tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic
Authors: Colin Hill, Francisco Guarner, Gregor Reid, Glenn R. Gibson, Daniel J. Merenstein, Bruno Pot, Lorenzo Morelli, Roberto Berni Canani, Harry J. Flint, Seppo Salminen, Philip C. Calder, Mary Ellen Sanders
Journal: Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology (2014)

Probiotics are widely regarded as live microorganisms that, when administered in sufficient amounts, confer a health benefit, but guidance is needed on the most appropriate use of the term. This Consensus Statement outlines recommendations for the scope and definition of the term 'probiotic' as determined by an expert panel convened by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics in October 2013. An expert panel was convened in October 2013 by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) to discuss the field of probiotics. It is now 13 years since the definition of probiotics and 12 years after guidelines were published for regulators, scientists and industry by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the WHO (FAO/WHO). The FAO/WHO definition of a probiotic—"live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host"—was reinforced as relevant and sufficiently accommodating for current and anticipated applications. However, inconsistencies between the FAO/WHO Expert Consultation Report and the FAO/WHO Guidelines were clarified to take into account advances in science and applications. A more precise use of the term 'probiotic' will be useful to guide clinicians and consumers in differentiating the diverse products on the market. This document represents the conclusions of the ISAPP consensus meeting on the appropriate use and scope of the term probiotic.
Antigen-specific CD4+ T cells drive airway smooth muscle remodeling in experimental asthma
Authors: David Ramos-Barbón, John F. Presley, Qutayba A. Hamid, Elizabeth D. Fixman, James G. Martin
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2005)

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) growth contributes to the mechanism of airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma. Here we demonstrate that CD4+ T cells, central to chronic airway inflammation, drive ASM remodeling in experimental asthma. Adoptive transfer of CD4+ T cells from sensitized rats induced an increase in proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis of airway myocytes in naive recipients upon repeated antigen challenge, which resulted in an increase in ASM mass. Genetically modified CD4+ T cells expressing enhanced GFP (EGFP) were localized by confocal microscopy in juxtaposition to ASM cells, which suggests that CD4+ T cells may modulate ASM cell function through direct cell-cell interaction in vivo. Coculture of antigen-stimulated CD4+ T cells with cell cycle-arrested ASM cells induced myocyte proliferation, dependent on T cell activation and direct T cell-myocyte contact. Reciprocally, direct cell contact prevented postactivation T cell apoptosis, which suggests receptor-mediated T cell-myocyte crosstalk. Overall, our data demonstrate that activated CD4+ T cells drive ASM remodeling in experimental asthma and suggest that a direct cell-cell interaction participates in CD4+ T cell regulation of myocyte turnover and induction of remodeling.
Effect of Altering P-R Interval on the Amplitude of the First Heart Sound in the Anesthetized Dog
Authors: Michael E. Stept, Charles E. Heid, James A. Shaver, Donald F. Leon, James J. Leonard
Journal: Circulation Research (1969)

To determine the effect of changing the P-R interval on the intensity of the mitral component of the first heart sound (M 1 amplitude), fixed-rate sequential atrioventricular pacing was used to vary the P-R interval in a steady hemodynamic state in six anesthetized dogs. Left ventricular sound and pressure events were monitored with a catheter-tip micromanometer, and the rate of rise of left ventricular pressure (dP/dt) was recorded using an R/C differentiator. The P-R interval was varied from the longest interval at which continuous ventricular capture was achieved (indifferent P-R interval) to 0.00 msec in 10-msec increments. The mean increase in M 1 amplitude at the short P-R intervals (30 to 50 msec) was 119% compared to the amplitude at the indifferent P-R interval; there was no significant change in maximum dP/dt. No significant changes in left ventricular ejection time and left ventricular peak pressure occurred over the range of P-R intervals. At the indifferent P-R interval, a norepinephrine infusion increased M 1 amplitude 22% and maximum dP/dt 50%. At short P-R intervals in the new inotropic state, the M 1 amplitude was further augmented. These data indicate that both the timing of atrial and ventricular systoles and the force of left ventricular contraction are major, independent determinants of M 1 amplitude. These findings are consistent with the concept that the abrupt deceleration of blood by the mitral valve shortly after the onset of ventricular systole sets the cardiohemic system into vibration producing the M 1 sound. The intensity of the first heart sound is proportional to the force produced in this manner.
Mutation of GABRA1 in an autosomal dominant form of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Patrick Cossette, Lidong Liu, Katéri Brisebois, Haiheng Dong, Anne Lortie, Michel Vanasse, Jean-Marc Saint-Hilaire, Lionel Carmant, Andrei Verner, Wei-Yang Lu, Yu Tian Wang, Guy A. Rouleau
Journal: Nature Genetics (2002)
Descriptive epidemiology of hand dermatitis at the St John’s contact dermatitis clinic 1983-97
Authors: H.R. Smith, D.K.B. Armstrong, S.H. Wakelin, R.J.G. Rycroft, I.R. White, J.P. McFadden
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2000)

For 15 years, hand dermatitis accounted for a quarter of patients seen in this clinic. The highest proportion occurred in women aged 17-30 years. Overall, the male to female ratio was 0.8, which contrasts with population-based studies. Catering was most frequently associated with occupational hand dermatitis. Other frequent occupational associations included metalworking, hairdressing, healthcare and mechanical work.
Population Screening in Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Authors: Arno G. Motulsky, Ernest Beutler
Journal: Annual Review of Public Health (2000)

▪ Abstract Hemochromatosis is a common autosomal recessive condition found in the homozygous state in 1/200–1/400 people of northern-, central-, and western-European origin. It causes increased iron storage, which may lead to liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes in many but not all affected adults, with a higher frequency in males. The condition is easily treated by repeated venesections without side effects but is frequently overlooked. Population screening of adults using iron indices alone or combined with DNA testing has therefore been recommended, but a consensus conference in 1997 recommended that such screening be deferred, owing to uncertainty regarding the extent of clinical disease that may develop in individuals detected by such programs. There was also concern that DNA screening results might be used for discrimination in insurance and occupational settings. Screening family members of patients with evidence of definite iron loading, however, is accepted by all observers. Because serious complications may be overlooked, a more aggressive stance toward case detection in the adult population has been advocated by some observers, realizing that unnecessary treatment might occur. Because additional information regarding the spectrum of clinical disease in homozygotes in now accumulating, a consensus conference in the near future is suggested to consider appropriate policies.
Antimicrobial peptides in the female reproductive tract: a critical component of the mucosal immune barrier with physiological and clinical implications
Authors: Victoria L. Yarbrough, Sean Winkle, Melissa M. Herbst-Kralovetz
Journal: Human Reproduction Update (2014)

BACKGROUNDAt the interface of the external environment and the mucosal surface of the female reproductive tract (FRT) lies a first-line defense against pathogen invasion that includes antimicrobial peptides (AMP). Comprised of a unique class of multifunctional, amphipathic molecules, AMP employ a wide range of functions to limit microbial invasion and replication within host cells as well as independently modulate the immune system, dampen inflammation and maintain tissue homeostasis. The role of AMP in barrier defense at the level of the skin and gut has received much attention as of late. Given the far reaching implications for women's health, maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, and sexually transmissible and polymicrobial diseases, we herein review the distribution and function of key AMP throughout the female reproductive mucosa and assess their role as an essential immunological barrier to microbial invasion throughout the reproductive cycle of a woman's lifetime.
Insulin Therapy in the Diabetic Surgical Patient: Metabolic and Hormone Response to Low Dose Insulin Infusion
Authors: Neil J Goldberg, Terence D Wingert, Seymour R Levin, Samuel E Wilson, John F Viljoen
Journal: Diabetes Care (1981)

We examined carbohydrate metabolism and endocrine responses during elective abdominal surgery in nondiabetic and in insulin-treated diabetic patients. The diabetic patients were divided into two groups: those receiving preoperative subcutaneous (s.c.) insulin and those receiving continuous, low dose intravenous (i.v.) insulin infusions. Glucose, glucagon, cortisol, growth hormone, and insulin levels were measured preoperatively, intraoperatively, and for up to 6 h postoperatively. In the nondiabetic subjects glucose levels rapidly rose at initiation of surgery and continued to increase slowly, reaching a peak of 269 ± 26 (SEM) mg/dl at 60 min into the recovery period. Insulin levels also slowly increased throughout surgery, peaking at 103 ± 32.6 (SEM) uU/ml at 60 min into the recovery period, which was followed by a prompt decline in glucose levels. Glucagon levels remained relatively stable during surgery, but increased steadily during the recovery period to 300 ± 59 (SEM) pg/ml at the end of the observation period. Both cortisol and growth hormone rose during surgery, with growth hormone reaching a peak at 45 min [31.1 ± 13.8 (SEM) ng/ml], while cortisol continued to increase, plateauing during the recovery period at about 30 μg/dl. In the diabetic patients there were no differences in preoperative glucose, glucagon, cortisol, and growth hormone levels between the two treatment groups, and only the glucose level was different from the nondiabetic group. During surgery, there were trends toward lower plasma glucose levels in the early intraoperative phase in the diabetic patients receiving the continuous, low dose i.v. insulin infusion compared with those who received conventional preoperative s.c. insulin. There was no difference in the timing or magnitude of the rise of the measured hormones between the two groups. We conclude that a continuous, low dose i.v. insulin infusion at the dose used (1 U/h) is as effective in the treatment of the diabetic surgical patient as conventional preoperative s.c. insulin administration. Endocrine and metabolic responses to surgery are not different in the two forms of insulin administration.
Reproducibility of measurements of exhaled NO, and cell count and cytokine concentrations in induced sputum
Authors: M. Purokivi, J. Randell, M-R. Hirvonen, H. Tukiainen
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2000)

Sputum induction is a noninvasive, well-tolerated method for studying airway inflammation. When induction with hypertonic saline is repeated at short time-intervals (&lt;24 h), the cell profile of sputum has not been reproducible. To determine the proper interval between sampling cell profiles and cytokine contents of sputum samples that had been induced 48 h apart, were compared. In addition, the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression of sputum cells was compared to the levels of exhaled nitric oxide (NO). Sputum induction and measurement of exhaled NO was performed in 31 healthy nonatopic volunteers. Cell differentials were counted. Concentrations of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)alpha, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were measured in sputum supernatant, and iNOS was determined. Reproducibility of cell counts was high (r=0.836 total cells, r=0.762 neutrophils, r=0.966 eosinophils, r=0.742 macrophages). IL-4 (r=0.398), IL-6 (r=0.566), TNFalpha (r=0.658) and ECP (r=0.501) were also less reproducible in healthy volunteers. Consistent with the low levels of NO in the exhaled air (18.5+/-2.6 ppb and 19.3+/-2.8 parts per billion (ppb) on the two study days, r=0.976, p=0.0000), expression of iNOS was not detected. In conclusion, in healthy subjects, induced sputum cell counts are reproducible. Even though the success rate in nonatopic populations is relatively low, sputum induction appears to be a valid method for detecting inflammatory changes within the airways, when being performed 48 h apart.
Evaluation of serum creatinine for estimating glomerular filtration rate in African Americans with hypertensive nephrosclerosis
Authors: R D Toto, K A Kirk, J Coresh, C Jones, L Appel, J Wright, V Campese, B Olutade, L Agodoa
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (1997)

Measurement of GFR is considered the standard for estimating renal function. However, standardized accurate GFR methodology is expensive and cumbersome; therefore, estimates of GFR based on serum creatinine concentration have been employed. The purpose of the study presented here was to assess the accuracy and precision of using serum creatinine measurements to estimate GFR in the screen cohort of The African-American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) Pilot Study. GFR was estimated by four methods: 100/serum creatinine, Cockcroft-Gault equation, creatinine clearance from 24-h urine collection, and a new regression equation derived from the pilot study data. These methods were compared with renal clearance of 125I-iothalamate GFR (GFR1) in 193 hypertensive (diastolic blood pressure > or = 95 mm Hg) African-American screen (142 men, 51 women). A second GFR (GFR2) was performed in 98 screen who were eligible (GFR1 25-70 mL/min per 1.73 m2) for the pilot study. Accuracy was assessed by the difference of 125I-iothalamate GFR-estimated GFR (delta GFR), and precision was estimated from the combined root mean squared error (CRMSE) and the coefficient of determination (r2). The results for accuracy (+/- SD) and precision were as follows: (1) 100/Scr, delta GFR = -0.76 +/- 16.5, CRMSE = 16.5, r2 = 0.69; (2) Cockcroft-Gault, delta GFR = 9.56 +/- 14.9, CRMSE = 17.7, r2 = 0.66; 3) 24-h creatinine clearance, delta GFR = 0.79 +/- 20.7, CRMSE = 20.7, r2 = 0.49; 4) New equation delta GFR = -0.08 +/- 12.8, CRMSE 12.7, r2 = 0.75. In comparison, a second GFR (GFR2, N = 98) had delta GFR = 1.36 +/- 8.48, CRMSE 8.6, r2 = 0.75. Estimates based on 100/SCr and the new equation were the most precise. It was concluded that GFR estimated by serum creatinine is superior to outpatient 24-h urine creatinine clearance in this population. Serum creatinine values can be used to provide a reasonably accurate estimate of GFR in hypertensive African Americans.
Phase 3 study of docosahexaenoic acid–paclitaxel versus dacarbazine in patients with metastatic malignant melanoma
Authors: A.Y. Bedikian, R.C. DeConti, R. Conry, S. Agarwala, N. Papadopoulos, K.B. Kim, M. Ernstoff
Journal: Annals of Oncology (2010)
Wnt5a Expression Is Associated With the Tumor Proliferation and the Stromal Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor—An Expression in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Cheng-long Huang, Dage Liu, Jun Nakano, Shinya Ishikawa, Keiichi Kontani, Hiroyasu Yokomise, Masaki Ueno
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2005)

The Wnt gene family encodes the multifunctional signaling glycoproteins. We performed the present study to investigate the clinical significance of Wnt5a expression in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).One hundred twenty-three patients with NSCLC who had undergone resection were investigated. Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate the Wnt5a gene expression. Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the Wnt5a protein expression, the Ki-67 proliferation index, tumor angiogenesis, and the expression of beta-catenin and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A).Wnt5a gene expression in squamous cell carcinoma was significantly higher than that in adenocarcinoma (P < .0001). There was a significant correlation between the normalized Wnt5a gene expression ratio and the intratumoral Wnt5a protein expression (r = 0.729; P < .0001). The intratumoral Wnt5a expression was significantly correlated with the Ki-67 proliferation index (r = 0.708; P < .0001). In contrast, no correlation was observed between the intratumoral Wnt5a expression and tumor angiogenesis. Furthermore, the intratumoral Wnt5a expression was significantly correlated with the stromal expression of beta-catenin (r = 0.729; P < .0001) and VEGF-A (r = 0.661; P < .0001). In addition, the stromal VEGF-A expression was also correlated with Ki-67 proliferation (r = 0.627; P < .0001). Cox regression analyses demonstrated Wnt5a status to be a significant prognostic factor for NSCLC patients (P = .0193), especially for patients with squamous cell carcinomas (P = .0491).The present study revealed that an overexpression of Wnt5a could produce more aggressive NSCLC, especially in squamous cell carcinomas, during tumor progression.
Impact of PTEN abnormalities on outcome in pediatric patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated on the MRC UKALL2003 trial
Authors: S Jenkinson, A A Kirkwood, N Goulden, A Vora, D C Linch, R E Gale
Journal: Leukemia (2015)

PTEN gene inactivation by mutation or deletion is common in pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), but the impact on outcome is unclear, particularly in patients with NOTCH1/FBXW7 mutations. We screened samples from 145 patients treated on the MRC UKALL2003 trial for PTEN mutations using heteroduplex analysis and gene deletions using single nucleotide polymorphism arrays, and related genotype to response to therapy and long-term outcome. PTEN loss-of-function mutations/gene deletions were detected in 22% (PTENABN). Quantification of mutant level indicated that 67% of mutated cases harbored more than one mutant, with up to four mutants detected, consistent with the presence of multiple leukemic sub-clones. Overall, 41% of PTENABN cases were considered to have biallelic abnormalities (mutation and/or deletion) with complete loss of PTEN in a proportion of cells. In addition, 9% of cases had N- or K-RAS mutations. Neither PTEN nor RAS genotype significantly impacted on response to therapy or long-term outcome, irrespective of mutant level, and there was no evidence that they changed the highly favorable outcome of patients with double NOTCH1/FBXW7 mutations. These results indicate that, for pediatric patients treated according to current protocols, routine screening for PTEN or RAS abnormalities at diagnosis is not warranted to further refine risk stratification.
Neovascularization After Irradiation: What is the Source of Newly Formed Vessels in Recurring Tumors?
Authors: S. V. Kozin, D. G. Duda, L. L. Munn, R. K. Jain
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2012)

Local relapse of tumors after radiation therapy remains a challenge in oncology. To devise rational approaches for preventing this relapse, we have to improve our understanding of how new vessels form in previously irradiated tumors. We propose that tumor regrowth after local irradiation is dependent on blood vessel formation by local endothelial cells without the need for recruitment of endothelial precursor cells from distant nonirradiated tissues or bone marrow. We also suggest that infiltrating myeloid bone marrow–derived cells promote survival of local endothelial cells during the early period after irradiation and angiogenesis during the later stage of tumor regrowth, both via paracrine mechanisms.
Group II Rhabdomyosarcoma and Rhabdomyosarcomalike Tumors: Is Radiotherapy Necessary?
Authors: Andreas Schuck, Adrian C. Mattke, Bernhard Schmidt, Denise S. Kunz, Dieter Harms, Robert Knietig, Joern Treuner, Ewa Koscielniak
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2003)

Purpose In the prospective Cooperative Soft Tissue Sarcoma Study Group (CWS) 81, 86, 91, and 96 trials, radiotherapy was omitted in some patients with rhabdomyosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma-like tumors within Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS) group II. This analysis evaluates whether subgroups can be defined for which radiotherapy is not necessary. Patients and Methods Two hundred three patients who were registered between January 1981 and December 1998 were eligible for evaluation. Radiotherapy was given depending on tumor location, histology, and whether a secondary complete resection could be performed. The recommended radiation doses ranged from 32 to 54 Gy. Results One hundred ten patients did receive and 93 patients did not receive radiotherapy. The calculated local control after 5 years was 83% with and 65% without radiotherapy (P &lt; .004). Event-free survival (EFS) at 5 years was 76% and 58%, respectively (P &lt; .005). Overall survival (OS) at 5 years was 84% and 77% (P = not significant). The differences in local control were significant for the subgroups of irradiated patients with favorable histology, favorable site, and initial tumor size of less than 5 cm. A trend for improved local control with irradiation was observed for patients with unfavorable site, unfavorable histology, and large primary tumors. EFS was significantly improved for irradiated patients who had unfavorable histology, both favorable and unfavorable tumor sites, and small initial tumors. OS was significantly improved for patients with unfavorable histology through radiation. Conclusion Local control and EFS in group II patients are improved with radiotherapy. No subgroup could be defined for which the omission of radiotherapy produced outcome equivalent to that of patients who were irradiated.
Inhibition of HBV replication during coinfection with HBV and HDV: Inhibition of the inhibition by coinfection with HIV
Authors: Sugantha Govindarajan
Journal: Hepatology (1990)

The clinical course, changes in liver function tests and the behaviour of viral markers over the course of time have been examined in 45 patients with acute hepatitis B and 14 patients with acute hepatitis caused by B and D viruses coinfection. There were no significant differences, either in the clinical course or in the liver function tests, in the two groups. The changes in serum viral markers were as follows: HBV-DNA was the first marker to disappear; this was closely followed by HBeAg, and HBsAg was the last marker to become negative, during convalescence. This pattern was not altered by Delta coinfection. When we quentified serum HBV-DNA in both groups of patients, we found that Delta virus infection led to partial inhibition of HBV replication, so that serum HBV-DNA levels were significantly lower in those patients with acute hepatitis B who were simultaneously infected with Delta virus.