tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Infliximab treatment in ankylosing spondylitis: an observational study
Authors: S N Nikas
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2004)

<b>Objective:</b> To investigate efficacy, toxicity, and drug discontinuation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) treated with infliximab. <b>Methods:</b> 35 patients with AS with mean (SD) age 42.5 (12.6) years and mean (SD) disease duration 14.5 (8.0) years were studied for 2 years. Patients entering the study had a negative tuberculin skin test, were fully informed about the treatment, and were followed up regularly. Infliximab, 5 mg/kg weight, was given intravenously at weeks 0, 2, 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter. Data concerning infliximab tolerability, adverse events, interval, and drug discontinuation were all recorded. Clinical improvement according to the BASDAI and the Ankylosing Spondylitis Assessment Study group (ASAS) 20%, 40%, and ASAS 5/6 response criteria were recorded. <b>Results:</b> After 1 year, 20 (57%) patients achieved the BASDAI 50% response criteria, 25 (71%) achieved ASAS 20%, 23 (66%) reached ASAS 40%, and 18 (51%) attained ASAS 5/6. After 2 years' treatment, 11 (31%) patients achieved BASDAI 50% response criteria, 14 (40%) ASAS 20%, 11 (31%) ASAS 40%, and 9 (26%) ASAS 5/6. Clinical improvement was associated with an improved BASFI and reduction of CRP. After 2 years' treatment, "infliximab survival" was 89%. Treatment was well tolerated and adverse events were mild; 3 patients discontinued the study. <b>Conclusion:</b> Infliximab was effective, safe, and well tolerated in patients with AS.
The Year Book of Pathology and Clinical Pathology (1959-1960 Year Book Series)
Authors: Frank W. Fitch
Journal: JAMA (1961)

This book continues the fine tradition of summarizing the important publications of the past year that relate to pathology. The editorial comments of the author, as usual, help place the contributions of these papers into proper perspective. After reading this book, one has the feeling that few new techniques are described, and few new areas of interest have been opened up during the past year. The single special article by Dr. Robert Schrek, entitled<i>Fashions in Cancer Research</i>, is an interesting analysis of the trends in cancer research over the years. He explores the controversy over the role of experimental tumors, the furor over genetic or environmental factors in experimental cancers, and the current interest in viral etiology of neoplasia. The possible effects of these fashions in research on the outcome of the quest for solution to the "cancer problems" are considered.
THE RESULTS OF TONSILLECTOMY UNDER LOCAL ANESTHESIA. NEW OPERATION
Authors: BRYAN D. SHEEDY
Journal: JAMA (1913)

YORK 11 seems to me wholly unnecessary to give a long introduction to this subject in speaking before specialists who have been for years following this special work. 1 know that every man here has removed tonsils time and time again, under local or general anesthesia or with Flg. o anesthesia, with what he considered satisfactory results to both himself and his patients.The length of time that has passed since a given operation is an important consideration in examining throats as to the results found following tonsil enuclea-
Findings of Multiple Neuritis on FDG PET/CT Imaging
Authors: Xinli Xie, Bing Cheng, Xingmin Han, Baoping Liu
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (2012)

A 56-year-old woman with weight loss, facial pain, and weakness underwent FDG PET/CT to detect a tumor of unknown origin. The images did not detect any lesion typical of malignancy. However, elevated FDG activity in several cranial and peripheral nerves was noted and suggestive of multiple neuritis. Following therapy for neuritis, the patient's symptoms improved.
Workshop on perinatal exposure to dioxin-like compounds. IV. Neurobehavioral effects.
Authors: M S Golub, S W Jacobson
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (1995)

Nine participants outlined findings in the area of neurobehavioral effects of dioxin-like compounds and presented plans for new studies. Neurobehavioral effects are among the most sensitive and well studied toxicity end points for this class of compounds. A focus of the workshop was presentation of designs for major new studies in human populations outside the United States that are intended to extend and clarify the results of two previous large-scale studies in populations in Michigan and North Carolina. Improved methods for exposure assessment and more focused approaches to understanding specific neurobehavioral deficits were highlighted. Animal studies and in vitro mechanistic studies are emphasizing the importance of alterations in neurotransmitter systems and thyroid function that may underlie behavioral dysfunction. There is continuing improvement in analytical and study design methods to identify the most active congeners of PCB mixtures in the environment. These diverse studies will contribute to effective response of public health and regulatory groups to this continuing problem.
Sympathetic overactivity in tetanus: fatality associated with propranolol.
Authors: N Buchanan, L Smit, R D Cane, M De Andrade
Journal: BMJ (1978)

This time of peak immunological activity is also likely to be the time when plasma concentrations of therapeutically administered immuno- suppressive drugs are at a minimum.Circadian variations in immune response have not been emphasised but have implications for the understanding, assessment, and treat- ment of many diseases.There is clearly a need to consider standardisa- tion of tests for immune responses according to the time of day.
CX3CL1 Promotes Breast Cancer via Transactivation of the EGF Pathway
Authors: Manuel Tardáguila, Emilia Mira, Miguel A. García-Cabezas, Anna M. Feijoo, Miguel Quintela-Fandino, Iñigo Azcoitia, Sergio A. Lira, Santos Mañes
Journal: Cancer Research (2013)

Chemokines are relevant molecules in shaping the tumor microenvironment, although their contributions to tumorigenesis are not fully understood. We studied the influence of the chemokine CX3CL1/fractalkine in de novo breast cancer formation using HER2/neu transgenic mice. CX3CL1 expression was downmodulated in HER2/neu tumors, yet, paradoxically, adenovirus-mediated CX3CL1 expression in the tumor milieu enhanced mammary tumor numbers in a dose-dependent manner. Increased tumor multiplicity was not a consequence of CX3CL1-induced metastatic dissemination of the primary tumor, although CX3CL1 induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells in vitro. Instead, CX3CL1 triggered cell proliferation by induction of ErbB receptors through the proteolytic shedding of an ErbB ligand. This effect was important insofar as mammary tumorigenesis was delayed and tumor multiplicity was reduced by genetic deletion of CX3CL1 in HER2/neu mice, but not in polyoma middle T-antigen oncomice. Our findings support the conclusion that CX3CL1 acts as a positive modifier of breast cancer in concert with ErbB receptors.
A Critical Reappraisal of the Ross Operation
Authors: Hans H. Sievers, Thorsten Hanke, Ulrich Stierle, Matthias F. Bechtel, Bernhard Graf, Derek R. Robinson, Donald N. Ross
Journal: Circulation (2006)

Background— The autograft procedure, an option in aortic valve replacement, has undergone technical evolution. A considerable debate about the most favorable surgical technique in the Ross operation is still ongoing. Originally described as a subcoronary implant, the full root replacement technique is now the most commonly used technique to perform the Ross principle. Methods and Results— Between June of 1994 and June of 2005, the original subcoronary autograft technique was performed in 347 patients. Preoperative, perioperative, and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. Mean patient age at implantation was 44±13 years (range 14 to 71 years; 273 male, 74 female). Bicuspid valve morphology was present in 67%. The underlying valve disease was aortic regurgitation in 111 patients, stenosis in 46 patients, combined lesion in 188 patients, and active endocarditis in 22 patients (in 2 patients without stenosis or regurgitation). Concomitant procedures were performed in 130 patients. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up visits were obtained annually (mean follow up 3.9±2.7 years, 1324 patient-years; completeness of follow-up 99.4%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 0.6% (n =2), and the late mortality was 1.7% (n=6), with 5 noncardiac deaths (4 cancer, 1 multiorgan failure after noncardiac surgery) and 1 cardiac death (sudden death). At last follow-up, 94% of the surviving patients were in New York Heart Association class I. Ross procedure–related valvular reoperations were necessary in 9 patients: Three received autograft explants, 5 received homograft explants, and 1 received a combined auto- and homograft explant. At last follow-up visit, autograft/homograft regurgitation grade II was present in 5/10 patients and grade III in 4/0. Maximum/mean pressure gradients were 7.4±6.2/3.7±2.1 mm Hg across the autograft and 15.3±9.4/7.6±5.0 mm Hg across the right ventricular outflow tract, respectively. Aortic root dilatation was not observed. Freedom from any valve-related intervention was 95% at 8 years (95% confidence interval 91% to 99%). Conclusion— Midterm follow-up of autograft procedures according to the original Ross subcoronary approach proves excellent clinical and hemodynamic results, with no considerable reoperation rates. Revival of the original subcoronary Ross operation should be taken into account when considering the best way to install the Ross principle.
John Page Raw
Authors: David Raw
Journal: BMJ (2004)

Former general practitioner Sutton, Surrey (b Calcutta 1918; q St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, 1942), died from heart failure on 14 August 2004.​2004.




Figure 1




John was a conscientious objector during the second world war; he remained in London throughout the Blitz, serving his country through medical care for returning soldiers. He also served in the blood transfusion service in Chichester in 1944-5. He was a sessional doctor for Marks and Spencer for 25 years. John was a committed Baptist all his life. An accomplished water colour artist, he was “selected, but not hung” for a Royal Academy Exhibition in the 1980s. When he retired he took up portrait painting and wanted his self portrait to accompany his obituary. He leaves a wife, Margaret; three sons; and 11 grandchildren.
Keratoepithelin Suppresses the Progression of Experimental Human Neuroblastomas
Authors: Jürgen Becker, Bernhard Erdlenbruch, Ievgeniia Noskova, Alexander Schramm, Monique Aumailley, Daniel F. Schorderet, Lothar Schweigerer
Journal: Cancer Research (2006)

Abstract Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial childhood tumor. High expression of activin A is associated with a favorable prognosis, but the contributing mechanisms have remained unclear. Our previous demonstration of the activin A–mediated up-regulation of keratoepithelin led to the consideration that keratoepithelin could modulate neuroblastoma growth and/or progression. We report here that enhanced keratoepithelin expression in human neuroblastoma cells suppresses neuroblastoma cell cohesion and adhesion to various extracellular matrix proteins and that it inhibits neuroblastoma cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Using microarray analysis, we identified several keratoepithelin-regulated genes that may contribute to these biological changes. Together with the observation that keratoepithelin is expressed in human neuroblastomas in vivo, our data suggest that keratoepithelin could play a beneficial role in neuroblastoma development and/or progression. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(10): 5314-21)
Global health gap widens says World Bank
Authors: R. Dobson
Journal: BMJ (1999)

Researchers at the World Bank have warned that health policies that put the emphasis on tackling non-communicable diseases among elderly people rather than on communicable diseases among younger people risk widening the global health gap between the richest and poorest countries. They say that a shift towards concentrating on non-communicable diseases benefits the rich more than the poor.

The team, who reported their findings in last week's Lancet (1999;354:586-9), said that global indicators that show …
Human antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Isolation and identification of a subpopulation of peripheral blood lymphocytes which kill antibody-coated autologous target cells.
Authors: A M Brier, L Chess, S F Schlossman
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1975)

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), has been shown to be independent in vitro of thymus-derived lymphocytes, but the precise nature of the effector lymphocyte has not been fully clarified. To further study the identity of the ADCC effector cell type(s), peripheral blood leukocytes were purified by Ficoll-Hypaque density centrifugation and fractionated into surface immunoglobulin-positive [Ig(+)] and surface immunoglobulin-negative [Ig(-)] populations by chromatographic separation on Sephadex G-200 anti-human immunoglobulin columns. After column fractionations, the ADCC effector activity against antibody-coated autologous lymphocytes was predominantly and consistently found in the Ig(-) fraction. This latter population was then further fractionated, by rosetting techniques, into two subpopulations, The first was depleted by lymphocytes with surface receptors for sheep red blood cells [E(+)]and the second was depleted of lymphocytes with receptors for sheep red blood cell-antibody-complement [EAC-(+)]. Analysis of these populations showed that ADCC effector activity was predominantly a property of the Ig(-) lmyphocytes which are E(-) but EAC(+). These lymphocytes have been referred to as "null lymphocytes" and probably represent a subset of bone marrow-derived (B) cells. In addition, variable and low levels of ADCC activity were observed in some Ig(+) populations (B cells). Further purification of the null cell population by filtration over nylon wool columns to reduce the number of contaminating latex ingesting monocytes did not reduce ADCC effector activity. Isolated null cell ADCC effector activity was inhibited by either rabbit anti-human F(ab)2 or normal pooled rabbit gamma globulin, but not by rabbit F(ab)2 anti-human F)ab)2 or media. This supports the contention previously suggested in studies using unfractionated lymphocyte populations that the ADCC effector cell recognizes the Fc portion of the antibody molecule. The variable and low level of activity noted in the Ig(+) populations is unexplained but possibly due to a variable population of null cell-derived Ig(+) lymphocytes within the whole Ig(+) population. In conclusion, these experiments demonstrate that, in vitro, the major ADCC effector activity of circulating human peripheral blood lymphocytes resides in the Ig(-), E(-), EAC-(+) subpopulation termed "null cells." Since it has been noted that in certain disease states, such as immunodeficiency syndromes, autoimmune disorders, and neoplasms, the percentage of this population of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood is elevated, it is speculated that these cells, perhaps through their ADCC function, may play an important pathophysiologic role in these diseases.
Hyperphosphatemia, Hyperparathyroidism and Bighead
Authors: Jerome P. Kassirer
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1973)

When a new clinical observation is made, it is convenient to be able to "lift off the shelf" an already established pathophysiologic principle that explains the finding. The hypocalcemic disorder in patients with acute leukemia described in this issue of the Journal by Zusman et al. shares such a common principle with several diverse entities, including tetany secondary to phosphate administration, osteitis fibrosa in uremia, bighead in horses and osteodystrophy in kittens. The unifying principle is a simple one: hyperphosphatemia induces hypocalcemia, and the low calcium in turn promotes neuromuscular irritability or parathyroid hyperactivity (or both), depending on the degree . . .
Interaction of the effects of hypoxia, substrate depletion, acidosis and hyperkalaemia on the class III antiarrhythmic properties of sotalol
Authors: S. M COBBE, B S. MANLEY, D. ALEXOPOULOS
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (1985)

The effects of hypoxia on the actions of dl-sotalol 10(-4) mol . litre-1 were studied in rabbit papillary muscles at 32 degrees C. Superfusion for 30 min with a hypoxic solution (95% N2, 5% CO2) in the presence of 5 mmol . litre-1 glucose caused moderate shortening of control action potential duration from 208 +/- 3 to 138 +/- 9 ms (mean +/- SEM). In the presence of sotalol, hypoxia caused shortening of APD90 from 399 +/- 9 ms to 249 +/- ms, but the value after 30 min was still significantly greater than in controls (p less than 0.001). Superfusion with a hypoxic, glucose-free solution, however, caused profound shortening of APD90 in controls to 80 +/- 7 ms at 30 min. The highly significant lengthening of APD90 produced by sotalol in control conditions was abolished after 5 min hypoxia. The effects of hypoxia on the effective refractory period (ERP) paralleled those on APD90. Exposure to a hypoxic, acidotic, hyperkalaemic solution (80% N2, 20% CO2, pH 6.8; K+ 12 mmol . litre-1) produced moderate shortening of APD90 with convergence of the two groups. There was an increase in ERP, with the development of an equal degree of post-repolarisation refractoriness in the control and sotalol groups. The Class III effect of sotalol is preserved under mild but lost under severely hypoxic conditions. Using "simulated ischaemic" conditions, with controlled extracellular potassium concentrations, there was no difference in the relationship between APD90 and ERP in the control and sotalol groups.
T Cell Receptor Cross-Reactivity between Similar Foreign and Self Peptides Influences Naive Cell Population Size and Autoimmunity
Authors: Ryan W. Nelson, Daniel Beisang, Noah J. Tubo, Thamotharampillai Dileepan, Darin L. Wiesner, Kirsten Nielsen, Marcel Wüthrich, Bruce S. Klein, Dmitri I. Kotov, Justin A. Spanier, Brian T. Fife, James J. Moon, Marc K. Jenkins
Journal: Immunity (2014)
Distribution and degradation of albumin in extensive skin disease
Authors: A.-M. WORM, E. TAANING, N. ROSSING, H.-H. PARVING, O.J. CLEMMENSEN
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1981)

The distribution and degradation of albumin were determined in twelve patients with extensive skin disease and in ten control subjects by measuring the metabolic turnover and transcapillary escape of 132 I-labelled albumin. The ratio of intravascular to total mass of albumin was normal. Thus the observed hypoalbuminaemia and the low intravascular mass reflect a reduced mass of total body albumin. The rate of synthesis was normal, but the transcapillary escape rate reflecting the microvascular leakiness to macromolecules, and the fractional disappearance rate were significantly higher in the patients than in the controls (P less than 0.001). It is concluded that the hypoalbuminaemia in these patients is the result of an increased endogenous catabolism of albumin without significant loss via urine, stools or skin. A positive correlation between the transcapillary escape rate and fractional catabolic rate of albumin supports the concept of a causal relationship between these parameters.
Effect of assistive technology in hand osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: I. Kjeken, S. Darre, G. Smedslund, K. B. Hagen, R. Nossum
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2011)

Hand osteoarthritis (HOA) is a common joint disorder with an expected rise in prevalence due to the increasing ageing population, but with few available effective treatment options. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of assistive technology (AT) in patients with HOA.In this observer-blinded, randomised controlled trial, 35 patients with HOA (AT group) received provision of information and AT (assistive devices and splints), while 35 patients received information only (control group). Primary outcomes were activity performance and satisfaction with performance, measured by the Canadian occupational performance measure (COPM) on a 1-10 scale. Secondary outcomes included measures of disease activity, pain, fatigue and function. Outcome assessments were made at 3 months follow-up.Of 70 participants randomised, 66 participants completed all assessments. Provision of AT was associated with improvement in the COPM performance score (mean difference (95% CI) in change scores 1.8 (1.1 to 2.6) and in the satisfaction score (1.7 (0.7 to 2.6)), indicating a moderate to large treatment effect (effect sizes 0.9). There was a significant improvement in the Australian/Canadian hand index function score in the AT group after 3 months (-0.4, p<0.001), and an adjusted mean difference between groups of -0.3 (p=0.06, effect size -0.5). No other differences were found in the secondary outcomes. Self-reported AT usage rate in the AT group was 92%, and participants rated their comfort with AT usage as high.Use of AT is well tolerated and significantly improves activity performance and satisfaction with performance in patients with HOA. The trial is registered in the ISRCTN register (ISRCTN40357804).
Abstract P6-09-09: Dual Estrogen Effects on Breast Cancer: Endogenous Estrogen Stimulates, Exogenous Estrogen Protects. Further Investigation of Estrogen Chemoprevention Is Warranted
Authors: J Ragaz, K Wilson, G Muraca, J Budlovsky, J. Froehlich
Journal: Cancer Research (2010)

Abstract Introduction Until the randomized Women Healths Initiative [WHI] trials 1,2, most hormone replacement therapy (HRT) studies showed an association of HRT with higher BrCa risk. However, our recent reviews of the WHI trials suggested that Estrogen alone can be protective while HRT based on Estrogen + Progestin can be carcinogenic 3, 4. In this analysis, we expand this concept to examine the difference between “Exogenous” Estrogen — delivered as part of HRT, versus “Endogenous” Estrogen — i.e. E produced by human tissues. Rationale 1: Endogenous E is carcinogenic. Reducing E levels through oophorectomy, selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) or with aromatase inhibition is effective at all stages of oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer and is significantly protective against BrCa in high risk women 5. Rationale 2: Exogenous E Protective: Updates of the WHI trial 2 [women with hysterectomy, randomized to E alone versus Placebo, 1,2 ] with analyses according to prior history of Benign Breast Disease (PH BrD); a first degree relative with BrCa (PH 1st Rel BrCa); or prior HRT use, show: Results of the WHI trial 2 CONCLUSIONS These data are compatible with a dual estrogen effect where Exogenous Estrogen is protective, in contrast to the carcinogenic impact of Endogenous Estrogen. The protective effect of Estrogen is comparable in magnitude to that reported with tamoxifen in high risk women. Based on these data, we propose that: 1. In selected women - [i.e. the majority of the WHI HRT trial 2 participants, 71.5 - 80%] - the use of HRT based on Estrogens alone may be appropriate to manage menopausal symptoms, as it is associated with a significant reduction of BrCa rates. 2. The use of Exogenous Estrogen in chemoprevention merits validation, with the optimum Estrogen regimen determination [type of Estrogens; dose; mode of delivery, etc.] high priority. References: 1. WHI working Group Reports, JAMA 2002; 2004; 2006 2. JCO, June 2010; 16; 2690-97 3. Cancer Res 2009; 69; # 908 4. HRT: A Critical Review. In: Management of Breast Diseases, 2010; Springer, New York, pp, 451-473. 5. Diseases of Breast, the 3rd Edition, 2005 Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-09-09.