tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Rapid Responses and Mechanism of Action for Low-Dose Bisphenol S on <i>ex Vivo</i> Rat Hearts and Isolated Myocytes: Evidence of Female-Specific Proarrhythmic Effects
Authors: Xiaoqian Gao, Jianyong Ma, Yamei Chen, Hong-Sheng Wang
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2015)

Bisphenol S (BPS) has increasingly been used as a substitute for bisphenol A (BPA) in some "BPA-free" consumer goods and in thermal papers. Wide human exposure to BPS has been reported; however, the biological and potential toxic effects of BPS are poorly understood.In this study, we sought to elucidate the sex-specific rapid effect of BPS in rat hearts and its underlying mechanism.We examined the rapid effects of BPS in rat hearts using electrophysiology, confocal and conventional fluorescence imaging, and immunoblotting. Treatment was administered via acute perfusion of excised hearts or isolated cardiac myocytes.In female rat hearts acutely exposed to 10-9 M BPS, the heart rate was increased; in the presence of catecholamine-induced stress, the frequency of ventricular arrhythmia events was markedly increased. BPS-exposed hearts showed increased incidence of arrhythmogenic-triggered activities in female ventricular myocytes and altered myocyte Ca2+ handling, particularly spontaneous Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The dose responses of BPS actions were inverted U-shaped. The impact of BPS on myocyte Ca2+ handling was mediated by estrogen receptor β signaling and by rapid increases in the phosphorylation of key Ca2+ handling proteins, including ryanodine receptor and phospholamban. The proarrhythmic effects of BPS were female specific; male rat hearts were not affected by BPS at the organ, myocyte, or protein levels.Rapid exposure to low-dose BPS showed proarrhythmic impact on female rat hearts; these effects at the organ, cellular, and molecular levels are remarkably similar to those reported for BPA. Evaluation of the bioactivity and safety of BPS and other BPA analogs is necessary before they are used as BPA alternatives in consumer products.
Where did all the other non-communicable diseases go?
Authors: G. L. Birbeck
Journal: BMJ (2011)

Serious consideration is needed about which non-communicable diseases to discuss at this month’s United Nations meeting if people in low income countries are to benefit.1 The diseases selected are more problematic in high income than in low income countries. Stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive lung disease primarily affect older adults while low income countries remain largely populated by youth. According to World Health Organization data,2 upper middle income countries stand …
UK government fails to tackle weaknesses in drug industry
Authors: Liza Gibson
Journal: BMJ (2005)

The UK government has failed to tackle the weaknesses in the pharmaceutical industry in its response to a report published earlier this year on the industry's role and influence, says a leading critic.

Ike Iheanacho, editor of the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin , a publication from the consumer body Which?, told the BMJ that healthcare staff needed to know if they had been misled by drug advertisements. The government's response has not acted on many of the recommendations made in a highly critical report on the influence of the pharmaceutical industry on drug regulation, healthcare professionals, and the NHS, he said.

The highly critical report, published by the House of Commons' health select committee on 5 April, dealt with the growing …
Prediction, prevention, and mechanism of early (anaphylactic) antivenom reactions in victims of snake bites.
Authors: P Malasit, D A Warrell, P Chanthavanich, C Viravan, J Mongkolsapaya, B Singhthong, C Supich
Journal: BMJ (1986)

Victims of snake bites are often subjected to cutaneous or conjunctival hypersensitivity testing before being given antivenom. None of 12 early (anaphylactic) reactions was predicted by these tests in 25 Nigerian and Thai patients. The incidence and severity of early reactions was the same whether antivenom was given by intravenous injection over 10 minutes or diluted and given as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes. Although antivenom activated complement in vitro, there was no evidence of complement activation or formation of immune complexes in patients bitten by snakes who were treated with antivenom, whether or not they developed early reactions. Higher doses of antivenom might induce the complement activation and formation of immune complexes (aggregates) that have been observed during the clinically more severe reactions associated with homologous immunoglobulin treatment.
QUARANTINE FOR PNEUMONIA
Authors: R. A. Thornley
Journal: JAMA (1924)

<h3>To the Editor:</h3> —The Commissioners of the District of Columbia have adopted a quarantine of pneumonia and promulgated a number of regulations including due penalties. All will agree that pneumonia is infectious, yet it is highly questionable whether any drastic measures will materially affect its incidence. After an extensive experience in treating lobar pneumonia in open wards in which there were other medical cases, I cannot recall a single instance in which one such case had led to an outbreak, or a single case of ward infection. Likewise in private practice it has not been my privilege to see a second member of any family acquire pneumonia as a direct infection from the original case. Also, one rarely finds a nurse contracting pneumonia, yet she is exposed to it frequently, hours at a time. There are other contributing causes than the patient suffering from pneumonia; and one is moved to
Hypertension and non-insulin dependent diabetes.
Authors: J S Yudkin
Journal: BMJ (1991)

of angiotensin converting enzyme are also under way; animal studies have shown that they limit the proliferative response to vascular injury.'5Future treatments might include specific monoclonal antibodies, which can block receptors for platelet adhesion or mitogens such as platelet derived growth factor.Restenosis is the greatest challenge facing angioplasty.New treatments and an explanation of individual differences in susceptibility to restenosis will depend on a better understanding of vascular repair and the proliferation of smooth muscle cells.
Effects of ultraviolet irradiation on surface marker expression by epidermal immunocompetent cells and contact sensitization to dinitrofluorobenzene in mice
Authors: M. ORITA
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1987)

We studied the effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on murine epidermal Ia-positive Langerhans cells (Ia + LC) and Thy-I-positive dendritic epidermal cells (Thy-I + dEC). We also studied contact hypersensitivity to dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) introduced through UV-treated epidermis. C3H/HeN mice were exposed to UVB or 8-methoxypsoralen plus UVA (PUVA). UVB and PUVA treatment led to a dramatic reduction in surface marker expression of both Ia + LC and Thy-I + dEC. High-dose UVB irradiation (360 J/m2) interfered with contact hypersensitivity to DNFB; the density of Ia + LC may thus be related to the sensitizing potential. In contrast, low-dose UVB (120 J/m2) and PUVA treatment had little effect on contact hypersensitivity despite a marked reduction in Ia + LC. The density of Thy-I + dEC appeared not to be associated with contact hypersensitivity. These results suggest that there may be a Langerhans cell density-independent mechanism for the induction of contact hypersensitivity.
Sexual Dysfunction in Male Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Patients
Authors: Moshe Kotler, Hagit Cohen, Dov Aizenberg, Mike Matar, Uri Loewenthal, Zeev Kaplan, Hanoch Miodownik, Zvi Zemishlany
Journal: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics (2000)

Previous studies have suggested that sexual dysfunction may be associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet such studies have not examined a full range of sexual functioning and have not accounted for the possibility that medication used to treat PTSD may contribute to sexual dysfunction.The current study compares the various components of sexual functioning among three groups of males: (1) untreated PTSD patients (n = 15), (2) PTSD patients currently treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) agents (n = 27) and (3) a group of normal controls (n = 49).All participants completed an 18-item questionnaire for assessment of sexual functioning. Those with PTSD also completed the Impact of Events Scale and the Symptom Check List-90 (SCL-90).Untreated and treated PTSD patients had significantly poorer sexual functioning in all domains (desire, arousal, orgasm, activity and satisfaction) as compared to normal controls. Those treated with SSRI had greater impairment in desire, arousal and frequency of sexual activity with a partner. There was a high correlation between sexual dysfunction among the PTSD group and the anger-hostility subscale of the SCL-90.PTSD appears to be associated with pervasive sexual dysfunction that is exacerbated by treatment with SSRIs. PTSD may represent a heterogeneous syndrome. Patients with PTSD have a high rate of comorbid panic disorder, major depression and anxiety, and it could thus be argued that these comorbid disorders, rather than PTSD, accounted for the observed result. Future research aimed at understanding comorbidity and heterogeneity should help to illuminate the psychobiology of PTSD and eventually guide both medication and psychosocial treatments.
BMA demands withdrawal of regulations making GP commissioners put most services out to tender
Authors: G. Iacobucci
Journal: BMJ (2013)

The BMA’s General Practitioners Committee has increased pressure on the government to shelve controversial legislation that would open up large parts of the NHS in England to competition, after it passed a motion calling for the regulations to be withdrawn.

The move came as the House of Lords Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee accused ministers of allowing “insufficient time” for proper scrutiny of the revised regulations, tabled under section 75 of the Health and Social Care Act.

The government last week hurriedly redrafted the legislation1 after concerns that the regulations would force the new clinical commissioning groups to open up nearly all NHS services to the competitive market from 1 April, despite previous ministerial assurances to the contrary.2

But the General Practitioners Committee said this week that the amendments did not answer its fundamental concerns and voted formally to oppose and to call for …
The role of carbon dioxide insufflation in colonoscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: J. Wu, B. Hu
Journal: Endoscopy (2012)

<b>Background and study aims:</b> Insufflation of the intestinal tract, usually with room air, is necessary to improve visualization during colonoscopy. However, most patients complain of bowel distension and abdominal pain afterwards. Recently, carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) rather than air insufflation has been used. We aimed to evaluate the efficiency, safety, and comfort of colonoscopy CO<sub>2</sub> insufflation, with systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs). <b>Methods:</b> Databases including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the Science Citation Index, and important meeting abstracts were searched and evaluated by two reviewers independently. <b>Results:</b> Nine RCT studies involving 1577 patients were analyzed. There was significant heterogeneity for some major results; we analyzed these using a random-effects model. Meta-analysis showed fewer patients with abdominal pain in the CO<sub>2 </sub>group during the procedure (relative risk [RR] 0.77, 95 % confidence intervals [CI] 0.62 – 0.96), and post procedure at 1 hour (0.26, 0.16 – 0.43), 6 hours (0.36, 0.20 – 0.64), and 24 hours (0.53, 0.31 – 0.91). The number needed to treat (NNT) during the procedure was 7; post procedure, the NNT at 1 hour was 2, at 6 hours it was 3, and at 24 hours it was 12. Compared with air, CO<sub>2</sub> insufflation was associated with less passage of flatus post procedurally, at 1 hour (RR 0.09, 95 %CI 0.03 – 0.24) and 6 hours (0.30, 0.14 – 0.62). There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding safety, gas volume, and cecal intubation rate. <b>Conclusions: </b>Insufflation with CO<sub>2</sub> in colonoscopy could decrease abdominal discomfort during and following the procedure, without any additional adverse reactions, warranting routine clinical use.
Insulin resistance and classic risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients with different subtypes of ischemic stroke.
Authors: K Matsumoto, S Miyake, M Yano, Y Ueki, A Miyazaki, K Hirao, Y Tominaga
Journal: Diabetes Care (1999)

OBJECTIVE: In addition to classic risk factors (e.g., hypertension), insulin resistance is an important risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. To investigate the risk factors for ischemic stroke in type 2 diabetes, we measured insulin sensitivity and several risk factors in 94 Japanese type 2 diabetic patients with different types of stroke. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Stroke was classified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance (MR) angiography into the following subtypes: 1) patients with normal MRI and MR angiography (NOR; n = 30), 2) patients with lacunar infarction (LAC; n = 28), 3) patients with atherothrombotic infarction (ATI; n = 22), and 4) patients with large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA; n = 14). Insulin sensitivity was assessed by the K index of the insulin tolerance test (KITT). RESULTS: Patients with LAC, ATI, and LAA were significantly older and were more likely to be hypertensive than patients with NOR. Significantly higher insulin resistance was observed in patients with LAC, ATI, and LAA than in patients with NOR (KITT 2.21 +/- 0.17, 2.10 +/- 0.17, 2.19 +/- 0.25, and 3.25 +/- 0.21% per min, respectively, P &amp;lt; 0.001). Adjustment for age, sex, BMI, and duration of diabetes did not influence this result. Multiple logistical regression analysis showed that insulin resistance was an independent risk factor for all subtypes of ischemic stroke in type 2 diabetic patients. The same analysis showed that a high pulse pressure was a risk factor for LAC, postprandial C-peptide (hyperinsulinemia) was a risk factor for ATI, and longstanding hyperglycemia was a risk factor for LAA.
Good Long-Term Quality of Life Without Diabetic Complications With 20 Years of Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Therapy in a Brittle Diabetic Elderly Patient
Authors: Kyuzi Kamoi
Journal: Diabetes Care (2002)

More than 20 years have passed since continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) was proposed as a means of controlling glycemia in insulin-dependent diabetes by Pickup et al. (1). Since that time, the American Diabetes Association has approved CSII as an effective means of implementing intensive diabetes management, with the goal of achieving near normal levels of blood glucose and improved lifestyle flexibility (2). Although the effect of long-term control with CSII with regard to complications has been studied (3–5), the duration of these studies does not exceed 20 years. After 20 years of diabetes, nearly all patients with type 1 diabetes and 60% of patients with type 2 diabetes have some degree of retinopathy (6), and most have other diabetic complications, including macrovascular disease (7).

We hereby report a patient with brittle diabetes with good long-term quality of life without any diabetic complications who was treated by CSII for 20 years (8,9). The patient is a 72-year-old woman (height 147 cm, weight 45.5 kg, and BMI 21 kg/m2). Her blood pressure was …
Numbers and Types of Sports Injuries
Authors: L. M. Hursh
Journal: JAMA (1967)

<h3>To the Editor:—</h3> An article in the "AMAgrams" of the Sept 26 issue refers to the AMA's Committee on the Medical Aspect of Sports and reads, "The Committee states that the knee is the most commonly injured major joint in athletics." This is contrary to our experience here at the University of Illinois, where the ankle is injured more than twice as often as the knee. Last year there were 301 ankle injuries and only 141 knee injuries. Table 1 summarizes part of our injury experience. We also classify sport injuries by type. In case there is some interest, I have also attached a listing of injuries to the ankle and knee by type (Table 2).
Flame retardant exposure: polybrominated diphenyl ethers in blood from Swedish workers.
Authors: A Sjödin, L Hagmar, E Klasson-Wehler, K Kronholm-Diab, E Jakobsson, A Bergman
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (1999)

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as additives in polymers and textiles to prohibit the development of fires. Because of the production and use of PBDEs, their lipophilic characteristics, and persistence, these compounds have become ubiquitous environmental contaminants. The aim of the present study was to determine potential exposures of PBDEs to clerks working full-time at computer screens and personnel at an electronics-dismantling plant, with hospital cleaners as a control group. Five PBDE congeners--2,2',4,4'-tetraBDE; 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexaBDE; 2,2',4,4',5, 6'-hexaBDE; 2,2',3,4,4',5',6-heptaBDE; and decaBDE--were quantified in blood serum from all three categories of workers. Subjects working at the dismantling plant showed significantly higher levels of all PBDE congeners in their serum as compared to the control group. Decabromodiphenyl ether is present in concentrations of 5 pmol/g lipid weight (lw) in the personnel dismantling electronics; these concentrations are comparable to the concentrations of 2,2',4, 4'-tetraBDE. The latter compound was the dominating PBDE congener in the clerks and cleaners. The major compound in personnel at the dismantling plant was 2,2',3,4,4',5',6-heptaBDE. Concentrations of this PBDE congener are almost twice as high as for 2,2',4, 4'-tetraBDE in these workers and seventy times the level of this heptaBDE in cleaners. The total median PBDE concentrations in the serum from workers at the electronics-dismantling plant, clerks, and cleaners were 37, 7.3, and 5.4 pmol/g lw, respectively. The results show that decabromodiphenyl ether is bioavailable and that occupational exposure to PBDEs occurs at the electronics-dismantling plant.
Familial mandibuloacral dysplasia
Authors: ALBERTO M. ZINA, ANGELO CRAVARIO, SILVANA BUNDINO
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1981)

A family is described in which two sisters and their two female fifth-cousins were cases of mandibuloacral dysplasia. This syndrome is characterized by mandibular hypoplasia, delayed cranial suture closure, dysplastic clavicles, abbreviated terminal club-shaped phalanges associated with acroosteolysis and atrophy of the skin over hands and feet. Furthermore, in this family alopecia and loss of the lower teeth were noted. We stress the importance of the cutaneous alterations and the possible existence of partial forms of the disease as in one of the patients presented.
Long-term Outcome of Cardiac Surgery in Patients With Mitral Stenosis and Severe Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: James J. Vincens, Dogan Temizer, James R. Post, L. Henry Edmunds, Howard C. Herrmann
Journal: Circulation (1995)

Pulmonary hypertension increases perioperative risk in patients having mitral valve replacement, but most studies have included patients with mixed mitral valve disease and have not examined long-term outcome.We retrospectively examined the results and predictors of outcome of cardiac surgery in 43 patients (age, 62 +/- 13 years [mean +/- SD]; 81% women) with a primary diagnosis of mitral stenosis and severe pulmonary hypertension (pulmonary artery systolic pressure > or = 60 mm Hg or mean pressure > or = 50 mm Hg). Patients with more than mild mitral regurgitation were excluded. Thirty-eight patients (88%) were in NYHA functional class III or IV, and 11 patients (26%) had an acute presentation requiring urgent surgery. Preoperative hemodynamics demonstrated a mean mitral valve area of 0.7 +/- 0.3 cm2, mean pulmonary artery pressure of 50 +/- 9 mm Hg, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 81 +/- 18 mm Hg. Other characteristics included right ventricular failure (18 patients), coronary artery disease (16 patients), and critical aortic stenosis (11 patients). Forty patients underwent mitral valve replacement with St Jude prostheses; 3 had open commissurotomy. Additional surgical procedures included aortic valve replacement (42%), coronary artery bypass graft surgery (26%), and tricuspid valvuloplasty (16%). There were 5 perioperative deaths (11.6%), and 7 other patients (16%) had major complications, including reoperation for hemorrhage, stroke, respiratory failure, myocardial infarction, or a > 30-day hospitalization. Univariate analysis of demographic, hemodynamic, and operative characteristics identified the following predictors of perioperative death (P < .05): acute presentation, clinical evidence of right ventricular failure, impaired left ventricular ejection fraction, and increased left ventricular diastolic pressure. Predictors of complications (P < .05) were acute presentation, ECG evidence of right ventricular hypertrophy, and elevated right ventricular systolic pressure. Multivariate analysis showed only acute presentation and right ventricular hypertrophy as predictors of perioperative death or major complications, respectively. Five- and 10-year actuarial survivals were 80% and 64%, respectively. The only predictor of long-term mortality was advanced age. Functional NYHA status was improved by one grade or more in 76% of survivors.Patients referred to a tertiary care hospital in the United States with mitral stenosis and severe pulmonary hypertension often have other associated cardiac diseases and comorbid conditions. Cardiac surgery can be successfully performed with an acceptable mortality, and risk factors for poor perioperative outcome can be identified by preoperative clinical characteristics. Younger patients have the best long-term survival, and most survivors experienced long-term improvement in functional status.