tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Norms and Trends of Sleep Time Among US Children and Adolescents
Authors: Jessica A. Williams, Frederick J. Zimmerman, Janice F. Bell
Journal: JAMA Pediatrics (2012)

To develop national sleep norms conditional on age and to examine stratification by sex, race/ethnicity, and changes over time.Secondary analysis of a panel survey.The 3 waves (1997, 2002, and 2007) of the Child Development Supplement of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, a nationally representative survey.Children from birth to 18 years with time-diary data were included: 2832 children in 1997, 2520 children in 2002, and 1424 children in 2007.Age.Minutes of sleep for daytime and total sleep.The 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles of the distribution of children's minutes of sleep conditional on age were estimated using a double-kernel estimator that incorporates sample weights. Total average sleep was estimated at more than 13 hours a day for infants, decreasing steadily throughout childhood and early adolescence, reaching about 9 hours a day for 14- to 18-year-olds. The estimated conditional percentiles were higher on weekends than on weekdays for older children. The conditional percentiles for the weekend sleep minutes were flatter with respect to age than the weekday sleep minutes. The interquartile ranges were greater for children younger than 6 years and for teenagers. The medians stratified by race/ethnicity and sex were similar for most ages. For different survey years, the estimated medians were within a few minutes of each other.These estimates are consistent with the amount of sleep recommended for children, and no evidence was found of racial/ethnic differences.
Transgenic Animal Models for Detection of In Vivo Mutations
Authors: Jon C. Mirsalis, Joseph A. Monforte, Richard A. Winegar
Journal: The Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology (1995)

Heme oxygenases (HO) catabolize free heme, that is, iron (Fe) protoporphyrin (IX), into equimolar amounts of Fe2+, carbon monoxide (CO), and biliverdin. The stress-responsive HO-1 isoenzyme affords protection against programmed cell death. The mechanism ...Read More
OUTCOME OF ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY IN FARMEDIAL FEMORAL TUNNEL PLACEMENT
Authors: Tayeb Ramim
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2013)

Introduction Purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery in medial tibia tunnel entrance in patients with ruptured ligament. Materials and Methods This cohort study was performed in patients admitted to Sina academic hospital in Tehran from April 2009 to April 2010. ACL reconstruction was done by arthroscopic surgery and the patients knee function was assessed six months later. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire and arthrometer (model KT-1000) were used to measure patients knee activity level and functional testing before and after the procedure. Final knee score was given to the patient based on the lowest score in each section and include four groups: A, B, C and D. Results 107 patients with mean age 29.61±5.15 years (21–38 years) participated in this study. 84 patients (78.5%) were male. Most common cause ACL rupture was due to sport injuries (54.20%), followed by road traffic accidents (19.62%), daily activities (16.82%) and work activities (9.3%). The mean femoral channel length done in this operation was 44.75±3.41 mm. The mean of range of motion (ROM) of knee after surgery was 143.21±5.37° (133–150°), and showed a significant difference between males and females (p=0.000). The functional test was performed by an arthrometer. Displacement differences between normal and operated knee was calculated six months after surgery. It showed significant difference between both genders (p=0.03). Conclusion Transtibial graft position is closer to the anatomical position. This method is a simple procedure of transtibial graft surgery and has a good outcome.
Muscle Size and Cardiorespiratory Response to Exercise in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: CHUANPIT MOSER, PORNCHAI TIRAKITSOONTORN, ELIEZER NUSSBAUM, ROBERT NEWCOMB, DAN M. COOPER
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2000)

The mechanism responsible for diminished exercise performance in cystic fibrosis (CF) is not clear. We hypothesized that reduced muscle size, rather than an intrinsic muscle defect, was the primary factor in such diminished exercise performance. Twenty-two subjects with CF (14 females and eight males, aged 6.5 to 17.7 yr, with FEV(1) of 46% to 111% predicted) participated in a study of this hypothesis, and were compared with healthy children tested in the same laboratory. Muscle size was estimated from midthigh muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) obtained by magnetic resonance imaging, and fitness was determined by progressive cycle ergometer exercise testing with breath-by-breath measurements of gas exchange. Peak oxygen consumption (V O(2)) was reduced in CF subjects (956 +/- 81 [mean +/- SEM] ml/min, as compared with 1,473 +/- 54 ml/min in controls; p < 0.00001). Surprisingly, CF subjects had a lower peak V O(2) per CSA (mean for CF subjects 70 +/- 3% predicted, p < 0.0001) than did controls, whereas muscle CSA in CF subjects was not significantly smaller than in controls. The scaling parameters of peak V O(2) and muscle CSA did not differ significantly between healthy controls (0.80 +/- 0.16) and CF subjects (1.03 +/- 0.12). Indexes of aerobic function that are less effort-dependent than peak V O(2) were also lower in the CF subjects (e.g., the slope of V O(2) versus work rate [WR] (DeltaV O(2)/DeltaWR) was 68 +/- 2% predicted; p < 0.005). The study data did not support the initial hypothesis, and suggest a muscle-related abnormality in oxygen metabolism in patients with CF.
Examining the Nervous System
Authors: J. W. A. Turner
Journal: BMJ (1963)

Bacterial RNA (bRNA) can induce cytokine production in macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) through a previously unidentified receptor. Gene expression analysis of murine DCs showed that bRNA induced gene regulation similar to that induced by stimulation of TLR7 with R848. Although TLR7 was dispensable for cytokine induction by bRNA, TLR-associated proteins MyD88 and UNC93B were required. TLR13 is an endosomal murine TLR that has been described to interact with UNC93B with, so far, no characterized ligand. Small interfering RNA against TLR13 reduced cytokine induction by bRNA in DCs. Moreover, Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with TLR13, but not with TLR7 or 8, could activate NF-κB in response to bRNA or <i>Streptococcus pyogenes</i> in an RNA-specific manner. TLR7 antagonist IRS661 could, in addition, inhibit TLR13 signaling and reduced recognition of whole Gram-positive bacteria by DCs, also in the absence of TLR7. The results identify TLR13 as a receptor for bRNA.
Clinical presentation, diagnosis and long-term outcome of Wilson's disease: a cohort study
Authors: U Merle, M Schaefer, P Ferenci, W Stremmel
Journal: Gut (2006)

Wilson's disease is a rare inborn disease related to copper storage, leading to liver cirrhosis and neuropsychological deterioration. Clinical data on larger cohorts are limited owing to low disease frequency.We performed a retrospective analysis of 163 patients with Wilson's disease, examined at the University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany, to determine clinical presentation, diagnostic course and long-term outcome.Diagnostic criteria for non-caeruloplasmin-bound serum copper, serum caeruloplasmin, 24-h urinary copper excretion, liver copper content, presence of Kayser-Fleischer rings and histological signs of chronic liver damage were reached in 86.6%, 88.2%, 87.1%, 92.7%, 66.3% and 73% of patients, respectively. By analysis of the coding region of ATP7B (except exons 2, 3 and 21), disease-causing mutations were detected in 57% and 29% of patients with Wilson's disease on both chromosomes and on one chromosome, respectively. No mutations were detected in 15% of patients with Wilson's disease. No significant differences were found in clinical parameters or initial presentation between patients grouped according to their mutations. The patients with neurological symptoms were significantly older at the onset of symptoms than patients with hepatitic symptoms (20.2 v 15.5 years of age, p<0.05), and the neurological symptoms were associated with a significantly longer time from onset to diagnosis than hepatic symptoms (44.4 v 14.4 months, p<0.05). After initiating treatment, 76.1% of the patients had a stable or improved course of the disease. Disease progression under treatment was more likely for neuropsychiatric than for hepatic symptoms. Side effects of treatment occurred in 74.4% of patients.Patients with Wilson's disease having predominantly neuropsychiatric symptoms manifest symptoms later, have a longer time delay from onset of symptoms until definitive diagnosis and have a poorer outcome than patients with hepatic symptoms.
Clarithromycin vs ciprofloxacin as adjuncts to rifampicin and ethambutol in treating opportunist mycobacterial lung diseases and an assessment of Mycobacterium vaccae immunotherapy
Authors: P A Jenkins, I A Campbell, J Banks, C M Gelder, R J Prescott, A P Smith
Journal: Thorax (2008)

The mainstays of treatment for pulmonary disease caused by opportunist mycobacteria are rifampicin (R) and ethambutol (E). The role of macrolides, quinolones and immunotherapy with Mycobacterium vaccae is not clear. A trial was undertaken to compare clarithromycin (Clari) and ciprofloxacin (Cipro) as third drugs added to [corrected] 2 years of treatment with R and E for pulmonary disease caused by M avium-intracellulare (MAC), M malmoense and M xenopi (REClari and RECipro). An optional comparison of immunotherapy with M vaccae vs no immunotherapy was also performed.Progress was monitored annually during the 2 years of treatment and for 3 years thereafter. If the patient was not improving at 1 year the regimen was supplemented by the addition of the drug not received in the original allocation of treatment.371 patients (186 REClari, 185 RECipro) entered the study (170 MAC, 167 M malmoense, 34 M xenopi). All-cause mortality was high for both groups (44% REClari, 43% RECipro); for MAC it was higher with REClari than with RECipro (48% vs 29%) but for M malmoense (42% vs 56%) and M xenopi (29% vs 47%) it was higher with RECipro (p = 0.006). 3% died from their mycobacterial disease (REClari = RECipro). At the end of treatment, 4% of REClari and 10% of RECipro patients still had positive cultures. Among those with negative cultures at the end of treatment, 6% of the REClari group and 4% of the RECipro group had relapsed. At 5 years 30% of the REClari group were known to have completed treatment as allocated and to be alive and cured compared with 21% of the RECipro group (p = 0.04), but this difference was principally due to those with M malmoense (REClari 38%, RECipro 20%). Patients with MAC or M xenopi were more likely to have a poor outcome than those with M malmoense (p = 0.004), with no difference between REClari and RECipro. Overall, 20% in each group were unable to tolerate the regimen allocated, Cipro being associated with more unwanted effects than Clari (16% vs 9%, p = 0.05). No significant differences in outcomes were found between M vaccae-treated patients and those not treated with M vaccae immunotherapy.Considering all three species together, there were no differences in outcome between the REClari and RECipro groups. Immunotherapy did not improve outcome. New therapies, optimised management of co-morbid conditions and a more holistic approach must be explored in the hope of improving outcome.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Achromatopsia Genes CNGA3 and CNGB3 in Progressive Cone Dystrophy
Authors: Alberta A.H.J. Thiadens, Susanne Roosing, Rob W.J. Collin, Norka van Moll-Ramirez, Janneke J.C. van Lith-Verhoeven, Mary J. van Schooneveld, Anneke I. den Hollander, L. Ingeborgh van den Born, Carel B. Hoyng, Frans P.M. Cremers, Caroline C.W. Klaver
Journal: Ophthalmology (2010)
Steroids in Saliva for Assessing Endocrine Function
Authors: D. RIAD-FAHMY, G. F. READ, R. F. WALKER, K. GRIFFITHS
Journal: Endocrine Reviews (1982)

SOME difficulties in clinical studies of endocrine function based on plasma sampling regimens include time-consuming venipuncture and measurement of the "total" rather than the "free" biologically active fraction in plasma. Simple methods for determining plasma free steroids have not yet been developed, and most current procedures involve technically demanding ultrafiltration or equilibrium dialysis. In this context measurement of steroids in saliva is attractive. Steroid concentrations in saliva are independent of flow rate and reflect those in the free fraction in plasma. Recent improvements in immunoassay techniques have allowed development of simple, high output assays for salivary steroids which are well suited for routine use. Since saliva samples can be collected at frequent intervals by both adults and children, they facilitate short term dynamic tests, pharmacokinetic analyses, and studies of chronobiological changes. Problems of viscosity, which restrict processing of freshly collected saliva, may be resolved by deep-freezing, and storage of samples at −20 C for prolonged periods is acceptable.
Neutrophilic infiltration within the airway smooth muscle in patients with COPD
Authors: S Baraldo
Journal: Thorax (2004)

COPD is an inflammatory disorder characterised by chronic airflow limitation, but the extent to which airway inflammation is related to functional abnormalities is still uncertain. The interaction between inflammatory cells and airway smooth muscle may have a crucial role.To investigate the microlocalisation of inflammatory cells within the airway smooth muscle in COPD, surgical specimens obtained from 26 subjects undergoing thoracotomy (eight smokers with COPD, 10 smokers with normal lung function, and eight non-smoking controls) were examined. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to quantify the number of neutrophils, macrophages, mast cells, CD4+ and CD8+ cells localised within the smooth muscle of peripheral airways.Smokers with COPD had an increased number of neutrophils and CD8+ cells in the airway smooth muscle compared with non-smokers. Smokers with normal lung function also had a neutrophilic infiltration in the airway smooth muscle, but to a lesser extent. When all the subjects were analysed as one group, neutrophilic infiltration was inversely related to forced expiratory volume in 1 second (% predicted).Microlocalisation of neutrophils and CD8+ cells in the airway smooth muscle in smokers with COPD suggests a possible role for these cells in the pathogenesis of smoking induced airflow limitation.
Association of Adiposity Trajectories With Insulin Sensitivity and Glycemic Deterioration
Authors: Rong Liu, Wendy J. Brickman, Katherine K. Christoffel, Xin Liu, Guoying Wang, Lester Arguelles, Shanchun Zhang, Donald Zimmerman, Binyan Wang, Xiping Xu, Zhiping Li, Houxun Xing, Xiaobin Wang
Journal: Diabetes Care (2012)

OBJECTIVE To evaluate associations between adiposity trajectories over time and insulin sensitivity and glucose deterioration in a Chinese twin cohort. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study focused on 341 males and 292 females aged 20–50 years at baseline who had physical clinical examinations and oral glucose tolerance test at two time points with an average of 6 years apart. BMI, waist circumference, percent body fat (PBF), and percent trunk fat (PTF) trajectories were classified into five track groups based on age- and sex-specific tertiles at each visit. We calculated the odds of the insulin sensitivity index(0,120) [ISI(0,120)] or glycemic deterioration at follow-up among five defined trajectories (tertilebaseline → tertilefollow-up) using generalized estimate equation models. Additionally, we applied structural equation models to examine genetic and environmental influences on adiposity, adiposity change over time (ACO), ISI(0,120), and the interrelationships among them. RESULTS Participants with stable adiposity (BMI, waist circumference, PBF, and PTF) in the highest tertile or shifting to the highest tertile tended to have the lowest ISI(0,120) at follow-up or experience glycemic deterioration. Genetic factors exerted the major influence on adiposity, but environmental factors unique to each twin contributed more strongly to ISI and ACO. Correlations between adiposity/ACO and insulin sensitivity were mainly due to environmental influences. CONCLUSIONS When adiposity stays or becomes high, insulin sensitivity falls and risk of glycemic deterioration rises. Additionally, we found that genetic factors exerted the major influence on adiposity, while environmental factors played the principal role for ACO and insulin sensitivity.
Akt- or MEK-mediated mTOR inhibition suppresses Nf1 optic glioma growth
Authors: Aparna Kaul, Joseph A. Toonen, Patrick J. Cimino, Scott M. Gianino, David H. Gutmann
Journal: Neuro-Oncology (2014)

Children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) develop optic pathway gliomas, which result from impaired NF1 protein regulation of Ras activity. One obstacle to the implementation of biologically targeted therapies is an incomplete understanding of the individual contributions of the downstream Ras effectors (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase [MEK], Akt) to optic glioma maintenance. This study was designed to address the importance of MEK and Akt signaling to Nf1 optic glioma growth. Primary neonatal mouse astrocyte cultures were employed to determine the consequence of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt and MEK inhibition on Nf1-deficient astrocyte growth. Nf1 optic glioma–bearing mice were used to assess the effect of Akt and MEK inhibition on tumor volume, proliferation, and retinal ganglion cell dysfunction. Both MEK and Akt were hyperactivated in Nf1-deficient astrocytes in vitro and in Nf1 murine optic gliomas in vivo. Pharmacologic PI3K or Akt inhibition reduced Nf1-deficient astrocyte proliferation to wild-type levels, while PI3K inhibition decreased Nf1 optic glioma volume and proliferation. Akt inhibition of Nf1-deficient astrocyte and optic glioma growth reflected Akt-dependent activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Sustained MEK pharmacologic blockade also attenuated Nf1-deficient astrocytes as well as Nf1 optic glioma volume and proliferation. Importantly, these MEK inhibitory effects resulted from p90RSK-mediated, Akt-independent mTOR activation. Finally, both PI3K and MEK inhibition reduced optic glioma–associated retinal ganglion cell loss and nerve fiber layer thinning. These findings establish that the convergence of 2 distinct Ras effector pathways on mTOR signaling maintains Nf1 mouse optic glioma growth, supporting the evaluation of pharmacologic inhibitors that target mTOR function in future human NF1–optic pathway glioma clinical trials.
Antiphospholipid syndrome: five year follow up.
Authors: R A Asherson, E Baguley, C Pal, G R Hughes
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1991)

Nineteen patients out of 250 subjects with antiphospholipid antibodies, who had initially presented to the lupus clinic at St Thomas9s Hospital, London five or more years ago with a history of venous/arterial occlusions, were entered into the study. The patients were divided into two main groups: I those who remained well without any further thromboembolic complications (n = 10); II those who developed recurrent thrombotic events in the five year period (n = 9). The patients were followed up to determine the relation between the level or the isotype of the anticardiolipin antibodies, or both, to the recurrent thromboembolic events, and the effect of a variety of treatments (corticosteroids, immunosuppression, anticoagulation) in the prevention of further vascular occlusions. Lupus activity over the five year period varied considerably between the two groups--those in group I tending to be relatively inactive compared with those in group II. For some patients in group II thromboembolic events seemed to occur at the time of lupus activity. Antiphospholipid antibodies remained positive in all patients, the levels remaining fairly constant. Levels fell in only one patient in group I and in two in group II. Patients in group II had more systemic lupus erythematosus related disease than those in group I; most were receiving concomitant steroid and immunosuppressive therapy, but this did not seem to protect against the development of further occlusions. All patients were given anticoagulation treatment (warfarin/heparin) or salicylates (low dose aspirin 75 mg daily), or both. Patients with deep vein thromboses developed more complications during anticoagulation therapy than those with cerebrovascular symptoms. Problems in anticoagulation control and recurrent thromboses consequent on warfarin withdrawal despite the administration of subcutaneous heparin were responsible for complications in most patients in group II.
Limits to the measurement of habitual physical activity by questionnaires
Authors: R J Shephard
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2003)

Despite extensive use over 40 years, physical activity questionnaires still show limited reliability and validity. Measurements have value in indicating conditions where an increase in physical activity would be beneficial and in monitoring changes in population activity. However, attempts at detailed interpretation in terms of exercise dosage and the extent of resulting health benefits seem premature. Such usage may become possible through the development of standardised instruments that will record the low intensity activities typical of sedentary societies, and will ascribe consistent biological meaning to terms such as light, moderate, and heavy exercise.
Keeping up with orthopaedic epidemic.
Authors: B M Wroblewski
Journal: BMJ (1987)

returning to paid work was a function of prior level of mental ill health.Fourthly, other research in this unit shows that in areas of higher unemployment compared with those of lower unemployment unemployed people report feeling less stigmatised by the lack of a job, having more social contact with other unemployed people, and feeling less under pressure from other people to get a job.Differential selection of unfit people in different areas is therefore unlikely to account for our findings.
Effects of Diet Soda on Gut Hormones in Youths With Diabetes
Authors: Rebecca J. Brown, Mary Walter, Kristina I. Rother
Journal: Diabetes Care (2012)

OBJECTIVE In patients with type 2 diabetes, but not type 1 diabetes, abnormal secretion of incretins in response to oral nutrients has been described. In healthy youths, we recently reported accentuated glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) secretion in response to a diet soda sweetened with sucralose and acesulfame-K. In this study, we examined the effect of diet soda on gut hormones in youths with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Subjects aged 12–25 years with type 1 diabetes (n = 9) or type 2 diabetes (n = 10), or healthy control participants (n = 25) drank 240 mL cola-flavored caffeine-free diet soda or carbonated water, followed by a 75-g glucose load, in a randomized, cross-over design. Glucose, C-peptide, GLP-1, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), and peptide Tyr-Tyr (PYY) were measured for 180 min. Glucose and GLP-1 have previously been reported for the healthy control subjects. RESULTS GLP-1 area under the curve (AUC) was 43% higher after ingestion of diet soda versus carbonated water in individuals with type 1 diabetes (P = 0.020), similar to control subjects (34% higher, P = 0.029), but was unaffected by diet soda in patients with type 2 diabetes (P = 0.92). Glucose, C-peptide, GIP, and PYY AUC were not statistically different between the two conditions in any group. CONCLUSIONS Ingestion of diet soda before a glucose load augmented GLP-1 secretion in type 1 diabetic and control subjects but not type 2 diabetic subjects. GIP and PYY secretion were not affected by diet soda. The clinical significance of this increased GLP-1 secretion, and its absence in youths with type 2 diabetes, needs to be determined.