tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Value of Endoscopic Ultrasonography in the Management of Portal Hypertension
Authors: G. C. Caletti, E. Brocchi, A. Ferrari, S. Fiorino, L. Barbara
Journal: Endoscopy (1992)

Using endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) a large part of the portal venous system can be visualized. In 40 patients with portal hypertension (PH) and in 48 control subjects EUS displayed the azygos, splenic, mesenteric and portal veins in both groups. However, esophageal and gastric varices, peri- esophageal and peri-gastric collateral veins and submucosal gastric venules were displayed only in patients with PH. EUS was inferior to endoscopy for detecting and grading esophageal varices (p less than 0.0005), but superior in the detection of varices in the fundus of the stomach (p less than 0.0005). EUS cannot be considered a reliable method for the study of esophageal varices: it has an overall sensitivity of 50%, does not permit flow measurements, and does not provide information that could be used to estimate the risk of bleeding. EUS has been demonstrated to be superior to endoscopy in the diagnosis of gastric varices. This finding is extremely important for the optimal selection of treatment of patients with portal hypertension. EUS can detect portal hypertensive gastropathy; thus inflammatory gastritis can be more easily distinguished from congestive gastropathy and therapeutic decisions are strongly influenced.
Failed direct coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction: In-hospital outcome and predictors of death
Authors: John B. Bedotto, Joel K. Kahn, Barry D. Rutherford, David R. McConahay, Lee V. Giorgi, Warren L. Johnson, James H. O'Keefe, Thomas M. Shimshak, Robert W. Ligon, Geoffrey O. Hartzler
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (1993)
Human Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 Controls Immunostimulatory Activity of Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells
Authors: Bangxing Hong, Wenhong Ren, Xiao-Tong Song, Kevin Evel-Kabler, Si-Yi Chen, Xue F. Huang
Journal: Cancer Research (2009)

Dendritic cell (DC)-based tumor vaccines have only achieved limited clinical efficacy, underscoring the limitation of stimulatory strategies to elicit effective cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses against self-tumor-associated antigens. Here, we investigate the role of human suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), a feedback inhibitor of the Janus-activated kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathway, in regulating antigen presentation by human DCs (hDC). We find that human SOCS1 (hSOCS1)-silenced DCs have an enhanced stimulatory ability to prime self-antigen-specific CTLs in vitro and in a severe combined immunodeficient-hu mouse model. Human CTLs activated by SOCS1-silenced DCs, but not wild-type DCs, have an active lytic activity to natural antigen-expressing tumor cells. We further find that the capacity of hDCs to prime CTLs is likely controlled by SOCS1-restricted production and signaling of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-12. These results indicate a critical role of hSOCS1 in negatively regulating the immunostimulatory capacity of DCs and imply a translational potential of this alternative SOCS1 silencing strategy to develop effective DC vaccines.
Assessing clinical trials--trial discipline.
Authors: S M Gore
Journal: BMJ (1981)

In this article several questions about trial discipline are raised that must be answered satisfactorily before the clinical study begins.It is important to decide whether a fixed-dose or a variable-dose regimen is appropriate-they are different treat- Pktpce ments-to realise that including a vehicle treatment (or placebo) may be unethical and is not a necessary part of clinical trial methodology.Consideration should be given to ways of enhanc-llw-p ing or monitoring compliance with treatment and follow-up of patients.The routine for examining patients should be carefully \ ; determined and, when appropriate, a time table drawn up.Intraocular pressure, for example, shows diurnal variation and '/ so should be measured at fixed times by one tonometrist.Blood ElIDEMIOLOGY pressure should also be recorded under standard conditions- u.'ATE for example, sitting blood pressure after two minutes' sitting and specified cut-off for diastolic pressure.Fixed or variable dose (33) Investigators are tempted to compare fixed-dose regimens merely to facilitate double-blind comparison of treatments.When should this temptation be resisted?-when there is considerable variation between patients in the dosage required to produce a therapeutic effect -to avoid getting answers to clinically trivial questions COMMENT
Endocrine disrupters – potential modulators of the immune system and allergic response
Authors: M. Chalubinski, M. L. Kowalski
Journal: Allergy (2006)

Endocrine disrupters (EDs) are environmental pollutants of industrial or agricultural origin (e.g. herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, industrial chemicals) that may influence health of wildlife and human. Endocrine-disrupting effect is obtained by mimicking the action of the steroid hormones and has been associated with several reproductive disorders as well as cancerogenesis both in animals and humans. EDs can also influence synthesis of cytokines, immunoglobulins, and cell mediators as well as immune cell activation and survival. Modulation by EDs of interleukin-4 production, Th1/Th2 balance and IgE production suggest their potential effect on allergic immune responses. The aim of this review was to summarize data indicating a potential effect of EDs exposure on the immune system and allergic responses.
What is so informative about information?
Authors: Carlos M. Hamame, Diego Cosmelli, Francisco Aboitiz
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (2007)

Abstract Understanding evolution beyond a gene-centered vision is a fertile ground for new questions and approaches. However, in this systemic perspective, we take issue with the necessity of the concept of information. Through the example of brain and language evolution, we propose the autonomous systems theory as a more biologically relevant framework for the evolutionary perspective offered by Jablonka &amp; Lamb (J&amp;L).
FDG-PET Imaging in Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Naoto Watanabe, Hiroshi Kato, Jun Murakami, Masashi Shimizu, Kyo Noguchi, Yuichi Kamisaki, Ichiro Matsunari, Hikaru Seto
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (2006)

F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) imaging is a useful modality in detecting various tumors, including malignant lymphoma. We evaluated a patient with cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma using FDG-PET imaging, which revealed elevated uptake in the left upper arm tumor. These results suggest that FDG-PET imaging may be useful in detecting cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
Drug Dependent Patients: Treatment and Research
Authors: Martin Marcovici
Journal: JAMA (1982)

This is a book of excellence, reflecting the large clinical experience and original methodological contributions made by the staff of many Veterans Administration Medical Centers in the field of addictive disorders.  It is divided into four parts. Part 1 focuses on treatment modalities. Walter Dorus and Henry Lahmeyer describe clearly and in scholarly fashion the technology of methadone maintenance and of detoxification from opioid drugs and review the outcome studies of various methods. The authors emphasize the therapeutic goal of preventing relapse and maintaining a nonaddicting and productive life-style. To this end, Vincent Zarcone, Robert Craig, Duncan Stanton, Steven Ross, and Dale Callner present the principles and the techniques of individual, family, and group therapies and also of behavioral modification, at the stage of antecedent cues, of drug-taking behavior, or of the reinforcing consequences.  The editors are to be commended for including a chapter written by Richard Heilman concerning the
EFFECT OF IRON ON THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF HEPATIC APOFERRITIN 1
Authors: Saul R. Korey, Bennett Levine
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1955)

Apoferritin is the protein which may play a part in the transport system for iron in the gastrointestinal cells and which serves as the main reservoir of storage iron in the liver and spleen. In combination with iron it is called ferritin. The oral administration of iron to an animal has been shown to stimulate the formation of apoferritin in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. Granick (1) reported that there is a marked increase in the amount of crystallizable apoferritin chiefly in the mucosa of the upper intestinal tract of guinea pigs fed iron. Gabrio and Salomon (2) demonstrated that considerably more ferritin could be isolated from the intestinal mucosa and adjacent lymph nodes of a horse fed iron in comparison with an untreated control. Since the precipitin method of isolation employed by the latter investigators does not distinguish between apoferritin and ferritin, it is assumed that the total amount of iron storage protein was increased following the priming of animals with iron. The present study indicates that while the in vivo incorporation of glycine labelled with C14 into ferritin (apoferritin plus ferritin) is increased by oral administration of iron, intraperitoneal injection of iron is considerably more effective in promoting this incorporation, presumably because the iron has direct access to the hepatic cells concerned with synthesis of this protein. Ferritin isolated from the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract and from the liver of resting animals appears to be in the dynamic state. Attempts at in uitro incorporation of labelled glycine into liver ferritin have been successful, and an opportunity is afforded for the study of factors influencing biosynthesis of ferritin. While these investigations were in progress
Wm. Osier, The Continuing Education
Authors: Donald G. Bates
Journal: JAMA (1970)

Much of the very considerable written notice which has been taken of the 50th anniversary of Sir William Osler's death has been stimulated by the enthusiastic efforts of Drs. John McGovern and Charles Roland. The most extensive of their enterprises is this reprinting of 14 of Osler's essays, collected from a variety of sources, and each accompanied with a commentary. The essays deal chiefly with medical education and institutions. The volume is introduced by an Osier student, Wilburt C. Davison, embellished with several illustrations, mostly of Osier, and completed by portraits and brief biographies of the commentators. A man puts pen to paper either when he has something to say or when the occasion demands that he say something. These essays and commentaries are of this latter "occasional" variety, but with differing results. All but one of Osler's essays were originally addresses delivered on some special occasion. (The exception is
Relationships Between Fine Particulate Air Pollution, Cardiometabolic Disorders, and Cardiovascular Mortality
Authors: C. Arden Pope, Michelle C. Turner, Richard T. Burnett, Michael Jerrett, Susan M. Gapstur, W. Ryan Diver, Daniel Krewski, Robert D. Brook
Journal: Circulation Research (2014)

Rationale: Growing evidence suggests that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) air pollution contributes to risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. There is uncertainty about who are most susceptible. Individuals with underlying cardiometabolic disorders, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity, may be at greater risk. PM 2.5 pollution may also contribute to cardiometabolic disorders, augmenting CVD risk. Objective: This analysis evaluates relationships between long-term PM 2.5 exposure and cardiometabolic disease on risk of death from CVD and cardiometabolic conditions. Methods and Results: Data on 669 046 participants from the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study II cohort were linked to modeled PM 2.5 concentrations at geocoded home addresses. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate adjusted hazards ratios for death from CVD and cardiometabolic diseases based on death-certificate information. Effect modification by pre-existing cardiometabolic risk factors on the PM 2.5 –CVD mortality association was examined. PM 2.5 exposure was associated with CVD mortality, with the hazards ratios (95% confidence interval) per 10 μg/m 3 increase in PM 2.5 equal to 1.12 (1.10–1.15). Deaths linked to hypertension and diabetes mellitus (mentioned on death certificate as either primary or contributing cause of death) were also associated with PM 2.5 . There was no consistent evidence of effect modification by cardiometabolic disease risk factors on the PM 2.5 –CVD mortality association. Conclusions: Pollution-induced CVD mortality risk is observed for those with and without existing cardiometabolic disorders. Long-term exposure may also contribute to the development or exacerbation of cardiometabolic disorders, increasing risk of CVD, and cardiometabolic disease mortality.
Effects of myocardial catecholamine depletion on cellular electrophysiology and arrhythmias during ischaemia and reperfusion
Authors: W CULLING, W J PENNY, M J LEWIS, K MIDDLETON, D J SHERIDAN
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (1984)

The effect of myocardial catecholamine depletion on cellular electrophysiology and arrhythmias was assessed in Langendorff perfused guinea pig hearts during ischaemia and reperfusion. Myocardial noradrenaline was reduced to 0.17 +/- 0.04 microgram X g-1 by intracardiac injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (450 mg X kg-1 in six doses over 20 days) compared with 1.5 +/- 0.2 microgram X g-1 in vehicle injected controls. Myocardial catecholamine depletion significantly reduced the incidence of ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation during 30 min of global ischaemia and subsequent reperfusion. Myocardial catecholamine depletion prolonged action potential duration and refractory period during control perfusion and blunted ischaemia induced reduction in action potential amplitude, Vmax, and duration, but accentuated the prolongation in conduction time and QRS width. Catecholamine depletion abolished or attenuated reperfusion induced shortening of action potential duration and refractory period. Catecholamine depletion increased myocardial glycogen levels from 2.47 +/- 0.3 mg X g-1 wet weight to 4.39 +/- 0.3 mg X g-1; fasting animals for 48 h prior to study reversed this with no attenuation of the electrophysiological or antiarrhythmic action. These results provide further evidence that release of endogenous myocardial catecholamines contributes to the electrophysiological changes and arrhythmias associated with myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion.
Prevention of obesity through home visiting up to the age of 2 years
Authors: M. Rudolf
Journal: BMJ (2012)

A promising but costly approach

In the United Kingdom, a quarter of children are already overweight by the time they start school at the age of 5 years.1 Primary prevention therefore needs to start well before school age, particularly because heavy babies and rapid weight gain at this time are associated with the development of obesity later in life.2 Yet most research efforts are still focused on school aged children.3 In the linked study (doi:10.1136/bmj.e3732), however, Wen and colleagues have carried out a trial of an intervention programme aimed at infants.4

The study is important for two reasons: firstly, because the authors show that it is possible to engage young mothers, at least in Australia, in an obesity prevention programme during pregnancy; and, secondly, for the results they have achieved. They report that babies who participated in the intervention had lower body mass index (BMI) measures at the age of 2 years than those in the control group. They also found measurable differences in vegetable consumption, using food for reward, TV viewing, and mothers’ lifestyles.

The literature suggests that the …
Seeking predictions from a predictive framework
Authors: T. Florian Jaeger, Victor Ferreira
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (2013)

Abstract We welcome the proposal to use forward models to understand predictive processes in language processing. However, Pickering &amp; Garrod (P&amp;G) miss the opportunity to provide a strong framework for future work. Forward models need to be pursued in the context of learning. This naturally leads to questions about what prediction error these models aim to minimize.
Host response in aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Cyelee Kulkarni, Denis F. Kinane
Journal: Periodontology 2000 (2014)

Abstract It is critical to understand the underlying host responses in aggressive periodontitis to provide a better appreciation of the risk and susceptibility to this disease. Such knowledge may elucidate the etiology and susceptibility to aggressive periodontitis and directly influence treatment decisions and aid diagnosis. This review is timely in that several widely held tenets are now considered unsupportable, namely the concept that A ggregatibacter actinomycetemycomitans is the key pathogen and that chemotactic defects in polymorphonuclear leukocytes are part of the etiopathology. This review also serves to put into context key elements of the host response that may be implicated in the genetic background of aggressive periodontitis. Furthermore, key molecules unique to the host response in aggressive periodontitis may have diagnostic utility and be used in chairside clinical activity tests or as population screening markers. It is becoming increasingly appreciated that the microbial etiology of aggressive periodontitis and the histopathology of this disease are more similar to than different from that of chronic periodontitis. An important therapeutic consideration from the lack of support for A . actinomycetemycomitans as a critical pathogen here is that the widely held belief that tetracycline had a role in aggressive periodontitis therapy is now not supported and that antibiotics such as those used effectively in chronic periodontitis (metronidazole and amoxicillin) are not contraindicated. Furthermore, A . actinomycetemycomitans ‐related molecules, such as cytolethal distending toxin and leukotoxin, are less likely to have utility as diagnosis agents or as therapeutic targets.
Serum bile acids in primary biliary cirrhosis: Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid therapy
Authors: Renée E. Poupon, Yves Chrétien, Raoul Poupon, Gustav Paumgartner
Journal: Hepatology (1993)

Serum bile acid levels and distributions were studied every 6 mo in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis who were randomly assigned to receive ursodeoxycholic acid (13 to 15 mg/kg/day) (n = 73) or a placebo (n = 73) over a 2-yr period. In the ursodeoxycholic acid group, ursodeoxycholic acid was the predominant serum bile acid at 6 mo and throughout the 2-yr treatment period. The total concentration of endogenous bile acids decreased with a reduction in cholic acid (in the ursodeoxycholic acid group and the placebo group, respectively [mean +/- S.E.]: 13.0 +/- 2.2 and 12.6 +/- 2.5 mumol/L at entry vs. 3.5 +/- 0.6 and 9.0 +/- 2.2 mumol/L at 2 yr; p < 0.002), chenodeoxycholic acid (in the ursodeoxycholic acid group and the placebo group, respectively: 12.1 +/- 1.7 and 12.7 +/- 2.3 mumol/L at entry vs. 5.8 +/- 0.8 and 10.7 +/- 2.2 mumol/L at 2 yr; p < 0.02) and 3 beta-hydroxy-delta 5-cholenoic acid. The concentration of deoxycholic acid did not change, whereas that of lithocholic acid increased significantly (in the ursodeoxycholic acid group and the placebo group, respectively: 0.63 +/- 0.06 and 0.81 +/- 0.12 mumol/L at entry vs. 1.26 +/- 0.12 and 0.90 +/- 0.15 mumol/L at 2 yr; p < 0.001). These changes were independent of the histological stage of the disease. Thus during ursodeoxycholic acid administration the liver was exposed to a lower level of endogenous bile acids and to an increased concentration of ursodeoxycholic acid.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Abstract B80: Deletion of Smad4 results in enhancement of lymphangiogenesis and node metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Masako Oka, Xi Chen, Xiao-Jing Wang, Shi-Long Lu
Journal: Cancer Research (2013)

Abstract Lymph node metastasis is the single most important clinical prognostic factor in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The 5-year overall survival is reduced by approximately 50% in HNSCC patients with node metastasis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of lymph node metastasis in HNSCC is thus of pivotal importance for improving patient's survival. It has been shown that increased lymphatic vessel density in HNSCC tumors correlates with high metastasis rate to lymph nodes, suggesting a connection of enhancement of lymphangiogenesis and node metastasis in HNSCC. We have recently shown that deletion of Smad4, a tumor suppressor commonly inactivated in human HNSCC patients, in a genetically engineer mouse model developed head and neck squamous cell carcinomas with metastasis to cervical lymph nodes. Moreover, examining Smad4 expression and lymphangiogenesis marker podoplanin by immunohistochemistry in human HNSCC patients with node metastasis revealed a negative correlation between Smad4 and podoplanin, validating our initial findings from the Smad4 knockout mouse model. To further investigate the functional role of Smad4 in lymphangiogenesis and node metastasis, we restored Smad4 expression in a Smad4-deficient HNSCC cell line, Cal27. We then orthotopically injected both cell lines on the floor of mouth of nude mice, and observed tumor formation and cervical lymph node metastasis around 7 weeks. Analysis of tumor tissues showed that Smad4 restoration reduced lymphangiogenesis, as revealed by LYVE1, a lymphangiogenesis marker immunostaining. Furthermore, the rate of cervical lymph node metastasis is decreased upon the Smad4 restoration. The potential molecular mechanism of Smad4 in regulating lymphangiogenesis is currently undergoing. In conclusion, our studies have shown the deletion of Smad4 increases lymphangiogenesis and node metastasis from both HNSCC mouse models and human patient samples. Further investigation of the underneath molecular mechanism will be ultimately translated into novel therapeutical approaches for controlling lymph node metastasis and improving survival for human HNSCC patients. Citation Format: Masako Oka, Xi Chen, Xiao-Jing Wang, Shi-Long Lu. Deletion of Smad4 results in enhancement of lymphangiogenesis and node metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Invasion and Metastasis; Jan 20-23, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B80.