tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Increase in non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness as an early marker of bronchial response to occupational agents during specific inhalation challenges.
Authors: O. Vandenplas, J. P. Delwiche, J. Jamart, R. Van de Weyer
Journal: Thorax (1996)

BACKGROUND: Specific bronchial reactivity to occupational agents may decline after exposure in the workplace ceases leading to falsely negative specific inhalation challenges. A study was carried out to assess prospectively whether increases in nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness could be useful in detecting the bronchial response to occupational agents during specific inhalation challenges. METHODS: Specific inhalation challenges were performed in 66 subjects with possible occupational asthma due to various agents. After a control day the subjects were challenged with the suspected agent for up to two hours on the first test day. Those subjects who did not show an asthmatic reaction were rechallenged on the next day for 2-3 hours. The provocative concentration of histamine causing a 20% fall (PC20) in the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was assessed at the end of the control day as well as six hours after each challenge that did not cause a &gt; or = 20% fall in FEV1. The subjects who had a significant (&gt; or = 3.1-fold) reduction in PC20 value at the end of the second challenge day were requested to perform additional specific inhalation challenges. RESULTS: The first test day elicited an asthmatic reaction in 25 subjects. Of the other 41 subjects five (12%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4% to 26%) exhibited a &gt; or = 3.1-fold fall in the PC20 value after the inhalation challenge and developed an asthmatic reaction during the second (n = 3) or third (n = 2) challenge exposure. The offending agents included persulphate (n = 1), wood dust (n = 2), isocyanate (n = 1), or amoxycillin (n = 1). These five subjects had left their workplace for a longer period (mean (SD) 21 (14) months) than those who reacted after the first specific inhalation challenge (8 (11) months). CONCLUSIONS: The increase in non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness after a specific inhalation challenge can be an early and sensitive marker of bronchial response to occupational agents, especially in subjects removed from workplace exposure for a long time. Non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness should be systematically assessed after specific inhalation challenges in the absence of changes in airway calibre.
Amelanotic superficial spreading malignant melanoma mimicking Bowen's disease
Authors: J. E. HOLDER, P. S. COLLOBY, A. FLETCHER, R. D. R. CAMP
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1996)

A 67-year-old woman presented with a scaly, erythematous plaque, for which a clinical diagnosis of Bowen's disease was made. However, incisional biopsy established the diagnosis of amelanotic superficial spreading malignant melanoma. Biopsy thus avoided the use of inappropriate destructive therapy, such as cryotherapy or cautery. This case illustrates the importance of obtaining a histological diagnosis, prior to treatment, in suspected cases of Bowen's disease.
Needle evacuation of eruptive vellus hair cysts
Authors: None Sárdy, None Kárpáti
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1999)

Journal Article Needle evacuation of eruptive vellus hair cysts Get access M. Sárdy, M. Sárdy Department of Dermato‐Venereology, Semmelweis University of Medicine, Mária u. 41, H‐1085 Budapest, Hungary, E‐mail: karsar@bor.sote.hu Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar S. Kárpáti S. Kárpáti Department of Dermato‐Venereology, Semmelweis University of Medicine, Mária u. 41, H‐1085 Budapest, Hungary, E‐mail: karsar@bor.sote.hu Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 141, Issue 3, 1 September 1999, Pages 594–595, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2133.1999.03082.x Published: 01 September 1999
Dopamine in models of alcoholic acute pancreatitis.
Authors: N D Karanjia, A L Widdison, F J Lutrin, H A Reber
Journal: Gut (1994)

Acute oedematous pancreatitis and acute haemorrhagic pancreatitis were studied using the low pressure duct perfusion models of alcoholic pancreatitis in cats. After creating either form over 24 hours, each pancreas was histologically graded and assigned an inflammatory score (0-16; absent-severe). Urinary trypsinogen activation peptide concentrations were also used as a measure of severity. Using the model of acute haemorrhagic pancreatitis, it was previously shown that low dose dopamine (5 micrograms/kg.m) reduced the inflammatory score at 24 hours and that this effect was mediated by a reduction in pancreatic microvascular permeability acting via dopaminergic and beta adrenergic receptors. Further studies were conducted and are reported here. In experiment 1 different doses of dopamine in established alcoholic acute haemorrhagic pancreatitis were studied. In group 1 control cats (no dopamine), the inflammatory score was 10.5 (interquartile range (IQR)4). In groups 2, 3, and 4, haemorrhagic pancreatitis was induced. Twelve hours later dopamine was infused for six hours, in the doses of 2 micrograms/kg.min, 5 micrograms/kg.min, and 50 micrograms/kg.min respectively. The inflammatory score in group 2 was 7 (IQR 0.5, p &lt; 0.05 v group 1), in group 3 it was 7 (IQR 2, p &lt; 0.05 v group 1), and in group 4 it was 7 (IQR 4, p &lt; 0.05 v group 1). This was matched by significantly lower levels of urinary tripsinogen activation peptide at 24 hours. In experiment 2 (group 5) we tried to reduce microvascular permeability further by combining dopamine with antihistamines, but there was no improvement in the inflammatory score. As oedematous pancreatitis is the commoner and milder form of acute pancreatitis in clinical practice, in experiment 3 we looked at the effect of dopamine in this model. In group 6 control cats (no treatment), the inflammatory score was 7 (IQR 3, p &lt; 0.05 v group 1). In group 7 cats given dopamine (5 micrograms/kg.min for six hours) from 12 hours after the onset of actue oedematous pancreatitis, the inflammatory score was reduced to 4(IQR 2, p &lt; 0.05 v group 6). This was matched by a significant reduction in the 24 hour urinary tripsin activation peptide concentration.
Intraoperative Ultrasonography-Guided Positioning of Iodine 125 Plaque Brachytherapy in the Treatment of Choroidal Melanoma
Authors: Melinda Y. Chang, Mitchell Kamrava, D. Jeffrey Demanes, Min Leu, Nzhde Agazaryan, James Lamb, Joel N. Moral, Robert Almanzor, Tara A. McCannel
Journal: Ophthalmology (2012)
Effects of Maternal Exposure to Di-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate during Fetal and/or Neonatal Periods on Atopic Dermatitis in Male Offspring
Authors: Rie Yanagisawa, Hirohisa Takano, Ken-ichiro Inoue, Eiko Koike, Kaori Sadakane, Takamichi Ichinose
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2008)

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has been widely used in polyvinyl chloride products and is ubiquitous in developed countries. Although maternal exposure to DEHP during fetal and/or neonatal periods reportedly affects reproductive and developmental systems, its effects on allergic diseases in offspring remain to be determined.In the present study, we examined whether maternal exposure to DEHP during fetal and/or neonatal periods in NC/Nga mice affects atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions related to mite allergen in offspring.We administered DEHP at a dose of 0, 0.8, 4, 20, or 100 microg/animal/week by intraperitoneal injection into dams during pregnancy (gestation days 0, 7, and 14) and/or lactation (postnatal days 1, 8, and 15). Eight-week-old male offspring of these treated females were injected intradermally with mite allergen into their right ears. We then evaluated clinical scores, ear thickening, histologic findings, and protein expression of eotaxin in the ear.Maternal exposure to a 100-microg dose of DEHP during neonatal periods, but not during fetal periods, enhanced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions related to mite allergen in males. The results were concomitant with the enhancement of eosinophilic inflammation, mast cell degranulation, and protein expression of eotaxin in overall trend.Maternal exposure to DEHP during neonatal periods can accelerate atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions related to mite allergen in male offspring, possibly via T helper 2 (T(H)2)-dominant responses, which can be responsible, at least in part, for the recent increase in atopic dermatitis.
Effect of inspiratory pressure support on exercise tolerance and breathlessness in patients with severe stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Authors: S E Keilty, J Ponte, T A Fleming, J Moxham
Journal: Thorax (1994)

BACKGROUND--In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exercise tolerance is commonly limited by breathlessness. These patients have an increased ventilatory load at rest which is exacerbated during exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of supporting ventilation by non-invasive inspiratory pressure support (IPS) during submaximal treadmill exercise in such patients to see if they would experience less breathlessness and improve their exercise capacity. METHODS--Eight men with disabling breathlessness due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (mean (SD) FEV1 0.73 (0.2) 1) were studied. Patients walked on a treadmill until their sensation of breathlessness, scored at one minute intervals, reached level 5 ("severe") on the 10-point Borg scale. Studies were performed with IPS (mean airway pressure 12-15 cm H2O), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP 6 cm H2O), and with oxygen (2 l/min via a mask) in random order on three separate days. Each of these walks was compared with a control walk using a sham circuit (breathing air via an oxygen mask at 2 l/min from an unlabelled cylinder), and with a baseline walk in which patients walked freely on the treadmill. On cessation of exercise, distance achieved and a leg fatigue score were recorded. RESULTS--No patients stopped due to leg fatigue, all stopping only when their sensation of breathlessness had reached level 5 on the Borg scale. IPS improved median walking distance by 62% compared with the control walk (sham circuit). There was no change in walking distance with either CPAP or oxygen at 2 l/min. There was no difference between the control and the baseline walks. CONCLUSIONS--Inspiratory pressure support can reduce breathlessness and increase exercise tolerance to submaximal treadmill exercise in patients with COPD. This could have implications for the rehabilitation of these severely disabled patients.
Changes in expression and distribution of claudin 2, 5 and 8 lead to discontinuous tight junctions and barrier dysfunction in active Crohn's disease
Authors: S Zeissig, N Burgel, D Gunzel, J Richter, J Mankertz, U Wahnschaffe, A J Kroesen, M Zeitz, M Fromm, J-D Schulzke
Journal: Gut (2006)

Epithelial barrier function is impaired in Crohn's disease.
Crippling HIV one mutation at a time
Authors: Todd M. Allen, Marcus Altfeld
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2008)

Accumulating data suggest that not all human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-specific immune responses are equally effective at controlling HIV-1 replication. A new study now demonstrates that multiple immune-driven sequence polymorphisms in the highly conserved HIV-1 Gag region of transmitted viruses are associated with reduced viral replication in newly infected humans. These data suggest that targeting these and other conserved viral regions may be the key to developing an effective HIV-1 vaccine.
Role of Kinin B <sub>2</sub> Receptor Signaling in the Recruitment of Circulating Progenitor Cells With Neovascularization Potential
Authors: Nicolle Kränkel, Rajesh G. Katare, Mauro Siragusa, Luciola S. Barcelos, Paola Campagnolo, Giuseppe Mangialardi, Orazio Fortunato, Gaia Spinetti, Nguyen Tran, Kai Zacharowski, Wojciech Wojakowski, Iwona Mroz, Andrew Herman, Jocelyn E. Manning Fox, Patrick E. MacDonald, Joost P. Schanstra, Jean Loup Bascands, Raimondo Ascione, Gianni Angelini, Costanza Emanueli, Paolo Madeddu
Journal: Circulation Research (2008)

Reduced migratory function of circulating angiogenic progenitor cells (CPCs) has been associated with impaired neovascularization in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Previous findings underline the role of the kallikrein-kinin system in angiogenesis. We now demonstrate the involvement of the kinin B2 receptor (B 2 R) in the recruitment of CPCs to sites of ischemia and in their proangiogenic action. In healthy subjects, B 2 R was abundantly present on CD133 + and CD34 + CPCs as well as cultured endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) derived from blood mononuclear cells (MNCs), whereas kinin B1 receptor expression was barely detectable. In transwell migration assays, bradykinin (BK) exerts a potent chemoattractant activity on CD133 + and CD34 + CPCs and EPCs via a B 2 R/phosphoinositide 3-kinase/eNOS-mediated mechanism. Migration toward BK was able to attract an MNC subpopulation enriched in CPCs with in vitro proangiogenic activity, as assessed by Matrigel assay. CPCs from cardiovascular disease patients showed low B 2 R levels and decreased migratory capacity toward BK. When injected systemically into wild-type mice with unilateral limb ischemia, bone marrow MNCs from syngenic B 2 R -deficient mice resulted in reduced homing of sca-1 + and cKit + flk1 + progenitors to ischemic muscles, impaired reparative neovascularization, and delayed perfusion recovery as compared with wild-type MNCs. Similarly, blockade of the B 2 R by systemic administration of icatibant prevented the beneficial effect of bone marrow MNC transplantation. BK-induced migration represents a novel mechanism mediating homing of circulating angiogenic progenitors. Reduction of BK sensitivity in progenitor cells from cardiovascular disease patients might contribute to impaired neovascularization after ischemic complications.
Difficulties inherent in the restoration of dynamically reactive brain systems
Authors: Brent B. Stanfield
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (1995)

Abstract The responses displayed by an injured or diseased nervous system are complex. Some of the responses may effect a functional reorganization of the affected neural circuitry. Strategies aimed at the restoration of function, whether or not these involve transplantation, need to recognize the innate reactive capacity of the nervous system to damage. More successful strategies will probably incorporate, rather than ignore, the adaptive responses of the compromised neural systems.
Efficacy of acupuncture for the prophylaxis of migraine: a multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Hans-Christoph Diener, Kai Kronfeld, Gabriele Boewing, Margitta Lungenhausen, Christoph Maier, Albrecht Molsberger, Martin Tegenthoff, Hans-Joachim Trampisch, Michael Zenz, Rolf Meinert
Journal: The Lancet Neurology (2006)
Favorable effect of hemodialysis on decreased serum antioxidant activity in hemodialysis patients demonstrated by electron spin resonance.
Authors: S Nagase, K Aoyagi, A Hirayama, M Gotoh, A Ueda, C Tomida, T Kamezaki, Y Nagai, H Kikuchi, A Koyama
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (1997)

There is considerable evidence that uremic patients are in a highly peroxidative state. The purpose of this study was to investigate the serum antioxidant activity that may regulate, or represent, the redox state in vivo. Serum from pre- and posthemodialysis patients and from healthy control subjects was added to a system generating the hydroxyl radical, and then the signal intensities of reactive oxygen species were measured by electron spin resonance and spin-trapping technique. The electron spin resonance signals of the reaction mixture containing prehemodialysis sera were significantly stronger than those of the reaction mixture containing healthy sera (P < 0.001, n = 19), and there was no significant difference in the signals between the reaction mixture containing posthemodialysis and healthy sera. These findings demonstrated that serum antioxidant activity in hemodialysis patients is significantly decreased, and this pathological condition is improved by hemodialysis treatment.
<i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>adherence to human basement membrane collagen<i>in vitro</i>
Authors: K.W. Tsang, D.K. Shum, S. Chan, P. Ng, J. Mak, R. Leung, I.H. Shum, G.C. Ooi, G.L. Tipoe, W.K. Lam
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2003)

The mechanisms for <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> colonisation in the airways of patients with bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis are poorly understood. <i>P. aeruginosa</i> could evade mucociliary clearance by adhering to the basement membrane at areas denuded of intact respiratory epithelium. The authors have developed an <i>in vitro</i> model to study <i>P. aeruginosa</i> adherence tohuman basement membrane type-IV collagen by using scanning electron microscopy. <i>P. aeruginosa</i> adherence density was determined as the number of <i>P. aeruginosa</i> per 20microscope fields (2,000×) to log inocular size after incubation at 37°C for 45 min. The presence of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-E, which binds specifically to d-galactose-β1–4-d-<i>N</i>-acetylglucosamine, significantly reduced <i>P. aeruginosa</i> adherence density compared with control. The presence of heparin and calcium also significantly reduced <i>P. aeruginosa</i> adherence density. <i>P. aeruginosa</i> adherence was not affected by the presence of proline, trans-hydroxyproline, glycine, galactose, <i>N</i>-acetylneuraminic acid, <i>N</i>-acetylglucosamine or <i>Arachis hypogea</i>. <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> adherence probably acts <i>via</i> recognition of the d-galactose-β1–4-d-<i>N</i>-acetylglucosamine sequence on type-IV collagen and this process could be inhibited by heparin and calcium. As persistent <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> colonisation is detrimental to patients with cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis and there is currently no effective treatment for its eradication, these results could lead to novel therapy for persistent <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> infection.
Hygiene: new hopes, new horizons
Authors: Val Curtis, Wolf Schmidt, Stephen Luby, Rocio Florez, Ousmane Touré, Adam Biran
Journal: The Lancet Infectious Diseases (2011)

Although promotion of safe hygiene is the single most cost-effective means of preventing infectious disease, investment in hygiene is low both in the health and in the water and sanitation sectors. Evidence shows the benefit of improved hygiene, especially for improved handwashing and safe stool disposal. A growing understanding of what drives hygiene behaviour and creative partnerships are providing fresh approaches to change behaviour. However, some important gaps in our knowledge exist. For example, almost no trials of the effectiveness of interventions to improve food hygiene in developing countries are available. We also need to figure out how best to make safe hygiene practices matters of daily routine that are sustained by social norms on a mass scale. Full and active involvement of the health sector in getting safe hygiene to all homes, schools, and institutions will bring major gains to public health.
Stroke Prevention in Women: Synopsis of the 2014 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Guideline
Authors: Cheryl Bushnell, Louise McCullough
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2014)

Description: In February 2014, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association released their first guideline focused on stroke prevention in women. This new guideline highlights unique risk factors for stroke in women, including oral contraception and hormone therapy, and pregnancy-associated disorders, such as preeclampsia, that may have long-lasting consequences on a woman's health. It also addresses hypertension; atrial fibrillation; migraine headache with aura; and the epidemiology of types of stroke, such as aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and cerebral vein thrombosis, that are predominant in women. Methods: Members of a multidisciplinary expert panel searched, reviewed, and critiqued relevant English-language literature published between 1990 and May 2013. The panel devised evidence tables and developed recommendations using American Heart Association guideline procedures and levels of evidence. Recommendations: This synopsis of the guideline summarizes the evidence about risk factors for stroke in women and suggests prevention strategies. It also describes the new recommendations relevant to identifying and treating hypertensive disorders in pregnancy that increase risk for stroke.
Will Hypertension Performance Measures Used for Pay-for-Performance Programs Penalize Those Who Care for Medically Complex Patients?
Authors: Laura A. Petersen, LeChauncy D. Woodard, Louise M. Henderson, Tracy H. Urech, Kenneth Pietz
Journal: Circulation (2009)

There is concern that performance measures, patient ratings of their care, and pay-for-performance programs may penalize healthcare providers of patients with multiple chronic coexisting conditions. We examined the impact of coexisting conditions on the quality of care for hypertension and patient perception of overall quality of their health care.We classified 141 609 veterans with hypertension into 4 condition groups: those with hypertension-concordant (diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, dyslipidemia) and/or -discordant (arthritis, depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) conditions or neither. We measured blood pressure control at the index visit, overall good quality of care for hypertension, including a follow-up interval, and patient ratings of satisfaction with their care. Associations between condition type and number of coexisting conditions on receipt of overall good quality of care were assessed with logistic regression. The relationship between patient assessment and objective measures of quality was assessed. Of the cohort, 49.5% had concordant-only comorbidities, 8.7% had discordant-only comorbidities, 25.9% had both, and 16.0% had none. Odds of receiving overall good quality after adjustment for age were higher for those with concordant comorbidities (odds ratio, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.70 to 1.87), discordant comorbidities (odds ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.23 to 1.41), or both (odds ratio, 2.25; 95% confidence interval, 2.13 to 2.38) compared with neither. Findings did not change after adjustment for illness severity and/or number of primary care and specialty care visits. Patient assessment of quality did not vary by the presence of coexisting conditions and was not related to objective ratings of quality of care.Contrary to expectations, patients with greater complexity had higher odds of receiving high-quality care for hypertension. Subjective ratings of care did not vary with the presence or absence of comorbid conditions. Our findings should be reassuring to those who care for the most medically complex patients and are concerned that they will be penalized by performance measures or patient ratings of their care.