tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Long-term Smoking Impairs Platelet-Derived Nitric Oxide Release
Authors: Kazuya Ichiki, Hisao Ikeda, Nobuya Haramaki, Takafumi Ueno, Tsutomu Imaizumi
Journal: Circulation (1996)

Background Long-term smoking impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation, which is mediated by nitric oxide (NO). However, it is unknown whether long-term smoking impairs the platelet-derived NO release, which regulates platelet aggregation. Methods and Results Platelet-derived electrical current induced by collagen was measured with an NO-selective electrode in 12 smokers and 11 nonsmokers. Collagen-induced intraplatelet cGMP and platelet aggregation was measured in smokers and nonsmokers. S -nitroso- N -acetyl- dl -penicillamine, a direct NO donor, dose dependently increased in electrical current ( r =.99). Collagen induced platelet aggregation and dose dependently increased electrical current ( r =.94). Collagen-induced electrical current and cGMP were significantly augmented by l -arginine, a precursor of NO, and attenuated by N G -monomethyl- l -arginine, an inhibitor of NO synthesis. Significant correlation was found between collagen-induced electrical current and cGMP ( r =.73). These findings indicate that the change in electrical current reflects the NO release through the l -arginine–NO pathway in platelets. Collagen-induced electrical current (6.7 versus 13.8 pA; P &lt;.001) and cGMP (1.2 versus 3.0 pmol/10 9 platelets; P &lt;.005) were significantly lower in smokers than in nonsmokers. Although l -arginine increased cGMP levels in both smokers and nonsmokers, the level was still lower in smokers than in nonsmokers. The inhibitory effect of l -arginine on collagen-induced platelet aggregation was significantly lower in smokers than in nonsmokers ( P &lt;.05). Conclusions These findings provide evidence that platelet-derived NO release is significantly impaired in long-term smokers, resulting in the augmentation of platelet aggregability.
Natural history of recurrent cough in children
Authors: Marie-Pierre F. Strippoli, Anina M. Pescatore, Ben D. Spycher, Caroline S. Beardsmore, Michael Silverman, Claudia E. Kuehni
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Aims:  Recurrent cough (RC) is common in childhood and an important cause of primary care visits. Despite that, data on the natural history of recurrent cough in unselected children are scarce.   Methods:  In a population-based cohort in Leicestershire (UK) we measured recurrent cough (defined as chronic night cough + cough apart from colds + GP visits for cough) with repeated questionnaires. For non-wheezers, we computed frequency of recurrent cough at different ages, and determined predictors of RC in multivariable logistic regressions.   Results:  We had data on 1247 children aged 1 year, and data on 1127, 1267, 1410, 825 aged 2, 4, 6 and 9 years respectively. Prevalence of RC at these ages was 17%, 19%, 21%, 16% and 12% respectively. Of all children with RC at age 1 year, 62% continued to report RC at age 2 years, and 46%, 35%, 28% at age 4, 6 and 9 years. Factors associated with RC at all ages were: south Asian ethnicity, chronic rhinitis and frequent snoring. Other factors associated with RC during the first 2 years of life were nursery care and posseting. In contrast, attendance to nursery care in infancy protected from RC at age 6 and 9 years. Associations with family history of atopy were marginal.   Conclusions:  Recurrent cough is common and tracks strongly during childhood. At all ages, there are strong associations with upper respiratory symptoms. This might be explained by an increased susceptibility to upper respiratory infections.  Funding: SNF 3200B0-122341; SNF PDFMP3-123162.
Immunocytochemical Distribution of Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus Antigens in BALB/cfC3H Mammary Epithelium2
Authors: Judith A. St. George, Robert D. Cardiff, Lawrence J. T. Young, Leslie J. Faulkin
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1979)

The distribution of mouse mammary tumor virus (MuMTV) antigens was studied in normal, preneoplastic, and neoplastic mammary epithelia from female BALB/cfC3H mice with the use of a polyvalent anti-MuMTV serum and indirect immunoperoxidase techniques. The MuMTV antigens were on the apical surface or in focal cytoplasmic aggregates or diffused throughout the infected cells. As much as 70% of all cells in adenocarcinomas and as much as 100% of all cells in preneoplastic hyperplastic alveolar nodules contained MMTV antigens. Comparable percentages of cells from mammary glands of multiparous mice were MuMTV-positive. Some mammary tissues of nullparous and primiparous mice did not contain detectable MuMTV antigen. The MuMTV antigen-containing cells in lactating mammary glands tended to be in discrete lobuloalveolar clusters surrounded by antigen-negative alveoli. The percentage of MuMTV-positive cells in a given gland was proportional to the amount of virus found in the animal's milk.
Radiation Therapy With or Without Concurrent Low-Dose Daily Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced, Nonmetastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Branislav Jeremic, Biljana Milicic, Aleksandar Dagovic, Zeljko Vaskovic, Ljiljana Tadic
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2004)

To retrospectively investigate the difference between conventionally fractionated (CF) and hyperfractionated (Hfx) radiation therapy (RT), with and without either daily cisplatin (CDDP) or carboplatin (CBDCA), in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) enrolled onto two consecutive prospective randomized studies.Treatment consisted of CF RT (70 Gy, group 1), CF RT and either daily CDDP (6 mg/m2) or daily CBDCA (25 mg/m2; group 2), Hfx RT (77 Gy, 1.1 Gy bid; group 3), or Hfx RT and daily CDDP (group 4).Hfx RT plus CDDP achieved better overall survival (OS) and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) than any other group. There was an insignificant difference favoring Hfx RT over CF RT, either alone or in combination with CDDP or CBDCA, regarding both OS (P =.058 and P =.051, respectively) and LRFS (P =.088 and P =.091, respectively). No difference was seen between CF RT plus chemotherapy (CHT) and Hfx RT alone regarding either OS (P =.32) or LRFS (P =.48). Regional recurrence-free survival was similar in the four treatment groups. CF RT plus CHT and Hfx RT plus CDDP achieved better distant metastasis-free survival than CF RT and Hfx RT. High-grade toxicity was significantly more frequent in Hfx RT plus CDDP than in any other group, except in the Hfx RT group. Hfx RT led to significantly more acute toxicity and xerostomia than CF RT plus CHT. Hfx RT was more toxic than CF RT, either alone or with concurrent CHT.Results of this study show that there may be a therapeutic benefit for CF RT plus CHT over Hfx RT plus CDDP in patients with SCCHN, but this cannot be firmly established without a larger and well-planned controlled trial.
Examination of intra and interrater reliability with a new ultrasonographic reference atlas for scoring of synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: H. B. Hammer, P. Bolton-King, V. Bakkeheim, T. H. Berg, E. Sundt, A. K. Kongtorp, E. A. Haavardsholm
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2011)

<h3>Objective</h3> Synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be scored semiquantitatively (0–3) for B-mode (BM) and power Doppler (PD) ultrasonography. The objective was to assess the reliability of BM and PD examinations with a novel ultrasonographic atlas as reference. <h3>Methods</h3> Representative ultrasound images (including scores 0–3) of BM and PD from 24 different joints were collected to develop an ultrasonographic atlas. Ten RA patients were assessed twice by five rheumatologists performing BM and PD scoring (0–3) of 16 joints bilaterally (metacarpophalangeal 1–5, wrist (radiocarpal, intercarpal, radioulnar), elbow, knee, talocrural and metatarsophalangeal 1–5), with the novel ultrasonographic atlas as a reference. <h3>Results</h3> The median (range) percentages of exact agreements for BM/PD assessments were 73.1 (70.3–80.6)/83.7 (76.7–87.6) and for close agreement 98.1 (96.2–99.7)/98.0 (96.8–98.4) with weighted κ values of median (range) 0.77 (0.70–0.83) for BM and 0.83 (0.73–0.86) for PD. The intrarater intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for BM/PD scores were 0.95 (0.93–0.99)/0.97 (0.95–0.99) and interrater ICC were 0.95 (0.86–0.99)/0.97 (0.94–1.00). Scoring of 32 joints was completed in median 15 min (range 12–20). <h3>Conclusion</h3> With the use of an ultrasonographic atlas as reference high intra and interrater reliability was found for BM and PD scoring. This novel atlas may be a useful resource in clinical practice and research.
Influence of Emotional and Physical Stimuli on Pressure in the Isolated Vein Segment
Authors: DAN A. MARTIN, KERR L. WHITE, CHARLES R. VERNON
Journal: Circulation Research (1959)

Generalized alterations in venous tone may shift large amounts of blood within the vascular system. Both physical and emotional stimuli are capable of affecting venous tone. The present report is a study in healthy males of the effects of certain of these factors on pressure (tone) in a peripheral vein segment isolated by means of specially designed, Plexiglas vein occluders. The emotional stimuli employed were the most effective of the group in increasing venous tone.
Randomised controlled trial comparing effectiveness of touch screen system with leaflet for providing women with information on prenatal tests Commentary: Evaluating electronic consumer health material
Authors: W. Graham
Journal: BMJ (2000)

<h3>Abstract</h3> <b>Objective:</b> To compare the effectiveness of touch screen system with information leaflet for providing women with information on prenatal tests. <b>Design:</b> Randomised controlled trial; participants allocated to intervention group (given access to touch screen and leaflet information) or control group (leaflet information only). <b>Setting:</b> Antenatal clinic in university teaching hospital. <b>Subjects:</b> 875 women booking antenatal care. <b>Interventions:</b> All participants received a leaflet providing information on prenatal tests. Women in the intervention arm also had access to touch screen information system in antenatal clinic. <b>Main outcome measures:</b> Women9s informed decision making on prenatal testing as measured by their uptake of and understanding of the purpose of specific tests; their satisfaction with information provided; and their levels of anxiety. <b>Results:</b> All women in the trial had a good baseline knowledge of prenatal tests. Women in the intervention group did not show any greater understanding of the purpose of the tests than control women. However, uptake of detailed anomaly scans was significantly higher in intervention group than the control group (94% (351/375) <i>v</i> 87% (310/358), P=0.0014). Levels of anxiety among nulliparous women in intervention group declined significantly over time (P&lt;0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> The touch screen seemed to convey no benefit over well prepared leaflets in improving understanding of prenatal tests among the pregnant women. It did, however, seem to reduce levels of anxiety and may be most effective for providing information to selected women who have a relevant adverse history or abnormal results from tests in their current pregnancy.
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Biosensors for Cancer Detection and Evaluation of Drug Efficacy
Authors: Shaoying Lu, Yingxiao Wang
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2010)

Abstract A sensitive and specific fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor was developed by Mizutani and colleagues and applied to detect the activity of BCR-ABL kinase in live cells. This biosensor allowed the detection of cancerous and drug-resistant cells, and the evaluation of kinase inhibitor efficacy. Future biosensor development and imaging can increasingly contribute to cancer diagnosis and therapeutics. Clin Cancer Res; 16(15); 3822–4. ©2010 AACR.
Endotoxemia in Transgenic Mice Overexpressing Human Glutathione Peroxidases
Authors: Oleg Mirochnitchenko, Olga Prokopenko, Urmila Palnitkar, Ilya Kister, William S. Powell, Masayori Inouye
Journal: Circulation Research (2000)

Abstract —In response to endotoxemia induced by administration of lipopolysaccharide, a complex series of reactions occurs in mammalian tissues. During this inflammation response, cells produce different mediators, such as reactive oxygen species, a number of arachidonic acid metabolites, and cytokines. The reactive oxygen species thus generated have been suggested to produce tissue injury as a result of macromolecular damage or by interfering with regulatory processes. They may also act as important signaling molecules to induce redox-sensitive genes. We report here that transgenic mice overexpressing 2 major forms of human glutathione peroxidases (GPs), intra- and extracellular GP, are able to modulate host response during endotoxemic conditions. We show that these animals have a decreased hypotension and increased survival rate after administration of a high dosage of lipopolysaccharide. Overexpression of GPs alters vascular permeability and production of cytokines (interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α) and NO, affects arachidonic acid metabolism, and inhibits leukocyte migration. These results suggest an important role for peroxides in pathogenesis during endotoxemia, and GPs, by regulating their level, may prove to be good candidates for antioxidant therapy to protect against such injury.
Natural Killer Cells
Authors: R B Herberman
Journal: Annual Review of Medicine (1986)

Named for their apparent ability to function without prior sensitization, NK cells are the newest additions to the growing cast of immunopathologic effectors, which includes antibodies and immune complexes as well as cytolytic T cells and K cells. The understanding of NK activity has progressed to a level that permits investigators to consider its clinical exploitation in antitumor therapy.
IMMUNOLOGIC REACTIONS TO HAPTENS ON AUTOLOGOUS CARRIERS
Authors: John W. Moorhead, Curla S. Walters, Henry N. Claman
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1973)

Both thymus-derived (T) and bone marrow-derived (B) lymphocytes participate in the response to a hapten 4-hydroxy-3-iodo-5-nitrophenylacetic acid (NIP), coupled to a nonimmunogenic isologous carrier, mouse gamma globulin (MGG). Spleen cells from mice immunized with NIP-MGG show increased DNA synthesis in vitro when cultured with NIP-MGG. The participation of and requirement for T cells in the response was demonstrated by treating the spleen cells with anti-theta serum. This treatment resulted in a 77% inhibition of the antigen response. Furthermore, adoptively transferred normal thymus cells could be specifically "activated" by NIP-MGG in vivo and they responded secondarily to the antigen in vitro. The active participation of B cells in the secondary response was demonstrated by passing the immune spleen cells through a column coated with polyvalent anti-MGG serum. Column filtration reduced the number of NIP-specific plaque-forming cells and NIP-specific rosette-forming cells (both functions of B cells) and produced a 47% inhibition of the NIP-MGG response. The ability of the cells to respond to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was not affected by column filtration showing that T cells were not being selectively removed. The participation of B cells in the in vitro NIP-MGG response was also shown by treatment of the spleen cells with antiserum specific for MGG and MGG determinants. B cells were removed by treatment with anti-IgM or polyvalent anti-MGG serum plus complement, resulting in a respective 46 and 49% inhibition of the response to NIP-MGG. (Treatment with anti-IgM serum had no effect on T cells.) The contribution of the hapten NIP to stimulation of T cells was investigated using NIP-MGG-activated thymus cells. These activated T cells responded in vitro very well to the NIP-MGG complex but not to the MGG carrier alone demonstrating the requirement of the hapten for T cell stimulation. The response was also partially inhibited (41%) by incubating the activated cells with NIP coupled to a single amino acid (epsilon-aminocaproic acid) before addition of NIP-MGG. These results demonstrated that T cells recognize the hapten NIP when it is coupled to the isologous carrier MGG.
Gene therapy for liver diseases: recent strategies for treatment of viral hepatitis and liver malignancies
Authors: V Schmitz
Journal: Gut (2002)

Gene therapy has emerged as a powerful and very plastic tool to regulate biological functions in diseased tissues with application in virtually all medical fields. An increasing number of experimental and clinical studies underline the importance of genes as curative agents in the future. However, intense research is needed to evaluate the potential of gene therapy to improve efficacy and minimise the toxicity of the procedure.
Distinct Subcellular Expression Patterns of Neutral Endopeptidase (CD10) in Prostate Cancer Predict Diverging Clinical Courses in Surgically Treated Patients
Authors: Achim Fleischmann, Thorsten Schlomm, Hartwig Huland, Jens Köllermann, Philipp Simon, Martina Mirlacher, Georg Salomon, Felix H.K. Chun, Thomas Steuber, Ronald Simon, Guido Sauter, Markus Graefen, Andreas Erbersdobler
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2008)

Abstract Purpose: Neutral endopeptidase (CD10), an ectopeptidase bound to the cell surface, is thought to be a potential prognostic marker for prostate cancer. Experimental Design: Prostate cancer patients (N = 3,261) treated by radical prostatectomy at a single institution were evaluated by using tissue microarray. Follow-up data were available for 2,385 patients. The cellular domain (membranous, membranous-cytoplasmatic, and cytoplasmatic only) of CD10 expression was analyzed immunohistochemically and correlated with various clinical and histopathologic features of the tumors. Results: CD10 expression was detected in 62.2% of cancer samples and occurred preferentially in higher Gleason pattern (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). CD10 expression positively correlated with adverse tumor features such as elevated preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA), higher Gleason score, and advanced stage (P &amp;lt; 0.0001 each). Survival analyses showed that PSA recurrence was significantly associated with the staining pattern of CD10 expression. Outcome significantly declined from negative over membranous, membranous-cytoplasmatic, to exclusively cytoplasmatic CD10 expression (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, CD10 expression was an independent predictor for PSA failure (P = 0.0343). Conclusions: CD10 expression is an unfavorable independent risk factor in prostate cancer. The subcellular location of CD10 protein is associated with specific clinical courses, suggesting an effect on different important biological properties of prostate cancer cells. The frequent expression of CD10 in prostate cancer and the strong association of CD10 with unfavorable tumor features may qualify this biomarker for targeted therapies.
The Putative Glutamate Receptors from Plants Are Related to Two Superfamilies of Animal Neurotransmitter Receptors via Distinct Evolutionary Mechanisms
Authors: Frank J. Turano, Ganesh R. Panta, Marc W. Allard, Peter van Berkum
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (2001)

Animal ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGLRs) and members of subfamily C (Kolakowski 1994) or IV (Parmentier et al. 1998) of the G-protein-coupled receptors (subC-GPCRs), which contains the metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGLRs) and ␥-aminobutyric acid B
Association Between Glutathione S-Transferase P1, T1, and M1 Genetic Polymorphism and Survival of Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: J. Stoehlmacher
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2002)

Background: Members of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) superfamily are important in cellular defense mechanisms. These enzymes attach reduced glutathione to electrophilic groups in a wide variety of toxic compounds, including chemotherapeutic agents. Certain polymorphisms in GSTs are associated with changes in enzyme activity, sensitivity to chemotherapy, and overall patient survival. In a retrospective study, we investigated associations between common polymorphisms in genes for several GST subclasses (GSTP1, GSTT1, GSTM1) and survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/oxaliplatin chemotherapy. Methods: During 1998–2000, 107 previously treated patients with advanced colorectal cancer received 5-FU/oxaliplatin combination chemotherapy. Associations between deletion polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes and between a polymorphism in the GSTP1 gene that generates an Ile105Val in the GSTP1 protein and survival were evaluated using relative risks (RRs) of dying and the log-rank test. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: Patients heterozygous for the GSTP1 polymorphism had an RR = 0.47 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.27 to 0.81) compared with patients homozygous for the GSTP1 105Ile allele. Patients homozygous for the mutant polymorphism had an RR = 0.16 (95% CI = 0.04 to 0.63). After adjustment for performance status and tumor site, the stratified RRs were 0.28 (95% CI = 0.07 to 1.10) for patients with two 105Val alleles and 0.64 (95% CI = 0.36 to 1.16) for those with one 105Val allele (P = .042). Patients with the 105Val/105Val genotype survived a median of 24.9 months, those with the 105Ile/105Ile genotype a median of 7.9 months, and those with the 105Ile/105Val genotype a median of 13.3 months (P<.001). The GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were not associated with survival or clinical response. Conclusions: The GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism is associated in a dose-dependent fashion with increased survival of patients with advanced colorectal cancer receiving 5-FU/oxaliplatin chemotherapy.
ORTHOTOPIC LIVER TRANSPLANTATION FOR WILSON'S DISEASE
Authors: R.S. Dubois, D.O. Rodgerson, G. Martineau, G. Shroter, G. Giles, J. Lilly, C.G. Halgrimson, T.E. Starzl, I. Sternlieb, I.H. Scheinberg
Journal: The Lancet (1971)
Degradation of serum amyloid A protein by surface-associated enzymes of human blood monocytes.
Authors: G Lavie, D Zucker-Franklin, E C Franklin
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1978)

Peripheral blood monocytes incubated in a serum-free medium degraded serum amyloid A (SAA) protein along three pathways. Of 20 normal subjects, 8 degraded SAA completely with no detectable intermediates. Eight subjects transiently produced an amyloid A (AA)-like intermediate which comigrated on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) with tissue AA protein and reacted with antisera to AA, whereas four subjects yielded a persistent AA-like intermediate on PAGE. This group also failed to degrade tissue AA protein. Cells from 10 patients with amyloidosis fell into the second group. The responsible enzymes appear to be serine proteases because they are inhibited by disopropyl fluorophosphate. They were not affected by epsilon-amino caproic acid, L-1-tosylamide-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone, or N-alpha-p-tosyl-L-lysine chlormethyl ketone. It appears possible that the enzymes are associated with the outer membrane of the cell because only a small fraction of the activity is secreted into the medium and because enzyme activity remains after fixation of the cells with glutaraldehyde which completely stops phagocytosis. Perhaps differences in patterns of proteolysis may play a role in the predisposition to amyloidosis.