tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Atopy, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and peak flow variability in children with mild occasional wheezing.
Authors: H Roizin, A Reshef, I Katz, S Benzaray, M Lison, R J Shiner
Journal: Thorax (1996)

BACKGROUND: Children who suffer from recurrent wheezy episodes are often promptly classified as asthmatic. The aim of this study was to evaluate a population of mild wheezy children with repeatedly normal spirometric tests at rest for atopy, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and peak expiratory flow variability. METHODS: Thirty nine children aged 6-16 years with 1-12 wheezy attacks during the previous year were recruited from a community paediatric primary health care clinic serving an urban Israeli population. The conditions for inclusion were a physician-diagnosed wheeze on auscultation and normal spirometric tests at rest on at least three occasions. Evaluation included skin prick tests for atopy and a physician-completed questionnaire. In addition, two tests of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) were performed--namely, exercise-induced bronchospasm and inhaled methacholine hyperresponsiveness--as well as diurnal variability of peak expiratory flow (PV). RESULTS: One or more tests of BHR/PV were positive in 27 (69%) but repeatedly negative in 12 (31%). In terms of frequency of wheezing attacks, atopy, and questionnaire responses, there were no differences between BHR/PV and non-BHR/PV children, with the exception of a history of chest radiography proven pneumonia (only noted in the BHR/PV group). Overall, evidence of atopy (mainly indoor allergens) was noted in 21 (56%) of those tested and parental smoking in 29 (74%) of households. Thirty-two (82%) of the children complained of an exercise-related wheeze, yet exercise-induced bronchospasm was only demonstrated in nine (23%). CONCLUSIONS: This selected group of wheezy children appears to be intermediate between a normal and clearly asthmatic population and, despite the recurrent wheezy attacks, some should probably not be classified as asthmatic by conventional criteria. Important aetiological factors in the symptomatology of these children may include parental smoking and atopy as well as other elements such as viral infections.
The Physiologic and Clinical Significance of Plasma Proteins and Protein Metabolites
Authors: Jack Metcoff, Fredrick J. Stare
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1947)

PROTEIN is an essential component of protoplasm. Both structure and function of bodytissues are dependent on specific proteins, such as enzymes and hormones. Fluid balance, hemostasis, many hormone and lipoprotein complexes and certain immune mechanisms are related to protein nutrition. Recent observations derived from many sources have re-emphasized and extended the clinical significance of plasma proteins, protein metabolites and protein degradation products. The concept of constant interchange or "dynamic equilibrium" between the proteins of blood and other tissues,1 , 2 the elucidation of indispensable amino acids,3 , 4 the application of heavy nitrogen and marked carbon to problems of nitrogen metabolism and immunology5 6 7 and . . .
Glucagon regulation of plasma ketone body concentration in human diabetes.
Authors: D S Schade, R P Eaton
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1975)

The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that physiological concentrations of glucagon may increase plasma ketone body concentration when sufficient free fatty acid substrate is available to support hepatic ketogenesis. Physiological elevations of plasma glucagon concentration were produced by a constant infusion of hormone, and increased plasma-free fatty acid availability was produced by simultaneous heparin injection to induce intravascular lipolysis. In the five insulin-dependent subjects studied, when plasma glucagon concentration remained at the normal basal level of 72+/-14 pg/ml during control saline infusion, the heparin-induced increase in free fatty acid availability resulted in approximately a 20% increase in plasma ketone body concentration. In contrast, when plasma glucagon concentration was elevated by hormone infusion to the physiological level of 215+/-35 pg/ml, the heparin-induced increases in free fatty acid availability resulted in approximately an 80% increase in plasma ketone body concentration. These results suggest that physiological elevations in plasma glucagon concentration may augment ketonemia in diabetic man when simultaneous elevations in plasma-free fatty acid arepresent.
Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane burden and breast cancer risk: a meta-analysis of the epidemiologic evidence.
Authors: Malaquías López-Cervantes, Luisa Torres-Sánchez, Aurelio Tobías, Lizbeth López-Carrillo
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2004)

The relationship of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) exposure and breast cancer risk has received increasing attention since the beginning of the 1990s. Contradicting published results regarding the relationship between body burden levels of p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (p,p'-DDE)--the main DDT metabolite--and breast cancer, we argue that such differences stem from methodologic differences among those studies. We performed a meta-analysis of 22 articles using DerSimonian and Laird's method for random effects models. The Q-statistic was used to identify heterogeneity in the outcome variable across studies. The gradient of p,p'-DDE exposure in epidemiologic studies was homogenized to serum lipid bases (nanograms per gram). The potential for publication bias was examined by means of the Begg's test. We discuss methodologic features of the studies in an attempt to reconcile the findings. The summary odds ratio (OR) for selected studies was 0.97 (95% confidence interval, 0.87-1.09) and the gradient of exposure ranged from 84.37 to 12,948 ng/g. No overall heterogeneity in the OR was observed (chi-squared = 27.93; df = 23; p = 0.218). Neither the study design nor the lack of breast-feeding control or the type of biologic specimen used to measure p,p'-DDE levels were the causes of heterogeneity throughout the studies. Evidence for publication bias was not found (p = 0.253). Overall, these results should be regarded as a strong evidence to discard the putative relationship between p,p'-DDE and breast cancer risk. Nevertheless, the exposure to DDT during critical periods of human development--from conception to adolescence--and individual variations in metabolizing enzymes of DDT or its derivatives are still important areas to be researched in regard to breast cancer development in adulthood.
Dancing hookworm in the small bowel detected by capsule endoscopy: a synthesized video
Authors: Z.-S. Li, Z. Liao, P. Ye, R.-P. Wu
Journal: Endoscopy (2007)

A 38-year-old Chinese woman presented to our hospital, complaining of a 3-month history of black stool passage and dizziness. Laboratory test results included hemoglobin, 40 g/L (normal: 120 - 160 g/L); red blood cell count, 2.08 × 1012/L (4.0 - 5.5 × 1012/L); white cell count, 15.48 × 109/L (4.0 - 10.0 × 109/L); eosinophils, 30.1 % (0.5 % - 5 %); platelet count, 424 × 109/L (100 - 300 × 109/L). Stool examination was positive for occult blood while negative for ova and parasites. Both upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy showed negative results. Other biochemistry examination results, including electrolytes, and liver and renal functions were within normal limits. The patient underwent transfusion of four units of packed red blood cells. A capsule endoscopy (OMOM; Chongqing Jinshan Science & Technology Inc., China) performed to evaluate the patient further for occult gastrointestinal tract bleeding showed multiple worms throughout the small bowel (Figure [1]). Interestingly, the sequence of figures from 02 : 31 : 26 (h : min : s) to 02 : 33 : 02 showed a hookworm sticking to and ”dancing“ on the small-bowel mucosa. A total of 75 frames chosen from the sequence were turned into a video (Video [1]) (Adobe Premiere 6.5; Adobe Systems Incorporated, California, USA). The patient refused enteroscopy and further examinations because of poor economic circumstances. Follow-up showed good recovery after treatment with oral albendazole.
759–6 Computerization of the ACC/AHA Guidelines for PTCA and CABG - Use of a Relational Database for Comparison with RAND Expert Panel Ratings and University of Maryland Revascularization Appropriateness Scores (RAS)
Authors: Michael A. Lauer, Andrew A. Ziskind, Cynthia C. Lemmon, Robert A. Vogel
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (1995)
Jean-Baptiste Bouillaud and Ernest Auburtin
Authors: Byron Stookey
Journal: JAMA (1963)

THE IMPORTANT and repeated communications of Jean-Baptiste Bouillaud and Ernest Auburtin in establishing the principle of cerebral localization and the existence of a speech center have not been accorded the recognition that is rightly theirs. In challenging the opinion of Flourens and Gratiolet and their experimental work, Bouillaud beginning in 1825 and Auburtin between 1861 and 1866 repeatedly showed the importance of clinical studies and pathological anatomy in determining cerebral physiology. Disease was used in the interpretation of physiology thus anticipating Hughlings Jackson. The controversy over cerebral localization and the determination of a speech center led, only a few years later, to the work of Fritsch and Hitzig and of Ferrier. As early as 1825 Bouillaud<sup>1</sup>held that every physician familiar with clinical work had had frequent opportunities to observe motor disturbances produced by disease of the brain, yet, in spite of ample clinical and pathological evidence, Flourens
Immunological deficiency and impaired resistance to infection.
Authors: K W Walton
Journal: BMJ (1972)

The preservation of an internal environment unaltered by external influences is an essential requirement for all living things. In man this is partly secured by the interplay and successive interaction of several processes designed to prevent the entry, or to secure the elimination, of extrinsic noxious agents (Table I). Integrity of the skin and mucous membranes, reinforced by non-specific bactericidal secretions (for example,
Phase I and Pharmacokinetic Study of Intravenous Irinotecan Plus Oral Ciclosporin in Patients With Fluorouracil-Refractory Metastatic Colon Cancer
Authors: John D. Chester, Simon P. Joel, Susan L. Cheeseman, Geoffrey D. Hall, Michael S. Braun, Jackie Perry, Theresa Davis, Christopher J. Button, Matthew T. Seymour
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2003)

To assess the safety and toxicity profile of escalating doses of intravenous irinotecan, in combination with a fixed dose of oral ciclosporin (Cs) and to determine the pharmacokinetic profile of irinotecan and its metabolites.Patients with fluorouracil-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer received escalating doses of intravenous irinotecan from 40 to 125 mg/m(2) every 2 weeks in combination with a fixed dose of oral Cs (5 mg/kg bid for 3 days). Pharmacokinetic analysis of plasma irinotecan and its metabolites SN38 and SN38G was performed during paired cycles with and without Cs.Thirty-seven patients were treated. Dose-limiting toxicity of grade 4 neutropenia was seen at an irinotecan dose of 125 mg/m(2). There was no grade 4 diarrhea, and only one patient experienced grade 3 diarrhea. Toxicities caused by Cs were generally mild. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that irinotecan clearance was reduced from 13.4 to 5.8 L/h/m(2) and area under the curve (AUC)(0-tn) was increased 2.2-fold by the coadministration of Cs. Similar significant increases in AUC(0-24h) were seen for both SN38 and SN38G (2.2-fold and 2.3-fold, respectively) in the presence of Cs. Antitumor activity was seen at every irinotecan dose level.The maximum tolerated irinotecan dose and recommended dose for phase II studies is 100 mg/m(2) every 2 weeks. Dose-limiting diarrhea was not seen during this study, supporting the hypothesis that pharmacokinetic modulation of irinotecan by Cs may improve its therapeutic index. Further studies using this combination are warranted.
Dysregulated Sonic hedgehog signaling and medulloblastoma consequent to IFN-α–stimulated STAT2-independent production of IFN-γ in the brain
Authors: Jianping Wang, Ngan Pham-Mitchell, Christian Schindler, Iain L. Campbell
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2003)

The type I IFNs (IFN-alpha and IFN-beta), which are crucial in antiviral defense and immune regulation, signal via the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway with activation of STAT1 and STAT2. Here, the function of STAT2 was studied in transgenic mice (termed GIFN/STAT2-/-) with CNS production of IFN-alpha. Surprisingly, GIFN/STAT2-/-, but not GIFN/STAT1-null, transgenic mice, with CNS production of IFN-alpha, died prematurely with medulloblastoma. An immune response also induced in the brain of the GIFN/STAT2-/- mice was associated with IFN-gamma gene expression by CD3+ T cells and the activation of the STAT1, STAT3, STAT4, and STAT5 molecules. Expression of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and the downstream transcriptional factor Gli-1 genes, implicated in the pathogenesis of medulloblastoma, was found to be significantly increased and cotranscribed in cerebellar granule neurons of the GIFN/STAT2-/- mice. IFN-gamma, but not IFN-alpha, induced STAT1-dependent expression of the Shh gene in cultured cerebellar granule neurons. Thus, there is an unexpected and extraordinarily adverse biological potency of IFN-alpha in the CNS when the primary signal transduction molecule STAT2 is absent. Moreover, a hitherto unknown role is indicated for the immune system in the pathogenesis of developmental disorders and tumorigenesis of the CNS via dysregulated Shh signaling mediated by IFN-gamma.
Microscopic colitis-a cause of chronic watery diarrhoea.
Authors: J G Kingham, D A Levison, J A Ball, A M Dawson
Journal: BMJ (1982)

Six patients with severe watery diarrhoea were found to have microscopic total colitis. None had any abnormality detectable by conventional tests used to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease-namely, barium radiology and endoscopy. The diagnosis could only be made by microscopic examination of biopsy specimens from the apparently normal colon. Anaemia, raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hypokalaemia, and hypoalbuminaemia were common findings. Small-bowel function was normal in all, though three patients had jejunal lesions of uncertain relevance but seemingly unrelated to the diarrhoea. The five patients given anti-inflammatory drugs showed a satisfactory response with improvement of the diarrhoea and colonic inflammation and return to normal of the abnormal laboratory findings. Microscopic colitis is responsible for a proportion of cases of intractable diarrhoea of obscure origin and rectal and colonic biopsies sould be undertaken in such cases.
The results of transvenous endomyocardial biopsy can frequently be used to diagnose myocardial diseases in patients with idiopathic heart failure. Endomyocardial biopsies in 100 consecutive patients revealed a substantial incidence of myocarditis.
Authors: J E Parrillo, H T Aretz, I Palacios, J T Fallon, P C Block
Journal: Circulation (1984)

Transvenous endomyocardial biopsy is an accepted method to evaluate cardiac transplant rejection, but the clinical diagnostic value of the technique for other forms of cardiac disease has not been established. We performed biopsies in 100 consecutive patients without significant complications. The pathologic diagnostic information obtained was judged to be useful to the clinician in 54 and not useful in 46 patients. In 74 patients with congestive heart failure of unknown etiology and a dilated heart, useful pathologic diagnoses included myocarditis, vasculitis, doxorubicin cardiomyopathy, and congestive cardiomyopathy. In most of the patients with biopsy findings of myocarditis there were no other clinical or laboratory findings indicating the presence of this disease, and the diagnosis of myocarditis would have been overlooked without a biopsy. In 26 patients in whom there was clinical evidence of constrictive or restrictive cardiovascular physiologic characteristics, useful biopsy diagnoses included radiation-induced cardiomyopathy, endomyocardial fibrosis, amyloidosis, or no myocardial disease; in the patients without myocardial disease thoracotomies were performed for constrictive pericarditis. Transvenous endomyocardial biopsy can provide clinically useful information in the evaluation of diseases of the myocardium.
Medical Evacuations From the Former Yugoslavia
Authors: Jacqueline Weekers
Journal: JAMA (1994)

<h3>To the Editor.</h3> —The conflict in the former Yugoslavia has resulted in more than 150 000 casualties since 1991,<sup>1,2</sup>mostly affecting Bosnia-Herzegovina and heavily taxing the capacity of the formerly developed health care structure. The conflict prompted development of a humanitarian program created to provide medical care abroad for war victims who could not be treated locally. The Special Medical Programme was implemented in Croatia in September 1992 by the International Organization for Migration, an intergovernmental organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, assisting migrants and refugees. The Special Medical Programme in coordination with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, expanded in 1993 to Bosnia-Herzegovina, and to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. For inclusion in the Special Medical Programme,<sup>3</sup>patients must suffer from a serious medical condition, have a favorable prognosis, be stable enough to survive the journey, and be able to withstand the delay between medical documentation and
THE RÔLE OF THE PROSTATE AND SEMINAL VESICLES IN GENERAL TOXEMIAS
Authors: HUGH H. YOUNG
Journal: JAMA (1913)

It is now becoming more and more generally recognized that the etiology of many obscure joint, cardiac, neurologic and other diseases is to be found in chronic infections in remote organs, and in recent years the tonsil, nasopharynx, and alimentary tract have come to be regarded as the frequent site of such infections. The extent to which the genito-urinary tract is to blame has not been appreciated, and in reviewing the literature one finds very few valuable articles giving exact data on this question. Of course, it has long been recognized that gonorrhea, both acute and chronic, is responsible for many general infections, but the part played by the acute and chronic infections of the higher genito-urinary tract, the kidney and bladder, the epididymis and testicle, the prostate and seminal vesicles, has received scant accurate attention. In this article I shall confine my attention to the rôle of the prostate
Impact of early diagnosis and control of chronic respiratory diseases on active and healthy ageing
Authors: J. Bousquet, C.C. Tanasescu, T. Camuzat, J.M. Anto, F. Blasi, A. Neou, S. Palkonen, N.G. Papadopoulos, J.P. Antunes, B. Samolinski, P. Yiallouros, T. Zuberbier
Journal: Allergy (2013)

A debate at the European Union Parliament was held on 13 November 2012 on the Impact of early diagnosis and control of chronic respiratory diseases on Active and Healthy Ageing (AHA). The debate was held under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the European Union (2012) and represents a follow-up of the priorities of the Polish Presidency of the European Union (2011). It highlighted the importance of early life events on the occurrence of chronic respiratory diseases later in life and their impact on active and healthy ageing. Epidemiologic evidence was followed by actions that should be taken to prevent and manage chronic respiratory diseases in children. The debate ended by practical, feasible and achievable projects, demonstrating the strength of the political action in the field. Three projects will be initiated from this debate: The first will be a meeting sponsored by the Région Languedoc-Roussillon on the developmental origins of chronic diseases and ageing: from research to policies and value creation. The second project is being led by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Asthma and Rhinitis: Prevention of Asthma, Prevention of Allergy (PAPA). The third project is the GA(2)LEN sentinel network.
Kenneth Arthur Day
Authors: T. Berney
Journal: BMJ (2008)

Ken Day’s memorial service brought out the remarkable breadth of his talents. This was to be expected, but what was a surprise was how few people knew their full extent, and how far he had undersold himself.

Everyone knew Ken the learning disability psychiatrist. He had been assigned arbitrarily to the specialty in 1966 and to Northgate Hospital, where he stayed until he retired in 1996 as its medical director. His successor commented: “If Northgate was a stick of rock, the letters running through it would be Kenneth Arthur Day.” Ken’s stamp was to promote his patients’ perspective, whether they were people he was treating, people he was assessing as a tribunal psychiatrist, or a group that found itself the focus of service development. He brought enthusiasm and expertise to all of these roles but particularly to his work with offenders. This …
Asbestos in Schools — A Public Health Problem
Authors: Charles M. Spooner
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1979)

The relation between the inhalation of airborne pollutants such as asbestos, even at low concentrations, and serious lung diseases and disorders of other organs, has been known since early in this century.1 , 2 Exposure to microscopic, deeply respirable fibers of asbestos has been linked to progressive fibrosis of the lungs (asbestosis), to laryngeal cancer and to cancer of the surrounding pleura (mesothelioma).3 , 4 Although asbestosis is usually considered an occupational disease of workers who receive high doses of airborne fibers through direct handling over prolonged periods, these exposures may be related only indirectly to the workers' duties. For example, an electrician on . . .
Prescription of oxygen concentrators for long term oxygen treatment: reassessment in one district.
Authors: M. J. Walshaw, R. Lim, C. C. Evans, C. R. Hind
Journal: BMJ (1988)

When oxygen concentrators became available on form FP10 in 1985 the Department of Health and Social Security issued clear guidelines for their prescription for long term treatment. Reassessment of those patients prescribed a concentrator in one district showed that 29 out of 61 patients did not fulfil these criteria. Furthermore, in only 28 cases was the daily use of the machine appropriate, though this did not reflect poor patient cooperation but was a result of inadequate prescribing instructions. In addition, 12 out of 54 patients continued to smoke. Overall, in only 18 of the 61 cases was both the prescription appropriate and the concentrator properly used. These results suggest a need for better cooperation between general practitioner and hospital in the initial assessment of patients for long term oxygen treatment and better education of both doctor and patient in the use of oxygen concentrators.
692 ESTABLISHMENT OF INDIVIDUAL PREDICTION MODEL FOR TREATMENT RESPONSE IN HB E ANTIGENPOSITIVE CHRONIC HEPATITIS B PATIENTS ON LAMIVUDINE MONOTHERAPY
Authors: W. Kang, H.W. Lee, J.Y. Park, D.Y. Kim, S.H. Ahn, Y.H. Paik, K.S. Lee, B.S. Moon, C.Y. Chon, Y.M. Moon, K.H. Han
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2008)
Timolol in the Treatment of Open Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Mary Ellen Kosman
Journal: JAMA (1979)

Timolol maleate is the first beta-adrenergic-blocking drug available in the United States for topical therapy in open angle glaucoma. It may be used alone for initial therapy in selected patients or with other antiglaucoma drugs in patients requiring additional control. It should be tried, before resorting to surgery, when traditional maximal medical therapy has failed or is not tolerated. Timolol has few local side effects, but since it is absorbed, it may produce systemic reactions similar to those induced by orally administered propranolol hydrochloride. Timolol appears to be an important advance in antiglaucoma therapy, although further experience is needed to determine whether its long-term usefulness will be limited by the development of tolerance or the appearance of unexpected side effects.