tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Prophyria cutanea tarda and hepatitis C and B viruses infection: A retrospective study
Authors: Sonia Navas, Orencio Bosch, Inmaculada Castillo, Eduardo Marriott, Vicente Carreño
Journal: Hepatology (1995)

Based on the knowledge that patients with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) usually have chronic liver disease, several authors studied a possible relationship to hepatotropic virus infections. However, the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in serum of these patients, as well as the presence of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA in paired liver, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and serum samples in these patients has not been reported. We have studied 34 patients with sporadic PCT. Antibodies against HBV were detected in 91% of the patients, but in only 41% of the patients against HBV (P < .01). Viral genomes of HCV and HBV were detected in 65% and 40% of our patients, respectively (P < .05). Genomic and antigenomic HCV strands were found in liver biopsy specimens (100% and 54%), mononuclear cells (100% and 54%), and serum (45% and 0%) from 11 patients. Twelve patients were retrospectively studied, and no correlation was observed between the appearance or disappearance of viral genomes and the simultaneous presence of both genomes with the course of porphyria. In our patients with PCT, detection of viral genomes did not correlate with phlebotomy or length of time since PCT was diagnosed. Our findings demonstrate that HCV infection may be underestimated when detection is performed only in serum of PCT patients, and that HBV infection might also be increased in PCT.
Leptin accelerates the onset of puberty in normal female mice.
Authors: R S Ahima, J Dushay, S N Flier, D Prabakaran, J S Flier
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1997)

The fat-derived hormone, leptin, is proposed to serve as an adipostatic signal to the brain to reduce food intake and body weight. In addition to its effects on body weight, chronic leptin treatment restores puberty and fertility to ob/ob mice with total leptin deficiency, and acute treatment substantially corrects hypogonadism in mice starved for 2 d without affecting body weight. Leptin may therefore be a critical signal, linking adiposity and reproduction. Since body weight and adiposity appear to play a critical role in the timing of puberty in humans and rodents, and leptin levels rise with increasing adiposity, we studied the effects of once daily injections of recombinant leptin on the onset of puberty in female mice weaned on day 21 and fed ad libitum. There was a linear increase in body weight during the study period, which was not altered by the dose of leptin used. Mice injected with leptin had an earlier onset of three classic pubertal parameters (i.e., vaginal opening, estrus, and cycling) compared with saline-injected controls. Leptin is the first peripheral molecule demonstrated to accelerate the maturation of the reproductive axis in normal rodents. We propose that leptin is the signal that informs the brain that energy stores are sufficient to support the high energy demands of reproduction, and may be a major determinant of the timing of puberty.
H-V Intervals in Left Bundle-Branch Block
Authors: KENNETH M. ROSEN, ALI EHSANI, SHAHBUDIN H. RAHIMTOOLA
Journal: Circulation (1972)

H-V interval in left bundle-branch block (LBBB) reflects conduction time in the His bundle and right bundle branch. H-V intervals were measured in 57 patients with LBBB, allowing definition of three groups of patients. Group A consisted of 14 patients with normal H-V (less than 50 msec), group B consisted of 21 patients with intermediate H-V (50-60 msec), and group C consisted of 22 patients with prolonged H-V (greater than 60 msec). Arteriosclerotic heart disease (ASHD) was most frequent in group A ( P &lt; 0.02), while hypertension was most frequent in group C ( P &lt; 0.15). Mean P-R interval ± sem was 0.172 ± 0.013 sec in group A, 0.185 ± 0.007 sec in group B, and 0.225 ± 0.014 sec in group C ( P &lt; 0.05). Mean QRS duration was 0.138 ± 0.004 sec in group A, 0.144 ± 0.004 sec in group B, and 0.157 ± 0.003 sec in group C ( P &lt; 0.01). Mean frontal axis was –8° ± 12° in group A, –16° ± 12° in group B, and –28° ± 8° in group C ( ns ). The frequent association of LBBB, normal H-V, and ASHD suggested the presence of isolated ischemic disease of the left bundle branch. In contrast, the frequent association of LBBB, prolonged H-V, and absence of ASHD was suggestive of sclerodegenerative bilateral bundle-branch disease. In a patient with LBBB, the occurrence of both first-degree A-V block and a QRS duration of 0.16 sec or greater strongly suggested the likelihood of H-V prolongation.
Effect of repeated intracoronary injection of bone marrow cells in patients with ischaemic heart failure☆ The Danish Stem Cell study—Congestive Heart Failure trial (DanCell‐CHF)
Authors: Axel C.P. Diederichsen, Jacob E. Møller, Per Thayssen, Anders B. Junker, Lars Videbæk, Susanne G. Sækmose, Torben Barington, Malthe Kristiansen, Moustapha Kassem
Journal: European Journal of Heart Failure (2008)
Pretranslational regulation of the synthesis of the third component of complement in human mononuclear phagocytes by the lipid A portion of lipopolysaccharide.
Authors: R C Strunk, A S Whitehead, F S Cole
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1985)

The third component of complement (C3) is a plasma glycoprotein with a variety of biologic functions in the initiation and maintenance of host response to infectious agents. While the hepatocyte is the primary source of plasma C3, mononuclear phagocytes contribute to the regulation of tissue availability of C3. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a constituent of cell walls of gram-negative bacteria, consists of a polysaccharide moiety (core polysaccharide and O antigen) covalently linked to a lipid portion (lipid A). Using metabolic labeling with [35S]methionine, immunoprecipitation, and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, we examined the effects of LPS on synthesis of C3 by human mononuclear phagocytes as well as synthesis of the second component of complement (C2), factor B, lysozyme, and total protein. LPS increased C3 synthesis 5-30-fold without affecting the kinetics of secretion of C3 or the synthesis of C2, lysozyme, or total protein. Factor B synthesis was consistently increased by LPS. Experiments with lipid A-inactivated LPS (alkaline treated), LPS from a polysaccharide mutant strain, and lipid X (a lipid A precursor) indicated that the lipid A portion is the structural element required for this effect. Northern blot analysis demonstrated at least a fivefold increase in C3 mRNA in LPS-treated monolayers, which suggests that the regulation of the increase in C3 synthesis is pretranslational. C2 mRNA and factor B mRNA were increased approximately twofold. The availability of specific gene products in human mononuclear phagocytes that respond to LPS should permit understanding of the molecular regulation of more complex functions of these cells elicited by LPS in which multiple gene products are coordinately expressed.
Abstract IA04: ATRX mutations in human carcinogenesis
Authors: Nickolas E. Papadopoulos
Journal: Cancer Research (2013)

Abstract The recent years, genome-wide analyses identified the genetic landscapes of many different tumor types. One of the most frequent class of genes found to be mutated were genes whose products regulate epigenetic mechanisms, like chromatin modification and remodeling, providing a link between genetic alterations and epigenetic changes in cancer. One of these genes is ATRX. This gene has been studied in the context of alpha thalassemia-mental retardation X-linked syndrome. In human sporadic solid tumors, it was first shown to be mutated in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs). Approximately, 50% of PanNETs had mutations in either ATRX or DAXX. The proteins of these two genes form a complex that deposits H3.3 at heterochromatin and telomeres. ATRX, but not DAXX, has also been found to be mutated in certain types of central nervous system tumors. The prevalence of mutations in ATRX is different for the different types of gliomas. It is mutated more frequently in astrocytomas and oligoastrocytomas, but rarely in primary glioblastomas. Recently, we identified mutations in the promoter of TERT in the same set of glioma samples. TERT mutations were more prevalent in primary glioblastomas and oligodendrogliomas. Overall, mutations in ATRX and TERT were mutually exclusive, suggesting that these two genetic mechanisms result in equivalent growth advantages. Mutations in ATRX have almost perfect correlation with Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) phenotype in PanNETs, CNS tumors and other cases with ATRX mutations, thus, TERT activation and ALT phenotype are mutually exclusive. This has implications for understanding the relationship between telomeres and tumorigenesis. These studies, in addition to providing clues about the underlying genetic changes that drive tumorigenesis, they also have clinical implications. Mutations in ATRX or DAXX in PanNETs associate with better prognosis. Mutations of ATRX and TERT aid in the classification and prognostication of brain tumors. Further understanding of the role of ATRX in tumorigenesis should help in uncovering new ways for therapeutic targeting of tumors with mutations in this gene. Citation Format: Nickolas E. Papadopoulos. ATRX mutations in human carcinogenesis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Chromatin and Epigenetics in Cancer; Jun 19-22, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(13 Suppl):Abstract nr IA04.
487 Interleukin-1-beta gene polymorphism is associated with sustained response to anti-viral treatment in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: H.L.Y. Chan, A.M.L. Tse, M.D. Zhan, V.W.S. Wong, A.M.L. Chim, A.Y. Hui, J.J.Y. Sung
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2006)
An increase in myocardial -adrenoceptors to compensate for postischaemic dysfunction following coronary micro-embolisation in dogs
Authors: M. HORI, Y. KORETSUNE, T. KAGIYA, Y. WATANABE, K. IWAKURA, K. IWAI, A. KITABATAKE, H. YOSHIDA, M. INOUE, T. KAMADA
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (1989)

This study examined whether β-adrenoceptors increase in number during recovery from prolonged myocardial stunning and whether they compensate for lack of physiological response to β-adrenergic stimulation in this abnormality. The left coronary artery was embolised in anaesthetised dogs with non-labelled microspheres (15 ± 1 μm; 1.2 × 106·kg−1 body weight). Haemodynamic studies were performed before (control) and 24 h and 1 week after embolisation, in the conscious state. Myocardial noradrenaline content, plasma catecholamine concentrations and the density of β-adrenoceptors (Bmax) were also assessed at three study intervals. At 24 h after embolisation, both systolic and diastolic cardiac function was significantly depressed. The inotropic response to isoprenaline was preserved, but the response to forskolin was markedly depressed. One week after embolisation, resting systolic function was restored to control levels and histological examination showed absence of myocardial necrosis. Although plasma noradrenaline concentration had returned to normal, myocardial noradrenaline content had decreased by 36% and the density of β-adrenoceptors had increased by 48%. Myocardial relaxation was still impaired and the inotropic response to forskolin was also still depressed, whereas the response to isoprenaline was normal. Moreover, the down regulation of the increased β-adrenoceptors by isoprenaline infusion for 24 h unmasked the latent systolic dysfunction. These results indicate that the density of β-adrenoceptors increases during the recovery process from prolonged myocardial stunning and that this increase may compensate, at least in part, for impairment of the inotropic mechanism distal to the β-adrenoceptors.
Treatment of Breast Cancer with Medroxyprogesterone Acetate
Authors: FRANCO M. MUGGIA
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1968)

Thirty-four postmenopausal women and two men disseminated breast cancer were treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic steroid with potent and specific progestational activity. Seven women demonstrated objective tumor regression. The mean duration of the response was 12 months. Tumor regression occurred in an additional five patients when the medroxyprogesterone acetate was combined with estrogens. A long "free interval" (from initial therapy to the appearance of distant metastases) and prior response to other hormones appeared to correlate with responsiveness to the progestogen. No serious drug toxicity was encountered.
What is an adequate liver biopsy? a tertiary centre audit
Authors: M. Naseer, H. Caldwell, S. Powell, F. Campbell, P. Richardson
Journal: Gut (2011)

<h3>Introduction</h3> Liver biopsy (LB) remains central to the diagnosis and accurate staging of liver disease. It is, however, an invasive procedure with recognised morbidity and mortality. It is imperative that biopsy samples are adequate for histological assessment. The guidelines vary considerably with regard to what constitutes an adequate sample for accurate histological interpretation. The authors reviewed their LB samples in light of Royal College of Pathologists (RC Path) and American Association for the Study of Liver diseases (AASLD) guidelines. <h3>Methods</h3> Retrospective analysis of patient records and pathology reports of 150 consecutive LB procedures between September 2009 and March 2010 was performed. Biopsy samples were referenced to the available guidelines. Samples that did not fulfil guidelines recommendations were re-referred to the histopathology for review. <h3>Results</h3> Male:Female=89:61, Age range 17–79, median 49. 131 (87%) were performed percutanously (all ultrasound guided) and 19 (13%) were trans-jugular. 18 gauge needle was used in 138 (92%), needle size not recorded in 12 (8%) cases. 92 (61%) were done by 3 non-medical practitioners with cumulative experience of &gt;600 procedures. 6 (4%) samples measured 20 mm and out of these 3 (2%) had 11 or more Complete Portal Tracts (CPT). 128 (85%) measured 10 mm or more and out of these 70 (47%) had 6 or more CPT. 47% samples fulfilled both length and CPT criteria for RC Path and only 2% samples for AASLD guidelines. All but 2 (1.33%) samples were reported. No comments were made on the number of CPT in 53 (35%) cases. At review, all of &lt;5 mm and 78% of 5–9 mm samples were deemed inadequate for accurate histological diagnosis and staging. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The authors are a tertiary centre with a large volume and experience of LB but majority their samples did not fulfil RC Path or AASLD criteria for an adequate specimen. There was also considerable interobserver variation among pathologists in recording of the number of CPT. Changes to local practice are being made including use of 16 gauge needle with an aim to take at least 15 mm long samples. There is, however, also a vital need for consistent and unanimous guidance from international clinical and pathological bodies.
Adverse Reactions in Treatment With Lithium Carbonate and Haloperidol
Authors: Poul C. Baastrup
Journal: JAMA (1976)

Hospital records of 425 patients who had been treated simultaneously with lithium carbonate and haloperidol were examined. Adverse reactions in these patients were the same as in patients given lithium alone or haloperidol alone. None of the patients developed a syndrome resembling that described by others in patients treated with a lithium and haloperidol combination.
Potassium and angiotensin II increase the concentrations of phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylinositol, and polyphosphoinositides in rat adrenal capsules in vitro.
Authors: R V Farese, M A Sabir, R E Larson
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1980)

We examined the effects of K+ and angiotensin II, the major regulators of aldosterone secretion, on phospholipid metabolism during incubation of glomerulosa-rich, adrenal capsules. Addition of increasing amounts of K+ and angiotensin II to the incubation media elicited progressive increases in corticosterone production and capsular concentrations of phosphatidic acid, phosphatidyl-inositol, and polyphosphoinositides. These effects are similar to those previously reported for ACTH in the whole adrenal cortex. A common mechanism, i.e., activation of the phosphatidate-polyphosphoinositide cycle, may be operative in the action of steroidogenic agents in their target tissues.
British GPs debate user charges
Authors: L. Beecham
Journal: BMJ (1997)

Representatives of Britain's 32000 general practitioners have resolved that general medical services must remain free to patients at the point of use.

Angry at the suggestion that the health secretary might be contemplating charging for visits to the GP or imposing prescription charges on pensioners in his forthcoming review of NHS spending (21 June, p 1781), the local medical committee conference voted for this motion by three …
Suicide — What Can Be Done?
Authors: George Winokur, Donald W. Black
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1992)

Suicide is the intentional taking of one's own life. It is not the unhappy result of the actions of a daredevil, nor is it the consequence of an unconscious desire to die. Because suicide is the eighth most frequent cause of death, it is fitting that it should occupy the thoughts of physicians and be given attention in the pages of the Journal. The prevention of suicide must rest on a thorough knowledge of risk factors.The principal clinical characteristics of persons who attempt suicide are not in dispute: having a psychiatric disorder is the strongest risk factor. Psychological . . .
Rh-immunization by Pregnancy: Results of a Survey and Their Relevance to Prophylactic Therapy
Authors: J. C. Woodrow, W. T. A. Donohoe
Journal: BMJ (1968)

A series of Rh-negative primiparae has been studied in order to gain further insight into the process of immunization by pregnancy. The distribution of foetal cell counts in blood samples taken after delivery was determined for 2,029 mothers giving birth to ABO-compatible babies and for 417 mothers with ABO-incompatible babies.A total of 760 mothers were tested for the development of Rh antibodies six months after the delivery of an ABO-compatible Rh-positive baby and 236 were further followed up through a second Rh-positive pregnancy. The incidence of anti-D six months after delivery is estimated to be 8.5%, and there is evidence of a direct relation between the count of foetal cells after delivery and the risk of developing antibodies. A further 8.5% of mothers were estimated to develop anti-D by the end of the second pregnancy, and it is postulated that these individuals had been primed by the first pregnancy. There is some evidence that the larger stimuli of Rh-positive blood in the first pregnancy are more likely to result in overt antibody formation, while the smaller stimuli are more likely to prime, antibodies not being detected until a second stimulus occurs during the second pregnancy.These findings are relevant to the programme for preventing Rh-immunization by injecting anti-D gammaglobulin.
Weight Training-Reply
Authors: Fred V. Hein
Journal: JAMA (1962)

Discontinuance of training at the end of a sports season or the conclusion of an athletic career can have unfortunate results. Commonly, there is a tendency toward overweight with its greater incidence of degenerative disease. This is because the appetite remains hearty although the energy expenditure is greatly reduced. There is a common belief in athletic circles that the athlete should taper off at the end of a season, but we know of no physiological reason for such a procedure. Rather, he should maintain reasonable and regular exercise and bring his food intake into balance with his activity output.
Points from Letters: Vaccination Against Influenza
Authors: M. S. Dhatt
Journal: BMJ (1971)

Analyzer.The conditions remained identical apart from increased concentration of indicator enzymes.3Normal ranges were determined for each system on blood drawn from healthy volunteers.The results are given in the Table .The range for asparate amino- transferase was much narrower with the LKB instrument, the upper limit of normal falling by 8 units.This was due to the standard deviation being virtually halved, since the mean was similar to the previous value.Instrument No.
Abstract 5209: MicroRNA-193a-5p suppresses tumor proliferation and enhances radio-sensitivity through ERBB2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Pei-Jung Lu
Journal: Cancer Research (2014)

Abstract Esophageal cancer is the ninth leading cause of cancer death in Taiwan. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is usually managed with combined modalities, but the prognosis for ESCC patients is still dismal. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in a variety of human cancers progression, and their expression signatures can provide insight into the diagnosis and prognosis of human cancers. However, the dysregulated miRNAs promoted tumor progression in ESCC remain unclear. To address this goal, 1097 miRNAs were analyzed in nine pairs of ESCC and corresponding normal parts with microarray. Tumor suppressive miRNA, miR-193a-5p, was characterized and inversely correlated with poor prognosis of ESCC patients. Manipulating miR-193a-5p in ESCC cell lines and mouse tumor model, the cell proliferation was decreased and the radio-sensitivity was increased. We further used reporter assay to identify ERBB2 as the target of miR-193a-5p. Restored the ERBB2 expression abolished the effects of miR-193a-5p on cell proliferation and radio-sensitivity. These results indicated that miR-193a-5p played a tumor suppressive role through suppressing ERBB2, expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Key words: miR-193a-5p, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, radiotherapy Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Pei-Jung Lu. MicroRNA-193a-5p suppresses tumor proliferation and enhances radio-sensitivity through ERBB2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5209. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5209
Choosing the Best Treatment for Acromegaly
Authors: Nicholas P. Christy
Journal: JAMA (1982)

The article "Cryosurgery or Microsurgery in the Management of Acromegaly" by Teasdale et al in this issue ofThe Journal(p 1289) promulgates no heresy. The authors offer convincing evidence that, of the two methods evaluated, microsurgery is preferable. Since their conclusion conforms with that of many workers and many authorities who agree that cryosurgery brings with it more complications,<sup>1</sup>Teasdale and his colleagues cannot be prosecuted or punished as heretics. In the treatment of this disease there is no orthodoxy. As with other more or less intractable disorders, 70 or so years of clinical experience have provided physicians with an embarrassment of choices in trying to treat acromegaly; the physician may choose among 14 accredited therapies: three radiotherapeutic, five surgical, and six pharmacologic.<sup>2</sup>This variety of options is not unique to acromegaly. By rough count there are eight ways to treat ulcerative colitis, 11 for asthma, and