tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Oral Thymic Extract for Chronic Hepatitis C in Patients Previously Treated with Interferon
Authors: Robert S. Raymond
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1998)

Background: Hepatitis C is an important cause of chronic liver disease. It is claimed that Complete Thymic Formula, an over-the-counter herbal dietary supplement, is beneficial for patients with hepatitis C. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Complete Thymic Formula. Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: 38 patients with hepatitis C who did not respond to or were intolerant of interferon therapy. Intervention: Complete Thymic Formula for 3 to 6 months or placebo for 3 months. Measurements: Serial measurements of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA titers. Results: No differences were noted at 3 months between the placebo group (n = 13) and the treatment group (n = 19) in mean HCV RNA titers (4.06 ± 1.52 × 106 copies/mL compared with 3.48 ± 1.92 × 106 copies/mL; P > 0.2). The 19 patients who completed 6 months of treatment with Complete Thymic Formula remained positive for HCV, and their mean HCV RNA titers were similar at 6 months and at baseline (2.78 ± 1.96 × 106 copies/mL compared with 3.12 ± 1.94 × 106 copies/mL; P > 0.2). Conclusions: Complete Thymic Formula did not benefit patients who had previously received interferon therapy. Patients should be advised about use of this over-the-counter compound.
Independent advice needed for legal aid
Authors: A Barton
Journal: BMJ (1994)

EDITOR, - The Legal Aid Board recently published a report on multiparty actions.1 This has wide implications for medical and pharmaceutical litigation.

It is usual for the board to rely on the advice of plaintiff lawyers in deciding whether to fund medical and pharmaceutical claims. Such advice cannot be independent as the lawyers have a financial interest in advancing the claim. The board asserts, “it is wrong to assume …
Big and little gastrin responses to food in normal and ulcer subjects.
Authors: I L Taylor, G J Dockray, J Calam, R J Walker
Journal: Gut (1979)

In normal, duodenal ulcer, and gastric ulcer subjects the two main forms of gastrin, G17 and G34, were estimated by radioimmunoassay in fasting serum and after feeding. Two antisera were used: one showing high specificity for G17, the other specific for the common COOH-terminus of G17 and G34 and so allowing estimation of G34 by difference. Basal G17 was similar in gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and normal subjects and the increases of G17 after feeding were also similar in these groups. In contrast, basal G34 was similar in normal and duodenal ulcer subjects but raised in gastric ulcer subjects. After a meal the G34 concentration in both gastric and duodenal ulcer patients was significantly higher than normal. It is concluded that the higher post-prandial gastrin responses in peptic ulcer that have been previously described are due largely to increased G34.
mTORC1 Activation Blocks BrafV600E-Induced Growth Arrest but Is Insufficient for Melanoma Formation
Authors: William Damsky, Goran Micevic, Katrina Meeth, Viswanathan Muthusamy, David P. Curley, Manjula Santhanakrishnan, Ildiko Erdelyi, James T. Platt, Laura Huang, Nicholas Theodosakis, M. Raza Zaidi, Scott Tighe, Michael A. Davies, David Dankort, Martin McMahon, Glenn Merlino, Nabeel Bardeesy, Marcus Bosenberg
Journal: Cancer Cell (2015)
Characterization of ventricular fibrillation based on monophasic action potential morphology in the human heart.
Authors: J F Swartz, J L Jones, R D Fletcher
Journal: Circulation (1993)

BACKGROUND Recent studies examining mechanisms of defibrillation have focused on prolongation of graded cellular response duration during refractory period stimulation. This mechanism assumes that defibrillation shocks interact with ventricular cells during the process of repolarization. METHODS AND RESULTS To test this assumption, we examined monophasic action potentials (MAPs) from 171 episodes of induced ventricular dysrhythmia associated with loss of systemic perfusion pressure in 22 patients undergoing nonthoracotomy defibrillator implantation. Ventricular fibrillation (VF)/polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT), defined by an irregular limb lead I morphology, was present in 156 dysrhythmia episodes. Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT), present in the remaining 15 episodes, was associated with regular limb lead morphology. All episodes were examined for MAP cycle length, variation, fractionation, and repolarization. VF/PVT cycle length was 215 +/- 28 msec, with a 14 +/- 7% (33 +/- 20-msec) cycle length variability. Nonfractionated MAP recordings were found in 122 of 156 VF/PVT episodes. Episodes characterized as VF by ECG criteria (n = 136) showed lack of MAP diastole and had a mean cycle length of 213 +/- 27 msec. Episodes characterized as PVT (n = 20) were associated with amiodarone therapy and had occasional MAP diastole and a significantly longer mean cycle length of 257 +/- 22 msec (p &lt; 0.001). Monomorphic VT had a mean cycle length of 261 +/- 29 msec, minimal cycle length variation (1 +/- 3%), absence of MAP fractionation, and consistent degree of repolarization before restimulation. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that human VF cycle length is limited by cellular refractory periods so that defibrillating shocks interact with cells primarily during their refractory period.
Charity warns of proposed restrictions to asylum seekers' access to primary care
Authors: Helen Mooney
Journal: BMJ (2007)

Failed asylum seekers in the United Kingdom could be refused access to primary care services, under proposals being considered by the Home Office, a human rights charity has warned.

The Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture says that it is concerned that the government is considering proposals to refuse unsuccessful asylum seekers still living in the UK the right to access primary health care.

Under current regulations, failed asylum seekers have a discretionary entitlement to use primary care, including GP visits, dental care, and …
Is symmetry of stone tools merely an epiphenomenon of similarity?
Authors: J. B. Derēgowski
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (2002)

It is proposed that symmetry of stone tools may derive from perceptual similarity rather than from cognitively more complex awareness of symmetry. Although encodement of shapes necessarily involves symmetry (as evidenced by the confusability of enantiomorphs), it does not imply awareness of symmetry. Responses of relatively simple organisms, such as bees, support the notion that the processes involved are likely to be perceptual.
Doctors get advice on rights of children and young people
Authors: Zosia Kmietowicz
Journal: BMJ (2007)

Doctors in the United Kingdom have for the first time been given guidance on their roles and responsibilities when treating children and young people.

The General Medical Council, which regulates doctors in the UK, developed the standards after a three month consultation with children and adolescents aged under 18 years, doctors, parents, organisations, and the general public. The GMC received more than 950 individual responses. Young people have also taken part in workshops around the UK and been involved in drafting the guidance.

Graeme Catto, president of the GMC, said, “This is the first time the GMC has set standards for doctors …
FOCAL INFECTION IN PEPTIC ULCER
Authors: RUSSELL L. HADEN
Journal: JAMA (1925)

The etiology of peptic ulcer is an undetermined question. It is agreed that the fundamental change is a localized impairment of nutrition of the mucosa of the stomach or duodenum with subsequent digestion of the damaged tissue. There is no agreement, however, as to what causes the initial injury. The corrosion, mechanical, nerve, thrombosis and embolism, and bacterial theories each have their exponents. That hemorrhage, lesion and ulceration of the gastric and duodenal mucosa may be produced by a large number of agents has been long recognized. Hemorrhage and ulcer of the duodenum occur frequently after severe body burns. Here the damage is due to the action of toxic products formed in the destruction of protein by heat. Similar lesions may occur in animals on the removal of the suprarenals. Industrial poisons, as benzene (benzol, C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>6</sub>), may also cause lesions in this location. The recognized methods for
BENIGN FOREIGN BODY GIANT-CELL TUMORS IN THE LONG BONES
Authors: HENRY W. MEYERDING
Journal: JAMA (1924)

In reviewing cases of bone tumors examined at the Mayo Clinic between 1909 and 1922, I have selected a group of twenty-four benign giant-cell tumors of the long bones for presentation. All of the patients were given careful clinical and roentgenographic examinations, were operated on, and had microscopic diagnoses made. The end-results were traced in 1924, from two to fifteen years after operation. Consideration of this group may be of value in clearing up some of the confusion that apparently still exists under the misleading terminology of giant-cell sarcoma, giant-cell sarcoma of the epulis type, and chronic hemorrhagic osteomyelitis. Formerly considered malignant, this tumor has gradually become definitely placed among the benign, and it is regarded by many surgeons and pathologists as a normal attempt at repair following traumatic and low-grade infectious processes. In the group reported here, the microscopic findings are practically uniform; there has been no metastasis; the
Reviews and Notes: Infectious Disease Medicine: The Antibiotic Paradox: How Miracle Drugs Are Destroying the Miracle
Authors: Gerard J. Sheehan
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1993)

Literature of Medicine1 September 1993Reviews and Notes: Infectious Disease Medicine: The Antibiotic Paradox: How Miracle Drugs Are Destroying the MiracleGerard J. Sheehan, MDGerard J. Sheehan, MDUniversity of Alberta Hospitals, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2B7Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-119-5-199309010-00057 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail The Antibiotic Paradox: How Miracle Drugs Are Destroying the MiracleFirst edition. Stuart B. Levy. 263 pages. New York: Plenum Press; 1992. $24.95.A paradox exists in modern medicine that no matter how much is achieved, more is expected. Many people believe that they will be immune from significant illness until they reach a ripe old age and that medicine has an answer for any troublesome illness. Such motivations may drive the patient with a viral upper respiratory tract infection to overtly or covertly demand antibiotics of their primary caregiver. Physicians frequently acquiesce in this folly, sometimes from habit, often to keep ... Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: University of Alberta Hospitals, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2B7 PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics 1 September 1993Volume 119, Issue 5Page: 447KeywordsAntibiotic resistanceAntibioticsCaregiversHabitsInfectious diseasesInpatientsMedical educationMotivationSurgeryUpper respiratory tract infections ePublished: 15 August 2000 Issue Published: 1 September 1993 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 1993 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF downloadLoading ...
The 148 M allele of the PNPLA3 is associated with plasma irisin levels in a population sample of Caucasian children: The PANIC Study
Authors: Anna Viitasalo, Mustafa Atalay, Jussi Pihlajamäki, Jarmo Jääskeläinen, Ayhan Korkmaz, Dorota Kaminska, Virpi Lindi, Timo A. Lakka
Journal: Metabolism (2015)
Medical Oncology Breast Cancer Quality Indicators: Adherence by the Florida Initiative for Quality Cancer Care (FIQCC) Consortium.
Authors: J. Gray, C. Laronga, E. Siegel, J. Lee, W. Fulp, P. Jacobson
Journal: Cancer Research (2009)

Abstract Background: The Florida Initiative for Quality Cancer Care (FIQCC) is comprised of 11 practice sites across the state that participate in a comprehensive review of quality of care specific to cancer patients across many disease sites. Quality indicators were scripted based on accepted QOPI, NCCN, ACOS, and site-specific PI panel consensus indicators for breast cancer (BRCA) patients. An evaluation was performed to assess adherence to the performance indicators across sites within the FIQCC.Methods: Comprehensive chart reviews were conducted for all patients with BRCA first seen in 2006 by a medical oncologist at one of the 11 FIQCC sites (3 academic/8 community). Quality measures included: 1) documentation of menopausal status; 2) documentation of receptor status in the chart and evidence that it guided treatment recommendations accordingly; 3) documentation that consent for chemotherapy was obtained; 4) documentation of the planned chemotherapy regimen; and 5) documentation that chemotherapy started within 8 weeks of surgery. A pilot measure included: 6) documentation of fertility preservation being addressed in pre-menopausal women. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to test variability on the quality measurements across practice sites.Results: Charts of 622 patients (99% female), median age of 60 years (range 22-95) were reviewed. Menopausal status was documented in 49% (307/622). Documentation of the receptor status (ER/PR/ Her2Neu) was excellent, 99% (532/537). For those with ER/PR positive, non-metastatic disease measuring at least 1cm, 98% (432/441) were considered for an aromatase inhibitor or tamoxifen within one year of diagnosis. For patients with Stage II-III BRCA with over-expression of Her2Neu (H2N), consideration or administration of trastuzumab was documented in 82% (95/116). With respect to chemotherapy, there was documentation of consent in 75% (247/330), planned chemotherapy regimen in 75% (226/302), and initiation of chemotherapy with 8 weeks of surgery in 84% (233/279). Fertility preservation was only addressed in 11% (10/88) of patients who were documented as pre-menopausal. A statistically significant difference (p&amp;lt; 0.05) across the sites was found for all quality indicators above, except two: documentation of consideration or administration of trastuzumab and discussions of fertility preservation.Discussion: The FIQCC allows for the identification of the need for quality improvements in multiple aspects of breast cancer care. Findings based on 2006 cases identified need for improvements in documentation and consenting for chemotherapy, reporting of menopausal status, consideration and administration of trastuzumab, and consideration of fertility counseling. These findings are now being used at the participating institutions to guide quality improvement efforts. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 1078.
VARIATIONS IN THE LEVELS OF CHOLESTEROL AND TRIGLYCERIDE IN THE SKIN SURFACE FAT DURING THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Authors: I. MACDONALD, G. CLARKE
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1970)

SUMMARY.— Studies show that the lipid on the surface of the skin above the right scapula varies in relationship to the menstrual cycle. The cholesterol level increases at mid‐cycle whereas the triglyceride level rises continuously throughout the menstrual cycle until the onset of bleeding.
SPECIFICITY OF THE ANTIBODIES PRODUCED BY SINGLE CELLS FOLLOWING IMMUNIZATION WITH ANTIGENS BEARING TWO TYPES OF ANTIGENIC DETERMINANTS
Authors: Ira Green, Pierre Vassalli, Victor Nussenzweig, Baruj Benacerraf
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1967)

A combination of double immunofluorescent technique and radioautographic localization of radioactive antigens was used to investigate the question whether single antibody-producing cells can make antibodies of more than one specificity after immunization with antigens bearing more than one determinant. When guinea pig gamma(2)-globulins, containing the F(ab')(2) and Fc determinants, were used to immunize rabbits, a small percentage of cells (3.7%) were stained with both the anti-F(ab')(2) and anti-Fc reagents. These results were shown to be due to the lack of absolute specificity of the detecting antigen and antibody reagents which can be obtained for use in this system. However, when immunological systems such as hapten-protein conjugates were used, and where completely specific antigen and antibody reagents could be prepared, the results were unequivocal. The individual lymph node cells from rabbits or guinea pigs immunized with hapten-protein conjugates produced antibodies against the hapten or antibodies against the antigenic determinants of the carrier molecule, never antibodies against both specificities.
Twice daily versus four times daily treatment with beclomethasone dipropionate in the control of mild childhood asthma.
Authors: H Williams, E R Jones, J R Sibert
Journal: Thorax (1986)

The effects of controlling childhood asthma of the same daily dose (400 micrograms) of beclomethasone dipropionate, given in two or four equal divided doses from a metered aerosol, were compared in a double blind crossover study. Thirty one children aged 6-14 years completed the study. They had previously been shown to need beclomethasone by showing either symptoms or reduced peak flow when the treatment was withdrawn. They recorded their daytime and night time symptoms on a visual analogue scale and their morning and evening peak expiratory flow (PEF), and recorded their symptomatic use of bronchodilator aerosols. Spirometry was performed at the end of each treatment period. Control of asthma was good on both regimens. There were small differences in both objective and subjective measurements in favour of the four times daily regimen, but none reached statistical significance, apart from patients9 assessment of daytime wheeze (p less than 0.05). In particular, the differences in the results of lung function tests were very small. Compliance was better for morning and evening doses. These results suggest that beclomethasone given as 200 micrograms twice daily is effective in controlling mild childhood asthma. It may be preferable to 100 micrograms four times daily because of better compliance and because it is unnecessary to take medication to school.
(28) Pyoderma gangrenosum treated with azathioprine and prednisolone
Authors: P.J. August, G.C. Wells
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1974)

Journal Article (28) Pyoderma gangrenosum treated with azathioprine and prednisolone Get access P.J. August, P.J. August St Thomas' Hospital, London Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar G.C. Wells G.C. Wells St Thomas' Hospital, London Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 91, Issue s10, 1 July 1974, Pages 80–82, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1974.tb12530.x Published: 01 July 1974
AIDS patients in Pakistan launch fight for better treatment
Authors: Ashfaq Yusufzai
Journal: BMJ (2004)

Patients in Pakistan with HIV or AIDS are trying to raise awareness of the disease and to push for more treatment.

Thirty five year old Amina Bibi, whose husband died from AIDS last year, said that she had taken it as a personal challenge to raise awareness about the disease and remove the stigma associated with it in her country.

According to data provided by the National Aids Control Programme, the total official number of cases is 2141—1897 HIV positive people and 244 with AIDS—since the start of the programme in 1990. “The real figures might increase terribly, if all people were tested for HIV, but the problem is that the people feared to be …
Challenge reactions in atopic dermatitis after percutaneous entry of mite antigen
Authors: A. GONDO, N. SAEKI, Y. TOKUDA
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1986)

We succeeded in reproducing an eczematous lesion on the apparently normal skin of a patient with atopic dermatitis by scratching and continuous application of an ointment containing ferritin-labelled mite antigen. Percutaneous entry of mite antigen was demonstrated in skin biopsies by Fe-staining. Scratched skin first showed an urticarial reaction typical of type I allergy which later changed into an eczematous reaction typical of type IV allergy. This change was also shown histologically.
Vascular structure in lung tissue obtained at biopsy correlated with pulmonary hemodynamic findings after repair of congenital heart defects.
Authors: M Rabinovitch, J F Keane, W I Norwood, A R Castaneda, L Reid
Journal: Circulation (1984)

At the time of surgical repair, a lung biopsy was performed on patients with congenital heart defects who either had pulmonary hypertension or in whom it would be likely to develop if the lesion were not corrected. Pulmonary vascular changes, assessed morphometrically and also according to the classification of Heath and Edwards (Circulation 18: 533, 1958), were correlated with the postoperative pulmonary hemodynamic findings: mean pulmonary arterial pressure the day after correction and mean pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance measured 1 year later. On the first postoperative day, increased mean pulmonary arterial pressure was uncommon in patients with morphometric grade A or B (mild) biopsy findings and Heath-Edwards grade N (normal), and if it was present it was of a mild degree. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure was commonly elevated in those with grade B (severe) or C (mild or severe) and Heath-Edwards grade I biopsy results and was more frequently elevated in those with grade II findings. Moderate-to-severe elevation of mean pulmonary arterial pressure was invariable in patients with Heath-Edwards grade III changes regardless of the morphometric grade. One year after repair, mean pulmonary arterial pressure and/or pulmonary vascular resistance were normal in all patients whose conditions were corrected surgically before 9 months of age regardless of the severity of the pulmonary vascular changes. Values were normal in patients whose conditions were repaired surgically at 9 months of age or later who had grade A or B (mild) morphometric findings with any Heath-Edwards grade or grade B (severe) morphometric findings with Heath-Edwards grade I but were increased in half of the patients with grade B (severe) morphometric findings and Heath-Edwards grade II or with grade C (mild or severe) and Heath-Edwards grade I or II changes. Pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance were increased in all patients whose conditions were repaired after 2 years of age with grade C morphometric findings and to a severe degree if associated with Heath-Edwards grade III. Thus, although the Heath-Edwards grade can usually be used to identify patients at risk for pulmonary hypertension in the early postoperative period, both the morphometric and the Heath-Edwards grades as well as the age of the patient at the time of repair can be used to determine whether pulmonary arterial pressure and resistance eventually return to normal or remain elevated.
Cases of Diphtheria
Authors: N. Crisp
Journal: BMJ (1860)

all these cases vas in some measure different, though their issue was one.In the first case, a mild mercurial course and coanterirritation were practised.In the second to depletive mneasures were adopted, but, on the contrary, a stimulant and a strengthening course was followed, whilst, in the third case, active depletion and a free use of mercury internally and externally, met witlh nio better result than the two other modes
Better coordination is needed in services for older people
Authors: S. Mayor
Journal: BMJ (2003)

Services for older people in England need to be better coordinated to make them easier to access, the National Audit Office has recommended.

In a report published this week, the National Audit Office suggested that, although the government has made progress towards improving services for older people, scope exists for further improvement in coordination, consultation, and the use of evidence in formulating policy.

John Bourn, the comptroller and auditor general, pointed out: “Older people are major users of public services, and many of them find the divisions between service providers confusing. …