tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
The significance of nonobstructive sinusoidal dilatation of the liver: Impaired portal perfusion or inflammatory reaction syndrome
Authors: Chiara Marzano, Dominique Cazals‐Hatem, Pierre‐Emmanuel Rautou, Dominique‐Charles Valla
Journal: Hepatology (2015)

Sinusoidal dilatation found in the absence of an impaired sinusoidal blood outflow has been so far of unclear significance. Sinusoidal dilatation may actually be a nonspecific feature of impaired portal venous blood inflow, whatever the cause, or a feature of severe systemic inflammatory reaction syndrome, whatever the cause. Sinusoidal dilatation is mainly located in the centrilobular area even in the absence of an outflow block. A predominantly periportal location is specifically found in oral contraceptive users, associated with an inflammatory condition. There is strong evidence for the association of sinusoidal dilatation and oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy but not for estroprogestative steroids or thiopurine derivatives. Exposure to anabolic androgen steroids appears to cause sinusoidal changes different from a mere sinusoidal dilatation.There is evidence of activation of the interleukin-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor pathways in sinusoidal dilatation, but the mechanisms linking the activation of these pathways with the microvascular changes must be identified.
The Hidden Research Paper
Authors: Richard Horton
Journal: JAMA (2002)

To determine whether the views expressed in a research paper are accurate representations of contributors' opinions about the research being reported.Purposive sampling of 10 research articles published in The Lancet; qualitative analysis of answers to 6 questions about the meaning of the study put to contributors who were listed on the byline of these articles. Fifty-four contributors listed on the bylines of the 10 articles were evaluated, and answers to questions were compared between contributors within research groups and against the published research report.A total of 36 (67%) of 54 contributors replied to this survey. Important weaknesses were often admitted on direct questioning but were not included in the published article. Contributors frequently disagreed about the importance of their findings, implications, and directions for future research. I could find no effort to study systematically past evidence relating to the investigators' own findings in either survey responses or the published article. Overall, the diversity of contributor opinion was commonly excluded from the published report. I found that discussion sections were haphazardly organized and did not deal systematically with important questions about the study.A research paper rarely represents the opinions of those scientists whose work it reports. The findings described herein reveal evidence of (self-)censored criticism, obscured meanings, confused assessment of implications, and failures to indicate directions for future research. There is now empirical support for the introduction of structured discussion sections in research papers. Editors might also explore ways to recover the plurality of contributors' opinions.
Diagnostic value of adenosine deaminase in nontuberculous lymphocytic pleural effusions
Authors: D. Jiménez Castro, G. Díaz Nuevo, E. Pérez-Rodríguez, R.W. Light
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2003)

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) can aid in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusions, but false-positive findings from lymphocytic effusions have been reported. The purpose of this study is to assess the ADA levels in nontuberculous lymphocytic pleural effusions (lymphocyte count > 50%) of different aetiologies. Altogether, 410 nontuberculous lymphocytic pleural fluid samples were consecutively selected. These included malignant effusions (n = 221), idiopathic effusions (n = 76), parapneumonic effusions (n = 35), postcoronary artery bypass graft surgery effusions (n = 6), miscellaneous exudative effusions (n = 21) and transudative effusions (n = 51). The ADA level reached the diagnostic cut-off for tuberculosis (40 U x L(-1)) in seven of the 410 cases (1.71%). The negative predictive value of ADA for the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis was 99% (403 of 407 cases) in the group of lymphocytic pleural effusions. In five of these seven patients ADA1 and ADA2 were measured, and in all these cases (100%) ADA1/ADA(p) correctly classified these lymphocytic effusions as nontuberculous (ratio < 0.42). This prospective study provides additional evidence that adenosine deaminase levels in nontuberculous lymphocytic pleural effusions seldom exceed the cut-off set for tuberculous effusions. The pleural fluid adenosine deaminase levels were significantly higher in different types of exudative effusions than in transudates. An adenosine deaminase level < 40 IU x L(-1) virtually excluded a diagnosis of tuberculosis in lymphocytic pleural effusions. Adenosine deaminase1/adenosine deaminase(p) correctly classified all nontuberculous lymphocytic pleural effusions with high adenosine deaminase levels.
SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND SECONDARY SEXUAL HAIR IN FEMALE PATIENTS WITH MANIC-DEPRESSIVE PSYCHOSES, AND THE RELATION OF THESE FACTORS TO DEMENTIA PRÆCOX
Authors: Charles E. Gibbs
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1924)

1. Observations are reported on 107 patients with recovery from two or more attacks. 2. Masculine pubic hair and mammary hair occurred with much less frequency in these patients than in those with dementia præcox, and with only a slightly greater frequency than in non-psychotic pregnant women. 3. In certain cases a close relation was found to exist between the character and adequacy of the previous sexual behavior, the age of onset of the psychosis, and the occurrence of these masculine types of hair growth. 4. Correlation of these three factors with the clinical picture on admission and the subsequent course after months or years in the hospital, and comparison with similar observations in dementia pnecox, seems to warrant the following conclusion: That in female patients with psychotic reactions having certain benign aspects, usually resembling manic excitement, a history of inadequate or peculiar sexual behavior, and often of illicit intercourse, together with early onset of the psychosis and the presence of masculine hair, indicates a malignant process and unfavorable outcome. Many such patients fail to recover from the first or second attack and follow a malignant course which cannot be differentiated from dementia præcox. Others follow an atypical course, with prolonged attacks and final chronicity, without very marked deterioration. Three illustrative cases are reported. 5. The biological significance of the findings is discussed. 6. Statistics on the number of attacks of manic-depressive psychosis are misleading when recovery from the first and subsequent attacks is not shown.
The human recombinant histamine releasing factor: Functional evidence that it does not bind to the IgE molecule
Authors: Felix Wantke, Donald W. MacGlashan, Jacqueline M. Langdon, Susan M. MacDonald
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (1999)

Background: We have previously shown that the human recombinant histamine releasing factor (HrHRF) caused histamine release from a subset of basophils from donors with allergy, and this release seemed to be dependent on the presence of a certain type of IgE, termed IgE+ . IgE molecules that did not support HrHRF-induced histamine release were termed IgE– . However, subsequently we demonstrated that HrHRF primes anti-IgE-antibody–induced histamine release from all basophils, irrespective of the type of IgE on the cell surface. Objective: Because these data suggested that HrHRF does not exert its biologic effects by binding to IgE, but rather that it interacted with a surface receptor on the basophil, we wanted to obtain functional evidence that HrHRF did or did not bind to the IgE molecule. Methods: The rat basophilic leukemia cell line (RBL-SX38), which has been transfected to express a functional human FcϵRI (α-, β-, and γ-chains of the receptor) in addition to the normal rat FcϵRI, was used. The presence of the human FcϵRI receptor enables these cells to be sensitized with human IgE. Cells were passively sensitized with 1000 ng/mL human IgE+ or 1000 ng/mL human IgE– for 60 minutes at 37°C. Unsensitized cells served as a control. After the cells were washed, 1 × l05 cells were stimulated in the presence of 1 mmol/L Ca2+ with 0.1 μg/mL anti-IgE, 40 μg/mL HrHRF, or 40 μg/mL mouse recombinant HRF (MrHRF), which has 96% homology to HrHRF. Results: Mean anti-IgE–induced histamine release was 33% ± 15%, and there was no difference between IgE+ sensitization (32% ± 12%) and IgE– sensitization (34% ± 18%). However, in contrast to human basophil experiments, neither HrHRF (0% ± 0%) nor MrHRF (3% ± 5%) caused histamine release in RBL cells sensitized with IgE+. In addition, priming the transfected RBL-SX38 cells or the parental cell line, RBL-2H3 cells, with HrHRF or MrHRF did not increase anti-IgE–induced histamine release. Conclusion: The results indicate that HrHRF does not bind to IgE, either IgE+ or IgE–. Therefore it appears likely that rHRF signals through its own specific receptor, which is not expressed or functional on RBL-SX38 or RBL-2H3 cells, but which seems to be expressed on basophils of atopic and nonatopic donors. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103:642-8.)
Low load / high repetition elastic band resistance training in patients with COPD – A randomized controlled multicenter trial
Authors: Andre Nyberg, Britta Lindström, Karin Wadell
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Background : High-repetitive resistance training is recommended to increase peripheral muscular endurance in healthy adults, however the effects of resistance training with this design in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is less known.   Aim : Investigate how low load / high repetition elastic band resistance training (RT) affect muscular function in patients with COPD.   Methods : Forty-four patients with COPD (FEV 1  44.6% predicted) were recruited and randomized to either RT in combination with patient education (PE) or to PE alone. Blinded measurements of muscle function were performed at baseline and after 8 weeks on a stationary dynamometer. Isokinetic peak torque (Nm) and the total work (Joules (J)) of 30 consecutive repetitions was used for shoulder flexion and knee extension maximal strength and peripheral muscle endurance respectively. RT is a resistance training regimen performed with one leg /arm at a time using elastic bands and body weight as resistance.   Results : The between group differences were in favor of the RT group with regard to peripheral muscle endurance in shoulder flexion (mean difference, 95% confidence interval, (60 J; 19 to 102, p=.005), in knee extension (184 J; 24 to 343, p=.018) and maximal strength in knee extension (9 Nm; 3 to 16, p=.003). Also with regard to maximal strength during shoulder flexion (4 Nm; -0,2 to 8, p=.061) the result was in favor of the RT group, however not significant.   Conclusion : The present study indicates that 8 weeks of RT seems effective with regard to both peripheral muscular endurance and maximal strength in patients with COPD.
Later Stage at Diagnosis and Worse Survival in Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma Among Men Living Alone: A Nationwide Population-Based Study From Sweden
Authors: Hanna Eriksson, Johan Lyth, Eva Månsson-Brahme, Margareta Frohm-Nilsson, Christian Ingvar, Christer Lindholm, Peter Naredi, Ulrika Stierner, John Carstensen, Johan Hansson
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2014)

To investigate the association between cohabitation status, clinical stage at diagnosis, and disease-specific survival in cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM).This nationwide population-based study included 27,235 patients from the Swedish Melanoma Register diagnosed with a primary invasive CMM between 1990 and 2007 and linked data to nationwide, population-based registers followed up through 2012.After adjustment for age at diagnosis, level of education, living area, period of diagnosis, and tumor site, the odds ratios (ORs) of higher stage at diagnosis were significantly increased among men living alone versus men living with a partner (stage II v stage I: OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.29 to 1.57; stage III or IV v stage I: OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.79). The OR for stage II versus stage I disease was also increased among women living alone (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.28). After adjustments for the factors listed earlier, the CMM-specific survival was significantly decreased among men living alone (hazard ratio [HR] for death, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.33 to 1.65; P < .001). After additional adjustments for all potential and established prognostic factors, CMM-specific survival among men living alone versus men living with a partner remained significantly decreased (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.46; P < .001), suggesting a residual adverse effect on survival not accounted for by these parameters.In all age groups among men, living alone is significantly associated with reduced CMM-specific survival, partially attributed to a more advanced stage at diagnosis. This emphasizes the need for improved prevention and early detection strategies for this group.
Importance of the site of endoscopic gastric biopsy in ulcerating lesions of the stomach.
Authors: A R Hatfield, G Slavin, A W Segal, A J Levi
Journal: Gut (1975)

Twenty freshly resected stomach specimens, each containing an ulcerated carcinoma, were studied in an attempt to determine the best site for gastric biopsy. Using endoscopic biopsy forceps multiple biopsies were obtained from various sites around the ulcer. Carcinoma was detected with similar frequency in biopsies from the slough and from the rim of the ulcer. The positive biopsy rate was increased to 95% when the results from the rim and the slough were combined. It is suggested that the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic gastric biopsy can be improved by taking biopsies from both the rim and the slough of an ulcer.
Reduced late asthmatic response by repeated low-dose allergen exposure
Authors: M. Palmqvist, Z-H. Cui, M. Sjöstrand, A. Lindén, J. Lötvall
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2001)

Allergic asthmatic individuals are often exposed to low-doses of allergen in their everyday life. Extended exposure to allergen has lead to down-regulation of the allergic process in cell systems and in animal models. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether any such inhibitory mechanism of allergic responses can be seen in man in vivo . Patients with mild asthma were repeatedly and double-blindly exposed to 25% of the individual dose of allergen that caused an early (EAR) and late asthmatic reaction (LAR). One day after the low-dose allergen or placebo exposure periods, the same individual was given a high-dose allergen challenge. Sputum and blood were collected for the evaluation of eosinophils. Exposure to repeated low doses of allergen induced increased bronchial methacholine responsiveness 6 h after the final allergen exposure (p=0.018), and an increase in the number of eosinophils in sputum. By contrast, the late asthmatic response after challenge with a high dose of allergen was significantly attenuated by ∼30% at 24 h after the final low-dose allergen exposure (p=0.03). In summary, repeated low doses of allergen given directly to the airways, attenuate the high-dose allergen-induced late response, despite enhanced bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine and elevated sputum eosinophils prior to allergen challenge.
THE THERAPEUTIC USE OF TUBERCULIN
Authors: W. C. Wilkinson
Journal: BMJ (1923)

L EICA OE tuberculosis in children.With the above technique I have not failed so far to obtain a positive reaction in any case of tuberculous meningitis, acute miliary tuber- culosis, massive abdominal tuberculosis, and acute pulmonary phthisis.Case 1.-Mary F., aged 11 years; acute phthisls.Admitted June 3rd, 1921.Great emaciation and weakness.Large hard mass of glands in the right side of neck; signs of consolidation and catarrh in the right lung.Cutaneous test, performed June 5th, was negative two days later; the child was not seen again until June 23rd, when the reaction was positive.A second test, done on June 23rd, was positive.July 25th: emaciation and weakness extreme; tubercle bacilli in sputum; third cutaneous test positive.Death, sixteen days later.No post-mortem examination.
Incidence of asthma and respiratory symptoms by sex, age and smoking in a community study
Authors: T.M.L. Eagan, P.S. Bakke, G.E. Eide, A. Gulsvik
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2002)

The purpose of this study was to establish incidence rates for a wide range of respiratory symptoms and asthma, and relate them to sex, age, and smoking habits. A cohort established in 1985 as a random sample from the population of Western Norway, aged 15–70 yrs, was followed-up in 1996–1997. Of the initial cohort of 3,786 subjects, a total of 2,819 replied to mailed questionnaires at both baseline and follow-up. The 11‐yrs cumulative incidence of asthma was 4.0% in males and 3.5% in females. For respiratory symptoms, the cumulative incidences for both sexes varied between 2.0% (dyspnoea grade 4) and 25.8% (wheezing), being higher in females than males for most symptoms. For calculation of odds ratios (ORs) multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. The sex and smoking-adjusted incidences increased by age for all symptoms except wheezing and attacks of dyspnoea. Those starting to smoke within the follow-up had ORs of 1.9–2.2 for the cough symotoms compared to never-smokers, after adjusting for sex, age, and pack-yrs. To conclude, the 11‐yrs incidence of dyspnoea increased with increasing pack-yrs, after adjusting for sex, age, and changes in smoking habits. This indicated that when analysing other risk factors, adjustment has to be made for the risks posed by smoking, sex and age.
Propagation of Tau Pathology in a Model of Early Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Alix de Calignon, Manuela Polydoro, Marc Suárez-Calvet, Christopher William, David H. Adamowicz, Kathy J. Kopeikina, Rose Pitstick, Naruhiko Sahara, Karen H. Ashe, George A. Carlson, Tara L. Spires-Jones, Bradley T. Hyman
Journal: Neuron (2012)
<i>KCNH2</i> -K897T Is a Genetic Modifier of Latent Congenital Long-QT Syndrome
Authors: Lia Crotti, Andrew L. Lundquist, Roberto Insolia, Matteo Pedrazzini, Chiara Ferrandi, Gaetano M. De Ferrari, Alessandro Vicentini, Ping Yang, Dan M. Roden, Alfred L. George, Peter J. Schwartz
Journal: Circulation (2005)

Background— Clinical heterogeneity among patients with long-QT syndrome (LQTS) sharing the same disease-causing mutation is usually attributed to variable penetrance. One potential explanation for this phenomenon is the coexistence of modifier gene alleles, possibly common single nucleotide polymorphisms, altering arrhythmia susceptibility. We demonstrate this concept in a family segregating a novel, low-penetrant KCNH2 mutation along with a common single nucleotide polymorphism in the same gene. Methods and Results— The proband is a 44-year-old white woman with palpitations associated with presyncope since age 20, who presented with ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest. Intermittent QT prolongation was subsequently observed (max QTc, 530 ms), and LQT2 was diagnosed after the identification of a missense KCNH2 mutation (A1116V) altering a conserved residue in the distal carboxyl-terminus of the encoded HERG protein. The proband also carried the common KCNH2 polymorphism K897T on the nonmutant allele. Relatives who carried A1116V without K897T were asymptomatic, but some exhibited transient mild QTc prolongation, suggesting latent disease. Heterologous expression studies performed in cultured mammalian cells and using bicistronic vectors linked to different fluorescent proteins demonstrated that coexpression of A1116V with K897T together resulted in significantly reduced current amplitude as compared with coexpression of either allele with WT-HERG. Thus, the presence of KCNH2 -K897T is predicted to exaggerate the I Kr reduction caused by the A1116V mutation. These data explain why symptomatic LQTS occurred only in the proband carrying both alleles. Conclusions— We have provided evidence that a common KCNH2 polymorphism may modify the clinical expression of a latent LQT2 mutation. A similar mechanism may contribute to the risk for sudden death in more prevalent cardiac diseases.
Acute flaccid paralysis following enterovirus D68 associated pneumonia, France, 2014
Authors: M Lang, A Mirand, N Savy, C Henquell, S Maridet, R Perignon, A Labbé, H Peigue-Lafeuille
Journal: Eurosurveillance (2014)

Human enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is known to be associated with mild to severe respiratory infections. Recent reports in the United States and Canada of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) in children with detection of EV-D68 in respiratory samples have raised concerns about the aetiological role of this EV type in severe neurological disease. This case study is the first report of AFP following EV-D68 infection in Europe.
Magnetic Scaffolds Enriched with Bioactive Nanoparticles for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Hadas Skaat, Ofra Ziv‐Polat, Abraham Shahar, David Last, Yael Mardor, Shlomo Margel
Journal: Advanced Healthcare Materials (2012)

Novel magnetic fibrin hydrogel scaffolds for cell implantation and tissue engineering are reported. The magnetic scaffolds are produced by the interaction between thrombin-conjugated maghemite nanoparticles of narrow size distribution and fibrinogen. These scaffolds, enriched with growth factor conjugated fluorescent maghemite nanoparticles, provide a supporting 3D environment for massive proliferation of various cell types, and can be successfully visualized by MRI. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as "Supporting Information". Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.
Court-Ordered Reimbursement for Unproven Medical Technology
Authors: John H. Ferguson
Journal: JAMA (1993)

OBJECTIVE--Because we found examples where courts of law ruled against insurance carriers that had been sued for reimbursement for unproven medical procedures, we conducted a case study to determine the reasoning behind these decisions that run counter to accepted medical science. Such actions circumvent health technology assessment and could contribute to escalating health care costs and poorer quality health care. DATA SOURCES--A literature search identified 17 cases between 1980 and 1989 in which an insurance company was sued to reimburse a patient who had received an unproven or questionable health technology; 14 of these suits were decided in favor of the plaintiff, and the insurance company was ordered to pay. Discussed in this article are six of these cases, two involving Laetrile (amygdalin), two involving immunoaugmentative therapy, and two involving thermography, technologies that had previously been assessed as not safe, not effective, or inadequately evaluated. DATA SYNTHESIS AND CONCLUSIONS--The circumstances determining how the courts arrive at these "unscientific" decisions fall into three general categories: (1) for legal reasons, the insurance contract is interpreted in favor of the insured; (2) the reluctance and/or inability, legal or otherwise, of the courts to use published scientific literature; and (3) the use of adversarial "expert" witnesses with potential conflicts of interest. To address this situation, we first urge the legal and insurance industries to cooperate in improving the contract language and process in a way that would be both legally and scientifically appropriate. Second, we encourage the courts to use and foster the use of published peer-reviewed scientific material as evidence whenever possible. Third, we recommend that the courts choose their own unbiased expert witnesses to interpret scientific material.