tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Effect of massage of the hamstring muscle group on performance of the sit and reach test
Authors: A Barlow, R Clarke, N Johnson, B Seabourne, D Thomas, J Gal
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2004)

To investigate if a single massage of the hamstring muscle group would alter the performance of the sit and reach test.Before treatment, each of 11 male subjects performed the sit and reach test. The treatment consisted of either massage of the hamstring muscle group (both legs, total time about 15 minutes) or supine rest with no massage. Performance of the sit and reach test was repeated after treatment. Each subject returned the subsequent week to perform the tests again, receiving the alternative treatment relative to their initial visit. Mean percentage changes in sit and reach scores after treatment were calculated for the massage and no massage treatments, and analysed using Student's t tests.Mean (SD) percentage changes in sit and reach scores after massage and no massage were small (6.0 (4.3)% and 4.6 (4.8)% respectively) and not significantly different for subjects with relatively high (15 cm and above) values before treatment. Mean percentage changes in sit and reach scores for subjects with relatively low values before treatment (below 15 cm) were large (18.2 (8.2)% and 15.5 (16.2)% respectively), but no significant differences were found between the massage and no massage groups.A single massage of the hamstring muscle group was not associated with any significant increase in sit and reach performance immediately after treatment in physically active young men.
Human T Lymphocyte Genetic Modification with Naked DNA
Authors: Michael C. Jensen, Patrick Clarke, Giselle Tan, Christine Wright, Wen Chung-Chang, Teresa N. Clark, Feiyu Zhang, Marilyn L. Slovak, Anna M. Wu, Stephen J. Forman, Andrew Raubitschek
Journal: Molecular Therapy (2000)

Endowing T lymphocytes with novel functional attributes by genetic modification is under development for a broad range of clinical cellular immunotherapy applications. To circumvent many of the limitations associated with viral vector systems, a plasmid-based electroporation system that reliably generates G418-resistant primary human T lymphocyte clones was developed. TCR α/β+ CD4+CD8−, and CD4−CD8+ T lymphocyte clones can be routinely isolated from OKT3-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells electroporated with linear plasmid DNA in a limiting dilution drug selection format. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies performed on T cell metaphase spreads using a probe specific for plasmid sequence demonstrated a single FISH signal doublet that varied in chromosomal location from clone to clone. Southern blot analysis using a Neo-specific probe verified chromosomal integration of plasmid vector at a single site. Band intensity quantitation of blots developed with a zeta-specific probe capable of annealing to both endogenous TCR-zeta and the introduced chimeric zeta sequence demonstrated that integrated plasmid was present at a single copy number. Expression levels of the CD20-specific chimeric immunoreceptor construct from a CMV immediate/early promoter present in the plasmid vector varied widely from clone to clone but remained stable during ex vivo expansion to cell numbers in excess of 1010. This T lymphocyte genetic modification strategy is currently being piloted in a FDA-sanctioned adoptive therapy trial for recurrent lymphoma.
Bromination Pattern of Hydroxylated Metabolites of BDE-47 Affects Their Potency to Release Calcium from Intracellular Stores in PC12 Cells
Authors: Milou M.L. Dingemans, Harm J. Heusinkveld, Åke Bergman, Martin van den Berg, Remco H.S. Westerink
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2009)

Brominated flame retardants, including the widely used polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), have been detected in humans, raising concern about possible neurotoxicity. Recent research demonstrated that the hydroxylated metabolite 6-OH-BDE-47 increases neurotransmitter release by releasing calcium ions (Ca2+) from intracellular stores at much lower concentrations than its environmentally relevant parent congener BDE-47. Recently, several other hydroxylated BDE-47 metabolites, besides 6-OH-BDE-47, have been detected in human serum and cord blood.To investigate the neurotoxic potential of other environmentally relevant PBDEs and their metabolites, we examined and compared the acute effects of BDE-47, BDE-49, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-153, and several metabolites of BDE-47-6-OH-BDE-47 (and its methoxylated analog 6-MeO-BDE-47), 6 -OH-BDE-49, 5-OH-BDE-47, 3-OH-BDE-47, and 4 -OH-BDE-49--on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), measured using the Ca2+-responsive dye Fura-2 in neuroendocrine pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells.In contrast to the parent PBDEs and 6-MeO-BDE-47, all hydroxylated metabolites induced Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, although with different lowest observed effect concentrations (LOECs). The major intracellular Ca2+ sources were either endoplasmic reticulum (ER; 5-OH-BDE-47 and 6 -OH-BDE-49) or both ER and mitochondria (6-OH-BDE-47, 3-OH-BDE-47, and 4 -OH-BDE-49). When investigating fluctuations in [Ca2+]i, which is a more subtle end point, we observed lower LOECs for 6-OH-BDE-47 and 4 -OH-BDE-49, as well as for BDE-47.The present findings demonstrate that hydroxylated metabolites of BDE-47 cause disturbance of the [Ca2+]i. Importantly, shielding of the OH group on both sides with bromine atoms and/or the ether bond to the other phenyl ring lowers the potency of hydroxylated PBDE metabolites.
Lung Cancer in Never Smokers: A Call to Action
Authors: Charles M. Rudin, Erika Avila-Tang, Jonathan M. Samet
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2009)

Abstract The causative association between tobacco use and lung cancer is a well-established fact. However, lung cancer also occurs, at surprisingly high rates, in lifelong never smokers. In fact, lung cancer in never smokers is among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality. This CCR Focus summarizes recent data, identifies knowledge deficits, and suggests future research directions with regard to this critically important subset of lung cancer patients. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(18):5622–5)
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) genotype in relation to risk of nosocomial infection in pre-term neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: W.C. van der Zwet, A. Catsburg, R.M. van Elburg, P.H.M. Savelkoul, C.M.J.E. Vandenbroucke-Grauls
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection (2007)
Abnormalities of lymphocyte subsets are correlated with concentrate consumption in asymptomatic Italian hemophiliacs treated with concentrates made from American plasma
Authors: P. M. Mannucci, A. Gringeri, M. Ammassari, Daniela Mari
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (1984)

Eighty-three symptom-free hemophiliacs were studied clinically, serologically and by in vitro tests for cellular immunity in a geographical area in which AIDS has not yet been encountered despite the exclusive use of concentrates manufactured from American sources of plasma. Some patients showed the following abnormalities: lymphopenia (4%), decreased T-helper/T-suppressor (Th/Ts) cell ratios (49%), or both abnormalities (2%). Low Th/Ts were mostly due to absolute or, less frequently, relative increases in Ts cells. The prevalence rates for these abnormalities were the same in patients treated with factor VIII or factor IX concentrates. There was an association between the higher Ts and lower Th cells counts and the low Th/Ts ratios and greater annual consumption of factor VIII and factor IX concentrates. These results support the view that protein load might be an important pathogenetic factor in lymphocyte abnormalities in symptom-free hemophiliacs.
γ/δ T lymphocytes express CD40 ligand and induce isotype switching in B lymphocytes.
Authors: A A Horner, H Jabara, N Ramesh, R S Geha
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1995)

T cells expressing gamma/delta T cell receptors home to epithelial tissue and may play a role in immunity to infectious agents and foreign antigens. In an effort to understand the role of gamma/delta T cells in directing B cell responses, we investigated the capacity of human gamma/delta T cells to express CD40 ligand (CD40L) and to drive immunoglobulin (Ig) isotype switching in B cells. A multiple step purification procedure resulted in the recovery of highly pure populations of peripheral blood CD4-CD8- gamma/delta T cells. Neither CD40L surface expression nor CD40L mRNA were detected in unstimulated gamma/delta T cells. Stimulation with phorbol ester and ionomycin induced CD40L mRNA and surface CD40L expression by gamma/delta T cells. Both the percentage of CD40L+ cells and the cell surface density of CD40L were significantly lower in gamma/delta T cells compared to unselected T cells. We further demonstrated that in the presence of neutralizing monoclonal antibody to interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), gamma/delta T cells could induce IgE synthesis in B cells, albeit to a lesser extent than unselected T cells. Furthermore, IgE synthesis driven by gamma/delta T cells was inhibited by monoclonal antibody to CD40L. These observations demonstrate that activated gamma/delta T cells express CD40L and can induce isotype switching in B cells.
Adaptive and maladaptive hypertrophic pathways: points of convergence and divergence
Authors: G SELVETELLA
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2004)

Myocardial hypertrophy is a response of cardiac muscle to altered conditions of haemodynamic overload caused by a large number of physiological and pathological conditions. Traditionally, it has been considered a beneficial mechanism. However, sustained hypertrophy has been associated with a significant increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Actually, many researchers are trying to understand whether left ventricular hypertrophy is a 'good' mechanism to stimulate or a 'bad' process to prevent. In this review we investigate the most common biochemical signaling pathways involved in the hypertrophic response to identify the precise role, either 'adaptive' or 'maladaptive', of each molecular pathway. Delinealing intracellular signaling pathways involved in the different aspects of cardiac hypertrophy will permit future improvements in the signaling that controls beneficial growth.
THU0152 The Poet-Us Study: Can Ultrasonography Predict Flare in Patients with RA and Persistent Low Disease Activity in Whom the Tnfinhibitor (TNFI) is Stopped? Preliminary Results of an Ongoing Study
Authors: F. B. G. Lamers-Karnebeek, H. Jacobs, J. Fransen, J. Luime, P. Riel, T. Jansen
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2013)

<h3>Background</h3> The POEET (Potential Optimalisation of Expediency of TNFi) study is an ongoing study investigating TNFi cessation in RA patients on TNFi and conventional DMARD. Part of this study is the POET-US, investigating whether ultrasonography (US) can predict flare.<sup>(1)</sup> <h3>Objectives</h3> To present preliminary data of the POET-US study in which prediction of flare, defined as DAS28&gt;3.2 and at least &gt; 0.6 increase compared to baseline DAS28, by US at baseline is investigated. <h3>Methods</h3> The POETUS study is a multicenter (n=14) randomized prospective cohort study in the Netherlands. Participating patients have RA according to ACR 1987 criteria, DAS28 low disease activity low disease activity (&lt;3.2) &gt; 6 months and have been treated with stable dose TNF-i and conventional DMARD &gt; 1 year. Patients are randomized to continue or stop TNFi; of those who stop US is performed at baseline (MCP 1-5 dorsal &amp; volar, wrists and MTP 2-5 dorsal, all bilaterally). All US-scans are performed with an Esaote MyLab 60 machine and high-frequency, linear transducer. A semi-quantitative synovitis scoring system is used for Grey Scale (GS) and Power Doppler (PD). Grey scale: <i>Grade 0:</i> normal; <i>Grade 1:</i> elevated capsule, below the joint boundaries; <i>Grade 2:</i> elevated capsule above the joint boundaries, &lt;50% convex; <i>Grade 3:</i> elevated capsule above the joint boundaries, &gt; 50% convex. Power Doppler: <i>Grade 0:</i> no PD signal; <i>Grade 1:</i> few single PD signals; <i>Grade 2:</i> merging PD signals, &lt; 50% of the synovial space; <i>Grade 3:</i> PD signal in &gt; 50% of the synovial space. GS and PD scores of individual joints were summed; as grade 1 GS occured very frequently this was recoded to grade 0. Also baseline laboratory parameters and RA characteristics are recorded. The presented data are preliminary data from 2 centers (Utrecht, Nijmegen). <h3>Results</h3> 53 patients were included, 9 (17%) flared. Mean (sd) follow-up of all patients was 106 (79) days; mean (sd) time until flare was 77 (46) days. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Our preliminary results with limited data show that PD US and CRP, both assessed at cessation of TNFi in low disease activity RA, may predict future flare. Analysis of all data at completion of the study is necessary to corroborate these results. <h3>References</h3> &nbsp; <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> F. Lamers-Karnebeek Grant/research support from: Abbott, H. Jacobs: None Declared, J. Fransen: None Declared, J. Luime: None Declared, P. Riel: None Declared, T. Jansen: None Declared
Risk of Diabetes Associated With Prescribed Glucocorticoids in a Large Population
Authors: Martin C. Gulliford, Judith Charlton, Radoslav Latinovic
Journal: Diabetes Care (2006)

The burden of diabetes is increasing (1), as is the frequency of atopic disease (2), which is often treated with glucocorticoid drugs. Because of this, we asked, “What proportion of incident diabetic cases in a population is associated with prescribed glucocorticoid drugs?”

A nested case-control study was implemented using The Health Improvement Network (3), which is a database containing electronic medical records from family practices in the U.K. (4). Data analyzed included medical diagnostic codes recorded for each consultation, as well as hospital referrals and discharges, and drug codes for all prescriptions issued by the practice. Primary care electronic records were subject to several validation studies (5). This study was approved by the South East Research Ethics Committee. The study population was drawn from 114 family practices with 644,495 registered patients aged ≤100 years. Diabetic case subjects were selected if the date of the first clinical diagnosis of diabetes was between 1 November 2003 and 31 October 2004 and if they were aged between 30 and 89 years at diagnosis and were never prescribed insulin or diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Two control subjects were randomly selected for each case. The control subjects were matched for age, sex, and practice and were never diagnosed with diabetes or prescribed oral antidiabetic drugs or insulin.

The entry date …
Proteolytic Processing of Stat6 Signaling in Mast Cells as a Negative Regulatory Mechanism
Authors: Kotaro Suzuki, Hiroshi Nakajima, Shin-ichiro Kagami, Akira Suto, Kei Ikeda, Koichi Hirose, Takaki Hiwasa, Kiyoshi Takeda, Yasushi Saito, Shizuo Akira, Itsuo Iwamoto
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2002)

Accumulating evidence has shown the importance of Stat6-mediated signaling in allergic diseases. In this study, we show a novel regulatory mechanism of Stat6-mediated signaling in mast cells. When Stat6 is activated by interleukin (IL)-4 and translocated to the nucleus, Stat6 is cleaved by a nucleus-associated protease in mast cells. The cleaved 65-kD Stat6 lacks the COOH-terminal transactivation domain and functions as a dominant-negative molecule to Stat6-mediated transcription. The retrovirus-mediated expression of cleavage-resistant Stat6 mutants prolongs the nuclear accumulation of Stat6 upon IL-4 stimulation and enhances IL-4–induced gene expression and growth inhibition in mast cells. These results indicate that the proteolytic processing of Stat6 functions as a lineage-specific negative regulator of Stat6-dependent signaling in mast cells, and thus suggest that it may account for the limited role of Stat6 in IL-4 signaling in mast cells.
A–Z of nutritional supplements: dietary supplements, sports nutrition foods and ergogenic aids for health and performance—Part 33
Authors: D C Nieman, M W Laupheimer, M K Ranchordas, L M Burke, S J Stear, L M Castell
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2012)

Quercetin was first introduced to our A–Z series in the article on flavonoids.1 In Part 33, the author of the flavonoid review, Dr Nieman, updates this topic. We also cover another intriguing plant-based compound with proposed benefits as an antioxidant and stimulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, resveratrol. Rhodiola rosea, a claimed adaptogen, concludes this issue.

### D C Nieman

Epidemiological studies support multiple disease prevention benefits for individuals consuming foods rich in the flavonol quercetin. In vitro and animal studies indicate that quercetin is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, and exerts antipathogenic and immune regulatory influences.2 Quercetin supplementation studies in community-dwelling humans do not reflect these positive benefits, but research is continuing in order to determine the proper outcome measures, dosing regimen and adjuvants that may amplify any perceived bioactive effects of quercetin in vivo.

Quercetin supplementation studies in athletes have focused on potential influences on post-exercise inflammation, oxidative stress and immune dysfunction, illness rates following periods of physiological stress and exercise performance.

Results thus far have been negative for quercetin's countermeasure effects on postexercise physiological stress indicators, such as immune perturbations.3,–,5 However, when quercetin supplementation is combined with other polyphenols and food components such as green tea extract, isoquercetin and fish oil, a substantial reduction in exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative stress occurs in athletes, with augmentation of innate immune function.6

Quercetin exerts strong antiviral activities when cultured with a wide variety …
Primary tracheal tumours: a national survey.
Authors: C M Gelder, M R Hetzel
Journal: Thorax (1993)

BACKGROUND--Primary tracheal tumours are rare, so few physicians have extensive experience of their management. No direct comparisons have been made of surgical and radiotherapy treatment. METHODS--A postal survey of cases presenting in the last 10 years in the United Kingdom was conducted. Results were expressed as cumulative survival and survival curves were compared by the log rank test. RESULTS--Three hundred and twenty one patients were recruited. Overall five year survival rates were 25% for squamous cell carcinomas, and 80% for adenoid cystic carcinoma; 62% received radiotherapy but only 10% underwent surgery. Small cell carcinoma was more common than expected with an incidence of 6%. In patients with squamous carcinoma improved survival was seen in those with tumour in the upper trachea. High dose radiotherapy was more effective than low dose only in tumours of the upper trachea and in squamous carcinoma. In adenoid cystic carcinoma no significant difference in survival rate was seen between treatment with radiotherapy and surgery. No histological diagnosis was made in 44 patients, the most common reason being fear over the safety of fibreoptic bronchoscopy; however, this group had a cumulative survival at five years of 46%. CONCLUSIONS--Survival may be somewhat better in cases with tracheal tumours than in those with bronchial tumours. Small cell carcinoma is less rare than was previously thought. Upper tracheal tumours may merit more aggressive therapy. It is important to make a histological diagnosis even if rigid bronchoscopy is necessary, and referral to specialist centres is recommended. A larger prospective study is required to compare the value of surgery and radiotherapy.
Artificial Intelligence and the Brain: Computational Studies of the Visual System
Authors: S Ullman
Journal: Annual Review of Neuroscience (1986)

Neuroscientists and researchers in the field of artificial intelligence share a common general goal: both try to understand the processes that underlie thinking and intelligent behavior. The methods are, of course, very different. Neuroscientists study empiri­ cally the physiology, anatomy, and chemistry of the nervous system and behavior. Researchers in artificial intelligence use computational methods to study information processing aspects of tasks that are characte.ristic of the human brain, such as visual perception, motor control, and natural language processing. Given the enormous complexity of many biological nervous systems, and in particular the human brain, it seems that a combination of empirical and computational studies would be required to understand their functions. This paper describes some aspects of artificial intelligence research that may prove relevant to the understanding of certain brain functions in one area-the domain of visual perception. I review advances in the compu­ tational studies of vision and discuss their possible relevance to the pro­ cessing of visual information in the primate brain. The review does not cover other areas of artificial intelligence research that also bear relevance to the study of the brain. These areas include for example, the study of motor control and parallel processing by networks of
The Physician: A Secure Base
Authors: Philip Gerretsen, Jeff Myers
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2008)

Mr. Irving, an elderly man with a recent diagnosis of metastatic duodenal adenocarcinoma, had a longstanding history of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome that required multiple surgeries to remove intestinal polyps.He presented to the emergency department with 10 days of intermittent, left-sided abdominal pain that radiated to his back.He described the pain as "sharp" and "crampy", and unresponsive to opioids administered both orally and subcutaneously.The subsequent addition of a neuropathic adjuvant drug did not provide relief.This pain resulted in four emergency department visits during a 10-day period.Imaging of the abdomen identified significant retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, for which he had previously received palliative radiation therapy.The palliative care team had seen the patient several months prior as an out-patient and was reconsulted by the emergency department for suggestions regarding pain management.Due to the refractory nature of the pain, a subcutaneous continuous opioid infusion pump was ordered and homecare services were arranged for the patient.Shortly after the pump was initiated the patient experienced severe pain, which he rated as 8 of 10.As directed, he appropriately self-administered a breakthrough dose; however, before its onset of action he immediately telephoned the on-call service stating he feared the pain would not abate.The physician on-call contacted the patient roughly 20 minutes afterward.The patient's voice was described as tremulous, suggestive of an anxious effect.He informed the physician his pain had come on suddenly and that he was terrified the breakthrough dose would be ineffective.The patient now described the pain as a "comfortable" 3 of 10.Despite this decline in severity, the patient remained fretful.It was only after significant reassurance that he would not be left alone with his pain, and that the physician would be available to him 24 hours a day over the course of the weekend that the patient's anxiety lessened.His voice was described as calm and no longer quivering.No further calls were made by the patient that night or the remainder of the weekend.On reassessment early the following week, the patient indicated his pain was adequately controlled and responsive to self-administered breakthrough doses.