tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Ecological and Lineage-Specific Factors Drive the Molecular Evolution of Rhodopsin in Cichlid Fishes
Authors: Julián Torres-Dowdall, Frederico Henning, Kathryn R. Elmer, Axel Meyer
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (2015)

The visual system in the colorful cichlid fishes from the African great lakes is believed to be important for their adaptive radiations. However, few studies have attempted to compare the visual system of radiating cichlid lineages with that of cichlids that have not undergone recent radiations. One such study published in this journal (Schott RK, Refvik SP, Hauser FE, López-Fernández H, Chang BSW. 2014. Divergent positive selection in rhodopsin from lake and riverine cichlid fishes. Mol Biol Evol. 31:1149–1165) found divergent selection on rhodopsin between African lacustrine and riverine cichlid species and riverine Neotropical cichlids, concluding that ecology drives the molecular evolution of this opsin. Here, we expand this analysis by incorporating rhodopsin sequences from Neotropical lacustrine cichlids and show that both ecology and phylogeny are important drivers of the molecular evolution of rhodopsin in cichlids. We found little overlap of sites under selection between African and Neotropical lineages and a faster rate of molecular evolution in African compared with Neotropical cichlids. These results support the notion that genetic or population genetic features particular to African cichlids contributed to their radiations.
Insulin Resistance and the Cluster of Abnormalities Related to the Metabolic Syndrome Are Associated With Reduced Glomerular Filtration Rate in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Salvatore De Cosmo, Roberto Trevisan, Antonio Minenna, Monica Vedovato, Raffaella Viti, Stefano A. Santini, Alessandro R. Dodesini, Paola Fioretto, Vincenzo Trischitta
Journal: Diabetes Care (2006)

Because of its devastating outcomes, including end-stage renal disease and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality (1–3), chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem (4). Diabetes is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease in the Western world (5). Several evidences suggest that insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome are associated with and probably contribute to reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with type 1 diabetes (6,7). At variance, no data are available in type 2 diabetes. The aim of this work was to investigate the role of insulin resistance and the cluster of metabolic syndrome–related (MS-r) abnormalities on kidney function in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Two samples were studied. Selection criteria and clinical features of the first samples have been already published (8). Briefly, 731 type 2 diabetic patients (384 men and 347 women, age 61.4 ± 10 years, diabetes duration 10.8 ± 9 years, HbA1c [A1C] 8.2 ± 1.5%) were consecutively recruited at the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Institute in San Giovanni Rotondo. Standardized serum creatinine was measured by the modified kinetic Jaffe reaction. Micro- or macroalbuminuria was diagnosed when albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) was ≥2.5 mg/mmol in men and 3.5 mg/mmol in women; 216 patients (29%) had macroalbuminuria. Estimated GFR was calculated with the abbreviated MDRD (Modification of Diet inRenal Disease) formula (9). CKD was defined as estimated GFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index was calculated as fasting serum insulin …
Helminthic pseudotumours of the bowel: Thirty-four cases of helminthoma
Authors: P. P. Anthony, I. W. J. McAdam
Journal: Gut (1972)

Human infestation with nematode worms of the superfamily Strongyloidea has been recorded from time to time to give rise to serious surgical complications. Worms of the genus Oesophagostomum are most frequently responsible. These are common parasites of ruminants, monkeys, and apes in which their histotropic phase is confined to the bowel wall and sometimes results in multiple inflammatory nodules. Man is an accidental host and it seems an abnormal one. The worm fails to return to the bowel lumen, migrates further and persists in the tissues. The commonest manifestation is a solitary tumour-like inflammatory mass or abscess (;helminthoma') in the ileocaecal region. The ileum, transverse and sigmoid colons are affected less commonly and the lesions are occasionally multiple. Patients may also present with abscesses of the abdominal wall. The clinical diagnosis is difficult, even at laparotomy. Carcinoma, appendicitis, ileocaecal tuberculosis are frequently simulated and unnecessary radical surgery is often the result, particularly in expatriate Europeans. In this communication 34 cases from Uganda are reviewed with emphasis on histopathology as responsibility for the correct diagnosis is likely to fall on pathologists. Three characteristic appearances are described and related to phases in the natural history of the disease. Current knowledge on parasitology is reviewed. The disease affects Africans as well as Europeans and it is anticipated that cases will be seen in those returning from the tropics.
Clinical evidence of a familial predisposition to anterior cruciate ligament injury
Authors: K Goshima, K Kitaoka, J Nakase, R Takahashi, H Tsuchiya
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2011)

Background Several risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury have been evaluated in the literatures. It is highly probable that many of the identified risk factors for ACL injury are passed through families. However few articles describe a familial predisposition to ACL injury. Objective To investigate whether there is a familial predisposition to ACL injury. Design Retrospective study. Methods The study group comprised 350 consecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction between January 2005 and September 2008. All patients were surveyed by telephone or written questionnaire about their family history (FH) of ACL injury, sports in which family members participated and mechanisms of injury. We also compared age, height, weight, Tegner activity score, general joint laxity, and tibial slope between the FH group (with a FH of ACL injury) and a control group (without a FH of ACL injury). Results Complete information was obtained from 335 of the 350 patients, 38 (11.3%) of whom had a FH of ACL injury. Two families had three members with ACL injuries. Among the 40 family members with ACL injuries, 38 (95%) had a non-contact ACL injuries, and 34 (85%) injured their ACL by the same mechanism as the related patient. Comparisons of the FH and control groups identified no significant differences with regard to age, height, weight, Tegner activity score, or general joint laxity, but tibial slope was significantly larger in the FH group than in the control group. Conclusion Our results indicate a high probability that many of the identified risk factors for ACL injury are passed through families. Screening tests for a FH of ACL injury thus could identify a population at increased risk of ACL injury who would benefit most from preventative neuromuscular training programs designed to reduce the risk of ACL injury.
Role of DNA Mismatch Repair Defects in the Pathogenesis of Human Cancer
Authors: Päivi Peltomäki
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2003)

The DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system is necessary for the maintenance of genomic stability. In a broad sense, all main functions of the MMR system, including the correction of biosynthetic errors, DNA damage surveillance, and prevention of recombination between nonidentical sequences serve this important purpose. Failure to accomplish these functions may lead to cancer. It is therefore not surprising that inherited defects in the MMR system underlie one of the most prevalent cancer syndromes in humans, hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). In addition, acquired defects of the same system may account for 15% to 25%, or even a higher percentage, of sporadic cancers of different organs of the “HNPCC spectrum,” including the colon and rectum, uterine endometrium, stomach, and ovaries. Recent studies indicate that the MMR genes may be involved in the pathogenesis of even a broader spectrum of tumors in one way or another. An updated review of the different features of the human MMR system will be provided, with the emphasis on their implications in cancer development.
Human intestinal ion transport in vitro.
Authors: C L Corbett, P E Isaacs, A K Riley, L A Turnberg
Journal: Gut (1977)

The transport of sodium and chloride across human jejunal and ileal mucosa was studied using an in vitro technique.Specimens of mucosa removed at operation were stripped of muscle coats, mounted in specially designed Perspex flux chambers and bathed in warmed oxygenated and stirred buffer solutions.Evidence was obtained for the active transport of sodium in both jejunum and ileum and of chloride in the ileum.Sodium absorption was enhanced by glucose in both regions of the gut but net chloride transport was unaffected.Glucose had a greater effect on sodium transport in the ileum than the jejunum.The electrical potential difference and resistance was greater and undirectional ion fluxes smaller in jejunal than ileal mucosa.Many of these results with human intestine are similar to results reported with in vitro animal intestine.Apparent discrepancies between the behaviour in vivo of human intestine and in vitro of animal intestine are thus likely to be due predominantly to technical rather than species differences.
High Flying and Decompression Treatment of Whooping-cough
Authors: H. S. Banks
Journal: BMJ (1949)

In 1946 Baldry and Richou published their first report on 300 cases treated in a decompression chamber in Paris.Selected cases of all ages from 2 months to 40 years were treated, and of those followed up for 21 days (44% of the total) there were 22% of cures in four days, 51% "improved," and 4%0 whose paroxysms were aggravated for some days after the treatment.Up to 1948 Richou had treated some 6,000 cases in Paris.His published conclusions include the follow- ing principles (1) that the results obtained were independent of age and weight; (2) that the best time for the treatment is after the third week of the disease, preferably the fourth.fifth, or sixth (3) that repetition of the treatment does not increase the percentage of successes-that is, a good result is cbtained with the first treatment or not at all; (4) that contra- indications fcr the treatment are fever, respiratory and cardiac complications, epistaxis and any haemorrhage, nasopharyngeal infections, ear infections, hernia, surgical emphysema, and mal- nutrition.The rarefied air-pressure is regarded as the chief factor in a beneficial result.How it acts is unknown.It has been sugges'ed that it may lead to a relaxation of bronchial muscle, damping down of the cough reflex, or alteration of the bronchial mucosa in some unknown way.The method has its severe critics.In 1948 Bergquist treated 45 children in Stockholm-20 by aeroplane at 1,000 feet (3,350 metres) for 45 minutes, and 25 at similar low pressure ia chamber for 45 minutes.He stated that an analysis of the course of the disease, the frequency of paroxysms and vomiting, duration of the disease, bacillary findings, and
Effect of the leukotriene receptor antagonist pranlukast on cellular infiltration in the bronchial mucosa of patients with asthma
Authors: Y. Nakamura, M. Hoshino, J. J. Sim, K. Ishii, K. Hosaka, T. Sakamoto
Journal: Thorax (1998)

It has been reported that pranlukast reduces the antigen induced immediate and late phase asthmatic responses, airway hyperreactivity to acetylcholine, and pulmonary eosinophil accumulation in guinea pigs. A study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that pranlukast may reduce the number of inflammatory cells in the bronchial mucosa of patients with asthma.A double blind, placebo controlled study was performed in 17 mild to moderate asthmatic subjects to examine changes in inflammatory cell infiltration in response to pranlukast (225 mg orally twice per day for four weeks). Comparisons of the mean daily beta 2 agonist use, symptom score, FEV1 percentage predicted, and airway methacholine responsiveness were made before and after treatment. Using fibreoptic bronchoscopy, bronchial biopsy specimens were obtained before and after treatment with either pranlukast (n = 10) or placebo (n = 7). Immunohistology was performed using monoclonal antibodies for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD68, NP57, AA1, EG1, EG2, gamma GTP and CD19.When the pranlukast and placebo treated groups were compared there were decreases in beta 2 agonist use, symptom score, and airway methacholine responsiveness after pranlukast but no increase in FEV1 was seen. The clinical response in patients treated with pranlukast was accompanied by a reduction in CD3 (median difference -37, 95% confidence interval (CI) -69 to -1; p < 0.05), CD4 (median difference -28, 95% CI -49 to -8; p < 0.01), AA1 (median difference -15, 95% CI -26 to 0; p < 0.05) and EG2 positive cells (95% CI -35 to 0; p < 0.05), but not in EG1 positive eosinophils, gamma GTP positive cells, and CD19 positive plasma cells.These results support the view that pranlukast may act by inhibition of bronchial inflammation in patients with asthma.
Current knowledge and future directions of TLR and NOD signaling in sepsis
Authors: Niamh M Foley, Jian Wang, H Paul Redmond, Jiang Huai Wang
Journal: Military Medical Research (2015)

The incidence of sepsis is increasing over time, along with an increased risk of dying from the condition. Sepsis care costs billions annually in the United States. Death from sepsis is understood to be a complex process, driven by a lack of normal immune homeostatic functions and excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines, which leads to multi-organ failure. The Toll-like receptor (TLR) family, one of whose members was initially discovered in Drosophila, performs an important role in the recognition of microbial pathogens. These pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), upon sensing invading microorganisms, activate intracellular signal transduction pathways. NOD signaling is also involved in the recognition of bacteria and acts synergistically with the TLR family in initiating an efficient immune response for the eradication of invading microbial pathogens. TLRs and NOD1/NOD2 respond to different pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Modulation of both TLR and NOD signaling is an area of research that has prompted much excitement and debate as a therapeutic strategy in the management of sepsis. Molecules targeting TLR and NOD signaling pathways exist but regrettably thus far none have proven efficacy from clinical trials.
High-Dose Glibenclamide Can Replace Insulin Therapy Despite Transitory Diarrhea in Early-Onset Diabetes Caused by a Novel R201L Kir6.2 Mutation
Authors: Ethel Codner, Sarah Flanagan, Sian Ellard, Hernán García, Andrew T. Hattersley
Journal: Diabetes Care (2005)

Recently, mutations in the gene KCNJ11 encoding the Kir 6.2 subunit of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel (KATP channel) have been described in patients with permanent neonatal diabetes (1). The KATP channel complex is an aggregate of four subunits of the Kir6.2 inward rectifier channel plus four regulatory units known as the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR1). In pancreatic β-cells, glucose metabolism leads to a rapid rise in intracellular ATP levels, leading to closure of the KATP channel. The resultant cell depolarization is critical for normal insulin secretion. Sulfonylureas are able to close the KATP channel by interacting with SUR1 via an ATP-independent mechanism. As a result, four young patients carrying mutations in the Kir6.2 channel have been treated with sulfonylureas (2,3) and withdrawn from insulin.

To test whether …
Lipid profiles in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: A. KAVANAUGH
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1998)

Munro et al have demonstrated a salubrious effect of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) on lipid profiles in patients with rheumatic arthritis (RA).1 In an accompanying editorial, Situnayake and Kitas highlight the potential importance of dyslipidaemia in RA.2 We concur with the relevance of this problem, and would like to call attention to some additional data that supports the authors’ points.

In an earlier study, we reported on the serum lipoprotein profiles of 60 men with RA.3 According to National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines,4 18% of the patients had dyslipidaemia to such an extent that …
The radiology of cardiac pacemakers
Authors: R. M. Stiner
Journal: JAMA (1978)

THE USE of permanent cardiac pacemakers is now a well-established procedure. It is estimated that more than 150,000 units have been employed since Chardack et al<sup>1</sup>introduced the first self-contained, fixedrate implantable pacemaker in 1960. Since that time, remarkable progress has been made in developing longerlived power resources, durable electrode and generator components, and more versatile pacing modes. The role of the radiologist is important in aiding the surgeon and the cardiologist during the initial examination of the patient and during the immediate and late postimplantation follow-up period. <h3>Pacemaker Implantation</h3> Following insertion of the pacemaker, films in the posteroanterior and lateral projections should be exposed as soon as possible. This may be done in the operating room, where an overhead tube assembly or a portable roentgenographic machine should be available. Lateral films of the chest are exposed using the horizontal beam with the patient in the supine position. If
Therapeutic benefits of ACE inhibitors and other antihypertensive drugs in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Authors: M Pahor, B M Psaty, M H Alderman, W B Applegate, J D Williamson, C D Furberg
Journal: Diabetes Care (2000)

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether ACE inhibitors are superior to alternative agents for the prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This study is a review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that included patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension who were randomized to an ACE inhibitor or an alternative drug, were followed for &amp;gt; or =2 years, and had adjudicated cardiovascular events. RESULTS: A total of 4 trials were eligible. The Appropriate Blood Pressure Control in Diabetes (ABCD) trial (n = 470) compared enalapril with nisoldipine, the Captopril Prevention Project (CAPPP) (n = 572) compared captopril with diuretics or beta-blockers, the Fosinopril Versus Amlodipine Cardiovascular Events Trial (FACET) (n = 380) compared fosinopril with amlodipine, and the U.K. Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) (n = 758) compared captopril with atenolol. The cumulative results of the first 3 trials showed a significant benefit of ACE inhibitors compared with alternative treatments on the outcomes of acute myocardial infarction (63% reduction, P &amp;lt; 0.001), cardiovascular events (51% reduction, P &amp;lt; 0.001), and all-cause mortality (62% reduction, P = 0.010). These findings were not observed in the UKPDS. The ACE inhibitors did not appear to be superior to other agents for the outcome of stroke in any of the trials. None of the findings were explained by differences in blood pressure control. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the alternative agents tested, ACE inhibitors may provide a special advantage in addition to blood pressure control. The question of whether atenolol is equivalent to captopril remains open. Conclusive evidence on the comparative effects of antihypertensive treatments will come from large prospective randomized trials.
Identification and molecular characterization of Charybdis feriatus tropomyosin, the major crab allergen☆☆☆★★★
Authors: Patrick S.C. Leung, Yen-chen Chen, M.Eric Gershwin, Shun Hang Wong, Hoi Shan Kwan, Ka Hou Chu
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (1998)
Growth of SJL/J-derived transplantable reticulum cell sarcoma as related to its ability to induce T-cell proliferation in the host. I. Dominant negative genetic influences of other parent haplotype in F1 hybrids of SJL/J mice.
Authors: I R Katz, S P Lerman, N M Ponzio, D C Shreffler, G J Thorbecke
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1980)

Growth of three transplantable reticulum cell sarcomas (RCS) was studied in a variety of F1 hybrids of SJL/J mice by determination of lymph node (LN) and spleen: body weights ratios 7 and 14 d after intravenous injection of RCS cells. Comparison of BIO.S x SJL and A.SW x SJL with SJL/J showed a negative effect of both the A and the BIO non-H-2 genes, particularly on growth in LN. F1 hybrid resistance was noted with F1 hybrids that carried H-2Dd and was much more evident with F1 hybrids from BIO- than from A-background mice. This resistance was less marked at 14 than at 7 d and was partially overcome by injection of higher tumor doses. Changing the I region in the F1 parent from H-2d to H-2b or H-2f had no effect on growth, but changing to H-2k or H-2d virtually abolished the ability to support tumor growth. This effect appeared partially as a result of the I-E/C and partially of the I-A(B) region and was not overcome by higher tumor dose or longer intervals after injection. There also appeared to be a negative influence on growth of H-2Kk, but this was difficult to differentiate from the I-Ak effect with the available strains. The known proliferative responsiveness that SJL/J Lyt-1 T cells exhibit to Ia determinants on gamma-irradiated RCS cells in vitro was also compared with that of cells from various F1 hybrids. Responsiveness of F1 LN cells was expressed as a percentage of the response in SJL/J LN cells to the same RCS cells, measured as [3H]thymidine incorporation. There was a striking degree of correlation between proliferative responsiveness of F1 LN cells to RCS and the ability of the F1 mice to support tumor growth. This correlation was especially clear with respect to the negative influences of non-H-2 genes, and of H-2 loci in the I region, particularly of I-Ak or -d and of I-E/Ck or -d, but there also appeared to be a (smaller) negative effect of I-Ab or -f. Negative influence of H-2Dd on growth, however, was not reflected in a similarly large effect on the proliferative response. Additional findings showed that LN cells from all F1 hybrids exhibited equivalent syngeneic mixed lymphocyte responses in the presence of polyethylene glycol to mitomycin-treated spleen cells from both the SJL/J and the other parent. The extra high response of F1 cells to RCS cells, as compared with SJL spleen cells, however, was always absent when Ik or -d was contributed by one of the F1 parents. The results suggest a promoting effect of the proliferative response on RCS growth in vivo and, furthermore, an interesting effect of I-A and I-E/C genes, possibly via an interaction product, on the ability of LN cells to be stimulated by Ia determinants on RCS cells.