The influence on pituitary function of 6 weeks of training on 6 days a week was examined in six recreational athletes. Endurance training on a bicycle ergometer for 31-33 min was performed on 4 days each week at 90-96% (weeks 1-3) and 89-92% (weeks 4-6) of the 4 mmol lactate thresholds determined on day 0 and day 21, respectively, with interval training of 3-5 x 3-5 min in addition on 2 days a week at 117-127% and 115-110%, respectively. Determination of the serum hormone levels and a combined pituitary function test (200 micrograms thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), 100 micrograms gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), 100 micrograms corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH), 50 micrograms growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH)) were made before training, after 6 weeks of training and after another 3 weeks of recovery. Training increased performance at 2 mmol lactate by 25%, at 4 mmol by 12%, and maximum performance by approximately 12%. The releasing hormone-stimulable prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and somatotrophic hormone (STH) synthesis-secretion capacity remained unchanged, the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) was increased after training. Cortisol release was reduced, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-synthesis-secretion capacity was increased after training, and the luteinizing hormone (LH)-synthesis-secretion capacity reduced. This had no influence on base or exercise-induced serum hormone levels (cortisol, aldosterone, insulin, prolactin, FSH, LH, TSH, ACTH, ADH and STH), which showed no dependence on training, except for free testosterone which showed a decreasing trend (P &lt; 0.10) of 19-25% and post-exercise ACTH which showed an increasing trend of 33% (P &lt; 0.10). Conditioning (cortisol sensitivity and ACTH response) or adaptation (FSH and LH responses) to changed testosterone serum levels and altered spermatogenesis is discussed.
An ATM/Chk2-Mediated DNA Damage-Responsive Signaling Pathway Suppresses Epstein-Barr Virus Transformation of Primary Human B Cells
Authors: Pavel A. Nikitin, Christopher M. Yan, Eleonora Forte, Alessio Bocedi, Jason P. Tourigny, Robert E. White, Martin J. Allday, Amee Patel, Sandeep S. Dave, William Kim, Katherine Hu, Jing Guo, David Tainter, Elena Rusyn, Micah A. Luftig
Journal: Cell Host & Microbe (2010)

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), an oncogenic herpesvirus that causes human malignancies, infects and immortalizes primary human B cells in vitro into indefinitely proliferating lymphoblastoid cell lines, which represent a model for EBV-induced tumorigenesis. The immortalization efficiency is very low, suggesting that an innate tumor suppressor mechanism is operative. We identify the DNA damage response (DDR) as a major component of the underlying tumor suppressor mechanism. EBV-induced DDR activation was not due to lytic viral replication, nor did the DDR marks colocalize with latent episomes. Rather, a transient period of EBV-induced hyperproliferation correlated with DDR activation. Inhibition of the DDR kinases ATM and Chk2 markedly increased transformation efficiency of primary B cells. Further, the viral latent oncoprotein EBNA3C was required to attenuate the EBV-induced DDR. We propose that heightened oncogenic activity in early cell divisions activates a growth-suppressive DDR that is attenuated by viral latency products to induce cell immortalization.
Talc-induced Expression of C-C and C-X-C Chemokines and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 in Mesothelial Cells
Authors: NAJMUNNISA NASREEN, DANIEL L. HARTMAN, KAMAL A. MOHAMMED, VEENA B. ANTONY
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (1998)

Treatment of symptomatic carcinomatous pleural effusions is primarily directed at local palliation with a wide variety of sclerosing agents, of which talc is considered to be the most successful. The mechanism whereby talc achieves this effect is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate whether talc stimulates pleural mesothelial cells (PMC) to release C-X-C and/or C-C chemokines and express adhesion molecules that initiate and amplify the inflammatory process in the pleural space. When PMC were challenged with talc in vitro, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) levels were increased (p < 0.001) both at the protein and the mRNA level as compared with unstimulated cultures. Talc-stimulated PMC culture supernatant showed chemotactic activity for neutrophils and monocytes. The chemotactic activity of PMC culture supernatant was blocked by 44.2% with IL-8-specific antibody and by 55.7% with MCP-1-specific antibody, demonstrating that PMC-derived chemokines are bioactive. Talc also enhanced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in PMC. The data demonstrate that talc stimulates PMC to release chemokines and express adhesion molecules that may play a critical role in pleurodesis.
Allergy to cypress pollen
Authors: D. Charpin, M. Calleja, C. Lahoz, C. Pichot, Y. Waisel
Journal: Allergy (2005)

Although Cupressus sempervirens has been spread over southern Europe since antiquity, cypress pollen allergy has not been reported until 1945 ( 1 ). In France, the very first case reports were published in 1962 ( 2 ). Since then, the prevalence of cypress pollinosis seems to demonstrate an upward trend, concomitantly with the increased use of cypress trees as ornamental plants, as wind breaks and as hedges. Hyposensitization, using improved pollen extracts, is increasingly prescribed. Besides, prevention measures begin to be implemented. Such measures include avoidance of planting new cypress trees, especially near human populations’ centres, trimming of cypress hedges before the pollination season and agronomical research for hypoallergenic trees. Altogether, such new developments in cypress allergy deserve an update review.
Oral Contraceptives and Chlamydia Infections-Reply
Authors: Sandra Gove
Journal: JAMA (1986)

<h3>In Reply.—</h3> We appreciate Dr Gall's thoughtful letter in which he highlights our major point that insufficient data exist to draw definitive conclusions about the relations between OCs,<i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i>, and PID. Regarding his specific comments, first, we agree that certain variables cannot be eliminated as possible confounding factors because of limitation in the information available in many studies of OCs and chlamydial infection. However, at least one study<sup>1</sup>we cited, and another<sup>2</sup>completed since our report that controlled for these variables (sexual activity, marital status, parity, and exposure to nongonococcal urethritis) found a statistically significant association between OC use and<i>C trachomatis</i>infection. Second, we agree that the possible effect of OCs on severity of acute PID and subsequent fertility prognosis should not be trivialized. This finding, however, does not address the effects of contraceptive method on the incidence of PID, particularly protection against chlamydial PID, or
Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Malcolm W. Greaves, Gerald D. Weinstein
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1995)

Psoriasis is a chronic, genetically influenced, remitting and relapsing scaly and inflammatory skin disorder that affects 1 to 3 percent of the world's population. The diagnosis is made on clinical grounds, although histologic examination of a skin-biopsy specimen may be helpful. Psoriasis is a disabling, though rarely life-threatening, disease with a social and economic impact that is underestimated by physicians and other health care providers. Recently, progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and therapeutic advances are improving the care of even severely affected patients.There are several types of psoriasis, including pustular, guttate, and arthritic variants. . . .
Results of the randomized international FAB/LMB96 trial for intermediate risk B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children and adolescents: it is possible to reduce treatment for the early responding patients
Authors: Catherine Patte, Anne Auperin, Mary Gerrard, Jean Michon, Ross Pinkerton, Richard Sposto, Claire Weston, Martine Raphael, Sherrie L. Perkins, Keith McCarthy, Mitchell S. Cairo
Journal: Blood (2006)
French Polynesia: a nuclear paradise in the Pacific
Authors: H. Veeken
Journal: BMJ (1995)

The land is like our mother. People come from the land. We must always respect our mother, not explode bombs in her belly Our good way of life comes from the land. Destruction of land will lead to destruction of life. JACQUES IHORAI, president, Evangelical Church of French Polynesia

“The nuclear testing ruined the country,” says a French doctor. We met on the docks of Tahiti, watching Greenpeace's ship, Rainbow Warrior, depart for the atoll of Mururoa. “Not only by contamination of the environment with nuclear fallout or leakage of the residue in the bottom of the atoll, but far more by disrupting the social harmony of the country,” he continues. “The country was self sufficient before the testing started; people subsisted on farming and fishing. Nowadays the state is entirely dependent on France. Imports exceed exports tenfold; it is an artificial state: approximately 15% of the population work as civil servants. Migration, loss of cultural values, degradation of agriculture, change in eating habits, prostitution, alcoholism, and mental illnesses are all the result of this. This country is addicted to France. Since the moratorium on the testing, the people have been forced to think of a future without France. Resuming the testing is like giving an addict who recently stopped using drugs another shot. France has the obligation to leave behind a state that is self sufficient and not a wreck with a long term legacy of nuclear waste. I can show you files of patients who died of radiation, but I guess you are more interested in public health aspects. Well, the cancer register you might look for doesn't exist: not kept, or hidden, who knows? Anyway, inaccessible for us. Don't forget that until 1984 most practising doctors here were military people. It is no coincidence that the doctor …
Lung inflammation in sarcoidosis: comparison of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels with bronchoalveolar lavage and gallium-67 scanning assessment of the T lymphocyte alveolitis.
Authors: C I Schoenberger, B R Line, B A Keogh, G W Hunninghake, R G Crystal
Journal: Thorax (1982)

Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is elevated in many patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and has been proposed as a measure of disease activity. The present study was designed to evaluate the possible relationship between serum ACE and direct measures of the intensity of the alveolitis of pulmonary sarcoidosis as measured by bronchoalveolar lavage and gallium-67 (67Ga) scans. To accomplish this, 64 measurements of serum ACE, lavage T lymphocytes, and lung uptake of 67Ga were performed in 41 patients with biopsy-proven sarcoidosis. Elevations of serum ACE were found on at least one occasion in 17 patients (41%). However, serum ACE was found to be a poor predictor of the intensity of alveolitis in sarcoidosis as assessed by the quantitation of bronchoalveolar lavage cells that were T lymphocytes and by 67Ga scanning. Elevated serum ACE did not predict which patients would have elevated proportions of lavage T lymphocytes, which patients would demonstrate increased pulmonary uptake of 67Ga, or which patients would have high-intensity alveolitis as defined by a combination of these criteria. These observations suggest that while serum ACE may be useful in diagnosing sarcoidosis, it does not reflect accurately the intensity of the alveolitis of the pulmonary component of this disease.