tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Airway Inflammation in Mild Intermittent and in Persistent Asthma
Authors: ANTONIO M. VIGNOLA, PASCAL CHANEZ, ALISON M. CAMPBELL, FRANÇOISE SOUQUES, BERNARD LEBEL, INGRID ENANDER, JEAN BOUSQUET
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (1998)

The severity of asthma can be graded from mild intermittent to severe persistent. Airway inflammation is a feature of persistent asthma. We compared several markers of inflammation in mucosal biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL fluid) from 12 healthy control subjects, 24 patients with intermittent asthma, and 18 patients with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma. Epithelial shedding, eosinophil (EG2-positive cells), and activated T-cell (UCHL1) counts in biopsies, and ECP levels in BAL fluids were significantly increased in patients with intermittent asthma by comparison with control subjects and this increase was significantly greater for patients with persistent asthma. Alveolar macrophage activation (percentage of hypodense cells) and the thickness of the basement membrane were significantly increased in asthmatic subjects as compared with controls but there was no difference between the two asthmatic groups. Hyaluronic acid levels in BAL fluids were significantly increased in patients with persistent asthma by comparison with control subjects and patients with intermittent asthma. Mast cell numbers (toluidine blue) in biopsies and histamine or levels in BAL fluids were similar in the three groups. This study shows that airways inflammation is present in patients with intermittent asthma but to a lesser extent than in patients with persistent asthma.
An ecological approach to public health intervention: Ross River virus in Australia.
Authors: P Weinstein
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (1997)

A detailed look at the ecology of a disease can lead to recommendations for public health interventions that are not otherwise obvious. To illustrate this point, this paper discusses the ecology and control of infection with the Australian arbovirus Ross River virus (RRV). The traditional insecticidal approach to mosquito control is recommended when an outbreak of RRV results from the expansion of an area endemic for the disease to include a population of previously unexposed (nonimmune) people. In contrast, if an outbreak results from the expansion of a non-immune population into an endemic area, an insecticidal approach can lead to an increased incidence of the disease. Education about antimosquito measures is more appropriate in the latter situation; the differing applicability of these intervention strategies is highlighted. Both strategies could be more scientifically applied if endemic areas were clearly defined by modeling ecological variables and if intervention were more closely linked to improved surveillance systems. An ecologically based control strategy must be developed for RRV to manage the disease appropriately when faced with its probable ecological changes brought about by global warming, increased rainfall, and demographic change. Key words: arbovirus, ecology, endemic, epidemic, global change, intervention.
Transient elastography vs. blood tests for the diagnosis of cirrhosis: An empiric victory
Authors: Laurent Castera, Victor de Ledinghen, Patrice Couzigou
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2009)

We understand the enthusiasm of Calès et al. [[1]Calès P. Boursier J. Uberti F. Ultrasonographic elastometry vs. blood tests for the diagnosis of cirrhosis: A Pyrrhic victory?.J Hepatol. 2009; 51: 228-229Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (2) Google Scholar] for the test they have developed. However, we decided to compare transient elastography (TE) with better validated scores, i.e., APRI and Fibrotest [2Poynard T. Morra R. Halfon P. Castera L. Ratziu V. Imbert Bismut F. et al.Meta-analyses of Fibrotest diagnostic value in chronic liver disease.BMC Gastroenterol. 2007; 15: 40Crossref Scopus (270) Google Scholar, 3Shaheen A.A. Wan A.F. Myers R.P. FibroTest and FibroScan for the prediction of hepatitis C-related fibrosis: a systematic review of diagnostic test accuracy.Am J Gastroenterol. 2007; 102: 2589-2600Crossref PubMed Scopus (307) Google Scholar], as well as cheaper and routinely used laboratory tests (prothrombin index, platelet count and AST/ALT ratio). Although the performance of the Fibrometer appears to be very good in the hands of its inventors, this score as been poorly evaluated externally and is not yet widely used. As far as the diagnostic target is concerned, the cut-offs used were those recommended for cirrhosis by the manufacturer (Fibrotest) or the authors (APRI and Lok index). We also would like to remind readers that the 90% of patients in whom liver biopsy could have been avoided is the number of correctly classified patients (267 out of 298 [[4]Castéra L. Le Bail B. Roudot-Thoraval F. Bernard P.H. Foucher J. Merrouche W. et al.Early detection in routine clinical practice of cirrhosis and oesophageal varices in chronic hepatitis C: comparison of transient elastography (FibroScan) with standard laboratory tests and non-invasive scores.J Hepatol. 2009; 50: 59-68Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (313) Google Scholar]) using TE (cut-off 12.5 kPa) in intention-to-diagnose analysis. Cales’s discussion of our data is challenging, but their statements are purely speculative and refer to a different patient population. Finally, we fully agree that combining two unrelated methods such as TE and a blood test consistently improves diagnostic accuracy, as we suggested for the first time in 2005 [[5]Castera L. Vergniol J. Foucher J. Le Bail B. Chanteloup E. Haaser M. et al.Prospective comparison of transient elastography, Fibrotest, APRI, and liver biopsy for the assessment of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C.Gastroenterology. 2005; 128: 343-350Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (2050) Google Scholar]. However, given the high performance of TE for the diagnosis of cirrhosis, our strategy seems more cost-effective in clinical practice [[6]Castera L. Transient elastography and other noninvasive tests to assess hepatic fibrosis in patients with viral hepatitis.J Viral Hepat. 2009; 16: 300-314Crossref PubMed Scopus (143) Google Scholar].
Comparative analysis of the therapeutic effects of long‐acting and short‐acting loop diuretics in the treatment of chronic heart failure using <sup>123</sup>I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy
Authors: Shinji Hisatake, Shuji Nanjo, Shinichiro Fujimoto, Shohei Yamashina, Hitomi Yuzawa, Atsushi Namiki, Hajime Nakano, Junichi Yamazaki
Journal: European Journal of Heart Failure (2011)
Reaction to Insect-bites
Authors: P. W. M. Copeman, R. Summerly
Journal: BMJ (1966)

MEDICOURNAL 921generally recognized until they had been in use for several years."In their large series of cases Stokes and Nunn' do not report the effects on carbohydrate metabolism.So far,we have found no mention of unfavourable effects on carbohydrate metabolism in the literature.
Progressive Retropalatal Narrowing Preceding Obstructive Apnea
Authors: MARY J. MORRELL, YASEEN ARABI, BRIAN ZAHN, M. SAFWAN BADR
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (1998)

Pharyngeal occlusion during obstructive apnea is thought to be an inspiratory-related event; however, occlusion also occurs in the absence of negative intrathoracic pressure. We hypothesized that inspiratory-related pharyngeal occlusion would be preceded by significant expiratory narrowing. Eight sleeping patients with obstructive apnea were studied. Pharyngeal caliber, airflow, and esophageal pressure (Pes) were simultaneously monitored during three to four consecutive breaths preceding occlusion (between 3 and 22 events were studied per subject). Relative changes in retropalatal airway cross-sectional area (CSA) were determined from fiberoptic images (five frames per second) normalized to the maximum CSA. During inspiration, CSA was significantly reduced only during the breath immediately preceding the apnea (Group mean CSA ± SEM: 51 ± 8% at the start of inspiration compared with 37 ± 8% at midinspiration). During expiration, for all breaths there was an initial significant increase in CSA compared with the nadir CSA during the preceding inspiration (CSA: breath-3, 57 ± 10% to 79 ± 3%; breath-2, 59 ± 8% to 76 ± 4%; breath-1, 37 ± 8% to 64 ± 8%), followed by a significant narrowing at end-expiration compared with the peak CSA during that expiration (CSA: breath-3, 79 ± 3% to 62 ± 6%; breath-2, 76 ± 4% to 50 ± 10%; breath-1, 64 ± 8% to 36 ± 10%). Occlusion occurred at a pressure significantly less than that generated during the previous unoccluded breath (Pes: breath-1, − 10.8 ± 2.9 cm H2O; occlusion, − 8.2 ± 1.9 cm H2O). These results show that expiratory narrowing produced a significant reduction of CSA at end-expiration prior to obstructive apnea.
Leupeptin Inhibits Ventilator-induced Diaphragm Dysfunction in Rats
Authors: Karen Maes, Dries Testelmans, Scott Powers, Marc Decramer, Ghislaine Gayan-Ramirez
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2007)

Controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) has been shown to result in elevated diaphragmatic proteolysis and atrophy together with diaphragmatic contractile dysfunction.To test whether administration of leupeptin, an inhibitor of lysosomal proteases and calpain, concomitantly with 24 hours of CMV, would protect the diaphragm from the deleterious effects of mechanical ventilation.Rats were assigned to either a control group or 24 hours of CMV; animals in the ventilation group received either a single intramuscular injection of saline or 15 mg/kg of the protease inhibitor, leupeptin.Compared with control animals, mechanical ventilation resulted in a significant reduction of the in vitro diaphragm-specific force production at all stimulation frequencies. Leupeptin completely prevented this reduction in force generation. Atrophy of type IIx/b fibers was present after CMV, but not after treatment with leupeptin. Cathepsin B and calpain activities were significantly higher after CMV compared with the other groups; this was abolished by treatment with leupeptin. Significant inverse correlations were found between diaphragmatic force generation and cathepsin B and calpain activity, and illustrate the deleterious role of proteolysis in diminishing diaphragmatic force production after prolonged CMV.Administration of the protease inhibitor leupeptin concomitantly with mechanical ventilation completely prevented ventilation-induced diaphragmatic contractile dysfunction and atrophy.
Noninvasive Detection of Functional Alterations of the Arterial Wall in IDDM Patients With and Without Microalbuminuria
Authors: Beatrice M Zenere, Guido Arcaro, Francesca Saggiani, Luca Rossi, Michele Muggeo, Alessandro Lechi
Journal: Diabetes Care (1995)

OBJECTIVE To test endothelial function in a group of 10 normoalbuminuric and eight microalbuminuric insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients (ages 28 ± 3 [mean ± SE] and 28 ± 1 years, respectively), in comparison with 16 control subjects (age 35 ± 2 years, normal subjects vs. diabetic subjects P = NS), to identify prestructural abnormalities of the arterial wall. An early stage of vascular involvement seems in fact to be characterized by functional alterations of endothelial control on vascular tone and wall interaction with circulating cells. Furthermore, many recent studies suggest the importance of microalbuminuria as an early marker not only of nephropathy but also of retinopathy and macroangiopathy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Endothelium-mediated flow-dependent vasodilation and endothelium-independent vasodilation (induced by glyceryl trinitrate administration) were evaluated in the right common femoral artery by echo-Doppler ultrasound. Arterial wall distensibility was evaluated at the common femoral artery by an echo-tracking system. RESULTS In spite of a comparable increase in flow velocity, endothelium-mediated vasodilation was significantly reduced in diabetic subjects, particularly in microalbuminuric patients. Endothelium-independent vasodilation was also significantly impaired in diabetic subjects, particularly in microalbuminuric subjects; whereas arterial wall distensibility, an index of the viscoelastic properties of the wall, was similar in the three groups. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm a reduced vasodilatory capacity in diabetes mellitus, with a more marked alteration in microalbuminuric diabetic subjects. This reliable, noninvasive evaluation of arterial function is particularly useful for early diagnosis of vascular involvement.
Relative Efficacy of Indomethacin and Acetylsalicylic Acid in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Robert S. Pinals, Sumner Frank
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1967)

INDOMETHACIN, a new anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug, has been used in the treatment of a great variety of rheumatic disorders. To place a new agent in proper therapeutic perspective, controlled studies must be done to compare it with medications already in use for each disease. To investigate the relative effectiveness of indomethacin and acetylsalicylic acid in patients with rheumatoid arthritis we have performed a double-blind, crossover trial in which both drugs were given for one month, in random order, to each patient. Since it has been suggested that indomethacin be administered initially in small doses to minimize side effects, a . . .
Intussusception following enteroscopy and ileo-colonoscopy in an adult with acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Authors: A. Theodoropoulou, K. Konstantinidis, S. Kteniadakis, G. Tribonias, G. Tzanoudakis, E. Vardas, K. Karmiris, K. Psillakis, E. Zois, E. Tzortzakakis, G. Paspatis
Journal: Endoscopy (2009)

A 19-year-old HIV infected man with advanced immunosuppression (CD4 counts of 140 cells/mL) was admitted to the department of internal medicine 4 months after primary infection, with diarrhea, epigastric pain, dysphagia, and weight loss. He was referred to us for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy which revealed Candida infection of the esophagus. Due to persistent epigastric pain, abdominal computed tomography (CT) was performed which revealed focal wall thickening of a jejunal loop. The patient underwent enteroscopy followed by ileocolonoscopy, both performed easily. Seven hours after the endoscopic procedures, the patient felt abdominal pain. On physical examination, he had localized tenderness in the right lumbar region. A plain abdominal radiograph did not show pneumoperitoneum. As the signs of peritoneal irritation persisted despite conservative management, the patient underwent an emergency abdominal CT which demonstrated a target mass in the right lumbar region ([Fig. 1]). A second, urgent colonoscopy showed a polypoid lesion with a diameter of 5 cm at the cecum with bluish discoloration of the mucosa ([Fig. 2]). On the basis of the CT images and the endoscopic appearance, a diagnosis of intussusception was made.
Impaired Glucose Transport as a Cause of Decreased Insulin-Stimulated Muscle Glycogen Synthesis in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Gary W. Cline, Kitt Falk Petersen, Martin Krssak, Jun Shen, Ripudaman S. Hundal, Zlatko Trajanoski, Silvio Inzucchi, Alan Dresner, Douglas L. Rothman, Gerald I. Shulman
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1999)

Insulin resistance, a major factor in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, is due mostly to decreased stimulation of glycogen synthesis in muscle by insulin. The primary rate-controlling step responsible for the decrease in muscle glycogen synthesis is not known, although hexokinase activity and glucose transport have been implicated.
Cellular and Anatomical Reservoirs of HIV-1 in Patients Receiving Potent Antiretroviral Combination Therapy
Authors: Lewis K. Schrager
Journal: JAMA (1998)

The eradication of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) from infected persons is the ultimate goal of HIV therapeutic interventions. Great strides have been made in developing potent antiretroviral regimens that greatly suppress HIV-1 replication. Despite these therapeutic advances, major obstacles remain to eradicating HIV-1. Reservoirs of HIV-1 have been identified that represent major impediments to eradication. Conceptually, there are 2 types of sanctuaries for HIV-1, cellular and anatomical. Cellular sanctuaries may include latent CD4+ T cells containing integrated HIV-1 provirus; macrophages, which may express HIV-1 for prolonged periods; and follicular dendritic cells, which may hold infectious HIV-1 on their surfaces for indeterminate lengths of time. The key anatomical reservoir for HIV-1 appears to be the central nervous system. An understanding of the nature of HIV within these reservoirs is critical to devising strategies to hasten viral eradication.
Prophylactic human papillomavirus vaccines
Authors: D. R. Lowy
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2006)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection causes virtually all cases of cervical cancer, the second most common cause of death from cancer among women worldwide. This Review examines prophylactic HPV subunit vaccines based on the ability of the viral L1 capsid protein to form virus-like particles (VLPs) that induce high levels of neutralizing antibodies. Following preclinical research by laboratories in the nonprofit sector, Merck and GlaxoSmithKline are developing commercial versions of the vaccine. Both vaccines target HPV16 and HPV18, which account for approximately 70% of cervical cancer. The Merck vaccine also targets HPV6 and HPV11, which account for approximately 90% of external genital warts. The vaccines have an excellent safety profile, are highly immunogenic, and have conferred complete type-specific protection against persistent infection and associated lesions in fully vaccinated women. Unresolved issues include the most critical groups to vaccinate and when the vaccine’s cost may be low enough for widespread implementation in the developing world, where 80% of cervical cancer occurs.
Premature Coronary Artery Disease Associated With a Disruptive Mutation in the Estrogen Receptor Gene in a Man
Authors: Krishnankutty Sudhir, Tony M. Chou, Kanu Chatterjee, Eric P. Smith, Timothy C. Williams, John P. Kane, Mary J. Malloy, Kenneth S. Korach, Gabor M. Rubanyi
Journal: Circulation (1997)

Background While estrogens protect against coronary artery disease in women, it is unclear whether they influence cardiovascular function in men. The present report describes coronary vascular abnormalities and the lipoprotein profile of a male patient with estrogen insensitivity caused by a disruptive mutation in the estrogen-receptor gene. Methods and Results Stress thallium scintigraphy, echocardiography, and electron-beam computed tomography (CT) scanning of the coronary arteries and detailed lipoprotein analysis were performed. Electron-beam CT scanning of the coronary arteries showed calcium in the left anterior descending artery. Lipoprotein analysis showed relatively low levels of total (130 mg/dL), LDL (97 mg/dL), and HDL (34 mg/dL) cholesterol; apolipoprotein A-I (91.7 mg/dL;); and lipoprotein(a) (4.1 nmol/L), but normal levels of triglycerides (97 mg/dL) and pre-β-1-HDL cholesterol (61 μg/mL). Conclusions The absence of functional estrogen receptors may be a novel risk factor for coronary artery disease in men.
Response profiles to fluticasone and montelukast in mild-to-moderate persistent childhood asthma
Authors: Robert S. Zeiger, Stanley J. Szefler, Brenda R. Phillips, Michael Schatz, Fernando D. Martinez, Vernon M. Chinchilli, Robert F. Lemanske, Robert C. Strunk, Gary Larsen, Joseph D. Spahn, Leonard B. Bacharier, Gordon R. Bloomberg, Theresa W. Guilbert, Gregory Heldt, Wayne J. Morgan, Mark H. Moss, Christine A. Sorkness, Lynn M. Taussig
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2005)
C-terminal truncations in human 3′-5′ DNA exonuclease TREX1 cause autosomal dominant retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukodystrophy
Authors: Anna Richards, Arn M J M Van Den Maagdenberg, Joanna C. Jen, David Kavanagh, Paula Bertram, Dirk Spitzer, M. Kathryn Liszewski, Maria Louise Barilla-Labarca, Gisela M. Terwindt, Yumi Kasai, Mike McLellan, Mark Gilbert Grand, Kaate R J Vanmolkot, Boukje De Vries, Jijun Wan, Michael J. Kane, Hafsa Mamsa, Ruth Schäfer, Anine H. Stam, Joost Haan, Paulus T V M De Jong, Caroline W. Storimans, Mary J. Van Schooneveld, Jendo A. Oosterhuis, Andreas Gschwendter, Martin Dichgans, Katya E. Kotschet, Suzanne Hodgkinson, Todd A. Hardy, Martin B. Delatycki, Rula A. Hajj-Ali, Parul H. Kothari, Stanley F. Nelson, Rune R. Frants, Robert W. Baloh, Michel D. Ferrari, John P. Atkinson
Journal: Nature Genetics (2007)
Use of e-cigarettes in UK has tripled in two years, finds survey
Authors: Z. Kmietowicz
Journal: BMJ (2014)

The use of electronic cigarettes in the United Kingdom has tripled in the past two years, with 2.1 million people regularly using the devices in 2014, up from 700 000 in 2012, a survey for the antismoking charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has found.

Nearly two thirds of people who use electronic cigarettes are also smokers of conventional cigarettes, and a third are former smokers. The survey did not distinguish between those who took up vaping to quit smoking and those who turned to it after a period of not smoking.

ASH commissioned the survey from YouGov, which asked 12 269 adults about their smoking and vaping habits in March this year and extrapolated …
Home at last? Early discharge for acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: V. F. Tapson, M. V. Huisman
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2007)

Antithrombotic treatment for acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) should consist of a therapeutic dose of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for ≥5 days, followed by a vitamin K antagonist for ≥3 months. LMWH has simplified the initial management of DVT because it is at least as effective and safe as unfractionated heparin and can be administered in fixed subcutaneous doses without laboratory monitoring 1. These advantages over standard, unfractionated heparin allow the majority of patients with DVT to be treated at home without being admitted to hospital, improve the quality of life and reduce healthcare costs 2, 3. While a recent meta-analysis concluded that LMWH is at least as effective and safe as unfractionated heparin for the initial treatment of nonmassive PE 4, the question of starting treatment for PE in the outpatient setting has been less satisfactorily addressed. While DVT and PE are clearly manifestations of one pathophysiological process, it cannot be assumed that they can always be treated the same. Patients treated for PE appear to be almost four times as likely (1.5 versus 0.4%) to die of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the following year than patients treated for DVT 5. While outpatient PE therapy for carefully selected patients may already be the standard of care 6, for certain experienced physicians, many practitioners are less secure with this approach. Based on data from Davies et al. 7 in the current issue of the European Respiratory Journal , one may move closer to a comfort level.

Previous trials have suggested the feasibility of early discharge or entire outpatient therapy for acute PE, but have had limitations including study size, retrospective data collection and/or lack of randomisation 8–14. Certain large randomised outpatient DVT trials have included PE patients, …