tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Comparison of phenytoin and gold as second line drugs in rheumatoid arthritis.
Authors: I M Richards, S M Fraser, J A Hunter, H A Capell
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1987)

Phenytoin has known immunosuppressive properties, and a recent pilot study has indicated that it may have a second line effect in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To evaluate this role 60 patients with active RA were randomly allocated to receive either oral phenytoin or intramuscular gold. The two treatment groups were comparable at the outset (Mann-Whitney U test). Twenty four patients completed 24 weeks of therapy in each group and no unexpected side effects were encountered. All variables except haemoglobin (Hb) improved significantly in the gold group while in the phenytoin group significant improvement was limited to articular index, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and Hb. Between group comparison (Mann-Whitney) at week 24 showed a significant advantage of gold over phenytoin for pain score and morning stiffness. Thus phenytoin appears to exert a less potent second line effect than gold and is unusual in influencing laboratory indicators of disease activity more than clinical variables. This is likely to limit its usefulness as a second line drug in RA.
BONE SARCOMA REGISTRY OF AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS
Authors: Lauren V. Ackerman
Journal: JAMA (1952)

<h3>To the Editor:—</h3> For over 20 years the American College of Surgeons has maintained the Registry of Bone Sarcoma. This collection of osseous neoplasms was originated by the late Ernest A. Codman of Boston and later was expanded into a comprehensive repository at the college under the direction of the late Bowman C. Crowell. The regents of the college reluctantly have decided that it is no longer feasible to maintain the registry as a function of the college. On the advice of their cancer committee, the regents have instructed that the registry be placed on permanent loan in a teaching institution, where its potential value and further development may be realized to a maximum degree. This communication is an invitation to any interested medical schools or other specialized teaching facilities to submit requests for acquisition of the Registry of Bone Sarcoma. Decision on disposition of the registry to an institution
AN EVALUATION OF HUMAN SERUM ALBUMIN IN THE TREATMENT OF CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER 12
Authors: William W. Faloon, Richard D. Eckhardt, T. Lynch Murphy, Arnold M. Cooper, Charles S. Davidson
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1949)

Results of albumin administration to patients with cirrhosis of the liver Paracenteses necessary* Before During After therapy therapy therapy Period of follow-up since therapy and end result Immediate improvement S. P. 6 days 0 0 0 Free of ascites-11 months.F. F. 5 days 0 0 0 Free of ascites-5 months.S. H. 6 days 0 0 0 Died of bleeding varices 1 week after treat- ment.J. G. 4 days 0 0 0 Recurrence of edema and ascites after 6 weeks.Died in coma 4 months later.Slow improvement G. D. 3 months 2(16) 0 0 Free of ascites-16 months.P. B. 5 weeks 1 0 0 Free of ascites-10 months.J. M. 7 weeks 3(17) 1 0 Moderate ascites not requiring tap-8 months.t A. D. 6 weeks 1 0 0 Recurrence of edema after 6 weeks.Free of ascites-I months.H. H. 8 davs 3(6) 0 -Recurrence of edema and ascites after 6 weeks.Refractory to retreatment.Died of bleed- ing varices during therapy .tDelayed improvement J. S. 6 months 6(15) 4(24) 0 Free of ascites-6 months.M. M. 7A months 4(23) 6(29) 0 Free of ascites-8 months.tImprovement only with low sodium diet E. G. 6 months 2(28) 3(33) 1 Died in coma 2 months later.V. L. 2 months 2(14) 1 -Died of bleeding varices during therapy.C. M. 7 months 2(15) 9(28) _ Still reforming ascites-under treatment.Failure MI. C. 3 months 2(30) 7(15) 4(19) Ascites increased with therapy.Died in coma 3 months later.F. G. 5 days 3(30) 0 0 No apparent early benefit.Died in coma 2A months later.H. G. 3 weeks 4(34) 1 -No apparent benefit.Died of bleeding varices 6 weeks later.N. C. 3 weeks 3(16) 2(7) Died in coma during therapy.R. A. 525 18 days 1 1 Died of epistaxis 48 hours after last albumin.P. W. 4' months 1 6(20) -Died in coma during therapy.Indeterminate C. F.425 12 days 3(33) 1 Pvrogenic reaction comia.Died in coma 8 days later.J. C. 450 7 (lays 1 0 Died during treatment from diphtheria in- fection of abdominal skin.H. K. 9 days 2(15) 0 -Pleural fluid increased with therapy.Left against advice-no follow-up.R. V. 4(90 26 days 0 0 0 Intestinal obstruction during therapy.Died of int.obs. 2 months later.B. B.375 5 days 0 0 0 Improvement possibly spontaneous.Free of ascites-9 months.L. B. 150 2 days 4(30) 0 0 Pulmonary edema with therapy.Spontaneous diuresis.Free of ascites-7 months.J. Q. 225 6 days 0 0 0 Diuresis before therapy begun.Died in coma 2 weeks later.P. M.150 2 days 0 0 -Pulmonary edema with therapy.Died in cardiac failure 1 day later.F. H. 300 12 days 0 0 0 Improvement possibly spontaneous.Free of ascites-2 months.* Average interval (days) between paracenteses given in parenthesis.t Sodium balance studies were done on these patients who received a low sodium diet for short periods of time.584
The Intersexual Disorders
Authors: John W. Huffman
Journal: JAMA (1970)

Intersexed individuals are not common patients even in major pediatric or obstetrical and gynecological institutions. Perhaps a dozen or so a year will be presented on the service of a large pediatric hospital, and fewer than that will be recorded in the yearly records of a large obstetrical or gynecological service. The average physician gives little thought to the tragedy which attends the birth of an infant of uncertain sex until he is brought face to face with such a situation. Then the matter becomes an urgent affair that requires prompt diagnosis and a thoughtfully planned scheme of management. Happily, the last few decades have produced wholly new concepts of the cause of such problems, developed efficient diagnostic tests, and evolved improved methods of treatment. Professor Dewhurst, a distinguished obstetrician and gynecologist, and Dr. Gordon, an eminent pediatrician, have both been concerned with problems of this type for many years.
SEN virus: Response to interferon alfa and influence on the severity and treatment response of coexistent hepatitis C
Authors: Takeji Umemura, Harvey J. Alter, Eiji Tanaka, Koji Orii, Anthony E. T. Yeo, Wai-Kuo J. Shih, Akihiro Matsumoto, Kaname Yoshizawa, Kendo Kiyosawa
Journal: Hepatology (2002)

The SEN virus (SENV) is a recently identified single-stranded, circular DNA virus. A strong association between 2 SENV variants (SENV-D and SENV-H) and transfusion-associated non-A-to-E hepatitis has been reported. To clarify the effect of SENV infection on coexisting chronic hepatitis C and the effect of interferon alfa (IFN-alpha) therapy on SENV replication, SENV DNA was quantitated by polymerase chain reaction in serum samples from 186 patients with chronic hepatitis C. Thirty-nine of 186 (21%) patients with chronic hepatitis C were positive for SENV DNA. There were no differences in the clinical, virologic and histologic features between patients with and without SENV infection. Eighteen of 102 patients with chronic hepatitis C who received IFN-alpha were positive for SENV DNA. The sustained response rate for hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance after IFN-alpha treatment did not differ significantly between patients with SENV (28%) and without SENV infection (39%). SENV DNA levels decreased during therapy in 15 of 16 patients, and 11 of the 16 patients (69%) had a sustained loss of SENV DNA in response to IFN-alpha. In coinfected patients, SENV responses to IFN-alpha were significantly better in those who failed to clear HCV RNA than in those who lost HCV RNA (P =.013). In conclusion, SENV infection was frequently found in patients with chronic hepatitis C. SENV infection had no apparent influence on the severity of HCV-related liver disease or the HCV response to IFN-alpha. SENV was sensitive to IFN-alpha therapy and the majority of patients had a sustained virologic response.
Sperm-related antigens, antibodies, and circulating immune complexes in sera of recently vasectomized men.
Authors: S S Witkin, G Zelikovsky, A M Bongiovanni, N Geller, R A Good, N K Day
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1982)

Sera from 35 men were collected before and at timed intervals subsequent to vasectomy and examined for the presence of (a) antibody reactive with human spermatozoa, (b) sperm-related antigen, and (c) circulating immune complexes (CIC). Fewer than 10% of the men examined were ever positive for antisperm antibodies. However, sperm-related antigens were elevated in the sera of 18, 18, and 26% of the mean at 2 wk, 2 mo, and 4 mo postvasectomy, respectively. CIC were detected in the sera of some vasectomized men by three different assays. The CIC in patients' sera were precipitated with polyethylene glycol, dissociated, and the individual CIC components identified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Most, but not all, of the CIC contained antigen reactive with antisperm immunoglobulin (Ig)G and some also contained complement components C3 and/or Clq. IgA was identified in some of the CIC positive for IgG and sperm antigen and two men had IgM-containing CIC. Analysis of the CIC by sucrose gradient centrifugation revealed them to be heterogeneous in size.
Regulatory T cells suppress muscle inflammation and injury in muscular dystrophy
Authors: S. Armando Villalta, Wendy Rosenthal, Leonel Martinez, Amanjot Kaur, Tim Sparwasser, James G. Tidball, Marta Margeta, Melissa J. Spencer, Jeffrey A. Bluestone
Journal: Science Translational Medicine (2014)

Regulatory T cells ameliorate symptoms of muscular dystrophy by suppressing type 1 inflammatory responses in muscle.
Increased Microerythrocyte Count in Homozygous α+-Thalassaemia Contributes to Protection against Severe Malarial Anaemia
Authors: Freya J. I Fowkes, Stephen J Allen, Angela Allen, Michael P Alpers, David J Weatherall, Karen P Day
Journal: PLoS Medicine (2008)

Background The heritable haemoglobinopathy α+-thalassaemia is caused by the reduced synthesis of α-globin chains that form part of normal adult haemoglobin (Hb). Individuals homozygous for α+-thalassaemia have microcytosis and an increased erythrocyte count. α+-Thalassaemia homozygosity confers considerable protection against severe malaria, including severe malarial anaemia (SMA) (Hb concentration < 50 g/l), but does not influence parasite count. We tested the hypothesis that the erythrocyte indices associated with α+-thalassaemia homozygosity provide a haematological benefit during acute malaria. Methods and Findings Data from children living on the north coast of Papua New Guinea who had participated in a case-control study of the protection afforded by α+-thalassaemia against severe malaria were reanalysed to assess the genotype-specific reduction in erythrocyte count and Hb levels associated with acute malarial disease. We observed a reduction in median erythrocyte count of ∼1.5 × 1012/l in all children with acute falciparum malaria relative to values in community children (p < 0.001). We developed a simple mathematical model of the linear relationship between Hb concentration and erythrocyte count. This model predicted that children homozygous for α+-thalassaemia lose less Hb than children of normal genotype for a reduction in erythrocyte count of >1.1 × 1012/l as a result of the reduced mean cell Hb in homozygous α+-thalassaemia. In addition, children homozygous for α+-thalassaemia require a 10% greater reduction in erythrocyte count than children of normal genotype (p = 0.02) for Hb concentration to fall to 50 g/l, the cutoff for SMA. We estimated that the haematological profile in children homozygous for α+-thalassaemia reduces the risk of SMA during acute malaria compared to children of normal genotype (relative risk 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24–1.12, p = 0.09). Conclusions The increased erythrocyte count and microcytosis in children homozygous for α+-thalassaemia may contribute substantially to their protection against SMA. A lower concentration of Hb per erythrocyte and a larger population of erythrocytes may be a biologically advantageous strategy against the significant reduction in erythrocyte count that occurs during acute infection with the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. This haematological profile may reduce the risk of anaemia by other Plasmodium species, as well as other causes of anaemia. Other host polymorphisms that induce an increased erythrocyte count and microcytosis may confer a similar advantage.
MONOCLONAL MACROGLOBULINEMIA IN NZB/NZW F1 MICE
Authors: Susumu Sugai, Rao Pillarisetty, Norman Talal
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1973)

Serum monoclonal macroglobulins were detected in over 30% of NZB/NZW F(1) mice greater than 11 mo of age. The monoclonal nature of the IgM was shown by restricted electrophoretic mobility, characteristic appearance on immunoelectrophoresis, restriction to a single light chain type, and ability to induce anti-idiotypic antisera. The monoclonal macroglobulins were separated from antibodies to DNA and RNA that migrated in the 7S region of sucrose gradients. Enlarged lymph nodes were often present in mice with monoclonal IgM, and a transplantable IgM-producing lymphoid tumor was established from the spleen of one animal.
Mentally abnormal prisoners on remand
Authors: N. A Fineberg
Journal: BMJ (1988)

in response to hormone deficiency and replace- ment.This is shown by our longitudinal data and those of others.3The menopause is the most important factor in determining bone loss at the femoral neck.4Like Dr Selby and colleagues we do not know whether minor effects seen in cortical bone in the forearm or metacarpal have any relevance to the femoral neck.Their misquotation of a study of osteoporotic women in which no significant effect of calcium on cortical area was found does not add weight to their argument.Nor does Dr Gillespie's misinterpreta- tion of our table II, where negative percentage change values represent bone loss.There are certain times during life when extra calcium intake is required physiologically.These include growth, pregnancy, and lactation; but not the postmenopause.
High prevalence of inherited prothrombotic risk factors in 134 consecutive patients with von Willebrand disease
Authors: Massimo Franchini, Dino Veneri, Giovanni Poli, Franco Manzato, Gian Luca Salvagno, Giuseppe Lippi
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (2006)

We screened 134 consecutive patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) (106 type 1, 26 type 2, and 2 type 3 VWD) for the most important inherited prothrombotic risk factors. One hundred eight patients (80.6%) weree positive for at least one of the prothrombotic risk factors screened for. A high prevalence of prothrombin G20210A (10.5%) and factor V Leiden (11.9%) mutations was found with allele frequencies of 5.2 and 6%, respectively. Three carriers of multiple prothrombotic gene mutations experienced a thrombotic event. Our study suggests that the recent evidence of an association between inherited thrombotic and hemorrhagic disorders also holds true in VWD patients. Am. J. Hematol. 81:465–467, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Discrete Decreased Activity in the Lower Thoracic Spine on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Hunbo Shim, Hyewon Hyun, Chun K. Kim
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (2015)

Purpose We observed that the diaphragmatic motion causing the well-known, so-called banana artifact on PET/CT images may additionally cause decreased FDG activity involving 1 or 2 lower thoracic vertebrae. The aim of this study was (1) to formally evaluate if this observation is indeed true and, if so, (2) to assess its frequency. Patients and Methods One hundred fifty-four PET/CT scans (81 males and 73 females, age 61 ± 13 years) were analyzed. On the coronal CT images, the vertebra above where the hemi-diaphragmatic surfaces abut the vertebral column was defined as the target vertebra (TV). On sagittal PET images, FDG activity in TV was visually and quantitatively assessed. Then, the severity of banana artifact on coronal PET images was graded from 0 to 2: 0 if there was no artifact, 1 if a thin photopenic stripe, and 2 if a thick banana-shaped photopenic artifact in the vicinity of diaphragm. Results Visually decreased activity in TV was present in 0% (0/93), 3% (1/34), and 59% (16/27) of scans graded as 0, 1, and 2, respectively (grade 0 and/or 1 vs. grade 2, P < 0.001). The SUV ratio of TV to reference vertebrae were 0.99 ± 0.14, 0.99 ± 0.15, and 0.84 ± 0.19 in grade 0, 1, and 2 scans, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion Error of attenuation correction from respiratory motion can lead to underestimation of FDG activity in the lower thoracic spine, and this should not be interpreted as possible marrow replacement process requiring further imaging if there is coexisting banana artifact.
Effects of rSP-C Surfactant on Oxygenation and Histology in a Rat-Lung-Lavage Model of Acute Lung Injury
Authors: DIETRICH HÄFNER, PAUL-GEORG GERMANN, DIETER HAUSCHKE
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (1998)

We have tested two surfactant preparations with the same phospholipid (PL) composition, containing recombinant surfactant protein-C (rSP-C surfactant) and without SP-C (plain PL surfactant). The effects of rSP-C surfactant were compared with the bovine-derived surfactant preparations Alveofact, bLES, and Infasurf in a lung lavage model, with surfactant given 1 h after the last lavage. The effects of surfactant treatment on histopathologic changes (e.g., hyaline-membrane formation) and improvement of oxygenation were compared with changes in untreated controls. The surfactants were given in doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg PL/kg body weight. At 120 min after treatment, only the protein-containing surfactants showed a statistically significant increasing dose dependence with respect to improving oxygenation. The values were 318 ± 120 mm Hg, 443 ± 58 mm Hg, and 480 ± 43 mm Hg (mean ± SD) for the three doses of rSP-C surfactant and 105 ± 81 mm Hg, 100 ± 69 mm Hg, and 131 ± 108 mm Hg for the three doses of PL surfactant. The respective values for Alveofact were 104 ± 81 mm Hg, 105 ± 93 mm Hg, and 260 ± 143 mm Hg; for bLES 373 ± 138 mm Hg, 441 ± 88 mm Hg, and 467 ± 43 mm Hg; and for Infasurf 146 ± 96 mm Hg, 284 ± 178 mm Hg, and 436 ± 70 mm Hg. The oxygen values of controls remained low, at 74 ± 46 mm Hg. Only the protein-containing surfactants dose-dependently inhibited the formation of hyaline membranes. We conclude that rSP-C surfactant is at least as effective as bovine-derived surfactants. Furthermore, the data imply that the difference between plain PL surfactant preparations and bovine-derived surfactant preparations containing both SP-B and SP-C can be overcome by addition of SP-C. Häfner D, Germann P-G, Hauschke D. Effects of rSP-C surfactant on oxygenation and histology in a rat-lung-lavage model of acute lung injury.
FOREIGN BODY IN THE UTERUS TWELVE YEARS WITH NO SYMPTOMS
Authors: Isaac Glassman
Journal: JAMA (1923)

A woman, aged 43, German, housewife, who had been married at the age of 16 and had four children, and who had had no previous illness, was referred for roentgen-ray examination of the pelvis by Dr. Otto Maier, Jan. 24, 1923. A stem gold pessary had been inserted into the cervix of the uterus twelve years before; this did not interfere with the usual regular menstrual periods. Five months previous to the roentgen-ray examination the patient began to complain of hot flushes and irregular menses. This she ascribed to the onset of the menopause. There were no other symptoms. In November, 1921, she developed a slight putrid discharge, which cleared up under the usual treatment. The patient had completely forgotten about the pessary, thinking that it might have been lost. A roentgenologic examination with the usual technic for pelvic examination, without previous preparation of the patient, revealed the uterus very
Immunological abnormalities in splenic marginal zone cell lymphoma
Authors: Hirokazu Murakami, Hiroyuki Irisawa, Takayuki Saitoh, Takafumi Matsushima, Jun'ichi Tamura, Morio Sawamura, Masamitsu Karasawa, Yasuo Hosomura, Masaru Kojima
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (1997)

The clinical features of patients with splenic marginal zone cell lymphoma (SMZCL) have rarely been reported. In the present study, immunological abnormalities, particularly hematological abnormalities, observed in SMZCL were described. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune thrombocytopenia, and appearance of lupus anticoagulant were observed in 2 of 3 patients with SMZCL. Other abnormal data including monoclonal gammopathy and cold agglutinin were also observed in 2 of the 3 patients. Immunological abnormalities may be characteristic complications in patients with SMZCL and must be followed carefully, since they may be a reliable marker of this type of lymphoma activity. Am. J. Hematol. 56:173–178, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Immunotherapy and Asthma
Authors: Robert M. Bogin
Journal: JAMA (1989)

To the Editor. —  The article by Ratto et al 1 addresses the important issue of cost-effective use of corticosteroids in asthmatic patients. The improvement in airflow in both the orally and intravenously administered methylprednisolone groups is impressive. Their study does, however, raise several issues.  First, should every patient requiring treatment for acute bronchoconstriction receive oral medications? Although the patients in this study were acutely ill, as judged by the forced expiratory volume in 1 second percent predicted, all responded dramatically within 18 hours. If a patient with status asthmaticus should present in a shocklike state, perfusion of peripheral vascular beds, including the gastrointestinal tract, may be altered. 2 Absorption of orally administered medications would therefore be expected to be abnormally low, and intravenous drug administration might be expected to be more effective.  Second, what was the inciting event causing the bronchoconstriction? If a bacterial bronchitis was involved in the
Timing of ileocolonic resection for symptomatic Crohn's disease--the patient's view.
Authors: N A Scott, L E Hughes
Journal: Gut (1994)

Eighty patients were asked if they would have preferred their ileocolonic resection and anastomosis for Crohn9s disease, to have been carried out sooner, later or at the same time as it was done. Seventy of the patients replied (88%). No patient would have preferred their operation to have been later, while 74% thought it should have been earlier. A preferred operation time was given for 69 resections, between 0 months--that is, at the same time--and 15 years earlier. The median preferred operation time was 12 months earlier (95% confidence intervals 18 months earlier to 7 months earlier). The remaining 18 patients were satisfied with the timing of their operation. Reasons given for earlier surgery in 58 resections included the severity of Crohn9s symptoms preoperatively (97%), the ability to eat normally after resection (86%), feeling of well being after the resection (62%), and abolishing the need for drugs (43%). Patients preferring an earlier operation time were less likely to have had a previous resection (13/58) than patients in the 9same time9 group (10/21, chi 2 = 4.746; p &lt; 0.05).