tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
The MHC2TA -168A/G polymorphism and risk for rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis of 6861 patients and 9270 controls reveals no evidence for association
Authors: P G Bronson, L A Criswell, L F Barcellos
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2007)

<h3>Background:</h3> An association between major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes, particularly those within the class II HLA region, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is well established, and accounts for an estimated 30% of the genetic component in RA. The MHC class II transactivator gene (<i>MHC2TA</i>) on chromosome 16p13 has recently emerged as the most important transcription factor regulating genes required for class II MHC-restricted antigen presentation. Previous studies of a promoter region polymorphism (−168A/G, rs3087456) in the <i>MHC2TA</i> gene and RA have yielded conflicting results. <h3>Objective:</h3> To assess the association of the MHC2TA −168A/G polymorphism (rs3087456) and risk for RA by meta-analysis. <h3>Methods:</h3> Meta-analysis was performed for 6861 patients with RA and 9270 controls from 10 case–control studies. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each study. Summary ORs and 95% CIs were calculated for random effects models. <h3>Results:</h3> No effect was observed for the G risk allele (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.12, p = 0.70) or the GG risk genotype (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.36, p = 0.16). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Our results indicate that the MHC2TA −168A/G polymorphism (rs3087456) is not associated with RA yet underscore the importance of including shared epitope allele carrier status, secondary phenotypes and more complete characterisation of <i>MHC2TA</i> variation in future studies.
Monitoring of occupational and environmental aeroallergens – <scp>EAACI</scp> Position Paper
Authors: M. Raulf, J. Buters, M. Chapman, L. Cecchi, F. de Blay, G. Doekes, W. Eduard, D. Heederik, M. F. Jeebhay, S. Kespohl, E. Krop, G. Moscato, G. Pala, S. Quirce, I. Sander, V. Schlünssen, T. Sigsgaard, J. Walusiak‐Skorupa, M. Wiszniewska, I. M. Wouters, I. Annesi‐Maesano
Journal: Allergy (2014)

Exposure to high molecular weight sensitizers of biological origin is an important risk factor for the development of asthma and rhinitis. Most of the causal allergens have been defined based on their reactivity with IgE antibodies, and in many cases, the molecular structure and function of the allergens have been established. Significant information on allergen levels that cause sensitization and allergic symptoms for several major environmental and occupational allergens has been reported. Monitoring of high molecular weight allergens and allergen carrier particles is an important part of the management of allergic respiratory diseases and requires standardized allergen assessment methods for occupational and environmental (indoor and outdoor) allergen exposure. The aim of this EAACI task force was to review the essential points for monitoring environmental and occupational allergen exposure including sampling strategies and methods, processing of dust samples, allergen analysis, and quantification. The paper includes a summary of different methods for sampling and allergen quantification, as well as their pros and cons for various exposure settings. Recommendations are being made for different exposure scenarios.
Effect of Alcohol Intake on High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Runners and Inactive Men
Authors: G. Harley Hartung, John P. Foreyt, Robert E. Mitchell, Jacqueline G. Mitchell, Rebecca S. Reeves, Antonio M. Gotto
Journal: JAMA (1983)

Plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) level was measured before and after alcohol abstinence and after resumption of a controlled alcohol dose in 16 marathon runners, 15 joggers, and 13 inactive men. A three-week period of abstinence resulted in a significant decrease in HDLC concentration in the inactive men (49.8 to 41.8 mg/dL). Three weeks of alcohol consumption (1,065 mL of beer per day) produced a significant increase in HDLC level to 50.9 mg/dL. No change in HDLC level was found for the marathon group or the joggers during abstinence or three weeks of alcohol intake. The consumption of alcohol in moderation seems to be associated with increased HDLC levels in inactive men but not in men who engage in regular running or jogging.
Impact of breast feeding on admission for pneumonia during postneonatal period in Brazil: nested case-control study
Authors: Juraci A César, Cesar G Victora, Fernando C Barros, Iná S Santos, José A Flores
Journal: BMJ (1999)

<h3>Abstract</h3> <b>Objective</b>: To determine whether breast feeding protects infants against pneumonia and whether the protection varies with age. <b>Design</b>: Nested case-control study. <b>Setting</b>: Pelotas, southern Brazil. <b>Subjects</b>: Cases were 152 infants aged 28-364 days who had been admitted to hospital for pneumonia. Controls were 2391cases in a population based case-control study. <b>Main outcome measure</b>: Odds ratio of admission for pneumonia according to type of milk consumed (breast milk alone, breast and formula milk, or formula milk and other fluids only), use of fluid supplements apart from formula milk, and use of solid supplements. <b>Results</b>: Infants who were not being breast fed were 17 times more likely than those being breast fed without formula milk to be admitted to hospital for pneumonia (95% confidence interval 7.7 to 36.0). This relative risk was 61 (19.0 to 195.5) for children under 3 months old, decreasing to 10 (2.8 to 36.2) thereafter. Supplementation with solids was associated with a relative risk of 13.4 (7.6 to 23.5) for all infants and 175 (21.8to 1405.1) for those under 3 months old. <b>Conclusion</b>: Breast feeding protects young children against pneumonia, especially in the first months of life. These results may be used for targeting intervention campaigns at the most vulnerable age groups.
Influence of hyposensitization on soluble interleukin‐2 receptor, eosinophil cationic protein, <i>in vitro</i> lymphocyte proliferation, <i>in vitro</i> lymphocyte adhesion, and lymphocyte membrane markers in childhood asthma
Authors: M.M. Moens, H. P. Van Bever, W. J. Stevens, A. V. Mertens, C. H. Bridts, L. S. De Clerck
Journal: Allergy (1994)

Soluble interleukin‐2 receptor (sIL‐2R), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), the lymphoproliferative response to house‐dust mite (HDM), adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and lymphocyte membrane markers were studied in three groups of children: healthy children, asthmatic children without hyposensitization (HS), and asthmatic children with HS. HS was associated with significantly lower numbers of peripheral blood eosinophils (PBE) and lower sIL‐2R serum levels and with a tendency to lower ECP serum levels and lymphoproliferative response to HDM. There were no changes in the T‐lymphocyte phenotypic markers CD4 and CDS among the three groups. The interleukin‐2 receptor (IL‐2R, CD25) on HDM‐stimulated T lymphocytes increased over unstimulated T lymphocytes in the three groups. The CD25 expression was higher on HDM‐stimulated lymphocytes in both asthmatic groups than in healthy children. Adhesion of lymphocytes on HUVEC increased significantly after HDM stimulation in asthmatic children without HS, whereas no change was observed in the two other groups. However, there was no change in the expression of adhesion molecules CD29 and CD1 la on lymphocytes in either of the groups. This study provides further evidence that HS can modify lymphocyte and eosinophil functions.
Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease by Diabetes Status
Authors: Umed A. Ajani, J. Michael Gaziano, Paulo A. Lotufo, Simin Liu, Charles H. Hennekens, Julie E. Buring, JoAnn E. Manson
Journal: Circulation (2000)

An inverse association between moderate alcohol consumption and coronary heart disease (CHD) has been observed in several epidemiological studies. To assess whether a similar association exists among diabetics, we examined the relation between light to moderate alcohol consumption and CHD in men with and without diabetes mellitus in a prospective cohort study.A total of 87 938 US physicians (2790 with diagnosed diabetes mellitus) who were invited to participate in the Physicians' Health Study and were free of myocardial infarction, stroke, cancer, or liver disease at baseline were followed for an average of 5.5 years for death with CHD as the underlying cause. During 480 876 person-years of follow-up, 850 deaths caused by CHD were documented: 717 deaths among nondiabetic men and 133 deaths among diabetic men. Among men without diabetes at baseline, the relative risk estimates for those reporting rarely/never, monthly, weekly, and daily alcohol consumption were 1.00 (referent), 1.02, 0. 82, and 0.61 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.78; P for trend <0.0001) after adjustment for age, aspirin use, smoking, physical activity, body mass index, and history of angina, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Among men with diabetes at baseline, the relative risk estimates were 1.00 (referent), 1.11, 0.67, and 0.42 (95% CI 0.23 to 0.77; P for trend=0.0019).These results suggest that light to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with similar risk reductions in CHD among diabetic and nondiabetic men.
microRNA Therapeutics in Cardiovascular Disease Models
Authors: Seema Dangwal, Thomas Thum
Journal: The Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology (2013)

Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of human morbidity and mortality, posing a high socioeconomic burden on the health sector worldwide. microRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a new class of unique molecular regulators involved in the pathophysiology of a wide range of disorders. Studies in the past decade have identified miRNA signatures of various cardiovascular disorders and successfully validated miRNA-based therapeutic options in various small and a few large experimental cardiovascular disease models. In these models, researchers manipulate the expression of miRNAs and downstream signaling cascades, aiming to prevent and cure cardiovascular disease. Here, we review and discuss the recent reports on the in vivo use of miRNA animal models and miRNA therapeutic development as well as provide an outlook for clinical applications in the near future.
Association Between Pentavalent Rotavirus Vaccine and Severe Rotavirus Diarrhea Among Children in Nicaragua
Authors: Manish Patel
Journal: JAMA (2009)

Pentavalent rotavirus vaccine (RV5), a live, oral attenuated vaccine, prevented 98% of severe rotavirus diarrhea in a trial conducted mainly in Finland and the United States. Nicaragua introduced RV5 in 2006, providing the first opportunity to assess the association between vaccination and rotavirus disease in a developing country.To assess the association between RV5 vaccination and subsequent rotavirus diarrhea requiring overnight admission or intravenous hydration.Case-control evaluation in 4 hospitals in Nicaragua from June 2007 to June 2008. Cases were children age-eligible to receive RV5 who were admitted or required intravenous hydration for laboratory-confirmed rotavirus diarrhea. For each case (n = 285), 1 to 3 neighborhood (n = 840) and hospital (n = 690) controls were selected.Primary outcome was the association of RV5 and rotavirus diarrhea requiring overnight admission or intravenous hydration in the emergency department. Secondary analysis further classified disease as severe and very severe. We computed the matched odds ratio of vaccination in cases vs controls. Vaccine effectiveness was estimated using the formula 1 - matched odds ratio x 100%.Of the 285 rotavirus cases, 265 (93%) required hospitalization; 251 (88%) received intravenous hydration. A single rotavirus strain (G2P[4]) was identified in 88% of the cases. Among cases and controls, respectively, 18% and 12% were unvaccinated, 12% and 15% received 1 dose of RV5, 15% and 17% received 2 doses, and 55% and 57% received 3 doses. Vaccination with 3 doses was associated with a lower risk of rotavirus diarrhea requiring overnight admission or intravenous hydration (odds ratio [OR], 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36-0.82). Of the 285 rotavirus cases, 191 (67%) were severe and 54 (19%) were very severe. A progressively lower risk of severe (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.26-0.70) and very severe rotavirus diarrhea (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.08-0.61) was observed after RV5 vaccination. Thus, effectiveness of 3 doses of RV5 against rotavirus disease requiring admission or treatment with intravenous hydration was 46% (95% CI, 18%-64%); against severe rotavirus diarrhea, 58% (95% CI, 30%-74%); and against very severe rotavirus diarrhea, 77% (95% CI, 39%-92%).Vaccination with RV5 was associated with a lower risk of severe rotavirus diarrhea in children younger than 2 years in Nicaragua but to a lesser extent than that seen in clinical trials in industrialized countries.
Contribution of Insulin and Akt1 Signaling to Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in the Regulation of Endothelial Function and Blood Pressure
Authors: J. David Symons, Shawna L. McMillin, Christian Riehle, Jason Tanner, Milda Palionyte, Elaine Hillas, Deborah Jones, Robert C. Cooksey, Morris J. Birnbaum, Donald A. McClain, Quan-Jiang Zhang, Derrick Gale, Lloyd J. Wilson, E. Dale Abel
Journal: Circulation Research (2009)

Impaired insulin signaling via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt to endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the vasculature has been postulated to lead to arterial dysfunction and hypertension in obesity and other insulin resistant states. To investigate this, we compared insulin signaling in the vasculature, endothelial function, and systemic blood pressure in mice fed a high-fat (HF) diet to mice with genetic ablation of insulin receptors in all vascular tissues ( TTr-IR −/− ) or mice with genetic ablation of Akt1 (Akt1−/−). HF mice developed obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, and elevated free fatty acids that was associated with endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. Basal and insulin-mediated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and Akt in the vasculature was preserved, but basal and insulin-stimulated eNOS phosphorylation was abolished in vessels from HF versus lean mice. In contrast, basal vascular eNOS phosphorylation, endothelial function, and blood pressure were normal despite absent insulin-mediated eNOS phosphorylation in TTr-IR −/− mice and absent insulin-mediated eNOS phosphorylation via Akt1 in Akt1−/− mice. In cultured endothelial cells, 6 hours of incubation with palmitate attenuated basal and insulin-stimulated eNOS phosphorylation and NO production despite normal activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and Akt. Moreover, incubation of isolated arteries with palmitate impaired endothelium-dependent but not vascular smooth muscle function. Collectively, these results indicate that lower arterial eNOS phosphorylation, hypertension, and vascular dysfunction following HF feeding do not result from defective upstream signaling via Akt, but from free fatty acid-mediated impairment of eNOS phosphorylation.
The presence of an endogenous murine leukemia virus sequence correlates with the peripheral expansion of gamma delta T cells bearing the BALB invariant delta (BID) T cell receptor delta.
Authors: G K Sim, A Augustin
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1993)

gamma delta T cells participate in immune responses during viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections. However, it is not clear whether they recognize antigens produced by pathogens, or are actually reactive to self-ligands generated during the course of infection. In this paper, we report that the presence of the self-ligand that selectively expands a subset of gamma delta T cells correlates with the presence of an endogenous murine leukemia virus (MuLV) in inbred strains of mice. The implications of this observation for gamma delta T cell specificity and function is discussed.
Electron microscopy of Crotalaria pulmonary hypertension
Authors: J. M. Kay, P. Smith, D. Heath
Journal: Thorax (1969)

The lungs of 11 rats fed on <i>Crotalaria spectabilis</i> seeds for periods ranging from 12 to 61 days were examined by both light and electron microscopy. The findings were compared with those obtained from nine control rats given a normal diet. Eight of the 11 test rats showed morphological evidence of pulmonary arterial hypertension in the form of right ventricular hypertrophy; the exceptions were rats killed after receiving the <i>Crotalaria</i> diet for 12, 22, and 29 days respectively. On light microscopy, all the test rats showed exudative lesions in the lungs consisting of eosinophilic alveolar coagulum, intra-alveolar haemorrhage, interstitial fibrosis, and a proliferation of mast cells. Enlarged and proliferated cells were seen to line the alveolar walls or lie free within the alveolar spaces. Electron microscopy showed these cells to be enlarged granular pneumocytes containing enlarged, electron-dense, lamellar secretory inclusions. Scanty macrophages were also seen in the alveolar spaces, in which excessive numbers of myelin figures and lattices were seen: these structures resembled phospholipid membranes and were probably related to pulmonary surfactant. We think that proliferation of granular pneumocytes is a non-specific reaction of the alveolar walls to injury. The alveolar-capillary wall showed interstitial oedema with the formation of intraluminal endothelial vesicles, probably representing the early ultrastructural phase of pulmonary oedema, and more likely to be an effect of the pulmonary hypertension than its cause.
Diagnosis of Amoebiasis
Authors: J. M. Crawford
Journal: BMJ (1946)

<h3>Abstract</h3> Overfertilization with nitrogen fertilizers has damaged the environment and health of soil; yields are declining, while the population continues to rise. Soil is a complex, living organism which is constantly evolving, physically, chemically and biologically. Standard laboratory testing of soil to determine the levels of nitrogen (mainly NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> and NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup>) is infrequent as it is expensive and slow and levels of nitrogen vary on short timescales. Current testing practices, therefore, are not useful to guide fertilization. We demonstrate that Point-of-Use (PoU) measurements of NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>, when combined with soil conductivity, pH, easily accessible weather (in this study, we simulated weather in the laboratory) and timing data (i.e. days passed since fertilization), allow instantaneous prediction of levels of NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> in soil with of R<sup>2</sup>=0.70 using a machine learning (ML) model (the use of higher-precision laboratory measurements instead of PoU measurements increase R<sup>2</sup> to 0.87 for the same model). We also show that a long short-term memory recurrent neural network model can be used to predict levels of NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> and NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> up to 12 days into the future from a single measurement at day one, with R<sup>2</sup><sub>NH4+</sub> = 0.64 and R<sup>2</sup><sub>NO3-</sub> = 0.70, for unseen weather conditions. To measure NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> in soil at the PoU easily and inexpensively, we also developed a new sensor that uses chemically functionalized near ‘zero-cost’ paper-based electrical gas sensors. This new technology can detect the concentration of NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> in soil down to 3±1ppm (R<sup>2</sup>=0.85). Gas-phase sensing provides a robust method of sensing NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> due to the reduced complexity of the gas-phase sample. Our machine learning-based approach eliminates the need of using dedicated, expensive sensing instruments to determine the levels of NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> in soil which is difficult to measure reliably with inexpensive technologies; furthermore, crucial nitrogenous soil nutrients can be determined and predicted with enough accuracy to forecast the impact of climate on fertilization planning, and tune timing for crop requirements, reducing overfertilization while improving crop yields.
Venous and arterial changes in pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, mitral stenosis and fibrosing mediastinitis
Authors: I Chazova, I Robbins, J Loyd, J Newman, V Tapson, V Zhdaov, B Meyrick
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2000)

The pathogenesis of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is not known. The diagnosis of PVOD frequently relies on its histological changes since it is often difficult to distinguish clinically from primary pulmonary hypertension. This study carried out a systematic analysis of the pulmonary venous and arterial remodelling that occurs in PVOD (n=5) and compared these changes to two other diseases affecting the pulmonary veins, mitral stenosis (MS; n=6) and fibrosing mediastinitis (FM; n=2), using established morphometric techniques. In PVOD, pronounced intimal and adventitial thickening were noted in veins of all sizes and arterialization of veins &gt;50 microm external diameter was found. Similar changes were evident in the arterial wall, but intimal thickening was less severe than in the veins and medial thickening was more pronounced in arteries &lt;300 microm external diameter. Eccentric intimal fibrosis of the veins was also noted for the first time in PVOD, although this feature occurred less frequently (approximately one third) than in MS. Less pronounced structural remodelling was also encountered in the veins in cases of MS and FM. The severity of the venous changes in PVOD may aid its diagnosis and lend insight into its pathogenesis. However, the similarity of the vascular changes in each form of venous hypertension also suggests that pathology alone may not always differentiate between these disease states. The similarity of the vascular changes in the three forms of venous hypertension suggests that, as in pulmonary artery hypertension, pressure, per se, is one of the triggers to vascular remodelling.
Molecular defect in the membrane skeleton of blood bank-stored red cells. Abnormal spectrin-protein 4.1-actin complex formation.
Authors: L C Wolfe, A M Byrne, S E Lux
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1986)

During liquid preservation under blood bank conditions, red cell membranes inexorably undergo damage that decreases erythrocyte survival after transfusion. Accordingly, we have surveyed membrane skeletal protein interactions during storage. We uncovered a decrease in the in vitro formation of spectrin-actin complex in the absence (50%) or presence (60%) of protein 4.1. Actual formation of the spectrin-actin-protein 4.1 complex fell in a linear fashion during the storage period. This fall in spectrin-actin interaction tightly correlated with the decline in total red cell phospholipid (R = 0.9932) measured simultaneously. This decrement of spectrin-actin association could be restored to greater than 70% of normal values by preincubation of stored spectrin with 50 mM dithiothreitol. This storage injury to spectrin-actin interaction might weaken the membrane skeleton and lead to decreased red cell survival. In vitro reversibility of the damage by reducing agents suggests a possible new direction for prolonging the shelf life of stored blood.
Effects of Cannabinor, a Novel Selective Cannabinoid 2 Receptor Agonist, on Bladder Function in Normal Rats
Authors: Christian Gratzke, Tomi Streng, Christian G. Stief, Thomas R. Downs, Iris Alroy, Jan S. Rosenbaum, Karl-Erik Andersson, Petter Hedlund
Journal: European Urology (2010)