tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
The inhibitory role of nitric oxide in the control of porcine and human sphincter of Oddi activity
Authors: J Sand, P Arvola, V Jäntti, S Oja, C Singaram, G Baer, P J Pasricha, I Nordback
Journal: Gut (1997)

Background —The possible role of nitric oxide in the regulation of the sphincter of Oddi is not known in species with a resistor-like sphincter of Oddi such as humans and pigs. Methods —Sphincter of Oddi perfusion manometry and simultaneous electromyography (EMG) were recorded transduodenally in eight anaesthetised pigs. Acetylcholine (4 μg/kg) was given intra-arterially, with or without sodium nitroprusside (10–100 μg/kg), an exogenous nitric oxide donor. For in vitro studies the sphincter was removed from the eight pigs and from six patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy, cut into rings, and the amplitude of contraction was measured in an ex vivo bath. Each ring was stimulated with acetylcholine (100 μM) and KCl (125 mM). The stimulation was repeated after incubation with l -NAME (a stereospecific competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase), with l -NAME plus l -arginine (a substrate for nitric oxide synthase), and with sodium nitroprusside. The sphincter rings were then submersed in liquid nitrogen and stored. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to localise nitric oxide synthase in the pig and human sphincter specimens. Results —In vivo EMG revealed 2–3 phasic bursts per minute with the basal pressure variation 6–40 mm Hg. Acetylcholine induced a large electrical burst and the pressure increased by (mean (SE)) 20 (10) mm Hg (p &lt;0.01) for 17 (4) seconds. After sodium nitroprusside (10 μg/kg) acetylcholine did not induce pressure changes and electrical activity was almost abolished. In vitro, l -NAME increased the KCl induced sphincter contraction in both pig and human specimens (p&lt;0.01). In human, but not in pig, specimens l -NAME increased the amplitude of acetylcholine induced contraction (p&lt;0.01). l -Arginine partly reversed the effect of l -NAME in both pig and human specimens. Sodium nitroprusside decreased the acetylcholine and KCl induced contractions in both pig and human specimens. Immunohistochemical studies localised nitric oxide synthase to rich plexi of nerve fibres in the mucosa and the muscle in both pig and human sphincter of Oddi. Conclusions —The sphincter of Oddi in both pigs and humans has endogenous nitric oxide synthase activity and immunoreactivity. Inhibition of endogenous nitric oxide production enhances contractility while exogenous nitric oxide decreases sphincter contractility and electrical activity.
History of Mechanical Ventilation. From Vesalius to Ventilator-induced Lung Injury
Authors: Arthur S. Slutsky
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2015)

Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving therapy that catalyzed the development of modern intensive care units. The origins of modern mechanical ventilation can be traced back about five centuries to the seminal work of Andreas Vesalius. This article is a short history of mechanical ventilation, tracing its origins over the centuries to the present day. One of the great advances in ventilatory support over the past few decades has been the development of lung-protective ventilatory strategies, based on our understanding of the iatrogenic consequences of mechanical ventilation such as ventilator-induced lung injury. These strategies have markedly improved clinical outcomes in patients with respiratory failure.
Changes of Topoisomerase IIα Expression in Breast Tumors after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Predicts Relapse-Free Survival
Authors: Nicola Tinari, Rossano Lattanzio, Clara Natoli, Ettore Cianchetti, Domenico Angelucci, Enrico Ricevuto, Corrado Ficorella, Paolo Marchetti, Saverio Alberti, Mauro Piantelli, Stefano Iacobelli
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2006)

Abstract Purpose: To assess the value of changes in the expression of topoisomerase IIα (TopoII) and the proto-oncogene erbB-2 (HER-2) as predictors of relapse-free survival in women with operable breast cancer treated with anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients and Methods: Seventy-seven patients with primary breast cancer who had undergone neoadjuvant anthracycline-based chemotherapy were included in the present study. TopoII and HER-2 were measured by immunohistochemistry in prechemotherapy and postchemotherapy (at the time of surgery) tumor specimens, and the value of their changes as predictors of relapse-free survival were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses. Results: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy resulted in a significant reduction in the percentage of cells expressing TopoII (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). No significant change was observed for HER-2. TopoII and HER-2 expression before chemotherapy predicted tumor response to treatment. Changes in TopoII expression after chemotherapy were strongly associated with a poor relapse-free survival (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) in a Cox multivariate analysis adjusted for other clinicopathologic prognostic factors. Conclusion: Changes in TopoII expression after anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an independent predictor of a poor relapse-free survival in patients with breast cancer. Tumor cells displaying an increased TopoII expression after treatment may be responsible for relapses, and may, therefore, define a group of patients with anthracycline-resistant breast cancer.
Echocardiography for Diagnosis and Management of Rheumatic Fever
Authors: L. George Veasy
Journal: JAMA (1993)

To the Editor.  —The American Heart Association's Guidelines for the Diagnosis of Rheumatic Fever: Jones  1992 Update 1 was most noteworthy for including Exceptions in the Jones Criteria, which had been long overdue. This scholarly document, however, fell short of offering a complete 1990s update. In particular, the discussion on the role of echocardiography was inadequate. Echocardiography is the only new diagnostic tool for rheumatic fever to be introduced in the past two decades. Because echocardiography currently is a vital and integral part of cardiac evaluation, a 1992 update of its role in the diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever should have had a broader discussion, and more specific guidelines should have been offered.  Three reports 2-4 address the problem of silent mitral regurgitation associated with rheumatic fever. A study reported in 1987 from our institution with a large echocardiographic service (9000 studies per year) demonstrated pathological mitral regurgitation that
Transplacental thyroxine and fetal brain development
Authors: R. Thomas Zoeller
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2003)

in nature, I predict that mice with no heparan sulfate activity will develop thrombosis, supporting the concept that heparan sulfate is antithrombotic.These mice also should exhibit more profound intrauterine growth retardation than 3-OST-1 knockouts (15), thereby demonstrating a biological gradient for this unexpected finding depending on the extent to which heparan sulfate activity is reduced. SummaryWith their studies in 3-OST-1 knockout mice, HajMohammadi and colleagues (15) have advanced our understanding of the pathways that regulate thrombin.Antithrombin is critical for thrombin regulation because even partial deficiency is associated with thrombosis.In contrast, complete deficiency of heparan sulfate activity is necessary to provoke thrombosis.These findings suggest that small amounts of residual heparan sulfate activity are sufficient to catalyze antithrombin or that other vessel wall glycosaminoglycans can compensate for all but complete lack of heparan sulfate activity.
Randomized Clinical Trial of an Implantable Drug Delivery System Compared With Comprehensive Medical Management for Refractory Cancer Pain: Impact on Pain, Drug-Related Toxicity, and Survival
Authors: Thomas J. Smith, Peter S. Staats, Timothy Deer, Lisa J. Stearns, Richard L. Rauck, Richard L. Boortz-Marx, Eric Buchser, Elena Català, David A. Bryce, Patrick J. Coyne, George E. Pool
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2002)

Implantable intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDSs) have been used to manage refractory cancer pain, but there are no randomized clinical trial (RCT) data comparing them with comprehensive medical management (CMM).We enrolled 202 patients on an RCT of CMM versus IDDS plus CMM. Entry criteria included unrelieved pain (visual analog scale [VAS] pain scores >/= 5 on a 0 to 10 scale). Clinical success was defined as >/= 20% reduction in VAS scores, or equal scores with >/= 20% reduction in toxicity. The main outcome measure was pain control combined with change of toxicity, as measured by the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria, 4 weeks after randomization.Sixty of 71 IDDS patients (84.5%) achieved clinical success compared with 51 of 72 CMM patients (70.8%, P =.05). IDDS patients more often achieved >/= 20% reduction in both pain VAS and toxicity (57.7% [41 of 71] v 37.5% [27 of 72], P =.02). The mean CMM VAS score fell from 7.81 to 4.76 (39% reduction); for the IDDS group, the scores fell from 7.57 to 3.67 (52% reduction, P =.055). The mean CMM toxicity scores fell from 6.36 to 5.27 (17% reduction); for the IDDS group, the toxicity scores fell from 7.22 to 3.59 (50% reduction, P =.004). The IDDS group had significant reductions in fatigue and depressed level of consciousness (P <.05). IDDS patients had improved survival, with 53.9% alive at 6 months compared with 37.2% of the CMM group (P =.06).IDDSs improved clinical success in pain control, reduced pain, significantly relieved common drug toxicities, and improved survival in patients with refractory cancer pain.
Retrochorionic hematoma in congenital afibrinogenemia: Resolution with fibrinogen concentrate infusions
Authors: E. Aygören‐Pürsün, I. Martinez Saguer, E. Rusicke, F. Louwen, F. Geka, V. Ivaskevicius, J. Oldenburg, T. Klingebiel, W. Kreuz
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (2006)

Without treatment, pregnancies in patients with congenital afibrinogenemia terminate in miscarriage at 5-6 weeks of gestation. Animal model studies have suggested that implantation site bleeding contributes to miscarriage in afibrinogenemia; however, retrochorionic hematoma in human congenital afibrinogenemia has not been previously observed. A patient with congenital afibrinogenemia receiving fibrinogen prophylaxis developed a retrochorionic hematoma in the first trimester. With continuous intensified fibrinogen concentrate replacement the hematoma resolved over 6 weeks, and the patient delivered a healthy infant. Median fibrinogen levels in the first trimester were 48 mg/dL and in second and third trimester 44 mg/dL. Median fibrinogen levels under 60 mg/dL may be adequate to maintain pregnancy in patients with congenital afibrinogenemia, although it is possible that higher levels might reduce the risk of hemorrhagic events.
Low Myocardial Protein Kinase G Activity in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Loek van Heerebeek, Nazha Hamdani, Inês Falcão-Pires, Adelino F. Leite-Moreira, Mark P.V. Begieneman, Jean G.F. Bronzwaer, Jolanda van der Velden, Ger J.M. Stienen, Gerrit J. Laarman, Aernout Somsen, Freek W.A. Verheugt, Hans W.M. Niessen, Walter J. Paulus
Journal: Circulation (2012)

Background— Prominent features of myocardial remodeling in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) are high cardiomyocyte resting tension (F passive ) and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In experimental models, both reacted favorably to raised protein kinase G (PKG) activity. The present study assessed myocardial PKG activity, its downstream effects on cardiomyocyte F passive and cardiomyocyte diameter, and its upstream control by cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), nitrosative/oxidative stress, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). To discern altered control of myocardial remodeling by PKG, HFPEF was compared with aortic stenosis and HF with reduced EF (HFREF). Methods and Results— Patients with HFPEF (n=36), AS (n=67), and HFREF (n=43) were free of coronary artery disease. More HFPEF patients were obese ( P &lt;0.05) or had diabetes mellitus ( P &lt;0.05). Left ventricular myocardial biopsies were procured transvascularly in HFPEF and HFREF and perioperatively in aortic stenosis. F passive was measured in cardiomyocytes before and after PKG administration. Myocardial homogenates were used for assessment of PKG activity, cGMP concentration, proBNP-108 expression, and nitrotyrosine expression, a measure of nitrosative/oxidative stress. Additional quantitative immunohistochemical analysis was performed for PKG activity and nitrotyrosine expression. Lower PKG activity in HFPEF than in aortic stenosis ( P &lt;0.01) or HFREF ( P &lt;0.001) was associated with higher cardiomyocyte F passive ( P &lt;0.001) and related to lower cGMP concentration ( P &lt;0.001) and higher nitrosative/oxidative stress ( P &lt;0.05). Higher F passive in HFPEF was corrected by in vitro PKG administration. Conclusions— Low myocardial PKG activity in HFPEF was associated with raised cardiomyocyte F passive and was related to increased myocardial nitrosative/oxidative stress. The latter was probably induced by the high prevalence in HFPEF of metabolic comorbidities. Correction of myocardial PKG activity could be a target for specific HFPEF treatment.
Trends in biomaterials research: An analysis of the scientific programme of the World Biomaterials Congress 2008
Authors: Sander C.G. Leeuwenburgh, John A. Jansen, Jos Malda, Wouter A. Dhert, Jeroen Rouwkema, Clemens A. van Blitterswijk, C. James Kirkpatrick, David F. Williams
Journal: Biomaterials (2008)
Increased urinary leukotriene E4 concentration in patients with eosinophilic pneumonia
Authors: E. Ono, M. Taniguchi, H. Mita, N. Higashi, Y. Fukutomi, H. Tanimoto, K. Sekiya, C. Oshikata, T. Tsuburai, N. Tsurikisawa, M. Otomo, Y. Maeda, O. Matsuno, E. Miyazaki, T. Kumamoto, K. Akiyama
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2008)

Although eosinophils produce cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) in large quantities, information on the relationship between CysLTs and eosinophilic pneumonia (EP) is lacking. Inflammatory mediator concentrations in urine were quantified to clarify the relationship between CysLT concentrations and EP severity. Leukotriene (LT)E(4), eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), 9alpha,11beta-prostaglandin F2 and LTB(4) glucuronide concentrations were quantified in the urine of: EP patients during acute exacerbation and clinical remission; asthmatic patients during acute exacerbation and under stable conditions; and healthy control subjects. The urinary LTE(4) and EDN concentrations of EP patients during acute exacerbation were significantly higher than those of asthmatic patients and healthy subjects, and decreased immediately during clinical remission. The urinary LTE(4) concentration was associated with the urinary EDN concentration of EP patients during acute exacerbation. The urinary LTE(4) concentration significantly correlated with the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide in EP patients during acute exacerbation. The increased urinary concentrations of leukotriene and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin were associated with acute exacerbation in eosinophilic pneumonia patients. The increased leukotriene concentration significantly correlated with diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, suggesting that the monitoring of leukotriene concentration may aid in the management of eosinophilic pneumonia patients.
Acoustic analysis of snoring sound in patients with simple snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: JA Fiz, J Abad, R Jane, M Riera, MA Mananas, P Caminal, D Rodenstein, J Morera
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1996)

Snoring, a symptom which may indicate the presence of the obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSA), is also common in the general population. Recent studies have suggested that the acoustic characteristics of snoring sound may differ between simple snorers and OSA patients. We have studied a small number of patients with simple snoring and OSA, analysing the acoustic characteristics of the snoring sound. Seventeen male patients, 10 with OSA (apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) 26.2 events x h(-1)) and seven simple snorers (AHI 3.8 events x h(-1)), were studied. Full night polysomnography was performed and the snoring sound power spectrum was analysed. Spectral analysis of snoring sound showed the existence of two different patterns. The first pattern was characterized by the presence of a fundamental frequency and several harmonics. The second pattern was characterized by a low frequency peak with the sound energy scattered on a narrower band of frequencies, but without clearly identified harmonics. The seven simple snorers and two of the 10 patients with OSA (AIH 13 and 14 events x h(-1), respectively) showed the first pattern. The rest of the OSA patients showed the second pattern. The peak frequency of snoring was significantly lower in OSA patients, with all but one OSA patient and only one simple snorer showing a peak frequency below 150 Hz. A significant negative correlation was found between AHI and peak and mean frequencies of the snoring power spectrum (p&lt;0.0016 and p&lt;0.0089, respectively). In conclusion, this study demonstrates significant differences in the sound power spectrum of snoring sound between subjects with simple snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea patients.
John (Iain) Wylie Cook Ian Macdonald Dingwall Clara Jean Fraser William Ingman Francis Stephen Perry Zoe Christine Randall Joseph Robinson James Gordon Searle John Elphinstone Underwood William Van Essen James Meighan Wallace John Logan Wilson
Authors: D. Duff, D. Illingworth, J. Saunders, S. E Fraser, J. Hay, M. Perry, W. Leigh, M. Robinson, P J Crawshaw, J. Underwood, M. Murgatroyd, A. Wallace, D. Wallace, a. R. Wallace, M. Denholm
Journal: BMJ (2001)
Characterization of an emergent clone of enteroinvasive Escherichia coli circulating in Europe
Authors: V. Michelacci, G. Prosseda, A. Maugliani, R. Tozzoli, S. Sanchez, S. Herrera-León, T. Dallman, C. Jenkins, A. Caprioli, S. Morabito
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection (2015)
Mental illness and the workplace
Authors: Mike Gibson
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (2010)

Wheat et al.1 state that the information in an occupational health assessment is available to the employer on the grounds that those carrying out the assessment are the staff of the employer and the disclosure forms are the property of the employer. This may be theoretically correct, but discourse to the employer without consent would attract sanctions from the medical regulatory bodies. In addition, disclosure absent legal action of sensitive medical information to the employer is against a code of practice of the Information Commissioner.
A New Method of Left Ventricular Catheterization
Authors: DAVID LITTMANN, OSCAR E. STAROBIN, JACK H. HALL, ROBERT J. MATTHEWS, JOHN A. WILLIAMS
Journal: Circulation (1960)

A description is presented of a rapid and relatively uncomplicated method of left heart catheterization. It is possible in this manner to obtain many types of left ventricular studies and ventriculograms of diagnostic quality. A special loop-end catheter is employed, which is percutaneously introduced into the aorta and which regularly enters the left ventricle through the aortic valve except when this valve is stenosed or deformed. This entry is accomplished without apparent injury to the heart.
Association between airborne pollen and epidemic asthma in Madrid, Spain: a case-control study
Authors: I. Galan, A. Prieto, M. Rubio, T. Herrero, P. Cervigon, J. L. Cantero, M. D. Gurbindo, M. I. Martinez, A. Tobias
Journal: Thorax (2010)

<h3>Background</h3> Despite the fact that airborne pollen is an important factor in precipitating asthma attacks, its implication in increases of epidemic asthma in usual meteorological conditions has not been reported. A study was undertaken to estimate the relationship between various types of aeroallergens and seasonal epidemic asthma in the region of Madrid, Spain. <h3>Methods</h3> A case–control study was carried out in individuals aged 4–79 years who received emergency healthcare for asthma during 2001 in a base hospital covering a population of 750 000 inhabitants of Madrid. A skin prick test was performed with grass pollen, plantain pollen, olive pollen, cypress pollen, plane tree pollen, dust mites and <i>Alternaria</i> and the prevalence of skin reactivity was compared between subjects with asthma requiring emergency care for asthma within (cases) and outside (controls) the seasonal epidemic period. Data were analysed using logistic regression adjusting for age and sex. <h3>Results</h3> The response rate was 61.7% for cases (n=95) and 51.6% for controls (n=146). The OR of sensitisation to grass pollen for cases compared with controls was 9.9 (95% CI 4.5 to 21.5); plantain pollen: 4.5 (95% CI 2.5 to 8.2); olive pollen: 7.3 (95% CI 3.5 to 15.2); plane tree pollen: 3.6 (95% CI 2.0 to 6.4); cypress pollen: 3.5 (95% CI 2.0 to 6.2); dust mites: 1.1 (95% CI 0.6 to 1.9); <i>Alternaria</i>: 0.9 (95% CI 0.5 to 1.9). The association with grasses was maintained after adjusting simultaneously for the remaining aeroallergens (OR 5.0 (95% CI 1.5 to 16.4)); this was the only one that retained statistical significance (p=0.007). <h3>Conclusions</h3> These results suggest that allergy to pollen, particularly grass pollen, is associated with the epidemic increase in asthma episodes during the months of May and June in the Madrid area of Spain.