tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Decreased incidence of acute graft‐versus‐host disease by continuous infusion of cyclosporine with a higher target blood level
Authors: Kumi Oshima, Yoshinobu Kanda, Hideki Nakasone, Shunya Arai, Nahoko Nishimoto, Hiroyuki Sato, Takuro Watanabe, Noriko Hosoya, Koji Izutsu, Takashi Asai, Akira Hangaishi, Toru Motokura, Shigeru Chiba, Mineo Kurokawa
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (2007)

Abstract Cyclosporine A (CsA) is the mainstay of pharmacologic prevention of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). We previously reported that continuous infusion of CsA with a target blood level between 250 and 400 ng/ml significantly increased the incidence of acute GVHD compared to twice‐daily infusion with a target trough level between 150 and 300 ng/ml. Thus, we raised the target level of CsA continuous infusion to 450–550 ng/ml. We treated 33 patients with the higher target level (CsA500) and compared the efficacy and toxicity with those in the 33 historical control patients (CsA300 group). Other transplantation procedures were not changed. The patients' characteristics were equivalent. The average CsA concentration was adjusted around 500 ng/ml and the actual daily dose was maintained at the initial dose (CsA 3mg/kg/day). Toxicities were equivalently observed among the two groups. The incidence of grades II–IV acute GVHD was significantly lower in the CsA500 group (27 vs. 52%, P = 0.033). The target level of CsA was identified as an independent significant risk factor for grades II–IV acute GVHD ( P = 0.039), adjusted for the presence of HLA mismatch. The incidence of chronic GVHD was also decreased in the CsA500 group (47 vs. 73%, P = 0.016). We conclude that the toxicity of the continuous CsA infusion with a target level of 450–550 ng/ml is acceptable and the efficacy to prevent acute GVHD is significant. A larger comparative study is warranted to confirm these findings. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
P2-309: Prospective phase II trial of a combination of gemcitabine, cisplatin and UFT as first-line treatment in patients with advanced, unresectable, non-small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Yong Joo Min, Su Jin Shin, Hawk Kim, Jong Joon Ann, Yang-Jin Je-Gal, Chang Yul Park, Kwang Woon Seo, Hee Jeong Cha, Woon-Jeong Kweon, Jae Hoo Park
Journal: Journal of Thoracic Oncology (2007)
Pollution and Poverty Overlap Becomes Issue, Administration Promises Action
Authors: Paul Cotton
Journal: JAMA (1994)

A MAP of the most polluted places in the United States is more than that. It has been known for some time that such a map is also a map of poverty, minorities, and the weakest links in the health care system. Many people in these communities complain that their concerns about this disproportionate share of pollution are ignored by physicians, researchers, and government officials. They say pollution-related diseases contribute to a cycle of poverty, and some feel that they have been targeted deliberately in what they see as "environmental racism." And while they stress that they are not opposed to properly conducted research, in many instances they feel that further study is a ruse meant to delay action. Rev Benjamin F. Chavis, PhD, DM, executive director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, says that his group plans to "do more on environmental issues than we
Expert group is to examine the effect and value of the NHS constitution
Authors: M. Limb
Journal: BMJ (2012)

The government has set up a new independent group of experts to examine what effects the NHS Constitution has had in England, with a view to “strengthening” it and “revitalising” rights.

The NHS Future Forum Working Group on the NHS Constitution met for the first time on 8 March as the government added new duties to the constitution for NHS staff to raise concerns about poor care.

Chaired by the head of the Future Forum, Steve Field, the 27 strong group includes health and social care professionals and representatives of charities, patients’ groups, trade unions, and the private sector.

It includes Hamish Meldrum, chairman of the British Medical Association, Stephen Thornton, chief executive of the Health Foundation, and Vivienne McVey, commercial director of Virgin …
Role of SFB in autoimmune arthritis
Authors: Pascal Chappert
Journal: Gut Microbes (2014)

A key role for segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) has recently been demonstrated in several mouse models of autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune arthritis and multiple sclerosis. The mechanism governing the activation of systemic autoreactive T cell responses by such commensals in the gut, however, remained elusive. In this addendum, we discuss recent results addressing the local regulation of autoreactive T cell sensitivity by these unique bacteria. We found that the presence of SFB in the gut microbiota was sufficient to promote a local inflammatory microenvironment altering the T cell-intrinsic desensitization process normally occurring in response to chronic self-antigen stimulation. In the absence of this key tolerance checkpoint, sustained chronic T cell proliferation, IFNγ production, and B cell activation eventually led to the development of enhanced pathologies in a Th1-driven T cell-transfer model of autoimmune arthritis.
Effects of nifedipine on gastric acid secretion and gastrin release in man.
Authors: K E McColl, N M Buchanan, G Laferla, J Hearns, K Buchanan, G P Crean
Journal: Gut (1987)

Delivery through the blood-brain barrier of opioid peptide-based therapeutic agents may be achieved with the use of conjugation of avidin and blood-brain barrier transport vectors. However, this drug delivery strategy requires that 1) the peptide is monobiotinylated and 2) the peptide is biologically active after cleavage of a disulfide linker and peptide release from the avidin-vector conjugate. Whether these criteria may be successfully fulfilled was examined in the present studies. The highly mu receptor-specific dermorphin analog, Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH2 (DALDA), was selectively monobiotinylated at the epsilon-NH2 group of Lys4 with the cleavable biotin linker, sulfosuccinimidyl-2-(biotinamidoethyl) 1,39-dithioproprionate to obtain biotinylated DALDA (bio-DALDA). The N-terminal alpha-NH2 group of the peptide was protected during biotinylation with the N-9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl group. Cleavage of the disulfide bridge yielded the desbiotinylated derivative, desbio-DALDA. The identity of these peptides was verified by secondary ion mass spectrometry. In receptor binding assays with 3H-Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-(N-Me)-Gly-ol, the Kis of DALDA, bio-DALDA and desbio-DALDA for mu opioid receptors were determined to be 2.3 +/- 0.4, 6.5 +/- 1.1 and 4.0 +/- 0.9 nM, respectively. Binding of bio-DALDA to avidin resulted in a Ki of 14.5 +/- 2.4 nM. The i.c.v. administration of DALDA and desbio-DALDA induced potent and long-lasting analgesia in the rat tail-flick assay. It was found that 1 microgram of DALDA was equipotent to 3 micrograms of desbio-DALDA and 20 micrograms of morphine. The analgesic effect could be blocked by naloxone pretreatment. In conclusion, these studies 1) described methods for the preparation of a biologically active monobiotinylated mu opioid receptor-specific ligand and 2) demonstrated the advantages of using cleavable biotinylation of opioid peptides because the affinity of desbio-DALDA for the receptor approximated the affinity of DALDA and had a 3- to 4-fold higher affinity than did the bio-DALDA-avidin complex.
"THE ACCURACY OF ERYTHROCYTE COUNTS"
Authors: Harris A. Houghton
Journal: JAMA (1927)

<h3>To the Editor:</h3> —The conclusions expressed in the editorial comment on "The Accuracy of Erythrocyte Counts" (The Journal, August 6, p. 454) are undoubtedly correct. The author draws attention to two classes of variables which necessitate the use of a "plus-minus" norm in the interpretation of erythrocyte counts, both of which demonstrate the fallacy lurking in "unwarranted devotion to numerical expressions." Of these two classes, he first mentions "failure to take into account the limitations of the technic employed," to which might well have been added the personal equation of the technician. He names, secondly, "variations that may be normally inherent in the processes under observation." He cites the normal postprandial fall in erythrocyte count noted by Leake, Kohl and Stebbins, and fails to develop the idea suggested except to say, "probably due to blood dilution." On this point, it appears desirable to comment. Those who habitually use quantitative estimations
Thiazides and Thiazide-like Diuretics in Hypertension
Authors: MARK C. HOUSTON
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1985)

Letters and Corrections1 August 1985Thiazides and Thiazide-like Diuretics in HypertensionMARK C. HOUSTON, M.D.MARK C. HOUSTON, M.D.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-103-2-303_2 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptTo the editor: I agree completely with the letter by Dr. Kaplan in the May issue (1) cautioning against the use of high doses of hydrochlorothiazide/triamterene diuretic combinations: "More is likely not better and could be a great deal worse" is correct. Many recent studies have raised concerns about the adverse lipid, glucose, and electrolyte profiles created by thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics, particularly when given in high dose, in the treatment of mild hypertension (2). Alteration in these biochemical variables may partially negate the beneficial effects of lowering blood pressure as it relates to the incidence and complications of coronary...References1. KAPLAN N. Maxzide or Dyazide: a cautionary note [Letter]. Ann Intern Med. 1985;102:717. LinkGoogle Scholar2. GRIMM R, LEON A, HUNNINGHAKE D, LENZ K, HANNAN P, and BLACKBURN H. Effects of thiazide diuretics on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in mildly hypertensive patients. Ann Intern Med. 1981;94:7-11. LinkGoogle Scholar3. . Multiple risk factor intervention trial. JAMA 1982;248:1465-77. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar4. BLUME C, WILLIAMS R, UPTON R, LIN E, and BENET L. Bioequivalence study of a new tablet formulation of triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide. Am J Med. 1984;77:59-61. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar5. MACGREGOR G, BANKS R, MARKANDU N, BAYLISS J, and ROULSTON J. Lack of effect of beta blocker on flat dose response to thiazide in hypertension: efficacy of low dose thiazide combined with beta blocker. Br Med J 1983;286:1535-8. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: MARK C. HOUSTON, M.D. PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics 1 August 1985Volume 103, Issue 2Page: 303-303KeywordsBlood pressureDiureticsGlucoseHypertensionLipids ePublished: 1 December 2008 Issue Published: 1 August 1985 PDF downloadLoading ...
NATURE AND TREATMENT OF CUTANEOUS CANCER.
Authors: A. RAVOGLI
Journal: JAMA (1899)

The heteroplasy, viz., normal epithelial cells in the wrong place, infiltrating the connective tissues of the parenchyma of the derma, or of the glands constitutes the essence of the cutaneous cancer, or epithelioma. It belongs to the class of the malignant growths on account of the persistent ulceration, of the tendency to recur after removal, of the infection which it produces in the tissues of the adjacent parts of the skin, and on account of the reproduction in the lymph-glands communicating with the lymphatic vessels of the affected part. It is not my object to develop the doctrine of cancers, which could not be done in the limits of a brief address, but I will only dwell on the nature of the cutaneous cancers and on their treatment. Thiersch, in his remarkable work, published in 1865, on the epithelial cancers of the skin, distinguished two varieties from a topographical standpoint,
Mount St Helens Eruptions, May 18 to June 12, 1980
Authors: Peter J. Baxter
Journal: JAMA (1981)

Thirty-five known deaths were caused by the landslide and lateral blast of the May 18 eruption of Mount St Helens and at least 23 persons are missing. In 18 of 23 cases that reached autopsy, asphyxiation from ash inhalation was the cause of death. A rapidly established hospital surveillance system detected increases in the number of emergency room (ER) visits and admissions for asthma and bronchitis in communities with the heaviest ashfall after the May 18 eruption and the eruptions on May 25 and June 12. There were also increases in the number of ER visits for ash-related eye complaints in some areas. laboratory studies indicated that the May 18 ash was not acutely toxic, but the respirable portion contained 3% to 7% of crystalline free silica, a potential pneumoconiosis hazard to certain heavily exposed occupational groups. Continuing volcanic activity of Mount St Helens and future eruption of other volcanoes in the Cascade Range may pose a variety of health hazards, including blast, ashfalls, flooding, damage to public utilities, and possible psychosocial effects.
The Usefulness of Calculated Attenuation Correction in the Evaluation of Metallic Artifacts on Brain PET/CT Imaging
Authors: Samuel Almodovar, Sharon L. White, Homayoun Modarresifar, Buddhiwardhan C. Ojha
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (2006)

A known limitation of CT-based attenuation correction (CTAC) is the creation of artifacts that mimic increased FDG uptake in the location of metallic prostheses. Calculated attenuation correction (CAC) uses a constant value for the attenuation coefficient of brain tissue at 511 keV and corrects the reconstructed data for attenuation effects. Comparison of CTAC and NAC PET images should always be the first step when evaluating possible metallic artifacts on CTAC PET brain images. If the etiology responsible for the increased FDG uptake remains unclear, reprocessing using CAC is an additional useful tool to differentiate between artifactual and true FDG uptake.
Screening for heterozygous 1 -antitrypsin deficiency. 3. A provocative test with diethylstilbestrol and effect of oral contraceptives
Authors: J. Lieberman
Journal: JAMA (1971)

Diethylstilbestrol caused serum trypsin-inhibitory capacity (STIC) values to rise into the low-normal range in most studied heterozygotes with α 1 -antitrypsin deficiency, but never above 1.20 units; in control subjects, the stimulated STIC values exceeded 1.30 units. Subjects with homozygous antitrypsin deficiency did not respond to diethylstilbestrol. Lack of response to 3 mg of diethylstilbestrol daily for two weeks in a patient with 1.20 units or less of antitrypsin activity indicates that the patient's antitrypsin level is already maximally stimulated by his disease, and confirms a dagnosis of heterozygous α 1 -antitrypsin deficiency. Women receiving oral contraceptive medication or other estrogenic hormones whose random antitrypsin assay shows a level of 1.20 units or less should be suspected of carrying the abnormal gene for antitrypsin deficiency.
Longevity and Medical Costs
Authors: William H. Forbes
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1967)

IN an excellent article on financing of medical care Somers1 points out that medical care is now our third largest industry, costing an estimated $44,000,000,000 in 1966, and exceeded only by agriculture and construction, the former costing about the same as medical care, and the latter roughly one and a half times as much. War, at $70,000,000,000, is not counted as an industry. Furthermore, medical care is increasing so fast in its demands for person nel that by 1970, three years from now, "projections indicate that either health services or education will be the nation's largest consumer of manpower." These . . .
Radiation Exposure and Cancer
Authors: Joseph L. Lyon
Journal: JAMA (1981)

To the Editor.—  The twofold excess risk of leukemia reported by Caldwell et al (1980;244:1575) in military personnel present at the nuclear test explosion Smoky in 1957 provides additional evidence that fallout from nuclear testing increases the risk of cancer. While the study is small, its positive findings are consistent with other studies, and the authors' risk estimates are conservative owing to their method of computation.  The authors estimated that a radiation dosage of about 70 rad would be necessary to produce the carcinogenic effect found, but available film badges only showed dosages of 0.5 to 1.0 rad. This inconsistency can be explained in one of the following ways: (1) the results of the studies are due to chance, bias, or confounding; (2) low levels of radiation may cause cancer more frequently than previously thought; or (3) the radiation received during the nuclear test was much greater than originally estimated
A prospective and randomized study on the effect of an anglotensin II type 1 receptor blocker irbesartan in maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Antonio Hernandez-Madrid, Jose G. Rebollo, Anibal Rodriguez, Manuel G. Bueno, Lucas Cano, Jose Manuel Cano, Gonzalo Peña, Gonzalo Peña, Driss Melehi, Detelina Savova, Asuncion Camino, Concepcion Moro, Ramon y Cajal
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2002)
Abstract 371: Expression and circulating level of VEGFR-3 in renal cell cancer: Implication for antiangiogenic treatments
Authors: Jean-Philippe Spano, Wassef Khaled, Roger Mouawad, Tibault De La Motte Rouge, Stephane Vignot, Rosa Conforti, David Khayat
Journal: Cancer Research (2010)

Abstract Background: Regional lymph node metastasis is a common event in solid tumors and is considered a marker for dissemination, increased stage, and worse prognosis. In renal cell cancer (RCC) lymphatic tumor spread exists, but, despite impressive therapeutic advances in metastatic RCC, including targeting of VEGF induced angiogenesis, data on the role of vegfr-3 that's appears to be the signaling pathway for tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis in RCC are rare. In this study, we analyzed the expression and the presence of the soluble VEGFR-3 form in 30 RCC patients and results were correlated with clinicopathological parameters. Patients and Methods: Tumor and sera from 30 RCC patients (20 clear cell (ccRCC) and 10 papillary (pRCC) were included in this study. The expressions of VEGFR-3 on tumor were evaluated by immunohistochemestry. Using ELISA assays, sVEGFR–3 were measured in sera of RCC patients in comparison to 20 healthy controls. Results: A high expression of VEGFR-3 was observed in more than 55% of the patients as compared to the negative control. Regarding circulating VEGF R-3 the level were variable in all samples, but, the median sVEGF- R3 level was significantly higher (p=0.005) in RCC patients as compared to healthy donors. An inverse correlation between VEGFR-3 expression &amp; its soluble form was noted (r=-0.33 p=0.040).. However, when patients were divided into subgroups, the expression as well as the circulating form of VEGFR-3 were significantly higher in pRCC than ccRCC (p= 0.035 and 0.022 respectively). No significant correlation with lymph node status was observed. Furthermore, there was no correlation with any clinicopathological variable in the two subgroups. Conclusions: we showed that in renal cell cancer, VEGFR-3 is expressed and present as soluble form, a different expression pattern in ccRCC and pRCC exist. Therefore, any clinical treatment strategy designed to target lymphangiogenesis in RCC should differentiate between ccRCC and pRCC Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 371.
Genetic and epigenetic factors in autoimmune reactions toward cytochrome P4502E1 in alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Matteo Vidali, Stephen F. Stewart, Roberta Rolla, Ann K. Daly, Yuanneng Chen, Elisa Mottaran, David E. J. Jones, Julian B. Leathart, Christopher P. Day, Emanuele Albano
Journal: Hepatology (2003)

Autoimmune reactions are often associated with alcoholic liver disease; however, the mechanisms responsible are largely unknown. This study investigates the potential role of the immune response against hydroxyethyl free radical (HER)-derived antigens and of polymorphisms in immunoregulatory genes in the development of anti-cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) autoantibodies in alcohol abusers. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) recognizing human CYP2E1 and HER-derived epitopes were measured by microplate immunosorbent assay in the sera of 90 patients with alcoholic fibrosis/cirrhosis (ALD), 37 heavy drinkers without liver disease or steatosis only (HD), and 59 healthy subjects. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the interleukin 10 (IL-10) promoter and in exon 1 of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) gene were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The titers and frequency of anti-CYP2E1 autoantibodies were significantly higher in ALD than in HD subjects or controls. ALD patients with anti-HER IgG had higher titers and a 4-fold increased risk (OR: 4.4 [1.8-10.9]) of developing anti-CYP2E1 autoantibodies than subjects without anti-HER antibodies. The mutant CTLA-4 G allele, but not the IL-10 polymorphism, was associated with an enhanced risk of developing anti-CYP2E1 IgG (OR: 3.8 [1.4-10.3]). CTLA-4 polymorphism did not influence antibody formation toward HER-antigens. ALD patients with concomitant anti-HER IgG and the CTLA-4 G allele had a 22-fold higher (OR: 22.9 [4.2-125.6]) risk of developing anti-CYP2E1 autoreactivity than subjects negative for these factors. In conclusion, antigenic stimulation by HER-modified CYP2E1 combined with an impaired control of T-cell proliferation by CTLA-4 mutation promotes the development of anti-CYP2E1 autoantibodies that might contribute to alcohol-induced liver injury.
SEPTIC THROMBOSIS OF THE CAVERNOUS SINUSES.WITH A REPORT OF THREE CASES.
Authors: E. C. ELLETT
Journal: JAMA (1904)

<h3>Case 1.</h3> —J. W., white, male, age 15, of good family history and previously healthy; was taken sick Aug. 2, 1898, with pain in and around the right eye. This pain was severe, but I was not able to ascertain if it was accompanied by other local symptoms, or if there was fever. The pain was relieved by acetanilid, but returned next day, and there was then swelling over the brow and fever. <h3>Examination.</h3> —These symptoms persisted, and he was brought to Memphis on the fifth day of his illness and was placed in the care of a general practitioner. There was a fluctuating swelling over the frontal region, extending up to the hair and down to the root of the nose. This was incised at its upper border and pus escaped. On the next day an incision was made above the root of the nose for better drainage. On the ninth
Combined Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy
Authors: Maurice Tubiana
Journal: JAMA (1973)

Severalrs ago, the value of a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the treatment of Hodgkin's disease was suggested by several authors,<sup>47-49</sup>but was debated by others.<sup>50</sup>Both radiotherapy and chemotherapy have since made considerable progress; however, there are still advantages to combining the modalities. Radiotherapy acts only on the neoplastic tissues that are located within the irradiated zones. For these tissues, the probability of recurrence decreases with the local radiation dose; but, it is never completely impossible. The dose is limited by the risk of local injury, especially in sensitive tissues such as the mediastinum or the spinal cord. The sequelae caused by the irradiation of the liver or of the lungs are so severe that their radical irradiation is practically impossible. Irradiation of the gonads in young patients carries genetic hazards that cannot be neglected. Extensive chemotherapy has become more and more efficient during the last decade. Aplasia of hematopoietic tissue represents the major limitating factor; in many cases this prevents sterilization of all the