tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
piRNA involvement in genome stability and human cancer
Authors: Miguel Moyano, Giovanni Stefani
Journal: Journal of Hematology & Oncology (2015)

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a large family of small, single-stranded, non-coding RNAs present throughout the animal kingdom. They form complexes with several members of the PIWI clade of Argonaute proteins and carry out regulatory functions. Their best established biological role is the inhibition of transposon mobilization, which they enforce both at the transcriptional level, through regulation of heterochromatin formation, and by promoting transcript degradation. In this capacity, piRNAs and PIWI proteins are at the heart of the germline cells' efforts to preserve genome integrity. Additional regulatory roles of piRNAs and PIWI proteins in gene expression are becoming increasingly apparent.PIWI proteins and piRNAs are often detected in human cancers deriving from germline cells as well as somatic tissues. Their detection in cancer correlates with poorer clinical outcomes, suggesting that they play a functional role in the biology of cancer. Nonetheless, the currently available information, while highly suggestive, is still not sufficient to entirely discriminate between a 'passenger' role for the ectopic expression of piRNAs and PIWI proteins in cancer from a 'driver' role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. In this article, we review some of the key available evidence for the role of piRNAs and PIWI in human cancer and discuss ways in which our understanding of their functions may be improved.
Treatment guidelines for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
Authors: S. Ahmad
Journal: JAMA (1995)

To the Editor.  —The excellent Special Communication by Dr Singer and colleagues 1 gives guidelines for use by physicians in the care of patients with thyroid disorders. However, I was surprised that Singer et al did not mention the role of amiodarone in causing thyroid disorder. 2,3 Amiodarone is an iodinated molecule containing 37.2% of its molecular weight as iodine; therefore, it may cause thyroid dysfunction. Amiodarone has been reported to cause both thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism. 2,3 Middlekauf et al 4 published an excellent review of amiodarone therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation. Amiodarone therapy is being used widely for treatment of atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. 5   Amiodarone therapy should have been added to the guidelines so that physicians may be made aware of this iatrogenic thyroid disorder.
OP0107 Clinical features at presentation in a series of 86 patients with genetically confirmed traps and 33 patients with inflammatory symptoms and the r92q variant from the eurofevers/eurotraps registry:
Authors: H.J. Lachmann, I. Touitou, L. Obici, P. Woo, A. Naselli, R. Berendes, J. Anton, C. Modesto, P. Quartier, R. Merino, S. Ozen, R. Cimaz, A. Meini, N. Ruperto, M. Gattorno
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2013)

<h3>Background</h3> TNF receptor associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) is an autoinflammatory syndrome. Diagnosis relies on genetic testing. More than 70 TNFRSF1A pathogenic sequence variants (PSV) have been reported but it is not known if there are phenotype genotype correlations and interpretation of the significance of R92Q, a common variant of unknown significance (VUS), is often problematic. <h3>Objectives</h3> To analyse the presenting clinical features of patients with TNFRSF1A PSV and of those with inflammatory symptoms and the R92Q VUS. <h3>Methods</h3> Anonymised data derived from patient recall and case records were entered by specialist physicians to a web-based registry (www.printo.it). <h3>Results</h3> 46 TNFRSF1A PSV were identified in 86 patients; 11 (13%) carried the T50M PSV and in 40 (47%) a cysteine residue was affected; 61% patients reported a family history of similar symptoms; 52% were male; 94% were Caucasian and the mean age at symptom onset was 7.6 yrs (range: neonatal to 49 yrs). In 9% symptoms onset after aged 30 yrs. Median attack duration was 10 days and the median number of symptomatic days/yr was 51.5 (range: 8 – 365). Patients with the R92Q VUS were 98% Caucasian, 46% male and 17% reported a family history. Symptoms onset at a median of 10 yrs (range: neonatal to 52.6 yrs). Median attack duration was 6.5 days and the median number of symptomatic days/yr was 57. Clinical features seen in attacks are summarised in the table. Patients with the R92Q VUS were significantly less likely to have rash and more likely to have attacks features of headache, cervical adenopathy, headache and/or pharyngitis than patients with TNFRSF1A PSV. AA amyloidosis complicated 16 cases (19%) including 7 cysteine PSV (17.5%), 2 (18%) T50M and no patients with R92Q. Among patients with clear TNFRSF1A PSV no phenotype genotype correlations were identified. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The phenotype of PSV confirmed TRAPS is very variable with no pathognomonic pattern and no increased severity with cysteine or the T50M PSVs; musculoskeletal pain, fever, gastrointestinal symptoms and constitutional upset are most frequent. Even though there may have been a bias to entering patients with severe R92Q associated disease into the registry there are significant differences compared to patients with PSVs with a later presentation and more upper respiratory tract type symptoms reminiscent of those seen in PFAPA. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None Declared
Dangers of Intravenous Ritodrine in Diabetic Patients
Authors: David Mordes
Journal: JAMA (1982)

Two cases are reported in which administration of ritodrine hydrochloride, a β-2-sympathomimetic agent, was followed by diabetic ketoacidosis when it was used for inhibition of premature labor in insulin-requiring diabetic patients. Ketoacidosis occurred shortly after intravenous ritodrine, despite previous administration of large subcutaneous doses of insulin. Early recognition and treatment of this serious complication are critical for fetal survival. (<i>JAMA</i>1982;248:973-975)
Delivered by Hand
Authors: John Lister
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1964)

THERE is a time and place for everything, and having been in a position to deliver the Post by hand for the first time in twelve years, I find this perhaps the moment for reflection.The story of how it all began is quite brief, and the entry in my diary for Friday, April 18, 1952, just reads, "Interview with Dr. Joseph Garland of New England Journal of Medicine at 8 Fenway re London correspondent. Caught 10 a.m. train to New Haven." The second sentence indicates that the interview must have been brief and to the point, but of course . . .
Panama—The Congress—The Canal.
Authors: Albert B. Hale
Journal: JAMA (1905)

Panama, Jan. 7, 1905. <h3>To the Editor:</h3> —The fourth Pan-American Medical Congress was held at Panama, Jan. 2-6, 1905. In some respects Panama was a good place to hold a meeting. While geographically the country lies at nearly the hub of the western hemisphere, and is, perhaps, rather inaccessible to the majority of the represented nations, the congress was attended by representatives from Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Cuba, as well as from the United States. As the specially chartered steamer<i>Athos</i>, which was unfortunately delayed and did not reach Panama until the afternoon of the last day of the meeting, carried some of the officers and about half those who attended, these physicians took no real part in the proceedings. Some papers of a thoroughly scientific nature were read, such as Frank's "Experiments and Experience in Liver Surgery," Senn's description of "Coxa Vara," Dr. W. C. Gorgas' résumé of
Analyses of gonococcal H8 antigen. Surface location, inter- and intrastrain electrophoretic heterogeneity, and unusual two-dimensional electrophoretic characteristics.
Authors: P J Hitchcock, S F Hayes, L W Mayer, W M Shafer, S L Tessier
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1985)

The H8 protein is a surface-exposed antigen that is found, among members of the Neisseria genus, primarily on pathogenic species. In this study, the surface exposure of H8 was reassessed by four techniques. Results of slide agglutination, indirect fluorescent antibody binding, absorption of sera with whole gonococci, and immune electron microscopy all confirmed the presence of H8 in the outer membrane. The degree to which protein A-gold-labeled monoclonal antibodies bound to H8 was marked, and suggested that this antigen was present in abundant amounts in the outer membrane. Also in this study, the electrophoretic heterogeneity of this common surface antigen was examined. Because H8 stains poorly, electrophoretic mobility was assessed using polyclonal antibodies and a monoclonal antibody that recognizes a common H8 epitope. H8 was analyzed with respect to protein I, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and pilus and opacity phenotypic variation; results confirmed that heterogeneity of Mr was the rule among strains (21 were examined), however, the variability in Mr was independent of protein I or LPS Mr. In one strain (FA1090), the heterogeneity of H8 was examined among 10 piliation/opacity variants; the H8 (and LPS) Mr was identical in all variants; similar data were generated in strains JS3 and JS1. The electrophoretic mobility of H8 was altered in serum-resistant and neutrophil enzyme-resistant gonococci compared to the sensitive gonococci. Some of the unusual electrophoretic migration characteristics of the antigen were also examined. H8 formed a unique mushroom-shaped band in one-dimensional gels; in a two-dimensional electrophoresis system, the antigen migrated aberrantly, very similarly to LPS. Also seen in the two-dimensional electrophoresis profile were multimers of the H8 antigen; in strain JS3 (Mr 23,500), these migrated at 43,600, 86,000, and greater than 150,000. In other strains, the Mr of the multimers differed depending upon the Mr of the monomer. The two-dimensional migration characteristics (as measured by antigenicity) were completely destroyed by proteinase K digestion. Activity of H8 polyclonal antibodies to the antigens in two-dimensional gels was completely removed by adsorption of formalin-fixed whole cells, but was not affected by adsorption with LPS. These electrophoretic characteristics may reflect the close association of some nonprotein constituent, perhaps lipid or carbohydrate or both.
How to justify endoscopic submucosal dissection in the Western world
Authors: J. Bergman
Journal: Endoscopy (2009)

In Japan, endoscopic treatment is considered the treatment of choice for early gastroesophageal neoplasia. In the 1970 s, the high incidence of gastric cancer in Japan led to the initiation of screening programs, initially with double contrast studies and later with endoscopic inspection. As a result, the number of gastric and esophageal cancers detected at an early stage increased dramatically, and the endoscopic treatment of these early lesions evolved as a logical consequence.
RCGP chair says it will cost 300m for GP time on consortiums
Authors: J. Wise
Journal: BMJ (2011)

It will cost an estimated £300m (€353m; $490m) for GPs to move out of the consulting room and carry out work for the proposed commissioning consortiums, the chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners told MPs.

Clare Gerada told the public accounts committee on 1 March that she expected 3-5% of GPs to be actively involved in commissioning consortiums. She said that a back of the envelope calculation shows that this will cost around £300m in GP time that they are away from their patients.

Dr Gerada told the committee hearing evidence on the health landscape review: “GPs are more expensive than managers and …
Urinary metabolomic changes as a predictive biomarker of asthma exacerbation
Authors: Claudia Chaves Loureiro, Iola F. Duarte, Joana Gomes, Joana Carrola, António S. Barros, Ana M. Gil, Jean Bousquet, Ana Todo Bom, Sílvia M. Rocha
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2013)
A novel inhibitor of focal adhesion signaling induces caspase-independent cell death in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Rosa Bosch, Rebeca Dieguez-Gonzalez, Maria Virtudes Céspedes, Matilde Parreño, Miguel Ángel Pavón, Albert Grañena, Jorge Sierra, Ramon Mangues, Isolda Casanova
Journal: Blood (2011)
Fat Content of Very Low-Calorie Diets and Gallstone Formation
Authors: Sidney Klawansky
Journal: JAMA (1992)

<h3>To the Editor.</h3> —Causal mechanisms have not been fully clarified to date in several studies that highlight the occurrence of gallstones in obese individuals during weight loss on very low-calorie diets (VLCDs) (Table).<sup>1-3</sup>The incidence of new gallstone formation, as detected by ultrasound, ranged from 10% to 26% over 8-week to 16-week periods. Of note is the fact that the diet in each of these studies contained only 1 g of fat. In line with other authors, Liddle et al<sup>2</sup>called attention to the possibility of gallbladder stasis as a possible causal factor. The possibility of gallbladder stasis as a primary factor in gallstone formation during weight loss on VLCDs is consistent with the results of a recent study by Festi et al.<sup>4</sup>In that study, researchers provided a 500-calorie (2100-J) diet for 13 weeks to 34 obese individuals (mean body mass index, 40.3 kg/m<sup>2</sup>), followed
Abnormal haemoglobins in Iran. Observation of a new variant--haemoglobin J Iran (alpha-2-beta-2 77 His--Asp).
Authors: S. Rahbar, D. Beale, W. A. Isaacs, H. Lehmann
Journal: BMJ (1967)

Chemical Investigation of Haemoglobin J IranHaemoglobin solutions were prepared and electrophoresis was carried out on paper, cellulose acetate, starch gel, and in starch block by the usual methods.On all occasions it was noted that haemoglobin A and haemoglobin J were present in about equal quantity (Fig. 2).Haemoglobin A consists of two a and two polypeptide chains, and its formula can be written a,2l.Haemoglobin J moves faster than haemoglobin A towards the FIG.1.-Pedigree of Iranian family with Haemoglobin J Iran. 0 Haemoglobin A only. ) Haemoglobin A+ J. J .-_INE*O h A - FIG. 2.-Starch-gel electrophoresis of the haemoglobin of the propositus (left) and a Haemoglobin A control.Haemoglobins A and J are present in equal quantity in this haemoglobin of the propositus.
In vitro release of arachidonic acid metabolites, glutathione peroxidase, and oxygen-free radicals from platelets of asthmatic patients with and without aspirin intolerance.
Authors: V Plaza, J Prat, J Rosello, E Ballester, I Ramis, J Mullol, E Gelpi, J L Vives-Corrons, C Picado
Journal: Thorax (1995)

An abnormal platelet release of oxygen-free radicals has been described in acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)-induced asthma, a finding which might suggest the existence of an intrinsic, specific platelet abnormality of arachidonic acid metabolism in these patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate platelet arachidonic acid metabolism in asthmatic patients with or without intolerance to aspirin.Thirty subjects distributed into three groups were studied: group 1, 10 healthy subjects; group 2, 10 asthmatic patients with aspirin tolerance; and group 3, 10 aspirin-intolerant asthmatics. Platelets were isolated from blood, preincubated with 3H-arachidonic acid for 30 minutes and then incubated for 10 minutes with platelet activating factor (PAF) and aspirin. Cyclo-oxygenase (thromboxane, PGE2, PGF2 alpha, and HHT) and lipoxygenase (12-HETE) arachidonic acid metabolites were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography. Release of oxygen free radicals after incubation with PAF and aspirin was measured by chemiluminescence. Platelet levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were also measured using spectrophotometry.Platelets from aspirin-intolerant asthmatic patients produced higher quantities of arachidonic acid metabolites than the control group at baseline conditions. This increase was significant only for lipoxygenase products. No differences were found amongst the three groups in the response of arachidonic acid metabolism to PAF and aspirin. Incubation with aspirin but not with PAF caused an increase in oxygen-free radical production in aspirin-intolerant patients whereas in aspirin-tolerant patients PAF, rather than aspirin, was the more potent stimulus for oxygen-free radical production. No differences in GSH-Px levels were found amongst the three groups.These results suggest that the platelet lipoxygenase pathway is activated in aspirin-intolerant patients and that the production of oxygen-free radicals may differentiate aspirin-tolerant from aspirin-intolerant asthmatic subjects. Our study, however, does not support the hypothesis that an increase in lipoxygenase products may be responsible for oxygen-free radical production. Moreover, a lowered platelet GSH-Px activity does not seem to be involved in this phenomenon.
Lymphedema Secondary to Filariasis
Authors: JOE C. LEONARD, G BENNETT HUMPHREY, GARO BASMADJIAN
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (1985)

A 1-year-old immunodeficient boy developed brawny edema of the left foot. Lymphoscintigraphy revealed no evidence of left inguinal activity following pedal injection of Tc-99m-Sn phosphate. Over the next two months, the patient developed lymphedema on the right and repeat scintigraphy demonstrated no movement of isotope from the dorsum of either foot. Subsequent studies identified microfilaria in a nocturnal blood smear, which were thought to represent Brugia beaveri acquired by mosquito transmission in Oklahoma.
Early imaging of experimental myocardial infarction by intracoronary administraion of 131I-labelled anticardiac myosin (Fab')2 fragments.
Authors: B A Khaw, H K Gold, R C Leinbach, J T Fallon, W Strauss, G M Pohost, E Haber
Journal: Circulation (1978)

We examined the feasibility of early imaging of myocardial infarcts by intracoronary injection of 131I-labelled cardiac myosin-specific antibody (Fab')2. The left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded for 5 hours by a balloon catheter introduced through the carotid artery in 12 dogs. The catheter was withdrawn and 1 mCi 201Tl was injected intravenously and 500 muCi of 131I antibody were injected into the main left coronary artery. Six of these animals demonstrated evidence of myocardial infarction by ECG and subsequent triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride staining, while the others did not. In each of the infarcted animals, in vivo scintograms one-half hour after injection of isotope showed uptake of 131I in the anteroapical region of the heart corresponding to the region of absent 201Tl uptake. This relationship was confirmed in the excised hearts and in heart slices. In slices, 131I uptake corresponded to regions that did not stain with triphenyltetrazolium chloride. In the six animals that did not show evidence for infarction after coronary occlusion, uptake of 131I was not demonstrated, either in vivo or in excised specimens. In four additional dogs subjected to the same procedure, 125I-labelled (Fab')2 from nonimmune IgG was injected simultaneously into the left main coronary artery with 131I-labelled canine myosin-specific antibody (Fab')2. The ratio of uptake between infarct center and normal tissue was 34.3 +/- 1.5 (mean+/-SEM) for the specific antibody fragment as contrasted to 6.6+/-0.4 for the nonimmune IgG fragment, indicating that intracoronary injection does not favor nonspecific sequestration of protein in regions of infarction. Thus, the intracoronary administration of myosin-specific antibody fragments leads to early and specific one-half hour imaging of myocardial infarcts.
Physical activity for cancer survivors
Authors: L. Bourke, D. Rosario, R. Copeland, S. Taylor
Journal: BMJ (2012)

Beneficial in the short term, but longer term outcomes are lacking

In 2008, more than 12 million people worldwide were diagnosed with cancer (http://globocan.iarc.fr/). Because of improvements in early diagnosis and the introduction of more aggressive treatments over the past 20 years, cancer survivors are now living longer.1 However, treatment often leads to a range of undesirable and debilitating adverse effects.

In the linked meta-analysis (doi:10.1136/bmj.e70), Fong and colleagues assess the effects of physical activity after treatment for cancer on 48 separate health related outcomes.2 The potential for exercise interventions to benefit survivors of cancer is a burgeoning area of research, and systematic reviews and meta-analyses have reported that exercise can reduce fatigue and improve functional outcomes and health related quality of life.3 4 5 These reports have also called for larger trials that have a greater focus on study quality and adverse events and longer follow-up.

Fong and colleagues’ meta-analysis reviewed 34 randomised trials (of which 22 were dedicated breast cancer studies) that assessed the effects of aerobic exercise, and in some studies also …
Is microencapsulation the future of probiotic preparations? The increased efficacy of gastro-protected probiotics
Authors: Mario Del Piano, Stefania Carmagnola, Marco Ballarè, Massimo Sartori, Marco Orsello, Marco Balzarini, Michela Pagliarulo, Roberto Tari, Andrea Anderloni, Gian Paolo Strozzi, Luca Mogna, Filomena Sforza, Lucio Capurso
Journal: Gut Microbes (2011)

In a recent publication we assessed the kinetics of intestinal colonization by microencapsulated probiotic bacteria in comparison with the same strains given in an uncoated form. It's well known, in fact, that microencapsulation of probiotics with specific materials is able to confer a significant resistance to gastric juice, thus protecting the cells during the gastric and duodenal transit and enhancing the probiotic efficacy of any supplementation. In any case, this was the first study reporting the fecal amounts of probiotics administered in a coated, protected form compared with traditional, uncoated ones. Here we discuss additional in vitro data of resistance of the same bacteria to gastric juice, human bile and pancreatic secretion and correlate them with the results of in vivo gut colonization. .
Medieval Medicine
Authors: Lester S. King
Journal: JAMA (1965)

Loren C. MacKinney (1891-1964), one of our outstanding scholars in medieval history, devoted much of his career to medieval medicine. In his researches into manuscript sources he paid especial attention to miniatures and illuminations that illustrated particular facets of medical practice. In present day medical texts we accept the photographs and drawings as quite customary supplements for the verbal material. Before the invention of printing, illustrations were comparably useful, but involved vastly greater difficulty. All books were, of course, copied by hand and the copyist or scribe was a skilled and respected worker. But a scribe was not necessarily an artist. To fill the need for illustrations a specialized class of artists and illustrators gradually developed. In the early and medieval period religious writings, with appropriate illustrations, dominated book production but secular writings and secular illustrations later became more and more important. Manuscripts might deal directly with medical subjects, as,