tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Short term exposure to air pollution and stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Anoop S V Shah, Kuan Ken Lee, David A McAllister, Amanda Hunter, Harish Nair, William Whiteley, Jeremy P Langrish, David E Newby, Nicholas L Mills
Journal: BMJ (2015)

Objective To review the evidence for the short term association between air pollution and stroke. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies Data sources Medline, Embase, Global Health, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Science searched to January 2014 with no language restrictions. Eligibility criteria Studies investigating the short term associations (up to lag of seven days) between daily increases in gaseous pollutants (carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone) and particulate matter (<2.5 µm or <10 µm diameter (PM2.5 and PM10)), and admission to hospital for stroke or mortality. Main outcome measures Admission to hospital and mortality from stroke. Results From 2748 articles, 238 were reviewed in depth with 103 satisfying our inclusion criteria and 94 contributing to our meta-estimates. This provided a total of 6.2 million events across 28 countries. Admission to hospital for stroke or mortality from stroke was associated with an increase in concentrations of carbon monoxide (relative risk 1.015 per 1 ppm, 95% confidence interval 1.004 to 1.026), sulphur dioxide (1.019 per 10 ppb, 1.011 to 1.027), and nitrogen dioxide (1.014 per 10 ppb, 1.009 to 1.019). Increases in PM2.5 and PM10 concentration were also associated with admission and mortality (1.011 per 10 μg/m3 (1.011 to 1.012) and 1.003 per 10 µg/m3 (1.002 to 1.004), respectively). The weakest association was seen with ozone (1.001 per 10 ppb, 1.000 to 1.002). Strongest associations were observed on the day of exposure with more persistent effects observed for PM2·5. Conclusion Gaseous and particulate air pollutants have a marked and close temporal association with admissions to hospital for stroke or mortality from stroke. Public and environmental health policies to reduce air pollution could reduce the burden of stroke. Systematic review registration PROSPERO-CRD42014009225.
Ethyl alcohol sniffing by patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: N. G. De Santo
Journal: JAMA (1975)

Seven uremic patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis became addicted to vapors of denaturated ethyl alcohol. Sniffing produced relaxation, euphoria, and a sense of well-being. In all but one patient, this was the the only form of deviance. Two patients who tried stopping this practice while under psychiatric help were unsuccessful because of acute abstinence symptoms. Denaturated ethyl alcohol does not seem to be toxic per se. In these patients, results of hematological and liver function tests were within normal limits. Anemia supervened in one patient after two years of dialysis, and peripheral neuropathy developed in another.
BRAF Mutation and Microsatellite Instability Status in Colonic and Rectal Carcinoma: Context Really Does Matter
Authors: S. R. Hamilton
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2013)

References 1. Gomez SL, Noone A-M, Lichtensztajn, DY, et al. Cancer incidence trends among Asian-American populations in the United States, 1990-2008 J Natl Cancer Inst. 2013;105(15):1096–1110. 2. Liu L, Noone A-M, Gomez SL, et al. Cancer incidence trends among Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders in the United States, 19902008 J Natl Cancer Inst. 2013;105(15):1086–1095. 3. Buell P, Dunn JE. Cancer mortality among Japanese Issei and Nisei of California. Cancer. 1965;18(5):656–664. 4. Kolonel L, Hinds MW and Hankin JH. 1980. Cancer patterns among migrant and native-born Japanese in Hawaii in relation to smoking drinking and dietary habits. In: Gelboin HV, MacMahon B, Matsushima T, Sugimura T, Takayama S, Takebe H, ed. Genetic and Environmental Factors in Experimental and Human Cancer. Tokyo: Japan Scientific Societies Press; 1980: 327–340. 5. Kolonel L, Wilkens LR. Migrant Studies. In: Schottenfeld D, Fraumeni JF Jr, eds. Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention. 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press; 2006:189–201. 6. Ziegler RG, Hoover RN, Pike MC, et al. 1993. Migration patterns and breast cancer risk in Asian-American women. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1993;85(22):1819–1827. 7. Center for Immigration Studies. Immigration Policy at the Edges: International Migration to and Through the U.S. Island Territories, 2003. http:www.cis.org/USIslandTerratories-IntrnationalMigration.html. Accessed June 10, 2013. 8. Countries and their Cultures. Polynesians History and Cultural Relations. http://www.everyculture.com/North-America/Polynesians-History-andCulture-Relations.html. Accessed June 10, 2013. 9. Wikipedia. History of Asian American Immigration. http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/History_of_Asian_American_immigration. Accessed June 10, 2013. 10. Wikipedia. Japanese American. http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_ American. Acccessed June 10, 2013. 11. US Census Bureau. An Older and More Diverse Nation by Midcentury. http:// www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/population/cb08-123.html. Accessed June 27, 2013. 12. US Department of Health and Human Services. Hepatitis and Asian Americans. http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/templates/content.aspx?lvl=3& lvlid=541I40(1):43–68.
Differential Effects of Estrogen and Progesterone on AT <sub>1</sub> Receptor Gene Expression in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Georg Nickenig, Kerstin Strehlow, Sven Wassmann, Anselm T. Bäumer, Katja Albory, Heinrich Sauer, Michael Böhm
Journal: Circulation (2000)

Background —The beneficial vasoprotective effects of a postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy may be prevented by a concomitant administration of progestins. To investigate the differential effects of estrogens and progesterone, we examined their influence on AT 1 receptor gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Methods and Results —17β-Estradiol caused downregulation of AT 1 receptor mRNA expression to 46±14%, whereas progesterone led to a significant upregulation to 201±29%, as assessed by Northern analysis. Western blots revealed that estrogen induced a downregulation and progesterone an upregulation of the AT 1 receptor protein. Estrogen-induced decrease of AT 1 receptor expression was mediated through activation of estrogen receptors. Nuclear run-on assays revealed that 17β-estradiol did not alter AT 1 receptor mRNA transcription rate, whereas progesterone caused an enhanced AT 1 receptor mRNA transcription rate. 17β-Estradiol decreased the AT 1 receptor mRNA half-life from 5 to 2 hours, whereas progesterone induced a stabilization of AT 1 receptor mRNA to a half-life of 10 hours. Preincubation of VSMCs with PD98059, SB203580, herbimycin, wortmannin, or N ω -nitro- l -arginine suggested that 17β-estradiol caused AT 1 receptor downregulation through nitric oxide–dependent pathways. Progesterone caused AT 1 receptor overexpression via PI 3 -kinase activation. Angiotensin II–induced release of reactive oxygen species was inhibited by estrogens. Progesterone itself enhanced the production of reactive oxygen species. Conclusions —Because AT 1 receptor regulation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and atherosclerosis, the differential effects of estrogen and progesterone on the expression of this gene may in part explain the potentially counteracting effects of these reproductive hormones on the incidence of postmenopausal cardiovascular diseases.
miR-424/322 regulates vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype and neointimal formation in the rat
Authors: Elise Merlet, Fabrice Atassi, Rajender K. Motiani, Nathalie Mougenot, Adeline Jacquet, Sophie Nadaud, Thierry Capiod, Mohamed Trebak, Anne-Marie Lompré, Alexandre Marchand
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2013)

Our aim was to identify new microRNAs (miRNAs) implicated in pathological vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation and characterize their mechanism of action. MicroRNAs microarray and qRT–PCR results lead us to focus on miR-424 or its rat ortholog miR-322 (miR-424/322). In vitro mir-424/322 level was decreased shortly after the induction of proliferation and increased in a time-dependent manner later on. In vivo its expression increased in the rat carotid artery from Day 4 up to Day 30 after injury. miR-424/322 overexpression in vitro inhibited proliferation and migration without affecting apoptosis and prevented VSMC dedifferentiation. Furthermore, miR-424/322 overexpression resulted in decreased expression of its predicted targets: cyclin D1 and Ca2+-regulating proteins calumenin and stromal-interacting molecule 1 (STIM1). Using reporter luciferase assays, we confirmed that cyclin D1 and calumenin mRNAs were direct targets of miR-322, whereas miR-322 effect on STIM1 was indirect. Nevertheless, consistent with the decreased STIM1 level, the store-operated Ca2+ entry was reduced. We hypothesized that miR-424/322 could be a negative regulator of proliferation overridden in pathological situations. Thus, we overexpressed miR-424/322 in injured rat carotid arteries using an adenovirus, and demonstrated a protective effect against restenosis. Our results demonstrate that miR-424/322 is up-regulated after vascular injury. This is likely an adaptive response to counteract proliferation, although this mechanism is overwhelmed in pathological situations such as injury-induced restenosis.
Effect of incorporating low intensity exercise into the recovery period after a rugby match
Authors: M Suzuki, T Umeda, S Nakaji, T Shimoyama, T Mashiko, K Sugawara
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2004)

Background: The psychological and physiological condition of athletes affect both their performance in competitions and their health. Rugby is an intense sport which appears to impose psychological and physiological stress on players. However, there have been few studies of the most appropriate resting techniques to deliver effective recovery from a match. Objectives: To compare the difference in recovery after a match using resting techniques with or without exercise. Methods: Fifteen Japanese college rugby football players were studied. Seven performed only normal daily activities and eight performed additional low intensity exercise during the post-match rest period. Players were examined just before and immediately after the match and one and two days after the match. Blood biochemistry and two neutrophil functions, phagocytic activity and oxidative burst, were measured to assess physiological condition, and the profile of mood states (POMS) scores were examined to evaluate psychological condition. Results: Immediately after the match, muscle damage, decreases in neutrophil functions, and mental fatigue were observed in both groups. Muscle damage and neutrophil functions recovered with time almost equally in the two groups, but the POMS scores were significantly decreased only in subjects in the low intensity exercise group. Conclusions: Rugby matches impose both physiological and psychological stress on players. The addition of low intensity exercise to the rest period did not adversely affect physiological recovery and had a significantly beneficial effect on psychological recovery by enhancing relaxation.
Patent Foramen Ovale Closure by Radiofrequency Thermal Coaptation
Authors: Hidehiko Hara, Thomas K. Jones, Elena R. Ladich, Renu Virmani, David C. Auth, Joseph E. Eichinger, Robert J. Sommer, Robert A. Van Tassel, Robert S. Schwartz
Journal: Circulation (2007)

Percutaneous transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is now standard practice and may limit embolic complications for at least 10 years. Implantable PFO closure devices may be complicated by thrombosis, infection, device fracture, or embolization. A novel strategy uses radiofrequency-based thermal energy to seal PFO membranes, with no implanted device. We successfully used this method and examined histopathologic events in swine to characterize safety and efficacy.Thirteen domestic swine were examined over time after thermal PFO closure. Three animals were euthanized within 1 hour of treatment, 5 after 7 days, and 5 at 28 days. Gross and histopathologic findings were examined. Radiofrequency energy was delivered successfully in all cases, and PFOs were closed in 12 of 13 cases. One case was not suitable for histological examination because of laceration at euthanasia, and the other PFO was clinically closed, with no shunt at 7 days, but was histologically open. All of the other PFOs were confirmed closed histologically. Acute histological results showed edema, hemorrhage, and myocyte necrosis. Minimal thrombus formation occurred on the left atrial endocardial surface. At day 7, transmural thermal effects occurred through the atrial wall that extended to the epicardial surface. At day 28, thermal effects showed excellent scar formation. Collagen, matrix, and neovascularization were present in all cases. No animal experienced adverse events.Thermal PFO closure is feasible, safe, and effective in swine. Thermal healing is nearly complete by 4 weeks and consists of collagen formation and tunnel closure. This technique may allow substantial reduction in PFO closure risk over current device-based therapy.
Translating science into action – prevention of periodontal disease at patient level
Authors: Pierre C. Baehni
Journal: Periodontology 2000 (2012)

Abstract For years, prevention of periodontal disease has focused mainly on improving patient oral hygiene. The role of the dentist and dental hygienist was to ‘motivate’ the patient to adopt the proper technique for plaque removal. Today, prevention has shifted to a broader and more comprehensive approach with preventive interventions that target local etiologic as well as general risk factors. The present report, which focuses on prevention at the patient level, describes the current trend in preventive care characterized by a global and patient‐centered approach.
Identification and Characterization of a Novel and Specific Inhibitor of the Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated Kinase ATM
Authors: Ian Hickson, Yan Zhao, Caroline J. Richardson, Sharon J. Green, Niall M. B. Martin, Alisdair I. Orr, Philip M. Reaper, Stephen P. Jackson, Nicola J. Curtin, Graeme C. M. Smith
Journal: Cancer Research (2004)

The serine/threonine protein kinase ATM signals to cell cycle and DNA repair components by phosphorylating downstream targets such as p53, CHK2, NBS1, and BRCA1. Mutation of ATM occurs in the human autosomal recessive disorder ataxia-telangiectasia, which is characterized by hypersensitivity to ionizing radiation and a failure of cells to arrest the cell cycle after the induction of DNA double-strand breaks. It has thus been proposed that ATM inhibition would cause cellular radio- and chemosensitization. Through screening a small molecule compound library developed for the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase-like kinase family, we identified an ATP-competitive inhibitor, 2-morpholin-4-yl-6-thianthren-1-yl-pyran-4-one (KU-55933), that inhibits ATM with an IC(50) of 13 nmol/L and a Ki of 2.2 nmol/L. KU-55933 shows specificity with respect to inhibition of other phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase-like kinases. Cellular inhibition of ATM by KU-55933 was demonstrated by the ablation of ionizing radiation-dependent phosphorylation of a range of ATM targets, including p53, gammaH2AX, NBS1, and SMC1. KU-55933 did not show inhibition of UV light DNA damage induced cellular phosphorylation events. Exposure of cells to KU-55933 resulted in a significant sensitization to the cytotoxic effects of ionizing radiation and to the DNA double-strand break-inducing chemotherapeutic agents, etoposide, doxorubicin, and camptothecin. Inhibition of ATM by KU-55933 also caused a loss of ionizing radiation-induced cell cycle arrest. By contrast, KU-55933 did not potentiate the cytotoxic effects of ionizing radiation on ataxia-telangiectasia cells, nor did it affect their cell cycle profile after DNA damage. We conclude that KU-55933 is a novel, specific, and potent inhibitor of the ATM kinase.
Antibodies to intercellular adhesion molecule 1/lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 prevent crescent formation in rat autoimmune glomerulonephritis.
Authors: K Nishikawa, Y J Guo, M Miyasaka, T Tamatani, A B Collins, M S Sy, R T McCluskey, G Andres
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1993)

In patients with glomerulonephritis widespread crescents are associated with a poor prognosis. Crescent formation appears to depend on the migration of mononuclear cells into Bowman's space, and therefore the interaction between leukocytes and glomerular endothelium may be a critical event in the genesis of crescents. We performed the present study to determine the effects of mouse monoclonal antibodies to the adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) in a model of crescentic glomerulonephritis in Wistar-Kyoto rats, induced by immunization with bovine glomerular basement membrane (GBM). By 10-14 d after immunization, the rats had developed circulating anti-GBM antibodies, reactive with the alpha 3 chain of type IV collagen (the Goodpasture antigen), accompanied by proteinuria, accumulation of rat immunoglobulin (Ig)G in the GBM, increased expression of ICAM-1 by glomerular endothelial cells, infiltration of glomerular tufts with LFA-1+ T cells and monocyte/macrophages, and early crescents. At 5 wk all rats had diffuse fibrocellular crescents, glomerular sclerosis, and tubulointerstitial damage. All rats developed severe renal insufficiency and died by 5 or 6 wk. The administration of monoclonal antibodies to rat ICAM-1 and LFA-1 markedly decreased the severity of the renal disease. In a group of rats injected three times a week with the monoclonal antibodies, from 2 d before immunization with GBM to day 14, glomerular abnormalities and proteinuria were virtually absent at day 14; even at 5 wk glomerular disease was quite mild, with only slight crescent formation and with only a mild decrease in renal function. When treatment was continued until 5 wk, the beneficial effects were even more marked, with virtual absence of crescents and with preservation of normal renal function. In a group of rats in which treatment was initiated on day 14, shortly after the appearance of glomerular abnormalities, progression of the disease was appreciably retarded, and the decrease in renal function was inhibited. The kidneys of rats treated from days -2 to 14 with antibodies to ICAM-1 and LFA-1 showed bright linear staining for rat IgG along the GBM, which did not differ in intensity from that seen in untreated rats. Furthermore, the titers of anti-GBM antibodies at 2 wk in treated rats were not lower than that seen in most of the untreated rats. There was, however, moderate reduction of anti-GBM antibodies at 5 wk in the treated rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial to Evaluate Chronic Dosing Effects of Propranolol in Asthma
Authors: Philip M. Short, Peter A. Williamson, William J. Anderson, Brian J. Lipworth
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2013)

Unblinded studies have shown improvements in airway hyperresponsiveness with chronic nadolol in steroid-naive patients with asthma.To assess the effects of chronic nonselective β-blockade as add-on to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in patients with asthma.A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial of propranolol in patients with mild-to-moderate asthma receiving ICS was performed. Participants underwent a 6- to 8-week dose titration of propranolol or placebo as tolerated to a maximum of 80 mg per day. Tiotropium was given for the first 4 to 6 weeks of each treatment period.Primary outcome was methacholine challenge. Secondary outcomes included histamine challenge, pulmonary function, mini-asthma quality of life questionnaire (mini-AQLQ), and asthma control questionnaire (ACQ). Eighteen patients completed (mean [SEM]): age, 36 (4) yr; FEV1%, 93 (2); ICS, 440 (66) μg/d. No significant difference was observed in methacholine or histamine challenge after exposure to propranolol versus placebo. For methacholine challenge, the doubling dilution difference was 0.04 (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.56 to 0.63), P = 0.89. Albuterol recovery at 20 minutes after histamine challenge was partially attenuated by propranolol versus placebo: FEV1% mean difference, 5.28 (95% CI, 2.54-8.01), P = 0.001. After chronic β-blockade there was a small worsening in FEV1 % predicted of 2.4% (95% CI, -0.1 to 4.8), P = 0.055. No difference was found for ACQ or mini-AQLQ.This is the first placebo-controlled study to assess the effects of chronic nonselective β-blockade in asthma, showing no significant effect of propranolol compared with placebo on either methacholine or histamine airway hyperresponsiveness and no change in ACQ or AQLQ. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01074853).
An inhibitor of leucocyte movement in the plasma of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Authors: J R Walker, M J Smith
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1980)

Plasma from patients with rheumatoid arthritis shows inhibitory activity towards the random and stimulated movement of human polymorphonuclear leucocytes and peripheral phagocytic monocytes in vitro. The inhibitory activity is heat-labile, not present in plasma from patients with noninflammatory diseases, and appears to exert its inhibitory effects by occupying sites on the cell cell membrane from where it may be removed by washing. It is suggested that this factor(s) is responsible for the diminished accumulation of polymorphonuclear leucocytes into skin chambers with occurs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Code for Drugs
Authors: S. Bradshaw
Journal: BMJ (1965)

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> To review the evidence regarding antiepileptic drug (AED) prophylaxis in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in order to make practice recommendations. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The authors identified relevant studies by searching multiple databases and reviewing reference lists of other sources. They included studies that prospectively compared post-traumatic seizure rates in patients given AED prophylaxis vs controls. Each study was graded (class I to IV) according to a standard classification-of-evidence scheme and results were analyzed and pooled. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Pooled class I studies demonstrated a significantly lower risk of early post-traumatic seizures (those occurring within 7 days after injury) in patients given phenytoin prophylaxis compared to controls (relative risk 0.37, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.74). Pooled class I and class II studies demonstrated no significant difference in the risk of late post-traumatic seizures (those occurring beyond 7 days after injury) in patients given AED prophylaxis compared to controls (relative risk 1.05, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.35). Serum AED levels were suboptimal in these studies and adverse effects were mild but frequent. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> For adult patients with severe TBI, prophylaxis with phenytoin is effective in decreasing the risk of early post-traumatic seizures. AED prophylaxis is probably not effective in decreasing the risk of late post-traumatic seizures. Further studies addressing milder forms of TBI, the use of newer AEDs, the utility of EEG, and the applicability of these findings to children are recommended.