tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Apnea After Intravenous Diazepam
Authors: G. David Dixon
Journal: JAMA (1978)

To the Editor. —  The article entitled Apnea After Intravenous Diazepam Therapy by Hall and Ovassapian (238:1052, 1977) emphasizes an important complication.  They report using a 10-mg bolus intravenously for treatment of the patient's anxiety. A bolus injection to me generally means rapid intravenous injection. The product information sheet accompanying Valium emphasizes the importance of slow intravenous injection (5 mg/min). I use this drug frequently during angiography for the same indication. I believe it is important to use slow intravenous administration since frequently a patient will become very sedated with obvious slowing of the respirations with less than 10 mg.  By using slow intravenous administration, the patient's condition can be monitored, and overdosage with the resultant complications can be avoided.
Placozoa Are Not Derived Cnidarians: Evidence from Molecular Morphology
Authors: Andrea Ender, Bernd Schierwater
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (2003)

The phylum Placozoa is represented by a single known species, Trichoplax adhaerens, a tiny marine organism that represents the most simple metazoan bauplan. Because of the latter, placozoans were originally considered the most basal metazoan phylum. A misinterpretation of the life cycle at the turn of the century and some more recent molecular phylogenetic analyses have placed Trichoplax as a derived species within the Cnidaria. The latter hypothesis assumes that the primitive organization of the Placozoa is the result of secondary reduction. Here we compare the molecular morphology of the predicted 16S rDNA structure and the mitochondrial genome between Trichoplax and representatives of all four cnidarian classes. Trichoplax shares a circular mtDNA molecule as a plesiomorphy with all other metazoans except for the derived cnidarian classes Hydrozoa, Scyphozoa, and Cubozoa. The predicted secondary structure of the 16S rRNA molecule differs substantially between Trichoplax and cnidarians, particularly with respect to the number and length of stem and loop regions. The new molecular morphological characters provide compelling evidence that Trichoplax is not a derived (medusozoan) cnidarian. Furthermore, it was found that the mitochondrial genome in Cubozoa consists of four linear molecules instead of a single circular molecule or two linear molecules, suggesting that the cubozoans may represent the most derived cnidarian group.
Vitamin D Supplementation and Fracture Incidence in Elderly Persons
Authors: Paul Lips
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1996)

Objective: To determine whether vitamin D supplementation decreases the incidence of hip fractures and other peripheral bone fractures. Design: Prospective, double-blind trial. Setting: Community setting (Amsterdam and surrounding area). Patients: 2578 persons (1916 women, 662 men) 70 years of age and older (mean age ±SD, 80 ± 6 years) living independently, in apartments for elderly persons, or in homes for elderly persons. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to receive either vitamin D3, 400 IU in one tablet daily, or placebo for a maximum of 3.5 years. Measurements: Dietary calcium intake and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were estimated in a subset of participants. During follow-up, attention was concentrated on hip fractures and other peripheral fractures. The maximal follow-up period was 4 years. The results were evaluated by survival analysis. Results: Mean dietary calcium intake from dairy products was 868 mg/d. Mean serum 25(OH)D concentration in the third year of the study was 23 nmol/L in the placebo group and 60 nmol/L in the vitamin D group. Median follow-up was 3.5 years, and total follow-up was 8450 patient-years. During follow-up, 306 persons in the placebo group and 282 persons in the vitamin D group died (P = 0.20). Hip fractures occurred in 48 persons in the placebo group and 58 persons in the vitamin D group (P = 0.39, intention-to-treat analysis). Other peripheral fractures occurred in 74 persons in the placebo group and 77 persons in the vitamin D group (P = 0.86). Conclusion: Our results do not show a decrease in the incidence of hip fractures and other peripheral fractures in Dutch elderly persons after vitamin D supplementation.
Coronary angioplasty for early postinfarction unstable angina.
Authors: P J de Feyter, P W Serruys, A Soward, M van den Brand, E Bos, P G Hugenholtz
Journal: Circulation (1986)

Coronary angioplasty was performed in 53 patients in whom unstable angina had reoccurred after 48 hr and within 30 days after sustained myocardial infarction. Single-vessel disease was present in 64% of the patients and multivessel disease in 36%. The preceding myocardial infarction had been small to moderate in size in the majority of the patients. The left ventricular ejection fraction was more than 50% in 80% of the patients. Forty-five patients were refractory to pharmacologic treatment; eight were initially stabilized but once again became symptomatic with light exertion. Angioplasty was performed in 35 patients 2 to 14 days and in 18 patients 15 to 30 days after infarction (average 12 +/- 7 days after infarction). The initial success rate was 89% (47/53). The success rate of the patients treated at 2 to 14 days was lower (29/35, 83%) than that of patients treated at 14 to 30 days (18/18, 100%) but did not reach statistical significance (p less than .06). There were no deaths related to the procedure. In four of the six failures, emergency bypass surgery was performed and two patients sustained a myocardial infarction. Furthermore, a myocardial infarction complicated the angioplasty procedure in two other patients; thus the overall procedure-related myocardial infarction rate was 8% (4/53). At 6 months follow-up 26% (14/53) of all the patients who underwent angioplasty had recurrence of angina, which was successfully treated with repeat angioplasty, bypass surgery, or medical therapy. There were no late deaths. Late myocardial infarction occurred in two patients. Thus the total myocardial infarction rate after angioplasty at 6 months was 11% (6/53 patients).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Modulation of keratinocyte proliferation in vitro by endogenous prostaglandin synthesis.
Authors: A P Pentland, P Needleman
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1986)

To understand the relationship between the proliferation of epidermis and its arachidonic acid metabolism, we studied human keratinocytes grown in vitro at confluent or nonconfluent densities. Keratinocyte cultures incubated with [14C]arachidonic acid synthesized prostaglandin (PG)E2 PGD2, PGF2 alpha, and small quantities of 6-keto-F1 alpha. Nonconfluent cultures, however, synthesized fourfold more PGE2 than did confluent cultures. When proliferation was studied using [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA, it was found that this increased synthesis of PGE2 was accompanied by a fourfold increase in the rate of proliferation. When PGE2 synthesis was inhibited by indomethacin, the rate of proliferation of nonconfluent cultures was decreased 40%, while the rate of proliferation of confluent cultures was unchanged. Addition of 1 ng/ml of PGE2, but not PGF2 alpha, PGD2, or a stable analog of PGI2 to the indomethacin-treated nonconfluent cultures restored the initial rate of proliferation. These results suggest that PGE2 is a growth-promoting autocoid for epidermis. The synthesis of PGE2 by epidermis may be enhanced in wound healing and disease states where epidermal continuity is disrupted.
Overweight and obesity in mothers and risk of preterm birth and low birth weight infants: systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: S. D. McDonald, Z. Han, S. Mulla, J. Beyene
Journal: BMJ (2010)

<b>Objective</b> To determine the relation between overweight and obesity in mothers and preterm birth and low birth weight in singleton pregnancies in developed and developing countries. <b>Design</b> Systematic review and meta-analyses. <b>Data sources</b> Medline and Embase from their inceptions, and reference lists of identified articles. <b>Study selection</b> Studies including a reference group of women with normal body mass index that assessed the effect of overweight and obesity on two primary outcomes: preterm birth (before 37 weeks) and low birth weight (&lt;2500 g). <b>Data extraction</b> Two assessors independently reviewed titles, abstracts, and full articles, extracted data using a piloted data collection form, and assessed quality. <b>Data synthesis</b> 84 studies (64 cohort and 20 case-control) were included, totalling 1 095 834 women. Although the overall risk of preterm birth was similar in overweight and obese women and women of normal weight, the risk of induced preterm birth was increased in overweight and obese women (relative risk 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.23 to 1.37). Although overall the risk of having an infant of low birth weight was decreased in overweight and obese women (0.84, 0.75 to 0.95), the decrease was greater in developing countries than in developed countries (0.58, 0.47 to 0.71 <i>v</i> 0.90, 0.79 to 1.01). After accounting for publication bias, the apparent protective effect of overweight and obesity on low birth weight disappeared with the addition of imputed “missing” studies (0.95, 0.85 to 1.07), whereas the risk of preterm birth appeared significantly higher in overweight and obese women (1.24, 1.13 to 1.37). <b>Conclusions</b> Overweight and obese women have increased risks of preterm birth and induced preterm birth and, after accounting for publication bias, appeared to have increased risks of preterm birth overall. The beneficial effects of maternal overweight and obesity on low birth weight were greater in developing countries and disappeared after accounting for publication bias.
Leptin Enhances Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Growth
Authors: Giammarco Fava, Gianfranco Alpini, Chiara Rychlicki, Stefania Saccomanno, Sharon DeMorrow, Luciano Trozzi, Cinzia Candelaresi, Julie Venter, Antonio Di Sario, Marco Marzioni, Italo Bearzi, Shannon Glaser, Domenico Alvaro, Luca Marucci, Heather Francis, Gianluca Svegliati-Baroni, Antonio Benedetti
Journal: Cancer Research (2008)

Cholangiocarcinoma is a strongly aggressive malignancy with a very poor prognosis. Effective therapeutic strategies are lacking because molecular mechanisms regulating cholangiocarcinoma cell growth are unknown. Furthermore, experimental in vivo animal models useful to study the pathophysiologic mechanisms of malignant cholangiocytes are lacking. Leptin, the hormone regulating caloric homeostasis, which is increased in obese patients, stimulates the growth of several cancers, such as hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to define if leptin stimulates cholangiocarcinoma growth. We determined the expression of leptin receptors in normal and malignant human cholangiocytes. Effects on intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (HuH-28) cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of the in vitro exposure to leptin, together with the intracellular pathways, were then studied. Moreover, cholangiocarcinoma was experimentally induced in obese fa/fa Zucker rats, a genetically established animal species with faulty leptin receptors, and in their littermates by chronic feeding with thioacetamide, a potent carcinogen. After 24 weeks, the effect of leptin on cholangiocarcinoma development and growth was assessed. Normal and malignant human cholangiocytes express leptin receptors. Leptin increased the proliferation and the metastatic potential of cholangiocarcinoma cells in vitro through a signal transducers and activators of transcription 3-dependent activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. Leptin increased the growth and migration, and was antiapoptotic for cholangiocarcinoma cells. Moreover, the loss of leptin function reduced the development and the growth of cholangiocarcinoma. The experimental carcinogenesis model induced by thioacetamide administration is a valid and reproducible method to study cholangiocarcinoma pathobiology. Modulation of the leptin-mediated signal could be considered a valid tool for the prevention and treatment of cholangiocarcinoma.
The low-frequency allele of the platelet collagen signaling receptor glycoprotein VI is associated with reduced functional responses and expression
Authors: Lotta Joutsi-Korhonen, Peter A. Smethurst, Angela Rankin, Elaine Gray, Martin IJsseldijk, Catherine M. Onley, Nicholas A. Watkins, Lorna M. Williamson, Alison H. Goodall, Philip G. de Groot, Richard W. Farndale, Willem H. Ouwehand
Journal: Blood (2003)
Can dancing replace scientific approach: Lost (again) in chimpocentrism
Authors: A. Miklósi
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (2002)

In communication studies, in contrast to the approach of the information-transmission hypothesis, the dynamic systems theory tackles the problem of continous feedback between interactors. However, Shanker &amp; King's (S&amp;K's) account seems to lack methodological elaboration, for the reader is presented with anecdotes. Furthermore, in contrast to the authors' beliefs, chimpanzees (and humans) are not the only animals able to show coregulated communicative interactions, for similar phenomena can be found in other animals, as for example in dogs.
Constitutive HER2 Signaling Promotes Breast Cancer Metastasis through Cellular Senescence
Authors: Pier Davide Angelini, Mariano F. Zacarias Fluck, Kim Pedersen, Josep Lluís Parra-Palau, Marc Guiu, Cristina Bernadó Morales, Rocio Vicario, Antonio Luque-García, Nerea Peiró Navalpotro, Jordi Giralt, Francesc Canals, Roger R. Gomis, Josep Tabernero, José Baselga, Josep Villanueva, Joaquín Arribas
Journal: Cancer Research (2013)

Abstract Senescence, a terminal cell proliferation arrest, can be triggered by oncogenes. Oncogene-induced senescence is classically considered a tumor defense barrier. However, several findings show that, under certain circumstances, senescent cells may favor tumor progression because of their secretory phenotype. Here, we show that the expression in different breast epithelial cell lines of p95HER2, a constitutively active fragment of the tyrosine kinase receptor HER2, results in either increased proliferation or senescence. In senescent cells, p95HER2 elicits a secretome enriched in proteases, cytokines, and growth factors. This secretory phenotype is not a mere consequence of the senescence status and requires continuous HER2 signaling to be maintained. Underscoring the functional relevance of the p95HER2-induced senescence secretome, we show that p95HER2-induced senescent cells promote metastasis in vivo in a non–cell-autonomous manner. Cancer Res; 73(1); 450–8. ©2012 AACR.
Improved survival of colon cancer due to improved treatment and detection: a nationwide population-based study in The Netherlands 1989–2006
Authors: L.N. van Steenbergen, M.A.G. Elferink, P. Krijnen, V.E.P.P. Lemmens, S. Siesling, H.J.T. Rutten, D.J. Richel, H.E. Karim-Kos, J.W.W. Coebergh
Journal: Annals of Oncology (2010)
Pilot study of an automated method to determine Melasma Area and Severity Index
Authors: E.Y. Tay, E.Y. Gan, V.W.D. Tan, Z. Lin, Y. Liang, F. Lin, S. Wee, T.G. Thng
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2015)

Objective outcome measures for melasma severity are essential for the evaluation of severity as well as results of treatment. The modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) score is a validated tool for assessing melasma severity but is often subject to inter-observer variability.To develop and validate a novel image analysis software designed to automatically calculate the area and degree of hyperpigmentation in melasma from computer image analysis of whole-face digital photographs, thereby deriving an automated mMASI score (aMASI).The algorithm was developed in collaboration between dermatologists and image analysis experts. Firstly, using an adaptive threshold method, the algorithm identifies, segments and calculates the areas involved. It then calculates the darkness. Finally, the derived area and darkness are then used to calculate mMASI. The scores derived from the algorithm are validated prospectively. Twenty-nine patients with melasma using depigmenting agents were recruited for validation. Three dermatologists scored mMASI at baseline and post-treatment using standardized photographs. These scores were compared with aMASI scores derived from computer analysis.aMASI scores correlated well with clinical mMASI pre-treatment (r = 0·735, P < 0·001) and post-treatment (r = 0·608, P < 0·001). aMASI was reliable in detecting changes with treatment. These changes in aMASI scores correlated well with changes in clinician-assessed mMASI (r = 0·622, P < 0·001).This study proposes a novel approach in melasma scoring using digital image analysis. It holds promise as a tool that would enable clinicians worldwide to standardize melasma severity scoring and outcome measures in an easy and reproducible manner, enabling different treatment options to be compared accurately.
The rising incidence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in the UK
Authors: V. Navaratnam, K. M. Fleming, J. West, C. J. P. Smith, R. G. Jenkins, A. Fogarty, R. B. Hubbard
Journal: Thorax (2011)

<h3>Background</h3> Previous studies have shown that the incidence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is rising in the UK and USA. Death registrations and primary care data were used to determine the current trends in IPF incidence in the UK. Because routine clinical data sets were used, the term IPF clinical syndrome (IPF-CS) is used to describe individuals in this study. <h3>Methods</h3> Age- and stratum-specific death registration rates between 1968 and 2008 were calculated and these were applied to the 2008 population to generate annual standardised expected number of deaths. Annual mortality rate ratios were calculated using Poisson regression. Computerised primary care records were used to determine incidence rates of IPF-CS between 2000 and 2008 stratified by age, sex and geographical region, and survival rates between calendar periods were compared. <h3>Results</h3> Annual death certificate recording of IPF-CS rose sixfold across the study period from 0.92 per 100 000 in the 1968–1972 calendar periods to 5.10 per 100 000 in the 2006–2008 calendar period, and were higher in men and the older age groups. The incidence of IPF-CS in primary care increased by 35% from 2000 to 2008, with an overall incidence rate of 7.44 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI 7.12 to 7.77). Incidence was higher in men, the older population and in Northwest England. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The incidence of IPF-CS in primary care and registered deaths from this cause in the UK continues to rise in the 21st century. The current findings suggest that there are &gt;5000 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK.
Effect of pregnancy and obstructive jaundice on inflammatory diseases: the work of P S Hench revisited
Authors: I Crocker, N Lawson, J Fletcher
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2002)

Hench considered that cortisone improved inflammatory joint symptoms during pregnancy and obstructive jaundice. However, the improved symptoms are probably due to changes in the proportions of fatty acids in plasma and inflammatory cell phospholipids. These changes decrease the superoxide anions and eicosanoids produced and also reduce tumour necrosis factor α production.
Randomized Phase II Study of Interleukin-12 in Combination with Rituximab in Previously Treated Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Patients
Authors: Stephen M. Ansell, Susan M. Geyer, Matthew J. Maurer, Paul J. Kurtin, Ivana N.M. Micallef, Philip Stella, Paul Etzell, Anne J. Novak, Charles Erlichman, Thomas E. Witzig
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2006)

Abstract Purpose: Rituximab is a chimeric antibody that induces B-cell apoptosis and recruits immune effector cells to mediate cell lysis. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) facilitates cytolytic responses by T cells and natural killer cells. This phase II study was done to determine the efficacy and toxicity of IL-12 in combination with rituximab in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Experimental Design: Fifty-eight patients with histologically confirmed relapsed B-cell NHL were randomized to receive concurrent treatment with rituximab and IL-12 (arm A) or rituximab with subsequent treatment with IL-12 after documented nonresponse or progression after rituximab (arm B). Treatment consisted of 375 mg/m2 rituximab on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 and 300 ng/kg IL-12 given s.c. twice weekly starting on day 2 for arm A or upon progression for arm B. Results: The overall response rate was 37% (11 of 30) in arm A and 52% (13 of 25) in arm B. All of the responses seen in arm B occurred while patients received rituximab, and no responses occurred during treatment with subsequent IL-12. The median duration of response was 16 months for arm A and 12 months for arm B. Biopsy specimens were serially obtained in a subset of patients and showed that changes in gene expression were different when cells from the peripheral blood were compared with cells from lymph node biopsies. Conclusions: The concomitant use of IL-12 and rituximab had modest disease activity in patients with B-cell NHL, but the sequential administration of IL-12 after rituximab did not result in additional clinical responses.
Transforming growth factor beta2 induced pleurodesis is not inhibited by corticosteroids
Authors: Y C G Lee
Journal: Thorax (2001)

Talc and tetracyclines induce pleurodesis by directly injuring the pleura. The injury results in intense inflammation which subsequently leads to fibrosis. Corticosteroids can inhibit talc pleurodesis by reducing the inflammatory process. We hypothesised that transforming growth factor beta2 (TGFbeta2), a fibrogenic cytokine with immunomodulatory functions, could induce effective pleurodesis without generating significant pleural inflammation and therefore remain effective despite co-administration of corticosteroids.Thirty rabbits were divided into two groups. Rabbits in the steroid group received weekly intramuscular injections of triamcinolone diacetate (0.8 mg/kg). Ten rabbits in each group were given 5.0 microg TGFbeta2 intrapleurally via a chest tube while the remaining five received 1.7 microg TGFbeta2. Pleurodesis was graded macroscopically after 14 days from 1 (none) to 8 (>50% symphysis).TGFbeta2 produced excellent pleurodesis at both 5.0 microg and 1.7 microg doses. The pleural effusions produced after the injection were low in all inflammatory markers. No significant differences were seen between the steroid group and controls in macroscopic pleurodesis scores (7.2 (1.3) v 7.1 (1.2)), levels of inflammatory markers in the pleural fluids (leucocyte 1107 (387)/mm(3) v 1376 (581)/mm(3); protein 3.1 (0.3) mg/dl v 2.9 (0.3) mg/dl, and LDH 478 (232) IU/l v 502 (123) IU/l), and the degree of microscopic pleural fibrosis and pleural inflammation.TGFbeta2 can induce effective pleurodesis and remains effective in the presence of high dose parenteral corticosteroids.