tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Type of Vascular Access and Survival among Incident Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Brad C. Astor, Joseph A. Eustace, Neil R. Powe, Michael J. Klag, Nancy E. Fink, Josef Coresh
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (2005)

Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) have advantages over arteriovenous grafts (AVG) and central venous catheters (CVC), but whether AVF are associated independently with better survival is unclear. Recent studies showing such a survival benefit did not include early access experience or account for changes in access type over time and did not include data on some important confounders. Reported here are survival rates stratified by the type of access in use up to 3 yr after initiation of hemodialysis among 616 incident patients who were enrolled in the Choices for Healthy Outcomes in Caring for ESRD (CHOICE) Study. A total of 1084 accesses (185 AVF, 296 AVG, 603 CVC) were used for a total of 1381 person-years. At initiation, 409 (66%) patients were using a CVC, 122 (20%) were using an AVG, and 85 (14%) were using an AVF. After 6 mo, 34% were using a CVC, 40% were using an AVG, and 26% were using an AVF. Annual mortality rates were 11.7% for AVF, 14.2% for AVG, and 16.1% for CVC. Adjusted relative hazards (RH) of death compared with AVF were 1.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 2.2) for CVC and 1.2 (0.8 to 1.8) for AVG. The increased hazards associated with CVC, as compared with AVF, were stronger in men (n = 334; RH = 2.0; P = 0.01) than women (n = 282; RH = 1.0 for CVC; P = 0.92). These results strongly support existing clinical practice guidelines and suggest that the use of venous catheters should be minimized to reduce the frequency of access complications and to improve patient survival, especially among male hemodialysis patients.
How Consumers and Policymakers Can Use Systematic Reviews for Decision Making
Authors: Lisa A. Bero
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1997)

Systematic reviews can be a very useful decision-making tool because they objectively summarize large amounts of information, identify gaps in medical research, and identify beneficial or harmful interventions. Consumers can use systematic reviews to help them make health care decisions. Policymakers can use systematic reviews to help them make decisions about what types of health care to provide. Despite the potential value of systematic reviews, little evidence of their direct impact on the decisions made by consumers and policymakers is available. We discuss strategies for optimizing the use of systematic reviews by increasing the awareness and identification of reviews, learning to critically evaluate the findings of reviews, and overcoming barriers to the incorporation of reviews into the decision-making process. In addition, the participation of consumers and policymakers in the design, conduct, and reporting of systematic reviews can help to produce reviews that are relevant and understandable to target audiences. Because decisions that involve health care policies and issues are complex processes in which information (such as that provided by systematic reviews) plays only a part, strategies for increasing the use of systematic reviews should be evaluated for their usefulness in the decision-making process.
Role of cytokines (interleukin 1, tumor necrosis factor, and transforming growth factor beta) in natural and lipopolysaccharide-enhanced radioresistance.
Authors: R Neta, J J Oppenheim, R D Schreiber, R Chizzonite, G D Ledney, T J MacVittie
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1991)

Studies of radioresistance and radioprotection provide an excellent in vivo model for dissection of the pathophysiological role of cytokines. The availability of neutralizing antibodies to cytokines has made it possible to assess the contribution of cytokines to host defense and repair processes involved in radioresistance and radioprotection. Administration of anti-interleukin 1 receptor (IL-1R) antibody (35F5) or anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antibody (TN3 19.12) reduced survival of irradiated CD2F1 mice. These results demonstrate conclusively that natural levels of IL-1 and TNF contribute to radioresistance of normal mice. Furthermore, the radioprotective effect of administered IL-1 was blocked not only with anti-IL-1R antibody but also with anti-TNF antibody. Similarly, the radioprotective effect of TNF was reduced with anti-IL-1R antibody. These data suggest that cooperative interaction of both cytokines is necessary to achieve successful radioprotection. Finally, when LPS was used as a radioprotector, the combined administration of anti-IL-1R and anti-TNF not only blocked the radioprotection with LPS, but actually revealed LPS to have a radiosensitizing effect. This effect may be due to induction of TGF-beta, since administration of this cytokine results in reduced survival of irradiated mice.
Seasonal allergic symptoms due to fungal spores.
Authors: P D Buisseret
Journal: BMJ (1976)

An infant of 1200 g with the leading edge of a shortened electrode mat inserted under her right side and lying on an apnoea mattress.give rise to a false alarm unless the electrode is reduced in size and inserted so that it makes direct contact only with one side of the infant, leaving his other side lying directly on the apnoea mattress (as in the figure).When monitoring during transport, the electrode mat was connected to a battery powered ECG monitort which performed well and without inter- ference during ambulance travel.Recent reviews from two centres indicate the great value of continuous heart rate monitoring during transfer.4 5Adequate observation during transit is difficult for many reasons: background noise renders heart and breath sounds inaudible and vibration obscures respiratory movement and accurate palpation of pulses.Bradycardia is an extremely important sign in any sick newborn infant, and particularly during transport, when a high proportion of babies (49 %) have endotracheal tubes in situ.5 Here, early recognition of bradycardia provides immediate warning of accidental extubation or similar impending problems.Because the mat warmed quickly in the incubator infants were placed naked on the electrode and then wrapped round with warm blankets.Continuous monitoring ensures better protection from heat loss as no part of the infant need be left exposed for observation of respiratory movement or skin colour.In both babies transported a small rise in rectal temperature occurred during the journey. ConclusionThis electrode mat is not intended to replace conventional electrodes.Nevertheless, it has great advantages of speed and ease of insertion, lack of trauma and minimal disturbance, together with the benefits of simplified monitoring during transport.No important problems were encountered provided the mat was reduced in size for small infants and excessive movement did not occur.We suggest that wider use of this electrode mat could simplify ECG and heart rate monitoring.We are grateful to Dr G Katz and Dr K Norton for allowing us to study their patients and for the interest and care given to these infants by the medical and nursing staff of the units concerned.
The Cell Motility Modulator Slit2 Is a Potent Inhibitor of Platelet Function
Authors: Sajedabanu Patel, Yi-Wei Huang, Adili Reheman, Fred G. Pluthero, Swasti Chaturvedi, Ilya M. Mukovozov, Soumitra Tole, Guang-Ying Liu, Ling Li, Yves Durocher, Heyu Ni, Walter H.A. Kahr, Lisa A. Robinson
Journal: Circulation (2012)

Vascular injury and atherothrombosis involve vessel infiltration by inflammatory leukocytes, migration of medial vascular smooth muscle cells to the intimal layer, and ultimately acute thrombosis. A strategy to simultaneously target these pathological processes has yet to be identified. The secreted protein, Slit2, and its transmembrane receptor, Robo-1, repel neuronal migration in the developing central nervous system. More recently, it has been appreciated that Slit2 impairs chemotaxis of leukocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells toward diverse inflammatory attractants. The effects of Slit2 on platelet function and thrombus formation have never been explored.We detected Robo-1 expression in human and murine platelets and megakaryocytes and confirmed its presence via immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. In both static and shear microfluidic assays, Slit2 impaired platelet adhesion and spreading on diverse extracellular matrix substrates by suppressing activation of Akt. Slit2 also prevented platelet activation on exposure to ADP. In in vivo studies, Slit2 prolonged bleeding times in murine tail bleeding assays. Using intravital microscopy, we found that after mesenteric arteriolar and carotid artery injury, Slit2 delayed vessel occlusion time and prevented the stable formation of occlusive arteriolar thrombi.These data demonstrate that Slit2 is a powerful negative regulator of platelet function and thrombus formation. The ability to simultaneously block multiple events in vascular injury may allow Slit2 to effectively prevent and treat thrombotic disorders such as myocardial infarction and stroke.
Evaluating <i>ex vivo</i> fluorescence confocal microscopy images of basal cell carcinomas in <scp>M</scp> ohs excised tissue
Authors: C. Longo, M. Rajadhyaksha, M. Ragazzi, K. Nehal, S. Gardini, E. Moscarella, A. Lallas, I. Zalaudek, S. Piana, G. Argenziano, G. Pellacani
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2014)

Fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM) is an emerging technology for rapid imaging of excised tissue, without the need for frozen- or fixed-section processing. Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) can be detected in Mohs excisions although few studies have described the major BCC findings as seen on FCM.To describe the major BCC findings of excised tissue during Mohs surgery and to correlate them with histopathology.Freshly excised tumours and frozen-thawed discarded tissue of BCC during Mohs surgery were analysed by means of FCM. A side-by-side correlation between FCM images and histological sections was performed. The FCM features of overlying skin and adnexal structures were also described.Sixty-four BCC cases were analysed. Distinct BCC types appeared unique in terms of shape and size of tumour islands [bigger in nodular (18/25), smaller and rounded in micronodular (7/7) and tiny cords for infiltrative ones (24/30)] and for the presence of clefting, palisading and increased nucleus/cytoplasm ratio. An excellent correlation was found between FCM and histological findings (Cohen's κ statistics = 0·9). In six cases, the presence of sebaceous glands and intense stroma reaction represented possible confounders.Fluorescence confocal microscopy is a fast and new imaging technique that allows an excellent visualization of skin structures and BCC findings during Mohs surgery.
Angiotensin II Receptor Type 1 Gene Expression in Human Glomerulonephritis and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: JÜRGEN WAGNER, FRANK GEHLEN, ANDRZEJ CIECHANOWICZ, EBERHARD RITZ
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (1999)

Abstract. The renin-angiotensin system plays an important role in the progression of chronic renal disease. Although the expression of renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme in experimental and human renal disease has been well characterized, no information is available regarding human angiotensin type 1 (AT 1 ) receptor expression. The net effect of renin depends on AT 1 receptor expression, among other factors. Receptor expression was determined in renal biopsy samples (including all tissue components) and isolated glomeruli from patients with glomerulonephritis (GN) or diabetic nephropathy (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). Biopsy samples and isolated glomeruli from tumor-free tissue from tumor nephrectomies served as controls. Human AT 1 receptor gene expression was determined by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, using an AT 1 receptor deletion mutant as the internal standard. In whole biopsy samples from 37 patients with various types of GN, AT 1 receptor mRNA levels were lower, compared with nine control biopsy samples ( P &lt; 0.001). AT 1 receptor mRNA levels were also significantly lower ( P &lt; 0.001) in eight samples from patients with diabetic nephropathy. In microdissected glomeruli, AT 1 receptor gene expression was significantly lower in samples from patients ( n = 22) with various types of GN, compared with 12 microdissected tumor nephrectomy control samples ( P &lt; 0.0023). It is concluded that AT 1 receptor mRNA expression is low in glomeruli of patients with chronic renal disease. This may reflect a regulatory response to (inappropriately) high intrarenal angiotensin II concentrations.
Induction of Plasma Cell Tumors and Sarcomas in Mice by Diffusion Chambers Placed in the Peritoneal Cavity
Authors: R M Merwin, L W Redmon
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1963)

Previous studies showed that plasma cell tumors are induced in strain BALB/c mice by diffusion chambers, containing tumor tissue, placed in the peritoneal cavity. This paper presents studies of the importance in tumor induction of the chamber contents, the chamber materials and size, and the host strain. The results show that in strain BALB/c mice plasma cell tumors are induced by empty chambers. It is unlikely that chemical carcinogens in the chamber materials are the causative agents because tumors arise in the presence of chamber-sized discs of all 3 chamber materials: Plexiglas, Millipore filter membrane, and an adhesive. Several findings suggest that mechanical trauma or other irritating conditions are important. Thus, the tumor incidence increases as the chamber size and the amount of fibrosis increase. Also, irritating Plexiglas borings induce many tumors, whereas nonirritating rings or fibers induce few or none. Evidence suggests that factors associated with the presence of tissue within the chambers may increase tumor incidence. In several other strains of mice few or no plasma cell tumors are caused by diffusion chambers and the incidence does not increase with chamber size. Sarcomas, also, are induced by diffusion chambers. The BALB/c and perhaps the SWR strains are particularly susceptible to sarcoma induction. The presence of tissue inside the chambers seems, under certain conditions, to increase sarcoma incidence. More sarcomas arise on the recessed than on the flat side of the chambers.
Importance of Myocyte-Nonmyocyte Interactions in Cardiac Development and Disease
Authors: Ying Tian, Edward E. Morrisey
Journal: Circulation Research (2012)

Emerging data in the field of cardiac development as well as repair and regeneration indicate a complex and important interplay between endocardial, epicardial, and myofibroblast populations that is critical for cardiomyocyte differentiation and postnatal function. For example, epicardial cells have been shown to generate cardiac myofibroblasts and may be one of the primary sources for this cell lineage during development. Moreover, paracrine signaling from the epicardium and endocardium is critical for proper development of the heart and pathways such as Wnt, fibroblast growth factor, and retinoic acid signaling have been shown to be key players in this process. Despite this progress, interactions between nonmyocyte cells and cardiomyocytes in the heart are still poorly understood. We review the various nonmyocyte-myocyte interactions that occur in the heart and how these interactions, primarily through signaling networks, help direct cardiomyocyte differentiation and regulate postnatal cardiac function.
Regulation of the anti-inulin antibody response by a nonallotype-linked gene.
Authors: K E Stein, C Bona, R Lieberman, C C Chien, W E Paul
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1980)

The antibody response to the inulin [(In), beta-(2 leads to 1) fructosan] determinant of bacterial levan [(BL), a beta-(2 leads to 6) polyfructosan that contains beta-(2 leads to 1) branch points] requires the presence of the a haplotype of the Igh gene complex. BALB/c (Igh a) mice immunized with BL produce IgG anti-In antibodies of a single spectrotype by isoelectric focusing analysis. C57BL/6 mice, which possess the b haplotype of the Igh gene complex and which fail to produce anti-In antibodies, nevertheless possess a gene, spectrotype regulation gene 1 (Sr-1), that regulates the isoelectric focusing (IEF) pattern of anti-In antibodies in mice of the a haplotype. Thus, the IEF patterns of anti-In antibodies of (BALB/c x C57BL/6)F1 mice and of B.C8 mice (C57BL/Ka . Igh-Ca) are considerably more complex than those of BALB/c. Backcross analysis indicates that Sr-1 is not linked to the Igh complex, the major histocompatibility complex, or to the genes that code for coat color. Studies of the heterogeneity of anti-In antibodies in recombinant inbred lines and their progeny from matings to BALB/c and C.B20 (BALB/c . Igh-Cb) suggest the existence of other regulatory genes.
NEW MICROBIOLOGY TOOLS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS
Authors: Betty H. Robertson, Janet K.A. Nicholson
Journal: Annual Review of Public Health (2004)

The realm of diagnostic assays for detection of acute infections is rapidly changing from antibody detection to pathogen detection, from clinical laboratory based to point-of-care based, from single analyte detection to multiple analyte detection, and is more focused on detection using less invasive approaches for collecting biological samples. New assays are typically more sensitive than are conventional assays and have the capability of providing more information that characterizes the pathogen or the host response to the pathogen. From a public health perspective, the advent of molecular epidemiology, which allows tracking of pathogens based on unique genetic sequences or antigenic properties, has revolutionized how epidemiologists investigate and evaluate epidemics and assess endemic diseases. In addition, the use of point-of-care (POC) devices can impact the detection and surveillance of infections and will enhance our ability to accurately identify the causes of illnesses.
Increased efficacy of an interleukin-12-secreting herpes simplex virus in a syngeneic intracranial murine glioma model
Authors: Elizabeth K. Hellums, James M. Markert, Jacqueline N. Parker, Bin He, Bernard Perbal, Bernard Roizman, Richard J. Whitley, Catherine P. Langford, Suman Bharara, G. Yancey Gillespie
Journal: Neuro-Oncology (2005)

Long-term survivors of glioblastoma multiforme, the most common form of primary intracranial malignancy in adults, are extremely rare. Experimental animal models that more closely resemble human disease are essential for the identification of effective novel therapies. We report here an extensive analysis of the 4C8 glioma model to assess its suitability for evaluating novel type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) therapies of malignant glioma. We first determined that expression of major histocompatibility complex I and II and of αvβ3 in the 4C8 model was comparable to that seen in human glioma cells. Next, using a panel ofΔγ 134.5 HSVs, we demonstrated that, in vitro, 4C8 cells were as sensitive as human glioma cells to both infection and lysis and that the 4C8 cells supported the production of foreign gene products. Replication competence of HSV was demonstrated in vitro. Finally, 4C8 intracranial gliomas were established in immunologically competent syngeneic B6D2F1 mice, treated by intratumoral injection of selected engineered HSVs, including the interleukin-12-expressing virus, M002. Survival data from these studies demonstrated that 4C8 cells in vivo are sensitive to both direct oncolysis and HSV-mediated interleukin-12 expression. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analyses of immune-related infiltrating cells supported the concept that survival was prolonged in part because of antitumor actions of these cells. We conclude that the 4C8/B6D2F1 syngeneic glioma model is suitable for preclinical evaluation of HSV-based therapies and that M002 is a superior virus for the treatment of murine glioma in this model.
IMMUNOCYTOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF VARIED INOCULA OF INFLUENZA VIRUS
Authors: Barbara K. Watson
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1961)

Variation in the amount and quality of influenza virus injected into the amniotic sac of the chick embryo led to differences not only in the yield of virus but also in the immunofluorescent cytology of the infection. The production of infectious virus was associated with a predominance of cells in which the virus antigens were first detected along the cell surface in contact with the amniotic fluid, later deeper in the cytoplasm, and finally, though to a lesser extent, in the nucleus. When the virus yield was primarily non-infectious hemagglutinin the virus antigens appeared in reverse sequence; i.e., nucleus first, then adjacent cytoplasm, and ultimately throughout the entire cell. Under conditions of "autointerference," the immunofluorescence seen in some of the cells failed to progress beyond the nuclear or early cytoplasmic stage, while many other cells remained unreactive throughout the experimental period. With the largest dose used a pale intranuclear reaction was localized 1 hour after injection but the embryo died shortly thereafter.
Association of A1C Levels With Vitamin D Status in U.S. Adults
Authors: Jatupol Kositsawat, Vincent L. Freeman, Ben S. Gerber, Stephen Geraci
Journal: Diabetes Care (2010)

OBJECTIVE Data relating vitamin D status with indices of glucose homeostasis as manifested by A1C in the U.S. adult population are few. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We examined the association between serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and A1C levels in 9,773 adults (age ≥18 years old) participating in the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multivariate linear regression analyzed the association after accounting for potential confounders. RESULTS Serum 25(OH)D levels were inversely associated with A1C levels in subjects age 35–74 years (P = 0.0045) and those who did not report a history of diabetes (P = 0.0282). CONCLUSIONS These findings support a mechanistic link between serum vitamin D concentrations, glucose homeostasis, and the evolution of diabetes in a large segment of the U.S. adult population. Screening people with elevated A1C levels for vitamin D insufficiency should be considered.
Surgical management of subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn required due to a lack of improvement: a very rare case
Authors: M. Beuzeboc Gérard, S. Aillet, N. Bertheuil, V. Delliere, S. Thienot, E. Watier
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2013)

Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn (ScFN) is an uncommon and transient disease characterized by defined areas of fat necrosis and overlying cutaneous nodule lesions. It usually becomes apparent within the first 6 weeks of life in full-term or post-term infants. It is caused by generalized and/or local tissue hypoperfusion. The skin lesions of ScFN tend generally to improve spontaneously in a few weeks. We present a full-term newborn with birth distress. After therapeutic hypothermia, she presented voluminous and numerous subcutaneous fat necrosis with extensive calcifications. Surgical management was decided at her ninth month because of a total lack of regression. Hypercalcaemia, the most threatening complication, appeared only after this delayed surgery.