tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
High levels of interleukin‐8, soluble CD4 and soluble CD8 in bullous pemphigoid blister fluid. The relationship between local cytokine production and lesional T‐cell activities
Authors: C‐C. Sun, J. Wu, T‐T. Wong, L‐F. Wang, M‐T. Chuan
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2000)

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an inflammatory subepidermal blistering disease associated with autoantibodies that recognize hemidesmosomal proteins. In addition to autoantibodies, the cell-mediated immune reaction is considered to play an important part in blister formation. Objectives To investigate some T-cell activation markers and inflammatory cytokines in the blister fluid and sera of patients with BP.We measured soluble CD4 (sCD4) and soluble CD8 (sCD8), which have been, respectively, associated with CD4 and CD8 T-cell activation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were also used to quantify the production of the leucocyte chemoattractant interleukin (IL) -8 and of the cytokines IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha in the blister fluid and sera of 11 patients with BP.The mean +/- SD level of sCD4 in patients' blisters (42.4 +/- 25.0 units mL-1) was significantly elevated (P < 0.005) compared with that in their sera (11.2 +/- 8.9) and that in the suction blisters of 10 healthy people (11.4 +/- 5.4; P < 0.005). Mean +/- SD IL-8 concentrations in BP blisters (4683.6 +/- 3878.1 pg mL-1) were much higher than those in their sera (17.1 +/- 18.9; P < 0.001), and were very significantly elevated (P < 0.005) in comparison with those in suction blisters of healthy persons (512 +/- 292). sCD4 levels in BP blisters were inversely related to IL-10 levels (P = 0. 03, r2 = 0.85), IL-8 levels were positively related to sCD8 levels (P = 0.01, r2 = 0.54), and IL-1beta levels were positively related to sCD8 concentrations (P < 0.005, r2 = 0.65).The correlations suggest that there is a delicately orchestrated network of cytokines and cell-mediated immunity operating in BP blisters.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Is Required for Adequate Angiogenic Revascularization of Ischemic Tissues
Authors: Chad Johnson, Hak-Joon Sung, Susan M. Lessner, M. Elizabeth Fini, Zorina S. Galis
Journal: Circulation Research (2003)

Angiogenesis, an essential component of a variety of physiological and pathological processes, offers attractive opportunities for therapeutic regulation. We hypothesized that matrix metalloproteinase-9 genetic deficiency (MMP-9 −/− ) will impair angiogenesis triggered by tissue ischemia, induced experimentally by femoral artery ligation in mice. To investigate the role of MMP-9, we performed a series of biochemical and histological analyses, including zymography, simultaneous detection of perfused capillaries, MMP-9 promoter activity, MMP-9 protein, and macrophages in MMP-9 −/− and wild-type (WT) mice. We found that ischemia resulted in doubling of capillary density in WT and no change in the MMP-9 −/− ischemic tissues, which translated into increased (39%) perfusion capacity only in the WT at 14 days after ligation. We also confirmed that capillaries in the MMP-9 −/− presented significantly ( P &lt;0.05) less points of capillary intersections, interpreted by us as decreased branching. The combined conclusions from simultaneous localizations of MMP-9 expression, capillaries, and macrophages suggested that macrophage MMP-9 participates in capillary branching. Transplantation of WT bone marrow into the MMP-9 −/− , restored capillary branching, further supporting the contribution of bone marrow–derived macrophages in supplying the necessary MMP-9. Our study indicates that angiogenesis triggered by tissue ischemia requires MMP-9, which may be involved in capillary branching, a potential novel role for this MMP that could be exploited to control angiogenesis.
Vocal Cord Metastasis From Breast Cancer
Authors: Rosario Francesco Grasso, Carlo Cosimo Quattrocchi, Sara Piciucchi, Giuseppe Perrone, Fabrizio Salvinelli, Carla Rabitti, Bruno Beomonte Zobel
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2007)

criteria (erythrocyte sedimentation rate Ͼ 30 mm plus B symptoms and older than 50 years).The patient received standard chemotherapy treatment with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) and the neurological symptoms ceased after only one cycle of chemotherapy.The patient had an unconfirmed complete response after three cycles of ABVD, but unfortunately she died 5 weeks later from severe bleomycin-related pneumonitis and subsequent pneumonia.Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis (PLE) in the HL setting is also known as the Ophelia syndrome and was first described by Carr 1 in his teenage daughter.Since then, few similar cases have been reported and several have recently been summarized. 2 The diagnosis of PLE requires a neuropathological examination or all four criteria. 3 This case fulfilled all four criteria: a compatible clinical presentation with neuropsychiatric symptoms due to involvement of the limbic system (up to 30% to 40% of patients with PLE may develop extralimbic symptoms, 3 such as myoclonies); an interval of less than 4 years between the onset of neurological symptoms and the cancer diagnosis; the exclusion of other cancer-related complications that may cause a limbic dysfunction; a brain magnetic resonance imaging showing unilateral atrophy of the hippocampus on T1-weighted images.The improvement of the PLE symptoms after chemotherapy has been previously described in some cases. [2]3] There is little experience in the use of emission tomography techniques in PLE, but left-sided temporal hypoperfusion has been described before by Bak et al 4 in a PLE context.Other case reports have described the utility of positron emission tomography in this setting. 5 The application of emission tomography techniques, like single-photon emission computed tomography, could be useful in the diagnosis of the Ophelia syndrome, a very rare first manifestation of HL.
Note on some Points in the Natural History of Acute Rheumatism
Authors: A. Downes
Journal: BMJ (1887)

disease which directly caused the symptoms, but the chemical pro- ducts the result of their action upon the tissues.This, he tbought, opened out the interesting question, might not lactic acid, which had been said to play such an important r6le in the production of rheu- matism, be the chief ptomaine of this disease ?The well-known ex- periments of Dr. Richardson, and the observations by Sir Walter Foster of the development of rheumatism during the administration of lactic acid, suggested its being an important factor in the production of the disease.The manifestation of similar symptoms in other dis- eases night be accounted for by the ptomaines being of a similar nature.He had found that cultivations of bacteria found respectively in rheumatism, tonsillitis, erythema nodosum, and scarlatina produced lactic acid fermentation in sterilised milkIn conclusion, Dr. Mantle stated that he hoped to give the results of further research into this interesting question at a future time.He felt, however, convinced that rheumatism was produced by the agency of a bacterium, which he thought in most cases entered the system through the lymphoid structure of the tonsil.The necessary pabulum being found, the organism multiplied, its morbid action was confined chiefly to the lymphatic system, the serous membranes being affected in preference to other structures.The fact of salicine-a potent germicide-being so successful in the treatment of the disease strengthened this theory.
PREVALENCE OF SIGNIFICANT TRICUSPID REGURGITATION AND ITS CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE IN PATIENTS WITH SUCCESSFUL PERCUTANEOUS MITRAL VALVULOPLASTY FOR MITRAL STENOSIS, RESULTS FROM 12 YEARS FOLLOW-UP OF ONE CENTER PROSPECTIVE REGISTRY
Authors: Seung-Pyo Lee, Hyung-Kwan Kim, Kyung-Hee Kim, Ji-Hyun Kim, Hyo Eun Park, Yong-Jin Kim, Dae Won Sohn
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2012)
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor inhibits Fas-triggered apoptosis in bone marrow cells isolated from patients with refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts
Authors: J Schmidt-Mende, R Tehranchi, AM Forsblom, B Joseph, B Christensson, B Fadeel, B Zhivotovsky, E Hellström-Lindberg
Journal: Leukemia (2001)
Psychoanalysis and Philosophy
Authors: Emmett Wilson
Journal: JAMA (1971)

This collection of articles by philosophers and psychoanalysts tries to show the relevance of each field to the other. The result is a disappointing hodgepodge, even if a fascinating and instructive one. The volume is dedicated to the philosophically inclined psychoanalyst, Ernest Jones. Unfortunately, Jones, for all his interest, still shared to a degree Freud's antipathy and misapprehensions about philosophy, equating it with sheer speculation. Psychoanalysts often respond erratically to philosophy, as if freely projecting to an inkblot. They tend to resort to their own familiar technical device, interpretation, when faced with a philosophical puzzle. The outcome is what Freud called "psychography": and emphasis on the unconscious origins of a philosophical position. Several papers here discuss interesting biographical gossip about philosophers, and make fascinating correlations of such information with their philosophical positions. This is having fun with trivia. But when the psychological origins are taken as an explanation of the
408. The Kupffer Cell Scavenger Receptor Is Accountable for Hepatic Sequestration of Adenovirus
Authors: Hidde J. Haisma, Anna Rita Bellu, Marianne G. Rots, Gera Kamps, Josee Plantinga, Jan Kamps
Journal: Molecular Therapy (2005)

Introduction: The development of systemically deliverable vectors that are targeted to specific receptors is a major goal in gene therapy. Adenovirus is the preferred vector for gene therapy because of its superior in vivo gene transfer efficiency. However, systemic administration of adenovirus results in preferential accumulation in the liver. This elimination from the circulation is primarily caused by hepatic Kupffer cells that are also responsible for the inflammatory response.
Spironolactone and Endocrine Dysfunction
Authors: D. LYNN LORIAUX
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1976)

Therapy with spironolactone is often associated with estrogenlike side-effects, including impotence and gynecomastia in men and menstrual irregularity in women. Several possible mechanisms by which spironolactone could cause these side-effects have been identified. Spironolactone has been shown to affect both gonadal and adrenal steroidogenesis, to elevate plasma gonadotrophin levels in children, and to act as an antiandrogen at the target tissue level. This conference presents a discussion of how these effects might interact to produce the endocrine side effects associated with spironolactone therapy.
Low serum testosterone concentrations in patients with carcinoma of the pancreas
Authors: B. Greenway, M J Iqbal, P J Johnson, R. Williams
Journal: BMJ (1983)

The detection of high activities of two sex-steroid biosynthetic enzymes—aromatase and 5-alpha-reductase—in pancreatic carcinoma tissue suggested the possibility that these enzymes may influence the circulating concentrations of sex-steroid hormones. Mean serum testosterone concentrations in 22 men and women with exocrine carcinoma of the pancreas were significantly lower than those in 20 healthy controls and 27 patients with other known malignancies, who were of similar age and sex composition. Low serum testosterone concentrations may be due to uptake by and metabolism within the tumour; alternatively, patients with low androgen concentrations may be at greater risk of developing pancreatic carcinoma.
Crisis in rheumatology manpower
Authors: P. H N Wood
Journal: BMJ (1983)

Crisis in rheumatology manpower SIR,-As the five doctors undertaking higher medical training in rheumatology in the West Midlands (three National Health Service senior registrars and two university lecturers) we too are concerned at the current manpower crisis in rheumatology (19 February, p 586).This is not a national so much as a local problem, however, with a surfeit of senior registrars in certain regions.The disparity in the posts is illustrated in the table.
Disabled mother whose sterilisation failed cannot claim the extra costs of bringing up a child
Authors: C. Dyer
Journal: BMJ (2003)

Any disabled woman who gives birth to a normal, healthy child after a negligently performed sterilisation operation is not entitled to sue for the extra childcare costs she incurs because of her disability, the House of Lords ruled last week.

The United Kingdom's highest court sat, unusually, with seven judges instead of the usual five because it was being asked to overturn a unanimous judgment reached by five of its judges only four years ago.

But the law lords refused to hold that that case, Macfarlane v Tayside Health Board, had been wrongly decided in 1999. The judges in that case decided that parents who have …
Diagnosis of Allergy to Stinging Insects by Skin Testing with Hymenoptera Venoms
Authors: KEVIN J. HUNT
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1976)

Skin testing was done on 30 patients with a history of anaphylactic reactions after a Hymenoptera sting and on 30 control subjects. The patients all had positive basophilhistamine release to one or more venoms on challenge with the specific venoms used for skin testing (honey bee, yellow jacket, white-faced hornet, yellow hornet, and Polistes). At 0.1 µg of venom/ml and at 1.0 µg of venom/ml, 75% and 100%, respectively, of the sensitive patients had a positive skin test. There was a significant (P < 0.001) correlation between skin test and histamine release results. Of the 150 skin tests in control patients, only 1 was positive. Venom skin tests provide, for the first time, a simple, readily available technique to accurately diagnose allergy to stinging insects.
Does Eating Garlic Lower Cholesterol?
Authors: Daniel J. Lerner
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1994)

Letters1 June 1994Does Eating Garlic Lower Cholesterol?Daniel J. Lerner, MD and Stephen B. Hulley, MD, MPHDaniel J. Lerner, MDUniversity of California at San Francisco; San Francisco, CA 94121Search for more papers by this author and Stephen B. Hulley, MD, MPHUniversity of California at San Francisco; San Francisco, CA 94121Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-120-11-199406010-00011 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail TO THE EDITOR:The recent meta-analysis by Warshafsky [1] concludes that garlic, in an amount approximating one half to one clove per day, decreased total serum cholesterol levels by about 9% in the groups studied. If valid, this could be an important advance, but we have several important concerns.First, the criteria for including and excluding primary trials were established after the data sere extracted and reviewed. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial [2] with 33 patients that showed no cholesterol-lowering effect of garlic was excluded because it did not satisfy a seemingly arbitrary inclusion criterion: a cholesterol level greater than ...References1. Warshafsky S, Kramer RS, Sivak SL. Effect of garlic on total serum cholesterol: a meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 1993; 119:599-605. Google Scholar2. Sitprija S, Plengvidhya C, Kangkaya V, Bhuvapanich S, Tunkayoon M. Garlic and diabetes mellitus phase II clinical trial. J Med Assoc Thai. 1987; 70(Suppl 2):223-7. Google Scholar3. Luley C, Lehmann-Leo W, Moller B, Martin T, Schwartzkopf W. Lack of efficacy of dried garlic in patients with hyperlipoproteinemia. Arzneimittelforschung. 1986; 36:766-8. Google Scholar4. Plengvidhya C. Effects of spray dired garlic preparation on primary hyperlipoproteinemia. J Med Assoc Thai. 1988; 71:248-52. Google Scholar5. Vorberg G, Schneider B. Therapy with garlic: results of a placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Br J Clin Pract Symp Suppl. 1990; 69:7-11. Google Scholar6. Auer W. Hypertension and hyperlipidemia: garlic helps in mild cases. Br J Clin Pract Sym Suppl. 1990; 69:3-6. Google Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: University of California at San Francisco; San Francisco, CA 94121 PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited ByThe effect of a garlic preparation on plasma lipid levels in moderately hypercholesterolemic adults 1 June 1994Volume 120, Issue 11Page: 969-970KeywordsCholesterolEatingHypercholesterolemiaPatients Issue Published: 1 June 1994 CopyrightCopyright © 1994 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF DownloadLoading ...
Trust asks High Court to advise on advance decision of patient held under Mental Health Act
Authors: C. Dyer
Journal: BMJ (2014)

An NHS trust caring for a 23 year old Jehovah’s Witness who slashed his wrists in prison and keeps trying to reopen the wound is seeking a High Court declaration that doctors need not give him a blood transfusion, even though he might die without it.

The man, named only as J, who has a severe personality disorder and is now detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act, has signed an advance decision refusing treatment with blood or blood products. The doctors treating him believe that he has the …
Direct peroral cholangioscopy using an ultraslim upper endoscope for management of residual stones after mechanical lithotripsy for retained common bile duct stones
Authors: Y. Lee, J. Moon, H. Choi, S. Min, H. Kim, T. Lee, Y. Cho, S.-H. Park, S.-J. Kim
Journal: Endoscopy (2012)

<b>Background and study aims:</b> The incidence of residual stones after mechanical lithotripsy for retained common bile duct (CBD) stones is relatively high. Peroral cholangioscopy using a mother – baby system may be useful for confirming complete extraction of stones, but has several limitations regarding routine use. We evaluated the role of direct peroral cholangioscopy (DPOC) using an ultraslim upper endoscope for the evaluation and removal of residual CBD stones after mechanical lithotripsy. <b>Patients and methods:</b> From August 2006 to November 2010, 48 patients who had undergone mechanical lithotripsy for retained CBD stones with no evidence of filling defects in balloon cholangiography were recruited. The bile duct was inspected by DPOC after balloon cholangiography. Detected residual CBD stones were directly retrieved with a basket or balloon catheter under DPOC. The incidence of residual stones detected by DPOC, and the success rate of residual stone retrieval under DPOC were investigated. <b>Results:</b> DPOC was successfully performed in 46 of the 48 patients (95.8 %). Of these, 13 patients (28.3 %) had residual CBD stones (mean number 1.4, range 1 – 3; mean diameter 4.5 mm, range 2.3 – 9.6). The residual stones were removed directly under DPOC in 11 of these patients (84.6 %). There were no complications associated with DPOC or stone removal. <b>Conclusion: </b>DPOC using an ultraslim upper endoscope is a useful endoscopic procedure for the evaluation and extraction of residual stones after mechanical lithotripsy for retained CBD stones.
Memories of a virulent past
Authors: VK Viswanathan
Journal: Gut Microbes (2014)

Studies on bacterial virulence and host-pathogen interactions usually rely on type strains isolated from human or veterinary populations. For instance, the El Tor strain N16961 has been extensively used to characterize Vibrio cholerae virulence, while E2348/69 is a default choice for studies on enteropathogenic E. coli interactions with host cells. Subsequent to isolation, such strains are passaged under laboratory conditions in rich medium, and often genetically manipulated to induce specific mutations or other alterations. While the cumulative knowledge gained by focused studies on a limited number of bacterial isolates allows for rapid scientific progress, strain diversity resulting from prolonged propagation and manipulation in different laboratories may lead to a distorted perspective and, at times, confound attempts to replicate specific experiments. Exploring such aberrations is an inevitable and necessary, if not always welcome, part of scientific progress.
Social consequences. Safety of modern oral contraception: the options for women: lessons to be learned
Authors: G Benagiano
Journal: Human Reproduction Update (1999)

The relatively short history of hormonal contraception has been marked by a series of 'pill scares', all of which--after creating panic among users--were proven to be unfounded in terms of public health impact. The latest pill scare, provoked by regulatory action in the United Kingdom and the Federal Republic of Germany in response to the publication of a series of articles indicating a doubling of risk of deep venous thrombosis in users of oral contraceptives containing third-generation progestins, seems finally settled: both the British and the German Drug Regulatory Authorities have now reverted their verdict. The damage unfortunately stays: hundreds of thousands of women have been compelled to abandon the pill of their choice, often deciding to drop contraception altogether, thereby exposing themselves to unwanted pregnancy and--in a number of cases--to pregnancy termination. This latest episode should be turned into something positive: we need to learn that, in the case of drugs in widespread use, before restrictive action is taken--and except for very rare and specific instances--the scientific community must carry out an exhaustive debate on the reality and importance of the observed effects. Although the public should, in each instance, be properly informed, it is only after this process has been completed that restrictive action should be taken. It is hoped that, after this last episode, all concerned have learned this simple principle and will accept being guided by it from now on.
Book: Against the Grain: The Genetic Transformation of Global Agriculture
Authors: D A T Southgate
Journal: BMJ (1999)

Earthscan, £15.99, pp 173 ISBN 1 85383 576 5 Rating: ![Graphic][1]</img>![Graphic][2]</img>![Graphic][3]</img> In the debate about the desirability of the introduction of genetically modified foods “those against” are often portrayed as modern day Luddites who threaten the potential growth of the biotechnology industries and, incidentally, their opportunity to make lots of money. Marc Lappé and Britt Bailey set out their case against genetically modified foods logically. They write from a US perspective, where the range of genetically modified crops introduced and the areas sown with them have … [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/inline-graphic-2.gif [3]: /embed/inline-graphic-3.gif
Evaluation of digitalis in cardiac failure.
Authors: R G Murray, A C Tweddel, W Martin, D Pearson, I Hutton, T D Lawrie
Journal: BMJ (1982)

Ten patients in sinus rhythm with symptomatic cardiac failure participated in a study investigating the value of digitalis at rest and during dynamic exercise. A haemodynamic profile and left ventricular ejection fraction were measured before treatment, after intravenous ouabain, and after six weeks of maintenance treatment with digoxin. There was no significant change in the haemodynamic profile or in the left ventricular ejection fraction at rest after either glycoside. During exercise there was a significant reduction in left ventricular filling pressure from 39 +/- 3 mm Hg to 34 +/- 3 mm Hg (p less than 0.05) after ouabain and to 33 +/- 3 mm Hg (p less than 0.02) after digoxin. Cardiac index improved from 33 +/- 0.3 1/min/m2 to 4.0 +/- 0.4 l/min/m2 (p less than 0.01) after ouabain and to 3.8 +/- 0.4 l/min/m2 (p less than 0.01) after digoxin. During exercise stroke volume index and stroke work index also improved significantly with both glycosides. This was accompanied by an increase in left ventricular ejection fraction from 29 +/- 2% to 36 +/- 3% (p less than 0.05) after ouabain and digoxin. In this study both intravenous ouabain and maintenance treatment with oral digoxin exerted a modest positive inotropic effect in patients with cardiac failure in sinus rhythm. The haemodynamic benefit, however, was manifest only during exertion.