tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Abstract 183: Beta-endorphin neuron transplants suppress mammary tumor growth and progression: role of immune cells.
Authors: Dipak K. Sarkar, Changqing Zhang, Sengottuvelan Murugan, Nadka Boyadjieva, María Ortigüela
Journal: Cancer Research (2013)

Abstract We have recently identified that a set of hormone secreting nerve cells in the hypothalamus, called beta-endorphin (BEP) neurons, have the ability to prevent the growth, progression and metastasis of mammary and prostate tumors in laboratory animals. How these neuronal cells prevent tumor cell growth and progression is not apparent. In order to better understand the mechanism by which endorphin neurons control tumor growth, we determined the growth and clearance of breast cancer derived MADB106 cells in Fisher rats, which are immune intact, and in athymic Nude rats, which are T cells deficient. Adult female Fischer rats or Nude rats were transplanted with either BEP neurons or cortical neurons (control) in the hypothalamus for 4 weeks and then inoculated with MADB106 cells in the jugular vein or under the skin in the back. These animals were sacrificed after 6 weeks to determine the volume of the tumor at the site of inoculation for determining the growth of tumors and the number of other tumors at the distant sites for determining tumor metastasis. Tumors were also collected for histopathology. Blood samples were collected and used for measurements of cytokines and immune cells. In Fischer rats, after tumor inoculation, animals with control cell transplants had tumor colonization in the lung and some on the skin at the site of cell injection. However, BEP neurons treated Fischer rats had no tumor colonization in the body. In the Nude rats, tumor colonization occurred both at the site of injection and at the distant site under the skin as well as in the lung of control transplanted rats. In BEP neurons transplanted Nude rats, tumor colonization only occurred at the site of inoculation. The mean volume of tumor at the inoculation site was smaller in BEP neurons transplanted rats than in control cells transplanted rats. In BEP neurons transplanted rats, corticosterone and inflammatory cytokines levels were lower, whereas anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines levels were higher. In addition, NK cell and macrophage cell numbers and their cytolytic functions in peripheral blood of BEP neurons transplanted rats were elevated. These data suggest that the antitumor action of BEP neuron transplants is due to the activation of primarily NK cells and macrophages and also in lesser extent T cells. The data also identify the potential use of BEP cell therapy for cancer prevention. (Supported by R37 AA08757) Citation Format: Dipak K. Sarkar, Changqing Zhang, Sengottuvelan Murugan, Nadka Boyadjieva, María Ortigüela. Beta-endorphin neuron transplants suppress mammary tumor growth and progression: role of immune cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 183. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-183
OCCURRENCE OF A THETA-LIKE ANTIGEN IN RATS
Authors: Tommy C. Douglas
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1972)

A rat antigen system parallel to the mouse theta system has been described• All rat strains tested expressed an antigen cross-reactive with the θ-AKR specificity of mice while none cross-reacted strongly with θ-C3H. The rat antigen may be demonstrated by either absorption or direct complement-mediated killing of rat thymocytes. Patterns of organ distribution and developmental appearance in the nervous system of rats also parallel those previously reported for theta in mice.
Cutaneous<i>Mycobacterium chelonae</i>infection in Edinburgh and the Lothians, South-East Scotland, U.K.
Authors: V.E. Scott-Lang, A. Sergeant, C.G. Sinclair, I.F. Laurenson, A. Biswas, M.J. Tidman, V.R. Doherty, G.M. Kavanagh, S.A. Holme
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2014)

We reviewed all cases of Mycobacterium chelonae infection seen in our department between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2012.To review the epidemiology, clinical features and management of cutaneous M. chelonae in South-East Scotland, and to compare prevalence data with the rest of Scotland.The Scottish Mycobacteria Reference Laboratory database was searched for all cases of cutaneous mycobacterial infections.One hundred and thirty-four cases of cutaneous mycobacterial infection were recorded. Sixty-three were tuberculous; of the remaining 71, M. chelonae was the most common nontuberculous organism (27 cases). National Health Service (NHS) Lothian Health Board was the area with highest incidence in the Scotland (12 cases). Three main groups of patients in the NHS Lothian Health Board contracted M. chelonae: immunosuppressed patients (n = 6); those who had undergone tattooing (n = 4); and others (n = 2). One case is, we believe, the first report of M. chelonae cutaneous infection associated with topical corticosteroid immunosuppression. The majority of patients were treated with clarithromycin monotherapy.The most prevalent nontuberculous cutaneous mycobacterial organism in Scotland is M. chelonae. The prevalence of M. chelonae in Edinburgh and the Lothians compared with the rest of Scotland is disproportionately high, possibly owing to increased local awareness and established facilities for mycobacterial studies. Immunosuppression with prednisolone appears to be a major risk factor. The first outbreak of tattoo-related M. chelonae infection in the U.K. has been reported. Clinicians should be aware of mycobacterial cutaneous infection and ensure that diagnostic skin samples are cultured at the optimal temperatures.
Contribution of Germline Mutations in the <i>RAD51B</i>, <i>RAD51C</i>, and <i>RAD51D</i> Genes to Ovarian Cancer in the Population
Authors: Honglin Song, Ed Dicks, Susan J. Ramus, Jonathan P. Tyrer, Maria P. Intermaggio, Jane Hayward, Christopher K. Edlund, David Conti, Patricia Harrington, Lindsay Fraser, Susan Philpott, Christopher Anderson, Adam Rosenthal, Aleksandra Gentry-Maharaj, David D. Bowtell, Kathryn Alsop, Mine S. Cicek, Julie M. Cunningham, Brooke L. Fridley, Jennifer Alsop, Mercedes Jimenez-Linan, Estrid Høgdall, Claus K. Høgdall, Allan Jensen, Susanne Krüger Kjaer, Jan Lubiński, Tomasz Huzarski, Anna Jakubowska, Jacek Gronwald, Samantha Poblete, Shashi Lele, Lara Sucheston-Campbell, Kirsten B. Moysich, Kunle Odunsi, Ellen L. Goode, Usha Menon, Ian J. Jacobs, Simon A. Gayther, Paul D.P. Pharoah
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2015)

The aim of this study was to estimate the contribution of deleterious mutations in the RAD51B, RAD51C, and RAD51D genes to invasive epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in the population and in a screening trial of individuals at high risk of ovarian cancer.
Dietary Intake and the Development of the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Pamela L. Lutsey, Lyn M. Steffen, June Stevens
Journal: Circulation (2008)

Background— The role of diet in the origin of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) is not well understood; thus, we sought to evaluate the relationship between incident MetSyn and dietary intake using prospective data from 9514 participants (age, 45 to 64 years) enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Methods and Results— Dietary intake was assessed at baseline via a 66-item food frequency questionnaire. We used principal-components analysis to derive “Western” and “prudent” dietary patterns from 32 food groups and evaluated 10 food groups used in previous studies of the ARIC cohort. MetSyn was defined by American Heart Association guidelines. Proportional-hazards regression was used. Over 9 years of follow-up, 3782 incident cases of MetSyn were identified. After adjustment for demographic factors, smoking, physical activity, and energy intake, consumption of a Western dietary pattern ( P trend =0.03) was adversely associated with incident MetSyn. After further adjustment for intake of meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables, refined grains, and whole grains, analysis of individual food groups revealed that meat ( P trend &lt;0.001), fried foods ( P trend =0.02), and diet soda ( P trend =&lt; 0.001) also were adversely associated with incident MetSyn, whereas dairy consumption ( P trend =0.006) was beneficial. No associations were observed between incident MetSyn and a prudent dietary pattern or intakes of whole grains, refined grains, fruits and vegetables, nuts, coffee, or sweetened beverages. Conclusions— These prospective findings suggest that consumption of a Western dietary pattern, meat, and fried foods promotes the incidence of MetSyn, whereas dairy consumption provides some protection. The diet soda association was not hypothesized and deserves further study.
Common Polymorphisms in the IL1RL1 Gene in CRS Patients are Associated with Reduced Gene Expression and Reduced Th2-Cell Function
Authors: M. Chater, L. Mfuna, C. Divoy, S. Al-Mot, A. Filali-Mouhim, S. Rousseau, M. Desrosiers
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2011)
Treatment of Separation, Generalized, and Social Anxiety Disorders in Youths
Authors: Justin Mohatt, Shannon M. Bennett, John T. Walkup
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (2014)

Separation, generalized, and social anxiety disorders are common and impairing for children and adolescents. Childhood-onset anxiety disorders frequently persist into adulthood and place youths at risk for future psychiatric disorders, including mood and substance use disorders. Comorbidity is common in childhood anxiety disorders, and studies increasingly take this into account when assessing potential treatments. Existing studies support a number of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments for childhood anxiety disorders. The strongest evidence supports use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Combination treatment with SSRIs and CBT has been found to be more effective than either treatment alone. Early detection and treatment of childhood anxiety disorders can prevent substantial impairment over the course of a child's development and accumulation of functional disability. Early treatment also may prevent later development of adult psychiatric illness. The authors review the treatment literature and present the case of an adolescent who is brought in for evaluation after years of untreated anxiety.
The effects of inhaled L-methamphetamine on athletic performance while riding a stationary bike: a randomised placebo-controlled trial
Authors: F Dufka, G Galloway, M Baggott, J Mendelson
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2008)

Objective: L-methamphetamine (the non-abused isomer of methamphetamine) is banned in athletic competition because it may improve athletic performance, but there are no studies assessing its effects on performance. In the United States L-methamphetamine is formulated in the non-prescription Vick’s Vapor Inhaler (VVI) nasal decongestant. VVIs sold elsewhere (we used ones from the UK) contain similar inactive ingredients (menthol, camphor and Siberian pine oil) but no L-methamphetamine. This study tested the effects of inhaled L-methamphetamine delivered from a widely available non-prescription product on athletic performance. Design: In a 2-session double-blind placebo-controlled study 12 participants (ages 14–17) were dosed with 4 (session 1) and 12 (session 2) inhalations from VVIs with (USA) or without (UK) L-methamphetamine and then performed two 20 minute rides on a stationary bike with rides separated by a 30 minute rest. Outcome measure: The main outcome measure was miles travelled during each 20 minute ride. Secondary outcome measures included postride urine toxicology; heart rate and blood pressure before, 1, 5 and 10 minutes postride; energy, performance, endurance, and ability to breathe; and VVI preference. Data were analysed using Excel statistical macros. Results: After ∼16 μg L-methamphetamine distance travelled was 5.26 (SD 0.53) miles vs 5.30 (0.55) with placebo; p = 0.81. After ∼48 μg L-methamphetamine distance travelled was 5.30 (0.51) vs 5.35 (0.43) with placebo; p = 0.85. The ∼16 μg dose increased systolic blood pressure from 72.6 (4.3) to 79.6 (6.6) mm Hg (p = 0.03) at 5 minutes postride but there were no other differences in outcomes. Conclusions: Modest doses of inhaled L-methamphetamine probably do not improve athletic performance but do minimally raise diastolic blood pressure.
Bayesian inference analyses of the polygenic architecture of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Eli A Stahl, Daniel Wegmann, Gosia Trynka, Javier Gutierrez-Achury, Ron Do, Benjamin F Voight, Peter Kraft, Robert Chen, Henrik J Kallberg, Fina A S Kurreeman, Sekar Kathiresan, Cisca Wijmenga, Peter K Gregersen, Lars Alfredsson, Katherine A Siminovitch, Jane Worthington, Paul I W de Bakker, Soumya Raychaudhuri, Robert M Plenge
Journal: Nature Genetics (2012)
Jet Lag: Clinical Features, Validation of a New Syndrome-Specific Scale, and Lack of Response to Melatonin in a Randomized, Double-Blind Trial
Authors: R L Spitzer, M Terman, J B Williams, J S Terman, U F Malt, F Singer, A J Lewy
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1999)

The goals of this study were to validate a new rating scale for measuring severity of jet lag and to compare the efficacy of contrasting melatonin regimens to alleviate jet lag.This was a randomized, double-blind trial of placebo and three alternative regimens of melatonin (5.0 mg at bedtime, 0.5 mg at bedtime, and 0.5 mg taken on a shifting schedule) for jet lag. The subjects were 257 Norwegian physicians who had visited New York for 5 days. Jet lag ratings were made on the day of travel from New York back to Oslo (6 hours eastward) and for the next 6 days in Norway. The main outcome measures were scale and item scores from a new, syndrome-specific instrument, the Columbia Jet Lag Scale, that identifies prominent daytime symptoms of jet lag distress.There was a marked increase in total jet lag score in all four treatment groups on the first day at home, followed by progressive improvement over the next 5 days. However, there were no significant group differences or group-by-time interactions. In addition, there was no group effect for sleep onset, time of awakening, hours slept, or hours napping. Ratings on a summary jet lag item were highly correlated with total jet lag scores (from a low of r = 0.54 on the day of travel to a high of r = 0.80 on day 3). The internal consistency of the total jet lag score was high on each day of the study.The use of melatonin for preventing jet lag needs further study.
Patients with functional constipation do not have increased prevalence of colorectal cancer precursors
Authors: A. O. O. Chan, W. M. Hui, G. Leung, T. Tong, I. F N Hung, P. Chan, A. Hsu, D. But, B. C Y Wong, S. K. Lam, K. F. Lam
Journal: Gut (2007)

the preferred treatment goal or acknowledgement that liver transplantation is an expensive intervention if all it achieves is ''controlled drinking patterns''.The principle of a structured management programme is the one that has not been comprehensively explored in the UK.There have been pockets of work such as the report of a pilot psychological intervention programme in Birmingham, 5 but at the time of writing there are only three dedicated addiction specialists working in the seven transplant centres.These are likely to do little to deal with interunit inconsistencies in both candidate selection and support after transplant.At the same time, we could question whether we are putting unreasonable pressure on to donor recipients.If we are to share the sense of being custodian to the donor liver then, surely, we also have a responsibility to provide comprehensive and consistent support packages to the patients we select.This acknowledges a process of reciprocity, as after all, no unit would tolerate transplanting a patient and then asking them to leave the hospital and source appropriate immunosuppression.We strongly agree with O'Grady's assertion that current transplant service provision is poor, but dealing with this could backfire.Equity of access and referral to transplant centres may well benefit from closer scrutiny, and it is likely that large pockets of referral come from district general hospitals where clinicians have close links with the transplant units.However, other units may have poor liaison and referral rates either due to clinical naivety or ethical judgements on suitability of referral for a patient with ALD.Either way, if we are already in an era of donor shortage to increase referral activity could open up the floodgates and potentially overwhelm current transplant assessment procedures.Finally, we worry that O'Grady, by permissive acceptance that the general population drinks more than the Department of Health recommended guidelines on alcohol ''because their peers do'', may be undermining longstanding health promotion advice. 6 We only have to look at the response of the general public to the 21 and 14 units/week becoming 3-4 and 2-3 units/day (they began quoting 28 and 21 units, respectively) to realise that clear unambiguous advice is the first starting point for alcohol education.After that, brief interventions for alcohol advice are proved to be effective for those with hazardous/harmful levels of consumption, 7 8 and for those with an alcohol dependence then timely appropriate referral to specialist alcohol services are vital.
Dietary Fiber and Disease
Authors: D. P. Burkitt
Journal: JAMA (1974)

Many diseases common in and characteristic of modern western civilization have been shown to be related to the amount of time necessary for the passage of intestinal content through the alimentary tract, and to the bulk and consistency of stools. These factors have in turn been shown to be greatly influenced by the fiber content of the diet and by the amount of cereal fiber in particular. Mechanisms are postulated whereby these changes in gastrointestinal behavior could in part explain the occurrence of such common disorders as ischemic heart disease, appendicitis, diverticular disease, gallbladder disease, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, hiatus hernia, and tumors of the large bowel. Calorie intake, speed of passage through the intestine, levels of intracolonic pressures, number and type fecal bacteria, as well as levels of serum cholesterol and changes in bile-salt metabolism have all been shown to be related to the amount of dietary fiber consumed. (<i>JAMA</i>229:1068-1074, 1974)
EXPERIMENTAL SYPHILIS IN THE RABBIT
Authors: Wade H. Brown, Louise Pearce
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1920)

From the study of a large series of rabbits with outspoken manifestations of generalized syphilis, lesions of the skin and appendages were found to constitute one of the largest and most varied groups of such affections. The conditions noted consisted of alopecias, onychia and paronychia, and lesions of the skin proper. It was found to be a matter of some difficulty to make a positive diagnosis of syphilitic alopecia, but there were three and possibly four conditions which appeared to be attributable to such an infection. The first of these took the form of a general or local roughening of the coat with falling of the hair which produced the typical moth-eaten appearance associated with syphilitic alopecia in the human subject. A second form of alopecia was essentially an abnormal looseness of the hair which permitted large areas of the body to be completely denuded. The third type of alopecia was associated with definite skin changes, and the hair was readily removable together with an adherent mass of epithelial scales. Paronychia was comparatively rare but was readily recognized by a characteristic infiltration and exfoliation of the skin about the base of the nails. The incidence of onychia is uncertain. Late in the course of the investigation it was found that alterations in the nails which were not entirely characteristic in themselves might occur in consequence of a syphilitic involvement of the nail beds which could not be detected by ordinary methods of examination. The cases which were recognized as syphilitic were those which showed an associated paronychia. Lesions of the skin were found to be one of the most frequent manifestations of a generalized infection in the rabbit. These lesions were divided into three classes: first, granulomatous lesions, second, infiltrations, and third, erythemata. The granulomata were lesions of a fleshy character which tended to grow to a very large size and presented all the characteristics of circumscribed primary lesions of the scrotum. The conditions described as cutaneous infiltrations included two general types of lesions, one a flattened and rather diffuse process, the other an elevated and sharply circumscribed papule. As a class, these lesions were very prone to secondary alterations and in this way gave rise to a great variety of conditions which in general resembled the diffuse primary lesions of the scrotum and the papular lesions resulting from local dissemination. A third type of lesion resembling the macular erythemata of man was observed in a small number of animals, and while no definite proof of the specific origin of these lesions was obtained, the evidence available was strongly suggestive. In addition, several other cutaneous affections were noted which have not as yet been thoroughly investigated. It is suggested, however, that these processes may bear some relation to infection with Treponema pallidum.
Subclinical femoral atheromatosis in rheumatoid arthritis: comparable prevalence to diabetes mellitus in a case-control study
Authors: Athanase Protogerou, Evangelia Zampeli, Nikos Tentolouris, Kostas Makrilakis, George Kitas, Petros P Sfikakis
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2012)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased coronary artery disease (CAD) and subclinical carotid atheromatosis, reportedly to equal diabetes mellitus (DM). The presence of atheromatic plaques in femoral arteries of RA patients without DM was compared with with DM patients.Femoral plaques were recorded in 30 (17 men, age 43.0±12 years, disease duration 9.9±7.1 years) and 60 older RA patients (27 men, age 63.0±7.1 years, disease duration 11.4±7.9 years) matched 1:1 for age, gender and disease duration with DM types 1 and 2 patients, respectively. All were asymptomatic and free of CAD.The number of femoral plaques per patient in either RA subgroup was comparable with DM (0.64±0.82 vs 0.77±0.89 in total respective populations, p=0.340); percentages of patients with femoral plaques were also comparable (RA vs DM type 1 20% and 13%, respectively; RA vs DM type 2 58% and 66%, respectively). Hypertension and dyslipidaemia were significantly more frequent in both DM groups than RA groups.Subclinical femoral atheromatosis in RA is analogous to DM, further confirming the territorial unrestricted acceleration of the atheromatic process in these patients. Cardiovascular risk stratification based on both carotid and femoral plaque detection in RA should be addressed prospectively.