tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Incidence of disorders of spermatogenesis in middle aged Finnish men, 1981-91: two necropsy series
Authors: J. Pajarinen, P. Laippala, A. Penttila, P. J Karhunen
Journal: BMJ (1997)

<h3>Abstract</h3> <i>Objective:</i> To investigate if the incidence of disorders of spermatogenesis and testicular tissue morphology have changed in middle aged Finnish men over 10 years. <i>Design:</i> Two necropsy series completed in 1981 and in 1991. <i>Setting:</i> Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland. <i>Subjects:</i> 528 men, aged 35 to 69 years, subjected to medicolegal necropsy. <i>Main outcome measures:</i> Scoring of spermatogenesis and morphometric analysis of testicular tissue components. Individual risk factors for testicular disorders obtained by postmortem blind interviews with acquaintances. <i>Results:</i> Normal spermatogenesis was found in 41.7% of the men (mean age 53.1 years). Between 1981 and 1991, the ratio of normal spermatogenesis decreased significantly (odds ratio 3.5; 95% confidence interval 2.5 to 5.1) from 56.4% to 26.9%, with a parallel increase in the incidence of partial and complete spermatogenic arrest (2.1; 1.4 to 2.9 and 2.9; 1.7 to 5.0, respectively). During this period, the size of seminiferous tubules decreased, the amount of fibrotic tissue increased, and the weight of testicles decreased significantly. Alterations in testicular characteristics over time could not be explained by changes in body mass index, smoking, alcohol drinking, or exposure to drugs. <i>Conclusions:</i> The incidence of normal spermatogenesis decreased among middle aged Finnish men from 1981 to 1991, and the incidence of disorders of spermatogenesis and pathological alterations in testicles increased. Deteriorating spermatogenesis may thus be one important factor in the explanation of declining sperm counts observed worldwide. <h3>Key messages</h3> Several recent reports have suggested a significant decrease in human sperm counts over the past few decades We used middle aged subjects, with no biasing selection as regards fertility or status of spermatogenesis, to evaluate changes in the incidences of disorders of spermatogenesis from 1981 to 1991 Normal spermatogenesis was observed significantly less often in the 1991 series than in 1981, whereas the incidences of disorders of spermatogenesis increased significantly during that time Changes in the status of spermatogenesis coexisted with decreased testicular weight, smaller seminiferous tubules, and increased fibrosis of testicular tissue Alterations in spermatogenesis could not be explained by a change in individual risk factors between the series, such as smoking, drinking, or use of medication, thus challenging further research to illuminate specific reasons for deteriorating spermatogenesis and declining sperm counts
Link between magnetic fields and leukaemia is weak
Authors: D. Spurgeon
Journal: BMJ (1999)

A Canadian study has shown higher rates of leukaemia among children who were exposed at an early age to electromagnetic fields in their homes than among those less exposed.But it does not show that these fields cause cancer, and a separate, US study concludes independently that the evidence for a causal relation is weak.The Canadian study, carried out by researchers at the University of Toronto and the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, with partial funding from the Ontario Hydro Services Company and the Canadian Electrical Association, was reported in two separate papers in the International
Impact of a Major Disaster on the Mental Health of a Well-Studied Cohort
Authors: David M. Fergusson, L. John Horwood, Joseph M. Boden, Roger T. Mulder
Journal: JAMA Psychiatry (2014)

There has been growing research into the mental health consequences of major disasters. Few studies have controlled for prospectively assessed mental health. This article describes a natural experiment in which 57% of a well-studied birth cohort was exposed to a major natural disaster (the Canterbury, New Zealand, earthquakes in 2010-2011), with the remainder living outside of the earthquake area.To examine the relationships between the extent of earthquake exposure and mental health outcomes following the earthquakes-net of adjustment for potentially confounding factors related to personal circumstances, prior mental health, and childhood family background.Data were gathered from the Christchurch Health and Development Study, a 35-year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of New Zealand children (635 males and 630 females). This general community sample included 952 participants with available data on earthquake exposure and mental health outcomes at age 35 years.A composite measure of exposure to the events during and subsequent to the 4 major (Richter Scale >6.0) Canterbury earthquakes during the years 2010-2011.DSM-IV symptom criteria for major depression; posttraumatic stress disorder; anxiety disorder; suicidal ideation/attempt; nicotine dependence; alcohol abuse/dependence; and illicit drug abuse/dependence. Outcomes were measured approximately 20 to 24 months after the onset of exposure to the earthquakes and were assessed using DSM-IV diagnostic criteria and measures of subclinical symptoms.After covariate adjustment, cohort members with high levels of exposure to the earthquakes had rates of mental disorder that were 1.4 (95% CI, 1.1-1.7) times higher than those of cohort members not exposed. This increase was due to increases in the rates of major depression; posttraumatic stress disorder; other anxiety disorders; and nicotine dependence. Similar results were found using a measure of subclinical symptoms (incidence rate ratio, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.6). Estimates of attributable fraction suggested that exposure to the Canterbury earthquakes accounted for 10.8% to 13.3% of the overall rate of mental disorder in the cohort at age 35 years.Following extensive control for prospectively measured confounding factors, exposure to the Canterbury earthquakes was associated with a small to moderate increase in the risk for common mental health problems.
Esophageal tuberculosis in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome: a rare presentation
Authors: G. Castro, J. Módena, J. Figueiredo, R. Martinez
Journal: Endoscopy (2006)

Esophageal tuberculosis is rare and is usually secondary to infection of adjacent anatomical sites, such as the lungs [1] or mediastinal lymph nodes [1] [2]; it has occasionally been reported as a single lesion [3]. There have been a few reports in the literature of esophageal tuberculosis in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) [4] [5]. We report a case of histologically proved esophageal tuberculosis occurring in an AIDS patient, where this was the only manifestation of tuberculosis. We obtained written informed consent from the patient to present the case.
Daclizumab improves asthma control in patients with refractory asthma
Authors: H.S. Nelson, W.W. Busse, E. Israel, J.W. Baker, B.L. Charous, K.T. Kim, G.N. Gross, J. Corren, D. Young, R.S. Shames
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2005)

RATIONALE: Daclizumab (Zenapax®), a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the IL-2 receptor α chain (CD25), is approved for prevention of renal allograft rejection. We recently reported that daclizumab improved asthma control in a phase II trial of 115 patients with moderate to severe chronic persistent asthma (JACI, 2004, 113(2):S286). We now report additional data in a subset of refractory asthma patients defined by inhaled steroid requirements, rescue medication use and subnormal lung function (AJRCCM, 2000, 162:2341-51). METHODS: Non-smoking asthmatics age 18-70 with baseline FEV1 50-80% predicted despite use of ≥1200 mcg daily inhaled triamcinolone (TAA) or equivalent were enrolled in a randomized, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients were randomized (3:1) to daclizumab (2 mg/kg i.v. loading followed by 1 mg/kg i.v. every 2 weeks) or placebo added to stable dose TAA. Starting at week 12, patients underwent 25% reduction of TAA every 2 weeks while continuing study drug to week 20. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients met the definition of refractory asthma. During the 12-week steroid stable phase, daclizumab-treated patients demonstrated increased FEV1 (+8.5% vs. -9.6%, p=0.01), increased asthma free days (15% vs. 0%, p=0.02) and increased evening peak flow rates (PEF) (+15.7 L/min vs. -13.5 L/min, p=0.03) compared to placebo-treated patients. Although the differences were not significant, fewer daclizumab patients reported severe exacerbations by week 12 compared to placebo patients (10% vs. 33.3%). Non-significant reductions in asthma symptoms, rescue medication use and increases in a.m. PEF were observed in daclizumab-treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Daclizumab significantly improves asthma control in a subset of patients with refractory asthma.
Macrophage Expression of Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor-α Reduces Atherosclerosis in Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor–Deficient Mice
Authors: Vladimir R. Babaev, Hiroyuki Ishiguro, Lei Ding, Patricia G. Yancey, Dwayne E. Dove, William J. Kovacs, Clay F. Semenkovich, Sergio Fazio, MacRae F. Linton
Journal: Circulation (2007)

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha) plays important roles in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. PPARalpha ligands have been shown to reduce cardiovascular events in high-risk subjects. PPARalpha expression by arterial cells, including macrophages, may exert local antiatherogenic effects independent of plasma lipid changes.To examine the contribution of PPARalpha expression by bone marrow-derived cells in atherosclerosis, male and female low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (LDLR(-/-)) mice were reconstituted with bone marrow from PPARalpha(-/-) or PPARalpha(+/+) mice and challenged with a high-fat diet. Although serum lipids and lipoprotein profiles did not differ between the groups, the size of atherosclerotic lesions in the distal aorta of male and female PPARalpha(-/-) --> LDLR(-/-) mice was significantly increased (44% and 46%, respectively) compared with controls. Male PPARalpha(-/-) --> LDLR(-/-) mice also had larger (44%) atherosclerotic lesions in the proximal aorta than male PPARalpha(+/+) --> LDLR(-/-) mice. Peritoneal macrophages from PPARalpha(-/-) mice had increased uptake of oxidized LDL and decreased cholesterol efflux. PPARalpha(-/-) macrophages had lower levels of scavenger receptor B type I and ABCA1 protein expression and an accelerated response of nuclear factor-kappaB-regulated inflammatory genes. A laser capture microdissection analysis verified suppressed scavenger receptor B type I and increased nuclear factor-kappaB gene expression levels in vivo in atherosclerotic lesions of PPARalpha(-/-) --> LDLR(-/-) mice compared with the lesions of control PPARalpha(+/+) --> LDLR(-/-) mice.These data demonstrate that PPARalpha expression by macrophages has antiatherogenic effects via modulation of cell cholesterol trafficking and inflammatory activity.
Great Adventures in Medicine
Authors: John H. Raach
Journal: JAMA (1962)

The first edition of this book appeared 10 years ago. The present edition has an added section devoted to contemporary medicine wherein are included discussions of what appear to be discoveries of the first magnitude: "Influenza" by F. M. Burnett; "Chemotherapy" by Alexander Fleming; and "The Transplantation of the Kidney" by John P. Merrill, to mention a few. Many of the papers and discussions which were included in the first edition have, of necessity, been eliminated from this edition in order to present current theories and recent discoveries. As a source book for the layman of some of the most significant contributions to medicine, this edition is excellent. Each of the 6 sections is introduced by a synopsis which summarizes the main events of that special period and explains briefly why the various items in that section were chosen. For the beginner in medical history, this book is a must.
The Added Benefit of a Dedicated Neck F-18 FDG PET-CT Imaging Protocol in Patients With Suspected Recurrent Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Jonathan M. Davison, Derek J. Stocker, Jaime L. Montilla-Soler, Jennifer S. Jurgens, Thomas W. Allen, Timothy S. Holley, Aaron L. Stack
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (2008)

Purpose: To retrospectively analyze whether adding a delayed high-resolution dedicated neck F-18 FDG positron emission tomography-computerized tomographic (PET-CT) imaging protocol in patients with recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer increases the number of abnormal foci within the neck. Materials and Methods: Seventeen PET-CT studies from a total of 10 patients with suspected recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer between March 2003 and June 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. Each study included a whole body acquisition (WBA), followed by higher resolution dedicated neck acquisition (DNA). Two board-certified nuclear medicine physicians reviewed either the DNA or WBA for each study and recorded the number of abnormal foci, along with presence or absence of a soft tissue abnormality, and maximum standardized uptake value for each foci. Consensus review was used for all discrepancies. Statistical analysis was performed to determine whether there was a statistically significant increase in the number of studies demonstrating new abnormal foci with the addition of a DNA. Results: Five of 17 studies demonstrated an increase in the number of abnormal foci with the addition of the DNA (P < 0.04). A total of 8 abnormal foci were noted on the WBA, 4 of which were within the neck. Eleven additional abnormal foci were seen on the DNA. All abnormal foci within the neck had corresponding soft tissue abnormalities except for one. Conclusion: Adding a higher resolution delayed DNA to the WBA for patients undergoing PET-CT imaging to detect recurrent thyroid cancer increases the number of abnormal sites of FDG accumulation.
Rapid Reversal of Bone Scan Abnormalities in a Patient With Type 1 Primary Hyperoxaluria and Oxalosis
Authors: GENE R. SOLMOS, AMJAD ALI, ROGER A. RODBY, ERNEST W. FORDHAM
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (1994)

Serial bone scanning was performed on a 23-year-old man with type 1 primary hyperoxaluria, renal failure, oxalosis, and cardiac failure. The initial bone scan (6/22/90) demonstrated diffuse increased uptake in the axial and peripheral skeleton, heart, and the soft tissues of the lower extremities. A combined liver and kidney transplant was successfully performed with subsequent resolution of the oxalosis, renal failure, and cardiac failure. A follow-up bone scan (9/24/90) demonstrated resolution of abnormal heart and soft tissue uptake, as well as decreased uptake in the long bones. This case demonstrates that bone scanning may be a useful tool in the management of patients with oxalosis. The scintigraphic findings closely paralleled the clinical response to treatment of the disease and suggested decreased total body stores of calcium oxalate.
"Field force" to oversee commissioning will comprise more than 2000 people, leaked report shows
Authors: N. Hawkes
Journal: BMJ (2011)

The NHS Commissioning Board will employ 3500 people and spend £20bn (€23bn; $32bn) a year commissioning services, including specialised and primary care, a leaked document says. It may take the title NHS England.

The document, marked “Confidential Draft—not for circulation,” describes the structure and function of the board. Because the board itself will have a board, confusion seems likely unless it adopts a different name, the document says. The clinical commissioning groups have been told that “NHS” must form part of their names, so the foreword to the document, written by the NHS’s chief executive, David Nicholson, suggests that, on this rationale, the commissioning board might be NHS England.

This suggestion is followed by …
Human T cell leukemia/lymphoma virus I infection and subsequent cloning of normal human B cells. Direct responsiveness of cloned cells to recombinant interleukin 2 by differentiation in the absence of enhanced proliferation.
Authors: S Tomita, J L Ambrus, D J Volkman, D L Longo, H Mitsuya, M S Reitz, A S Fauci
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1985)

A human T cell leukemia/lymphoma virus (HTLV)-I-infected B cell clone expressed Tac antigen on its cell surface and responded to recombinant interleukin 2 (IL-2) by increased production of IgM without any increase in proliferation. Anti-Tac antibody completely inhibited the IL-2-induced differentiation of this HTLV-I-infected B cell clone. This study demonstrates that HTLV-I can directly infect normal mature human B cells, and that the Tac antigen, which may be induced by infection with HTLV-I, is the functional receptor for IL-2-induced B cell differentiation. The availability of such cell lines and clones should provide useful tools to delineate precisely the differentiation step in the human B cell cycle.
Abstract LB-283: JX-594, a targeted multi-mechanistic oncolytic poxvirus, selectively infects tumor vasculature and causes acute tumor vascular disruption and necrosis in advanced cancer patients
Authors: Caroline Breitbach, Rozanne Arulanandam, Richard Patt, Naomi De Silva, Kelley Parato, Manijeh Daneshmand, Theresa Hickman, John C. Bell, David H. Kirn
Journal: Cancer Research (2011)

Abstract JX-594 is a first-in-class targeted oncolytic poxvirus designed to selectively replicate in and destroy cancer cells with cell cycle abnormalities and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/ras pathway activation. Direct oncolysis plus granulocyte macrophage -colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) expression also stimulates anti-tumoral immunity. JX-594 infection was evaluated in vitro on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and by immunohistochemical analysis in tumor biopsies from JX-594 treated (intravenous administration) patients with advanced, treatment-refractory solid tumors. JX-594 associated changes in tumor perfusion were also assessed in patients by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (dce-MRI; at baseline and Day 5 after intratumoral JX-594 administration). In vitro susceptibility of HUVECs to JX-594 infection was shown to be dependent on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulation. Furthermore, JX-594 was capable of infecting tumor-associated endothelial cells after intravenous infusion in patients with advanced solid tumors. No clinical evidence of normal vasculature infection or toxicity was noted. Tumor perfusion was significantly decreased within 5 days post JX-594 treatment, including in hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer metastases. Perfusion was markedly reduced in both directly injected and distant non-injected tumors. Choi (necrotic) responses at later timepoints were demonstrated. In addition to targeting cancers by direct infection and lysis of tumor cells, JX-594 is capable of directly infecting VEGF-stimulated/tumor-associated endothelial cells. By targeting tumor-associated vasculature, JX-594 acutely disrupts the tumor's blood supply leading to tumor destruction. Targeted oncolytic poxviruses such as JX-594 represent a novel and highly selective class of vascular disrupting agents. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-283. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-LB-283
Anaphylaxis after Injection of Tetanus Toxoid
Authors: A. A. Cunningham
Journal: BMJ (1940)

Heart-block and Coronary Thrombosis Heart-block produces a well-defined clinical picture.Following trauma it may be considered to be proof of a deep-seated contusion.The most convincing cases are those in which it has been temporary.Coffen (1930) has recorded an example in a child and Warburg (1938) has collected others.Kissane (1937) has produced heart-block in dogs experimentally from a blow over the heart.Warburg (1939) writes: "Traumatic auriCulo-ventricular block is not excessively rare."Last year I obtained a clinical history very suggestive of this condition in a hos- pital sister who fractured her sternum.The accident took place abroad, and the opportunity of proving the case was therefore lost.Typical coronary thrombosis proved by the electrocardiogram may come on a short time after a well-defined chest injury (Beck, 1935).Warburg (1939) has collected seven recorded cases of trau-matic coronary thrombosis.A myocardial bruise or partial rup- ture may involve a coronary artery, particularly if it be already diseased.This exceptional accident is within the possibilities of clinical medicine.Angina Pectoris, Auricular Fibrillation, or Valve Rupture Clinical pictures typical of these well-defined conditions may follow a blow over the chest.Sometimes there is proof that the myocardium has been injured (Beck, 1935; Kissane, 1937; Warburg, 1938; Barber and Osborn, 1937).A discussion of these conditions would extend the scope of these notes, and the same applies to traumatic pericarditis.NumerouLs cases are cited in the literature comprised in the references below.Some degree of angina of effort is so common in cases of myocardial contusion that it may be regarded as one of the symp- toms.It is possible, however, that a genuine angina syndrome may develop after a chest injury in the absence of definite anatomical changes.Summary The clinical and pathological evidence in relation to m!o- cardial -contusion is discussed.The varying clinical pictures are described.The judicious assessment of the clinical history and the clinical features is the most important guide in diagnosis.
P599 ACYL-COENZYME A:CHOLESTEROL ACYLTRANSFERASE 1 DEFICIENCY EXAGGERATES LIVER FIBROSIS THROUGH ENHANCED FREE CHOLESTEROL ACCUMULATION IN HEPATIC STELLATE CELLS
Authors: K. Tomita, T. Teratani, T. Suzuki, M. Shimizu, H. Sato, K. Narimatsu, S. Usui, A. Kimura, K. Nishiyama, T. Maejima, Y. Okada, C. Kurihara, K. Shimamura, H. Ebinuma, H. Saito, H. Yokoyama, C. Watanabe, S. Komoto, S. Nagao, K. Sugiyama, S. Aozasa, K. Hatsuse, J. Yamamoto, T. Hibi, S. Miura, R. Hokari, T. Kanai
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2014)