tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Spondylodiscal erosions due to gout: anatomico-radiological study of a case.
Authors: R Lagier, W Mac Gee
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1983)

The necropsy of an 84-year-old woman with painful polyarticular gout showed a severe erosion of the L2 vertebral body due to sodium urate deposition. The radiological signs of this tophus had existed for many years; it had caused recurrent pain but no neurological complications. A small tophus and a Schmorl9s node on 2 neighbouring thoracic vertebrae permitted the differentiation between vertebral plate erosion in the first, which was of bone origin, and vertebral plate remodelling in the second, which originated in the cartilaginous tissue of the disc.
Plain packaging for cigarettes improves retail transaction times
Authors: O. Carter, M. Welch, B. Mills, T. Phan, P. Chang
Journal: BMJ (2013)

Australia implemented generic packaging laws on 1 December 2012.1 Similar legislation under consideration in the UK is vigorously opposed by national retail groups. Dubious tobacco industry funded studies predict tobacco transaction times will increase by 15-45 s and selection errors by 5-25%,2 3 costing retailers nationwide £37m (€43m; $57.5m) a year.4 Conversely, independent peer reviewed …
Transformation of Bile Acids Into Iso–Bile Acids By Clostridium Perfringens : Possible Transport of 3β–Hydrogen Via the Coenzyme
Authors: Ashok K. Batta, Gerald Salen, Sarah Shefer
Journal: Hepatology (1985)

We have examined the mechanism for the bacterial transformation of chenodeoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid into the corresponding 3 beta-hydroxy epimers with the use of 3 alpha- and 3 beta-tritiated bile acids. The 3-oxo bile acids were transformed into the 3 alpha- (85%) and 3 beta- (15%) hydroxy bile acids after 20-hr incubation with Clostridium perfringens. Approximately 75% radioactivity was recovered in the aqueous medium when [3 beta-3H]chenodeoxycholic acid or [3 beta-3H]lithocholic acid was incubated with the bacteria, and approximately 15% of radioactivity in the bile acid fraction was associated with the 3 alpha-position of the iso-bile acids. When [3 beta-3H]chenodeoxycholic acid was incubated with unlabeled 3-oxo-5 beta-cholanoic acid, tritiated litho- and iso-lithocholic acids were recovered. These results can be explained only when a 3-oxo intermediate is postulated, and the 3 beta-hydrogen in the bile acids is transferred by the bacterial coenzyme (NAD+ or NADP+) to the 3 alpha-position in the iso-bile acids during the reduction of the 3-oxo compounds.
Abstract 2611: Transcatheter Valve Insertion A Model Of Enlarged Right Ventricular Outflow Tracts
Authors: Adeline Basquin, Younes Boudjemline
Journal: Circulation (2008)

Background: Transcatheter pulmonary valve insertion has recently emerged as an alternative to surgery. To extend the indications to patients with large right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), we previously developed an intravascular device that reduces the diameter of the main pulmonary artery (MPA) allowing the insertion of available valved stents. We report its use in a model of animals with enlarged RVOT and pulmonary valve incompetence (PVI). Methods and Results: 33 sheep were included. They first underwent surgical MPA enlargement. We then intended to implant percutaneously a reducer followed by the insertion of a valve. Three animals died during interstage. The remaining were sacrificed acutely (group 1, n=6), after a mean follow-up of 1 (group 2, n=12) and 2 months (group 3, n=12). Animals from chronic groups were equally divided into 2 subgroups according to the difference between diameters of the device inserted and MPA (A: &lt; 5-mm, B: ≥ 5-mm). Reducers were inserted successfully (n=30). One embolized after its insertion (Group 3A). A valved stent could be implanted in all animals but one which experienced a balloon ruptured during its inflation leading to incomplete expansion and death of the animal. Six animals had pulmonary regurgitation after valve insertion. Five of them (Group A, n=5; Group B, n=1) had downsizing of the reducer. Conclusion: Pulmonary valve insertion is possible through a transcatheter technique using a PA reducer. Oversizing of this device reduces the risk of embolisation and paraprosthetic leak.
Three Cases of Weil's Disease
Authors: A. A. Morgan
Journal: BMJ (1952)

instance no other drug was administered, no intercurrent disease could be demonstrated, and the original infection, pertussis, tends to produce leucocytosis and not agranulo- cytosis.A primary aplastic blood condition unrelated to drug therapy can occur but is a comparative rarity.In the present case hepatiJis and aplastic anaemia occurred' together, suggesting a single aetiological toxic agent, and hence, on the basis of this criterion and the fact that well- authenticated cases of aplastic anaemia following chlor- amphenicol administration have already been recorded, this drug would seem to be incriminated as the cause of aplastic anaemia.At the time of writing 19 cases, both adults and children, with granulocytopenia or aplastic anaemia following chlor- amphenicol therapy have been noted in the American litera- ture, and of these 11 have been fatal.In the first nine cases recorded, bone-marrow changes appeared after prolonged administration of the drug.In the mbst recent reports all 10 patients received short but repeated courses of the drug and came to a fatal termination (see Table ).The incidence 19 Cases of Bone-marrow Depression Following Chioramphenicol Therapy Age of To~uta
Gloves in Boxing
Authors: J. L. Blonstein, L. Schmid
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (1973)

It is over 200 years since the use of gloves was introduced in boxing by Broughton in his Boxing School in England in 1743.Since that time boxing gloves have gone through a number of changes, both as far as the form and padding are concerned.In boxing circles the effect of the blow with a glove of various weights is often discussed.It is generally accepted that the blow aimed with a glove of a lighter weight is harder and thus more dangerous for the opponent.That is why in 1948 there was an endeavour to prescribe for amateurs gloves of different weights according to the weight of the boxer.From fly to light-weight 8 oz., from welter to middle-weight 10 oz. and for light-heavy and heavy weights 12 oz.The rules of today demand use of gloves for: Professionals -6-8 oz.Amateurs -8-10 oz.Juniors -12-14 oz.The surface of the gloves is of fine, smooth leather.
Use of serum C reactive protein and procalcitonin concentrations in addition to symptoms and signs to predict pneumonia in patients presenting to primary care with acute cough: diagnostic study
Authors: S. F. van Vugt, B. D. L. Broekhuizen, C. Lammens, N. P. A. Zuithoff, P. A. de Jong, S. Coenen, M. Ieven, C. C. Butler, H. Goossens, P. Little, T. J. M. Verheij
Journal: BMJ (2013)

<b>Objectives</b> To quantify the diagnostic accuracy of selected inflammatory markers in addition to symptoms and signs for predicting pneumonia and to derive a diagnostic tool. <b>Design</b> Diagnostic study performed between 2007 and 2010. Participants had their history taken, underwent physical examination and measurement of C reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin in venous blood on the day they first consulted, and underwent chest radiography within seven days. <b>Setting</b> Primary care centres in 12 European countries. <b>Participants</b> Adults presenting with acute cough. <b>Main outcome measures</b> Pneumonia as determined by radiologists, who were blind to all other information when they judged chest radiographs. <b>Results</b> Of 3106 eligible patients, 286 were excluded because of missing or inadequate chest radiographs, leaving 2820 patients (mean age 50, 40% men) of whom 140 (5%) had pneumonia. Re-assessment of a subset of 1675 chest radiographs showed agreement in 94% (κ 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.36 to 0.54). Six published "symptoms and signs models" varied in their discrimination (area under receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) ranged from 0.55 (95% confidence interval 0.50 to 0.61) to 0.71 (0.66 to 0.76)). The optimal combination of clinical prediction items derived from our patients included absence of runny nose and presence of breathlessness, crackles and diminished breath sounds on auscultation, tachycardia, and fever, with an ROC area of 0.70 (0.65 to 0.75). Addition of CRP at the optimal cut off of &gt;30 mg/L increased the ROC area to 0.77 (0.73 to 0.81) and improved the diagnostic classification (net reclassification improvement 28%). In the 1556 patients classified according to symptoms, signs, and CRP &gt;30 mg/L as "low risk" (&lt;2.5%) for pneumonia, the prevalence of pneumonia was 2%. In the 132 patients classified as "high risk" (&gt;20%), the prevalence of pneumonia was 31%. The positive likelihood ratio of low, intermediate, and high risk for pneumonia was 0.4, 1.2, and 8.6 respectively. Measurement of procalcitonin added no relevant additional diagnostic information. A simplified diagnostic score based on symptoms, signs, and CRP &gt;30 mg/L resulted in proportions of pneumonia of 0.7%, 3.8%, and 18.2% in the low, intermediate, and high risk group respectively. <b>Conclusions</b> A clinical rule based on symptoms and signs to predict pneumonia in patients presenting to primary care with acute cough performed best in patients with mild or severe clinical presentation. Addition of CRP concentration at the optimal cut off of &gt;30 mg/L improved diagnostic information, but measurement of procalcitonin concentration did not add clinically relevant information in this group.
Oral immunotherapy for peanut allergy shows promise but questions remain
Authors: Z. Kmietowicz
Journal: BMJ (2014)

A study that found that oral immunotherapy can help children with peanut allergy increase their tolerance to peanuts has been hailed as an important step in treating food allergies, but more studies are needed to answer a range of questions about the treatment before it is more widely used, commentators have said.

In the phase II STOP II trial, 99 children with varying severities of peanut allergy were treated over five years in the National Institute for Healthcare Research Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility at Addenbrooke’s, part of Cambridge University Hospitals.

Aged between seven to 16 years the children were randomly assigned to receive either 26 weeks of oral immunotherapy using gradually escalating doses of peanut protein up to 800 mg/day, or peanut avoidance, the present standard of care. All the children then participated in a double blind placebo controlled oral food challenge during which they gradually consumed increasing amounts of peanut protein under medical supervision to determine at what level they experienced allergic symptoms. 

The researchers …
Suppression of the Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 Response in Cervical Carcinoma Xenografts by Proteasome Inhibitors
Authors: Diana C. Birle, David W. Hedley
Journal: Cancer Research (2007)

Abstract Experimental data suggest therapeutic advantage from selective disruption of the hypoxia response. We recently found that the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib decreases tumor carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) expression in colon cancer patients and herein report a companion laboratory study to test if this effect was the result of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) inhibition. Human cervical (SiHa and Me180) and colon (RKO) carcinoma cell lines were treated with bortezomib or the structurally unrelated proteasome inhibitor MG132 in normoxic and hypoxic conditions in vitro. Two different in vivo experiments investigated bortezomib effects after single dose (2 mg/kg, 24 h) or longer exposure in severe combined immunodeficient mice bearing SiHa xenografts. Treatment with either drug produced accumulation of HIF-1α in vitro but strongly inhibited the production of CAIX and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) under hypoxia. This correlated with more than 10-fold reduction in HIF-1 transcriptional activity under hypoxic conditions. A similar effect of bortezomib was seen in vivo, using the nitroimidazole probe EF5 to define regions of tumor hypoxia and a triple immunofluorescence technique to measure the spatial distributions of HIF-1α and CAIX. Plasma VEGF levels decreased by ∼90% during treatment with bortezomib, indicating that this agent can potently inhibit the hypoxia response in tumors. [Cancer Res 2007;67(4):1735–43]
Male pattern alopecia and coronary artery disease in men
Authors: N. T. COOKE
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1979)

The prevalence of male pattern alopecia, coronary artery disease, hypertension and smoking habits were studied in 478 male Caucasian hospital in-patients, over the age of 20 years. No association was shown between coronary artery disease and either male pattern alopecia, premature male pattern alopecia or male pattern alopecia with a positive family history.
Cytomegalovirus Viremia Detected by Molecular Hybridization and Electron Microscopy
Authors: DIANNE C. MARTIN
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1984)

Fatal cytomegalovirus interstitial pneumonitis developed in a patient with chronic leukemia. The diagnosis was suspected on the basis of cytologic examination of bronchial washings. The virus was subsequently recovered from saliva, urine, and blood leukocytes after 8, 9, and 18 days in culture respectively. Premortem cytomegalovirus DNA was found by molecular hybridization methods using a complete viral genome probe in blood leukocytes after 4 hours' reaction time. Electron microscopic examination showed herpes-like virions consistent with cytomegalovirus in 3% of the patient's granulocytes. Thus, DNA:DNA hybridization and ultrastructural methods can be used for rapid diagnosis of disseminated cytomegalovirus infection.
Stress and Distress in Essential Hypertension
Authors: Rafaella M.A. Osti, Giancarlo Trombini, Bruno Magnani
Journal: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics (1980)

A consecutive unselected series of 20 outpatients suffering from essential hypertension is included in this study. These patients were compared to a control group of 20 patients other than hypertensives, matched for age, sex, marital status, years of schooling, social class and duration of illness. Stressful life events prior to illness onset, psychological distress as measured by SCL-90, and alexithymia were investigated. Patients with hypertension were exposed to undesirable life events before disease onset and exhibited alexithymic traits significantly more than the control group.
FK506 inhibits tumour necrosis factor-alpha secretion in human keratinocytes via regulation of nuclear factor-kappaB
Authors: C-C.E. Lan, H-S. Yu, C-S. Wu, H-Y. Kuo, C-Y. Chai, G-S. Chen
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2005)

Background Tacrolimus (FK506) ointment has been used for treatment of inflammatory dermatoses with remarkable success. Our previous studies have indicated that direct modulation of tacrolimus on keratinocytes (KCs) may have an impact on its therapeutic effect. The use of monoclonal antibody specific for tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α has shown efficacy in treating both psoriasis and Crohn disease. Topical tacrolimus has also been shown to be effective for treating cutaneous manifestations of both diseases. Objectives To explore the effects of FK506 on human KCs in terms of TNF-α secretion and to investigate the regulatory pathway involved. Methods Ultraviolet (UV) B-irradiated cultured KCs were treated with various concentrations of FK506. At indicated time points after UVB irradiation we determined: (i) the TNF-α concentrations present in the culture supernatants; (ii) the activation and translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB in the cell nucleus; and (iii) the protein expressions of IκB kinase (IKK) and IκB in the cell lysates. In addition, a mouse model was used to corroborate our in vitro findings in vivo. More specifically, topical tacrolimus was applied on to mouse skin unilaterally after UVB irradiation. The effects of FK506 on nuclear NF-κB expression of UVB-irradiated mouse skin were determined. Results Our results showed that FK506 dose-dependently downregulated the secretion of TNF-α from UVB-irradiated KCs. The activation and translocation of NF-κB in UVB-irradiated KCs were also dose-dependently suppressed by FK506. The degradation of IκB induced by UVB was also inhibited by FK506, while no change in IKK expression was noted regardless of UVB and FK506 treatment. Murine skin biopsies showed that nuclear NF-κB expression induced by UVB was inhibited by topical tacrolimus treatment. Conclusions Our results indicate that FK506 inhibits TNF-α secretion in human KCs via direct regulation of NF-κB. This modulatory effect of FK506 on KCs offers a possible mechanism for how topical tacrolimus regulates cutaneous inflammatory conditions.
Somatostatin: Newcomer from the Hypothalamus
Authors: Paul Brazeau, Roger Guillemin
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1974)

Several clinical groups in this country and in Europe have recently reported data obtained after the administration of synthetic somatostatin — the latest of the hypothalamic hypophysiotropic peptides.1 2 3 This issue of the Journal contains an elegant study by Yen and his collaborators on the striking effects of somatostatin in a series of patients with acromegaly. Somatostatin acutely and reversibly inhibits the secretion of pituitary growth hormone and of glucagon and insulin.What is somatostatin? How and when did it come about?Readers of the Journal are well aware of the concept establishing the hypothalamus as the modulator of the anterior . . .
Plasma clearance of intravenous chenodeoxycholic acid in rabbits with varying severity of hepatocellular necrosis
Authors: Malcolm Mackinnon, Pauline Hall
Journal: Hepatology (1981)

The plasma clearance of an i.v. bolus of chenodeoxycholic acid (10 μm per kg) was determined in rabbits with graded degrees of hepatocellular necrosis produced by i.p. injection of carbon tetrachloride. Plasma chenodeoxycholic acid levels were determined by radioimmunoassay, and the volume fraction of necrosis was quantitated by a computerized (Quantimet 720) system. Impaired plasma clearance was observed only when necrosis was extensive, and the volume fraction of necrosis >34%. In contrast, measurement of fasting plasma chenodeoxycholic acid concentration was more sensitive, and elevated levels were associated with a mean volume fraction of necrosis of 12.5%. This study reinforces the conclusion based on clinical studies that measurement of fasting bile acid concentration is a more sensitive discriminant of hepatic dysfunction than is measurement of the plasma clearance of an i.v. bolus of bile acid.
Topical Tretinoin for Photoaged Skin
Authors: Milton R. Okun
Journal: JAMA (1988)

<h3>To the Editor.</h3> —The article by Weiss et al<sup>1</sup>does not present convincing evidence that application of topical tretinoin improves photoaged skin, even within the context of the small number of patients studied and the short follow-up period. Photographic factors must be kept constant for valid demonstration of subtle morphological changes in "before" and "after" pictures. The presentation in this article does not meet this requirement. Examination of the published clinical photographs (Figs 1 through 3 in the article by Weiss et al) reveals a significant and consistent increase in photographic contrast in the "after" pictures (apparently due mainly to lighting, with a possible development factor). This results in "washing out" of the highlighted areas and a darkening of the shadow areas, with consequent loss of photographic detail, which could easily account for the apparent diminution of fine wrinkling and pigmented spots after treatment with tretinoin. The disappearance of
Circulating catecholamines in acute asthma.
Authors: P W Ind, R C Causon, M J Brown, P J Barnes
Journal: BMJ (1985)

Plasma catecholamine concentrations were measured in 15 patients (six male) aged 14-63 years attending the casualty department with acute severe asthma (peak expiratory flow 27% (SEM 3%) of predicted). Nine patients were admitted and six were not. The plasma noradrenaline concentration, reflecting sympathetic nervous discharge, was two to three times normal in all patients and was significantly higher in those who required admission compared with those discharged home (mean 7.7 (SEM 0.6) v 4.7 (0.5) nmol/l (1.3 (SEM 0.1) v 0.8 (0.08) ng/ml); p less than 0.001). Plasma adrenaline concentration, however, was not increased in any patient. This surprising failure of the plasma adrenaline concentration to increase during the stress of an acute attack of asthma was unexplained and contrasts with the pronounced rise in plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations in acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and septicaemia. The failure of plasma adrenaline concentration to increase in acute asthma is unlikely to be explained by adrenal exhaustion, but it may be another example of impaired adrenaline secretion in asthma.
Agreement Among Multiple Observers on Endoscopic Diagnosis of Esophageal Varices Before Bleeding
Authors: Flemming Bendtsen, Lene Theil Skovgaard, Thorkild I.A. Sørensen, Peter Matzen
Journal: Hepatology (1990)

The interobserver variation in diagnosis and grading of esophageal varices may be ascribed by characteristics of the observers as well as to the patients. Assessment of this variation therefore requires the contributions of multiple observers and patients. Twenty–eight patients with cirrhosis without previous bleeding or known presence of varices were subjected to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Each endoscopy was videotaped and shown to 22 endoscopists. The varices were graded on a scale of 0 to 3 according to size. Each endoscopist diagnosed varices in 8 to 20 patients (mean = 15.9). Overall agreement on the presence (grades 1 to 3) or absence (grade 0) of varices was 70%. The average κ value was 0.38 (standard deviation = 0.16). Discrimination between varices graded 0 to 1 and varices graded 2 to 3 gave a higher κ value (p &lt; 0.01) of 0.52 (standard deviation = 0.17). There was a large variation in κ values (range = -0.025 to 0.975). No significant correlation was observed between κ values for the two dichotomies (range = 0.16). The κ values were not related to the experience of the endoscopist. Considerable variation in the agreement on diagnosis and grading of esophageal varices was found. These results must be taken into account in the assessment of trials of prophylaxis of first–time variceal bleeding. (Hepatology 1990;11:341-347.)