tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
P517Automated segmentation of gap junctions using confocal fluorescent microscopy
Authors: T Szepe, M Kovacs, GY Seprenyi, A Vegh
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2014)

Introduction: Fluorescent microscope techniques are frequently used to measure the intensity and the cellular distribution of connexin 43 (Cx43), which is the main gap junction (GJ) forming protein in the heart. In our previous study, a fully automated algorithm was developed for the segmentation and quantification of GJs at the longitudinally oriented myocardial tissue sections. This segmentation method detects separately the sarcolemma and the GJs through which the 'polar' GJs (intensities at the intercalated discs) and ’lateral‘ GJs (signals at the lateral membrane) can be distinguished. Purpose: We have now developed new algorithms to identify GJs not only in the longitudinally but also in the transversely oriented sections and to segment 'polar' GJs without the need of the sarcolemmal staining. Methods and results: Longitudinal and transversal myocardial sections were obtained and were separately labeled for the sarcolemma and Cx43. Furthermore, longitudinal sections were also labeled for Cx43 and for other proteins of the intercalated disc such as ZO1 which is a known interacting partner of Cx43. The fluorescent signals were acquired simultaneously into separate channels using a confocal laser-scanning microscope. After image enhancement, automatic segmentation was applied on the transverse sections and different masks were generated; the cell membrane mask represents the sarcolemma but the artifacts or damaged cells were eliminated during image processing and only the intercalated discs were identified. Using this mask the Cx43 signals can be identified and the intensity as well as the distribution of GJs can be measured on the en face oriented intercalated discs. In the longitudinal sections the 'polar' intensities were separately measured and the co-localization pattern was identified for Cx43 and ZO1 based on our previously developed and modified line tracking algorithm. When we compared these algorithms with other image analyzer (ImageJ v1.47), the same densities and distribution patterns were obtained for Cx43 and ZO1. Discussion: Detection of GJs on the fluorescent images is time-consuming and usually manually performed, because accurate object identification is often not possible with the implementation of traditional segmentation methods (such as edge detection, region growing or histogram-based methods, watershed transformation, model based segmentation etc.). We conclude that these new algorithms provide an automatic, accurate, fast and objective segmentation method for identification of variously oriented GJs.
Brain tumor vaporized by carbon dioxide laser
Authors: Phil Gunby
Journal: JAMA (1980)

A 53-year-old Western New York woman, in whom a pioneering carbon dioxide laser technique was used to vaporize a malignant tumor deep in the brain, has returned to her usual activities and continues to do well nearly five months later. The patient had been plagued with headaches from the intracranial pressure. She was found to have a metastatic adenocarcinoma deep in the right medial frontal lobe. The primary neoplasm was never found despite extensive exploration. Patrick J. Kelly, MD, associate professor of neurosurgery, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine, performed the four-hour procedure at the Erie County Medical Center where he is attending neurosurgeon. The neurosurgical team followed a "blueprint" of the tumor's location, size, and shape as defined three-dimensionally in a preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan. With the patient under general anesthesia, the CO<sub>2</sub>laser was used to vaporize the tumor, while the size
Role of Amoxicillin in the Activation and Cytotoxicity of NK Against Dendritic Cells from Betalactam-Allergic Patients
Authors: P. Chaves, C. Mayorga, C. Antunez, S. Lopez, J.L. Rodriguez-Bada, M. Blanca, M.J. Torres
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2010)
Ascites in Cirrhosis
Authors: AARON SPITAL
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1987)

Letters and Corrections1 January 1987Ascites in CirrhosisAARON SPITAL, M.D.AARON SPITAL, M.D.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-106-1-169_2 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptTo the editor: In their excellent review of ascites in cirrhosis, Drs. Rocco and Ware (1) recommend spironolactone when diuretic therapy is indicated. This widely accepted practice was recently supported by the results of a controlled study comparing the efficacies of spironolactone and furosemide (2). Nonetheless, I have several concerns with this approach.First, the use of spironolactone for cirrhotic ascites derives from the concept that hyperaldosteronism plays a major role in the sodium retention of cirrhosis. More recent data have cast doubt on this hypothesis, and it now appears likely that aldosterone is not the primary cause of impaired...References1. ROCCO V and WARE A. Cirrhotic ascites: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. Ann Intern Med. 1986;105:573-85. LinkGoogle Scholar2. PEREZ-AYUSO R, ARROYO R, and PLANAS R. Randomized comparative study of efficacy of furosemide versus spironolactone in nonazotemic cirrhosis with ascites. Gastroenterology. 1983;84:961-8. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar3. EPSTEIN M. Renal sodium handling in cirrhosis. Semin Nephrol. 1983;3:225-40. Google Scholar4. GREENBLATT D and KOCH-WESER J. Adverse reactions to spironolactone: a report from the Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program. JAMA. 1973;225:40-3. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar5. LASKI M. Diuretics: mechanism of action and therapy. Semin Nephrol. 1986;6:210-23. MedlineGoogle Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: AARON SPITAL, M.D. PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics 1 January 1987Volume 106, Issue 1Page: 169-170KeywordsAldosteroneAscitesCirrhosisDiureticsSodium ePublished: 1 December 2008 Issue Published: 1 January 1987 PDF downloadLoading ...
628. Cancer Immunotherapy Against Murine Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Dendritic Cells Activated by Sendai Virus
Authors: Akinao Matsunaga, Yasuji Ueda, Yasuo Yoneyama, Yasunori Akutsu, Hideaki Shimada, Tomonori Kato, Shinji Okano, Satoko Shibata, Mamoru Hasegawa, Yoshikazu Yonemitsu, Katsuo Sueishi, Takenori Ochiai
Journal: Molecular Therapy (2006)

[Background] Antigen-presenting cells, particularly dendritic cells (DCs) are important elements of antigen-specific adaptive immunity. Antigen-loaded DCs have now been used as a vaccine to improveimmunity against various cancer. However, the efficacy of therapeutic vaccination against cancer using DCs in the current clinical studies has been limited because of inadequate DC treatment, lack of established administration routes of DCs or uncomfortable environment to DC around tumor. We here report a novel method to activate DCs ex vivo by use of recombinant Sendai virus (SeV) for cancer immunotherapy. In vitro treatment with SeV led DCs to highly activated levels as indicated by surface markers, such as co-stimulatory molecules. We examined efficacy of SeV-activated DCs against murine squamous carcinoma (SCC VII). [Method]Lineage-negative cells, which were obtained from bone marrow of C3H mice, were cultured in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4, and on Day 7 DCs were harvested. DCs were pulsed with tumor lysate (DCs : tumor cell for lysate = 1 : 3) for 18 hours, and then were infected with SeV (MOI = 40) for 8 hours. After 48 hours of SeV infection, surface markers such as CD11c, CD40, CD80, CD86, and MHC class II were analyzed by Flow cytometer. Intradermal implantation (C3H for 1 × 106 SCC VII cells) was done onto the abdomen on Day 0, and aforementioned 106 DCs were intratumorally implanted on Day 10 (tumor diameter = 5–8 mm), 17 and 24. The size of tumors was assessed three times a week. [Result]Transfection efficacy of SeV to CD11c positive cells from murine bone marrow was an around 85% at MOI 40 and most of the infected cells were highly positive of CD40, CD80 and CD86. The class II expression of such cells was also accelerated by infection by SeV. The tumor growth was efficiently disturbed by SeV activated DC immunotherapy. In case of this regimen, 2 of 6 mice completely eliminated the tumor. These results indicate that recombinant SeV is a new and powerful tool as an immune booster for DC based cancer immunotherapy.
FATE OF SIDE BRANCHES AT 6 AND 12 MONTHS AFTER IMPLANTATION OF BIORESORBABLE VASCULAR SCAFFOLDING DEVICES: ASSESSMENT WITH 3-DIMENSIONAL OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Yoshinobu Onuma, Maria Radu, Takayuki Okamura, Hector M. Garcia-Garcia, Evelyn Regar, Jacques Koolen, Leif Thuesen, Stephan Windecker, Robert Whitbourn, Dougal McClean, John A. Ormiston, Patrick W. Serruys
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2011)
Depressed transient outward and calcium currents in dilated human atria
Authors: B. L. Grand, S. Hatem, E. Deroubaix, J.-P. Couetil, E. Coraboeuf
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (1994)

Objective: The aim was to compare action potentials and ionic currents (steady state current, calcium current, calcium independent transient outward current) in two groups of trabeculae and myocytes, isolated from either dilated or non-dilated human atria. Methods: Specimens of right atrial appendage were obtained from two groups of adult patients at the time of open heart surgery, a group with non-dilated atria and a group in which right atria were clearly dilated. Action potentials were recorded with standard microelectrodes from isolated superfused trabeculae. Action potentials and ionic currents were recorded from single myocytes using the patch clamp technique in the whole cell configuration in current clamp and voltage clamp modes respectively. Results: In trabeculae taken from dilated atria the action potential was shortened and the plateau was markedly depressed compared to trabeculae taken from non-dilated atria. Similar results were obtained with single myocytes isolated from non-dilated and dilated atria. The density of the steady state current measured at the end of 0.75 s or 1 s pulses was not statistically different in the two groups of cells in the whole range of negative potentials, whereas at strongly positive potentials (>+40 mV) it was significantly reduced in cells from dilated atria compared to cells from non-dilated atria. The density of the total peak outward current was significantly reduced in cells from dilated atria [13.46(SEM 2.7) pA·pF−1 at +70 mV, n= 18] compared to cells from non-dilated atria [33.12(6.2) pA·pF−1, n = 20, p< 0.001]. The transient component of outward current was strongly depressed (at +20 mV and more positive potentials) in cells from dilated atria. The calcium current density was still more severely depressed than the total outward current in cells from dilated atria [4.46(1.06) pA·pF−1 at +20 mV, n = 26) compared to cells from non-dilated atria [17.43(1.98) pA·pF−1, n = 38, p ≪ 0.001]. Kinetic parameters of both calcium and transient outward currents remained similar in cells from the two groups. Conclusions: The observation that in cells from dilated human atria the calcium current is more severely depressed than the total outward current can help to explain why in dilated human atria the action potential plateau is shorter and of lower amplitude than in non-dilated atria.
Abstract P4-16-12: CARE: A pilot study of the effects of short-term fasting on tolerance to (neo) adjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients
Authors: S de Groot, MPG Vreeswijk, G Gravesteijn, JJWA Boei, A Jochems, D Houtsma, HWR Nortier, KJM van der Hoeven, H Pijl, JR Kroep
Journal: Cancer Research (2013)

Abstract Background: Preclinical evidence shows that short-term fasting (STS) protects normal cells and makes cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy. This pilot study examines the feasibility and the effects of STS on tolerance to chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. Patients and methods: Eligible patients had histologically confirmed, HER2-negative, early stage breast cancer and adequate bone marrow, liver and renal function. Women receiving (neo) adjuvant TAC courses (docetaxel/adriamycin/cyclophosphamide; day 1, q 3 weeks with G-CSF support at day 2) were randomized to fast 24 hours before and 24 hours after start of chemotherapy or to eat according to the guideline for healthy nutrition. The primary endpoint of the study was to compare neutrophil count after therapy. Secondary endpoints were side effects of chemotherapy, other hematologic counts and chemotherapy-induced DNA damage in leukocytes. Results: A total of 13 patients were included of which 7 patients fasted for 48 hours around the chemotherapy infusion (arm A) and 6 patients had a normal diet according to healthy nutrition guidelines (arm B). The median age was 52 years versus 53 years, BMI was 25.5 kg/m2 versus 22.9 kg/m2 and stage III was 43% versus 17% of patients in arms A and B, respectively. Patients were generally motivated to fast and the fasting was well tolerated. Plasma glucose levels were significant lower in fasting patients compared to controls. However, other metabolic parameters showed no significant difference. Fasting did not result in significant differences in neutrophil count or side effects of chemotherapy. Hemoglobin levels and erythrocyte counts after therapy were significantly higher in patients who fasted. Leukocytes of the patients which were isolated at various time points during therapy will soon be analysed for chemotherapy-induced DNA damage and presented at San Antonio. Conclusion: This is the first study evaluating the feasibility of 48 hours STS and its impact on side effects of chemotherapy in a homogeneous group of cancer patients. STS was well tolerated and had a beneficial effect on hemoglobin level, but not on experienced side effects. DNA analysis will follow. Larger studies are required to produce more insight into the possible benefits of STS during chemotherapy. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P4-16-12.
Essential Public Health Medicine
Authors: G. Bickler
Journal: BMJ (1994)

R J Donaldson, L J Donaldson, Kluwer, pounds sterling 40, pp 51420ISBN 0-7923-8826-7

This would have been the second edition of Essential Community Medicine had the specialty in question not changed its name to public health medicine. In the 10 years since the “first edition” there have also been major changes in the National Health Service, so it seems reasonable to judge the book by its current relevance in a rapidly changing specialty and environment.

In some ways it passes this test. It describes many theories, services, methods, and issues that public health practitioners work with. In particular, its reviews of health promotion, the organisation of the …
Clinical infertility in women
Authors: Griff T. Ross
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (1978)

Fertility results from coordinate functioning of components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian-genital axis. In normal women, ovarian sex steroid hormones act as the mediators of these interactions. Infertility is a clinical manifestation of the failure of one or more of the components to function appropriately. Determining the locus of dysfunction provides the basis for rational treatment. For these purposes, both direct measurement of serum hormone levels and assessments of target organ function are utilized.
The Problem of Intersex
Authors: Raymond J. Caffrey
Journal: JAMA (1965)

INTERSEX may be defined as an abnormal combination within one person of male and female anatomic or endocrinologic features or both. The occurrence of chromosomal mosaicism, variability of gene penetrance, and other factors combine to produce many syndromes which defy precise identification. The purpose of this communication is to show the importance of establishing a precise diagnosis when an intersex state is suspected. The following case represents a clear-cut example of an intersex problem, namely, testicular feminization syndrome.<sup>1</sup>A Sertoli cell adenoma of the testicle and fibrocystic disease of the breasts developed in the patient. Both lesions appear related to the underlying disorder. While the discussion which follows will be centered about the testicular feminization syndrome, many of the comments are relevant to the general problem of intersex. The recent development of practical cytogenetic procedures has simplified the diagnosis of many of these conditions.<sup>2</sup>While a histological diagnosis
Effects of oral cyclotropium bromide, hyoscine N-butylbromide and placebo on gastric emptying and antral motor activity in healthy man.
Authors: G Stacher, H Bergmann, E Havlik, G Schmierer, C Schneider
Journal: Gut (1984)

Cyclotropium bromide, a new antimuscarinic agent, inhibits gastrointestinal motility in animals at lower doses than those required to inhibit gastric acid secretion and salivation. In man, cyclotropium bromide suppresses fasting and meal stimulated colonic motility. This study investigated the effects of single oral doses of 60 mg cyclotropium bromide, 60 mg hyoscine N-butylbromide and placebo on gastric emptying and on antral motor activity. Twenty four healthy men (mean age 25 years) participated in three experiments one week apart. The drugs were administered, in random double blind fashion, 30 minutes before the ingestion of a semisolid test meal labelled with 74 MBq (2 mCi) 99mTc sulphur colloid. A gamma camera coupled to a computer monitored gastric emptying together with amplitude, frequency, and propagation velocity of antral contractions. Cyclotropium bromide and, to a lesser degree, hyoscine N-butylbromide delayed gastric emptying and reduced contraction amplitude, but did not affect frequency and propagation velocity of antral contractions. Cyclotropium bromide was significantly more active than hyoscine N-butylbromide; the effects of hyoscine N-butylbromide differed significantly from placebo. Antral contractile activity was present all the time. After cyclotropium bromide, there was a significant correlation between antral contraction amplitude and gastric emptying. No adverse side effects occurred with any one treatment. In conclusion, cyclotropium bromide markedly inhibits gastric emptying and reduces antral contraction amplitude.
Abstract LB-11: PTEN modulates EGFRvIII-induced SHP2 phosphorylation and translocation to affect glioblastoma sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)
Authors: Gurpreet Singh Kapoor, Yi Zhan, Heather Fetting, Donald M. O'Rourke
Journal: Cancer Research (2011)

Abstract Co-expression of EGFRvIII and PTEN in a small subset of recurrent glioblastoma tumors has been shown to increase sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, the exact mechanism of EGFRvIII and PTEN interaction in response to TKIs is still unresolved. Our recent work has shown that SHP2 PTPase is required for EGFRvIII-mediated transformation. The present work was aimed to study the effect of PTEN on EGFRvIII-induced SHP2 phosphorylation and translocation and modulate glioblastoma sensitivity to tarceva treatment. We show that tarceva treatment (10μM/ml) abolished EGFRvIII, EGFR, Gab1, SHP2 and Erk1/2 phosphorylation in LN229.EGFRvIII cells at all time intervals. On the contrary, phosphorylation of EGFRvIII and Erk1/2 in U87MG.EGFRvIII cells was inhibited at early time points, but was restored in 2 to 6 hours. Interestingly, phosphorylation of Akt, Gab1 and SHP2 (Tyr580) was unaffected in U87MG.EGFRvIII cells, but EGFR and SHP2 (Tyr542) phosphorylation were inhibited in a time-dependent manner. MTT proliferation and soft agar transformation assays demonstrated that U87MG.EGFRvIII cells were resistant to tarceva treatment when compared to LN229.EGFRvIII cells. Immunofluorescent labeling of U87MG.EGFRvIII cells with an anti-phospho-SHP2 (Tyr542) antibody showed membrane, cytoplasmic, perinuclear and nuclear localization of SHP2, whereas LN229.EGFRvIII cells exhibited membrane staining of phosphorylated SHP2. However, both the cell lines exhibited strong nuclear staining of phospho-SHP2 (Tyr580). Interestingly, tarceva treatment inhibited membrane localization of phospho-SHP2 (Tyr542) and nuclear localization of phospho-SHP2 (Tyr580) in LN229.EGFRvIII cells after 1 hr, but did not affect SHP2 phosphorylation and localization in U87MG.EGFRvIII cells at all time intervals. Furthermore, stable expression of PTEN in U87MG.EGFRvIII cells conferred relocalization of phospho-SHP2 (Tyr542) to the membrane. Notably, U87MG.EGFRvIII/PTEN clones showed a partially untransformed phenotype. Furthermore, phosphorylation of SHP2 (Tyr580) and Erk1/2 was totally abolished in U87MG.EGFRvIII/PTEN subclones. Our data indicate that the expression of PTEN in U87MG.EGFRvIII cells conferred a phenotype similar to LN229.EGFRvIII cells. Collectively, these observations infer that SHP2 is a downstream effecter of PTEN and that PTEN deficiency may lead to SHP2 activation and nuclear localization by EGFRvIII, which may result in increased resistance to TKIs. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-11. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-LB-11
Low seroprevalence ofHelicobacter pylori in patients with leukemia
Authors: Yoshihiro Matsukawa, Takeyoshi Itoh, Susumu Nishinarita, Toshiteru Ohshima, Takashi Horie, Shin Aizawa, Akitaka Suzuki, Keisuke Toyama, Satoshi Takahashi, Shigetaka Asano, Tetsuya Mine
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (1999)

ethamine, oncovin, procarbazine, and prednisone) and mantle radiation.
Diversion and abuse of methylphenidate in light of new guidance
Authors: H. R Sumnall, K. Woolfall, J. Cole, A. Mackridge, J. McVeigh
Journal: BMJ (2008)

Given mean-reverting equity and interest rate uncertainty, this article shows a relatively low economic cost of using a simple allocation strategy, buy-and-hold or constant-mix, instead of optimal reallocation. Moreover, given the decision to use one of the simple allocation strategies, the article identifies (1) which investors will be better off with buy-and-hold than with constant-mix, and vice versa, and (2) which investors will be better off with a horizon-maturity fixed-income position than with a sequence of short-maturity ones, and vice versa. The article uses illustrations in a three-period binomial model to bridge the academic/practitioner gap and provide useful insights to those interested in applied investment management. <b>TOPICS:</b>Portfolio management/multi-asset allocation, portfolio theory, portfolio construction <b>Key Findings</b> • Given mean-reverting equity and uncertain interest rates, investors sacrifice little in expected utility by replacing the optimal reallocation strategy with a simpler allocation strategy of either buy-and-hold or constant-mix. • Traditional investors, with positive allocations to both equity and fixed income, are better off with constant-mix than with buy-and-hold and with allocating to a horizon-maturity fixed-income instrument rather than a sequence of single-period fixed-income instruments. • More risk-tolerant investors with levered equity positions are better off with buy-and-hold than with constant-mix and with levering by a sequence of single-period fixed-income instruments instead of a horizon-maturity fixed-income instrument.
CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY IN KOREANS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO PRESENCE OF MYOCARDIAL DELAYED ENHANCEMENT ON CMRI
Authors: Sang-Chol Lee, Ji-Won Hwang, Sehyo Yune, Sung Su Lee, Ji Hoon Kim, Eun-Jeong Cho, Shin Yi Chang, Mi Hyun Kim, Myung Jin Park, Sung-A Chang, Sung Ji Park, Jin-Oh Choi, Seung Woo Park, Yeon Hyeon Choe, Jae Oh
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2013)