tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
NaHCO3 and NaC1 tolerance in chronic renal failure.
Authors: F C Husted, K D Nolph, J F Maher
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1975)

In patients with chronic renal failure, NaHCO3 therapy may correct or prevent acidemia. It has been proposed that the NaHCO3 required will not result in clinically significant Na retention comparable to that from similar increases in NaC1 intake. In each of ten patients with chronic renal failure, creatinine clearance (Ccr) range 2.5-16.8 ml/min, on an estimated 10-meq Na and C1 diet, electrolyte excretion was compared on NaHCO3 vs NaC1 supplements of 200 meq/day. Periods of NaHCO3 and NaC1 (in alternate order for successive patients) lasted 4 days, separated by reequilibration to base-line weight. Mean +/- SEM excretion (ex) of Na, C1, and HCO3 and deltaCcr and deltaweight (day 4-1) are compared below for the 4th day of NaC1 vs. NaHCO3 intake. Mean Ccr +/-SEM on day 4 of NaC1 and NaHCO3 were 10.8 +/-1.6 and 9.0 +/-1.4 ml/min, respectively (P less than 0.02). Mean systolic blood pressure (but not diastolic) increased significantly on NaC1 (P less than 0.05). No significant blood pressure changes were seen on NaHCO3. Net positive HCO3 balance occurred on NaHCO3 as indicated above and reflected a rise in mean serum HCO3 from 19 to 30 meq/liter (day 1 vs. 4) (P less than 0.01). Mechanisms for the greater excretion of Na on NaHCO3 may relate to C1 wasting as noted above on low C1 intake and limited HCO3 reabsorptive capacity. Thus, Na excretion by day 4 was greater on NaHCO3 than on NaHCO3 did Na excretion near intake (210 meq/day).
Plant extracts for the topical management of psoriasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: S. Deng, B.H. May, A.L. Zhang, C. Lu, C.C.L. Xue
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2013)

Patients with psoriasis frequently use preparations of plant extracts. Physicians need to be aware of the current evidence concerning these products. This review evaluates the efficacy and safety of preparations of plant extracts used topically for psoriasis. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, two Chinese databases and article reference lists. Randomized controlled trials investigating extracts of single plants were included. Preparations of multiple plants and combinations of plant extracts plus conventional therapies were excluded. Two authors conducted searches, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Outcomes used in meta-analyses were: clinical efficacy, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score, and quality of life and symptom scores. The 12 included studies investigated extracts of: Mahonia aquifolium (n = 5), Aloe vera (n = 3), indigo naturalis (n = 2), kukui nut oil (n = 1) and Camptotheca acuminata nut (n = 1). Methodological quality was variable. Six studies provided data suitable for meta-analysis of clinical efficacy, and five were vs. placebo (relative risk 3·37, 95% confidence interval 1·36-8·33). Experimental studies indicate components of indigo naturalis, Mahonia and Camptotheca have anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and other actions of relevance to psoriasis. The clinical trial evidence provides limited support for preparations containing extracts of M. aquifolium, indigo naturalis and Aloe vera for the topical management of plaque psoriasis based on multiple studies. No serious adverse events were reported. Because of the small size of most studies and methodological weaknesses, strong conclusions cannot be made. The magnitudes of any effects cannot be measured with accuracy, so it is difficult to assess the clinical relevance of these preparations.
New York doctors witness sights seen only in wartime
Authors: J. H. Tanne
Journal: BMJ (2001)

The New York area's 170 hospitals responded quickly to the attack on the World Trade Center—but most victims were already dead.

Five people were pulled alive from the ruins; 5422 people are missing and presumed dead; 201 bodies have been found, of which 135 have been identified, 34 of them firefighters. No one has been found alive since Wednesday 12 September, the day after the attack.

Dr Steven Garner, chief medical officer of the Catholic Medical Centers, was in a meeting of the board of trustees at the group's flagship hospital, the 622 bed Saint Vincents in Greenwich Village, when the disaster began to unfold.

“We heard a loud airplane noise. I thought a plane was coming straight at us. Then we heard cries from the street for help. I ran downstairs. I could see a hole in the World Trade Center. We called the disaster plan into effect. Then the second tower was hit.”

Saint Vincents was the closest hospital with a level one trauma centre (the highest). Police …
Diaphragm manual technique increases lung function and thoracic movement
Authors: Marie Carmen Valenza, Francisco J. Gonzalez-Alvarez, Irene Torres-Sanchez, Irene Cabrera-Martos, Gerald Valenza-Demet
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Physical therapists have traditionally included various forms of manual therapy among the therapeutic approaches to respiratory pathologies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of diaphragmatic stretching on pulmonary function, thoracic movement, and respiratory pressures in healthy adults. A sample of eighty healthy adults was included in this randomized clinical trial using a between-group design. Participants were randomized into two groups and received either a diaphragmatic stretching technique or placebo treatment. Participants’ pulmonary function was measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at 5 and 20 min post-treatment.  The data analysis revealed that all measures significantly changed from pretest to posttest (p
Abnormal Storage of Norepinephrine in Experimental Hypertension in the Rat
Authors: LAWRENCE R. KRAKOFF, JACQUES DE CHAMPLAIN, JULIUS AXELROD
Journal: Circulation Research (1967)

The storage and release of 3 H-norepinephrine in the hearts of rats made hypertensive by desoxycorticosterone and NaCl is reported. The initial uptake of the labeled catecholamine was similar in hypertensive and normotensive groups. After an intravenous injection of 3 H-norepinephrine, there was a greater and more prolonged fall in specific activity of cardiac norepineph-rine in the first few hours in the hypertensive animals. Subcellular distribution studies showed that in the hearts from hypertensive rats a greater proportion of the labeled amine was present in the soluble-cytoplasmic fraction than in the granular-storage fraction. In control rats an equilibrium between soluble and granular fractions was reached by 1 hr, while in the hypertensives it was not achieved within 24 hr. In the first few hours there was a 45% fall in specific activity in the granular fraction of the hypertensive rats, but only a small re-deuction in the controls. There was an elevation in the fraction of deaminated metabolites in the hearts of the hypertensive animals, while in the kidneys all 3 H-metabolites were increased. These observations are consistent with the concept that there is a defect in the storage and retention of norepinephrine by granules in sympathetic nerves in this type of experimental hypertension. Such an abnormality might permit increased amounts of physiologically active cate-cholamine to be available to the receptor.
Waiting times in English emergency departments reach eight year high
Authors: A. O'Dowd
Journal: BMJ (2012)

The number of patients having to wait more than four hours for treatment in hospital emergency departments in England has reached an eight year high, the health think tank the King’s Fund has reported.1

Overall, however, the NHS was performing well in 2011-12, with an estimated £1.5bn (€1.9bn; $2.4bn) surplus for the year, it says, and waiting times for hospital treatment were generally stable, while numbers of hospital associated infections continued to fall, as did waiting times for diagnostic tests.

In its latest quarterly monitoring report on NHS performance, published on 31 May, the King’s Fund presented a mixed picture of the NHS’s performance, with some positive observations alongside several noted concerns.

The proportion of patients waiting more than four hours in emergency …
How to recognize kidney tuberculosis
Authors: Ekaterina Kulchavenya
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

INTRODUCTION: Kidney tuberculosis (KTB) has non-specific clinical features and mimics on different other urological diseases: urolithiasis, cancer, pyelonephritis, cystitis etc. Moreover clinical features are not stable for ages, they change rather quickly.   METHODS: The aim was to compare clinical features of KTB in 1980-1990 (1 st  group, 268 patients) and in 2000-2005 (2 nd  group, 227 patients); both groups were in-patients of Urogenital Department of Novosibirsk Research TB Institute.   RESULTS: The frequency of dysuria was the same (57.1% and 54.3%), but a flank pain in 2 nd  group was diagnosed more often (58.9% and 72.8% accordingly). Frequency of renal colic decreased from 16.1% up to 12.3%; haematuria increased from 30.4% up to 48.1%. Pyuria left most common laboratory sign – 91.7 – 91.4% in both groups. Significantly reduced a frequency of positive cultures – mycobacteriuria was revealed in 84.5% in first group and in 44.0% only in novo days.  Asymptomatic course was about equal – 8.9% in 1 st  group and 6.2% in 2 nd  group, but frequency of acute debut changed significantly. In 1 st  group 34.5% patients got sick acutely, with manifesting clinical features, fever, pain etc. In second group the same patients there were 4.9% only. On contrary, obscure, vogue symptoms were in 56.6% in 1 st  group and in 88.9% - in 2 nd  group.  Mean age was stable: 40.5 in 1 st  group and 43.8 in 2 nd  group. A rate male : female was about 2:3 in both groups.   CONCLUSION: We can speak about clinical pathomorphosis of KTB. Clinical features of KTB have changed in last years. In 7 times rarer became acute onset of KTB, significantly more often patients have flank pain and haematuria now. Asymptomatic course of KTB is possible too. All this may be a reason for late diagnosis.
Analysis of 142 genes resolves the rapid diversification of the rice genus
Authors: Xin-Hui Zou, Fu-Min Zhang, Jian-Guo Zhang, Li-Li Zang, Liang Tang, Jun Wang, Tao Sang, Song Ge
Journal: Genome biology (2008)

Abstract Background The completion of rice genome sequencing has made rice and its wild relatives an attractive system for biological studies. Despite great efforts, phylogenetic relationships among genome types and species in the rice genus have not been fully resolved. To take full advantage of rice genome resources for biological research and rice breeding, we will benefit from the availability of a robust phylogeny of the rice genus. Results Through screening rice genome sequences, we sampled and sequenced 142 single-copy genes to clarify the relationships among all diploid genome types of the rice genus. The analysis identified two short internal branches around which most previous phylogenetic inconsistency emerged. These represent two episodes of rapid speciation that occurred approximately 5 and 10 million years ago (Mya) and gave rise to almost the entire diversity of the genus. The known chromosomal distribution of the sampled genes allowed the documentation of whole-genome sorting of ancestral alleles during the rapid speciation, which was responsible primarily for extensive incongruence between gene phylogenies and persisting phylogenetic ambiguity in the genus. Random sample analysis showed that 120 genes with an average length of 874 bp were needed to resolve both short branches with 95% confidence. Conclusion Our phylogenomic analysis successfully resolved the phylogeny of rice genome types, which lays a solid foundation for comparative and functional genomic studies of rice and its relatives. This study also highlights that organismal genomes might be mosaics of conflicting genealogies because of rapid speciation and demonstrates the power of phylogenomics in the reconstruction of rapid diversification.
Immunochemical and molecular characterization of regulatory idiotopes expressed by monoclonal antibodies exhibiting or lacking beta 2-6 fructosan binding activity.
Authors: C Victor-Kobrin, F A Bonilla, B Bellon, C A Bona
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1985)

Hybridomas secreting antibodies bearing the ABPC48 (A48) regulatory idiotype (Id) were generated from BALB/c mice treated at birth or as adults with minute amounts of anti-A48-Id antibodies. The majority of these antibodies were recognized by the syngeneic monoclonal anti-A48-Id and anti-UPC-10-Id antibodies, IDA10 and 10-1, respectively. In Northern blotting experiments, most of these hybridomas were shown to use VH (heavy chain variable region) genes related to the 441-4 germline VH gene that encodes the A48 VH region. Hybridization was detected between polyadenylated H chain mRNA, isolated from the majority of the hybridomas, and the VH probe. Southern blots confirmed these results by showing a rearrangement of VH-related sequences to the JH (H chain joining segment) clusters on these same hybridomas. The antibodies from all of the hybridomas that derived from neonatal mice and half of those derived from adult mice showed specificity for fructosan determinants that, in most cases, was different from the beta 2-6 fructosan linkage specificity of A48. Surprisingly, several of the non-fructosan-binding hybridomas generated from the adult mice and the MOPC-173 myeloma demonstrated a clear specificity for the beta 1-6-D-galactan determinant. Of four galactan-binding myeloma proteins studied. XRPC 44 alone shared idiotypy with the UPC-10 myeloma. These findings suggest a possible clonal crossreactive regulation mediated by regulatory idiotopes. The crossreactive regulation concept is discussed.
Identification of Biological Relevant Minor Histocompatibility Antigens within the B-lymphocyte–Derived HLA-Ligandome Using a Reverse Immunology Approach
Authors: Pleun Hombrink, Chopie Hassan, Michel G.D. Kester, Lorenz Jahn, Margot J. Pont, Arnoud H. de Ru, Cornelis A.M. van Bergen, Marieke Griffioen, J.H. Frederik Falkenburg, Peter A. van Veelen, Mirjam H.M. Heemskerk
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2015)

Abstract Purpose: T-cell recognition of minor histocompatibility antigens (MiHA) not only plays an important role in the beneficial graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) but also mediates serious GVH complications associated with allo-SCT. Using a reverse immunology approach, we aim to develop a method enabling the identification of T-cell responses directed against predefined antigens, with the goal to select those MiHAs that can be used clinically in combination with allo-SCT. Experimental Design: In this study, we used a recently developed MiHA selection algorithm to select candidate MiHAs within the HLA-presented ligandome of transformed B cells. From the HLA-presented ligandome that predominantly consisted of monomorphic peptides, 25 polymorphic peptides with a clinically relevant allele frequency were selected. By high-throughput screening, the availability of high-avidity T cells specific for these MiHA candidates in different healthy donors was analyzed. Results: With the use of MHC multimer enrichment, analyses of expanded T cells by combinatorial coding MHC multimer flow cytometry, and subsequent single-cell cloning, positive T-cell clones directed to two new MiHA: LB-CLYBL-1Y and LB-TEP1-1S could be demonstrated, indicating the immunogenicity of these two MiHAs. Conclusions: The biologic relevance of MiHA LB-CLYBL-1Y was demonstrated by the detection of LB-CLYBL-1Y–specific T cells in a patient suffering from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that experienced an anti-leukemic response after treatment with allo-SCT. Clin Cancer Res; 21(9); 2177–86. ©2015 AACR.
Spermine Acts as a Negative Regulator of Macrophage Differentiation in Human Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Authors: Igor M. Gavin, David Glesne, Yong Zhao, Cathryn Kubera, Eliezer Huberman
Journal: Cancer Research (2004)

Abstract The role of putrescine, spermidine and spermine in phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-induced macrophage differentiation was examined in human HL-60 and U-937 myeloid leukemia cells. Unlike other polyamines, spermine affected this differentiation by acting as a negative regulator. This negative regulation was established by showing that the PMA-induced macrophage phenotype, but not PMA-associated replication arrest, was abrogated (a) by replenishing the PMA-evoked decrease in cellular spermine levels with this polyamine from an exogenous source and (b) by blocking PMA-induced expression of the polyamine catabolic enzyme N1-spermidine/spermine acetyltransferase (SSAT) with antisense oligonucleotides in the presence of low substrate level. The PMA-evoked reduction in cellular spermine appears to result from an increase in the activity of SSAT and a decrease in the activity of ornithine decarboxylase, the polyamine biosynthetic enzyme. To a degree, these changes are due to corresponding changes in the expression of the genes that code for these enzymes. When cell differentiation is initiated, SSAT expression is increased after PMA-evoked activation of protein kinase C-β. The present studies raise the possibility that agents able to reduce spermine levels in patients’ myeloid leukemia cells may enhance the activity of differentiation therapy drugs for this type of leukemia.
Dissection of PIM serine/threonine kinases in FLT3-ITD–induced leukemogenesis reveals PIM1 as regulator of CXCL12–CXCR4-mediated homing and migration
Authors: Rebekka Grundler, Laurent Brault, Christelle Gasser, Alex N. Bullock, Tobias Dechow, Sabine Woetzel, Vanda Pogacic, Antonello Villa, Sabine Ehret, Georgina Berridge, Anke Spoo, Christine Dierks, Andrea Biondi, Stefan Knapp, Justus Duyster, Juerg Schwaller
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2009)

FLT3-ITD–mediated leukemogenesis is associated with increased expression of oncogenic PIM serine/threonine kinases. To dissect their role in FLT3-ITD–mediated transformation, we performed bone marrow reconstitution assays. Unexpectedly, FLT3-ITD cells deficient for PIM1 failed to reconstitute lethally irradiated recipients, whereas lack of PIM2 induction did not interfere with FLT3-ITD–induced disease. PIM1-deficient bone marrow showed defects in homing and migration and displayed decreased surface CXCR4 expression and impaired CXCL12–CXCR4 signaling. Through small interfering RNA–mediated knockdown, chemical inhibition, expression of a dominant-negative mutant, and/or reexpression in knockout cells, we found PIM1 activity to be essential for proper CXCR4 surface expression and migration of cells toward a CXCL12 gradient. Purified PIM1 led to the phosphorylation of serine 339 in the CXCR4 intracellular domain in vitro, a site known to be essential for normal receptor recycling. In primary leukemic blasts, high levels of surface CXCR4 were associated with increased PIM1 expression, and this could be significantly reduced by a small molecule PIM inhibitor in some patients. Our data suggest that PIM1 activity is important for homing and migration of hematopoietic cells through modification of CXCR4. Because CXCR4 also regulates homing and maintenance of cancer stem cells, PIM1 inhibitors may exert their antitumor effects in part by interfering with interactions with the microenvironment.
Cessation versus continuation of 6-month migraine preventive therapy with topiramate (PROMPT): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Hans-Christoph Diener, Reto Agosti, Gianni Allais, Paul Bergmans, Gennaro Bussone, Brendan Davies, Mustafa Ertas, Michel Lanteri-Minet, Uwe Reuter, Margarita Sánchez Del Río, Jean Schoenen, Susanne Schwalen, Joop van Oene
Journal: The Lancet Neurology (2007)
Improved prenatal diagnosis of the congenital nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type based on DNA analysis
Authors: Minna Männikkö, Marjo Kestilä, Ulla Lenkkeri, Heli Alakurtti, Christer Holmberg, Jaakko Leisti, Riitta Salonen, Pertti Aula, Aki Mustonen, Leena Peltonen, Karl Tryggvason
Journal: Kidney International (1997)
Efficacy of topical 5% liquor carbonis detergens vs. its emollient base in the treatment of psoriasis
Authors: M.H. KANZLER, D.C. GORSULOWSKY
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1993)

Tar has been a mainstay in the treatment of psoriasis for centuries, but despite its widespread use, there is little evidence supporting its clinical efficacy without the combined use of ultraviolet radiation. The purpose of this study was to compare psoriasis improvement rates in patients using 5% liquor carbonis detergens (LCD) in an emollient base with the emollient base alone. Eighteen patients completed a randomized, bilaterally controlled, double-blind study. Emollient-treated plaques showed a mean improvement of 35.3% by 4 weeks of treatment, and LCD therapy produced a mean improvement of 48.7%, a difference which was statistically significant.
Thrombin-processed Ecrg4 recruits myeloid cells and induces antitumorigenic inflammation
Authors: Jisook Lee, Xitong Dang, Alexandra Borboa, Raul Coimbra, Andrew Baird, Brian P. Eliceiri
Journal: Neuro-Oncology (2014)

Extensive infiltration of brain tumors by microglia and macrophages is a hallmark of tumor progression, and yet the overall tumor microenvironment is characterized by an immunosuppressive phenotype. Here we identify esophageal cancer-related gene 4 (Ecrg4) as a novel thrombin-processed monocyte chemoattractant that recruits myeloid cells, promotes their activation, and leads to a blockade of tumor progression. Both xenograft glioma and syngeneic glioma models were used to measure orthotopic tumor progression and overall survival. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to assess myeloid cell localization, recruitment, and activation. Ecrg4 promotes monocyte recruitment and activation of microglia in a T-/B-cell–independent mechanism, which leads to a reduction in glioma tumor burden and increased survival. Mutational analysis reveals that the biological activity of Ecrg4 is dependent on a thrombin-processing site at the C-terminus, inducing monocyte invasion in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, tumor-induced myeloid cell recruitment is impaired in Ecrg4 knockout mice, leading to increased tumor burden and decreased survival. Together, these results identify Ecrg4 as a paracrine factor that activates microglia and is chemotactic for monocytes, with potential as an antitumor therapeutic.
Apolipoprotein H expression is associated with IL28B genotype and viral clearance in hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Melissa E. Laird, Amira Mohsen, Darragh Duffy, Rasha Mamdouh, Lenaig LeFouler, Armanda Casrouge, Mai El-Daly, Mona Rafik, Mohamed Abdel-Hamid, Alexandre Soulier, Jean-Michel Pawlotsky, Christophe Hézode, Isabelle Rosa, Philippe Renard, Mostafa K. Mohamed, Philippe Bonnard, Jacques Izopet, Vincent Mallet, Stanislas Pol, Matthew L. Albert, Arnaud Fontanet
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2014)