tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Effects of PCBs and related compounds on hepatocarcinogenesis in rats and mice.
Authors: S Sleight
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (1985)

Commercial mixtures of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) can cause hepatocellular carcinoma in rats and mice. Present evidence indicates that these chemicals act as promoters and not initiators of hepatocarcinogenesis. Our results show that Firemaster BP-6 (FM) and its nontoxic major congener, 2,2', 4,4', 5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl (HBB), act as promoters in the two-stage model for hepatocarcinogenesis devised by Pitot and associates. A toxic congener, 3,3', 4,4', 5,5'-HBB, also was assessed for tumor-promoting activity. This congener, though not in FM, is similar to TCDD, in that both cause 3-methylcholanthrene (MC)-type induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes and produce similar toxic responses. FM contains several congeners which are mixed-type inducers in that they induce MC-type and phenobarbital (PB)-type enzymes. The toxicity of FM is most likely associated with its congeners which are mixed-type inducers and not to relatively nontoxic congeners such as 2,2', 4,4', 5,5'-HBB which are strictly PB-type inducers. Congener 3,3', 4,4', 5,5'-HBB acted as a tumor promoter only at a dose that was hepatotoxic. A synergistic effect on tumor promoting ability was produced by combining a nontoxic and nonpromoting dose of 3,3', 4,4', 5,5'-HBB with a promoting dose of 2,2', 4,4', 5,5'-HBB. Our results suggest that synergism between toxic and nontoxic congeners in FM may explain why mixtures such as FM have greater promoting ability than individual congeners. Our results also indicate that with PBB, toxicity and carcinogenicity are not necessarily related.
Letter: Hepatitis and phenothiazines.
Authors: A Paton
Journal: BMJ (1974)

impressions, however skilled and experienced the observer, cannot answer the sort of questions posed by Dr. Davies.Spirometry provides the only proven tests that have been used on a large scale for measuring changes in respiratory function over a pro- longed period.In common with other research groups we are now using tests which have been suggested as possibly more appro- priate for the study of diseases of the small airways, but the results will not be avail- able for some time.Dr. Davies restates the interesting hypothesis that chronic bronchitis may protect men from developing pneumoconiosis.He cites recent work showing that relatively large particles (> 3 ,um) have a reduced probability of reaching the alveoli.Effects on smaller particles which form the bulk of the dust in miners' lungs (mostly 1 ,um diameter) are unknown.These specula- tive ideas are being kept under review and may help to explain future findings, but they cannot be used as serious evidence at present.Neither the medical service of the National Coal Board nor the Institute of Occupational Medicine is responsible for the administra- tion and operation of the compensation machinery.These are managed by the De- partment of Health and Social Security.Our function is to engage in research on diseases of coalminers and to publish the facts.This we have done and will continue to do.-We are, etc.,
From the authors
Authors: S. Suissa
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2004)

extreme heterogeneity and often includes patients with coexisting pathologies, one obvious example being asthma and emphysema.The assumption that it defines anything resembling a cohesive entity in terms of aetiology or pathogenesis is anti-intellectual, and the obvious bias in studies of this nature is just one example.The demonstration that inhaled corticosteroids are effective in "COPD" defined in this way tells us nothing about their efficacy (or more likely lack of it) in smoking-related airflow limitation."COPD" should be the acronym for "Cop-out On Proper Diagnosis".Not only does it confound the proper assessment of common disease processes, it prevents the effective evaluation of rarer ones, and probably the recognition of new and important entities; no wonder a-1 antitrypsin-deficient emphysema was discovered by a biochemist, not a clinician.
WHO launches online library of guidance on treating malnutrition
Authors: J. Zarocostas
Journal: BMJ (2011)

The World Health Organization has launched an online initiative to simplify guidance on treating malnutrition. 

WHO’s e-library of evidence for nutrition actions (eLENA) aims to help governments overcome one of the major challenges of fighting malnutrition: the existing vast and often conflicting array of evidence and advice on effective preventive and therapeutic nutrition interventions.

WHO says that eLENA does this by prioritising the latest advice on tackling the three main forms of malnutrition: undernutrition; vitamin and mineral deficiencies; and obesity.

“The online project improves information on …
Survey of the Law of Medical Practice
Authors: Sidney Shindell
Journal: JAMA (1965)

A society such as ours, which considers each person as possessing equal rights, provides a means to insure these rights. Infringements or violations by one person of the personal or property rights of another for which an action for damages may be maintained are civil wrongs or "torts." The word is derived from old French, as a modification of the Latin "tortus" meaning crooked or twisted. In modern French the word "tort" simply means "wrong." We are accustomed to think of the individual torts rather than the group of infringements, and words such as "assault," "defamation," "fraud," "trespass," "nuisance," and "negligence" are all familiar. As a group, these are torts and have many features in common. The only essential difference among the torts is the specific right which has been infringed. To use a mnemonic, a tort consists of four "D's":<i>D</i>uty,<i>D</i>ereliction,<i>D</i>irect causation, and<i>D</i>
National group asks GPs to do more to promote sexual health strategy
Authors: A. Gulland
Journal: BMJ (2008)

The provision of sexual health services in general practice is patchy, with some GPs failing to diagnose sexually transmitted diseases, the author of a report on sexual health and HIV has warned.

In its review of the national strategy for sexual health and HIV, launched in 2001, the independent advisory group set up to monitor progress has called for an increase in the level and quality of services provided in general practice. It has also called for sexual health to be included in the quality and outcomes framework, the annual rewards and incentives programme for GPs.

Ruth Lowbury, …
Nitro-oleic acid and epoxy-oleic acid are not altered in obesity and Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Dimitrios Tsikas, Sandor Batkai, Anja Mitschke, Jens Jordan, Stefan Engeli
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2014)

We read with great interest the paper by Kelley et al. 1 describing influences of fatty acid nitroalkenes 9- and 10-nitro-octadec-9-enoic acid (nitro-oleic acid, NO2-OA) on glucose tolerance and pulmonary hypertension in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. In this study, NO2-OA or oleic acid (OA) (8 mg/kg/day) serving as the control was administered to mice via subcutaneously implanted osmotic mini pumps. NO2-OA administration for 6.5 weeks of HFD ameliorated glucose tolerance, pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary oxidative stress. The authors concluded that NO2-OA may provide a treatment target for obesity-associated disease.1 These findings are scientifically and clinically interesting. However, we would like to make some methodological remarks on the study and to present new data on NO2-OA plasma concentrations data from a human study.

NO2-OA and other fatty acid nitroalkenes are naturally occurring …
Muscular dystrophy patients could live extra 15 years, if care standards implemented
Authors: N. Chanchlani
Journal: BMJ (2010)

People with Duchenne muscular dystrophy could live 10 to 15 years longer than at present if recommended care standards published earlier this year are put into practice, say experts.

They want the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to include these standards in new guidance, following on from a cross parliamentary report issued last year, which found that patients with neuromuscular disease were getting a raw deal ( BMJ 2009;339:b3436).

Originally published in Lancet Neurology (2010;9:77-93 and 237) , the care standards were developed by 84 international advisers after an extensive review of best …
Inherited and Acquired Blistering Diseases
Authors: Stephen I. Katz
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1992)

Epidermolysis bullosa is a heterogeneous group of rare heritable diseases characterized by blistering of the skin after minor trauma. The clinical manifestations are highly varied, and the severity correlates with the level of the skin at which blisters form. When the blisters occur in the basal-cell layer of the epidermis (epidermolysis bullosa simplex), the disease is usually fairly mild and the lesions heal without forming scars. When the blisters occur in the basement membrane of the epidermis (junctional epidermolysis bullosa), the affected patients may die early in life or may have prolonged debilitating disease, and when the blisters occur below . . .
Raynaud Phenomenon
Authors: Alan M. Jacobson
Journal: JAMA (1973)

One patient with Raynaud phenomenon was trained to increase the temperature in his hands bilaterally, using combined hypnotic and operant techniques. An increase in temperature of as much as 4.3 C was observed in both hands, along with marked symptomatic improvement that was still in effect 7 1/2 months after the last treatment session.
Interferon-alpha 2b combined with daily ketoprofen administration improves virological response in chronic hepatitis C: a prospective and randomised trial
Authors: A E Muñoz, D Levi, A Podestá, J M Gorín, J González, M A Bartellini, M S Munne, A Cabanne, D Flichman, R Terg
Journal: Gut (2000)

This paper discusses the development of a multi-institutional community of practice that formed over 5 years. This community of practice was intentionally designed to support the evolution of student learning and programmatic assessment within member colleges and schools. Critical phases to the community's development are outlined, as well as its mission and goals. In addition, the community's contributions to faculty development and the scholarship of assessment are detailed. Success factors are discussed to assist others who may wish to initiate assessment-related collaborations across institutional borders. The community's vision for the future is also outlined.
Thyrotoxic Bone Disease in Women: A Potentially Reversible Disorder
Authors: Terrence Diamond
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1994)

Objective: To measure changes in spinal and femoral neck bone mineral densities in patients treated for Graves thyrotoxicosis. Design: Cohort study. Setting: Tertiary care center. Patients: Fifteen women with active Graves thyrotoxicosis. Six patients were premenopausal and nine were postmenopausal. All patients had evidence of thyrotoxicosis as indicated by a raised total serum thyroxine, suppressed serum thyroid-stimulating hormone, and an elevated technetium-99m pertechnetate thyroid scan. A control group of 15 healthy volunteers matched for age, sex, and menopausal status were followed during the same period. Measurements: Bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline and after 12 months of antithyroid therapy when euthyroidism had been achieved. Results: After 12 months of therapy, total serum thyroxine, total serum triiodothyronine, serum alkaline phosphatase, and serum bone Gla-protein activities had returned to normal in all patients (P < 0.001 for all comparison between initial and final biochemical measurements). During this interval, the mean lumbar spine bone mineral increased from an initial value of 1.01 g/cm2 to 1.07 g/cm2, an increase of 6.6% per year (95% CI, 3.6% to 9.6%) (P < 0.001 compared with controls). Increases in femoral neck (1.2%/y; CI, −2.1% to 4.5%; P = 0.2 compared with controls) and femoral trochanter bone mineral (3.2%/y; CI, 2.4% to 8.7%; P = 0.2 compared with controls) were not statistically significant. Using forced-entry multiple regression analysis, the severity of the thyrotoxicosis was independently associated with the percentage increment in lumbar spine bone mineral density after 12 months of antithyroid therapy. Conclusion: Effective treatment of Graves thyrotoxicosis was associated with increases in lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral. Although the changes in bone mineral were modest, our data suggest that thyrotoxic bone loss may be a reversible disorder.
The Tenckhoff Catheter for Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: P. G. Lankisch
Journal: JAMA (1974)

<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> Rae and Pendray inThe Journal(225:937,1973) have recommended peritoneal dialysis with the silicone-rubber tube described by Tenckhoff and Schechter for permanent and temporary treatment of chronic renal failure. In our clinic, 82 Tenckhoff catheters were implanted in 65 patients during 33 months, with 2,146 peritoneal dialyses within 262 cumulative months. Clinical signs of peritonitis were observed in 21 patients; in ten of these treatment was effective and the catheter remained unimpaired. The other 11 had to be removed. In three cases fibrin clots obliterated the catheter lumen, in three others there was an infection of the skin tunnel, once a loosening of the catheter and once its penetration into the intestinal lumen occurred. During the present observation time the average survival time was just over three months, but in a few cases the catheter lasted for more than one year. The survival time was mainly limited
Validation of 18F-FDG PET at Conventional and Delayed Intervals for the Discrimination of High-Grade From Low-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Koen Mertens, Marjan Acou, Jel Van Hauwe, Ine De Ruyck, Caroline Van den Broecke, Jean-Pierre Okito Kalala, Yves D’Asseler, Ingeborg Goethals
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (2013)

Aim The aim of this study was to validate 18F-FDG PET imaging for differentiating high-grade gliomas (HGGs) from low-grade gliomas (LGGs). Methods Twenty-one patients with gliomas undergoing a stereotactic biopsy underwent PET scanning at conventional and delayed intervals, diagnostic and stereotactic MR examinations. To calculate the uptake at the biopsy site, a 2-mm voxel was selected. Uptake in this voxel was expressed as a percentage of the average uptake per voxel in the normal brain. The difference in uptake between HGG and LGG at conventional and late intervals and the difference in uptake difference between HGG and LGG at both intervals were analyzed using t tests as well as a mixed-model analysis of variance. Results At conventional intervals, uptake in LGG was 67% of that in the normal brain. Between early and late intervals, a significant decrease in uptake of 11% (±2.5%) was noted (P = 0.001). Uptake in HGG at conventional intervals was 138% of that in the normal brain. Between early and late intervals, a significant increase in uptake of 43% (±11%) was noted (P = 0.005). The difference in uptake between HGG and LGG was significant both at conventional and delayed intervals (P < 0.001). Moreover, the difference in uptake between both groups was significantly greater (31%) at delayed than at conventional intervals (2%) (P < 0.001). Conclusions The results of this correlative study between tumor grade and 18F-FDG uptake both determined at the stereotactic biopsy site indicate that PET, particularly at delayed intervals, is valid for discriminating LGG from HGG.
Prophylactic Lidocaine-Reply
Authors: Curt R. Freed
Journal: JAMA (1980)

<h3>In Reply.—</h3> We are puzzled by Dr Lebow's comments on prophylactic lidocaine. A good double-blind study has been performed, and it showed that prophylactic lidocaine was ineffective at reducing mortality from acute MI in the coronary care unit setting.<sup>1</sup>Another study giving 300 mg of lidocaine hydrochloride intramuscularly by ambulance drivers in the field showed reduced prehospital mortality in the group that received lidocaine but no difference in mortality by the time of discharge.<sup>1</sup>Certainly, ventricular fibrillation is a catastrophic arrhythmia, but in the study by Lie et al,<sup>2</sup>the arrhythmia could be managed as it appeared. Harrison<sup>3</sup>has chosen to take the position that other coronary care units might not be as effective at detecting and treating the arrhythmia and that, therefore, prophylaxis is desirable.<sup>3</sup>One could offer the counter argument that if a coronary care unit is incapable of precise monitoring and rapid
Clinical experience with zidovudine for patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome and acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related complex
Authors: A.J. Pinching, M. Helbert, B. Peddle, D. Robinson, K. Janes, D. Gor, D.J. Jeffries, C. Stoneham, D. Mitchell, A.E. Kocsis, J. Mann, S.M. Forster, J.R.W. Harris
Journal: Journal of Infection (1989)
Antigen-initiated B-lymphocyte differentiation. VIII. Sedimentation velocity and buoyant density characterization of virgin antibody-forming cell progenitors in the adoptive immune response of unprimed CBA mice to 4-hydroxy-3-iodo-5-nitrophenylacetic acid-polymerized bacterial flagellin antigen.
Authors: J M Fidler, M C Howard, K Shortman
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1976)

The characteristics of antibody-forming cell (AFC) progenitors lacking previous contact with specific antigen (virgin AFC progenitors) has been studied using sedimentation velocity and buoyant density separation for the investigation of physically distinct B-cell subpopulations. Functional characterization of isolated subsets was made using a quantitative adoptive immune assay for the IgM AFC progenitors responding to the antigen 4-hydroxy-3-iodo-5-nitrophenylacetic acid conjugated polymerized bacterial flagellin. Extensive heterogeneity is present among B lymphocytes, only some subpopulations of which exhibit AFC progenitor function. In the spleen of adult conventional CBA mice, atypically fast sedimenting cells of low buoyant density are active, while typical small B lymphocytes do not appear to be progenitors of IgM AFC. Spleen of adult specific pathogen-free (SPF), germfree, and athymic nude mice give similar results, although a minor population of typical slowly sedimenting dense cells are active in the latter two sources. Adult conventional bone marrow cells are as physically and functionally heterogeneous as splenic B cells, and although a significant proportion of AFC progenitor activity is found among dense, slowly sedimenting cells, most of the activity is among low density, faster sedimenting cells. In contrast to this situation in adult animals, where most of the unprimed AFC progenitors are large, atypical B cells, the spleens of neonatal mice provide a site where virgin AFC progenitors with the physical properties of typical small B lymphocytes are found. While being present in conventional and SPF neonatal spleens, these virgin cells are predominant in 7-day-old germfree mouse spleen. These findings suggest that the newborn virgin B cell is a typical small lymphocyte. However, few cells of this type are found in the adult animal. The unprimed AFC-progenitor population in the adult consists of large, fast sedimenting, low buoyant density, adherent cells, the physical properties of which are characteristic of activated B lymphocytes. It is suggested that these atypical cells are derived from the small newborn virgin B cell by the nonspecific effects of environmental antigenic stimuli.
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition activates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt by up-regulating insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor signaling in acute myeloid leukemia: rationale for therapeutic inhibition of both pathways
Authors: Jerome Tamburini, Nicolas Chapuis, Valérie Bardet, Sophie Park, Pierre Sujobert, Lise Willems, Norbert Ifrah, François Dreyfus, Patrick Mayeux, Catherine Lacombe, Didier Bouscary
Journal: Blood (2007)
Sensitive population subsets in relation to effects of low doses.
Authors: C K Redmond
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (1981)

This paper presents an overview of current knowledge relative to identification and quantification of sensitive population subgroups, utilization of sensitive subgroups for studying low dose-effects and issues in formulating environmental policies from information on sensitive subsets of the population. General factors that contribute to sensitivity are developmental periods, genetic conditions, nutritional deficiencies, predisposing diseases and personal habits. An illustration of age-related sensitivity to radiation is given, which shows that one would need to examine ten times the number of metaphase cells from individuals age 25 as from those age 55 to obtain equivalent statistical precision in identifying increased numbers of radiation induced aberrations. Hence, knowledge of susceptible subsets is useful for study design and analysis. Important concerns noted in proposing standards include: whether to protect the entire population when only a small fraction is at increased risk; what emphasis should be placed on alteration of the predisposing factors, e.g., nutrition; and how to acquire the additional protection for sensitive groups in standards based on the general population.
Epstein-Barr Virus–induced Molecule 1 Ligand Chemokine Is Expressed by Dendritic Cells in Lymphoid Tissues and Strongly Attracts Naive T Cells and Activated B Cells
Authors: Vu N. Ngo, H. Lucy Tang, Jason G. Cyster
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1998)

Movement of T and B lymphocytes through secondary lymphoid tissues is likely to involve multiple cues that help the cells navigate to appropriate compartments. Epstein-Barr virus– induced molecule 1 (EBI-1) ligand chemokine (ELC/MIP3β) is expressed constitutively within lymphoid tissues and may act as such a guidance cue. Here, we have isolated mouse ELC and characterized its expression pattern and chemotactic properties. ELC is expressed constitutively in dendritic cells within the T cell zone of secondary lymphoid tissues. Recombinant ELC was strongly chemotactic for naive (L-selectinhi) CD4 T cells and for CD8 T cells and weakly attractive for resting B cells and memory (L-selectinlo) CD4 T cells. After activation through the B cell receptor, the chemotactic response of B cells was enhanced. Like its human counterpart, murine ELC stimulated cells transfected with EBI-1/CC chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7). Our findings suggest a central role for ELC in promoting encounters between recirculating T cells and dendritic cells and in the migration of activated B cells into the T zone of secondary lymphoid tissues.
Correlation of manometric, oesophagoscopic, and radiological findings in the columnar-lined gullet (Barrett syndrome)
Authors: B. R. Cohen, B. S. Wolf, M. Som, H. D. Janowitz
Journal: Gut (1963)

An intensive study has been made of the columnar-lined gullet (Barrett syndrome) and in the patient described it was shown to have the motor characteristics of the body of the oesophagus. At the distal end there was the normal receptive relaxation with swallowing. There was no discontinuity between the squamous and the columnar-lined portions.