tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Dietary Fiber, Weight Gain, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Young Adults
Authors: David S. Ludwig, Mark A. Pereira, Candyce H. Kroenke, Joan E. Hilner, Linda Van Horn, Martha L. Slattery, David R. Jacobs
Journal: JAMA (1999)

ContextDietary composition may affect insulin secretion, and high insulin levels, in turn, may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).ObjectiveTo examine the role of fiber consumption and its association with insulin levels, weight gain, and other CVD risk factors compared with other major dietary components.Design and SettingThe Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study, a multicenter population-based cohort study of the change in CVD risk factors over 10 years (1985-1986 to 1995-1996) in Birmingham, Ala; Chicago, Ill; Minneapolis, Minn; and Oakland, Calif.ParticipantsA total of 2909 healthy black and white adults, 18 to 30 years of age at enrollment.Main Outcome MeasuresBody weight, insulin levels, and other CVD risk factors at year 10, adjusted for baseline values.ResultsAfter adjustment for potential confounding factors, dietary fiber showed linear associations from lowest to highest quintiles of intake with the following: body weight (whites: 174.8-166.7 lb [78.3-75.0 kg], P<.001; blacks: 185.6-177.6 lb [83.5-79.9 kg], P = .001), waist-to-hip ratio (whites: 0.813-0.801, P = .004; blacks: 0.809-0.799, P = .05), fasting insulin adjusted for body mass index (whites: 77.8-72.2 pmol/L [11.2-10.4 µU/mL], P = .007;blacks: 92.4-82.6 pmol/L [13.3-11.9 µU/mL], P = .01) and 2-hour postglucose insulin adjusted for body mass index (whites: 261.1-234.7 pmol/L [37.6-33.8 µU/mL], P = .03; blacks: 370.2-259.7 pmol/L [53.3-37.4 µU/mL], P<.001). Fiber was also associated with blood pressure and levels of triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fibrinogen; these associations were substantially attenuated by adjustment for fasting insulin level. In comparison with fiber, intake of fat, carbohydrate, and protein had inconsistent or weak associations with all CVD risk factors.ConclusionsFiber consumption predicted insulin levels, weight gain, and other CVD risk factors more strongly than did total or saturated fat consumption. High-fiber diets may protect against obesity and CVD by lowering insulin levels.
Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: David G. Pfister, Kie-Kian Ang, David M. Brizel, Barbara A. Burtness, Anthony J. Cmelak, A. Dimitrios Colevas, Frank Dunphy, David W. Eisele, Jill Gilbert, Maura L. Gillison, Robert I. Haddad, Bruce H. Haughey, Wesley L. Hicks, Ying J. Hitchcock, Merrill S. Kies, William M. Lydiatt, Ellie Maghami, Renato Martins, Thomas McCaffrey, Bharat B. Mittal, Harlan A. Pinto, John A. Ridge, Sandeep Samant, Giuseppe Sanguineti, David E. Schuller, Jatin P. Shah, Sharon Spencer, Andy Trotti, Randal S. Weber, Gregory T. Wolf, Frank Worden
Journal: Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2011)

Overview This shortened version of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Head and Neck (H&N) Cancers addresses tumors arising in the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and nasopharynx (see Figure 1).1 Other types of H&N cancer (e.g., lip, larynx, paranasal sinus, salivary gland, mucosal melanoma, and occult primary cancer) are included in the complete version of the H&N guidelines available on the NCCN Web site NCCN
The effects of body weight on airway calibre
Authors: G. G. King, N. J. Brown, C. Diba, C. W. Thorpe, P. Muñoz, G. B. Marks, B. Toelle, K. Ng, N. Berend, C. M. Salome
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2005)

Increased wheeze and asthma diagnosis in obesity may be due to reduced lung volume with subsequent airway narrowing. Asthma (wheeze and airway hyperresponsiveness), functional residual capacity (FRC) and airway conductance ( G aw ) were measured in 276 randomly selected subjects aged 28–30 yrs. Data were initially adjusted for smoking and asthma before examining relationships between weight and FRC (after adjustment for height), and between body mass index (BMI = weight·height −2 ) and G aw (after adjustment for FRC) by multiple linear regression, separately for females and males. For males and females, BMI (±95% confidence interval) was 27.0±4.6 kg·m −2 and 25.6±6.0 kg·m −2 respectively, G aw was 0.64±0.04 L·s −1 ·cmH 2 O −1 and 0.57±0.03 L·s −1 ·cmH 2 O −1 , and FRC was 85.3±3.4 and 84.0±2.9% of predicted. Weight correlated independently with FRC in males and females. BMI correlated independently and inversely with G aw in males, but only weakly in females. In conclusion, obesity is associated with reduced lung volume, which is linked with airway narrowing. However, in males, airway narrowing is greater than that due to reduced lung volume alone. The mechanisms causing airway narrowing and sex differences in obesity are unknown.
Effect of adventitial VEGF165 gene transfer on vascular thickening after coronary artery balloon injury
Authors: K Pels
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2003)

Objective: Experimental studies have provided evidence that neovascularization is an important feature of plaque growth, and angiogenic gene therapy may, therefore, increase plaque growth. This study examined the effect of local (peri)adventitial vascular endothelial growth factor165 (VEGF) gene transfer on vascular thickening after coronary balloon injury. Methods: Two coronary arteries of 15 pigs were subjected to balloon injury followed by either (peri)adventitial VEGF165 or β-galactosidase (LacZ) plasmid/liposome-mediated gene transfer via needle injection catheter. At days 3, 14 and 28, histologic sections of coronary arteries were analyzed. Results: Transferred VEGF165 gene and increased adventitial neovascularization were detected in coronary arteries after balloon injury and VEGF injection. The mean intima+media (I+M) area increased after coronary balloon injury and VEGF (1.13±0.17 and 2.54±0.52 mm2) or LacZ (1.37±0.19 and 2.96±0.41 mm2) gene transfer, with no significant difference between both groups at 3 and 28 days, respectively. No significant difference in I+M neovascularization was observed at day 28 between the treatment groups (microvessel area density 0.24±0.08% with VEGF and 0.26±0.14% with LacZ, respectively). I+M endothelial cell proliferation index ranged from 7% to 22% (VEGF) and 18% to 24% (LacZ). Conclusions: Catheter-mediated (peri)adventitial VEGF165 gene transfer induces adventitial neovascularization but not an increase of vascular thickening/I+M growth and vascularization in a porcine model of coronary artery injury.
Enhanced interleukin-8 release and gene expression in macrophages after exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its components.
Authors: Y Zhang, M Broser, H Cohen, M Bodkin, K Law, J Reibman, W N Rom
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1995)

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is accompanied by acute and chronic inflammatory infiltrates associated with necrotizing granulomas in lung tissue. The cellular infiltrate is characterized by inflammatory cells which include neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages. In animal and in vitro models of mycobacterial infection, cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) participate in granulomatous inflammation. We hypothesized that interleukin-3, a potent chemoattractant for neutrophils and lymphocytes, could be released by activated alveolar macrophages after exposure to M. tuberculosis or its components and contribute to granulomatous lung inflammation. A quantitative immunoassay revealed that IL-8 protein release was significantly elevated in supernatants of macrophages and in lavage fluid obtained from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis compared to normal controls. In addition, Northern blots demonstrated striking up-regulation of IL-8 mRNA in macrophages from these patients. M. tuberculosis and its cell wall components lipoarabinomannan (LAM), lipomannan (LM), and phosphoinositolmannoside (PIM) stimulated IL-8 protein release and mRNA expression in vitro from alveolar macrophages, but deacylated LAM did not. Neutralizing antibodies to TNF-alpha and/or IL-1-alpha and beta blocked 83% of the stimulation. IL-8 synthesis and release is an early response of macrophages after phagocytosis of M. tuberculosis. Its production serves to attract both acute and chronic inflammatory cells of active infection and thus participates in the process of containment of the pathogen.
The primacy of conscious decision making
Authors: David R. Shanks, Ben R. Newell
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (2014)

Abstract The target article sought to question the common belief that our decisions are often biased by unconscious influences. While many commentators offer additional support for this perspective, others question our theoretical assumptions, empirical evaluations, and methodological criteria. We rebut in particular the starting assumption that all decision making is unconscious, and that the onus should be on researchers to prove conscious influences. Further evidence is evaluated in relation to the core topics we reviewed (multiple-cue judgment, deliberation without attention, and decisions under uncertainty), as well as priming effects. We reiterate a key conclusion from the target article, namely, that it now seems to be generally accepted that awareness should be operationally defined as reportable knowledge, and that such knowledge can only be evaluated by careful and thorough probing. We call for future research to pay heed to the different ways in which awareness can intervene in decision making (as identified in our lens model analysis) and to employ suitable methodology in the assessment of awareness, including the requirements that awareness assessment must be reliable, relevant, immediate, and sensitive.
Chlamydia pneumoniae and the lung
Authors: MR Hammerschlag
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2000)

Chlamydia pneumoniae is a frequently occurring respiratory pathogen affecting all age groups. It may cause 5-20% of community-acquired pneumonias in adults and children. The organism has also been implicated as an infectious trigger for asthma. Furthermore, new studies suggest that it may play a role in the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases including atherosclerosis. However, despite the growing significance of C. pneumoniae as a pathogen, progress is hampered by the lack of standardized diagnostic methods including serology and polymerase chain reaction. This makes it practically impossible for the practitioner to make a specific microbiological diagnosis. The lack of standardized methods has also had an adverse effect on treatment trials. The dependence on serology for diagnosis in treatment studies has generated some questionable results. Unless cultures are performed, microbiological efficacy cannot be assessed and it may never be possible to survey for or document the emergence of resistance.
Pharmacology of Iron Transport
Authors: Shaina L. Byrne, Divya Krishnamurthy, Marianne Wessling-Resnick
Journal: The Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology (2011)

Elucidating the molecular basis for the regulation of iron uptake, storage, and distribution is necessary to understand iron homeostasis. Pharmacological tools are emerging to identify and distinguish among different iron transport pathways. Stimulatory or inhibitory small molecules with effects on iron uptake can help characterize the mechanistic elements of iron transport and the roles of the transporters involved in these processes. In particular, iron chelators can serve as potential pharmacological tools to alleviate diseases of iron overload. This review focuses on the pharmacology of iron transport, introducing iron transport membrane proteins and known inhibitors.
Austere or not? UK coalition government budgets and health inequalities
Authors: Aaron Reeves, Sanjay Basu, Martin McKee, Michael Marmot, David Stuckler
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (2013)

Aaron Reeves, Sanjay Basu, Martin McKee, Michael Marmot and David Stuckler Department of Sociology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 1UQ, UK Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA Department of Public Health and Policy, LSHTM, London, WC1H 9SH, UK Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK Corresponding author: Aaron Reeves. Email: aaron.reeves@sociology.ox.ac.uk
Glyceryl-ether monooxygenase [EC 1.14.16.5]. A microsomal enzyme of ether lipid metabolism
Authors: Hiroyasu Taguchi, Wilfred L. F. Armarego
Journal: Medicinal Research Reviews (1998)

The history, biological, and medical aspects of glyceryl ethers, as well as their chemical syntheses, biosynthesis, and their chemical and physical properties are briefly reviewed as background information for appreciating the importance of the enzyme glyceryl-ether monooxygenase, and for embarking on new studies of this enzyme. The occurrence, isolation and general properties of the microsomal, membrane-bound, glyceryl-ether monooxygenase from rat liver are described. Radiometric, nonradiometric, and coupled and direct spectrophotometric assays for this enzyme are detailed. The effects of detergents on the kinetics of this enzyme are described together with the stoichiometry and the effects of inhibitors. The structure-activity relationships of pterin cofactors and of ether lipid substrates, including their stereospecificities, have been summarized from enzyme kinetic data which are also tabulated. The mechanism of enzymic hydroxylation of glyceryl ethers and a model for the active site of glyceryl-ether monooxygenase are proposed from these apparent kinetic data. Notes on useful future studies of this monooxygenase have been made. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Med Res Rev, 18, No. 1, 43-89, 1998.
Cold Exposure Promotes Atherosclerotic Plaque Growth and Instability via UCP1-Dependent Lipolysis
Authors: Mei Dong, Xiaoyan Yang, Sharon Lim, Ziquan Cao, Jennifer Honek, Huixia Lu, Cheng Zhang, Takahiro Seki, Kayoko Hosaka, Eric Wahlberg, Jianmin Yang, Lei Zhang, Toste Länne, Baocun Sun, Xuri Li, Yizhi Liu, Yun Zhang, Yihai Cao
Journal: Cell Metabolism (2013)

Molecular mechanisms underlying the cold-associated high cardiovascular risk remain unknown. Here, we show that the cold-triggered food-intake-independent lipolysis significantly increased plasma levels of small low-density lipoprotein (LDL) remnants, leading to accelerated development of atherosclerotic lesions in mice. In two genetic mouse knockout models (apolipoprotein E−/− [ApoE−/−] and LDL receptor−/− [Ldlr−/−] mice), persistent cold exposure stimulated atherosclerotic plaque growth by increasing lipid deposition. Furthermore, marked increase of inflammatory cells and plaque-associated microvessels were detected in the cold-acclimated ApoE−/− and Ldlr−/− mice, leading to plaque instability. Deletion of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), a key mitochondrial protein involved in thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT), in the ApoE−/− strain completely protected mice from the cold-induced atherosclerotic lesions. Cold acclimation markedly reduced plasma levels of adiponectin, and systemic delivery of adiponectin protected ApoE−/− mice from plaque development. These findings provide mechanistic insights on low-temperature-associated cardiovascular risks.
Multiple painful bone cysts in a young man.
Authors: F J Ballina-Garcia, M R Queiro-Silva, R Molina-Suarez, J Fernandez-Martinez, M Rivela-Vazquez, A Rodriguez-Perez
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1996)

To confirm the diagnosis of diffuse cystic angiomatosis, it is necessary to biopsy the bone: the walls of the cysts react to immunological markers of the endothelium (antigens related to factor VIII and CD31). Alternatively, lymphography can avoid the necessity for biopsy. Evolution of the condition is variable and depends on the extent of visceral involvement, and usually the extent of soft tissue and visceral involvement dictates the morbidity and mortality. There is no specific treatment, though osseous lesions can regress spontaneously.
Dialysis or Transplantation: Fitting the Treatment to the Patient
Authors: Michael Berkoben, MD, Steve Schwab, MD
Journal: Annual Review of Medicine (1999)

Early referral of the patient with chronic renal failure will give the nephrologist time to fit the treatment to the patient. Planning for dialysis and transplantation should be undertaken concurrently. If the patient is not of advanced age and is not afflicted with severe comorbid illness, renal transplantation is the preferred form of renal replacement therapy. Living donor transplantation is preferred to cadaveric transplantation. For the patient who awaits or who cannot undergo transplantation, either peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis may be chosen. Although the mortality rate for peritoneal dialysis appears to be higher than that for hemodialysis, especially among elderly diabetic patients, peritoneal dialysis remains an acceptable therapy for the highly motivated patient. In the United States, the mortality rate for chronic dialysis patients is high. We expect mortality rates for both peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis to fall, however, as we strive to achieve optimal solute clearance and to more effectively treat comorbid illness.
Tocopherol-Associated Protein Suppresses Prostate Cancer Cell Growth by Inhibition of the Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Pathway
Authors: Jing Ni, Xingqiao Wen, Jorge Yao, Hong-Chiang Chang, Yi Yin, Min Zhang, Shaozhen Xie, Ming Chen, Brenna Simons, Philip Chang, Anthony di Sant'Agnese, Edward M. Messing, Shuyuan Yeh
Journal: Cancer Research (2005)

Abstract Epidemiologic studies suggested that vitamin E has a protective effect against prostate cancer. We showed here that tocopherol-associated protein (TAP), a vitamin E–binding protein, promoted vitamin E uptake and facilitated vitamin E antiproliferation effect in prostate cancer cells. Interestingly, without vitamin E treatment, overexpression of TAP in prostate cancer cells significantly suppressed cell growth; knockdown of endogenous TAP by TAP small interfering RNA (siRNA) in nonmalignant prostate HPr-1 cells increased cell growth. Further mechanism dissection studies suggested that the tumor suppressor function of TAP was via down-regulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling, but not by modulating cell cycle arrest or androgen receptor signaling. Immunoprecipitation results indicated that TAP inhibited the interaction of PI3K subunits, p110 with p85, and subsequently reduced Akt activity. Constitutively active Akt could negate the TAP-suppressive activity on prostate cancer cell growth. Moreover, stable transfection of TAP in LNCaP cells suppressed LNCaP tumor incidence and growth rate in nude mice. Furthermore, TAP mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly down-regulated in human prostate cancer tissue samples compared with benign prostate tissues as measured by reverse transcription-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. Together, our data suggest that TAP not only mediates vitamin E absorption to facilitate vitamin E antiproliferation effect in prostate cancer cells, but also functions like a tumor suppressor gene to control cancer cell viability through a non–vitamin E manner. Therefore, TAP may represent a new prognostic marker for prostate cancer progression.
Collision Detection as a Model for Sensory-Motor Integration
Authors: Haleh Fotowat, Fabrizio Gabbiani
Journal: Annual Review of Neuroscience (2011)

Visually guided collision avoidance is critical for the survival of many animals. The execution of successful collision-avoidance behaviors requires accurate processing of approaching threats by the visual system and signaling of threat characteristics to motor circuits to execute appropriate motor programs in a timely manner. Consequently, visually guided collision avoidance offers an excellent model with which to study the neural mechanisms of sensory-motor integration in the context of a natural behavior. Neurons that selectively respond to approaching threats and brain areas processing them have been characterized across many species. In locusts in particular, the underlying sensory and motor processes have been analyzed in great detail: These animals possess an identified neuron, called the LGMD, that responds selectively to approaching threats and conveys that information through a second identified neuron, the DCMD, to motor centers, generating escape jumps. A combination of behavioral and in vivo electrophysiological experiments has unraveled many of the cellular and network mechanisms underlying this behavior.
INTRATHORACIC FAT VOLUME IS AN INDEPENDENT PREDICTOR OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE IN HEALTHY, ASYMPTOMATIC SUBJECTS
Authors: Harshal R. Patil, Rajiv Chhabra, James H. O'Keefe, John H. Helzberg, Kevin F. Kennedy, Samantha King, Damini Dey, Randall C. Thompson
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2013)
Mitochondrial function and myocardial aging. A critical analysis of the role of permeability transition
Authors: F DILISA, P BERNARDI
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2005)

Mitochondria have been suggested to be causally linked to age-related alterations through respiratory chain dysfunction and formation of reactive oxygen species, leading to damage of mitochondrial DNA. Impaired biosynthesis of respiratory chain and ATP synthase subunits encoded by mitochondrial genes would set up a vicious cycle contributing to the aging process. Mitochondria are also involved in the increased susceptibility to ischemic injury observed in aged hearts, a process where the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) may play a role. Here, we analyze (i) the possible mechanisms through which PTP opening might contribute to age-related myocardial alterations; (ii) the available evidence of an increased probability of PTP opening in mitochondria isolated from aged tissues; (iii) the current methodological limitations that complicate the elucidation of causal relationships between PTP opening, mitochondrial dysfunction, and myocardial aging.
Use of tracheal auscultation for the assessment of bronchial responsiveness in asthmatic children.
Authors: A B Sprikkelman, M H Grol, M S Lourens, J Gerritsen, H S Heymans, W M van Aalderen
Journal: Thorax (1996)

It can be difficult to assess bronchial responsiveness in children because of their inability to perform spirometric tests reliably. In bronchial challenges lung sounds could be used to detect the required 20% fall in the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). A study was undertaken to determine whether a change in lung sounds corresponded with a 20% fall in FEV1 after methacholine challenge, and whether the occurrence of wheeze was the most important change.Fifteen children with asthma (eight boys) of mean age 10.8 years (range 8-15) were studied. All had normal chest auscultation before the methacholine challenge test. Lung sounds were recorded over the trachea for one minute and stored on tape. They were analysed directly and also scored blindly from the tape recording by a second investigator. Wheeze, cough, increase in respiratory rate, and prolonged expiration were assessed.The total cumulative methacholine dose causing a fall in FEV1 of 20% or more (PD20) was detected in 12 children by a change in lung sounds - in four by wheeze and in eight by cough, increased respiratory rate, and/or prolonged expiration. In two subjects altered lung sounds were detectable one dose step before PD20 was reached. In three cases in whom no fall in FEV1 occurred, no change in lung sounds could be detected at the highest methacholine dose.Changes in lung sounds correspond well with a 20% fall in FEV1 after methacholine challenge. Wheeze is an insensitive indicator for assessing bronchial responsiveness. Cough, increase in respiratory rate, and prolonged expiration occurs more frequently.