tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Histamine‐Induced Bronchospasm
Authors: B. Hegardt, O. Löwhagen, N. Svedmyr
Journal: Allergy (1980)

The reproducibility of the histamine challenge in seven asymptomatic patients with extrinsic asthma, provoked four times each with 1–2 weeks interval, was investigated. The method was thereafter used in order to find the sub‐threshold bronchodilating dose of a new β‐agonist KWD 2131 with a preferably anti‐allergic property. Selection of patients and methodology of the histamine challenge procedure were carefully standardized. Histamine was administered during quiet breathing at 3‐min intervals in a step‐wise cumulative manner up to a point where &gt;20% decrease in FEV 1.0 was reached. The pooled intra‐individual standard deviation was 4.6% in FEV 1.0 , 5.0% in PEFR, and 4.7% in FVC. Pretreatment with KWD 2131, before histamine challenge, showed that the sub‐threshold dose for bronchodilatation was 0.5 mg in nine patients and 0.25 mg in three patients compared with 1 mg in patients with intrinsic asthma. It was important to perform individualized dose‐titration of the sub‐threshold bronchodilating dose of KWD 2131 before initiation of a subsequent allergen provocation study.
Long-term changes in adult asthma prevalence
Authors: J. Brogger, P. Bakke, G.E. Eide, B. Johansen, A. Andersen, A. Gulsvik
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2003)

There has been an increase in asthma prevalence among children. Little evidence is available regarding long-term changes in asthma prevalence in adults. Two cross-sectional studies were performed among adults aged 15–70 yrs in Oslo, Norway, in 1972 and again in 1998–1999 (n=39,998). A postal self-completed questionnaire was used. Exactly the same questions and survey methods were used in both studies. In 1998–1999, additional telephone follow-up was included for postal nonresponders. The crude prevalence of ever having had a doctor's diagnosis of asthma increased from 3.4 to 9.3%. The prevalence of wheezing increased from 17.8 to 25.8% and attacks of breathlessness from 12.6 to 16.7%. After controlling for smoking, the risk of asthma among those aged &lt;40 yrs had tripled. The increase in asthma was 50% greater in females than males. The prevalence of symptoms increased less than asthma diagnosis. Wheezing increased by 50% in those aged &lt;40 yrs, with smaller increases at greater ages. The increase in symptoms was seen among both asthmatics and nonasthmatics. There has been a large increase in the prevalence of asthma diagnosis and asthma-like symptoms in adults. The increase is less pronounced among those aged &gt;40 yrs.
CD36 Regulates Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Hypercholesterolemic CKD
Authors: Daryl M. Okamura, Subramaniam Pennathur, Katie Pasichnyk, Jesu[Combining Acute Accent]s M. Lo[Combining Acute Accent]pez-Guisa, Sarah Collins, Maria Febbraio, Jay Heinecke, Allison A. Eddy
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (2009)

Scavenger receptors play a central role in atherosclerosis by processing oxidized lipoproteins and mediating their cellular effects. Recent studies suggested that the atherogenic state correlates with progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD); therefore, scavenger receptors are candidate mediators of renal fibrogenesis. Here, we investigated the role of CD36, a class B scavenger receptor, in a hypercholesterolemic model of CKD. We placed CD36-deficient mice and wild-type male mice on a high-fat Western diet for 7 to 8 wk and then performed either sham or unilateral ureteral obstruction surgery. CD36-deficient mice developed significantly less fibrosis compared with wild-type mice at days 3, 7, and 14 after obstruction. Compared with wild-type mice, CD36-deficient mice had significantly more interstitial macrophages at 7 d but not at 14 d. CD36-deficient mice exhibited reduced levels of activated NF-kappaB and oxidative stress (assessed by measuring fatty acid-derived hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid and protein carbonyl content) and decreased accumulation of interstitial myofibroblasts compared with wild-type mice. These data suggest that CD36 is a key modulator of proinflammatory and oxidative pathways that promote fibrogenesis in CKD.
Prediabetes and perinatal mortality.
Authors: S L Wood, R Sauve, S Ross, R Brant, E J Love
Journal: Diabetes Care (2000)

The association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and perinatal outcome is largely based on case series and retrospective studies that found an increased risk of perinatal mortality and stillbirth as the onset of diabetes approached. Our objective was to assess the relationship between latency to diabetes and perinatal outcome of prediabetic pregnancies in a contemporary population of women with adult-onset diabetes.A population of 403 diabetic women from two recruitment sites completed a pretested questionnaire.Details of 1,181 pregnancy outcomes were obtained. This comprised 1,024 live births, 22 stillbirths, and 8 early neonatal deaths. Crude analysis suggested a relationship between time to diabetes (latency) < or =20 years and both perinatal death and stillbirth: odds ratio (95% CI), 2.41 (1.17-4.95) and 2.15 (0.93-4.98). Generalized additive modeling revealed a nonlinear relationship between the variables time to diabetes, and maternal age and perinatal outcome. Final logistic regression analysis was then performed for the outcomes perinatal death and stillbirth, with maternal age as a second-degree polynomial, year of birth as a continuous variable, and time to diabetes dichotomized < or =20 years to diagnosis and >20 years. This final analysis documented a significant association between time to diabetes < or =20 years and both perinatal death (4.06 [1.79-9.36]) and stillbirth (3.35 [1.25-9.05]).There appeared to be an increased risk of perinatal death and stillbirth in pregnancies occurring in the last 20 years before the diagnosis of diabetes.
Prospective aetiological study of diaper dermatitis in the elderly
Authors: N. Foureur, B. Vanzo, S. Meaume, P. Senet
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2006)

Background The different causes of diaper dermatitis (DD) in the elderly are not well known and the treatment is often empirical. Objectives To determine the causes of DD in the elderly and to evaluate the efficacy of antifungal treatments in this indication. Methods Consecutive patients presenting with DD were included. Clinical evaluation, skin swabs for bacterial and mycological cultures, patch testing and skin biopsy were performed at inclusion. This was followed by 1 month of topical antifungal cream and, if needed, by oral fluconazole for the second month. Results Forty-six patients were included (mean age 85 years). Causes of DD were established for 38 patients: 24 had candidiasis (63%), six irritant dermatitis (16%), four eczema (11%) and four psoriasis (11%). After 2 months of treatment, 27 of 37 (73%) patients were cured and five of 37 were improved. Conclusions Mycoses and irritant dermatitis are the main causes of DD in the elderly, and emollient skin care and topical antifungal treatment can be considered a first-line therapy for this indication.
Major Lipids, Apolipoproteins, and Risk of Vascular Disease
Authors: E Di Angelantonio, N Sarwar, P Perry, S Kaptoge, K K Ray, A Thompson, A M Wood, S Lewington, N Sattar, C J Packard, R Collins, S G Thompson, J Danesh
Journal: JAMA (2009)

Associations of major lipids and apolipoproteins with the risk of vascular disease have not been reliably quantified.To assess major lipids and apolipoproteins in vascular risk.Individual records were supplied on 302,430 people without initial vascular disease from 68 long-term prospective studies, mostly in Europe and North America. During 2.79 million person-years of follow-up, there were 8857 nonfatal myocardial infarctions, 3928 coronary heart disease [CHD] deaths, 2534 ischemic strokes, 513 hemorrhagic strokes, and 2536 unclassified strokes.Hazard ratios (HRs), adjusted for several conventional factors, were calculated for 1-SD higher values: 0.52 log(e) triglyceride, 15 mg/dL high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), 43 mg/dL non-HDL-C, 29 mg/dL apolipoprotein AI, 29 mg/dL apolipoprotein B, and 33 mg/dL directly measured low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Within-study regression analyses were adjusted for within-person variation and combined using meta-analysis.The rates of CHD per 1000 person-years in the bottom and top thirds of baseline lipid distributions, respectively, were 2.6 and 6.2 with triglyceride, 6.4 and 2.4 with HDL-C, and 2.3 and 6.7 with non-HDL-C. Adjusted HRs for CHD were 0.99 (95% CI, 0.94-1.05) with triglyceride, 0.78 (95% CI, 0.74-0.82) with HDL-C, and 1.50 (95% CI, 1.39-1.61) with non-HDL-C. Hazard ratios were at least as strong in participants who did not fast as in those who did. The HR for CHD was 0.35 (95% CI, 0.30-0.42) with a combination of 80 mg/dL lower non-HDL-C and 15 mg/dL higher HDL-C. For the subset with apolipoproteins or directly measured LDL-C, HRs were 1.50 (95% CI, 1.38-1.62) with the ratio non-HDL-C/HDL-C, 1.49 (95% CI, 1.39-1.60) with the ratio apo B/apo AI, 1.42 (95% CI, 1.06-1.91) with non-HDL-C, and 1.38 (95% CI, 1.09-1.73) with directly measured LDL-C. Hazard ratios for ischemic stroke were 1.02 (95% CI, 0.94-1.11) with triglyceride, 0.93 (95% CI, 0.84-1.02) with HDL-C, and 1.12 (95% CI, 1.04-1.20) with non-HDL-C.Lipid assessment in vascular disease can be simplified by measurement of either total and HDL cholesterol levels or apolipoproteins without the need to fast and without regard to triglyceride.
Atoll sign or reversed halo sign? Which term should be used?
Authors: E. Marchiori, K. L. Irion, G. Zanetti, B. Hochhegger
Journal: Thorax (2011)

We read with great interest the article by Walsh and Robertson1 reporting a case of cryptogenic organising pneumonia. The authors included wonderful images of a CT pattern they called the ‘atoll sign’, which has been described by other authors as the ‘reversed halo …
Identification of Cyclin D1– and Estrogen-Regulated Genes Contributing to Breast Carcinogenesis and Progression
Authors: Chuanwei Yang, Sally Trent, Viviana Ionescu-Tiba, Lan Lan, Toshi Shioda, Dennis Sgroi, Emmett V. Schmidt
Journal: Cancer Research (2006)

Abstract Tumors can become lethal when they progress from preinvasive lesions to invasive carcinomas. Here, we identify candidate tumor progression genes using gene array analysis of preinvasive and invasive tumors from mice, which were then evaluated in human cancers. Immediate early response protein IEX-1, small stress protein 1 (HSPB8), and tumor necrosis factor-associated factor–interacting protein mRNAs displayed higher expression levels in invasive lesions than in preinvasive lesions using samples obtained by laser capture microdissection (LCM) from transgenic erbB2, ras, and cyclin D1 mice. LCM-isolated tissues from patient-matched normal, ductal carcinoma in situ, and invasive ductal carcinoma revealed similar increased expression in invasive human cancers compared with preinvasive and normal samples. These genes induced anchorage independence, increased cell proliferation, and protected against apoptosis, singly or in collaboration with erbB2. Surprisingly, they were all up-regulated by 17β-estradiol and cyclin D1, and cyclin D1 overexpression increased p300/CBP binding to their promoters, supporting the model that cyclin D1-estrogen receptor (ER) coactivator interactions may be important to its role in ER-positive breast cancer. Additionally, an irreversible dual kinase inhibitor of ErbB signaling inhibited expression of the same genes. The up-regulation of genes contributing to increased invasiveness of ER-positive cancers offers a novel explanation for the contribution of cyclin D1 to a worse prognosis in ER-positive cancers. As targets of estrogen, cyclin D1, and erbB2 signaling, these candidates offer insights into the nature of the second events involved in breast cancer progression, regulatory events contributing to invasion, and potential targets of combined inhibition of hormone and growth factor signaling pathways. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(24): 11649-58)
Reversal of exercise-induced hemodynamic and electrocardiographic abnormalities after coronary artery bypass surgery.
Authors: R J Sarma, M E Sanmarco
Journal: Circulation (1982)

Forty patients (35 men and five women) who experienced hypotension during maximal symptom-limited exercise test were retested after a 12 +/- 4-month interval. Mean age was 53.5 years. All patients had multiple-vessel disease. Seventeen patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery because of disabling angina, and 23 patients without disabling angina continued under medical management. At entry, there were no significant differences in age, left ventricular function or exercise performance between the medical and surgical groups. At follow-up, the surgical group showed an average increase in the exercise duration of 2.2 +/- 1.7 minutes (p less than 0.001), maximal heart rate of 17 +/- 15 beats/min (p less than 0.001), maximal systolic blood pressure of 26 +/- 23 mm Hg (p less than 0.001) and maximal rate-pressure product of 60 +/- 41 (p less than 0.001). These measurements did not change significantly in the medically managed group. Exercise-induced hypotension is apparently caused by ischemic left ventricular dysfunction, since in the majority of patients, it is reversible after successful revascularization. This observation is supported by the lack of improvement in a comparable group of patients managed without surgery.
Right Ventricle to Pulmonary Artery Conduit Improves Outcome After Stage I Norwood for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Authors: Christian Pizarro, Edward Malec, Kevin O. Maher, Katarzyna Januszewska, Samuel S. Gidding, Kenneth A. Murdison, Jeanne M. Baffa, William I. Norwood
Journal: Circulation (2003)

Diastolic run off into the pulmonary circulation and labile coronary perfusion are thought to contribute to morbidity and mortality after the Norwood procedure (NP). We compared outcomes from the use of a RV to PA conduit (RV/PA) or a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (BTS), physiologically distinct sources of pulmonary blood flow.Review of 56 consecutive patients who underwent a Norwood procedure with a RV/PA (n=36) or a BTS (n=20) between 2000 and 2002. Median age was 4.5 days (range 1 to 40) and median weight was 3.1 kg (range 1.8 to 4.1). The RV/PA was constructed with a 5-mm conduit. Patients in the BTS group received a 4-mm shunt. Comparisons between RV/PA and BTS groups showed no difference for weight, gestational age, prenatal diagnosis, HLHS variant, associated diagnoses, ascending aortic size, ventricular function, AV valve function, and pulmonary venous obstruction. Operative survival was higher with RV/PA [33/36 (92%) versus 14/20 (70%); P=0.05]. Patients with RV/PA had less need for ventilatory manipulations to balance the Qp/Qs (1/36 v/s 8/20; P=0.001), delayed sternal closure (6/36 v/s 7/20; P=0.001), and extracorporeal support (5/36 v/s 7/20; P=0.036). RV/PA patients had more favorable postoperative hemodynamics: higher diastolic blood pressure without changes in systolic blood pressure at 1, 8, 24, 48 hours after the NP (46.3 v/s 39.5; 47.2 v/s 42.1; 46.1 v/s 37.1; and 47.1 v/s 40.2; all P=0.001).RV/PA simplifies postoperative management and improves hospital survival after NP for HLHS.
The MicroRNA-148/152 Family: Multi-faceted Players
Authors: Yue Chen, Yong-Xi Song, Zhen-Ning Wang
Journal: Molecular Cancer (2013)

Abstract MicroRNAs(miRNA) are noncoding RNAs of about 19–23 nucleotides that are crucial for many biological processes. Members of the microRNA-148/152(miR-148/152) family, which include microRNA-148a(miR-148a), microRNA-148b(miR-148b), and microRNA-152(miR-152), are expressed differently in tumor and nontumor tissues and are involved in the genesis and development of disease. Furthermore, members of the miR-148/152 family are important in the growth and development of normal tissues. Members of the miR-148/152 family regulate target genes and are regulated by methylation of CPG islands. In this review, we report recent studies on the expression of members of the miR-148/152 family, methylation of CPG islands, and their target genes in different diseases, as well as in normal tissues.
Analysis of VEGF-responsive genes involved in the activation of endothelial cells.
Authors: Kishore K Wary, Geeta D Thakker, Joseph O Humtsoe, Jun Yang
Journal: Molecular Cancer (2003)

Identification of the genes and pathways associated with the activation of endothelial cells (ECs) could help uncover the role of ECs in wound healing, vascular permeability, blood brain barrier function, angiogenesis, diabetic retinopathy, atherosclerosis, psoriasis, and growth of solid tumors. Herein, we embedded ECs in 3D type I collagen gel, left unstimulated or stimulated with VEGF165, and subjected to suppression subtractive hybridization followed by differential display (SSHDD). Gene fragments obtained from SSHDD were subjected to DNA sequence analysis. Database search with nucleotide sequence were performed using the BLAST algorithm and expression of candidate genes determined by northern blot analysis. A total of ~32 cDNA fragments, including known regulators of angiogenesis, and a set of genes that were not reported to be associated with activation of ECs and angiogenesis previously were identified. We confirmed the mRNA expression of KDR, α2 integrin, Stanniocalcin, including a set of 11 candidate genes. Western immunoblotting results indicated that KDR, α2 integrin, MMP-1, MMP-2, and VE-cadherin genes were indeed active genes. We have identified a set of 11 VEGF-responsive endothelial cell candidate genes. Their expression in endothelial cell is confirmed by northern blot analyses. This preliminary report forms as a foundation for functional studies to be performed to reveal their roles in EC activation and pathophysiological events associated with the vasculature including tumor growth.
Different classes of T lymphocytes have different mRNAs for the leukocyte-common antigen, T200.
Authors: L Lefrancois, M L Thomas, M J Bevan, I S Trowbridge
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1986)

The leukocyte common antigen, T200, is expressed on all white blood cells but not on other differentiated cells. Within the hematopoietic lineage, specific cell types display characteristic structural forms of the molecule on their surface. We show that murine cytotoxic T lymphocyte clones and helper T cell clones contain different size mRNA for this molecule, and that the early precursors of T200 glycoprotein made in the helper and cytotoxic T cells differ in Mr. Thus, in addition to differences in posttranslational modifications, it is highly likely that a difference in protein structure contributes to the distinct forms of T200 glycoprotein found on these functional T cell subsets.
Heterogeneous Expression of Gap Junction Channels in the Heart Leads to Conduction Defects and Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: David E. Gutstein, Gregory E. Morley, Dhananjay Vaidya, Fangyu Liu, Franklin L. Chen, Heidi Stuhlmann, Glenn I. Fishman
Journal: Circulation (2001)

- Heterogeneous remodeling of gap junctions is observed in many forms of heart disease. The consequent loss of synchronous ventricular activation has been hypothesized to result in diminished cardiac performance. To directly test this hypothesis, we designed a murine model of heterogeneous gap junction channel expression. Methods and Results-- We generated chimeric mice formed from connexin43 (Cx43)-deficient embryonic stem cells and wild-type or genetically marked ROSA26 recipient blastocysts. Chimeric mice developed normally, without histological evidence of myocardial fibrosis or hypertrophy. Heterogeneous Cx43 expression resulted in conduction defects, however, as well as markedly depressed contractile function. Optical mapping of chimeric hearts by use of voltage-sensitive dyes revealed highly irregular epicardial conduction patterns, quantified as significantly greater negative curvature of the activation wave front (-1.86+/-0.40 mm in chimeric mice versus -0.86+/-0.098 mm in controls; P<0.01; n=6 for each group). Echocardiographic studies demonstrated significantly reduced fractional shortening in chimeric mice (26.6+/-2.3% versus 36.5+/-1.6% in age-matched 129/SvxC57BL/6F1 wild-type controls; P<0.05).- These data suggest that heterogeneous Cx43 expression, by perturbing the normal pattern of coordinated myocardial excitation, may directly depress cardiac performance.
Locally generated particulate pollution and respiratory symptoms in young children
Authors: N Pierse
Journal: Thorax (2006)

<b>Background:</b> Particulate matter &lt;10 μm (PM<sub>10</sub>) from fossil fuel combustion is associated with an increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms in children and adolescents. However, the effect of PM<sub>10</sub> on respiratory symptoms in young children is unclear. <b>Methods:</b> The association between primary PM<sub>10</sub> (particles directly emitted from local sources) and the prevalence and incidence of respiratory symptoms was studied in a random sample cohort of 4400 Leicestershire children aged 1–5 years surveyed in 1998 and again in 2001. Annual exposure to primary PM<sub>10</sub> was calculated for the home address using the Airviro dispersion model and adjusted odds ratios (ORS) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each μg/m<sup>3</sup> increase. <b>Results:</b> Exposure to primary PM<sub>10</sub> was associated with the prevalence of cough without a cold in both 1998 and 2001, with adjusted ORs of 1.21 (1.07 to 1.38) and 1.56 (1.32 to 1.84) respectively. For night time cough the ORs were 1.06 (0.94 to 1.19) and 1.25 (1.06 to 1.47), and for current wheeze 0.99 (0.88 to 1.12) and 1.28 (1.04 to 1.58), respectively. There was also an association between primary PM<sub>10</sub> and new onset symptoms. The ORs for incident symptoms were 1.62 (1.31 to 2.00) for cough without a cold and 1.42 (1.02 to 1.97) for wheeze. <b>Conclusion:</b> In young children there was a consistent association between locally generated primary PM<sub>10</sub> and the prevalence and incidence of cough without a cold and the incidence of wheeze which was independent of potential confounders.
A dubious future for public health?
Authors: W W Holland
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (2002)

In a speech on 13 November 2001 to the Royal College of Physicians and Faculty of Public Health Medicine, Lord Hunt described the Government's vision of the future of public health in England. His talk was well received by many in the audience, but not by all. In this age of evidence-based medicine it is important to consider whether the proposals are soundly based and are likely to achieve the goal desired by all—health improvement of the population.