tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
West Nile Virus: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Options
Authors: Juan Gea-Banacloche, Richard T. Johnson, Anto Bagic, John A. Butman, Patrick R. Murray, Amy Guillet Agrawal
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2004)

West Nile virus, a member of the family Flaviviridae, has spread throughout the United States. With more than 9000 cases and 200 deaths in 2003, West Nile virus has become the most common cause of viral encephalitis in several states. West Nile virus encephalitis is a zoonosis. The life cycle of the virus includes mainly birds as hosts and mosquitoes as vectors. Humans are accidental hosts, insufficient to support the life cycle of the virus because of low-grade, transient viremia. However, human-tohuman transmission through blood, organ transplantation, and lactation has been documented. The frequency of severe neurologic disease in the current epidemic suggests a more neurovirulent strain of virus than the one classically associated with West Nile fever. Several neurologic manifestations have been described, but the most characteristic presentation is encephalitis with weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging scans may be normal initially, but a characteristic pattern of involvement of deep gray matter nuclei can be recognized. Although results of polymerase chain reaction may be positive in the cerebrospinal fluid early in the course of the disease, diagnosis is based on serologic tests. Possible cross-reactivity with other members of the genus flavivirus mandates caution when serologic testing results are interpreted. Thus far, no therapeutic intervention has shown consistent clinical efficacy in West Nile virus disease. Several approaches, including interferon-α2b and immunoglobulin with high titer against West Nile virus, offer promise based on animal models and limited clinical experience. New drugs with in vitro activity are being investigated, and a vaccine is being developed.
Impact of Prediagnosis Smoking, Alcohol, Obesity, and Insulin Resistance on Survival in Male Cancer Patients: National Health Insurance Corporation Study
Authors: Sang Min Park, Min Kyung Lim, Soon Ae Shin, Young Ho Yun
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2006)

Although many studies have demonstrated that smoking, alcohol, obesity, and insulin resistance are risk factors for cancer, the role of those factors on cancer survival has been less studied.The study participants were 14,578 men with a first cancer derived from a cohort of 901,979 male government employees and teachers who participated in a national health examination program in 1996. We obtained mortality data for those years from the Korean Statistical Office. We used a standard Poisson regression model to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for survival in relation to smoking, alcohol, obesity, and insulin resistance before diagnosis.Poor survival of all cancer combined (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.33), cancer of the lung (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.82), and cancer of the liver (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.53) were significantly associated with smoking. Compared with the nondrinker, heavy drinkers had worse outcomes for head and neck (HR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.79) and liver (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.41) cancer, with dose-dependent relationships. Patients with a fasting serum glucose level above 126 mg/dL had a higher mortality rate for stomach (HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.25 to 1.84) and lung (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.87) cancer. Higher body mass index was significantly associated with longer survival in head and neck (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.74) and esophagus (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.68) cancer.Prediagnosis risk factors for cancer development (smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and insulin resistance) had a statistically significant effect on survival among male cancer patients.
A Half-Log Increase in BCR-ABL RNA Predicts a Higher Risk of Relapse in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia with an Imatinib-Induced Complete Cytogenetic Response
Authors: Richard D. Press, Chad Galderisi, Rui Yang, Carole Rempfer, Stephanie G. Willis, Michael J. Mauro, Brian J. Druker, Michael W.N. Deininger
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2007)

Abstract Purpose: Imatinib induces a complete cytogenetic response (CCR) in most chronic myeloid leukemia patients in chronic phase. Although CCR is usually durable, a minority of patients relapse. Biomarkers capable of predicting those CCR patients with a higher risk of relapse would improve therapeutic management. Experimental Design: To assess whether changes in BCR-ABL RNA levels are a prognostic biomarker predictive of relapse, we regularly monitored transcript levels [every 3 months (median)] in 90 patients with CCR during 49 months (median) of imatinib therapy. Results: Throughout follow-up, the 20 patients with eventual relapse had higher transcript levels than the durable responders. Major molecular response (MMR; &amp;gt;3-log reduction of BCR-ABL RNA) was attained by 76 patients (12 with subsequent relapse) and was a significant predictor of prolonged relapse-free survival (P = 0.0008). A minimal 0.5-log increase in transcripts (before relapse; experienced by 42 patients, 16 with subsequent relapse) conveyed a significantly shorter relapse-free survival (P = 0.0017). Loss of MMR (transcript increase to &amp;lt;2.5-log reduction, before relapse; experienced by 33 patients, 11 with subsequent relapse) was also predictive of shortened relapse-free survival (P = 0.0003). A complete molecular response (undetectable transcripts by nested PCR) was attained by 28 MMR patients (one with subsequent relapse) and conveyed a significantly prolonged relapse-free survival (P = 0.0052). Conclusions: In chronic myeloid leukemia patients with an imatinib-induced CCR, a minimal half-log increase in BCR-ABL RNA (including loss of MMR) is a significant risk factor for future relapse. The achievement of a complete molecular response imparts longer progression-free survival than the achievement of an MMR.
Transport and metabolism of sarcosine in hypersarcosinemic and normal phenotypes
Authors: Francis H. Glorieux, Charles R. Scriver, Edgard Delvin, Fazl Mohyuddin
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1971)

An adolescent male proband with hypersarcosinemia was discovered incidentally in a French-Canadian family; no specific disease was associated with the trait. The hypersarcosinemia is not diminished by dietary folic acid even in pharmacologic doses (30 mg/day). The normal absence of sarcosine dehydrogenase in cultured human skin fibroblasts and in leukocytes was confirmed, thus eliminating these tissues as useful sources for further investigation of mutant sarcosinemic phenotypes and genotypes.
Suberythemal ultraviolet B radiation alters the expression of cell cycle-related proteins in the epidermis of human subjects without leading to photoprotection
Authors: J. Narbutt, M. Norval, M. Slowik-Rylska, C. Jochymski, W. Kozłowski, A. Sysa-Jedrzejowska, M. Rogowski-Tylman, A. Lesiak
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2009)

Background Deregulation of the cell cycle proteins is one of the critical factors leading to cutaneous carcinogenesis. Objectives To monitor the expression of cell cycle proteins in the epidermis of subjects after repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) B radiation, and to test for the development of photoprotection by subsequent irradiation with a single erythemal UVB dose. Methods A total of 26 healthy volunteers were divided into four groups: group 1 (n =9) were given whole‐body UVB irradiation for 10 consecutive days with 0·7 minimal erythema dose (MED), group 2 (n =9) were irradiated as in group 1 followed 24 h later by a single UVB dose of 3 MED on buttock skin, group 3 (n =4) were irradiated with a UVB dose of 3 MED on buttock skin, and group 4 (n =4) were not irradiated. Skin biopsies were collected 24 h after the final irradiation and stained for cyclins A, B1, D1, and p16, p18, p21, p27, p53, pRB, Bax and Bcl‐2. Results The expression of cyclin D1, p18 and p21 was significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 compared with the nonirradiated group 4 controls and, in group 2, the expression of pRB, p53 and Bax was also increased. In group 3, only p53 and Bax proteins were significantly elevated compared with group 4. The expression of cyclin D1, p16, p18, p27, pRB and Bcl‐2 was higher in group 2 compared with group 3. Conclusions Suberythemal UVB radiation was sufficient to cause changes in the expression of several epidermal cell cycle proteins. When tested by irradiation with a single erythemal UVB dose following the repeated exposures, no photoprotection against the UV‐induced alteration in cell cycle protein expression was apparent.
Quadricuspid Aortic Valve and Anomalous Systemic Venous Connection in a Patient With Cat-Eye Syndrome
Authors: Jasper Jan Brugts, Judith Anne Adriane Ellen Cuypers, Peter Polak, Mohamed Ouhlous, Pieter van de Woestijne, Marja Wessels, Jolien Roos-Hesselink
Journal: Circulation (2015)
Architecture of Small Arteries during Vasoconstriction
Authors: Robert L. Van Citters, Bernard M. Wagner, Robert F. Rushmer
Journal: Circulation Research (1962)

The cytoarchitectural changes which take place in the walls of small arteries (about 1 mm. O.D.) during vasoconstriction and vasodilation have been studied. Vessels were fixed while in their functional state by immersion in liquid isopentane at -170 C. and prepared for microscopic examination by freeze substitution. The walls of control vessels were thin in relation to the diameter of lumina (WT:L 1:30), indicating that they are more distended than they appear in routinely fixed sections. Vessels dilated with ACH had even thinner walls (WT:L 1:40). Vasoconstriction, induced by local application of epinephrine, increased the wall thickness and reduced the size of the lumen (WT:L 1:2) but in no case was the lumen obliterated in arteries of this size. Although an increase in the WT:L ratio is commonly employed as evidence of vascular hypertrophy, normal vessels which are fixed and sectioned while in a functional state of vasoconstriction may exhibit similar gross characteristics. Constricted vessels are characterized by progressive deformation of the internal elastic lamina, crowding of endothelial cells, and distortion of smooth muscle cells and their nuclei, particularly in the region immediately adjacent to the lumen. During intense vasoconstriction, the wall tension appears to be supported only by the outer layers of the vessel.
Prostacyclin and Thromboxane Changes Predating Clinical Onset of Preeclampsia
Authors: J L Mills, R DerSimonian, E Raymond, J D Morrow, L J Roberts, J D Clemens, J C Hauth, P Catalano, B Sibai, L B Curet, R J Levine
Journal: JAMA (1999)

An imbalance in vasodilating (prostacyclin [PGI2]) and vasoconstricting (thromboxane A2 [TxA2]) eicosanoids may be important in preeclampsia, but prospective data from large studies needed to resolve this issue are lacking. Because most trials using aspirin to reduce TxA2 production have failed to prevent preeclampsia, it is critical to determine whether eicosanoid changes occur before the onset of clinical disease or are secondary to clinical manifestations of preeclampsia.To determine whether PGI2 or TxA2 changes occur before onset of clinical signs of preeclampsia.Multicenter prospective study from 1992 to 1995 of subjects from the placebo arm of the Calcium for Preeclampsia Prevention Trial. Women who developed preeclampsia (n = 134) were compared with matched normotensive control women (n = 139).Excretion of urinary metabolites of PGI2 (PGI-M) and TxA2 (Tx-M) as measured from timed urine collections obtained prospectively before 22 weeks', between 26 and 29 weeks', and at 36 weeks' gestation.Women who developed preeclampsia had significantly lower PGI-M levels throughout pregnancy, even at 13 to 16 weeks' gestation (long before the onset of clinical disease); their gestational age-adjusted levels were 17% lower than those of controls (95% confidence interval [CI], 6%-27%; P=.005). The Tx-M levels of preeclamptic women were not significantly higher overall (9% higher than those of controls; 95% CI, -3% to 23%; P=.14). The ratio of Tx-M to PGI-M, used to express relative vasoconstricting vs vasodilating effects, was 24% higher (95% CI, 6%-45%) in preeclamptic women throughout pregnancy (P=.007).Our results show that reduced PGI2 production, but not increased TxA2 production, occurs many months before clinical onset of preeclampsia. Aspirin trials may have failed because an increase in thromboxane production is not the initial anomaly. Future interventions should make correcting prostacyclin deficiency a major part of the strategy to balance the abnormal vasoconstrictor-vasodilator ratio present in preeclampsia.
Clinical and Organizational Factors Associated With Feeding Tube Use Among Nursing Home Residents With Advanced Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Susan L. Mitchell, Joan M. Teno, Jason Roy, Glen Kabumoto, Vincent Mor
Journal: JAMA (2003)

<h3>Context</h3> Empiric data and expert opinion suggest that use of feeding tubes is not beneficial for older persons with advanced dementia. Previous research has shown a 10-fold variation in this practice across the United States. <h3>Objective</h3> To identify the facility and resident characteristics associated with feeding tube use among US nursing homes residents with severe cognitive impairment. <h3>Design, Setting, and Participants</h3> Cross-sectional study of all residents with advanced cognitive impairment who had Minimum Data Set assessments within 60 days of April 1, 1999, (N = 186 835) and who resided in Medicare- or Medicaid-certified US nursing homes. <h3>Main Outcomes Measures</h3> Facility and resident characteristics described in the 1999 On-line Survey Certification of Automated Records and the 1999 Minimum Data Set. Multivariate analysis using generalized estimating equations determined the facility and resident factors independently associated with feeding tube use. <h3>Results</h3> Thirty-four percent of residents with advanced cognitive impairment had feeding tubes (N = 63 101). Resident characteristics associated with a greater likelihood of feeding tube use included younger age, nonwhite race, male sex, divorced marital status, lack of advance directives, a recent decline in functional status, and no diagnosis of Alzheimer disease. Controlling for these patient factors, residents living in facilities that were for profit (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.12); located in an urban area (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.11-1.16); having more than 100 beds (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07); and lacking a special dementia care unit (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.07-1.15) had a higher likelihood of having a feeding tube. Additionally, feeding tube use was more likely among residents living in facilities that had a smaller proportion of residents with do-not-resuscitate orders, had a higher prevalence of nonwhite residents, and lacked a nurse practitioner or physician assistant on staff. <h3>Conclusions</h3> More than one third of severely cognitively impaired residents in US nursing homes have feeding tubes. Feeding tube use is independently associated with both the residents' clinical characteristics and the nursing homes' fiscal, organizational, and demographic features.
Natural Killer T Cells Are Critical for Dendritic Cells to Induce Immunity in Chlamydial Pneumonia
Authors: Antony George Joyee, Hongyu Qiu, Yijun Fan, Shuhe Wang, Xi Yang
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2008)

Rationale: We previously showed an important role of natural killer T cells (NKT) in skewing the adaptive T cell immunity to Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn), an intracellular bacterial lung infection, but the mechanism remains unclear.Objectives: To investigate the underlying mechanism by which NKT modulate T cell responses in chlamydial pneumonia.Methods: We examined the effect of NKT activation in modulating DC function, especially in generating protective immunity against Cpn infection using combination of NKT knockout (KO) mice and specific NKT activation approaches.Measurements and Main Results: We found that NKT activation in vivo after Cpn infection induces phenotypic and functional changes in dendritic cells (DC). DC from NKT-deficient mice showed reduced CD40 expression and IL-12 production, whereas enhancing NKT activation using α-GalCer increased CD40 expression and IL-12 production. Co-culture of DC with NKT enhanced bioactive IL-12p70 production by DC in a CD40L-, IFN-γ–, and cell–cell contact–dependent manner. Further, co-culture of T cells with DC isolated from infected wild-type (WT) and NKT-deficient mice induced type-1 and type-2 responses, respectively, while DC from α-GalCer–treated, infected mice led to enhanced type-1 responses. Moreover, upon adoptive transfer, DC from infected WT mice induced strong type-1 immunity, whereas those from knockout mice induced type-2 responses and increased disease severity upon challenge infection.Conclusions: Our results provide direct evidence of the critical role of NKT activation in the functional modulation of DC for the development of protective immunity in a clinically relevant respiratory infection.
Result of high-dose imatinib mesylate in patients with Philadelphia chromosome—positive chronic myeloid leukemia after failure of interferon-α
Authors: Jorge Cortes, Francis Giles, Susan O'Brien, Deborah Thomas, Guillermo Garcia-Manero, Mary Beth Rios, Stefan Faderl, Srdan Verstovsek, Alessandra Ferrajoli, Emil J. Freireich, Moshe Talpaz, Hagop Kantarjian
Journal: Blood (2003)
B cell MALT lymphoma diagnosed by labial minor salivary gland biopsy in patients screened for Sjogren's syndrome
Authors: N M Van Mello
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2004)

<b>Case report:</b> Three patients presented to the Sjögren's syndrome (SS) Clinic at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research for screening. The records of patients with SS with a diagnosis of lymphoma were examined to determine whether the diagnosis was made in any of the cases as a result of labial salivary gland (LSG) biopsies. All patients had typical features of primary SS according to the American-European Consensus Group criteria. B cell mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma was diagnosed based upon the LSG biopsy. <b>Conclusion:</b> This report underlines the advantages of performing LSG biopsies as a routine part of screening for SS, and shows that it may in some instances lead to early diagnosis of MALT lymphomas in patients who show no signs of pre-existing lymphoma.
Prevalence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in patients with atherosclerosis: A study using carotid ultrasonography and coronary angiography
Authors: Gehan H. Abo El-Magd, Rasha Elshafey, Timoor Hassan
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Background: Patients with cardiovascular disease have a high prevalence of sleep disordered breathing (SDB). Thus, SDB may be an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease

Methods: This study included 2 groups; Group I: 15 healthy control subjects referred to coronary angiogram, diagnosed to be free from coronary artery disease. Group II: 50 patients diagnosed to have atherosclerosis as a part of diagnostic coronary angiography and they underwent sleep study and carotid ultrasonography.

Results: 33 (66%) out of 50 patients with diagnosed atherosclerosis through coronary angiography have obstructive sleep apnea (AHI >5). The mean value of AHI was significantly higher in group II than group I. Obstructive sleep apnea patients were classified into three groups according to the results of coronary angiography; group A with normal or non significant coronary artery disease (CAD) less than 50% lesion. Group B with single vessel CAD, they were 6 (27.2%) with mild, 1 (16.6%) with moderate and 1 (20%) with severe OSAS. Group C with more than one vessel affected 7 (31.8%) with mild, 3 (50%) with moderate and 4 (80%) with severe OSAS.

Univariate analysis showed that intima media thickness and carotid diameter significantly correlated with AHI and SpO2.

Conclusions: There was a significant relationship between the OSAS and severity of atherosclerosis in both coronary and carotid vascular beds. The findings suggest that the severity of OSAS is an important contributor to coronary atherosclerosis and the patients with more serious OSAS would have more serious and complex coronary artery lesions.
Review of septic arthritis throughout the antibiotic era.
Authors: J.H Newman
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1976)

134 patients with septic arthritis who have been treated at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre during a 30-year period have been reviewed. There has been little change in the overall incidence during the last 20 years, but recently the disease has become more common among the elderly and patients tend to be less ill on presentation. The problems and necessity of rapidly establishing a diagnosis are stressed. Overall, 70% attained a good result though infection in infants' hips and all joints in the elderly carried a poor prognosis. Once a good result was achieved the joint did not deteriorate with the passage of time.
Arthritis in the highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Authors: K D Pile, J E Richens, R M Laurent, K Bhatia, M L Prasad, T Lupiwa, B J Hudson, J Tapsall, R McPetrie
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1993)

Acute polyarthritis is an important cause of morbidity in many tropical countries. Classification has often been difficult, with the term tropical polyarthritis used for those in whom a diagnosis could not be made. The implication that this is a distinct entity is probably incorrect, with likely causes being septic arthritis or post-infective reactive arthritis. This study aimed to determine the types of arthritis found in 43 patients (30 men) presenting consecutively to the Goroka Base Hospital in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Gonococcal arthritis was diagnosed in eight patients (six men) on the basis of isolation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from the joint aspirate. In all cases the N gonorrhoeae was identified by the closed culture system on chocolate agar, but not always by routine plating. There were no specific clinical features that identified patients with a gonococcal septic arthritis. The remaining 34 patients had an undifferentiated oligoarthritis. The pattern of arthritis in men and women was of a lower limb pauciarticular arthritis with a predilection for the knee and ankle joints. A total of 30% of male patients had a history of urethral discharge and 44% of all patients had preceding diarrhoea. Arthritis was the only feature in 59% of patients and in 32% there was an associated enthesitis. In this study most patients had an oligoarthritis consistent with a reactive arthritis or a septic arthritis due to N gonorrhoeae. Broth inoculation of synovial fluid was the best method to isolate N gonorrhoeae, with standard methods for gonococcal isolation failing in some patients. It is recommended that the term 9tropical polyarthritis9 is no longer used as it does not refer to a specific entity but consists of several known arthritides.