tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
No evidence backs reduction in abortion time limit, minister says
Authors: Adrian O'Dowd
Journal: BMJ (2007)

No medical evidence indicates that the limit of 24 weeks for abortions in the United Kingdom should be reduced, according to a government minister.

The health minister Dawn Primarolo defended the existing time limit in UK law when she gave evidence to the House of Commons science and technology committee last week, as part of its inquiry into whether abortion laws in England and Wales need to be updated.

“The Department of Health's view and the advice to me is . . . that the act works as intended and doesn't require further amendment at the present time,” Ms …
Implicit knowledge as automatic, latent knowledge
Authors: John R. Vokey, Philip A. Higham
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (1999)

Implicit knowledge is perhaps better understood as latent knowledge so that it is readily apparent that it contrasts with explicit knowledge in terms of the form of the knowledge representation, rather than by definition in terms of consciousness or awareness. We argue that as a practical matter any definition of the distinction between implicit and explicit knowledge further involves the notion of control.
TLR8 deficiency leads to autoimmunity in mice
Authors: Olivier Demaria, Philippe P. Pagni, Stephanie Traub, Aude de Gassart, Nora Branzk, Andrew J. Murphy, David M. Valenzuela, George D. Yancopoulos, Richard A. Flavell, Lena Alexopoulou
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2010)

TLRs play an essential role in the induction of immune responses by detecting conserved molecular products of microorganisms. However, the function of TLR8 is largely unknown. In the current study, we investigated the role of TLR8 signaling in immunity in mice. We found that Tlr8–/– DCs overexpressed TLR7, were hyperresponsive to various TLR7 ligands, and showed stronger and faster NF-κB activation upon stimulation with the TLR7 ligand R848. Tlr8–/– mice showed splenomegaly, defective development of marginal zone (MZ) and B1 B cells, and increased serum levels of IgM and IgG2a. Furthermore, Tlr8–/– mice exhibited increased serum levels of autoantibodies against small nuclear ribonucleoproteins, ribonucleoprotein, and dsDNA and developed glomerulonephritis, whereas neither Tlr7–/– nor Tlr8–/–Tlr7–/– mice showed any of the phenotypes observed in Tlr8–/– mice. These data provide evidence for a pivotal role for mouse TLR8 in the regulation of mouse TLR7 expression and prevention of spontaneous autoimmunity.
What caused gastrointestinal bleeding in a woman with a history of pleural mesothelioma?
Authors: F. Iafrate, S. Sibio, P. Sammartino, M. Ciolina, A. Pichi, F. Accarpio, A. Ciardi, C. Hassan, M. Di Seri, S. Quadrini, A. Laghi, R. Passariello, A. Di Giorgio
Journal: Gut (2010)

A 72-year-old white woman was admitted to the university hospital with malaria. Her medical history highlighted a pleural mesothelioma diagnosed 2 years earlier and treated by left thoracotomy with chest wall and diaphragm resection followed by four courses of …
Pleural abrasion: a new method of pleurodesis?
Authors: P Cole, K S Matar
Journal: Thorax (1992)

Letters to the Editor potential for confounding by severity when an unmatched control group is used.A similar problem occurred in the Saskatchewan study,7 which also used an unmatched control group.When this problem is correc- ted, however, either by using an appropriate control group (group A) or by adjusting for markers of asthma severity (table, top of p574), then the association of asthma drugs in general with deaths from asthma tends to disappear, whereas the findings for fenoterol remain firm (a similar pattern occurred in the Saskatchewan data7).The table shows that control group A provides an adequate match for asthma severity, whereas some confound- ing exists in the unadjusted results for control group B. We drew this conclusion in the published paper,5 and Dr Lanes and his coworkers have simply repeated our analysis but misrepresented our conclusions.When the hazards of fenoterol are being considered it is important that all of the evidence should be considered.There is now a wealth of epidemiological, experimental, and clinical evidence that fenoterol is more hazardous than other commonly used f agon- ists.2The second New Zealand mortality epidemic started when fenoterol was introduced in 1976, and continued until our first study was published in 1989; the death rate then fell by one half, and is now similar to that in other countries.It is important to search for alternative explanations, but the evidence increasingly indicates that confounding by severity is not a plausible explana- tion, and that the association between fenoterol and deaths from asthma is likely to be causal.
Renal cortical complement C3 gene expression in IgA nephropathy.
Authors: V Montinaro, L Gesualdo, E Ranieri, R Monno, G Grandaliano, F P Schena
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (1997)

Glomerular C3 deposits are commonly found in immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy. Renal gene expression and protein synthesis of complement components have been shown in settings of tissue inflammation. In this study, the pathogenetic involvement of locally produced C3 in IgA nephropathy was analyzed. C3 gene expression was analyzed by reverse transcription, polymerase chain reaction, and in situ hybridization techniques. C3 mRNA was detected in 56% of cases, with a significantly higher percentage in patients with moderate-to-severe lesions than in those with mild lesions (P < 0.01). By in situ hybridization, C3 transcript was predominantly expressed by tubular cells and some interstitial cells. C3 mRNA was also observed on glomerular parietal epithelial cells. Immunoreactive native C3 was detected on cortical tubuli by an anti-C3c immunoalkaline-phosphatase technique. A significant correlation was found between renal C3 transcription and glomerulosclerosis, intracapillary proliferation (both P < 0.005) and markers of interstitial damage, including tubular atrophy (P < 0.05), interstitial infiltration (P < 0.05), and fibrosis (P < 0.005). Proteinuria (P < 0.05), but not serum creatinine, at the time of renal biopsy correlated with C3 mRNA. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the C3 gene was expressed primarily in proximal tubular cells and occasionally in glomerular crescents, and that its expression correlated with clinical and histologic markers of severity and poor outcome of IgA nephropathy. Thus, a pathogenetic involvement of the local transcription and translation of the C3 gene in IgA nephropathy was suggested.
Identification of HLA class II-restricted H-Y-specific T-helper epitope evoking CD4+ T-helper cells in H-Y-mismatched transplantation
Authors: Eric Spierings, Corine J Vermeulen, Mario H Vogt, Lucie EE Doerner, J H Frederik Falkenburg, Tuna Mutis, Els Goulmy
Journal: The Lancet (2003)
Simple Screening Tests for Peripheral Neuropathy in the Diabetes Clinic
Authors: Bruce A. Perkins, David Olaleye, Bernard Zinman, Vera Bril
Journal: Diabetes Care (2001)

The utility of rapid and reliable sensory tests appropriate for the diagnosis of neuropathy in the diabetes clinic, rather than as prognostic tools for the prediction of foot complications, has been unclear because of limitations inherent in previous studies. Although clinical practice guidelines recommend annual screening for neuropathy, they are unable to support specific recommendations for screening maneuvers because of a lack of evidence for the validity of screening tests in the medical literature. The objective of this study was to assess the operating characteristics of four simple sensory screening maneuvers as compared with standardized electrophysiological tests in the diagnosis of distal symmetrical polyneuropathy.We assessed four simple tests (the 10-g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament examination [SWME], superficial pain sensation, vibration testing by the on-off method, and vibration testing by the timed method) in 478 subjects with independent blinded evaluations compared against the criterion standard of nerve conduction studies. We present receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and sensitivity and specificity values for each test.The four simple screening maneuvers reveal similar operating characteristics. Cutoff points by ROC curve analyses reveal that a positive or abnormal test is represented by five incorrect responses of eight stimuli applied. A negative or normal test is represented by one or fewer incorrect responses of eight stimuli applied. By these criteria, the point estimates of the positive likelihood ratios for vibration testing by the on-off method, vibration testing by the timed method, the SWME, and superficial pain sensation test are 26.6, 18.5, 10.2, and 9.2, respectively. The point estimates of the negative likelihood ratios are 0.33, 0.51, 0.34, and 0.50, respectively The screening tests showed comparable sensitivity and specificity results. The 10-g SWME, superficial pain test, and vibration testing by the on-off method are rapid, each requiring approximately 60 s to administer. The timed vibration test takes longer, and the interpretation is more complicated. The combination of two simple tests (e.g., the 10-g SWME and vibration testing by the on-off method) does not add value to each individual screening test.Annual screening for diabetic neuropathy should be conducted using superficial pain sensation testing, SWME, or vibration testing by the on-off method. The reported operating characteristics for each sensory modality can be applied to positive findings on the physical examination of individual patients to predict the likelihood of neuropathy.
Obesity and susceptibility to severe outcomes following respiratory viral infection
Authors: Mark H Almond, Michael R Edwards, Wendy S Barclay, Sebastian L Johnston
Journal: Thorax (2013)

During the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, obesity was convincingly identified as a novel, independent risk factor for multiple markers of disease severity. Associations between numerous nosocomial and community-acquired clinical infections have previously been established; yet, little is known about the mechanisms underpinning the increased susceptibility to severe outcomes following pandemic H1N1/09 infection in obesity. Here, we present a brief synthesis of the recent advances in our understanding of the immunomodulatory effects of obesity on outcomes following respiratory viral infection, with a particular focus on pandemic influenza.
The Molecular Control of Corpus Luteum Formation, Function, and Regression
Authors: Carlos Stocco, Carlos Telleria, Geula Gibori
Journal: Endocrine Reviews (2007)

The corpus luteum (CL) is one of the few endocrine glands that forms from the remains of another organ and whose function and survival are limited in scope and time. The CL is the site of rapid remodeling, growth, differentiation, and death of cells originating from granulosa, theca, capillaries, and fibroblasts. The apparent raison d’etre of the CL is the production of progesterone, and all the structural and functional features of this gland are geared toward this end. Because of its unique importance for successful pregnancies, the mammals have evolved a complex series of checks and balances that maintains progesterone at appropriate levels throughout gestation. The formation, maintenance, regression, and steroidogenesis of the CL are among the most significant and closely regulated events in mammalian reproduction. During pregnancy, the fate of the CL depends on the interplay of ovarian, pituitary, and placental regulators. At the end of its life span, the CL undergoes a process of regression leading to its disappearance from the ovary and allowing the initiation of a new cycle. The generation of transgenic, knockout and knockin mice and the development of innovative technologies have revealed a novel role of several molecules in the reprogramming of granulosa cells into luteal cells and in the hormonal and molecular control of the function and demise of the CL. The current review highlights our knowledge on these key molecular events in rodents.
Memory must also mesh affect
Authors: Carl F. MacDorman
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (1997)

To model potential interactions, memory must not only mesh prior patterns of action, as Glenberg proposes, but also their internal consequences. This is necessary both to discriminate sensorimotor information by its relevance and to explain how go als about the world develop. In the absence of internal feedback, Glenberg is forced to reintroduce a grounding problem into his otherwise sound model by presupposing interactive goals.
Characterizing the RNA targets and position-dependent splicing regulation by TDP-43
Authors: James R Tollervey, Tomaž Curk, Boris Rogelj, Michael Briese, Matteo Cereda, Melis Kayikci, Julian König, Tibor Hortobágyi, Agnes L Nishimura, Vera Župunski, Rickie Patani, Siddharthan Chandran, Gregor Rot, Blaž Zupan, Christopher E Shaw, Jernej Ule
Journal: Nature Neuroscience (2011)
370 IS ALANINE AMINOTRANSFERASE A SURROGATE MARKER OF SEVERE HEPATOCYTE APOPTOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE
Authors: H. Senturk, B. Canbakan, M. Canbakan, I. Hatemi, T. Toptas, O. Tabak, H. Balcı, V. Olgac, G. Ozbay
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2010)
Translational Regulation of X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein by Interleukin-6
Authors: Yoko Yamagiwa, Carla Marienfeld, Fanyin Meng, Martin Holcik, Tushar Patel
Journal: Cancer Research (2004)

Abstract Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine with diverse biological effects. IL-6 has been implicated in autocrine signaling pathways promoting tumor progression and chemoresistance in some human tumors. However, the mechanisms by which IL-6 modulates these responses are unknown. Aberrant apoptosis has been implicated as a fundamental mechanism of chemotherapeutic resistance. Thus, we investigated whether IL-6 alters the expression of apoptosis regulatory proteins as a mechanism of drug resistance. We provide evidence that IL-6 rapidly phosphorylates the translation initiation factor eukaryotic initiation factor-4E and triggers antiapoptotic responses in cholangiocarcinoma cells. Reduction of cellular eukaryotic initiation factor-4E by RNA interference decreases IL-6-induced effects on cytotoxic drug-induced caspase activation and apoptosis. Furthermore, IL-6 increases expression of the endogenous X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein expression by translation at an internal ribosome entry site. Our findings that IL-6 translationally regulates X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein expression reveal a novel mechanism by which IL-6 mediates tumor cell survival that may be targeted therapeutically to decrease tumor progression and chemoresistance.
Randomized Phase II Study of Bortezomib Alone and Bortezomib in Combination With Docetaxel in Previously Treated Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Michael P. Fanucchi, Frank V. Fossella, Robert Belt, Ronald Natale, Panos Fidias, David P. Carbone, Ramaswamy Govindan, Luis E. Raez, Francisco Robert, Maria Ribeiro, Wallace Akerley, Karen Kelly, Steven A. Limentani, Jeffrey Crawford, Hans-Joachim Reimers, Rita Axelrod, Oscar Kashala, Shihong Sheng, Joan H. Schiller
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2006)

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of bortezomib +/- docetaxel as second-line therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Patients were randomly assigned to bortezomib 1.5 mg/m2 (arm A) or bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 plus docetaxel 75 mg/m2 (arm B). A treatment cycle of 21 days comprised four bortezomib doses on days 1, 4, 8, and 11, plus, in arm B, docetaxel on day 1. Patients could receive unlimited cycles. The primary end point was response rate.A total of 155 patients were treated, 75 in arm A and 80 in arm B. Baseline characteristics were comparable. Investigator-assessed response rates were 8% in arm A and 9% in arm B. Disease control rates were 29% in arm A and 54% in arm B. Median time to progression was 1.5 months in arm A and 4.0 months in arm B. One-year survival was 39% and 33%, and median survival was 7.4 and 7.8 months in arms A and B, respectively. Adverse effect profiles were as expected in both arms, with no significant additivity. The most common grade > or = 3 adverse events were neutropenia, fatigue, and dyspnea (4% and 53%, 19% and 26%, and 17% and 14% of patients in arms A and B, respectively).Bortezomib has modest single-agent activity in patients with relapsed or refractory advanced NSCLC using this schedule, with minor enhancement in combination with docetaxel. Additional investigation of bortezomib in NSCLC is warranted in combination with other drugs known to be active, or using different schedules.
Effect of forced-air artificial intermittent drying on cocoa beans in South-Western Nigeria
Authors: D. O. Oke, K. F. Omotayo
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2012)

Drying experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of forced-air, artificial intermittent drying system on quality of fermented cocoa beans harvested in south-western Nigeria. The beans were dried naturally by using traditional sun drying method and artificially, by hot air inside an oven at air temperatures of 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55°C respectively. Fermented beans were exposed to 9 h of drying and 15 h of resting daily. The following quality parameters were assessed; free fatty acid (FFA), pH, moisture content and acetic acid for each drying temperatures and sun drying. From the test results, the free fatty acid and acetic acid levels increases with increase in drying temperature, also, the pH level decreases with increase in drying temperature. Optimum bean-quality was obtained for cocoa beans dried at 45°C oven temperature. A predictive equation was established that shows the relationship between oven temperature (°C) and free fatty acid level (mg/g) of the beans. Generally, it was also discovered that there is no known adverse effect on the quality of the beans dried under forced-air artificial intermittent drying system.

	 

	Key words: Effect, temperature, cocoa beans, forced-air, artificial, intermittent, free fatty acid, acetic acid quality, convection.
Impact of Prolonged Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibition on Inflammatory Markers and Endothelial Function in Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease and Raised C-Reactive Protein
Authors: Peter Bogaty, James M. Brophy, Martin Noel, Luce Boyer, Serge Simard, Fernand Bertrand, Gilles R. Dagenais
Journal: Circulation (2004)

The impact of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 antagonist treatment on acute coronary risk is controversial. We investigated the effect of prolonged COX-2 inhibition on inflammatory profile and endothelial function in patients with ischemic heart disease and high serum C-reactive protein (CRP) values.In a double-blind study, 35 stable subjects on low-dose aspirin with > or =2 previous acute coronary events and 2 of 2 screening CRP values >2.0 mg/L were randomized to the COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib (25 mg) or placebo daily for 6 months. Serum CRP, interleukin-6 (IL-6), P-selectin, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and brachial artery endothelial function were evaluated. In the placebo group, CRP (median) was 3.16 mg/L (25% and 75% quartiles, 1.90 and 5.78 mg/L) at baseline and 4.22 mg/L (25% and 75% quartiles, 2.04 and 6.25 mg/L) at 6 months; in the rofecoxib group, CRP was 3.45 mg/L (25% and 75% quartiles, 2.08 and 5.78 mg/L) at baseline and 1.41 mg/L (25% and 75% quartiles, 1.17 and 4.81 mg/L) at 6 months (P=0.03). Rofecoxib compared with placebo also lowered IL-6 at 6 months (P=0.0002). There was a significant off-drug effect on CRP and IL-6 levels in the rofecoxib group 3 months after treatment (P=0.005 and P=0.009, respectively). Rofecoxib did not significantly affect P-selectin, MMP-9, and brachial artery vasoreactivity.Prolonged COX-2 inhibition attenuates CRP and IL-6, does not modify P-selectin and MMP-9, and has no deleterious effect on endothelial function in stable patients with a history of recurrent acute coronary events and raised CRP. These results strengthen the rationale for evaluating the clinical benefit of COX-2 inhibition in patients with ischemic heart disease.
An Internet-Based Program to Improve Self-Management in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Shelagh A. Mulvaney, Russell L. Rothman, Kenneth A. Wallston, Cindy Lybarger, Mary S. Dietrich
Journal: Diabetes Care (2009)

OBJECTIVE To report results from YourWay, an Internet-based self-management intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 72 adolescents with type 1 diabetes, ages 13-17 years, were randomized to a usual-care-plus-Internet support or a usual-care group. The intervention was designed to enhance problem-solving barriers to self-management. A1C was obtained from medical records, and problem-solving and self-management were obtained via adolescent report. RESULTS Group differences were not statistically significant using intent-to-treat analyses. Using as-treated analyses, adolescents in the treatment condition showed statistically significant improvement in self-management (d = 0.64; P = 0.02) and important improvements in problem-solving (d = 0.30; P = 0.23) and A1C (d = -0.28; P = 0.27). Mean A1C for the intervention group remained constant (-0.01%), while the control group increased (0.33%). CONCLUSIONS This brief trial suggests that self-management support delivered through a secure website may improve self-management and offset typical decreases in adolescent glycemic control.
Extracellular matrix, inflammation, and the angiogenic response
Authors: A. G. Arroyo, M. L. Iruela-Arispe
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2010)

Inflammation and angiogenesis are frequently coupled in pathological situations such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and arthritis. The inflammatory response increases capillary permeability and induces endothelial activation, which, when persistent, results in capillary sprouting. This inflammation-induced angiogenesis and the subsequent remodelling steps are in large part mediated by extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and proteases. The focal increase in capillary permeability is an early consequence of inflammation, and results in the deposition of a provisional fibrin matrix. Subsequently, ECM turnover by proteases permits an invasive program by specialized endothelial cells whose phenotype can be regulated by inflammatory stimuli. ECM activity also provides specific mechanical forces, exposes cryptic adhesion sites, and releases biologically active fragments (matrikines) and matrix-sequestered growth factors, all of which are critical for vascular morphogenesis. Further matrix remodelling and vascular regression contribute to the resolution of the inflammatory response and facilitate tissue repair.