tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration and Metabolic Syndrome Among Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese Individuals
Authors: Ling Lu, Zhijie Yu, An Pan, Frank B. Hu, Oscar H. Franco, Huaixing Li, Xiaoying Li, Xilin Yang, Yan Chen, Xu Lin
Journal: Diabetes Care (2009)

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and metabolic syndrome in the Chinese population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Plasma 25(OH)D was measured in a cross-sectional sample of 1,443 men and 1,819 women aged 50–70 years from Beijing and Shanghai. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the updated National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for Asian Americans. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, lipid profile, A1C, and inflammatory markers were measured. RESULTS The geometric mean of plasma 25(OH)D was 40.4 nmol/l, and percentages of vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D &amp;lt;50 nmol/l] and insufficiency [50 ≤ 25(OH)D &amp;lt;75 nmol/l] were 69.2 and 24.4%, respectively. Compared with the highest 25(OH)D quintile (≥57.7 nmol/l), the odds ratio for metabolic syndrome in the lowest quintile (≤28.7 nmol/l) was 1.52 (95% CI 1.17–1.98, Ptrend = 0.0002) after multiple adjustment. Significant inverse associations also existed between 25(OH)D and individual metabolic syndrome components plus A1C. Moreover, we observed significant inverse associations of 25(OH)D with fasting insulin and the insulin resistance index (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) in overweight and obese individuals (BMI ≥24 kg/m2) but not in their normal-weight counterparts (test for interaction: P = 0.0363 and 0.0187 for insulin and HOMA-IR, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D deficiency is common in the middle-aged and elderly Chinese population, and a low 25(OH)D level is significantly associated with an increased risk of having metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Prospective studies and randomized clinical trials are warranted to determine the role of 25(OH)D in the development of metabolic syndrome and related metabolic diseases.
The cancer stem cell: evidence for its origin as an injured autoreactive T cell.
Authors: Peter Grandics
Journal: Molecular Cancer (2006)

This review explores similarities between lymphocytes and cancer cells, and proposes a new model for the genesis of human cancer. We suggest that the development of cancer requires infection(s) during which antigenic determinants from pathogens mimicking self-antigens are co-presented to the immune system, leading to breaking T cell tolerance. Some level of autoimmunity is normal and necessary for effective pathogen eradication. However, autoreactive T cells must be eliminated by apoptosis when the immune response is terminated. Apoptosis can be deficient in the event of a weakened immune system, the causes of which are multifactorial. Some autoreactive T cells suffer genomic damage in this process, but manage to survive. The resulting cancer stem cell still retains some functions of an inflammatory T cell, so it seeks out sites of inflammation inside the body. Due to its defective constitutive production of inflammatory cytokines and other growth factors, a stroma is built at the site of inflammation similar to the temporary stroma built during wound healing. The cancer cells grow inside this stroma, forming a tumor that provides their vascular supply and protects them from cellular immune response. As cancer stem cells have plasticity comparable to normal stem cells, interactions with surrounding normal tissues cause them to give rise to all the various types of cancers, resembling differentiated tissue types. Metastases form at an advanced stage of the disease, with the proliferation of sites of inflammation inside the body following a similar mechanism. Immunosuppressive cancer therapies inadvertently re-invigorate pathogenic microorganisms and parasitic infections common to cancer, leading to a vicious circle of infection, autoimmunity and malignancy that ultimately dooms cancer patients. Based on this new understanding, we recommend a systemic approach to the development of cancer therapies that supports rather than antagonizes the immune system.
AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE IMMEDIATE HEMODYNAMIC ADJUSTMENTS TO ACUTE ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULAE OF VARIOUS SIZES 1
Authors: Charles W. Frank, Hsueh-Hwa Wang, Jacques Lammerant, Robert Miller, René Wégria
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1955)

In the past thirty years, numerous observations have been made on the hemodynamic effects of arteriovenous fistulae. Arteriovenous fistulae of variable size and location have been studied in patients as well as in animals. Such studies have consisted a) in observing the effect of suddenly opening and closing a fistula in acute experiments, b) in studying the effects of suddenly closing and opening a fistula in an animal or a patient who had had such a fistula for a relatively long time, and c) in recording the effect of complete surgical eradication of a long-standing fistula. While some agreement has been reached on many points, there persists some controversy about most of them (1). It is now generally agreed that an
No improvement of survival with reduced- versus high-intensity conditioning for allogeneic stem cell transplants in Ewing tumor patients
Authors: U. Thiel, A. Wawer, P. Wolf, M. Badoglio, A. Santucci, T. Klingebiel, O. Basu, A. Borkhardt, H.-J. Laws, Y. Kodera, A. Yoshimi, C. Peters, R. Ladenstein, A. Pession, A. Prete, E.-C. Urban, W. Schwinger, P. Bordigoni, A. Salmon, M.A. Diaz, B. Afanasyev, I. Lisukov, E. Morozova, A. Toren, B. Bielorai, J. Korsakas, F. Fagioli, D. Caselli, G. Ehninger, B. Gruhn, U. Dirksen, F. Abdel-Rahman, M. Aglietta, E. Mastrodicasa, M. Torrent, P. Corradini, F. Demeocq, G. Dini, P. Dreger, M. Eyrich, J. Gozdzik, F. Guilhot, E. Holler, E. Koscielniak, C. Messina, D. Nachbaur, R. Sabbatini, E. Oldani, H. Ottinger, H. Ozsahin, R. Schots, S. Siena, J. Stein, S. Sufliarska, A. Unal, M. Ussowicz, P. Schneider, W. Woessmann, H. Jürgens, M. Bregni, S. Burdach
Journal: Annals of Oncology (2011)
'Per ardua...'Training tomorrow's surgeons using inter alia lessons from aviation
Authors: C R Jackson, K P Gibbin
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (2006)

It is incumbent on today's surgeons to produce the next generation of well-trained and qualified surgeons. There are many aspects to becoming a surgeon (or becoming a ‘better’ surgeon). First, there are the intellectual aspects, the learning of anatomy, physiology and the like. Then there are the practical skills, the manual dexterity, and the tissue handling skills. Additional aspects include leadership, good decision-making, judgement and good communication skills. Whilst some of these abilities are innate in a trainee, many must also be taught and all will need to be assessed.

Generations of surgeons have learnt largely as an apprentice. As this model has been effective, why change it? There is a dramatic reduction in operating exposure amongst current trainees as compared with their predecessors, who were trained as Registrar and then Senior Registrar. This has arisen from the Calman review of training in the recent past. Hours of work and length of training will be further shortened by the implementation of both the European Working Time Directive1 and the introduction of the ‘Modernising Medical Careers’ programme.2 All surgical specialties are being required to reduce the overall indicative length of training, but with assessment of that training against a background of required competencies.

Additionally, whilst the majority of surgeons are of a high calibre, a few still conform to old stereotypes of poor communicators—or, worse, lack technical skills. Particularly in today's litigious society, neither is acceptable. Training must encompass all aspects of becoming a surgeon and failing trainees must be identified and supported, or even directed to alternative careers.

With these factors in mind it is important to assess how to improve on the current training in order to obviate the effects of the reduction in the time available for it. Authors have often looked to other industries, particularly the aviation industry, for parallels that can be applied. We can also take examples of best practice from other countries. This article aims to draw on both arenas to discuss training methods and risk management in surgery.
Platelets and Microtubules
Authors: D. Menche, A. Israel, S. Karpatkin
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1980)

We examined the role of microtubules in platelet aggregation and secretion (release reaction) induced by the calcium ionophore A23187 (0.8-5 μM). At these concentrations, platelet aggregation was preceded by a lag period of ∼1 min. Colchicine (an agent that disrupts microtubule assembly-disassembly) was shown to bind to platelet microtubules by employing [3H]colchicine at a concentration that is specific for microtubules in other tissues (10 nM). Colchicine prolonged the lag period, inhibited the secondary wave of platelet aggregation, and inhibited the release reaction (release of [14C]serotonin). Platelets were next incubated with 20-60% D2O, an agent that stabilizes microtubules. D2O overcame colchicine-induced inhibition of the lag period, aggregation, and release. D2O alone enhanced platelet aggregation by 59±14% (SEM) and shortened the lag period by 43±10%. We conclude that functioning microtubules are required for platelet aggregation and release, and that microtubules of platelet preparations are functioning submaximally.
Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis: a spectrum of histopathological and imaging phenotypes
Authors: Taryn L. Reddy, Masaki Tominaga, David M. Hansell, Jan von der Thusen, Doris Rassl, Helen Parfrey, Suzy Guy, Orion Twentyman, Alexandra Rice, Toby M. Maher, Elisabetta A. Renzoni, Athol U. Wells, Andrew G. Nicholson
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a rare condition characterised by predominantly upper lobe pleural and subjacent parenchymal fibrosis, the latter being intra-alveolar with accompanying elastosis of the alveolar walls. The aim of this study was to review cases fulfilling published imaging and histological criteria, and identify any common clinical features that may suggest an underlying aetiology for a condition that has previously been regarded as idiopathic. Of 12 patients (seven females, median age 57 yrs), the presenting symptoms were shortness of breath (11 out of 12 patients) and dry cough (six out of 12 patients). Seven patients reported recurrent infections during the course of their disease. Five demonstrated nonspecific autoantibody positivity. Two patients had a family history of interstitial lung disease (ILD). High-resolution computed tomography features of lung disease remote from the pleuroparenchymal changes were present in six out of 12 patients (coexistent fibrosis, n=5; bronchiectasis, n=1). Of seven patients with tissue sampled from the lower lobes, four patients showed less intense PPFE changes (one with additional features of hypersensitivity pneumonitis) and three showed usual interstitial pneumonia. PPFE is a distinct clinicopathological entity, with clinical data suggesting a link to recurrent pulmonary infection. Genetic and autoimmune mechanisms may also contribute to the development of these changes. PPFE may also present with more diffuse involvement than previously reported, and coexist with different patterns of ILD.
Pathogenesis of occupational asthma
Authors: J. Sastre, O. Vandenplas, H-S. Park
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2003)

The development of occupational asthma (OA) is likely to result from the complex interaction of environmental and host factors. This article addresses a series of issues relating to the multiple environmental factors that could affect the initiation of OA, including the intrinsic characteristics of causative agents, as well as the influence of the level, mode and route of exposure. Although the clinical and pathological features of OA caused by low molecular weight agents resemble those of immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated asthma, the failure to detect specific IgE antibodies against most of these agents and/or poor association with disease status have resulted in intense speculation about alternative or complementary physiopathological mechanisms leading to airway sensitisation. In this contribution, the roles of specific immunoglobulin E and G antibodies, cell-mediated immunity and inflammatory effector cells are critically reviewed. Recent advances in the characterisation of the molecular interactions between chemical sensitisers and human airway proteins provide promising avenues for elucidating the immunological basis of occupational asthma caused by low molecular weight agents.
The XC chemokine receptor 1 is a conserved selective marker of mammalian cells homologous to mouse CD8α+ dendritic cells
Authors: Karine Crozat, Rachel Guiton, Vanessa Contreras, Vincent Feuillet, Charles-Antoine Dutertre, Erwan Ventre, Thien-Phong Vu Manh, Thomas Baranek, Anne K. Storset, Jacqueline Marvel, Pierre Boudinot, Anne Hosmalin, Isabelle Schwartz-Cornil, Marc Dalod
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2010)

Human BDCA3+ dendritic cells (DCs) were suggested to be homologous to mouse CD8α+ DCs. We demonstrate that human BDCA3+ DCs are more efficient than their BDCA1+ counterparts or plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) in cross-presenting antigen and activating CD8+ T cells, which is similar to mouse CD8α+ DCs as compared with CD11b+ DCs or pDCs, although with more moderate differences between human DC subsets. Yet, no specific marker was known to be shared between homologous DC subsets across species. We found that XC chemokine receptor 1 (XCR1) is specifically expressed and active in mouse CD8α+, human BDCA3+, and sheep CD26+ DCs and is conserved across species. The mRNA encoding the XCR1 ligand chemokine (C motif) ligand 1 (XCL1) is selectively expressed in natural killer (NK) and CD8+ T lymphocytes at steady-state and is enhanced upon activation. Moreover, the Xcl1 mRNA is selectively expressed at high levels in central memory compared with naive CD8+ T lymphocytes. Finally, XCR1−/− mice have decreased early CD8+ T cell responses to Listeria monocytogenes infection, which is associated with higher bacterial loads early in infection. Therefore, XCR1 constitutes the first conserved specific marker for cell subsets homologous to mouse CD8α+ DCs in higher vertebrates and promotes their ability to activate early CD8+ T cell defenses against an intracellular pathogenic bacteria.
Role of the cholinergic nervous system in rheumatoid arthritis: aggravation of arthritis in nicotinic acetylcholine receptor 7 subunit gene knockout mice
Authors: M. A. van Maanen, S. P. Stoof, G. J. LaRosa, M. J. Vervoordeldonk, P. P. Tak
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2010)

The alpha7 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (alpha7nAChR) can negatively regulate the synthesis and release of proinflammatory cytokines by macrophages and fibroblast-like synoviocytes in vitro. In addition, stimulation of the alpha7nAChR can reduce the severity of arthritis in murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).To provide more insight into the role of the alpha7nAChR in the pathogenesis of arthritis by investigating the effect of the absence of alpha7nAChR in CIA in alpha7-deficient (alpha7nAChR(-/-)) compared with wild-type (WT) mice.CIA was induced in alpha7nAChR(-/-) and WT littermate mice at day 0 by immunisation with chicken collagen type II (cCII) followed by a booster injection with cCII on day 20. Mice were killed on day 44 or day 63 and arthritis activity as well as radiological and histological damage were scored. The effects on the immune response were evaluated by measurement of antigen-specific antibodies and cytokines, and evaluation of the effects on antigen-specific stimulated spleen cells.In alpha7nAChR(-/-) mice a significant increase in the incidence and severity of arthritis as well as increased synovial inflammation and joint destruction were seen. Exacerbation of CIA was associated with elevated systemic proinflammatory cytokines and enhanced T-helper cell 1 (Th1)-cytokine and tumour necrosis factor alpha production by spleen cells. Moreover, a specific decrease in the collagen-specific 'Th1-associated' IgG2a response was seen, whereas IgG1 titres were unaffected.The results presented here indicate that immune cell function in a model of rheumatoid arthritis is regulated by the cholinergic system and, at least in part, mediated by the alpha7nAChR.
Ultrasound appearance of preclinical Oesophagostomum bifurcum induced colonic pathology
Authors: P A Storey, G Faile, D Crawley, J A van Oostayen, S Anemana, A M Polderman, P Magnussen
Journal: Gut (2001)

Background—Oesophagostomum bifurcum is a parasitic helminth endemic in southern West Africa, infecting an estimated 250 000 people.1 2 It develops within the colonic wall resulting in symptomatic granulomatous lesions detectable by ultrasound,3 and accounts for 1% of major surgeries within the endemic area of northern Ghana, presenting with peritonitis or bowel obstruction.4 These echo free lesions within the abdominal or colonic wall of 50 mm in diameter, on average, have a well defined ovoid shape and are surrounded by a poorly reflective wall. They protrude into the colonic lumen and show posterior wall enhancement.

However, asymptomatic abdominal lesions of smaller but similar appearance are commonly observed on ultrasound in healthy individuals from villages within this area.5 The lesions are suspected to have O bifurcum aetiology.

Case reports —We observed two patients from northern Ghana presenting with right lower quadrant …
Surgical Residents' Perceptions of 2011 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Duty Hour Regulations
Authors: Brian C Drolet, Suma Sangisetty, Thomas F Tracy, William G Cioffi
Journal: JAMA Surgery (2013)

In 2010, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) proposed increased regulation of work hours and supervision for residents. New Common Program requirements that took effect in July 2011 dramatically changed the customary 24-hour in-house call schedule. Surgical residents are more likely to be affected by these duty hour restrictions.To examine surgical residents' views of the 2011 ACGME Common Program requirements after implementation in July 2011.A 20-question electronic survey was administered 6 months after implementation of 2011 ACGME regulations to 123 participating institutions.ACGME-accredited teaching hospitals in the United States and US territories.The total sample was 1013 voluntarily participating residents in general surgery and surgical specialties at ACGME-accredited institutions.Residents' perceptions of changes in education, patient care, and quality of life after institution of 2011 ACGME duty hour regulations and their compliance with these rules.A subset of 1013 residents training in general surgery or a surgical subspecialty was identified from a demographically representative sample of 6202 survey respondents. Most surgical residents indicated that education (55.1%), preparation for senior roles (68.4%), and work schedules (50.7%) are worse after implementation of the 2011 regulations. They reported no change in supervision (80.8%), safety of patient care (53.4%), or amount of rest (57.8%). Although quality of life is perceived as better for interns (61.9%), most residents believe that it is worse for senior residents (54.4%). A majority report increased handoffs (78.2%) and a shift of junior-level responsibilities to senior residents (68.7%). Finally, many residents report noncompliance (67.6%) and duty hour falsification (62.1%).A majority of surgical residents disapprove of 2011 ACGME Common Program requirements (65.9%). The proposed benefits of the increased duty hour restrictions-improved education, patient care, and quality of life-have ostensibly not borne out in surgical training. It may be difficult for residents, particularly in surgical fields, to learn and care for patients under the 2011 ACGME regulations.
The new guidelines for management of work-related asthma
Authors: X. Baur, T. Sigsgaard
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Work-related asthma, which includes occupational asthma as well as work-aggravated asthma, has become one of the most prevalent occupational lung diseases. In spite of increasing knowledge of the causes and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, this preventable disorder continues to account for at least 15% of all asthma cases in the adult population and is responsible for a significant socioeconomic burden [1, 2]. Using national data sets for 1999 from the USA, Leigh and co-workers [3, 4] estimated the annual direct and indirect costs of occupational asthma and occupational chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to be US $1.5 and $2.2 billion, respectively, mostly borne by affected workers, their families and the taxpayer. In 2005, the financial burden for work-related asthma and COPD (the latter only refers to hard coal miners) of the German statutory accident insurance institutions amounted €103.1 and €23.6 million, respectively [5]. The total costs across Europe are not known …
α-Purothionin, a new wheat allergen associated with severe allergy
Authors: Sandra Pahr, Claudia Constantin, Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos, Stavroula Giavi, Mika Mäkelä, Anna Pelkonen, Christof Ebner, Adriano Mari, Sandra Scheiblhofer, Josef Thalhamer, Michael Kundi, Susanne Vrtala, Irene Mittermann, Rudolf Valenta
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2013)
Relation between isokinetic muscle strength and functional capacity in recreational athletes with chondromalacia patellae
Authors: Y Yildiz, T Aydin, U Sekir, C Cetin, F Ors, T Alp Kalyon
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2003)

To investigate the effects of isokinetic exercise on pain and functional test scores of recreational athletes with chondromalacia patellae (CMP) and to examine the correlation between isokinetic parameters and functional tests or pain score.The functional ability of 30 recreational athletes with unilateral CMP was evaluated using six different tests. Pain scores were assessed during daily activities before and after the treatment protocol. Isokinetic exercise sessions were carried out at angular velocities of 60 degrees /s (25-90 degrees range of flexion) and 180 degrees /s (full range). These sessions were repeated three times a week for six weeks.Quadriceps and hamstring peak torque, total work, and endurance ratios had improved significantly after the treatment, as did the functional parameters and pain scores. There was a poor correlation between the extensor endurance ratio and one leg standing test. A moderate correlation between the visual analogue scale and the extensor endurance ratio or flexion endurance ratio was also found.The isokinetic exercise programme used in this study had a positive effect on muscle strength, pain score, and functional ability of knees with CMP. The improvement in the functional capacity did not correlate with the isokinetic parameters.
Acute iron poisoning in children: role of chelating agents.
Authors: D. G. Barr, D. K. Fraser
Journal: BMJ (1968)

This paper presents an account of experience with 16 child-'ren suffering from iron intoxication of varying degrees.An attempt is made to achieve a critical appraisal of the chelating drugs by considering their biochemical effectiveness, the inci- dence of side-effects, and their influence on mortality and morbidity. Methods and Clinical MaterialSerum iron estimations were determined by a colorimetric method using dipyridyl (Ramsay, 1958).Successive 24-hour urine collections were estimated for total iron content.Initially, the method used involved the colour reaction with thio- glycolic acid (Tompsett, 1965(Tompsett, , 1966)).In recent cases an assay involving a modification of the dipyridyl method has been employed as suggested by Ciba (1965).The patients, ranging in age from 1 to 6j years, had acci- dentally ingested indefinite amounts of ferrous sulphate or ferrous gluconate.The children may be subdivided into groups