tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Vitexins, Nature-Derived Lignan Compounds, Induce Apoptosis and Suppress Tumor Growth
Authors: YingJun Zhou, Yiliang Ellie Liu, JianGuo Cao, GuangYao Zeng, Cui Shen, YanLan Li, MeiChen Zhou, Yiding Chen, Weiping Pu, Louis Potters, Y. Eric Shi
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2009)

Abstract Purpose: Lignans such as secoisolariciresinol diglucoside in flaxseed, are metabolizes to bioactive mammalian lignans of END and ENL. Because mammalian lignans have chemical structural similarity to the natural estrogen, they are thought to behave like selective estrogen receptor modulators and therefore have anticancer effect against hormone-related cancers. We isolated a series of lignan compounds, named as Vitexins, from the seed of Chinese herb Vitex Negundo. Experimental Design: We purified several Vitexin lignan compounds. Cytotoxic and antitumor effects were analyzed in cancer cells and in tumor xenograft models. In vivo metabolism of Vitexins was determined in rat. Results: Contrasts to the classic lignans, Vitexins were not metabolized to END and ENL. A mixture of Vitexins EVn-50 and purified Vitexin compound 6-hydroxy-4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxymethyl-7-methoxy-3, 4-dihydro-2-naphthaldehyde have cytotoxic effect on breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer cells and induces apoptosis with cleavage in poly ADP ribose polymerase protein, up-regulation of Bax, and down-regulation of Bcl-2. This induction of apoptosis seems to be mediated by activation of caspases because inhibition of caspases activity significantly reduced induced apoptosis. We showed a broad antitumor activity of EVn-50 on seven tumor xenograft models including breast, prostate, liver, and cervical cancers. Consistent with in vitro data, EVn-50 treatment induced apoptosis, down-regulated of Bcl-2, and up-regulated Bax in tumor xenografts. Conclusion: Vitexin is a class of nature lignan compounds, whose action and anticancer effect is mediated by the mechanisms different from the classic lignans. Vitexin-induced antitumor effect and cytotoxic activity is exerted through proapoptotic process, which is mediated by a decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio and activation of caspases. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(16):5161–9)
Thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin biosynthesis in children and adolescents with pulmonary vascular disease.
Authors: I Adatia, S E Barrow, P D Stratton, V M Miall-Allen, J M Ritter, S G Haworth
Journal: Circulation (1993)

The pathogenesis of pulmonary vascular disease in children with congenital heart disease is incompletely understood. Thromboxane (TX) A2 and prostacyclin (PGI2) have opposing effects on platelet aggregation and pulmonary vascular smooth muscle. An imbalance in their biosynthesis could contribute to the progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance seen in older untreated patients with pulmonary hypertensive congenital heart disease and the thrombotic complications they may develop.We investigated TXA2 and PGI2 biosynthesis in 15 young children (0.2 to 2.25 years old) with congenital heart disease with increased pulmonary blood flow and potentially reversible pulmonary vascular disease by measuring urinary excretion of 2,3-dinor-TXB2 and 2,3-dinor-6-oxoprostaglandin (PG) F1 alpha and compared the findings with those in 16 healthy children (0.5 to 2.8 years old). 2,3-Dinor-TXB2 excretion was greater in the patients than in control subjects (1253 +/- 161 versus 592 +/- 122 ng/g creatinine; P < .001). Excretion of 2,3-dinor-6-oxo-PGF1 alpha was 452 +/- 54 compared with 589 +/- 95 ng/g creatinine in control subjects. In 5 patients who underwent successful cardiac surgery > or = 1 year later excretion of 2,3-dinor-TXB2 decreased from 1100 +/- 298 to 609 +/- 131 ng/g creatinine (P < .05), a value comparable to those in 5 healthy children of similar age (749 +/- 226 ng/g creatinine). We also compared 15 patients (11 to 23 years old) with advanced irreversible pulmonary vascular disease with 19 healthy control subjects (10 to 23 years old). The ratio of TX to PGI2 metabolite excretion was greater in the patients than in control subjects (3.5 +/- 0.6 versus 2.0 +/- 0.3; P < .05).There is increased 2,3-dinor-TXB2 excretion in children with congenital heart disease and a high pulmonary blood flow that may reflect an imbalance in biosynthesis of TXA2 and PGI2 in the pulmonary vascular bed. The imbalance may contribute to the progressive development of increased pulmonary vascular resistance and persists in older patients whose heart defects are uncorrected.
UK moves to legislate on standardised cigarette packaging before election
Authors: J. Wise
Journal: BMJ (2015)

After years of delay the UK government has said that it backs the public health case for introducing standardised packaging for tobacco products and that it will allow a free vote in the Commons before the general election. 

If MPs vote in favour of the measure it will allow regulations to come into force at the same time as the European Union Tobacco Products Directive in May 2016, which will bring in a wide range of tobacco control measures including larger, illustrated health warnings, as well as banning flavourings, including menthol.

Ministers in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will need to confirm whether they consent to the regulations that apply to their parts of the United Kingdom. Under the proposed regulations all packaging of cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco would be dull brown on the outside and …
Direct vasoconstriction and endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Mechanisms of acetylcholine effects on coronary flow and arterial diameter in patients with nonstenotic coronary arteries.
Authors: J M Hodgson, J J Marshall
Journal: Circulation (1989)

An endothelium-dependent vasodilator response to acetylcholine has been described recently in patients with coronary artery disease. Those studies determined responses only of large epicardial arteries. Our study was designed to determine the integrated effects of acetylcholine on epicardial diameter, coronary flow, and vascular resistance. Patients (n = 64) with nonstenotic epicardial coronaries underwent coronary angiography with simultaneous recording of coronary flow velocity using a 3F subselective Doppler catheter. Measurements of epicardial arterial cross-sectional area (ECA), velocity, estimated flow (velocity times area), and vascular resistance were made before and after bolus administration of acetylcholine (100 micrograms i.c.). Similar measurements were made after papaverine (12-15 mg i.c.), a nonendothelium-dependent vasodilator. Acetylcholine resulted in a reduction of ECA of 19 +/- 3%, whereas papaverine increased ECA by 9 +/- 2%. Estimated flow increased 69 +/- 12% after acetylcholine and 147 +/- 12% after papaverine. Resistance fell after both agents (acetylcholine, -17 +/- 13%; papaverine, -61 +/- 2%). Transvascular resistance fell after acetylcholine in all but five patients. These patients had dramatic epicardial artery constriction (40 +/- 8% decrease in ECA). The effect of acetylcholine on both ECA and resistance was blocked by atropine (1 mg i.c.). Nitroglycerin (300 micrograms i.c.) resulted in epicardial dilatation (7.5 +/- 2.8%) in the same patients in whom acetylcholine caused constriction (-11.2 +/- 3.1%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Abstract 5270: Activation of B-raf by TCDD effects on chemotherapeutic resistance and potent inhibition of TCDD mediated tumor invasion of papillary thyroid cancer cells by PD98059
Authors: Kwang-Sung Ahn, Yang Seok Chae, Nam Hee Won, Hyun Gi Kim
Journal: Cancer Research (2010)

Abstract The BRAF mutation (V599E) is the most common oncogenic genetic alteration in PTC and, through aberrant activation of the MAPK pathway, can initiate the development and promote the progression of PTC. Constitutive activation of the MAPK pathway through genetic alterations, including RAS and B-type RAF (BRAF) mutations, is common in human cancers and is associated with cell malignant transformation and aggressiveness, implicating that targeted inhibition of the MAPK pathway may potentially be an effective therapy for human cancers. AhR receptor ligands such as TCDD are known to activate mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase. Here we report that PD98059 successfully inhibits cisplatin-induced apoptosis. And induction of phospho-JNK and phospho-ERK-1/2 were noted when SNU-790 cells were treated with 1 nM TCDD. In in vitro tumor invasion assay, TCDD-induced tumor invasion was reduced by either PD98059 or JNK II inhibitor. PD98059 effectively inhibited TCDD-induced tumor invasion when compared to control. The transcription luciferase reporter system demonstrated that PD98059 effectively reduced AP-1 activity when compared to control. The levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA expression were reduced slightly by treatment with PD98059. We conclude a significant association of tumor progression in BRAF mutant PTC with the exposure of TCDD. Our findings suggest that MEK inhibitor (PD98059) may function as a small molecule inhibitor of tumor invasion and may provide novel mechanistic insights into the potential therapy for human ATC. 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 5270.
Homogeneously Reduced Versus Regionally Impaired Myocardial Blood Flow in Hypertensive Patients: Two Different Patterns of Myocardial Perfusion Associated With Degree of Hypertrophy
Authors: Alessia Gimelli, Jan Schneider-Eicke, Danilo Neglia, Gianmario Sambuceti, Assuero Giorgetti, Giovanni Bigalli, Guido Parodi, Roberto Pedrinelli, Oberdan Parodi
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (1998)
Mental health law: civil liberties and the principle of reciprocity
Authors: N Eastman
Journal: BMJ (1994)

At a conference organised by the Law Society, Mental Health Act Commission, and Institute of Psychiatry possible reform of mental health legislation in England and Wales was discussed. It was concluded that radical legal reform was required, and that the law should be designed specifically for provision of care in both hospital and the community. Reform should be based on principle rather than pragmatism, particularly the principle of reciprocity--patients' civil liberties may not be removed for the purposes of treatment if resources for that treatment are inadequate. Protection of society from nuisance or even violence is insufficient reason for detention. Legal provision for compulsion of patients, whether in hospital or the community, must be matched by specific rights to treatment.
CURRENT PRACTICE OF PCI FOR ACS AND STABLE ANGINA IN EUROPE 2005-2008: LESSONS FROM THE EURO HEART SURVEY PCI REGISTRY
Authors: Anselm K. Gitt, Matthias Hochadel, Uwe Zeymer, Ralf Zahn, Franz Weidinger, Timm Bauer, Christian Hamm
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2011)
Effects of dietary fats on plasma lipids and lipoproteins: an hypothesis for the lipid-lowering effect of unsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Norton Spritz, Maurice A. Mishkel
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1969)

Several aspects of the effects of dietary fat on plasma lipids and lipoproteins were investigated in 12 subjects during the long-term feeding of formulas containing 40% of their calories as either saturated or unsaturated fats. The changes in fatty acid composition of plasma lipids, shown previously to occur after prolonged feedings of a dietary fat, required 10-14 days to be complete and were synchronous with the effect of the fat on plasma lipid concentrations. The change in lipid concentration occurred in low but not in high density lipoproteins. The effects on lipid levels of the low density lipoproteins were found to occur with little or no effect on the concentration of the protein moiety of these lipoproteins; as a result, cholesterol- and phospholipid to protein ratios in low density lipoproteins fell during unsaturated fat feeding. The effects of dietary fat on plasma phospholipids were studied in detail: the relative amounts of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingomyelin, and lysophosphatidylcholine were unaffected by the type of dietary fat. However, the molecular species of phosphatidylcholine were markedly affected. More than 90% of the fatty acids at the alpha-position were saturated during both saturated and unsaturated feedings. In contrast, during unsaturated feedings, linoleate at the beta-position outnumbered oleate by approximately 4:1, whereas during saturated feedings these two types of fatty acids were present in nearly equal amounts.This paper also presents the following hypothesis for the lipid-lowering effect of unsaturated dietary fat: since unsaturated fatty acids occupy a greater area than saturated acids, they alter the spatial configuration of the lipids into which they are incorporated; as a result, fewer lipid molecules can be accommodated by the apoprotein of the low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and thus the lipid content of the lipoprotein is lowered. The experimental findings of this study, while not proving this hypothesis, are consistent with it.
A union to preserve
Authors: Des Spence
Journal: BMJ (2007)

The Scottish medical mafia are everywhere. Only warily do they include me, despite my mother having been born in Edinburgh and my having lived in Scotland since my early childhood. My English accent and my passport showing Saffron Walden as my place of birth mark me as an outsider. However, I know the important social codes. I can name Scotland's World Cup squad of 1978, I am word perfect with both Ally's Tartan Army and Flower of Scotland , I can dance at ceilidhs, recite Burns, enjoy a wee dram, and can sing the chorus …
Book Review The Treatment of Epilepsy Second edition. Edited by Simon Shorvon, Emilio Perucca, David Fish, and Edwin Dodson. 913 pp., illustrated. Malden, Mass., Blackwell Science, 2004. $236.95. 0-632-06046-8
Authors: Ajay Gupta, Elaine Wyllie
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2005)
Qualitative Research: Observational methods in health care settings
Authors: N. Mays, C. Pope
Journal: BMJ (1995)

Clinicians used to observing individual patients, and epidemiologists trained to observe the course of disease, may be forgiven for misunderstanding the term observational method as used in qualitative research. In contrast to the clinician or epidemiologist, the qualitative researcher systematically watches people and events to find out about behaviours and interactions in natural settings. Observation, in this sense, epitomises the idea of the researcher as the research instrument. It involves "going into the field"--describing and analysing what has been seen. In health care settings this method has been insightful and illuminating, but it is not without pitfalls for the unprepared researcher.
Prenatal diagnosis of genetic skin disease using fetal skin biopsy: 10 years'experience
Authors: R.A.J. Eady, D.B. Gunner, B.D. Lake, A.H.M. Heagerty, O.M.V. Schofield, J. Allen, P. MacKinnon, K.H. Nicolaides, C.H. Rodeck
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1990)
Risk Factors, Angiographic Patterns, and Outcomes in Patients With Ventricular Septal Defect Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Brian S. Crenshaw, Christopher B. Granger, Yochai Birnbaum, Karen S. Pieper, Douglas C. Morris, Neal S. Kleiman, Alec Vahanian, Robert M. Califf, Eric J. Topol
Journal: Circulation (2000)

Background —Ventricular septal defect (VSD) complicating acute myocardial infarction has been studied primarily in small, prethrombolytic-era trials. Our goal was to determine clinical predictors and angiographic and clinical outcomes of this complication in the thrombolytic era. Methods and Results —We compared enrollment characteristics, angiographic patterns, and outcomes (30-day and 1-year mortality) of patients enrolled in the Global Utilization of Streptokinase and TPA for Occluded Coronary Arteries (GUSTO-I) trial with and without a confirmed diagnosis of VSD. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to assess relations between enrollment factors and the development of VSD. In all, 84 of the 41 021 patients (0.2%) developed VSD, a smaller percentage than reported in the prethrombolytic era. The median time from symptom onset to VSD diagnosis was 1 day. Enrollment factors most associated with this complication were advanced age, anterior infarction, female sex, and no previous smoking. The infarct artery was more often the left anterior descending and more likely to be totally occluded in patients who developed VSD. Mortality at 30 days was higher in patients with VSDs than in those without this complication (73.8% versus 6.8%, P &lt;0.001). Patients with VSDs selected for surgical repair (n=34) had better outcomes than patients treated medically (n=35; 30-day mortality, 47% versus 94%). Conclusions —Compared with historical control subjects, patients who undergo thrombolysis within 6 hours of infarction onset may have a reduced risk of later VSD. If patients develop this mechanical complication, however, it typically occurs sooner than described in the prethrombolytic era. Despite improvements in medical therapy and percutaneous and surgical techniques, mortality with this complication remains extremely high.
Trevor Alfred Ridley Dinning
Authors: D. Simpson
Journal: BMJ (2003)

A few pioneers, some of them self taught, had established neurosurgery as a specialty in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide before 1940. A new generation of neurosurgeons followed them after the second world war. Trevor Dinning, known as Jim, stood out among them. He became the first director of neurosurgery at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia, and the principal architect of neurosurgical services in South Australia.​Australia.




Figure 1




He decided on a career in neurosurgery after serving in the second world war. At that time it was difficult to obtain neurosurgical training in Australia, so he went to London, where he worked as neurosurgical registrar at Guy's Hospital.

He returned to Australia in 1953 and worked at the Royal Adelaide Hospital for the next 30 years, under various titles. He also worked at what is now the Women's and Children's Hospital. At both hospitals he rapidly established modern neurosurgical units, and the development of an integrated neurosurgical service was largely Jim's achievement. He gave special attention to the needs of South Australians living in remote places, foreshadowing the later creation of a state-wide trauma service.

When Jim had promising trainees, he placed them in overseas units with good research facilities, where they learned skills that have since helped to make Adelaide a leader in head injury research. Most imaginatively, he created in 1964 what is now the Neurosurgical Research Foundation, to raise funds to sustain research work. This independent neurosurgical foundation was the first of its kind in Australia.

After his retirement Jim assisted his daughter in her veterinary practice, proving to be a fine anaesthetist, though a rather unskilled theatre nurse. He leaves a wife, Beatrice, and three of their four children.

Former director of neurosurgery Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia (b Adelaide 1919; q Adelaide 1942; CMG, FRCS, FRACS), d 22 September 2003.
Diabetes Care Policies and Practices in Michigan Nursing Homes, 1991
Authors: Martha M Funnell, William H Herman
Journal: Diabetes Care (1995)

To describe local standards of care for nursing home patients with diabetes, to characterize the care that nursing home patients with diabetes receive in Michigan, and to determine if the care provided meets local and national standards.In March 1991, a questionnaire was administered and chart reviews were conducted as part of the Medical Review and Nursing Evaluation conducted by the Michigan Department of Public Health. The questionnaire was completed by the head nurses at 17 skilled nursing homes to learn about local institutional standards of care. Chart reviews were conducted on a sample of five patients with diabetes from each nursing home to describe the care provided and to compare it with local and national standards.Almost all nursing homes had some diabetes care orders or protocols. Standing orders were most often present to guide nutritional and nursing care (e.g., diet, blood glucose monitoring, foot care). Standing orders were less often present to guide medical care (e.g., blood glucose parameters to contact physician) and surveillance of complications (e.g., eye exams). In general, the care provided did not meet local or national standards for diabetes care. Care practices were closer to national standards when registered dietitians (RDs) participated in meal planning and written institutional policies existed.In this sample of Michigan nursing homes, those with RDs and standing orders provided care more in keeping with guidelines. There is room for improvement in diabetes care practices in nursing homes. It may be time for diabetes-related organizations to re-examine standards for diabetes care in nursing homes.
Profound and persistent decrease of circulating dendritic cells is associated with ICU-acquired infection in patients with septic shock
Authors: D. Grimaldi, S. Louis, F. Pène, G. Sirgo, C. Rousseau, Y. E. Claessens, L. Vimeux, A. Cariou, J. P. Mira, A. Hosmalin, J. D. Chiche
Journal: Intensive Care Medicine (2011)
Improving medication compliance: a randomised clinical trial.
Authors: S E Norell
Journal: BMJ (1979)

A medical monitor which recorded the date and hour each time a medicine bottle was opened was used to evaluate a programme for improving patients' compliance with their treatment. Eighty-two patients with glaucoma who had been prescribed pilocarpine eye drops three times daily to prevent visual loss were randomised into two groups. Both groups used the medication monitor during two 20-day periods, but before the second period the experimental group were given an education and tailoring programme in an attempt to improve their compliance. Nine patients missed the second treatment period and were excluded from the analysis. The patients in the experimental group showed significantly improved compliance when compared with the control group. The numbers of missed doses were reduced by about half, as was the proportion of time that exceeded the eight-hour dose intervals. Follow-up studies are needed to determine how long the improved compliance persists, but anyone considering setting up an education and tailoring programme should recognise the extent to which therapeutic efforts are wasted because of non-compliance.
Relative frequencies of portosystemic pathways and renal shunt formation through the “posterior” gastric vein: Portographic study in 460 patients
Authors: Kunio Kimura, Masao Ohto, Shoichi Matsutani, Junji Furuse, Kazuhiko Hoshin, Kunio Okuda
Journal: Hepatology (1990)

Percutaneous transhepatic portography was carried out in 460 patients with portal hypertension to study various collateral routes. Besides the left gastric vein, which was the most frequent collateral route and feeder of esophageal varices, a distinct vein located between the left gastric vein and the short gastric vein constituted a major collateral route in 191 patients (42%). In terms of frequency, this vein was more significant than the short gastric (34%) and the paraumbilical vein (24%) as a collateral route. We propose that this previously anonymous vein be called the "posterior gastric" vein because it runs posterior to the stomach. This vein also formed a renal shunt, a common cause of encephalopathy, in 43 (23%) of the 191 patients; the relative frequency of renal shunt formation by this vein was significantly greater than that by the left gastric vein (12%) and the short gastric vein (18%).