tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Visceral adiposity index is associated with histological findings and high viral load in patients with chronic hepatitis C due to genotype 1
Authors: Salvatore Petta, Marco Amato, Daniela Cabibi, Calogero Cammà, Vito Di Marco, Carla Giordano, Aldo Galluzzo, Antonio Craxì
Journal: Hepatology (2010)

Metabolic factors have been associated with liver damage in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C (G1 CHC). We tested visceral adiposity index (VAI), a new marker of adipose dysfunction in G1 CHC, patients to assess its association with host and viral factors and its link to both histological findings and sustained virological response (SVR). Two hundred thirty-six consecutive G1 CHC patients were evaluated by way of liver biopsy and anthropometric and metabolic measurements, including insulin resistance (IR), homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), and VAI using waist circumference, body mass index, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. All biopsies were scored by one pathologist for staging and grading and graded for steatosis, which was considered moderate to severe if ≥30%. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that VAI score was independently associated with higher HOMA score ( P = 0.009), log10 hepatitis C virus RNA levels ( P = 0.01), necroinflammatory activity ( P = 0.04), and steatosis ( P = 0.04). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that IR (OR 3.879, 95% CI 1.727-8.713, P = 0.001), higher VAI score (OR 1.472, 95% CI 1.051-2.062, P = 0.02), and fibrosis (OR 2.255, 95% CI 1.349-3.768, P = 0.002) were linked to steatosis ≥30%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that older age (OR 1.030, 95% CI 1.002-1.059, P = 0.03), higher VAI score (OR 1.618, 95% CI 1.001-2.617, P = 0.04), and fibrosis (OR 2.608, 95% CI 1.565-4.345, P &lt; 0.001) were independently associated with moderate to severe necroinflammatory activity. No independent associations were found between VAI score and both fibrosis and SVR. Conclusion: In G1 CHC patients, higher VAI score is independently associated with both steatosis and necroinflammatory activity and has a direct correlation with viral load. (Hepatology 2010.)
Adaptive response and oxidative stress.
Authors: D R Crawford, K J Davies
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (1994)

The ability of a cell, tissue, or organism to better resist stress damage by prior exposure to a lesser amount of stress is known as adaptive response. It is observed in all organisms in response to a number of different cytotoxic agents. One of these agents, oxidative stress, is known to induce an adaptive response in bacteria that is accompanied by the induction of many proteins. De novo protein synthesis is required for adaptive response to oxidative and other types of stress, indicating that newly synthesized protective proteins are necessary for adaptation. Adaptive response to oxidative stress also has been observed in mammalian cells. Several studies suggest it is necessary to first preexpose mammalian cells to a somewhat toxic oxidative stress in order to observe significant resistance to a subsequent highly lethal dose of oxidant. Cross-resistance of oxidatively stressed cells to other toxic agents including gamma- and X-irradiation, heat shock, aldehydes, heavy metals, MNNG, N-ethylmaleimide, and heme also has been reported. Understanding oxidant adaptive response in more detail and identifying the protective proteins involved may prove to be of clinical benefit.
Early changes in myocardial perfusion patterns after myocardial infarction: relation with contractile reserve and functional recovery
Authors: Eric Brochet, Daniel Czitrom, Daniel Karila-Cohen, Patrick Seknadji, Marc Faraggi, Hakim Benamer, Pierre Aubry, PhilippeGabriel Steg, Patrick Assayag
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (1998)
Sliding Injuries: The Third Base Coach as Prophylactic-Reply
Authors: David H. Janda
Journal: JAMA (1989)

In Reply.—  Drs McClurken and Coyle propose an excellent and viable intervention in the prevention of sliding injuries due to a late decision to slide. In our experience, however, the majority of sliding injuries occur at second base, where a third base coach is not able to communicate readily with the sliding athlete. Theoretically, communication on the base paths can decrease sliding injuries.
Methodology of Research in Psychosomatic Medicine
Authors: R. C. B. Aitken
Journal: BMJ (1972)

This paper reviews some problems in the methodology of clinical psychosomatic research. Its emphasis is on elucidation of symptoms rather than on aetiology of disease and on diagnosis and treatment of known psychopathology, particularly mood disturbance, rather than on underlying speculative mechanisms. Reliability, sensitivity, and validity of measurements are considered to be the keys to advance of knowledge in this field. Samples of patients studied must be representative of a disease, and not of other factors which contribute bias to the observations. Account must be taken of the wide variability found in most measures required in psychosomatic patients, and hence of their lack of specificity to an individual patient.
Investigation into the Attenuation of Influenza Viruses by Serial Passage
Authors: A. S. Beare, M. L. Bynoe, D. A. J. Tyrrell
Journal: BMJ (1968)

For vaccination live viruses are better than dead ones, but live influenza vaccines are difficult to prepare. One influenza A<sub>2</sub> and two influenza B viruses were passed in series in embryonated eggs. At several stages of their passage they were inoculated into volunteers, and their effects assessed by virus isolations, antibody rises, and clinical reactions. The A<sub>2</sub> virus and one of the influenza B viruses, both of which had grown readily in embryonated eggs on first isolation, continued to induce human infections and clinical reactions after 30 egg passes. The other influenza B virus acquired enhanced human pathogenicity after three passages from man to man. After adaptation to eggs in which it at first grew reluctantly, its human virulence was appreciably reduced. It underwent no further change during a total of 20 egg passes. There was little convincing evidence of an increased incidence of clinical reactions during the winter seasons, but the numbers of volunteers were too small to draw definite conclusions.
ROLE OF THE THYMUS IN TOLERANCE
Authors: Parker J. Staples, Igal Gery, Byron H. Waksman
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1966)

Rats subjected to high doses of whole-body irradiation, with simultaneous shielding of the thymus or spleen, recovered at 3 wk the ability to develop delayed sensitization and to form hemagglutinating and precipitating antibody following foot-pad injection of BgammaG in complete adjuvant. Injection of BgammaG into the shielded thymus immediately after irradiation, in amounts between 20 gammag and 40 mg, inhibited these response to later challenge partially or completely. A comparable effect on immune responses to BgammaG was not seen after injection of heterologous antigen (Ea) intrathymically, BgammaG intraperitoneally, or BgammaG into the shielded spleen. However high doses (20 or 40 mg) of antigen given by the latter routes resulted in some diminution of later response. Arthus reactivity recovered partially in the spleen-shielded group and was readily suppressed by intrasplenic administration of antigen.
A Comparative Study of the Use of Ferric Chelate in Iron-Deficiency Anaemia
Authors: C. F. Herridge
Journal: BMJ (1958)

<h3>ABSTRACT</h3> The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) has broad physiological roles and is a validated target for treatment of metabolic disorders. Despite recent advances in GLP-1R structure elucidation, detailed mechanistic understanding of how different peptides generate profound differences in G protein-mediated signalling is still lacking. Here we have combined cryo-electron microscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, receptor mutagenesis and pharmacological assays, to interrogate the mechanism and consequences of GLP-1R binding by four peptide agonists; glucagon-like peptide-1, oxyntomodulin, exendin-4 and exendin-P5. These data revealed that distinctions in peptide N-terminal interactions and dynamics with the GLP-1R transmembrane domain are reciprocally associated with differences in the allosteric coupling to G proteins. In particular, transient interactions with residues at the base of the binding cavity correlate with enhanced kinetics for G protein activation, providing a rationale for differences in G protein-mediated signalling efficacy from distinct agonists.
Occupational contact dermatitis due to 2-chloracetophenone tear gas
Authors: None TREUDLER, None TEBBE, None BLUME-PEYTAVI, None KRASAGAKIS, None ORFANOS
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1999)

2‐Chloracetophenone (CN) is widely used as tear gas by police and civilians for self‐defence. It may affect the eyes, respiratory system and skin, sometimes causing serious injuries. Both irritative and allergic contact dermatitis have been described. We report three police officers who experienced accidental escape of CN from their professional tear gas canisters. All of them showed localized dermatitis at the site of contact to CN, while widespread lesions appeared after 4 days in one case. Patch tests with the original involved tear gas dissolved in acetone (at 0.1–0.0001%) indicated an allergic reaction in two patients and an irritative reaction in the third. Occupational contact dermatitis due to CN seems to occur among police officers more often than is generally known. Infrequently, extensive health problems may be caused by CN when lesions spread over the integument. Therefore, an improvement of safety measures in occupational CN gas use is needed, especially aiming at avoidance of accidental leakage of canisters.
Report calls for better data collection to improve sexual health in England
Authors: Susan Mayor
Journal: BMJ (2007)

Gaps in information are impeding progress in improving sexual health services provided by the NHS in England, warns a report published last week.

The Healthcare Commission, the body that monitors the quality of NHS care in England, found that gaps in the current data make it impossible to track implementation of guidelines and to recognise where improvements are needed in sexual health services.

As a result, services are limited in their ability to target groups at high risk; to use data to plan and to allocate resources where they are needed; and to monitor people's access to services and levels of sexual health.

Improving sexual health was one of the top six priorities for the NHS in its plan for 2006-7. The United Kingdom has the highest rate of teenage …
Splenectomy in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: DAVID J. WOLF
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1978)

We review splenectomy in chronic myeloid leukemia, emphasizing recent studies that have evaluated early splenectomy during the chronic phase of the disease. Despite current interest in splenectomy in chronic myeloid leukemia, uncontrolled clinical trials to date suggest that the operation during the early phase neither delays the onset of blastic transformation nor prolongs survival. Immediate operative mortality of splenectomy during the chronic phase is low, generally less than 1%. The morbidity of the procedure, however, remains formidable due to infectious and thromboembolic complications. Splenectomy during chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia permits easier control of the disease in patients who are thrombocytopenic due to busulfan toxicity or sensitivity. Splenectomy during the chronic phase may also palliate those patients who suffer from acute splenic events or massive splenomegaly. Splenectomy in blast-phase disease should be considered a heroic measure providing little benefit to most patients.
Hepatocellular cancer arises from loss of transforming growth factor beta signaling adaptor protein embryonic liver fodrin through abnormal angiogenesis
Authors: Hye Jung Baek, Sung Chul Lim, Krit Kitisin, Wilma Jogunoori, Yi Tang, M. Blair Marshall, Bibhuti Mishra, Tae Hyun Kim, Kwan Ho Cho, Sang Soo Kim, Lopa Mishra
Journal: Hepatology (2008)

We have previously demonstrated that 40%-70% of elf+/− mice spontaneously develop hepatocellular cancer (HCC) within 15 months, revealing the importance of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway in suppressing tumorigenesis in the liver. The current study was carried out to investigate mechanisms by which embryonic liver fodrin (ELF), a crucial Smad3/4 adaptor, suppresses liver tumor formation. Histological analysis of hyperplastic liver tissues from elf+/− mice revealed abundant newly formed vascular structures, suggesting aberrant angiogenesis with loss of ELF function. In addition, elf+/− mice displayed an expansion of endothelial progenitor cells. Ectopic ELF expression in fetal bovine heart endothelial (FBHE) cells resulted in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Further analysis of developing yolk sacs of elf−/− mice revealed a failure of normal vasculature and significantly decreased endothelial cell differentiation with embryonic lethality. Immunohistochemical analysis of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) from the elf+/− mice revealed an abnormal angiogenic profile, suggesting the role of ELF as an angiogenic regulator in suppressing HCC. Lastly, acute small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibition of ELF raised retinoblastoma protein (pRb) levels nearly fourfold in HepG2 cells (a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line) as well as in cow pulmonary artery endothelial (CPAE) cells, respectively. Conclusion: Taken together these results, ELF, a TGF-β adaptor and signaling molecule, functions as a critical adaptor protein in TGF-β modulation of angiogenesis as well as cell cycle progression. Loss of ELF in the liver leads the cancer formation by deregulated hepatocyte proliferation and stimulation of angiogenesis in early cancers. Our studies propose that ELF is potentially a powerful target for mimetics enhancing the TGF-β pathway tumor suppression of HCC. (HEPATOLOGY 2008.)
Cutaneous sarcoidosis treated with methotrexate
Authors: N.K. VEIEN, H. BRODTHAGEN
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1977)

Sixteen patients with cutaneous sarcoidosis, 15 of whom also had involvement of other organs, were treated with methotrexate (MTX) orally once a week in an open study. The treatment period was from 1 to 72 months (mean 23 months). In 12 patients the skin lesions cleared, and in 3 of 4 patients who had sarcoid uveitis this cleared as well. The chest X‐ray of 6 patients showed no corresponding improvement in pulmonary changes or in hilar adenopathy. Ten patients suffered side effects, usually nausea on the day MTX was taken. Two had transiently increased transaminase levels. Treatment was discontinued in 2 patients due to nausea. It is concluded that MTX is a useful alternative to systemically administered glucocorticoids in the treatment of disfiguring cutaneous sarcoidosis and sarcoid uveitis. The effect of MTX on hilar adenopathy and pulmonary sarcoidosis is uncertain.
The Variable-Stiffness Colonoscope: “Too Stiff or not Too Stiff, that is the Question” - A New Twist to the Plot
Authors: B. P. Saunders, C. B. Williams
Journal: Endoscopy (2001)

The initial goal of any colonoscopist is to pass the instrument quickly and painlessly to the caecum, whilst straightening it to facilitate an accurate and comprehensive examination during withdrawal. Although many insertions are relatively straightforward, a significant proportion prove difficult and a small percentage are close to impossible without patience, expertise and the right instrumentation. Difficulty occurs both when the bowel is fixed or angulated due to postsurgical or diverticular adhesions and when it is unusually long and mobile, resulting in atypical loops which are difficult to manage or straighten. For many years expert endoscopists have recognized the benefit of changing the endoscope to suit the type of colon encountered. In patients with a relatively fixed sigmoid colon, it is easier to achieve intubation using a floppy paediatric colonoscope which adapts without undue force to fixed bends, whilst long or mobile colons are better examined using a stiffer conventional instrument which resists recurrent looping. Prior to the examination, it is impossible to predict which instrument will be best suited to which colon. Until now, in such cases, the colonoscopist has been faced with the prospect of having either to “soldier on regardless” or to withdraw the colonoscope and exchange it for another. It has been necessary occasionally to try two or even three instruments in one patient, incurring significant costs in terms of colonoscope disinfection and patient turnaround times.
THE ANALYSIS OF SPINAL FLUID TESTS
Authors: JAMES B. AYER
Journal: JAMA (1926)

At the risk of being elementary and pedantic, I wish to emphasize certain fundamental principles in diagnosis wherein the examination of the cerebrospinal fluid is of importance. The excuse for such a summary is to be found on every hand, from the query of a writer in a recent number ofThe Journal, who wishes an answer as to when lumbar puncture is indicated, to the case in which you and I have obtained unusual findings which we cannot easily interpret. Nor do the text-books on fluid diagnosis always clarify the situation, for, on turning to the description of the fluid in brain tumor, we read: "In tumors of the brain, the amount of cerebrospinal fluid may or may not be increased.... The cells are usually increased.... The globulin as a rule is not increased but may be slightly increased.... The Lange test may show changes." True, but not very
HEPATIC CHANGES PRODUCED BY ESTRONE, ESTRADIOL AND DIETHYLSTILBESTROL
Authors: CYRIL M. MacBRYDE
Journal: JAMA (1942)

In a previous communication we<sup>1</sup>showed that both diethylstilbestrol and estradiol may produce profound changes in the bone marrow and peripheral blood of dogs. The doses of these estrogens were in excess of the therapeutic range used in man. Changes in the liver consisting of fatty degeneration and central necrosis also were observed following the use of both drugs. However, these changes were not consistent and at the time we were unable to determine whether the hepatic change was the result of direct damage to the liver by the drugs or whether the hepatic damage was secondary to the changes in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. Extensive clinical studies have resulted in a variance of opinion among different groups regarding the toxicity of diethylstilbestrol. Although some workers have suggested that side actions such as nausea may be the result of hepatic damage, no direct proof of this has
Linezolid safety, tolerability and efficacy to treat multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis
Authors: M. Villar, G. Sotgiu, L. D'Ambrosio, E. Raymundo, L. Fernandes, J. Barbedo, N. Diogo, C. Lange, R. Centis, G.B. Migliori
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

diminished central motor output required to drive the respiratory muscles.Thus, the associated perceived effort required to generate a given ventilation during exercise is similarly reduced.The deeper, slower breathing pattern after radiation therapy and delay in the onset of tachypnoea reflect the recruitment of IC both at rest and during exercise as a result of lung volume deflation.Thus, the patient could increase tidal volume and ventilation during exercise to a greater extent than previously, before reaching critical mechanical constraints.For this reason, the onset of intolerable dyspnoea was delayed and the limits of tolerance extended.Ventilatory requirements also decreased after radiation, presumably reflecting a net improvement in the ventilationperfusion relationship.Thus, measurements of ventilatory inefficiency improved, reflecting more effective carbon dioxide elimination and reduced wasted ventilation.Arterial oxygen saturation was unaffected throughout exercise.The 27% reduction in DL,CO is a well-documented effect of radiation injury to the pulmonary vasculature and indicates a reduction in the surface area for pulmonary gas exchange.The clinical decision to offer radical radiotherapy to individuals with severe COPD with early-stage lung carcinoma is often difficult given the known negative consequences of further erosion of an already limited ventilatory reserve.Given the vast pathophysiological heterogeneity of COPD, the impact of targeted radiotherapy is likely to be highly variable.It is conceivable, as our case illustrates, that in some patients with extensive lung hyperinflation and emphysema, radiationinduced alterations in the elastic properties of the lung and in ventilation-perfusion mismatching may actually have favourable effects on dyspnoea and exercise tolerance.Prospective studies to comprehensively characterise COPD phenotypes and measure the effects of radiation on respiratory physiology and patient-centred outcomes are required to better refine selection criteria for radiotherapy in this population.
Likelihood ratios for genome medicine
Authors: Alexander A Morgan, Rong Chen, Atul J Butte
Journal: Genome Medicine (2010)

Patients are beginning to present to healthcare providers with the results of high-throughput individualized genotyping, and interpreting these results in the context of the explosive growth of literature linking individual variants with disease may seem daunting. However, we suggest that results of a personal genomic analysis may be viewed as a panel of many tests for multiple diseases. By using well-established methods of evidence based medicine, these very many parallel tests may be combined using likelihood ratios to report a post-test probability of disease for use in patient assessment.
Extracellular DNA traps are associated with the pathogenesis of TRALI in humans and mice
Authors: Grace M. Thomas, Carla Carbo, Brian R. Curtis, Kimberly Martinod, Irina B. Mazo, Daphne Schatzberg, Stephen M. Cifuni, Tobias A. Fuchs, Ulrich H. von Andrian, John H. Hartwig, Richard H. Aster, Denisa D. Wagner
Journal: Blood (2012)
Should We Screen for Gestational Diabetes?-Reply
Authors: Mathew Sermer
Journal: JAMA (1996)

<h3>In Reply.</h3> —As Dr Clemenson indicates, there is ongoing debate about screening for GDM. Recent letters in<i>Lancet</i>illustrate that this issue also excites controversy outside North America.<sup>1,2</sup>As so often occurs in medicine, this heated debate is partly an epiphenomenon of incomplete evidence. For example, like the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination<sup>3</sup>has concluded that the evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against screening. However, a 1991 survey completed by 206 academic leaders in US obstetrics showed that 97% undertook universal screening for GDM using a 50-g glucose challenge test. There was definite consistency in criteria for diagnosis and for treatment with insulin.<sup>4</sup>In contrast, screening and diagnostic practices in the United Kingdom are much more variable, with limited acceptance of the glucose challenge test.<sup>5</sup> We suspect that controversy, along with widespread variations in practice, will