tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
PTU-083 Use Of Polymerase Chain Reaction To Detect Mucosal Cytomegalovirus Infection In Patients With Acute Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: GSZ Tun, A Wright, K Robinson, R Sidhu, A Hopper, DS Sanders, M McAlindon, M Raza, A Lobo
Journal: Gut (2014)

<h3>Introduction</h3> Mucosal CMV infection may complicate acute ulcerative colitis (UC), though the significance remains uncertain. The European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation recommend tissue PCR or immunohistochemistry for CMV detection. The aim of this study was to review experience of assessing patients attending a single unit with acute UC for CMV infection. <h3>Methods</h3> A policy of biopsy for CMV infection was adopted for people with acute severe UC admitted to hospital (n = 37) or deteriorating symptoms as an out-patient (n = 8) from 2011–2013. Clinical severity was measured by Mayo score and endoscopic activity by Baron score. Biopsies were assessed for CMV viral DNA by realtime PCR. Serum IgG and IgM antibodies to CMV were measured by chemiluminescence. <h3>Results</h3> Biopsies were obtained from 45 patients with UC. 13/45 (28.9%) were positive for CMV DNA (median titre 34900; range 776–1540000 copies/ml). 9/13 (69.2%) CMV PCR positive (+) patients were steroid refractory compared to 14/32 (43.8%) CMV PCR negative (-) p = 0.12. Median Day 3 Mayo scores were 8 for the CMV+ group and 6 for the CMV- group (p = 0.59). Of IPs biopsied up to Day 1 of IV steroids (range -4–1), 6/22 were CMV+ and from Day 2 (median 6; 2–19), 5/20 were CMV+ (p = 0.96). Median cumulative steroid dose prior to biopsy was 0.28 g prednisolone equivalent for CMV+ patients and 0.39 g for CMV- patients (p = 0.51). 3/13 CMV+ patients had had prednisolone ≥10 mg/day for &gt; 14 days prior to biopsy and 11/32 CMV- patients (p = 0.46). No biopsies contained typical histological features of CMV infection. Mayo and Baron scores did not differ between CMV+ and CMV- patients. Mucosal CMV DNA titre in CMV+ patients did not correlate with Baron or Mayo scores. Of the mucosal CMV+ patients, 8/8 tested (100%) were anti-CMV IgG positive with 0/7 IgM positive. Peripheral blood CMV PCR was positive in 10/13 in the biopsy PCR+ group and 0/7 in those biopsy PCR- (sensitivity 60%, specificity 100%). 12/13 CMV PCR+ patients were treated with ganciclovir. 11/13 (84.6%) achieved remission. 2/13 (15.3%) CMV+ and 2/32 (6.2%) CMV- required colectomy (p = 0.33). All 6 patients treated concomitantly with Infliximab and ganciclovir responded fully. <h3>Conclusion</h3> PCR of mucosal biopsies detects CMV infection due to viral reactivation in almost a third of patients with deteriorating or acute severe UC. No relationship was demonstrated between CMV infection and disease severity, response to treatment or prior steroid use. Treatment with anti-TNF agents was administered safely in combination with anti-viral drugs. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None Declared.
A programme for shared maternity and child care.
Authors: J K Coope, A V Scott
Journal: BMJ (1982)

One of the problems in running a practice is that of com? munication between the various participants?the patients, the doctor, and the ancillary staff. With shared obstetric care the problem becomes more complicated as the patient sees at least two doctors, two sets of nurses, and two secretarial departments. The use of the obstetric co-operation card has been a real breakthrough, as information is recorded and kept by the patient to be shown at her next attendance. There still, however, remains the problem about how ade? quate information is to be given to the patients. Many women do not seem to know when they are due to attend relaxation classes or receive maternity benefits. This may increase their anxiety, particularly during a first pregnancy. The co-operation card records what has already occurred but does not tell the patient what to expect during her pregnancy. We decided to draw up a timetable of expected events, which could be duplicated and given to each expectant mother at her first visit confirming the pregnancy. It was devised by the general practitioner in charge of ante? natal care in the practice, the obstetrician at the local district general hospital, and the health visitors and midwives. Copies were circulated for inspection and criticism to the local com? munity physician and the other midwives and gynaecologist. Finally, copies were distributed to each mother at her first attendance. They have proved popular with the patients and very useful to the practice staff and as a teaching aid to trainees. A copy of the timetable is shown below. Individual details differ in various areas and practices, but the general lay-out remains similar. We would welcome comments and suggestions, particularly as to whether the programme should be written in a more popular style.
Surface dosimetry in phototherapy: comparison of three ultraviolet B lamps used in the treatment of psoriasis
Authors: J.L. SNOW, S.A. MULLER
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1996)

The quantitation (dosimetry) of ultraviolet B irradiation (UVB) administered during phototherapy for psoriasis is fundamental to this modality of treatment because only absorbed irradiation can cause a photochemical reaction and, hence, a phototherapeutic effect. Significant differences may exist in surface dosimetry achieved with different UVB irradiators, and this could have important consequences for the observed clinical efficacy of phototherapy as well as practical implications for avoiding burning when transferring patients between systems. Multiple anatomically referenced polysulphone photodosimeters were applied to the skin of five subjects receiving treatment for severe psoriasis. Three subjects were irradiated with both a free-standing hot quartz lamp and a fluorescent cabinet. Two others were irradiated with a flat bank of fluorescent tubes. Topographical maps of surface irradiation were constructed. 'Cold' areas (< 50% of stated dose) included the neck, upper chest, shoulders, and anterolateral thighs for the hot quartz lamp; the medial arms, medial legs, and feet for the cabinet; and the lateral arms, forearms, lower legs, and feet for the bank of tubes. 'Hot' areas (> 100% of stated dose) included the forearms and posterior thighs for the hot quartz lamp; the lateral arms, dorsal forearm, and abdomen for the cabinet: and the central trunk (anterior and posterior) for the bank of tubes. Thus, striking differences in surface irradiation exist among the three UVB irradiators studied, and this has an impact on the results of phototherapy for psoriasis. Knowledge of these differences is of practical importance in achieving maximum therapeutic potential as well as minimizing the risk of burning reactions, particularly if patients are to be transferred between systems.
Dorothy Lindsay Smith (nee Grieve)
Authors: C. P Lowther
Journal: BMJ (2009)

A native of Edinburgh, Dorothy Lindsay Smith (nee Grieve) was educated at George Watson’s Ladies College, where she became head girl.

At Edinburgh University she won the Mackenzie bursary for anatomy, the Royal Victoria Trust gold medal for tuberculosis, and Dorothy Gilfillan prize for most distinguished woman graduate of the year in 1954. She won three blues at rowing.

She married …
Skin mast cells in polycythaemia vera relationship to the pathogenesis and treatment of pruritus
Authors: N. JACKSON, D. BURT, J. CROCKER, B. BOUGHTON
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1987)

We have measured skin mast cell numbers, circulating basophils and whole blood histamine in 13 patients with polycythaemia vera. Itching was present in nine cases and correlated well with the numbers of skin mast cells but not with circulating basophils or whole blood histamine. Immediate relief of pruritus was achieved with aspirin, and myelosuppressive therapy was useful for long-term control of symptoms. Neither histamine (H1 or H2) antagonists nor iron replacement therapy were effective forms of treatment. The findings suggest that mast cell prostaglandins are an important factor in the pathogenesis of pruritus and that local vascular responses may trigger mast cell degranulation.
An obstetrician epidural service
Authors: G. Roberts, P J Bradley-Watson
Journal: BMJ (1980)

this more apparent than in gynaecological oncology, which is an established subspecialty and demands knowledge of chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as surgery.By encompass- ing the various medical disciplines a better understanding of the pathophysiology and natural history of gynaecological malignancies is obtained.This is important when dealing with a group of cancers which may still benefit from surgery, even in the light of seemingly hopeless metastatic spread.The aid of nursing staff familiar with surgical as well as oncological techniques is vital.A well-trained gynaecological oncology nurse is invaluable in the care of these patients and often provides a sympa- thetic link between the patient and her doctor, who may not be aware of her more personal problems.
The Public and the Smallpox Threat
Authors: Robert J. Blendon, Catherine M. DesRoches, John M. Benson, Melissa J. Herrmann, Kalahn Taylor-Clark, Kathleen J. Weldon
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2003)

The potential for a bioterrorist attack involving smallpox has led to a debate about what national precautions should be taken. What is unclear is the public's knowledge of smallpox and views about precautions.We conducted a national survey of 1006 adults selected by means of random-digit dialing. Respondents were asked about their knowledge of and beliefs about the smallpox virus and the vaccine, their possible reactions to a bioterrorist attack involving smallpox, and a number of proposed state emergency powers.The majority of the respondents have a number of beliefs about smallpox and smallpox vaccination that are false. The majority believe that there is an effective treatment for smallpox, that there have been cases of smallpox in the past five years, and that there is not enough smallpox vaccine to vaccinate everyone in the United States. Thirty percent believe that vaccination earlier in their lives would protect them from the disease. The majority of respondents said they wanted to be vaccinated; however, only 21 percent would want to be vaccinated if physicians declined vaccination. There was strong support among the respondents for several proposed state emergency powers.Our results suggest the need for public education about smallpox. These data also point to the importance of a discussion in the medical community about the advisability of vaccination of individual physicians at this time.
Effect of Rumalon on embryonic cartilage in culture.
Authors: K T Rajan
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1970)

Heberden Society 193dosage in all these patients, and were successful in about half of them.We noted an interesting fall in lymphocyte count, comparing the lymphocyte count with the total white cell count at the beginning of treatment and after one year.Whether or not immunosuppressives have any part to play in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis requires further study; we are at the present engaged in a double- blind controlled trial.*DR.G. D. K ER S L EY (Bath) In my experience in rheumatoid arthritis, the drug has often had to be stopped on account of side-effects.On the other hand we have had very good results in two cases which previously required a large dosage of steroids to control their disease.DR.T. BITTER (Bad Ragaz) I should like to add one minor comment.The effect on a secondary immune response of a so-called immunosuppressive drug is far from proven.The cytostatic effect is potent and the indications are probably best in highly cellular disease, in which we want to suppress cells.If the cells are sufficiently suppressed, a secondary immune response might appear to be suppressed without actual evidence of an immunosuppression.
Sphingosine Kinase-1 Enhances Resistance to Apoptosis through Activation of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Pathway in Human Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Libing Song, Huaping Xiong, Jun Li, Wenting Liao, Lan Wang, Jueheng Wu, Mengfeng Li
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2011)

Abstract Purpose: The present study was to examine the effect of sphingosine kinase-1 (SPHK1) on chemotherapeutics-induced apoptosis in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, which is relatively insensitive to chemotherapy, and its clinical significance in NSCLC progression. Experimental Design: The correlation of SPHK1 expression and clinical features of NSCLC was analyzed in 218 paraffin-embedded archived NSCLC specimens by immunohistochemical analysis. The effect of SPHK1 on apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutics was examined both in vitro and in vivo, using Annexin V staining and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick end labeling) assays. Western blotting and luciferase analysis were performed to examine the impact of SPHK1 on the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling. Results: The expression of SPHK1 was markedly increased in NSCLC and correlated with tumor progression and poor survival of patients with NSCLC. Upregulation of SPHK1 significantly inhibited doxorubicin- or docetaxel-induced apoptosis, associated with induction of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-xl, c-IAP1, c-IAP2, and TRAF1. In contrast, silencing SPHK1 expression or inhibiting SPHK1 activity with specific inhibitor, SK1-I, significantly enhanced the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutics both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we demonstrated that upregulation of SPHK1 activated the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway, and that inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway abrogated the antiapoptotic effect of SPHK1 on NSCLC cells. Conclusions: Our results suggest that SPHK1 is a potential pharmacologic target for the treatment of NSCLC and inhibition of SPHK1 expression or its kinase activity might represent a novel strategy to sensitize NSCLC to chemotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 17(7); 1839–49. ©2011 AACR.
Selective control of SIRP-α–positive airway dendritic cell trafficking through CD47 is critical for the development of TH2-mediated allergic inflammation
Authors: Marianne Raymond, Manuel Rubio, Geneviève Fortin, Karim Hamdy Shalaby, Hamida Hammad, Bart N. Lambrecht, Marika Sarfati
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2009)
Local oropharyngeal side effects of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with asthma
Authors: R. Buhl
Journal: Allergy (2006)

The widespread use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for the treatment of persistent asthma, although highly effective, may be associated with both systemic and local side effects. Systemic side effects of ICS have been extensively studied. In contrast, relatively few studies have been performed to specifically evaluate local side effects of ICS. These local side effects--including oropharyngeal candidiasis, dysphonia, pharyngitis, and cough--are generally viewed as minor complications of therapy. However, they can be clinically significant, affect patient quality of life, hinder compliance with therapy, and mask symptoms of more serious disease. Local side effects result from deposition of an active ICS in the oropharynx during administration of the drug. Numerous factors can influence the proportion of an inhaled dose that is deposited in the oropharyngeal cavity, including the ICS formulation, type of delivery system, and patient compliance with administration instructions. Therefore, the incidence of local side effects can vary widely. The goal in developing a new ICS is to include key pharmacologic characteristics that reduce oropharyngeal exposure to active drug while maintaining efficacy comparable with currently available ICS.
Recurrent breast cancer treated with the antioestrogen tamoxifen: correlation between hormonal changes and clinical course.
Authors: K J Willis, D R London, H W Ward, W R Butt, S S Lynch, B T Rudd
Journal: BMJ (1977)

Forty-five post-menopausal women with recurrent breast cancer were treated with the antioestrogen, tamoxifen, 20 mg twice daily. Clinical assessment after 12 weeks indicated that 18 (40%) showed some remission. Gonadotrophins were suppressed within two weeks to relatively constant concentrations within the post-menopausal range, responses to luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) did not change, and androgen concentrations remained within the normal range in all patients. Oestradiol concentrations rose steadily only in women in whom treatment failed. Serum prolactin concentrations were raised in 18 out of the 44 (41%) patients in whom they were measured; 13 of these did not respond to treatment. Treatment did not change the average prolactin concentration when this was within the normal range, but it significantly reduced prolactin concentrations in hyperprolactinaemic patients--within two weeks (P less than 0-01) in those who responded well and by six weeks (P less than 0-05) in those who showed no remission. Among patients with normal prolactin values the release of prolactin after thyrotrophin-releasing hormone was significantly greater in those with no remission than in those who responded to tamoxifen. Responses in those with hyperprolactinaemia were reduced to about half the control values, and again this change occurred faster in those who were successfully treated. Patients therefore seem to have a better chance of responding to anti-oestrogen treatment if prolactin secretion is low.
Referral rates for postmenopausal bleeding are not respectable
Authors: J. Butler, S. Kehoe, J. Shepherd, D. Barton, J. Bridges, T. Ind, M. Nobbenhuis, S. Ghaem-Maghami, T. Adib, K. Reynolds
Journal: BMJ (2010)

McBride and colleagues report that referral rates for patients with postmenopausal bleeding ranged from 66.4% in 55-64 year old patients to 40.1% in those over 85.1 We agree with Jiwa’s assertion that this overall referral rate …
Silent Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: Peter F. Cohn
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1988)

Silent myocardial ischemia has emerged from a subject of mainly research interest to one with important clinical implications for practicing physicians. Although the pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for the absence of pain are still not clear, it is apparent that episodes of silent myocardial ischemia are frequent and occur in many patients with coronary artery disease; episodes occur both in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients; episodes are detectable by various noninvasive and invasive techniques; and episodes appear to have important prognostic implications when combined with the extent of anatomic disease and degree of left ventricular dysfunction. It is expected the rapidly accumulating prognostic data, especially in patients after infarctions and patients with unstable angina, will have a profound effect on the way physicians treat their patients with coronary artery disease.
IB-12 * LUNG MASS AND IMMUNOSUPPRESSANT RESPONSIVE SEIZURES: VGKC AUTOIMMUNITY MASQUERADING AS ETIOLOGY OR ACTING AS REACTIVE MARKER?
Authors: Y. Umemura, K. Bujarski, L. Ronan
Journal: Neuro-Oncology (2014)

Voltage gated potassium channel complex antibody (VGKC Ab) has been associated with many neurological illnesses including seizures. VGKC Ab related seizures are less responsive to antiepileptic drugs alone, and often require immunosuppression to achieve seizure freedom. Recently, specific antigenic targets such as LGI1 and CASPR2 within VGKC have been found and have been associated with specific syndromes. It has also been noted that the term "VGKC Ab" itself is problematic because it groups LGI1 and CASPR2 mediated disorders with other illnesses with unknown antigenic specificity. We describe a case of faciobrachial dystonia seizures refractory to multiple antiepileptic agents. Video EEG monitoring revealed mesial frontal epileptic discharges and serum test was positive for VGKC Ab. Patient's seizures were controlled after intravenous corticosteroid then oral mycophenolate maintenance, however, seizures returned with immunotherapy taper and cessation. When the seizures recurred, serum VGKC Ab, CSF CASPR 2 and LGI1 Abs were negative. Interestingly, she was subsequently found to have a lung mass consistent with sarcoidosis. Seizure control was achieved again with restarting of mycophenolate. Most VGKC Ab related illnesses are autoimmune even though it is a part of readily available commercial paraneoplastic testing panels. There has been no previously reported VGKC Ab related seizures associated with sarcoidosis. Although sarcoidosis is also an autoimmune entity, it is of T-cell mediated condition. It has been proposed that VGKC Ab may be a part of normal autoantibodies found in otherwise healthy individuals, which can rise to detectable levels under some circumstances. This patient suffered recurrent seizures responsive to immunotherapy even though VGKC, LGI1, and CASPR2 Abs were negative, suggesting another underlying autoimmune pathogenesis and VGKC Ab may have been a mere reactive marker of such underlying process. This raises the question of clinical significance of these antibodies and whether they are causative or reactive of the pathology.
30 Rhinoscopic assessment of nasal airway area following antihistamine or antihistamine/decongestant therapy in subjects with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR)
Authors: M.B. Wiener, J.W. Koepke, H. Staudenmayer, W.K. Dolen, G.C. Glover, J.C. Selner
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (1988)
Antibody responses to bacteriophage φX-174 in human subjects exposed to the Antarctic winter-over model of spaceflight
Authors: William T. Shearer, Desmond J. Lugg, Howard M. Rosenblatt, Peter M. Nickolls, Robert M. Sharp, James M. Reuben, Hans D. Ochs
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2001)
Oncogenes
Authors: Raymond L. Erikson
Journal: JAMA (1982)

The Sarc Gene  JAMA:  What is the sarc gene?  Erikson:  The sarc gene of the Rous sarcoma virus is the gene that can induce fibrosarcomas in susceptible animals and cause malignant transformation of fibroblasts in culture. It was first defined genetically in the early 1970s by several different investigators. The first mutant viruses involving the sarc gene were conditional mutants, which means that sarc gene activity was dependent on the conditions in which the infected cells were grown. These mutants were temperature sensitive because they could cause malignant transformation of cells at 35 °C, but would not transform cells at 41 °C. The discovery of these temperature-sensitive mutants indicated that the virus was carrying a gene responsible for transformation. Within a few years, deletion mutants (in which the sarc gene was not present in the virus) were isolated, and by 1972 the idea that Rous sarcoma virus was carrying a