tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Acetylcholine-induced coronary vasoconstriction and vasodilation in tranquilized baboons.
Authors: D R Knight, Y T Shen, M A Young, S F Vatner
Journal: Circulation Research (1991)

To determine the effects of acetylcholine on the coronary bed in the baboon and whether the effects preceded or followed the action of acetylcholine on ventricular function, eight adult baboons (Papio anubis) were instrumented to measure left ventricular (LV) and mean arterial pressures, LV dP/dt, regional myocardial function, and coronary blood flow. Acetylcholine was injected locally through a catheter positioned in the coronary artery ostium using fluoroscopic guidance in intact sedated baboons. With heart rate held constant, intracoronary acetylcholine (0.5 micrograms/kg) reduced coronary blood flow by 82 +/- 4% from a baseline value of 34 +/- 4 ml/min without a significant change in mean arterial pressure and with a reduction in LV dP/dt of only 12 +/- 3%. The decrease in coronary blood flow occurred before either LV dP/dt or regional myocardial function fell in the region of the heart receiving acetylcholine. After the intense coronary constriction, a later phase characterized by dilation was observed. The changes in coronary blood flow with acetylcholine were unaffected by combined alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor blockades but were abolished by muscarinic blockade. Low doses of acetylcholine elicited only coronary vasodilation. All doses of acetylcholine, administered directly into the iliac artery, also elicited only iliac vasodilation. Intracoronary acetylcholine in conscious dogs also induced only coronary vasodilation, whereas in conscious calves at higher doses, initial vasoconstrictor responses were observed, which also preceded reductions in regional myocardial function. These results suggest that the controversy surrounding the effects of acetylcholine can be reconciled on the basis of species, vascular bed studied, and dose.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Attenuation of the reflex responses to muscle contraction by the coadministration of antagonists to substance P and somatostatin into the dorsal horn
Authors: L B. Wilson, P T. Wall, K. Matsukawa
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (1995)

The aim was to determine if the coadministration of antagonists to substance P and somatostatin into the L7 dorsal horn blunts the reflex cardiovascular responses to static contraction to a greater extent than each antagonist alone. The possibility that this attenuation is mediated by blunting the contraction evoked increases in sympathetic outflow was also tested.Using alpha chloralose anaesthetised cats (n = 8), static contraction and stretch of the triceps surae muscle were performed before and after microinjecting (1 microliter) 250 ng of the substance P antagonist, D-Pro2-D-Phe7-D-Trp9-substance P, and the somatostatin antagonist, cyclo(7-amino-heptanoyl-phenylalanyl-D-tryptophyl-lysyl-threonyl-[ benzyl]). The muscle was contracted by electrically stimulating the peripheral end of the cut L7 ventral root.Before injecting the antagonists, static muscle contraction increased mean arterial blood pressure by 40(SEM 6) mm Hg, heart rate by 13(2) beats.min-1, and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) by 41(7)%. These changes were blunted by the antagonists since the increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and RSNA were reduced to 21(3) mm Hg, 8(1) beats.min-1, and 23(5)%, respectively. In contrast, antagonist administration did not affect the pressor [33(5) v 31(5) mm Hg], heart rate [9(2) v 10(2) beats.min-1], or RSNA [23(4)% v 25(5)%] responses to muscle stretch. Microinjection of 2% lignocaine into the dorsal horn virtually abolished the reflex changes elicited by muscle stretch.The release of substance P and somatostatin in the spinal cord plays a role in mediating the cardiovascular changes caused by static contraction, but the release of other neurotransmitters/neuromodulators is also involved. The attenuation produced by these antagonists is mediated, at least in part, by reducing sympathetic outflow.
Point-of-Care Diagnostics for Global Health
Authors: Paul Yager, Gonzalo J. Domingo, John Gerdes
Journal: Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering (2008)

Biomedical engineers have traditionally developed technologies in response to the needs of the developed world's medical community. As a result, the diagnostic systems on which they have worked have met the requirements of well-funded laboratories in highly regulated and quality-assessed environments. However, such approaches do not address the needs of the majority of the world's people afflicted with infectious diseases, who have, at best, access to poorly resourced health care facilities with almost no supporting clinical laboratory infrastructure. A major challenge for the biomedical engineering community is to develop diagnostic tests to meet the needs of these people, the majority of whom are in the developing world. We here review the context in which the diagnostics must operate, some of the appropriate diagnostic technologies already in distribution, and some emerging technologies that promise to address this challenge. However, there is much room for innovation, adaptation, and cost reduction before these technologies can impact health care in the developing world.
Adolescent Suicidal Ideation as Predictive of Psychopathology, Suicidal Behavior, and Compromised Functioning at Age 30
Authors: Helen Reinherz
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (2006)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine whether suicidal ideation in a community population of adolescents represents normative adolescent angst or is predictive of psychopathology, suicidal and problem behaviors, and compromised functioning 15 years after onset. Method: Participants were 346 largely Caucasian individuals who were part of a single-age cohort from a working class community and whose development had been traced prospectively from ages 5 to 30. Those with suicidal ideation at age 15 were compared to those without suicidal ideation at age 15 on measures of psychopathology, suicidal ideation and behavior, problem behaviors, and adult functioning at age 30. Gender differences were assessed across all domains. Results: At age 30, there were marked differences between adolescents with suicidal ideation and adolescents without suicidal ideation of both genders in most domains examined. Subjects with suicidal ideation were twice as likely to have an axis I disorder, nearly 12 times more likely to have attempted suicide by age 30, and 15 times more likely to have expressed suicidal thoughts in the past 4 years. Subjects with suicidal ideation had more problem behaviors and poorer overall functioning as assessed by multiple informants. Their self-perceptions of coping ability, self-esteem, and interpersonal relations were also lower. Although subjects with suicidal ideation among both genders had higher levels of psychopathology, suicidal ideation and behavior, and problem behaviors at age 30, male subjects with suicidal ideation had lower salaries and socioeconomic status and were less likely to have achieved residential independence. Conclusions: Findings underscore the importance of considering suicidal ideation in adolescence as a marker of severe distress and a predictor of compromised functioning, indicating the need for early identification and continued intervention.
<i>ARMC5</i>Mutations in Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia with Cushing's Syndrome
Authors: Guillaume Assié, Rossella Libé, Stéphanie Espiard, Marthe Rizk-Rabin, Anne Guimier, Windy Luscap, Olivia Barreau, Lucile Lefèvre, Mathilde Sibony, Laurence Guignat, Stéphanie Rodriguez, Karine Perlemoine, Fernande René-Corail, Franck Letourneur, Bilal Trabulsi, Alix Poussier, Nathalie Chabbert-Buffet, Françoise Borson-Chazot, Lionel Groussin, Xavier Bertagna, Constantine A. Stratakis, Bruno Ragazzon, Jérôme Bertherat
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2013)

Corticotropin-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia may be an incidental finding or it may be identified during evaluation for Cushing's syndrome. Reports of familial cases and the involvement of both adrenal glands suggest a genetic origin of this condition.
Are endogenous LH levels during ovarian stimulation for IVF using GnRH analogues associated with the probability of ongoing pregnancy? A systematic review
Authors: E M Kolibianakis, J Collins, B Tarlatzis, E Papanikolaou, P Devroey
Journal: Human Reproduction Update (2005)

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate, among women with normal ovulation or World Health Organization (WHO) II oligoanovulation who undergo ovarian stimulation for IVF using GnRH analogues, whether endogenous LH levels predict the likelihood of ongoing pregnancy beyond 12 weeks. A literature search identified six studies that answered the research question, among which two were prospective studies (one in GnRH agonist and one in GnRH antagonist cycles). None of the retrospective studies suggest that low endogenous LH levels are associated with a significantly decreased probability of ongoing pregnancy beyond 12 weeks in such patients. In the two prospective studies high endogenous LH levels during down-regulation were associated with a decreased probability of ongoing pregnancy beyond 12 weeks. Until further prospective studies modify the existing evidence summarized here, an adverse effect of low endogenous LH levels on the probability of ongoing pregnancy beyond 12 weeks is not a sensible rationale for LH supplementation during ovarian stimulation for IVF using GnRH analogues.
Postchallenge Hyperglycemia in a National Sample of U.S. Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Thomas P. Erlinger, Frederick L. Brancati
Journal: Diabetes Care (2001)

OBJECTIVE—Postchallenge hyperglycemia (PCH) is known to contribute to suboptimal glycemic control in adults with non–insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of PCH among individuals with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994) in adults aged 40–74 years with diabetes who were not using insulin (i.e., they used oral hypoglycemics or received no pharmacological therapy). Each respondent underwent a standard 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. PCH was defined as a 2-h glucose level ≥200 mg/dl. RESULTS—Overall, PCH was present in 74% of those with diagnosed diabetes. Although it was present in virtually all (99%) of the diabetic adults under suboptimal glycemic control (HbA1c ≥7.0%), PCH was also common (39%) among those under optimal control (HbA1c &amp;lt;7.0%). Likewise, among sulfonylurea users, PCH was present in 99% of those under suboptimal control and in 63% of those under good control. Similar patterns were observed in those with undiagnosed diabetes. Isolated PCH (2-h glucose ≥200 mg/dl and fasting glucose &amp;lt;126 mg/dl) was present in 9.8% of the adults with diagnosed diabetes. CONCLUSIONS—These data suggest that PCH is common among diabetic adults in the U.S., even in the setting of “optimal” glycemic control and sulfonylurea use. Interventions designed to lower postprandial glucose excursions may help improve overall glycemic control in the general population of U.S. adults with diabetes.
Exaggerated prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis in the rabbit with renal vein constriction.
Authors: R Zipser, S Myers, P Needleman
Journal: Circulation Research (1980)

Isolated perfused kidneys removed from a rabbit 24-48 hours after renal vein constriction exhibited a markedly enhanced release of renal prostaglandins (PG's) induced by vasoactive peptides.Stimulation of the perfused renal vein-constricted kidney with 300 ng of bradykinin (BK) caused the release of 5980 ± 1409 ng of PGE 2 compared to a release of 290 ± 45 ng from the contralateral control kidney.Infusion of indomethacin abolished the PGE 2 formation (confirmed by radiochromatography) in both the renal vein-constricted and contralateral kidneys.Bradykinin and angiotensin II stimulation of the renal vein-constricted kidney (but not the contralateral kidney) also revealed the presence in the renal venous effluent of a rabbit aorta-contracting substance (RCS).Identification of the RCS as thromboxane A 2 (TxA 2 ) was confirmed by determining the biological half life (38 ± 6 sec) in comparison with standard TxA 2 (30 ± 3 sec) and PG endoperoxide (135 ± 13 sec).Incubation with [ l4 C]arachidonate of the renal vein-constricted cortical or medullary microsomes resulted in the formation of [ 14 C]thromboxane B 2 .The renal thromboxane synthetase was inhibited by preincubation with imidazole.This study demonstrates exaggerated prostaglandin and thromboxane production by the kidney with renal vein constriction.These in vitro experiments suggest that relative changes in cortical synthesis of vasodilating PGE 2 and vasoconstricting TxA 2 may function to modulate renal vascular resistance in states of increased renal venous pressure.Circ Res 47: [231][232][233][234][235][236][237] 1980 THE KIDNEY is a major site for synthesis of the vasodepressor prostaglandins (PG's).Increasing evidence implicates these agents in the regulation of the renal circulation (McGiff et al., 1974).Augmented vasodepressor PG release in response to ischemia (McGiff et al., 1970a), vasoactive hormones (Needleman et al., 1974; McGiff et al., 1970b), and other stimuli may initiate a reduction in renal vascular resistance.Prostaglandin E2 (PGE 2 ) is the major renal PG and exhibits these vasodepressor properties (Daniels et al., 1967).However, the increase in vascular resistance associated with high renal perfusion has not been associated with decreased PGE 2 synthesis and, instead, may be related to synthesis of another product of arachidonate metabolism and a potent vasoconstrictor, thromboxane A 2 (TxA 2 ).Exaggerated synthesis of TxA 2 has been identified previously only in the isolated hydronephrotic kidney (HNK) of the rabbit (Morrison et al., 1978a).Biosynthesis of both TxA 2 and PGE 2 has been identified in the renal cortex, the major site of resistance vessels (Morrison et al., 1978b;Nishikawa et al., 1977).Thus, an interplay of these vasodepressor and vasoconstric-
Loss of matrix metalloproteinase 2 in platelets reduces arterial thrombosis in vivo
Authors: Stefania Momi, Emanuela Falcinelli, Silvia Giannini, Loredana Ruggeri, Luca Cecchetti, Teresa Corazzi, Claude Libert, Paolo Gresele
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2009)

Platelet activation at a site of vascular injury is essential for the arrest of bleeding; however, excessive platelet activation at a site of arterial damage can result in the unwarranted formation of arterial thrombi, precipitating acute myocardial infarction, or ischemic stroke. Activation of platelets beyond the purpose of hemostasis may occur when substances facilitating thrombus growth and stability accumulate. Human platelets contain matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and release it upon activation. Active MMP-2 amplifies the platelet aggregation response to several agonists by potentiating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation. Using several in vivo thrombosis models, we show that the inactivation of the MMP-2 gene prevented thrombosis induced by weak, but not strong, stimuli in mice but produced only a moderate prolongation of the bleeding time. Moreover, using cross-transfusion experiments and wild-type/MMP-2−/− chimeric mice, we show that it is platelet-derived MMP-2 that facilitates thrombus formation. Finally, we show that platelets activated by a mild vascular damage induce thrombus formation at a downstream arterial injury site by releasing MMP-2. Thus, platelet-derived MMP-2 plays a crucial role in thrombus formation by amplifying the response of platelets to weak activating stimuli. These findings open new possibilities for the prevention of thrombosis by the development of MMP-2 inhibitors.
Cough augmentation with mechanical insufflation/exsufflation in patients with neuromuscular weakness
Authors: M. Chatwin, E. Ross, N. Hart, A.H. Nickol, M.I. Polkey, A.K. Simonds
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2003)

Adults and children with neuromuscular disease exhibit weak cough and are susceptible to recurrent chest infections, a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Mechanical insufflation/exsufflation may improve cough efficacy by increasing peak cough flow. It was hypothesised that mechanical insufflation/exsufflation would produce a greater increase in peak cough flow than other modes of cough augmentation. The acceptability of these interventions was also compared. Twenty-two patients aged 10–56 yrs (median 21 yrs) with neuromuscular disease and 19 age-matched controls were studied. Spirometry was performed and respiratory muscle strength measured. Peak cough flow was recorded during maximal unassisted coughs, followed in random order by coughs assisted by physiotherapy, noninvasive ventilation, insufflation and exsufflation, and exsufflation alone. Subjects rated strength of cough, distress and comfort on a visual analogue scale. In the neuromuscular disease group, mean±sd forced expiratory volume in one second was 0.8±0.6 L·s −1 , forced vital capacity 0.9±0.8 L, maximum inspiratory pressure 25±16 cmH 2 O, maximum expiratory pressure 26±22 cmH 2 O and unassisted peak cough flow 169±90 L·min −1 . The greatest increase in peak cough flow was observed with mechanical insufflation/exsufflation at 235±111 L·min −1 (p&lt;0.01). All techniques showed similar patient acceptability. Mechanical insufflation/exsufflation produces a greater increase in peak cough flow than other standard cough augmentation techniques in adults and children with neuromuscular disease.
Prevention of Psychosis Following Open-Heart Surgery
Authors: HERBERT R. LAZARUS, JEROME H. HAGENS
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1968)

The high risk of postoperative psychotic reaction occurring in patients who have undergone open-heart surgery has been attributed to several factors. The authors studied two of these—preoperative psychological state of the patient and environment in the recovery room—to determine their influence upon the incidence of postoperative reactions in two groups of heart-surgery patients. They conclude that a preoperative psychiatric interview, accompanied by individual recommendations for postoperative care, and minimization of the environmental stresses of the recovery room, lessen the risk of postoperative psychotic reaction among heart-surgery patients.
Urinary neopterin levels in acute viral hepatitis
Authors: Gilbert Reibnegger, Ingeborg Auhuber, Dietmar Fuchs, Arno Hausen, Gert Judmaier, Christian Prior, Ernst R. Werner, Helmut Wachter
Journal: Hepatology (1988)

Elevated neopterin levels in blood or urine have been shown to be a marker for the activation of cell-mediated immunity in vitro and in vivo. To evaluate whether neopterin levels are elevated in patients with acute viral hepatitis, we measured urinary levels in 13 patients with hepatitis A, 26 with hepatitis B, 12 with non-A, non-B hepatitis, 8 with jaundice and/or cholestasis due to biliary and pancreatic disorders and 3 with alcoholic hepatitis and in 62 apparently healthy HBsAg carriers. Neopterin levels in patients with virus-induced hepatitis were significantly higher than those in patients with other diagnoses. Urinary neopterin levels were above normal in 49 of 51 patients with viral hepatitis and elevations during the course of hepatitis showed a pattern similar to that of the usual liver biochemical tests, suggesting that neopterin levels were related to the clinical activity of the viral disease. In patients with nonviral biliary and hepatic disorders, neopterin levels were usually normal and did not correlate with other liver biochemical tests. These findings suggest that cell-mediated immune mechanisms are activated during viral hepatitis and that neopterin measurement may be of value as an additional surrogate marker for non-A, non-B hepatitis.
T cell-mediated lethal shock triggered in mice by the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B: critical role of tumor necrosis factor.
Authors: T Miethke, C Wahl, K Heeg, B Echtenacher, P H Krammer, H Wagner
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1992)

Because mice are more resistant than humans to the pathogenic effects of bacterial toxins, we used D-Galactosamine- (D-Gal) sensitized mice as a model system to evaluate potential toxic shock symptoms triggered by the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). We show that similar to endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) [LPS], the exotoxin SEB causes lethal shock within 8 h in D-Gal-sensitized mice, inducing 100% and about 50% lethality with 20 and 2 micrograms SEB, respectively. The lethal shock triggered by the superantigen SEB is mediated by T cells, a conclusion based on the observation that T cell repopulation of SCID mice conferred sensitivity to SEB. Since CSA also conferred protection, the role of T cell-derived lymphokines in mediating lethal shock was evaluated. Within 30-60 min after SEB injection, serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels peaked, followed immediately by interleukin-2 (IL-2). Serum-borne lymphokines were detected well in advance of signs of T cell activation, as assessed by IL-2 receptor expression of SEB-reactive V beta 8+ T cells. Passive immunization with anti-TNF-alpha/beta-neutralizing monoclonal antibody also conferred protection, indicating that it is TNF which is critical for initiating toxic shock symptoms. Taken together, this study defines basic differences between endotoxin (LPS)- and exotoxin (SEB)-mediated lethal shock, in that the former is mediated by macrophages and the latter by T cells. Yet the pathogenesis distal to the lymphokine/cytokine-producing cells appears surprisingly similar in that TNF represents a key mediator in inducing shock.
The antidoping control in horseraces in Italy.
Authors: G. P. Cartoni, M. Montanaro
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (1976)

The results and the improvement of the analytical procedures adopted for the control of doping in horses will be reported. This control has been systematically carried out in Italy for about 10 years in the laboratories of Italian Federation of Sport and Medicine in which the biological samples for the control of doping in various sport activities (football, cycling, athletics etc.) are also examined. In this way it is possible to use the same instruments for all these similar problems and compare the results. The analytical procedure is based on the following steps: 1) Extraction of the samples (mainly urine but sometimes blood or saliva). 2) Screening tests by thin-layer chromatography. 3) Confirmatory tests by gas chromatography on different columns and also by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. These single steps will be separately discussed, and practical problems encountered will be presented.