tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Long-term Results of a Postoperative Pneumonia Prevention Program for the Inpatient Surgical Ward
Authors: Hadiza S. Kazaure, Molinda Martin, Jung K. Yoon, Sherry M. Wren
Journal: JAMA Surgery (2014)

Pneumonia is the third most common complication in postoperative patients and is associated with significant morbidity and high cost of care. Prevention has focused primarily on mechanically ventilated patients. This study outlines the results of the longest-running postoperative pneumonia prevention program for nonmechanically ventilated patients, to our knowledge.To present long-term results (2008-2012) of a standardized postoperative ward-acquired pneumonia prevention program introduced in 2007 on the surgical ward of our hospital and compare our postintervention pneumonia rates with those captured in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP). We also estimate the cost savings attributable to the pneumonia prevention program.Retrospective cohort study at a university-affiliated Veterans Affairs hospital of all noncardiac surgical patients with ward-acquired postoperative pneumonia.A previously described standardized postoperative pneumonia prevention program for patients on the surgical ward.Ward-acquired postoperative pneumonia.Between 2008 and 2012, there were 18 cases of postoperative pneumonia among 4099 at-risk patients hospitalized on the surgical ward, yielding a case rate of 0.44%. This represents a 43.6% decrease from our preintervention rate (0.78%) (P = .01). The pneumonia rates in all years were lower than the preintervention rate (0.25%, 0.50%, 0.58%, 0.68%, and 0.13% in 2008-2012, respectively). The overall pneumonia rate in ACS-NSQIP was 2.56% (14,033 cases of pneumonia among 547,571 at-risk patients), which is 582% higher than the postintervention rate at our ward. Using a national average of $46,400 in attributable health care cost of postoperative pneumonia and a benchmark of a 43.6% decrease in pneumonia rate achieved at our facility over the 5-year study period, a similar percentage of decrease in pneumonia occurrence at ACS-NSQIP hospitals would represent approximately 6118 prevented pneumonia cases and a cost savings of more than $280 million.The standardized pneumonia prevention program achieved substantial and sustained reduction in postoperative pneumonia incidence on our surgical ward; its wider adoption could improve postoperative outcomes and reduce overall health care costs.
Methisazone in Progressive Vaccinia
Authors: Henry D. Brainerd, Lavelle Hanna, Ernest Jawetz
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1967)

N-METHYLISATIN-β-THIOSEMICARBAZONE (methisazone) is an antiviral chemical of unquestioned activity both in vitro and in man. In cell-culture systems its activity is manifest by the failure of vaccinia-infected cells to synthesize a "late" structural protein of the virus. Thus, the drug prevents assembly of complete infectious virus particles if it is present during a major part of the replicative cycle.1 In man methisazone is a highly effective prophylactic drug upon exposure to smallpox.2 Ample statistical proof supports the practical usefulness of the drug in preventing serious disease, provided it is administered within one to three days after exposure. The therapeutic potential . . .
Smaller Cerebellar Vermis But Not Hemisphere Volumes in Patients With Chronic Schizophrenia
Authors: Gaku Okugawa, Göran C. Sedvall, Ingrid Agartz
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (2003)

The authors previously reported that men with chronic schizophrenia had a smaller vermian subregion than did healthy men. In this study, they tested whether posterior superior vermis reduction would be seen in a larger group of schizophrenia patients, both male and female.Brain volumetric analyses were performed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 59 male and female patients with chronic schizophrenia and 57 male and female healthy comparison subjects.The men as well as the women with schizophrenia had significantly smaller total vermis volume and smaller vermian subregions than did the healthy subjects. Total intracranial volume and cerebellar hemisphere volumes did not differ between schizophrenic and healthy subjects.The findings support the previous finding that in patients with chronic schizophrenia, there is a selective volume reduction of the cerebellar vermis within the cerebellum.
Nowhere Left to Hide? The Banishment of Smoking from Public Spaces
Authors: James Colgrove, Ronald Bayer, Kathleen E. Bachynski
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2011)

On May 23, in the continuation of a four-decade trend, smoking in New York City parks, beaches, and pedestrian malls became illegal. But absent direct health risks to others, such bans raise questions about the acceptable limits for government to impose on conduct.
Regulation of Glucose-Transporter Gene Expression In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Barbara B Kahn, Jeffrey S Flier
Journal: Diabetes Care (1990)

Understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying the complex regulation of glucose homeostasis has been dramatically transformed recently by the realization that glucose transport in mammalian tissues is mediated by a family of structurally related but genetically distinct glucose-transporter proteins. The regulatory factors and intracellular signaling pathways that influence expression of the genes encoding these proteins are just being identified. Factors that regulate glucose-transporter gene expression in vitro include oncogenes, growth factors, insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, vanadate, glucocorticoids, ambient glucose levels, and the state of cellular differentiation. In vivo, glucose-transporter gene expression in adipose cells, skeletal muscle, and liver is markedly affected by various altered nutritional and metabolic states. Recent studies have demonstrated that two glucose transporters expressed in the same tissue may be regulated differently in response to the same metabolic perturbation. Furthermore, transporter regulation appears to be tissue specific. These observations lay the groundwork for future studies aimed at unraveling the functional roles of the individual transporter species in different tissues, the molecular processes involved in regulating the expression of these genes, and the impact of dysregulated glucose-transporter gene expression in the pathogenesis of insulin-resistant states such as diabetes.
A microbial preparation did not reduce diarrhea in older inpatients receiving antibiotics
Authors: Marcela Ferrada, Naomi P. O’Grady
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2013)

Source Citation Allen SJ, Wareham K, Wang D, et al. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and Clostridium difficile diarrhoea in older inpatients (PLACIDE): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial. Lancet. 2013;382:1249-57. 23932219
Vitamin D deficiency may have role in chronic low back pain
Authors: Peter J Lewis
Journal: BMJ (2005)

Calcium and vitamin D in preventing fractures Vitamin K supplementation has powerful effectEditor-Porthouse et al conducted a good randomised controlled trial of calcium and supplementation with cholecalciferol (vitamin D 3 ) for prevention of fractures in primary care. 1 However, vitamin D and calcium are not enough.No mention was made of the extensive research from Japan and the Netherlands, which shows that vitamin K supplementation has a powerful effect in decreasing osteoporosis and osteoporosis related fractures.Combining vitamin K, vitamin D, and calcium seems ideal.Researchers from Osaka Medical College showed that vitamin K and vitamin D together increased bone density much better than vitamin K alone. 2hen comparing calcium and vitamin D alone with placebo, researchers at the University of Maastricht found little benefit on bone loss.But those randomised to take vitamin K in addition to calcium and vitamin D had significantly less femoral neck bone loss after three years. 3he Yamaguchi osteoporosis prevention study showed that vitamin K alone reduced vertebral fractures by 56% compared to placebo, comparable to the benefit found from etidronate. 4 Researchers at Hirosaki University in Japan showed that vitamin K lowered bone fractures in elderly female patients with Parkinson's by 90%. 5 The same research team showed an 86% decrease in fractures in elderly patients with Alzheimer's treated with a combination of vitamin K, vitamin D, and calcium compared with placebo.w1 If the medical standard became to first use vitamins D and K with calcium before using bisphosphonates or selective oestrogen receptor modulators, the public would save billions of dollars a year.
Mammalian Radiation Lethality: A Disturbance in Cellular Kinetics
Authors: F. Lamont Jennings
Journal: JAMA (1966)

This relatively small volume, one of the most scholarly and basic books to appear on radiation biology, is probably the most difficult of the recent radiation monographs. Nonetheless, the diligent and serious reader will find most rewarding the effort expended in understanding the concepts advanced by these authors. The subtitle,  Disturbance in Cellular Kinetics, indicates the refreshing approach to radiation effects.  The monograph is divided into three parts. A brief introduction establishes the theme, namely, that most consequences of total-body radiation which leads to death of the animal are mediated through a disturbance in cellular kinetics. Then, after an all-too-brief bow towards the historical aspects of radiation biology, the authors launch into part 2. Here the casual reader will founder and the serious reader find his greatest reward. Biological homeostasis has been accepted since the writings of Claude Bernard, and most students will have little difficulty in applying these
Isolation, assay, and secretion of individual human neurophysins.
Authors: A G Robinson
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1975)

Human neurophysin was isolated from acetone-dried human posterior pituitaries and separated into two major neurophysin peptides by ion exchange chromatography and into four major peptides by preparative disk gel electrophoresis. Antisera raised in rabbits distinguished only two specific antigenic sites on the isolated neurophysin peptides. Individual sensitive and specific radioimmunoassays for two human neurophysins were developed. These assays were used to measure each neurophysin in unextracted human plasma. The two neurophysins are secreted independently in man. One assay measures a neurphysin that is specifically secreted in response to estrogen administration, estrogen-stimulated neurophysin (ESN). The other assay measures a neurophysin that is specifically secreted in response to cigarette smoking, nicotine-stimulated neurophysin (NSN). The mean ESN is 1.1 ng/ml plus or minus 0.7 SD in women and 1.0 ng/ml plus or minus 0.7 SD in men. The mean NSN is 0.9 ng/ml plus or minus 0.2 SD in women and 0.6 ng/ml plus or minus 0.3 SD in men. It is proposed that these may prove to be a specific human "oxytocinneurophysin," ESN, and a human "vasopressin-neurophysin," NSN.
The mechanism of intestinal uptake and transcellular transport of IgG in the neonatal rat
Authors: E. Anthony Jones, Thomas A. Waldmann
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1972)

The transport of immunoglobulins across the intestinal mucosa of neonatal rats provides an excellent model for the study of transcellular protein transport. The mechanism of intestinal uptake and transcellular transport of plasma proteins has been studied in 12-14-day old rats using intraduodenally administered radioiodinated proteins. Appreciable quantities of rat IgG, mouse IgG, rabbit IgG, and all four subclasses of human IgG were taken up by the intestinal wall (19-54% of administered dose at 4 hr) and transported to the animal (10-35% of administered dose at 4 hr). In contrast there was little or no uptake of human IgM, IgA, and IgE and little or no transport of human IgM, IgA, IgD, IgE, albumin, transferrin, and ceruloplasmin. Both the uptake and transport of labeled IgG were significantly inhibited by unlabeled IgG. Further insight into the transport process was obtained from the observation that an appreciable proportion of the label of IgG in intestinal wall homogenates, but not in plasma or intestinal washings, migrated in a sucrose ultracentrifugation gradient much more rapidly than did the administered 7S molecules. This pattern was not observed with other proteins studied. This apparent binding of labeled IgG was also markedly inhibited by unlabeled IgG. In subcellular fractionation studies of intestinal homogenates the complexed labeled IgG was shown to be associated predominantly with cell membrane rather than cell sap fractions. In addition IgG could be shown to bind to purified enterocyte microvillous membranes in vitro. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT IN THE NEONATAL RAT: (a) the major processes involved in both intestinal uptake and transport of IgG are specific and saturable; (b) intestinal transport is associated with complexing of IgG molecules with membranes, most probably with enterocyte microvillous membranes; and (c) the part of the IgG structure involved in this process is probably similar to that involved in the concentration-catabolism effect but is not identical to that mediating other non-antigen combining functions of IgG. Our data are consistent with the existence of specific receptors for IgG on enterocyte microvillous membranes of the neonatal rat. Such receptors would be necessary for the specific uptake and transport of these molecules.
Common variation in the C-terminal region of the fibrinogen β-chain: effects on fibrin structure, fibrinolysis and clot rigidity
Authors: Ramzi Ajjan, Bernard C. B. Lim, Kristina F. Standeven, Robert Harrand, Sarah Dolling, Fladia Phoenix, Richard Greaves, Radwa H. Abou-Saleh, Simon Connell, D. Alastair M. Smith, John W. Weisel, Peter J. Grant, Robert A. S. Ariëns
Journal: Blood (2007)
Specialised care for early psychosis
Authors: David H Yates
Journal: BMJ (2005)

Monitoring global health Problems are primarily nationalEditor-Murray et al urge for improved global reporting of health data. 1 They also highlight the difficulty of showing national decision makers that good health data can strongly support decision making.Why is this?A reason may be that data are always subject to interpretation.The article by Murray et al is a case in point.They want to establish "an independent monitoring organisation," arguing that the World Health Organization is not fit to undertake the job because of tension between advocacy, monitoring, and evaluation.But evidence that it is this tension that leads to poor monitoring by WHO is weak, at best.In reality, the problems of global health reporting are primarily national (and subnational).The fact that the sum of deaths claimed by different programmes is greater than the actual number of deaths reflects epidemiological methods and the current limitations in global health reporting, more than any WHO failure.The global burden of disease project was limited by these issues, but it was undertaken as effectively in WHO as in any other organisation.Not only are there problems in capacity, understanding the value of surveillance, and coverage of health services.The reporting of health events can be politically sensitive or even economically damaging.It is therefore likely that political interference will continue (whoever collects the data) until governments can be shown that honesty pays.It is perhaps this failure that needs to be dealt with rather than setting up yet another organisation without a proper analysis of the reasons (and locus) for failures in global health reporting.
The regulation of the human corpus luteum steroidogenesis: a hypothesis?
Authors: V. J. H. Oon
Journal: Human Reproduction Update (2000)

The corpus luteum (CL) is an important endocrine organ in the menstrual cycle and in pregnancy. The regulation of its hormonal production has been extensively studied. The steroidogenic abilities of the CL can be rescued by human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) but its role in the maintenance of CL function is not clear. We will discuss the hypothesis that there are fetoplacental factors, other than HCG, that modulate CL steroidogenesis.
Application of ultrastructural morphometry to lung biopsy specimens in pulmonary histiocytosis X.
Authors: M B Divertie, S M Cassan, A L Brown
Journal: Thorax (1975)

Stereological techniques were applied to an electron microscopic study of biopsy samples from nine human lungs with diffuse pulmonary histiocytosis X, and the results were compared with values for normal lungs. This made possible a morphometric analysis of the tissue changes associated with the measurable abnormalities in gas transfer present in this disease. The small increases in arithmetic mean thickness of the alveolar-capillary membranes appeared insufficient to account for the reduction in gas transfer present. When compared with normal lung, a threefold increase in volumetric fraction of septal intercapillary tissue was found along with a corresponding decrease in septal capillaries. While uniformity of distribution cannot be determined by this method, it appears that abnormalities of blood gas transfer in this disease result primarily from a decrease in the available diffusing surface and the ventilation-perfusion distrubances with which these tissue changes are associated.
Dutch study shows that 40% of adverse incidents in hospital are avoidable
Authors: Tony Sheldon
Journal: BMJ (2007)

Each year about 30 000 hospital patients in the Netherlands suffer avoidable harm during treatment, a new national study has estimated. About 1700 deaths a year could be avoided, it says.

The independent investigation was initiated by the Dutch hospital consultants' body, the Order of Medical Specialists (Orde van Medisch Specialisten), and had the cooperation of a cross section of the country's hospitals. Pieter Vierhout, a surgeon and chairman of the body, said that the Netherlands may compare favourably with other countries in terms of safety but that “every avoidable death or patient harmed is one too many.” …
Complex Evolution of gypsy in Drosophilid Species
Authors: Fabiana Herédia, Elgion Lúcio S. Loreto, Vera Lúcia S. Valente
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (2004)

In an endeavor to contribute to the comprehension of the evolution of transposable elements (TEs) in the genome of host species, we investigated the phylogenetic relationships of sequences homologous to the retrotransposon gypsy of Drosophila melanogaster in 19 species of Drosophila, in Scaptodrosophila latifasciaeformis, and in Zaprionus indianus. This phylogenetic study was based on approximately 500 base pairs of the env gene. Our analyses showed considerable discrepancy between the phylogeny of gypsy elements and the relationship of their host species, and they allow us to infer a complex evolutionary pattern that could include ancestral polymorphism, vertical transmission, and several cases of horizontal transmission.
A FURTHER REPORT ON PERMANENT CATHETERIZATION.
Authors: J. RILUS EASTMAN
Journal: JAMA (1901)

Permanent catheterization in the male has been practiced by the writer in fifteen cases. In each case the catheter was retained for more than ten days, and in two instances for more than sixty days. These cases embraced a variety of conditions demanding bladder drainage, and in all but one entirely satisfactory results were obtained. The fifteen cases included six perineal operations for stricture of the posterior urethra—one of which involved resection of nearly all of the pars membranacea— two operations for the closure of the perineal urethral fistulæ, two cases of perineal lithotomy, two cases of severe cystitis complicating prostatic hypertrophy, a case in which the catheter was introduced to drain and give physiologic rest to the bladder for the relief of atony and incontinence following stricture of the pars anterior, a plastic operation for the cure of a vesicorectal fistula, and another for the closure of an old
England's cancer plan needs an overhaul, think tank says
Authors: Michael Day
Journal: BMJ (2006)

The NHS's national cancer plan must be thoroughly overhauled to allow for an ageing population and rapidly emerging medical technology, the health think tank the King's Fund says.

Its new report on the future of cancer services in England, which was commissioned by Cancer Research UK, also warns that structural changes within the NHS—particularly the implementation of the payment by results …
Group 1 Mite Allergen from Dermatophagoides siboney (Der s 1) Behave as Der p 1 and Der f 1 to Detect Mite Allergic Subjects in a D. siboney not Exposed Population
Authors: E SCALA, R FERRARA, A MAS, A HIDALGO, A ZAFFIRO, D POMPONI, A LABRADA, A MARI
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2008)
Long-term Follow-up after Endoscopic Sphincterotomy
Authors: W. Rösch, J.F. Riemann, G. Lux, H.G. Lindner
Journal: Endoscopy (1981)

Endoscopic sphincterotomy has become a well-accepted procedure in choledocholithiasis and papillary stenosis. Long-term follow-up data covering an observation period of 7 years disclose that about 90% of the patients are either completely relieved of symptoms, or show marked improvement. Re-stenosis or recurrent concrements seem are events; in primary papillary stenosis, however, long-term results are less favorable.
Letter: Treatment of vulval candidiasis with 5-fluorocytosine.
Authors: S A Seligman
Journal: BMJ (1974)

a dosage of up to 400 mg daily.This drug is used for its muscle-relaxing properties in tetanus, but it was first introduced into medical practice as a vermifuge.The worm absorbs the drug but, unlike its host, is unable to m,etabolize or excrete it.The anthelmintic property may be related to an anticholinesterase action which upsets the neuromuscular apparatus of the worm or alternatively to an effect on redox systems.These mechanisms might be expected to paralyse the worm, but our experience is that they retain their motility on expulsion in cases of tetanus.It would be helpful if further light could be thrown on this problem.-Weare, etc.,
532 Treatment with PEG-interferon and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C does not decrease neutrophil and monocyte activity
Authors: A. Giorgini, F. Capsoni, A. Lleo, C. Selmi, A.M. Ongari, A. Benetti, B. Ferrari, P. Invernizzi, M. Podda, M. Zuin
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2006)
Nrf2-deficient female mice develop lupus-like autoimmune nephritis11See Editorial by Byrd and Thomas, p. 1606.
Authors: Keigyou Yoh, Ken Itoh, Akiko Enomoto, Aki Hirayama, Naoto Yamaguchi, Masaki Kobayashi, Naoki Morito, Akio Koyama, Masayuki Yamamoto, Satoru Takahashi
Journal: Kidney International (2001)