tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
SAT0122 Prediction of Coronary Artery Calcification and Association with Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Follow-Up Study
Authors: B. Wahlin, T. Meedt, F. Jonsson, K. Karp, M. Henein, S. Wållberg-Jonsson
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2014)

<h3>Background</h3> We previously reported increased prevalence of atherosclerosis in patients with RA (1). <h3>Objectives</h3> To evaluate (i) the relation between inflammatory markers, measures of atherosclerosis and potential biomarkers of atherosclerosis at baseline and the presence of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and (ii) the relation between current inflammation and CAC. <h3>Methods</h3> Twenty-two RA patients (4m, 18f, mean age 65 years, RA-duration 30-36 years) from an original (baseline; n=39) ultrasound study of atherosclerosis (intima-media-thickness (IMT) and plaque) were included in this follow-up study 12 years after baseline. CAC was assessed by CT and quantified according to Agatston. At the same time, inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP, haptoglobin), clinical disease activity (joint counts, DAS28, HAQ, VAS-scales) and lipids (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides) were measured. The effect on CAC of cytokines (IL-6, IL2sR), adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, sE-selectine), hemostatic factors (PAI-1, tPA-ag, vWF, fibrinogen, D-dimer, cardiolipin antibodies), circulating immune complexes and antibodies against modified LDL, all collected at baseline, was also evaluated. Statistical analysis of factors explaining presence of CAC was done by orthogonal projection to latent structures (OPLS) with repeated exclusion of variables without explanatory information. <h3>Results</h3> Eight patients had no detectable CAC, 2 patients had CAC 1-10 and 12 had &gt;10 (range 18-1700). The final OPLS model discriminated well between groups with low (0-10) and high CAC (&gt;10), predicting 68% and explaining 88% of the variation. ROC analysis showed 89% sensitivity and 92% specificity distinguishing high CAC from low. The variables in the OPLS model are presented in the figure. Female sex and high level of HDL at baseline were associated to low CAC, but for all other variables in the model higher levels were associated to high CAC. Patients with high CAC significantly differed from those with low regarding ESR (24,3 vs 9,9 mm/h; p&lt;0.01) and swollen joint count (2 vs 0; p&lt;0,05). <h3>Conclusions</h3> In patients with long term RA, CAC was predicted by markers of endothelial activation and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, but also current disease activity. These findings highlight the importance of inflammation in the process of atherosclerosis. <h3>References</h3> Wallberg-jonsson S et al. Increased prevalence of atherosclerosis in patients with medium term rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol. December 2001;28(12):2597–602. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared <h3>DOI</h3> 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.5907
Genetic Factors in Determining Bone Mass
Authors: David M. Smith, Walter E. Nance, Ke Won Kang, Joe C. Christian, C. Conrad Johnston
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1973)

This investigation was undertaken to evaluate possible genetic determinants of bone mass with the premise that inheritance of bone mass could be of etiologic importance in osteoporosis. Bone mass and width measurements were made with the photon absorption technique on the right radius of 71 juvenile and 80 adult twin paris. The variance of intrapair differences of bone mass in monozygotic (MZ) juvenile twins was 0.0013 g(2)/cm(2) compared to 0.0052 g(2)/cm(2) in the dizygotic (DZ) twins. For the adult twins the variance of intrapair differences in bone mass was 0.0069 for MZ and 0.0137 for DZ twins. Similar results were obtained for bone width. The significantly larger variation in intrapair differences in DZ twins indicates that these traits have significant genetic determinants. These intrapair differences were found to increase with age, suggesting that genetic-environmental interaction also contributes to the observed variation in bone mass. These data provide evidence that bone mass does have significant genetic factors, which alone or in conjunction with environmental factors may predispose persons to the development of osteoporosis.
Bacterial adherence in the pathogenesis of endocarditis. Interaction of bacterial dextran, platelets, and fibrin.
Authors: W M Scheld, J A Valone, M A Sande
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1978)

The role of dextran in the pathogenesis of bacterial endocarditis was investigated by studying the adherence of dextran producing oral streptococci to the constituents of nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) in vitro and in vivo. The adherence of Streptococcus sanguis to fibrin and platelets was determined in an in vitro assay system simulating nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis. Adherence was increased when the organisms were grown in sucrose-supplemented media (adherence ratio X 10(4), 177 +/- 6 in 5% sucrose vs. 140 +/- 7 in 0.5% sucrose, P less than 0.001), and decreased by incubating the organisms in dextranase (adherence ratio X 10(4), 117 +/- 16, P less than 0.001), an effect which was nullified by heat inactivating this enzyme (adherence ratio X 10(4), 192 +/- 7, P less than 0.001). The amount of dextran produced in broth by three different oral streptococci correlated directly with the adherence observed to fibrin and a fibrin-platelet matrix in vitro (P less than 0.001). These organisms adhered more readily to a fibrin-platelet matrix than to fibrin alone (adherence ratio X 10(4), 455 +/- 30 vs. 177 +/- 6, respectively, P less than 0.001). The role of dextran formation was also examined in vivo in rabbits with preexisting NBTE. After injection of 10(7) S. sanguis, 12 of 17 animals developed endocarditis. In contrast, when the organisms were pretreated with dextranase (an enzyme that removes dextran from the bacterial cell surface), the same inoculum resulted in endocarditis in only 5 of 19 animals (P less than 0.05). In addition, a fresh strain of S. sanguis that produced high levels of dextran (1,220 +/- 50 microgram/ml) and adhered avidly to fibrin (adherence ratio X 10(4), 220 +/- 11) produced endocarditis in 12 of 18 rabbits after injection of 10(7) organisms. Another isolate of the same strain that had been passed repeatedly in the laboratory produced less dextran (400 +/- 30 microgram/ml), adhered poorly to fibrin (adherence ratio X 10(4), 140 +/- 7), and produced endocarditis in only 3 of 14 rabbits under identical conditions (P less than 0.05). This study demonstrates that dextran production is important in the adherence of oral streptococci to the constituents of NBTE and may play a role in the pathogenesis of bacterial endocarditis by oral streptococci.
Waiting list statistics. I: Relation between admissions from waiting list and length of waiting list.
Authors: M J Goldacre, A Lee, B Don
Journal: BMJ (1987)

The relation between changes in inpatient workload, measured as increases or decreases in the number of inpatients admitted from the waiting list, and the overall length of the waiting list was studied. Overall trends in admissions from the waiting list, the influence of seasonal patterns, and the impact of industrial action on admissions were also studied. The hypothesis was that when admissions from the waiting list increased the length of the waiting list would decrease and vice versa. No such simple relation was found. In fact, if anything, as the number of admissions from the waiting list increased so did the length of the waiting list. This result could be due to inconsistencies in compiling waiting list data or to the use of waiting lists to improve organisational efficiency. It is also possible, and perhaps likely, that the ability to meet need in admitting patients to hospital influences patients and their doctors to translate previously unmet need into demand for hospital services.
Synopsis of Gynecologic Oncology
Authors: Alfred I. Sherman
Journal: JAMA (1982)

The first edition of this book was published in 1975, but since then the volume of gynecologic cancer cases, the interest in this subject, and the changes in the field certainly justify the publication of a new edition. The proliferation of new data and concepts and the rapid changes in the handling of obstetric and gynecologic cancer require frequent revisions and editions, so that this book definitely fulfills a need within the field. The information about and the applicability of the new chemotherapeutic agents, in themselves, make it necessary to revise the book. Further illustrative of the book's currency is the information regarding computed scanning and the use of needle aspiration biopsies, which are well illustrated in the text. The book is well written, is in excellent, understandable English, with easy-to-read print, and I, for one, enjoyed reading it through, cover to cover. The use of paragraph headings is an
26 EVEROLIMUS-BASED IMMUNOSUPPRESSION PROVIDES SUPERIOR RENAL FUNCTION AND COMPARABLE EFFICACY VERSUS STANDARD TACROLIMUS IN DE NOVO LIVER TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS: 24-MONTH RESULTS OF A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: F. Nevens, L. De Carlis, H.J. Metselaar, G.M. Kaiser, F. Saliba, S. Jonas, C. Duvoux, G. Dong, G. Junge, P. Lopez, P. De Simone
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2013)
The Use of Technetium-99m Sulfur Colloid in the Detection of Patent Processus Vaginalis in Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: P MANDEL, D FAEGENBURG, L J IMBRIANO
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (1985)

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is commonly used in patients with renal failure as an alternative to hemodialysis. A not infrequent complication is scrotal swelling due to bowel or fluid passing through a patent processus vaginalis secondary to increased abdominal pressure. A radionuclide study using Tc-99m sulfur colloid is a safe and simple method to determine if this complication is present or may be used as a pre-CAPD screening procedure.
Evidence for efficacy of topical acyclovir in recurrent herpes labialis is weak
Authors: G. Worrall
Journal: BMJ (1996)

Seventeen were resistant to isoniazid, three to rifampicin, two to ethambutol, 19 to streptomy- cin, and six to both isoniazid and streptomycin.'Wo patients had tuberculosis that was resistant to at least three drugs, of whom one repeatedly defaulted from the clinic while the other was a Nigerian with his first presentation ofpulmonary tuberculosis.The pattern of drug resistance was similar to that in a previous study, but the incidence has more than doubled since that study.4Mycobacteria were detectable on sputum examination in 159 patients.Thus within the local urban community there is great potential for transmission of M tuberculosis that is resistant to one drug.In addition, patients may well receive what is effectively two-drug treatment on diagnosis, which will accelerate the emergence of drug resistance.Since multidrug resistance is the result of the sequential acquisition of resistance to single drugs,' treatment strategies must be altered as resistance to single drugs becomes more common and not when multidrug resistance is established.If our findings are con- firmed elsewhere, British policies for treating tuberculosis will need to be revised soon.Four- drug empirical treatment of tuberculosis should then become normal practice, pending definitive results from drug sensitivity tests of the organism being treated.
Simultaneous occurrence of factor VIIIC inhibitor and antinuclear antibody in postpartum period
Authors: Neelam Marwaha, Ravindra Sarode, A. P. Chauhan, None Joseph, S. Varma, S. Dash
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (1991)

Abstract We are describing a rare case of acquired factor VIIIC inhibitor in postpartum period who also had strongly positive antinuclear antibody. On immunosuppression with prednisolone and azathioprine, both antibodies disappeared after 4 months of therapy.
Swan-Ganz Catheter and Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
Authors: Paul Snow
Journal: JAMA (1980)

To the Editor.—   article by Van Deventer et al, The Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: A Complication of the LeVeen Shunt (242:1655, 1979), brings to mind another interesting point in reference to etiology. We recently performed an autopsy on a patient with similar pathological findings, involving the superior vena cava, right innominate vein, right subclavian vein, and right internal jugular vein that were related to insertion of a Swan-Ganz catheter.  Report of a Case.—  A 34-year-old man had an acute myocardial infarction in May 1979. Clinicians had difficulty inserting a Swan-Ganz catheter for a temporary pacemaker. They finally succeeded via the right internal jugular vein.  patient's illness was complicated by a postinfarction ventricular aneurysm and heart failure. Cardiac catheterization was done in July and August, which showed a nondominant, trivial right coronary artery, patent left circumflex artery, 70% occlusion of the left anterior descending artery, calcified aortic stenosis, and
P242Non-pharmacological interventions protect from malignant arrhythmias partially by targeting myocardial Cx43 channels in experimental model of hypertension
Authors: N Tribulova, T Benova, J Radosinska, B Bacova, C Viczenczova, V Knezl, M Zeman, B Obsitnik, J Slezak
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2014)

Background: Hypertension remains the most prevalent risk factor that increases propensity of the heart to the malignant arrhythmias due to myocardial remodeling. Data, including ours, suggest that hypertension is accompanied by melatonin and omega-3 FA deficiency but enhanced free radicals production. In turn, high BP was reduced in pts and/or animals supplemented with omega-3 FA, melatonin - potent scavenger of free radicals and antioxidant-rich red palm oil (RPO). We aimed to prove our hypothesis that these compounds may also exert antiarrhythmic potential in hypertensive rats via modulation of myocardial electrical coupling protein connexin-43 (Cx43).
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) deposits in lesional skin of a patient with blepharochalasis
Authors: A. GRASSEGGER, N. ROMANI, P. FRITSCH, J. SMOLLE, H. HINTNER
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1996)

We describe a 21-year-old male patient with blepharochalasis, a form of localized acquired cutis laxa. He had a 13-year history of recurrent swelling attacks of the eyelids of unknown origin leading to periocular localized cutis laxa. Histology of lesional skin confirmed almost complete loss of elastic fibres in the reticular and papillary dermis. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy studies showed abundant immunoglobulin A (IgA) deposits around the remaining elastic fibres. Control skin of the forearm was negative. These findings support the hypothesis that immunopathogenetic mechanisms may contribute to the elastolytic process of blepharochalasis.
Basic Radiation Biology
Authors: E. James Potchen
Journal: JAMA (1968)

Modern technology, responsible for the increased clinical application of electromagnetic energies to both diagnosis and therapy, requires the new physician to have an understanding of radiation biology that was not essential for his predecessors. These complex concepts of physics and biology are difficult to teach and comprehend. It was a pleasure, therefore, to read<i>Basic Radiation Biology</i>, which is lucid, concise, and complete. The review of pertinent physics is well written and does not require a knowledge of mathematics. There are, however, in the didactic presentations some inadequacies and room for controversy, which are apparently due to the need for brevity. The second portion of this book, "Interaction of Radiation with Living Systems," is one of the best introductions to this material I have read. It is sufficiently detailed to present the subject clearly without overburdening the reader with controversial material. The writing style could be improved, and this book
Relationship of Collegiate Football Experience and Concussion With Hippocampal Volume and Cognitive Outcomes
Authors: Rashmi Singh, Timothy B. Meier, Rayus Kuplicki, Jonathan Savitz, Ikuko Mukai, LaMont Cavanagh, Thomas Allen, T. Kent Teague, Christopher Nerio, David Polanski, Patrick S. F. Bellgowan
Journal: JAMA (2014)

Concussion and subconcussive impacts have been associated with short-term disrupted cognitive performance in collegiate athletes, but there are limited data on their long-term neuroanatomic and cognitive consequences.To assess the relationships of concussion history and years of football experience with hippocampal volume and cognitive performance in collegiate football athletes.Cross-sectional study conducted between June 2011 and August 2013 at a US psychiatric research institute specializing in neuroimaging among collegiate football players with a history of clinician-diagnosed concussion (n = 25), collegiate football players without a history of concussion (n = 25), and non-football-playing, age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy controls (n = 25).History of clinician-diagnosed concussion and years of football experience.High-resolution anatomical magnetic resonance imaging was used to quantify brain volumes. Baseline scores on a computerized concussion-related cognitive battery were used for cognitive assessment in athletes.Players with and without a history of concussion had smaller hippocampal volumes relative to healthy control participants (with concussion: t48 = 7.58; P < .001; mean difference, 1788 μL; 95% CI, 1317-2258 μL; without concussion: t48 = 4.35; P < .001, mean difference, 1027 μL; 95% CI, 556-1498 μL). Players with a history of concussion had smaller hippocampal volumes than players without concussion (t48 = 3.15; P < .001; mean difference, 761 μL; 95% CI, 280-1242 μL). In both athlete groups, there was a statistically significant inverse relationship between left hippocampal volume and number of years of football played (t46 = -3.62; P < .001; coefficient = -43.54; 95% CI, -67.66 to -19.41). Behavioral testing demonstrated no differences between athletes with and without a concussion history on 5 cognitive measures but did show an inverse correlation between years of playing football and reaction time (ρ42 = -0.43; 95% CI, -0.46 to -0.40; P = .005).Among a group of collegiate football athletes, there was a significant inverse relationship of concussion and years of football played with hippocampal volume. Years of football experience also correlated with slower reaction time. Further research is needed to determine the temporal relationships of these findings.
Dexamethasone regulation of glycosaminoglycan synthesis in cultured human skin fibroblasts. Similar effects of glucocorticoid and thyroid hormones.
Authors: T J Smith
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1984)

The effects of dexamethasone on glycosaminoglycan accumulation were examined in confluent human skin fibroblasts in vitro. The glucocorticoid consistently inhibited the incorporation of either [3H]acetate or [3H]glucosamine into hyaluronate when added to culture medium 72 h before harvest. This effect was half-maximal at approximately 1 nM and maximal at 5-10 nM. Inhibition occurred within 5 h of hormone addition and was near maximal by 25 h. 11 alpha-hydrocortisone (10 nM), deoxycorticosterone (10 nM), and progesterone (100 nM) failed to inhibit this accumulation; however, progesterone (2 microM), a known glucocorticoid antagonist at high concentration, could attenuate the response to dexamethasone by 57%. Cultures were pulse-labeled and then chase incubated for up to 68 h. No difference in the rate of [3H]hyaluronate degradation could be demonstrated in steroid-treated cultures. Triiodothyronine (T3) can also inhibit synthesis of hyaluronate in fibroblasts (Smith, T. J., Y. Murata, A. L. Horwitz, L. Philipson, and S. Refetoff, 1982, J. Clin. Invest., 70:1066-1073). Both T3 and dexamethasone could inhibit glycosaminoglycan accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. Maximal T3 effects were achieved at 1 nM and those of dexamethasone at 10 nM. Saturating concentrations of T3 and dexamethasone added alone inhibited [3H]hyaluronate by 54 and 49%, respectively. When both hormones were added, accumulation was inhibited by 84%. Dexamethasone inhibits [3H]hyaluronate accumulation in a time, dose-dependent, and stereo-specific manner. The rate of glycosaminoglycan degradation was unaffected, and thus, the steroid inhibited the rate of macromolecular synthesis. This effect was likely mediated through glucocorticoid receptors. Hyaluronate synthesis in skin fibroblasts appears to be regulated by both glucocorticoids and T3 through different pathways.
STUDIES ON FERMENT ACTION
Authors: James W. Jobling, Solomon Strouse
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1913)

Bürgers, Schermann, and Schreiber (1) studied "Auflösungserscheinungen von Bakterien," and concluded that ferments were probably not the main factor in such lysis. Kantorowicz (2) in studying antiferment and bacteriolysis came to the opinion that there was an antiferment in the bodies of bacteria which prevented digestion. This antiferment was likewise an antibody to serum bacteriolysins. But Kantorowicz used as a standard of ferment action merely the clearing up of the bacterial suspension. Our report shows that lysis of pneumococci may be independent of ferment action, and that it is not correct to assume that clearing up of a bacterial suspension even in the presence of a proteolytic ferment indicates proteolysis.
Reply from Authors re: Eric C. Umbreit, R. Houston Thompson. Metastatic Potential of the Small Renal Mass: Why Can’t We Agree? Eur Urol 2011;60:983–5
Authors: Börje Ljungberg, Eirikur Guðmundsson, Henrik Hellborg, Stina Erikson, Sven Lundstam
Journal: European Urology (2011)
173 EVALUATION OF 368 LIVING RELATED LIVER DONORS: SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE
Authors: M. Al-Sofayan, N. Allam, H. Al-manna, M. Faguih, M. Neimatallah, Y. Al-qaddy, A. Helmy, M. Al-saghier, K. Alawi, H. Al-bahili, Y. Medhat, H. Khalaf, A. Abdo, M. Al-Sebayel
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2008)
Quantitative Levels of Hepatitis B Virus DNA and Surface Antigen and the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Hepatitis B Receiving Long-Term Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Therapy
Authors: Miwa Kawanaka, Ken Nishino, Jun Nakamura, Takahito Oka, Noriyo Urata, Daisuke Goto, Mitsuhiko Suehiro, Hirofumi Kawamoto, Masatoshi Kudo, Gotaro Yamada
Journal: Liver Cancer (2014)

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Background: &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Serum levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA are an important predictor of the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic HBV infection. However, little is known about whether high levels of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) increase the risk for HCC. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Methods: &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;We investigated 167 patients who were treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) for at least 2 years (median: 5.8 years, range: 2-13.1 years). Relationships between reduced levels of HBsAg and various factors were evaluated. In addition, we evaluated the usefulness of quantitative serum levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg as predictors of HCC development in patients receiving long-term NA therapy. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Results: &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;HCC developed in 9 of the 167 NA-treated patients. In the 9 patients with HCC, HBV DNA was undetectable (&lt;2.1 log copies/mL), but HBsAg levels were ≥2000 C.O.I. in 7 patients. No maternal transmission, long NA treatment period, HBV DNA levels &lt;3.0 log copies/mL, and reduced hepatitis B e antigen levels during the first 24 weeks of treatment were a significant factor of HBsAg levels &lt;2000 C.O.I.. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Hepatocarcinogenesis was observed in patients with high HBsAg levels, despite the negative conversion of HBV DNA as a result of long-term NA therapy. Therefore, to suppress hepatocarcinogenesis, it is important to control not only HBV DNA levels but also HBsAg levels.