tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
European agency approves swine flu vaccines for licensing
Authors: S. Cook
Journal: BMJ (2009)

Two swine flu vaccines, including one of those to be used in the United Kingdom’s vaccination programme, were approved for licensing by the European Medicines Agency on 25 September.

The agency’s committee for medicinal products for human use expedited the assessment of the vaccines—Focetria from Novartis and Pandemrix from GlaxoSmithKline—and recommended that they be granted a licence by the European Commission.

The Department of Health for England said, “This is a positive step towards getting full licences for vaccines to protect the public. The European Commission must now consider the recommendations, and we hope for its decision as quickly …
Brain Mechanisms and Behaviour: An Outline of the Mechanisms of Emotion, Memory, Learning and the Organization of Behaviour, With Particular Regard to the Limbic System
Authors: James F. Toole
Journal: JAMA (1971)

Dr. Smythies has presented us with a concise, interesting, and readable summary of the enormous literature on the limbic system and temporal lobes and their functions. He has approached his subject in an orderly way, first reviewing the embryology, phylogeny, anatomy, and neurophysiology of the system before considering the behavioral effects of ablation and stimulation of these regions in animals and in man. His sections on conditioned reflexes and learning and on memory mechanisms are adequate as a student-level introduction to the subject but the seven-page consideration of neurochemical aspects of brain function is too superficial to be helpful. His concluding chapter titled "Some Psychiatric Speculations" is so highly original that one does not know how to assess it. Its subject matter ranges from the unsubstantiated guess that the physiological malfunction in depression originates or has its main focus in the amygdala or hypothalamus, to the totally unsubstantiated hypothesis that
Book: Terrorism and Public Health: A Balanced Approach to Strengthening Systems and Protecting People * In the Wake of Terror: Medicine and Morality in a Time of Crisis
Authors: I. Roberts
Journal: BMJ (2003)

Eds Barry S Levy, Victor W Sidel Oxford University Press, £35, pp 377 ISBN 0 19 515834 2 Ed Jonathan D Moreno The MIT Press, £16.50, pp 229 ISBN 0 262 13428 4 http://mitpress.mit.edu Rating: ![Graphic][1]</img>; ![Graphic][2]</img>![Graphic][3]</img>![Graphic][4]</img>![Graphic][5]</img> Reading Terrorism and Public Health is like listening to a psychotic patient—florid delusion interspersed with some remarkably lucid episodes. To its credit, this book clearly sets out its political orientation in the first chapter. It defines public health as “what we, as a society, do collectively to assure the conditions in which people can be healthy.” Readers who expect to find any reference to US state terrorism in Nicaragua—for which the United States was condemned by the World Court—or the Clinton administration's bombing of the Al-Shifa pharmaceutical plant in Sudan will be disappointed. The “society” in the definition is unashamedly US. This is a book about terrorism directed at the United States rather than terrorism directed by the United States. [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/inline-graphic-2.gif [3]: /embed/inline-graphic-3.gif [4]: /embed/inline-graphic-4.gif [5]: /embed/inline-graphic-5.gif
Source Book in Bioethics: A Documentary History
Authors: James Mittelberger
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2001)

Medical Writings: Book Notes20 February 2001Source Book in Bioethics: A Documentary HistoryJames Mittelberger, MD, MPHJames Mittelberger, MD, MPHAlameda County Medical Center, Oakland, California. (Mittelberger)Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-134-4-200102200-00033 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail Jonson AR, Veatch RM, Walters L, eds. 510 pages. Washington, DC: Georgetown Univ Pr; 1998. $39.95. ISBN 0878406832. Order phone 800-246-9606.Field of medicine:Bioethics.Format:Softcover book.Audience:Students and teachers of bioethics.Purpose:To provide a source book of landmark policy and legal documents in bioethics in the past 40 years.Content:The book provides source documents in five areas: research on humans, death and dying, human genetics, human reproductive technologies, and the changing health care system. Each area is introduced by a brief orientation to key source documents, and each source document has an introductory paragraph.Highlights:The book provides convenient access to ... Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: Alameda County Medical Center, Oakland, California. (Mittelberger) PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics 20 February 2001Volume 134, Issue 4Page: 348KeywordsBioethicsHealth careHuman geneticsLongitudinal studiesReproductive systemSoftware tools ePublished: 20 February 2001 Issue Published: 20 February 2001 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 2001 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF downloadLoading ...
Authors' reply to Riddell and colleagues
Authors: O. J. Dempsey, D. Miller
Journal: BMJ (2014)

We thank Riddell and colleagues for their important comments emphasising the role of lung transplantation in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).1 Space precluded detailed discussion of this topic, but it is tackled in the latest IPF guidelines, which recommend considering transplantation in all patients without absolute contraindications, with …
A comprehensive linkage analysis for myocardial infarction and its related risk factors
Authors: Ulrich Broeckel, Christian Hengstenberg, Björn Mayer, Stephan Holmer, Lisa J. Martin, Anthony G. Comuzzie, John Blangero, Peter Nürnberg, André Reis, Günter A.J. Riegger, Howard J. Jacob, Heribert Schunkert
Journal: Nature Genetics (2002)
bolism of the Inhibitory Neurotransmitter γ-Aminobutyric Acid in a Rabbit Model of Fulminant Hepatic Failure
Authors: Peter Ferenci, David Covell, Daniel F. Schafer, Jeanne G. Waggoner, Richard Shrager, Anthony E. Jones
Journal: Hepatology (1983)

The serum concentration of 7-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been found to be elevated by more than an order of magnitude in a rabbit model of acute hepatic failure. A potential mechanism for increased serum GABA levels in liver failure is decreased catabolism of GABA. To study this possibility, GABA-transaminase activities were measured in nonneural tissues, and the kinetics of 3 H-GABA in vivo were defined in both normal rabbits and rabbits with galactosamine-induced acute liver failure. Liver failure was associated with 56 and 80% increases in the activities of GABA-transaminase in liver and kidney, respectively. In the normal rabbit following the intravenous injection of 3 H-GABA, total radioactivity in the serum decreased very rapidly initially and much more slowly after 3 to 4 min. Levels of labeled metabolites of 3 H-GABA increased very rapidly in serum and reached a plateau after 5 to 10 min. The dependence of total serum radioactivity on time was similar for rabbits 10 hr after galactosamine injection, and control rabbits, with the exception that total serum radioactivity was higher during the first 3 min of the study in galactosamine-treated rabbits. In rabbits in hepatic coma, total serum radioactivity was higher but radioactivity in metabolites was lower than in controls at corresponding times. Clearance of 3 H-GABA from the circulation (i.e., the product of the initial volume of distribution and the fractional catabolic rate, milliliters per minute) was reduced by 26% in rabbits 10 hr after galactosamine injection and by 61% in rabbits in hepatic coma. The reduction in clearance of 3 H-GABA was associated with a decrease in the initial volume of distribution but no appreciable change in the fractional catabolic rate of GABA. The magnitude of the decrease in clearance did not fully account for the increase in serum GABA concentrations observed during acute liver failure. These findings suggest that, in addition to impaired GABA metabolism, an increase in the delivery rate of GABA to the circulation occurs in acute hepatic failure. Possible mechanisms for the latter phenomenon include increases in synthesis of GABA from glutamate in the liver and/or kidney, synthesis of GABA by gut bacteria permeability of the intestine and brain to GABA.
Antiestrogens Inhibit Xenoestrogen-Induced Brain Aromatase Activity but Do Not Prevent Xenoestrogen-Induced Feminization in Japanese Medaka ( <i>Oryzias latipes</i> )
Authors: Adam J. Kuhl, Marius Brouwer
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2005)

In fish, exposure to estrogen or estrogen-mimicking chemicals (xenoestrogens) during a critical period of development can irreversibly invert sex differentiation. In medaka, a male-to-female reversal upon exposure to a xenoestrogen is accompanied by an increase in brain aromatase expression and activity. However, whether this increase is the direct cause of sex reversal is unknown. In this study we further examined the role brain aromatase plays in genesis of developmental abnormalities in response to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Further, the effects of a mixture of apparent antagonistic environmentally relevant EDCs on development were examined to determine if their combined actions could lessen each other's impacts. To this end, hatchling medaka were subjected in a 2-week flow-through immersion exposure to an estrogen mimic [dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (o,p -DDT)] and to pharmaceutical [fadrozole (FAD)] and environmental aromatase inhibitors [tributyltin (TBT)] alone and in combination. Brain aromatase expression and enzyme activity were measured on exposure days 5, 9, and 14 by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and tritiated water release assay, respectively. We recorded sex reversals at sexual maturity by examining the phenotypic and genotypic sex of d-rR-strain medaka. Results indicate that FAD and TBT inhibit aromatase activity in o,p -DDT-treated fish but do not prevent feminization, indicating that increased brain aromatase activity is not critical to EDC-induced male-to-female sex inversion. The observation that estradiol biosynthesis inhibitors do not block the effect of the xenoestrogen suggests that in the environment, exposure to seemingly antagonistic EDCs does not necessarily lessen the harmful impacts of these compounds.
Prediction of Atrioventricular Block During Radiofrequency Ablation of the Slow Pathway of the Atrioventricular Node
Authors: Florian Hintringer, Juha Hartikainen, D. Wyn Davies, Spencer C. Heald, Jaswinder S. Gill, David E. Ward, Edward Rowland
Journal: Circulation (1995)

Background Selective radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the slow pathway is an effective treatment for atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentry tachycardia. A previous report showed that rapid junctional tachycardia (JT) caused by RF associated with loss of ventriculoatrial (VA) conduction is related to increased risk for AV block. However, this can be difficult to detect during energy delivery, and more importantly, it cannot be measured before the onset of RF energy delivery. The aim of our study was to determine whether measurements made from electrograms could be used to predict the risk of AV block before RF energy is delivered. Methods and Results Fifty-eight patients underwent 63 selective slow pathway RF ablation procedures. In 46 (26.9%) of 172 JTs caused by RF, VA block was observed, and in 11 this was followed by AV block of various degrees. Electrograms before each application of RF were analyzed for the interval between the atrial signals in the His bundle catheter and in the distal mapping catheter [A(H)-A(Md)], the interval between the atrial signals in the His bundle catheter and in the proximal coronary sinus catheter [A(H)-A(CS)], the AV ratio, and the presence of a slow pathway potential or a fractionated atrial signal in the distal mapping catheter. Mean cycle length (CL) of JT was calculated if it consisted of at least 10 beats. These parameters were compared between patients with JT who developed VA block and subsequent AV block (group 1), patients with JT and VA block but without subsequent AV block (group 2), and patients with JT without VA block (group 3). The A(H)-A(Md) interval was significantly shorter in group 1 (17±8 ms) than in groups 2 (33±8 ms, P &lt;.001) and 3 (32±10 ms, P &lt;.001), whereas the A(H)-A(Md) intervals of groups 2 and 3 did not differ from each other. CL of JT, A(H)-A(CS) interval, AV ratio, presence of a slow pathway potential, or a fractionated atrial electrogram were not related to the occurrence of AV block. Conclusions The A(H)-A(Md) interval provides an electrophysiological marker that can be used in addition to the radiological catheter position to assess the risk for AV block before onset of RF delivery. CL of JT and occurrence of VA block are not related to the risk of AV block.
Morbidity and survival in neonates ventilated for the respiratory distress syndrome.
Authors: A Greenough, N R Roberton
Journal: BMJ (1985)

In a retrospective analysis the records of all (210) infants ventilated to treat the respiratory distress syndrome over three years were reviewed. A mortality of 19% was found. Intraventricular haemorrhage was associated than a significant increase in mortality in infants of less with 30 weeks' gestation (p less than 0.001) and was the commonest cause of death. Pneumothoraces developed in one third of babies regardless of gestational age but were significantly associated with an increase in mortality only in infants of 27-29 weeks' gestation. Patent ductus arteriosus was present in 31 infants and was commoner in babies of very low birth weight. The presence of a patent ductus arteriosus was not associated with decreased survival but was significantly related to an increased need for prolonged respiratory support (p less than 0.001). Thirty six infants developed chronic lung disease, three of whom died. Comparison with data from earlier studies indicated a steady improvement over the past decade in outcome for infants ventilated for the respiratory distress syndrome.
Aeroallergen analyses and their clinical relevance
Authors: C.R. Johnsen, L. Abrahamsen, P. STAHL Skov, N. Johansen, L.K. Poulsen
Journal: Allergy (1991)

The aim was to compare IgE and IgG 4 , RAST‐inhibition assay (RI), monoclonal antibody ELISA (Mab‐ELISA), counter current immuno electrophoresis (CCIE) and histamine release from basophil leukocytes (HR) for allegen quantification with special reference to aeroallergen detection. As components of indoor acroallergens, cat, dog, and Derm. pter. allergen extracts were selected for the experiments. To evaluate unspecific interference, these allergens were compared mutually and with Cladosporium herbarum. Allergen extracts in varying dilutions were mixed with crushed glass fibre filter materials, eluted, recovered by centrifugation, and allergen concentration quantified by the assays. Equal sensitivity was found for both IgE‐ and IgG 4 ‐RI assaying eat allergen (in the range 5 − 50 SQ‐U/ml) and dog allergen (in the range 10 2 − 10 3 SQ‐U/ml). The IgG 4 ‐RI assaying Derm. pter , was more sensitive (50 SQ‐U/ml) than IgE‐RI (2*10 3 SQ‐U/ml). The ranges of allergen detection limits for the Mab‐ELISA were equal for cat and Derm. pter. (10 – 10 2 SQ‐U/ml). The range of allergen detection limits for CCIE, assaying dog were 10 4 − 10 5 SQ‐U/ml. The ranges of allergen detection limits for HR were equal for eat and Derm. pter. (10 – 10 2 SQ‐U/ml), and 10 2 − 10 3 SQ‐U/ML for dog. Because of cross‐reactivity, a minor degree of interference was observed in the IgE‐RI and the HR test for the highest concentration of cat and dog allergens.
Changes in Canada's medical workforce could affect access to care
Authors: Barbara Kermode-Scott
Journal: BMJ (2004)

A new survey, the largest ever poll of Canada's physicians, indicates that medicine in Canada is changing, with profound implications for supply of physicians and access to care. More than half of all medical graduates are now women, and female doctors reported working seven hours a week less than their male counterparts (47 hours a week compared with 54).

The 2004 National Physician Survey was a collaboration by three of Canada's largest medical organisations, the Canadian Medical Association, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Questionnaires were forwarded to almost all licensed physicians in Canada (59 389 of 61 751 physicians. A total of 2362 were eliminated due to retirement, residency or working abroad). Overall, 21 296 doctors responded …
Soluble Aβ Oligomers Are Rapidly Sequestered from Brain ISF In Vivo and Bind GM1 Ganglioside on Cellular Membranes
Authors: Soyon Hong, Beth L. Ostaszewski, Ting Yang, Tiernan T. O’Malley, Ming Jin, Katsuhiko Yanagisawa, Shaomin Li, Tim Bartels, Dennis J. Selkoe
Journal: Neuron (2014)
Abstract P1-08-09: EGFR expression is associated with decreased response from HER2 targeted therapeutics in the neo-adjuvant setting in the NeoALTTO trial
Authors: DL Rimm, E Holmes, K Schalper, I Bradbury, E Zarrella, C Ellis, J Baselga, H Eidtmann, M Piccart, N Harbeck, L Pusztai, E Perez
Journal: Cancer Research (2013)

Abstract Background: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR, HER1) is known to heterodimerize with HER2 and may modulate the effectiveness of trastuzumab or lapatinib. Historically, it has been difficult to measure, but recently we reported a new, standardized, quantitative immunofluorescence assay and a novel EGFR antibody which showed that high levels of EGFR were associated with decreased benefit in the concurrent arm of the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG/Alliance) N9831 trial (Rimm et al, SABCS 2012). Here we assess its value in the neo-adjuvant setting in the NeoALTTO trial. Methods: NeoALTTO randomized 455 breast cancer patients to neoadjuvant trastuzumab, lapatinib or both and showed benefit in both single anti-HER2 therapy arms, and the combination therapy showing about twice as much benefit as either single drug arm. We used the previously described AQUA method of quantitative immunofluorescence to measure EGFR levels using the D38B1 antibody on between 4 and 140 fields of view per slide on 353 specimens. The averaged EGFR score was standardized to the absolute concentration using cell lines and western blots and the 13 ng/ug total protein established in the N9831 trial was tested to determine predictive value for pathological complete response (pCR) defined as ypT0/is. Results: In NeoALTTO, 19% of the patients had EGFR levels above 13 ng/ug, compared to 16% in NCCTG N9831. The pCR rate was 35.3% in the patients with low EGFR, compared with 29.8% for high EGFR but this difference was not statistically significant. However, when adjusted for treatment and hormone receptor (HR) status, high EGFR is statistically significantly associated with lower response rate(p = 0.038). Continuous analysis measures were not significant. The effect on overall response at 6 weeks was also weakly significant when adjusting for treatment and HR status (p = 0.06). Surprisingly, for HR negative patients in the lapatinib only arm, the pCR rate in the low EGFR group was 47.2% compared with 16.0% in the high group. While this difference is statistically significant (p = 0.014), it should be interpreted cautiously because of the small numbers of patients and the multiple tests performed. Conclusions: High expression of EGFR by the AQUA platform appears to be associated with decreased pCR rate from HER2 targeted therapy in the neoadjuvant setting. This observation is consistent with NCCTG N9831. Although underpowered, high EGFR levels predicted decreased pCR rate from lapatinib, the opposite of that anticipated for this small molecule dual EGFR/HER2 inhibitor. Further studies are required to determine the clinical utility of this assay and the biological mechanisms underlying these observations. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P1-08-09.
Reply: Medicinal Uses of Marijuana
Authors: Eric A. Voth
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1997)

Letters15 December 1997Reply: Medicinal Uses of MarijuanaEric A. Voth, MD and Richard H. Schwartz, MDEric A. Voth, MDInternational Drug Strategy Institute; Topeka, KS 66606Search for more papers by this author and Richard H. Schwartz, MDInternational Drug Strategy Institute; Topeka, KS 66606Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-127-12-199712150-00035 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail IN RESPONSE:The attitudes of Drs. Bayer and O'Connell are precisely why we undertook the project of sorting out emotion and passion from science and fact as they relate to the use of crude marijuana as a medicine. We found no compelling reason to abandon the Food and Drug Administration process of proving safety and efficacy and stepping back to the days of unproven and potentially toxic potions and tonics. That is the net effect of views represented by Drs. Bayer and O'Connell. Unlike the anecdotal diatribes that pervade support for the medicinal use of marijuana, our review was extensive ...References1. Cowan R. Building a new NORML: strategies for the legalization of marijuana by 1997. High Times. 1993; January:63. Google Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: International Drug Strategy Institute; Topeka, KS 66606 PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics 15 December 1997Volume 127, Issue 12Page: 1135KeywordsDrug policyDrugsEmotionsFood and Drug AdministrationGlaucomaHerbal medicineInternetMarijuanaNauseaSafety Issue Published: 15 December 1997 CopyrightCopyright © 1997 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF DownloadLoading ...
Pharmaville--the latest fad in online gaming
Authors: R. Moynihan
Journal: BMJ (2011)

As the web based, social network gaming sensation Farmville (www.farmville.com) sweeps across the “English countryside” with millions of followers in its wake, I thought it might be a good time to introduce Pharmaville—an idea for an internet game where players develop and sell drugs to improve human health.

Just as Farmville players build up virtual farms, breed new crops, and trade sheep, Pharmaville players join together to form companies, research new drugs, and market them to as many other players as they can. Instead of Farmville’s cute cartoon icons representing farmers, fruits, and vegetables, Pharmaville features brightly coloured pills, along with little avatars of white-coated researchers, well groomed key opinion leaders, and even better dressed young salespeople. Instead of Morris dancing, dubstep electronic dance music plays in the pubs.

As with all games, there are a few fundamental rules. New prescription drugs must be proved to be safe and effective before marketing, advertising claims have to be at least half true, and anyone caught misleading people too egregiously about a drug’s risks or benefits may face mild professional censure. An evaluation of the game’s …
Rapidly induced, T-cell–independent xenoantibody production is mediated by marginal zone B cells and requires help from NK cells
Authors: Shengqiao Li, Yehong Yan, Yuan Lin, Dominique M. Bullens, Omer Rutgeerts, Jozef Goebels, Constant Segers, Louis Boon, Ahmad Kasran, Rita De Vos, Christiane Dewolf-Peeters, Mark Waer, An D. Billiau
Journal: Blood (2007)
A Controlled Trial of Urethane Treatment in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: JAMES F. HOLLAND, HENRY HOSLEY, CAROL SCHARLAU, PAUL P. CARBONE, EMIL FREI, CLYDE O. BRINDLEY, THOMAS C. HALL, BRUCE I. SHNIDER, G. LENNARD GOLD, LOUIS LASAGNA, ALBERT H. OWENS, SHERWOOD P. MILLER
Journal: Blood (1966)