tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Polycarbonate Bottle Use and Urinary Bisphenol A Concentrations
Authors: Jenny L. Carwile, Henry T. Luu, Laura S. Bassett, Daniel A. Driscoll, Caterina Yuan, Jennifer Y. Chang, Xiaoyun Ye, Antonia M. Calafat, Karin B. Michels
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2009)

BackgroundBisphenol A (BPA) is a high-production-volume chemical commonly used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic. Low-level concentrations of BPA in animals and possibly in humans may cause endocrine disruption. Whether ingestion of food or beverages from polycarbonate containers increases BPA concentrations in humans has not been studied.ObjectivesWe examined the association between use of polycarbonate beverage containers and urinary BPA concentrations in humans.MethodsWe conducted a nonrandomized intervention of 77 Harvard College students to compare urinary BPA concentrations collected after a washout phase of 1 week to those taken after an intervention week during which most cold beverages were consumed from polycarbonate drinking bottles. Paired t-tests were used to assess the difference in urinary BPA concentrations before and after polycarbonate bottle use.ResultsThe geometric mean urinary BPA concentration at the end of the washout phase was 1.2 μg/g creatinine, increasing to 2.0 μg/g creatinine after 1 week of polycarbonate bottle use. Urinary BPA concentrations increased by 69% after use of polycarbonate bottles (p < 0.0001). The association was stronger among participants who reported ≥ 90% compliance (77% increase; p < 0.0001) than among those reporting < 90% compliance (55% increase; p = 0.03), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.54).ConclusionsOne week of polycarbonate bottle use increased urinary BPA concentrations by two-thirds. Regular consumption of cold beverages from polycarbonate bottles is associated with a substantial increase in urinary BPA concentrations irrespective of exposure to BPA from other sources.
Augmentation of Allergic Early-Phase Reaction by Nerve Growth Factor
Authors: Günter Päth, Armin Braun, Nina Meents, Sebastian Kerzel, David Quarcoo, Ulrike Raap, Gary W. Hoyle, Wolfgang A. Nockher, Harald Renz
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2002)

The allergic early-phase reaction, a hallmark of allergic bronchial asthma, is caused by allergen and immunoglobulin E-dependent mediator release from mast cells. It was previously shown that nerve growth factor (NGF) contributes to acute airway inflammation. This study further investigates the role of NGF in the allergic early-phase reaction using a well-established mouse model of ovalbumin-induced allergic airway inflammation. Treatment of sensitized and aerosol challenged BALB/c mice with blocking anti-NGF antibodies inhibited allergen-induced early-phase reaction and suppressed airway inflammation. Transgenic mice constitutively overexpressing NGF in the airways (Clara-cell secretory protein promoter [CCSP]-NGF-tg) were employed and compared with wild-type animals. In sensitized and challenged CCSP-NGF-tg mice, early-phase reaction, airway inflammation, as well as percental relative increases in serotonin levels were augmented compared with wild-type mice. These effects were paralleled by increased serotonin levels in the airways, whereas immunoglobulin E levels remained unaffected. Furthermore, CCSP-NGF-tg mice developed an increased reactivity of sensory neurons in response to inhaled capsaicin demonstrating NGF-mediated neuronal plasticity. These data provide evidence for the functional role of NGF in the development of allergic early phase responses in the airways and the lung.
Abstract B38: The histone deacetylase inhibitor LBH589 combined with radiation is an effective regimen for prostate cancer
Authors: Xiao Weiwei, Graham Peter, Power Carl, Dong Qihan, Cozzi Paul, Kearsley John, Li Yong
Journal: Cancer Research (2012)

Abstract Background: Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the major curative treatment options for patients with localized prostate cancer (CaP). However radiation resistance is still the main problem for the current CaP therapy. The use of small molecular inhibitors, combined with RT provides a valuable alternative approach for cancer therapy. Aims: The purpose of the study was to investigate the in vitro effect of LBH589 [a pan- Histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi)] alone and in combination with RT on the growth and survival of CaP cell lines and the possible mechanisms of radiosensitization effect. Methods: The effect of LBH589 alone or in combination with RT on two CaP cell lines (PC-3 and LNCaP) and a normal prostatic epithelial cell line (REWP-1) was studied by MTT and clonogenic assays, cell cycle analysis, immunoblot of apoptosis-related and cell check point proteins, and DNA double strand break (DSB) repair marker. The immunofluorescence staining was used to further confirm DSB expression in treated CaP cells. Results: LBH589 inhibited both CaP cell lines and normal prostatic epithelial cell proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Low-dose of LBH589 (IC20) combined with RT greatly improved efficiency of cell killing in CaP cells. Compared to RT alone, the combination treatment of LDH589 and RT induced more apoptosis and led to a steady increase of sub-G1 population and abolishment of RT-induced G2/M arrest. In addition, increase and persistent DSB, less activation of DNA-PKcs, Ku70, Ku80 and a panel of cell cycle related proteins were also observed in combination treatment. Conclusions: These results suggest that LBH589 is a potential agent to increase radiosensitivity of human CaP cells. LBH589 used either alone, or in combination with RT is an attractive strategy for treating human CaP. Grant sponsor: National Health &amp; Medical Research Council (NH&amp;MRC) Career Development Fellowship, St. George Hospital Cancer Research Trust Fund and China Scholarship Council (CSC). Citation Format: Xiao Weiwei, Graham Peter, Power Carl, Dong Qihan, Cozzi Paul, Kearsley John, Li Yong. The histone deacetylase inhibitor LBH589 combined with radiation is an effective regimen for prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Prostate Cancer Research; 2012 Feb 6-9; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(4 Suppl):Abstract nr B38.
Tetraoxanes: Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry Perspective
Authors: Nitin Kumar, Ram Singh, Diwan S. Rawat
Journal: Medicinal Research Reviews (2010)

Abstract The discovery of artemisinin from Chinese medicinal plant, Artemisia annua in 1971, opened a new era in the malarial chemotherapy. This discovery was the beginning of exploring peroxides as potential replacements for the traditional antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine and mefloquine. The structurally simple class of peroxides that emerged from these studies was the 1,2,4,5‐tetraoxanes. This study describes the current status of tetraoxane‐based antimalarials that show significant promises because of their artemisinin‐like activity. Literature from 1999 has been critically reviewed and an attempt has been made to discuss various synthetic methods and structure–activity relationship study among the series of tetraoxane‐based compounds. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 32, No. 3, 581–610, 2012
Mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis. Spontaneous release of the alveolar macrophage-derived growth factor in the interstitial lung disorders.
Authors: P B Bitterman, S Adelberg, R G Crystal
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1983)

Interstitial lung disorders are characterized both by a chronic inflammation of the lower respiratory tract that includes increased numbers of activated alveolar macrophages and by increased numbers of fibroblasts within the alveolar wall. Since alveolar macrophages from normal individuals can be activated to release a growth factor for lung fibroblasts (alveolar macrophage-derived growth factor [AMDGF]), we hypothesized that the activated alveolar macrophages within the lower respiratory tract of patients with fibrotic lung disorders might be spontaneously releasing AMDGF. To evaluate this hypothesis, alveolar macrophages (suspension culture, 4 h, 37 degrees) from 65 patients with interstitial lung disorders and 30 control subjects were examined for the spontaneous release of fibroblast growth-promoting activity, with human lung fibroblasts as the target. Whereas none of the controls had macrophages spontaneously releasing a growth-promoting activity for fibroblasts, 82% of the patients with interstitial lung disease had alveolar macrophages that were spontaneously releasing a growth-promoting activity for fibroblasts. In common with AMDGF, the fibroblast growth-promoting activity released by these macrophages eluted from DEAE cellulose at 270 mM NaCl, had a partition coefficient of 0.3 by gel filtration on Sephadex G-50, was distinct from other characterized growth factors, and acted as a progression factor for fibroblast replication in a serum-free complementation test. These data suggest that the expansion of fibroblast numbers within the alveolar structures in interstitial lung disorders may result, in part, from the release of AMDGF by alveolar macrophages stimulated in vivo.
Doctors involved in human rights' abuses in Kenya
Authors: C. Bunce
Journal: BMJ (1997)

The human rights organisation Amnesty International is calling for doctors to speak out against institutionalised torture and other human rights violations in Kenya.



Calling for doctors to speak out against torutre RETTY PRESS/PANOS PICTURES



The organisation says that many Kenyan prisoners, some who have undergone systematic torture, are being denied access to medical care under the regime of President Daniel arap Moi. It claims full and accurate medical …
Deficiency of CREB and over expression of miR-183 in juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Y L Liu, S Y Lensing, Y Yan, T M Cooper, M L Loh, P D Emanuel
Journal: Leukemia (2013)

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare leukemia of infancy and early childhood. A hallmark of JMML is that JMML cells are selectively hypersensitive to GM-CSF in vitro, but have normal sensitivity to IL-3, which shares the β-subunit receptor with GM-CSF.1, 2 The pathogenesis of JMML is linked to dysregulated signal transduction through the Ras signaling pathway caused by mutations of RAS, PTPN11 and c-CBL, or loss-of-heterozygosity of NF1.3, 4 Although most patients with JMML experience an aggressive disease course, some others spontaneously resolve.3, 5 No specific mutation has been definitively demonstrated to confer a poorer prognosis, with the exception of perhaps PTPN11, which has been shown to be associated with a higher risk of relapse in some series. In addition, gene expression and methylation analyses have identified signatures associated with outcome that are unexpectedly independent of genotype,5, 6 leading us to believe that additional mutations or events mitigate the course of JMML. Finally, the mechanisms that underlie selective GM-CSF hypersensitivity are not well established in JMML.
Cell DistensionInduced Increase of the Delayed Rectifier K <sup>+</sup> Current in Guinea Pig Ventricular Myocytes
Authors: Zhuren Wang, Tamotsu Mitsuiye, Akinori Noma
Journal: Circulation Research (1996)

Abstract Single ventricular myocytes of guinea pig heart were distended by applying a positive pressure of 5 to 20 mm Hg in the pipette during the whole-cell voltage clamp. The amplitude of delayed rectifier K + current (I K ) was increased by ≈1.5 times, whereas the inward rectifier K + current was scarcely affected. The increase of I K was reversible by applying a negative pressure of −10 to −30 mm Hg accompanied by shrinkage of the inflated cell. This response of I K was largely attributed to the E-4031–insensitive component of I K . The fully activated current amplitude, measured using long-lasting depolarizing pulses (&gt;30 seconds) to +60 mV, was increased by the cell distension. The activation time course of I K during the long pulse consisted of more than three exponential components, and the slowest time constant was decreased by the distension from control 20.2±7.7 seconds (n=4) to 7.6±1.6 seconds (n=5). We failed to detect an involvement of microtubules or microfilaments, protein kinase C, and Ca 2+ in the inflation-mediated increase of I K .
Comparative trial of nafoxidine and ethinyloestradiol in advanced breast cancer: an E.O.R.T.C. study.
Authors: J C Heuson, E Engelsman, J Blonk-Van Der Wijst, H Maass, A Drochmans, J Michel, H Nowakowski, A Gorins
Journal: BMJ (1975)

A randomized clinical trial of nafoxidine, a non-steroidal oestrogen antagonist, and ethinyloestradiol in postmenopausal patients with advanced breast cancer produced objective remissions in 31% of 49 women receiving nafoxidine and in 14% of 49 receiving ethinyloestradiol. The differences in remission rates was almost significant (0.05 less than P less than 0.10). Life-threatening complications were more frequent with ethinyloestradiol than with nafoxidine but the latter produced specific toxic reactions on skin and hair that may limit its practical usefulness. Synthetic oestrogen antagonists may occupy a privileged place in the treatment of breast cancer, and other representatives of this new class of compounds should be accurately assessed in randomized clinical trials.
Hypocitraturic Calcium-Oxalate Nephrolithiasis
Authors: GLEN D. PARK
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1986)

Letters and Corrections1 May 1986Hypocitraturic Calcium-Oxalate NephrolithiasisGLEN D. PARK, Pharm.D., REYNOLD SPECTOR, M.D.GLEN D. PARK, Pharm.D.Search for more papers by this author, REYNOLD SPECTOR, M.D.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-104-5-723_2 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptTo the editor: Very convincing arguments have been made for basing therapeutic decisions on data derived from controlled clinical trials when possible (1). There are several examples of treatments that cause significant morbidity and mortality that initially were not subjected to careful scientific scrutiny but subsequently were found to have little or no beneficial effect. Even relatively benign treatments should not be used unless scientific evidence shows the treatment is effective or unless there is reason to believe that the likely benefits far outweigh the risks. Therefore, it is incumbent on the physician to use scientifically valid studies in making...References1. SPECTOR R, ed. The Scientific Basis of Clinical Pharmacology: Principles and Examples, Boston: Little, Brown and Company; 1986. Google Scholar2. SPECTORPARK RG. Regression to the mean: a potential source of error in clinical pharmacological studies. Drug Intell Clin Pharm. 1985;19:916-9. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar3. CHURCHILLTAYLOR DD. Thiazides for patients with recurrent calcium stones: still an open question. J Urol. 1985;133:749-51. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar4. PAKFULLER CC. Idiopathic hypocitraturic calcium-oxalate nephrolithiasis successfully treated with potasssium citrate. Ann Intern Med. 1986;104:33-7. LinkGoogle Scholar1. PAKPETERSONSAKHAEEFULLERPREMINGERREISCH CRKCGJ. Correction of hypocitraturia and prevention of stone formation by combined thiazide and potassium citrate therapy in thiazide-unresponsive hypercalciuric nephrolithiasis. Am J Med. 1985;79:284-8. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar2. PREMINGERHARVEYPAK GJC. Comparative efficacy of "specific" potassium citrate therapy vs. conservative management in nephrolithiasis of mild-moderate severity. J Urol. 1985;134:658-61. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar3. PAKSAKHAEEFULLER CKC. Physiological and physicochemical prevention of calcium-stone formation by potassium citrate therapy. Trans Assoc Am Physicians. 1983;96:294-305. MedlineGoogle Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: GLEN D. PARK, Pharm.D.; REYNOLD SPECTOR, M.D.Affiliations: The University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242 PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics 1 May 1986Volume 104, Issue 5Page: 723-724KeywordsClinical trialsMorbidityMortality ePublished: 1 December 2008 Issue Published: 1 May 1986 PDF downloadLoading ...
A PLEA FOR THE USE OF OATMEAL IN THE DIETARY OF CHILDREN
Authors: C. Watson
Journal: BMJ (1907)

who suggested the actinomycotic origin of the lesions, carried out the following investiga- tions: Some pus from the liver was stained by Gram's method and in eosin, and numerous typical actinomycetes with interlacing filaments were found.Sections taken from the liver substance in the neighbourhood of the abscess were also stained with a similar result.The pelvic organs had been kept since the operation, and an examination of the pus in the left ovary demonstrated many streptotrichiae.The substance of the organ, however, yielded no organisms although it was thoroughly searched.The right ovary and the tubes were also examined with a negative result.
Childhood Asthma after Bacterial Colonization of the Airway in Neonates
Authors: Hans Bisgaard, Mette Northman Hermansen, Frederik Buchvald, Lotte Loland, Liselotte Brydensholt Halkjaer, Klaus Bønnelykke, Martin Brasholt, Andreas Heltberg, Nadja Hawwa Vissing, Sannie Vester Thorsen, Malene Stage, Christian Bressen Pipper
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2007)

Pathological features of the airway in young children with severe recurrent wheeze suggest an association between bacterial colonization and the initiating events of early asthma. We conducted a study to investigate a possible association between bacterial colonization of the hypopharynx in asymptomatic neonates and later development of recurrent wheeze, asthma, and allergy during the first 5 years of life.The subjects were children from the Copenhagen Prospective Study on Asthma in Childhood birth cohort who were born to mothers with asthma. Aspirates from the hypopharyngeal region of asymptomatic 1-month-old infants were cultured for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Wheeze was monitored prospectively on diary cards during the first 5 years of life. Blood eosinophil count and total IgE and specific IgE were measured at 4 years of age. Lung function was measured and asthma was diagnosed at 5 years of age.Hypopharyngeal samples were cultured from 321 neonates at 1 month of age. Twenty-one percent of the infants were colonized with S. pneumoniae, M. catarrhalis, H. influenzae, or a combination of these organisms; colonization with one or more of these organisms, but not colonization with S. aureus, was significantly associated with persistent wheeze (hazard ratio, 2.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45 to 3.99), acute severe exacerbation of wheeze (hazard ratio, 2.99; 95% CI, 1.66 to 5.39), and hospitalization for wheeze (hazard ratio, 3.85; 95% CI, 1.90 to 7.79). Blood eosinophil counts and total IgE at 4 years of age were significantly increased in children colonized neonatally with S. pneumoniae, M. catarrhalis, H. influenzae, or a combination of these organisms, but specific IgE was not significantly affected. The prevalence of asthma and the reversibility of airway resistance after beta2-agonist administration at 5 years of age were significantly increased in the children colonized neonatally with these organisms as compared with the children without such colonization (33% vs. 10% and 23% vs. 18%, respectively).Neonates colonized in the hypopharyngeal region with S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, or M. catarrhalis, or with a combination of these organisms, are at increased risk for recurrent wheeze and asthma early in life.
Impaired culture generated cytotoxicity with preservation of spontaneous natural killer-cell activity in cartilage-hair hypoplasia.
Authors: G F Pierce, C Brovall, B Z Schacter, S H Polmar
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1983)

Recent studies of cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH), a form of short-limbed dwarfism, have shown that all affected individuals have a cellular proliferation defect that results in a cellular immunodeficiency. However, only a minority of CHH individuals suffer from severe, life-threatening infections. For this reason, relevant immune defense mechanisms that may be responsible for maintaining intact host defenses in the majority of CHH individuals were studied. Spontaneous and allogeneic culture-induced (mixed lymphocyte response-MLR) specific and nonspecific (NK-like) cytotoxic mechanisms were analyzed and correlated with lymphocyte subpopulations present in CHH and normal individuals. Spontaneous natural-killer (NK) activity was present at or above normal levels, but culture-induced specific cytotoxicity and NK-like cytotoxicity as well as NK-like activity by T cell lines were significantly reduced in CHH individuals. The generation of radiation-resistant cytotoxicity, which normally occurs during allogeneic MLR, was markedly diminished in CHH, and was correlated with the decreased proliferation observed in CHH cultures. Preservation of spontaneous NK activity and loss of all forms of culture-induced cytotoxicity was associated with an increase in the proportion of lymphocytes bearing a thymic independent NK phenotype (OKM1+ OKT3- Fc gamma + low-affinity E+), and a significant decrease in thymic derived OKT3+ cytolytic T cell sub-populations in CHH individuals. Therefore, an intact cellular cytotoxic effector mechanism has been identified in CHH (i.e., NK activity). Natural cytotoxicity may be of importance in maintaining host resistance to viral infections despite diminished thymic-derived effector mechanisms in cartilage-hair hypoplasia.
Treatment of the restless legs syndrome with carbamazepine: a double blind study.
Authors: W Telstad, O Sorensen, S Larsen, P E Lillevold, P Stensrud, R Nyberg-Hansen
Journal: BMJ (1984)

One hundred and seventy four patients suffering from the restless legs syndrome were examined in a double blind, between patient, placebo controlled study in general practice for five weeks to investigate the effects of carbamazepine and placebo on the syndrome. The syndrome was more common among middle aged women with relatively low systolic blood pressure. The median haemoglobin concentration was about average for the population, but the severity of the symptoms seemed to increase with decreasing concentrations of haemoglobin. Both placebo and carbamazepine showed a significant therapeutic effect (p less than 0.01). Carbamazepine was significantly more effective than placebo (p less than or equal to 0.03). The significant therapeutic effect of placebo in restless legs showed that only double blind controlled trials can confirm the efficacy of suggested treatments.
RNA-Binding Protein FXR2 Regulates Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis by Reducing Noggin Expression
Authors: Weixiang Guo, Li Zhang, Devin M. Christopher, Zhao-Qian Teng, Sarah R. Fausett, Changmei Liu, Olivia L. George, John Klingensmith, Peng Jin, Xinyu Zhao
Journal: Neuron (2011)
Temporal Arteritis
Authors: KENT A. HUSTON
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1978)

Among the population of Olmsted County, Minnesota, 42 patients with temporal arteritis were identified during a 25-year period. The average annual incidence per 100 000 population aged 50 and older rose from 5.1 in 1950-1959 to 17.4 in 1970-1974. The prevalence of patients with a history of the diagnosis of temporal arteritis on 1 January 1975 was 133 per 100 000 population aged 50 and older. All patients received corticosteroid therapy for a range of 1 to 77 months (median, 7 months). Relapses in 10 of 11 patients were associated with corticosteroid reduction. The majority of patients recovered fully and were followed off corticosteroids for 10 months to 19 years (median, 5 years). Temporal arteritis had no significant effect on survival. Vertebral compression fractures and myopathy were the most serious complications of therapy. The presence of giant cells in biopsies was in part related to the number of sections examined, and their presence had no apparent influence on the clinical course.