tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Smoke-free Legislation and Hospitalizations for Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Jill P. Pell, Sally Haw, Stuart Cobbe, David E. Newby, Alastair C.H. Pell, Colin Fischbacher, Alex McConnachie, Stuart Pringle, David Murdoch, Frank Dunn, Keith Oldroyd, Paul MacIntyre, Brian O'Rourke, William Borland
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2008)

Previous studies have suggested a reduction in the total number of hospital admissions for acute coronary syndrome after the enactment of legislation banning smoking in public places. However, it is unknown whether the reduction in admissions involved nonsmokers, smokers, or both.Since the end of March 2006, smoking has been prohibited by law in all enclosed public places throughout Scotland. We collected information prospectively on smoking status and exposure to secondhand smoke based on questionnaires and biochemical findings from all patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome to nine Scottish hospitals during the 10-month period preceding the passage of the legislation and during the same period the next year. These hospitals accounted for 64% of admissions for acute coronary syndrome in Scotland, which has a population of 5.1 million.Overall, the number of admissions for acute coronary syndrome decreased from 3235 to 2684--a 17% reduction (95% confidence interval, 16 to 18)--as compared with a 4% reduction in England (which has no such legislation) during the same period and a mean annual decrease of 3% (maximum decrease, 9%) in Scotland during the decade preceding the study. The reduction in the number of admissions was not due to an increase in the number of deaths of patients with acute coronary syndrome who were not admitted to the hospital; this latter number decreased by 6%. There was a 14% reduction in the number of admissions for acute coronary syndrome among smokers, a 19% reduction among former smokers, and a 21% reduction among persons who had never smoked. Persons who had never smoked reported a decrease in the weekly duration of exposure to secondhand smoke (P<0.001 by the chi-square test for trend) that was confirmed by a decrease in their geometric mean concentration of serum cotinine from 0.68 to 0.56 ng per milliliter (P<0.001 by the t-test).The number of admissions for acute coronary syndrome decreased after the implementation of smoke-free legislation. A total of 67% of the decrease involved nonsmokers. However, fewer admissions among smokers also contributed to the overall reduction.
Esm1 Modulates Endothelial Tip Cell Behavior and Vascular Permeability by Enhancing VEGF Bioavailability
Authors: Susana F. Rocha, Maria Schiller, Ding Jing, Hang Li, Stefan Butz, Dietmar Vestweber, Daniel Biljes, Hannes C.A. Drexler, Melina Nieminen-Kelhä, Peter Vajkoczy, Susanne Adams, Rui Benedito, Ralf H. Adams
Journal: Circulation Research (2014)

Endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 (Esm1) is a secreted protein thought to play a role in angiogenesis and inflammation. However, there is currently no direct in vivo evidence supporting a function of Esm1 in either of these processes.To determine the role of Esm1 in vivo and the underlying molecular mechanisms.We generated and analyzed Esm1 knockout (Esm1(KO)) mice to study its role in angiogenesis and inflammation. Esm1 expression is induced by the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in endothelial tip cells of the mouse retina. Esm1(KO) mice showed delayed vascular outgrowth and reduced filopodia extension, which are both VEGF-A-dependent processes. Impairment of Esm1 function led to a decrease in phosphorylated Erk1/2 (extracellular-signal regulated kinases 1/2) in sprouting vessels. We also found that Esm1(KO) mice displayed a 40% decrease in leukocyte transmigration. Moreover, VEGF-induced vascular permeability was decreased by 30% in Esm1(KO) mice and specifically on stimulation with VEGF-A165 but not VEGF-A121. Accordingly, cerebral edema attributable to ischemic stroke-induced vascular permeability was reduced by 50% in the absence of Esm1. Mechanistically, we show that Esm1 binds directly to fibronectin and thereby displaces fibronectin-bound VEGF-A165 leading to increased bioavailability of VEGF-A165 and subsequently enhanced levels of VEGF-A signaling.Esm1 is simultaneously a target and modulator of VEGF signaling in endothelial cells, playing a role in angiogenesis, inflammation, and vascular permeability, which might be of potential interest for therapeutic applications.
Myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Sung Won Kim, Tetsuya E. Tanimoto, Noriyuki Hirabayashi, Seiichi Goto, Masahiro Kami, Satoshi Yoshioka, Toshiki Uchida, Kenji Kishi, Yuji Tanaka, Akio Kohno, Masaharu Kasai, Masakazu Higuchi, Masanobu Kasai, Shin Ichiro Mori, Takahiro Fukuda, Koji Izutsu, Hiroshi Sao, Takayuki Ishikawa, Tatsuo Ichinohe, Kengo Takeuchi, Kinuko Tajima, Ryuji Tanosaki, Mine Harada, Shuichi Taniguchi, Kensei Tobinai, Tomomitsu Hotta, Yoichi Takaue
Journal: Blood (2006)
High-density lipoprotein mass, cholesteryl ester transport protein, and macrophage reverse cholesterol transport: from the bedside back to the bench
Authors: Y. Levy
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2007)

In December 2006, the ILLUMINATE study was unexpectedly terminated because of excess mortality in the treatment group. In this study, which enrolled more than 15 000 patients, the leading cholesteryl ester transport protein (CETP) inhibitor Torcetrapib, plus Atorvastatin, was compared with Atorvastatin plus placebo in a high cardiovascular risk population. An impressive response with a 72.1% increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL)–cholesterol accompanied by a 24.9% decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL)–cholesterol was demonstrated. However, a 25% increased rate of cardiovascular events and a 40% increase in cardiovascular death occurred, and mortality due to noncardiovascular events was doubled.1 Other trials failed to show any benefit of Torcetrapib in the postponement of atherosclerosis in the common carotid2 and coronary arteries.3 Off-target effects of CETP inhibition were demonstrated and thorough discussions of cholesterol metabolism followed.4,5 In effect, the ILLUMINATE study brought a dramatic end to three decades of enthusiasm about the ‘Gordian knot’ between the unlimited protection of high HDL mass, measured by its cholesterol content, against cardiovascular events. Also, the traditional assumption that HDL elevation, such as in the case of CETP inhibition, will lead to the same protective effect was seriously challenged.

Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) refers to the process that returns cholesterol from extra-hepatic peripheral tissues to the liver for excretion. The anti-atherogenic capacity of HDL relies on its ability … 

Corresponding author. Tel: +972 4 854 2263; fax: +972 4 854 3286. E-mail address : ys_levy{at}rambam.health.gov.il
Further studies of scratching during sleep
Authors: J.A SAVIN, W.D PATERSON, I. OSWALD, KIRSTINE ADAM
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1975)

Fifteen patients with a variety of itching skin diseases (atopic eczema, dermatitis herpetiformis, lichen planus, urticaria and psoriasis) have been studied in the sleep laboratory. Recordings were made of all-night electroencephalogram, electro-oculogram, submental electromyogram, and muscle potentials from both forearms. Bouts of scratching during orthodox (NREM) sleep occurred more frequently in stages 1 and 2 than in stages 3 and 4. The frequency in paradoxial (REM) sleep was close to that in stage 2 sleep. This pattern was similar for all the diseases studied and seems to be related to the physiology of the sleep stages rather than to the skin diseases themselves. The mean duration of the bouts of scratching was not related to the sleep stage in which they started.
LABORATORY TRANSMISSION OF ST. LOUIS ENCEPHALITIS VIRUS BY THREE GENERA OF MOSQUITOES
Authors: W. McD. Hammon, W. C. Reeves
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1943)

1. St. Louis virus has been successfully transmitted in the laboratory by the following 9 species of mosquitoes from 3 genera: Culex tarsalis, Culex pipiens, Culex coronator, Aedes lateralis, Aedes taeniorhynchus, Aedes vexans, Aedes nigromaculis, Theobaldia incidens, and Theobaldia inornata. 2. Though transmission has not been demonstrated, survival of the virus for more than a few days was shown to occur in Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex stigmatosoma, Psorophora ciliata, and Anopheles maculipennis freeborni. 3. In experiments with Culex tarsalis, infection occurred from feeding on chickens and ducks which had been previously inoculated by the subcutaneous route. After an incubation period these mosquitoes infected other chickens and virus was in turn demonstrated in the blood of these. This is interpreted as proof that fowl may serve as reservoirs of virus in nature. Since mosquitoes have been repeatedly found naturally infected with St. Louis virus and epidemiologic evidence supports their incrimination, their rôle as vectors is now established. The fully incriminated species is Culex tarsalis.
Nephritogenic antigen determinants in epidermal and renal basement membranes of kindreds with Alport-type familial nephritis.
Authors: C Kashtan, A J Fish, M Kleppel, K Yoshioka, A F Michael
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1986)

We probed epidermal basement membranes (EBM) of acid-urea denatured skin from members of kindreds with Alport-type familial nephritis (FN) for the presence of antigens reactive with Goodpasture sera (GPS) and serum (FNS) from an Alport patient who developed anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) nephritis in a renal allograft. By immunoblotting, GPS reacted primarily with the 28,000 molecular weight (mol wt) monomer but also the 24,000 mol wt and 26,000 mol wt monomers of the noncollagenous globular domain (NC1) of type IV collagen from normal human GBM, while FNS identified only the 26,000-mol wt monomer. FNS reacted with EBM of 12 controls and nine unaffected male kindred members but not EBM of eight affected males. Five affected females exhibited interrupted reactivity of FNS with EBM. GPS showed variable reactivity with EBM and was not discriminating with respect to Alport-type FN. FNS did not stain renal basement members of five affected males. However, the EBM, tubular basement membrane, and Bowman's capsules of affected males contained antigens reactive with GPS. These immunochemical studies suggest that the FNS antigen is distinct from Goodpasture antigen(s). The expression of FNS antigen located on the NC1 domain of type IV collagen is altered in basement membranes of patients with Alport-type FN, and the distribution of this antigenic anomaly within kindreds suggests X-linked dominant transmission of a defective gene.
A novel imaging technique as an adjunct to the <i>in vivo</i> diagnosis of nonmelanoma skin cancer
Authors: H. Tehrani, J. Walls, G. Price, S. Cotton, E. Sassoon, P. Hall
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2006)

Spectrophotometric intracutaneous analysis (SIAscopy) is a light-based imaging system capable of producing rapid images of melanin, blood and collagen of the skin. Although the SIAscope has been investigated for melanoma diagnosis, no formal study has been conducted to determine its use in the diagnosis of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC).A prospective study was conducted to investigate the potential for the SIAscope to diagnose NMSC.In total, 302 consecutive patients were recruited into the study, 363 lesions being scanned. Logistic regression analysis was used to construct a predictive model for NMSC diagnosis and receiver-operator characteristic curves were used to assess overall accuracy of the model.A sensitivity of 98.0%, specificity of 95.7% and overall accuracy of 98.2% was found for NMSC diagnosis by the SIAscope model.Results suggest that the SIAscope may be a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of NMSC.
Tick bite fever and arthritis associated with travel to Africa
Authors: T Ding
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2004)

A 52 year old woman was admitted with fever and acute polyarthritis. She had visited a game reserve in Northern Province, South Africa 5 weeks before admission. Two weeks before admission she developed fever and flu-like symptoms, then mouth ulcers, and a non-itchy, maculopapular rash that covered her whole body and her scalp. Three days after the start of the rash she developed painful and swollen joints—notably, the hands, elbows, wrists, knees, and feet.

On examination at admission she was apyrexial with no visible rash and no lymphadenopathy. She had florid synovitis at elbows, wrists, knees, and dactylitis affecting the right index finger (fig 1A), left thumb, and left 4th toe. Spinal movement was normal. Examination was otherwise unremarkable.



 Figure 1  
 Dactylitis affecting the right index finger (A) and 99mTc-MDP bone scan showing increased uptake over both wrists, left …
Structural requirements for pairing of alpha and beta chains in HLA-DR and HLA-DP molecules.
Authors: D R Karp, C L Teletski, D Jaraquemada, W L Maloy, J E Coligan, E O Long
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1990)

To test for the assembly of human MHC class II molecules having an alpha chain from one isotype (HLA-DR, -DQ, or -DP) and the beta chain of another (mixed isotypic pairs), murine fibroblasts were transfected with expressible cDNAs encoding the different class II alpha and beta chains. A rapid and efficient transient transfection system was developed using a polyoma virus-based vector. Typically, 30-50% of cells transfected using this system expressed high levels of class II molecules on their surface, but only with matched isotypic pairs. Biochemical analysis of cells transfected with matched or mixed isotypic pairs of the DR and DP molecules revealed that only matched chains could pair efficiently inside the cell. Thus, the lack of expression of the two mixed isotypic pairs is due to inefficient primary assembly of the class II molecule and not to a processing or transport defect. To define what region of the beta chains controlled their assembly with alpha chains, a series of chimeric cDNA molecules containing both DR and DP beta chain sequences were constructed. Expression of these chimeric beta chains with DR and DP alpha chains was determined by cytofluorimetry and biochemical analysis. Both alpha chains paired with beta chains in which only the beta 1 domain was isotypically matched. In contrast, the pattern of expression of chimeras made at other points within the beta 1 domain was different for DR and DP. These data show that different areas of primary sequence are important for the assembly of different human class II isotypes, and suggest that HLA-DR and -DP molecules have different secondary or tertiary structures in their NH2-terminal domains.
Modification of DSM-IV Criteria for Depressed Preschool Children
Authors: Joan L. Luby, Christine Mrakotsky, Amy Heffelfinger, Kathy Brown, Martha Hessler, Edward Spitznagel
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (2003)

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the severity of depression in preschoolers diagnosed by standard versus modified DSM-IV criteria for major depression. METHOD: A group of 145 preschoolers and their caregivers underwent a diagnostic assessment for preschool children. A factor analysis of depressive symptoms from the group was performed to derive a depression severity score. Scores were compared among four groups: standard DSM-IV major depression, modified DSM-IV major depression, DSM-IV attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and/or oppositional defiant disorder, and no disorder. RESULTS: A hierarchy in severity emerged, with significant differences among all four groups. Preschoolers meeting standard criteria displayed the highest severity, followed by those who met modified criteria. Both depressed groups had significantly higher severity than the two comparison groups. CONCLUSIONS: Standard DSM-IV criteria captured the most severely affected preschoolers, missing a substantial proportion of children with potentially clinically significant but less severe symptoms who were captured by modified DSM-IV criteria.
Letter by Vannacci et al Regarding Article, “Randomized Trial of Acupuncture to Lower Blood Pressure”
Authors: Alfredo Vannacci, Carlo Maria Giovanardi, Pierangelo Geppetti
Journal: Circulation (2008)

Randomized Trial of Acupuncture to Lower Blood Pressure"To the Editor:We read with much interest the article by Flachskampf et al 1 on the effect of acupuncture in decreasing blood pressure in hypertensive patients.Although we appreciated the cooperation between Nanjing University in China, the regional hospital Klinikum Ottobeuren, and the Universitätsklinikum Erlangen in Germany, which offered traditional acupuncture to be administered by Chinese doctors with a high level of expertise, we noticed some inaccuracies in the text with regard to the description of acupuncture technique.In the section reporting the acupoints chosen for the treatment of hypertension, the authors state that Taiyang is a single point and thus was used monolaterally.It should be noted that Taiyang is instead bilateral, making it unclear whether, in the study protocol, treatment was applied to the point monolaterally or bilaterally.It also seems unusual to quote a text written in German 2 to describe acupoint localization and nomenclature because the excellent and abundant English literature could have been used for this purpose and the German may be difficult to interpret.Thus, some uncertainty arises with the use of German abbreviations for channel names (Mp, Ma, KG, LG, etc), and for non-German-speaking readers, accurate identification in the text of the acupoints cited could have been difficult.In the search of clarity and to encourage correct interpretation of the results, we strongly suggest that the international classification of acupoints by the World Health Organization 3 be used and referenced in clinical trials.Furthermore, the World Health Organization currently is conducting a campaign to address the pressing need for a common language (international standard terminology and technical terms) to be used in traditional medicine. 4In conclusion, we underline the need for the utmost accuracy in the description of acupoints (eg, monolateral versus bilateral) and for the use of universally accepted nomenclature to obtain a correct conduct and interpretation of clinical trials with acupuncture.
New insight into extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis: using atomic force microscopy
Authors: A. A. Velayati, P. Farnia, M. A. Merza, G. K. Zhavnerko, P. Tabarsi, L. P. Titov, J. Ghanavei, P. Farnia, M. Setare, N. N. Poleschuyk, P. Owlia, M. Sheikolslami, R. Ranjbar, M. R. Masjedi
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2010)

performs with equal sensitivity to the QFT-IT in a TB/HIV-endemic setting.Combining the tests significantly improves sensitivity, even in HIV-positive patients.The IP-10 test seems less affected by a low CD4 cell count than the QFT-IT.
Potential Mechanisms for Thrombocytopenia Development with Trastuzumab Emtansine (T-DM1)
Authors: Hirdesh Uppal, Estelle Doudement, Kaushiki Mahapatra, Walter C. Darbonne, Daniela Bumbaca, Ben-Quan Shen, Xiaoyan Du, Ola Saad, Kristin Bowles, Steve Olsen, Gail D. Lewis Phillips, Dylan Hartley, Mark X. Sliwkowski, Sandhya Girish, Donna Dambach, Vanitha Ramakrishnan
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2014)

Abstract Purpose: Trastuzumab-emtansine (T-DM1) is an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) comprising the cytotoxic agent DM1 conjugated to trastuzumab with a stable linker. Thrombocytopenia was the dose-limiting toxicity in the phase I study, and grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia occurred in up to 13% of patients receiving T-DM1 in phase III studies. We investigated the mechanism of T-DM1–induced thrombocytopenia. Experimental Design: The effect of T-DM1 on platelet function was measured by aggregometry, and by flow cytometry to detect the markers of activation. The effect of T-DM1 on differentiation and maturation of megakaryocytes (MK) from human hematopoietic stem cells was assessed by flow cytometry and microscopy. Binding, uptake, and catabolism of T-DM1 in MKs, were assessed by various techniques including fluorescence microscopy, scintigraphy to detect T-[H3]-DM1 and 125I-T-DM1, and mass spectrometry. The role of FcγRIIa was assessed using blocking antibodies and mutant constructs of trastuzumab that do not bind FcγR. Results: T-DM1 had no direct effect on platelet activation and aggregation, but it did markedly inhibit MK differentiation via a cytotoxic effect. Inhibition occurred with DM1-containing ADCs but not with trastuzumab demonstrating a role for DM1. MKs internalized these ADCs in a HER2-independent, FcγRIIa-dependent manner, resulting in intracellular release of DM1. Binding and internalization of T-DM1 diminished as MKs matured; however, prolonged exposure of mature MKs to T-DM1 resulted in a disrupted cytoskeletal structure. Conclusions: These data support the hypothesis that T-DM1–induced thrombocytopenia is mediated in large part by DM1-induced impairment of MK differentiation, with a less pronounced effect on mature MKs. Clin Cancer Res; 21(1); 123–33. ©2014 AACR.
Guidelines of the European Respiratory Society and the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons for the management of malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Authors: A Scherpereel, P Astoul, P Baas, T Berghmans, H Clayson, P de Vuyst, H Dienemann, F Galateau-Salle, C Hennequin, G Hillerdal, C Le Péchoux, L Mutti, J-C Pairon, R Stahel, P van Houtte, J van Meerbeeck, D Waller, W Weder
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2010)

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare tumour but with increasing incidence and a poor prognosis. In 2008, the European Respiratory Society/European Society of Thoracic Surgeons Task Force brought together experts to propose practical and up-to-dated guidelines on the management of MPM. To obtain an earlier and reliable diagnosis of MPM, the experts recommend performing thoracoscopy, except in cases of pre-operative contraindication or pleural symphysis. The standard staining procedures are insufficient in approximately 10% of cases. Therefore, we propose using specific immunohistochemistry markers on pleural biopsies. In the absence of a uniform, robust and validated staging system, we advice use of the most recent TNM based classification, and propose a three step pre-treatment assessment. Patient's performance status and histological subtype are currently the only prognostic factors of clinical importance in the management of MPM. Other potential parameters should be recorded at baseline and reported in clinical trials. MPM exhibits a high resistance to chemotherapy and only a few patients are candidates for radical surgery. New therapies and strategies have been reviewed. Because of limited data on the best combination treatment, we emphasise that patients who are considered candidates for a multimodal approach should be included in a prospective trial at a specialised centre.
ALLOGENEIC CARDIOSPHERE–DERIVED CELLS AFTER REPERFUSION ARE EFFECTS IN REDUCING INFARCT SIZE AND ATTENUATING ADVERSE REMODELING IN PIGS WITH ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
Authors: Hideaki Kanazawa, Konstantinos Malliaras, Kristine Yee, James Dawkins, Eleni Tseliou, Linda Marban, Rajendra Makkar, Eduardo Marban
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2013)