tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Short- and long-term effects of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt on portal vein thrombosis in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: A. Luca, R. Miraglia, S. Caruso, M. Milazzo, C. Sapere, L. Maruzzelli, G. Vizzini, F. Tuzzolino, B. Gridelli, J. Bosch
Journal: Gut (2011)

<h3>Background and aims</h3> Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) negatively impacts the prognosis in patients with cirrhosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement in patients with cirrhosis complicated by PVT. <h3>Methods</h3> Seventy consecutive cirrhotic patients with non-tumoural PVT treated with TIPS for portal hypertension complications from January 2003 to February 2010 in a tertiary-care centre were followed until last clinical evaluation, liver transplantation, or death. <h3>Results</h3> TIPS was successfully placed without major procedure-related complications. After TIPS, the portal venous system was completely recanalised in 57% of patients, a marked decrease in thrombosis was observed in 30%, and no improvement was seen in 13%. 95% of patients with complete recanalisation after TIPS maintained a patent portal vein. Predictors of complete recanalisation were a less severe and extensive PVT, de novo diagnosis of PVT, and absence of gastro-oesophageal varices. At follow-up, 1 patient had recurrence of bleeding, and 2 had spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The rate of TIPS dysfunction at 12 and 24 months was 38% and 85% for bare stent and 21% and 29% for covered stent (p=0.001), respectively. Occurrence of encephalopathy at 12 and 24 months was 27% and 32%, respectively. Fifteen patients underwent liver transplantation. Survival at 1, 12 and 24 months was 99%, 89% and 81%, respectively. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Long-term outcome of non-tumoural PVT in patients with cirrhosis treated with TIPS placement is excellent. Prospective randomised studies should investigate whether TIPS placement is the best therapeutic option in patients with cirrhosis who develops non-tumoural PVT.
Age and Comorbidity As Independent Prognostic Factors in the Treatment of Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Review of National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group Trials
Authors: Timothy R. Asmis, Keyue Ding, Lesley Seymour, Frances A. Shepherd, Natasha B. Leighl, Tim L. Winton, Marlo Whitehead, Johanna N. Spaans, Barbara C. Graham, Glenwood D. Goss
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2007)

Purpose This study analyzed patients enrolled in two large, prospectively randomized trials of systemic chemotherapy (adjuvant/palliative setting) for non–small-cell lung Cancer (NSCLC). The main objective was to determine if age and/or the burden of chronic medical conditions (comorbidity) are independent predictors of survival, treatment delivery, and toxicity. Patients and Methods Baseline comorbid conditions were scored using the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), a validated measure of patient comorbidity that is weighted according to the influence of comorbidity on overall mortality. The CCI score (CCIS) was correlated with demographic data,(ie, age, sex, race), performance status (PS), histology, cancer stage, patient weight, hemoglobin, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, outcomes of chemotherapy delivery (ie, type, total dose, and dose intensity), survival, and response. Results A total of 1,255 patients were included in this analysis. The median age was 61 years (range, 34 to 89 years); 34% of patients were elderly (at least 65 years of age); and 31% had comorbid conditions at randomization. Twenty-five percent of patients had a CCIS of 1, whereas 6% had a CCIS of 2 or greater. Elderly patients were more likely to have a CCIS equal to or greater than 1 compared with younger patients (42% v 26%; P &lt; .0001), as were male patients (35% v 21%; P &lt; .0001) and patients with squamous histology (36% v 29%; P = .001). Although age did not influence overall survival, the CCIS appeared prognostic (CCIS 1 v 0; hazard ratio 1.28; 95%CI, 1.09 to 1.5; P = .003). Conclusion In these large, randomized trials, the presence of comorbid conditions (CCIS ≥ 1), rather than age more than 65 years, was associated with poorer survival.
Inhibition of the complement membrane attack complex by the galactose-specific adhesion of Entamoeba histolytica.
Authors: L L Braga, H Ninomiya, J J McCoy, S Eacker, T Wiedmer, C Pham, S Wood, P J Sims, W A Petri
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1992)

The human complement system is an important early host defense against infection. Entamoeba histolytica activates the complement system but is resistant to killing by complement C5b-9 complexes deposited on the membrane surface. Our aim was to identify components of the amebic plasma membrane that mediate resistance to human complement C5b-9 by screening for neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. A monoclonal antibody was identified that abrogated amebic resistance to C5b-9, and the mAb was shown to recognize the parasite's galactose-specific adhesin. The purified adhesin bound to C8 and C9 and conferred C5b-9 resistance to sensitive ameba upon reconstitution; these activities of the adhesin were inhibited by the antiadhesin mAb. The E. histolytica adhesin shared sequence similarities and antigenic cross-reactivity with CD59, a membrane inhibitor of C5b-9 in human blood cells, suggesting both molecular mimicry and shared complement-inhibitory functions.
Effective treatment of diabetic diarrhoea with somatostatin analogue, octreotide.
Authors: F H Mourad, D Gorard, A V Thillainayagam, D Colin-Jones, M J Farthing
Journal: Gut (1992)

A 22 year old insulin dependent diabetic with high volume, secretory chronic diarrhoea refractory to standard andiarrhoeal drugs was treated with the somatostatin analogue octreotide, 50 micrograms twice daily by subcutaneous injection. She improved markedly with a decrease in mean stool weight from 1170 g/24 h range 440-2900 g) to 440 g/24 h (range 180-800 g) (p &lt; 0.05). Stool frequency also decreased from six (range two to 12) to one (range one to three) bowel movements per day (p &lt; 0.01). Mouth to caecum transit time increased from 45 minutes to &gt; 210 minutes, although total gut transit time was unchanged and remained rapid at nine hours. Thus octreotide can reduce stool volume and frequency in high volume diabetic diarrhoea when conventional antidiarrhoeal agents have failed. Its therapeutic benefit appeared to be predominantly related to a marked increase in mouth to caecum transit time.
IQGAP1 regulates ERK1/2 and AKT signalling in the heart and sustains functional remodelling upon pressure overload
Authors: Mauro Sbroggiò, Daniela Carnevale, Alessandro Bertero, Giuseppe Cifelli, Emanuele De Blasio, Giada Mascio, Emilio Hirsch, Wadie F. Bahou, Emilia Turco, Lorenzo Silengo, Mara Brancaccio, Giuseppe Lembo, Guido Tarone
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2011)

AimsThe Raf-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 (ERK1/2—extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2) signalling cascade is crucial in triggering cardiac responses to different stress stimuli. Scaffold proteins are key elements in coordinating signalling molecules for their appropriate spatiotemporal activation. Here, we investigated the role of IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1), a scaffold for the ERK1/2 cascade, in heart function and remodelling in response to pressure overload.
Tracheal bronchus in a 6-month-old infant identified by CT with three-dimensional airway reconstruction
Authors: W A Gower, S A McGrath-Morrow, K D MacDonald, E K Fishman
Journal: Thorax (2007)

A 6 month old infant presented with a history of cough and noisy breathing since 5 weeks of age. He had been evaluated many times in a local emergency department for episodes of cough, wheeze and retractions. His parents reported that his symptoms seemed to be worse when he was supine and did not respond well to steroids or bronchodilators. He had been feeding and growing normally.

On examination he was slightly tachypnoeic with mild subcostal retractions and coarse upper …
Response of isolated rat heart cells to hypoxia, re-oxygenation, and acidosis.
Authors: R A Altschuld, J R Hostetler, G P Brierley
Journal: Circulation Research (1981)

Responses of isolated adult rat heart cells to conditions that emphasize various aspects of ischemia have been evaluated. Cells maintained in hypoxic media with limited substrate deteriorate more rapidly than aerobic controls supplemented with glucose. Two distinct irreversible pathways for cell alteration can be distinguished as follows: (1) continued anaerobic aging in the absence of glucose results in the production of large numbers of cells which retain the rod-shaped morphology of heart cells in situ, but which have lost sarcolemmal integrity, and (2) after a period of anaerobic aging, reaeration of the cells produces large numbers of rounded cells in irreversible contracture. These cells maintain an intact sarcolemma and are indistinguishable from those produced by addition of 1 mM Ca2+ to Na+-loaded, aerobic cells. Contracture of isolated cells on re-aeration is at least superficially analogous to the oxygen paradox in situ, but since the isolated cells maintain an intact sarcolemma, there is no loss of creatine phosphokinase or other components of the cytosol. Incubation of isolated heart cells at acid pH (pH 6.8 to 6.2) largely prevents both Ca2+-dependent contracture and a Ca2+- dependent loss of respiratory capacity. The acidic conditions virtually eliminate the net influx of 45Ca2+ into isolated cells that occurs at neutral pH, and the inhibition appears to be localized at the sarcolemma.
Clinical and Biological Effects of Neoadjuvant Sargramostim and Thalidomide in Patients with Locally Advanced Prostate Carcinoma
Authors: Jorge A. Garcia, Eric A. Klein, Cristina Magi-Galluzzi, Paul Elson, Pierre Triozzi, Robert Dreicer
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2008)

Abstract Purpose: Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and thalidomide are active agents in prostate cancer. This study assessed the biological effects and safety of GM-CSF and thalidomide in patients with localized prostate cancer before radical prostatectomy. Experimental Design: Locally advanced prostate cancer patients undergoing radical prostatectomy were recruited for this study. Treatment consisted of two 28-day cycles of GM-CSF (250 μg, s.c., thrice weekly) and thalidomide (200 mg, orally, daily) on days 1 to 28 of each cycle. Radical prostatectomy occurred within 7 to 10 days after completion of therapy. Pretreatment and posttreatment specimens were used to assess the expression of CD3, CD68, Ki-67, S100, PTEN, and CD31. Peripheral blood was examined for dendritic cells, regulatory T cells, and cytokines. Results: Twenty-eight patients were enrolled. No pathologic responses (P0) were observed and no unexpected toxicities or surgical complications occurred. Eighty-one percent of patients had a prostate-specific antigen decline (mean ± SD decrease was 21.1 ± 15.4%; median, 18.0%). With a median follow-up of 32 months, five patients have experienced progression. Radical prostatectomy tumor tissue specimens showed significant CD3 and S100 overexpression when compared with pretreatment biopsies. No significant changes in tumor macrophage infiltration were observed. Increased number of serum dendritic cell, as well as high serum levels of interleukin-8, basic fibroblast growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor, was also observed. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant GM-CSF and thalidomide was safe and feasible and did not affect the perioperative morbidity of radical prostatectomy. Although no pathologic complete responses were observed, significant posttreatment tumor T-cell and dendritic cell infiltration was noted. No significant changes in serum cytokines, dendritic cells, or regulatory T cells were induced.
Expression of a public idiotype by human monoclonal IgM directed to myelin-associated glycoprotein and characterization of the variability subgroup of their heavy and light chains.
Authors: J C Brouet, K Dellagi, M C Gendron, A Chevalier, C Schmitt, E Mihaesco
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1989)

Most studies using rabbit or mouse antisera failed to detect CRI between human IgM directed to MAG. We show here that 9 of 10 such IgM express a public CRI as defined by a nonhuman primate antiserum. Shared idiotype is likely involved in (or close to) the combining site of those IgM since antiidiotypic serum inhibited the binding of IgM to MAG and reacted with IgM having different variable regions of light and heavy chains. Partial aminoterminal sequence of heavy and light chains showed that anti-MAG IgM use either lambda chains (one IgM) or kappa light chains (six IgM) of different variability subgroups (V kappa IV in three instances, V kappa I in two, and V kappa II in one), whereas heavy chains belong to the VHIII (six IgM) or to the VHII (1 IgM) subgroup. These features distinguish these IgM from other human monoclonal IgM with a defined antibody activity, such as rheumatoid factors or cold agglutinins.
Nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics of exhaled breath condensate: methodological aspects
Authors: A. Motta, D. Paris, D. Melck, G. de Laurentiis, M. Maniscalco, M. Sofia, P. Montuschi
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

To the Editors:

Due to the lack of standardised procedures for exhaled breath condensate (EBC), a noninvasive technique for investigating lung inflammatory mediators [1], the between-laboratory comparison of results is difficult. Moreover, different collecting devices have been reported to influence the EBC content [2, 3].

The analysis of metabolic profiles (“metabolomics”) of EBC using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy discriminates between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and healthy subjects (HS) [4]; asthmatic children and HS [5]; and patients with stable cystic fibrosis and unstable cystic fibrosis and HS [6].

This approach has recently been questioned as NMR-based metabolomics of EBC collected using a condenser with reusable parts was reported to be affected by cleaning procedures, generating artificial signals that were not related to the endogenous metabolites of the lungs [7].

In this study we assessed the effects of a different cleaning procedure of a reusable-part condenser on EBC metabolomics; the possible time and carry-over effects when the same device is repeatedly used; technique sensitivity; the ability of NMR spectroscopy of EBC to discriminate between COPD patients and HS; and the potential of NMR spectroscopy in identifying selective EBC metabolites.

If the cleaning procedure produces artificial signals in the NMR spectra of EBC, the separation between COPD patients and HS reported previously [4] is certainly surprising, as the residual signals derived from the disinfectant Descogen (Antiseptica chem.-pharm. Produkte GmbH, Pulheim/Brauweiler, Germnay) should have randomly affected both groups. Moreover, using a different reusable-part condenser, Carraro et al . [5] reported that NMR-based metabolomics of EBC differentiates asthmatic children from HS with a success rate of 86% [5].

To verify the influence of the disinfectant on EBC metabolomics, we modified the …
Acquired sideroblastic anaemia after aplastic anaemia caused by D-penicillamine therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.
Authors: A C Ramselaar, A W Dekker, O Huber-Bruning, J W Bijlsma
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1987)

A 68 year old man with rheumatoid arthritis developed marrow aplasia during D-penicillamine treatment. Recovery of granulopoiesis and erythropoiesis was ineffective with features of a secondary sideroblastic anaemia. Absence of megakaryopoiesis persisted. Therapeutic measures failed, and the patient finally died. These events illustrate a haematopoietic stem cell injury induced by D-penicillamine.
The Coordination and Direction of Medical Education
Authors: C. H. William Ruhe
Journal: JAMA (1972)

For many years the criticism has been levied, with some justification, that medical education in the United States is uncoordinated and fragmented, with control of its segments in the hands of separate, autonomous bodies concerned primarily with their own special goals and interests. The AMA Council on Medical Education has been the one common denominator for the establishment and maintenance of standards at all levels of medical education and selected levels of allied health education, but its influence has been variable and from time to time subject to overriding decisions by medical schools, specialty boards, specialty societies, hospitals, and boards of licensure. Many individuals have identified the fragmentation problem in the past and have suggested various solutions for it. These have ranged from vesting complete control in the hands of the universities to the creation of a new, independent accrediting body funded by the federal government and answerable only to
Antidiabetic Action of Bezafibrate in a Large Observational Database
Authors: James H. Flory, Susan Ellenberg, Philippe O. Szapary, Brian L. Strom, Sean Hennessy
Journal: Diabetes Care (2009)

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that bezafibrate, an approved fibrate, can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study using data from routine medical practice in the U.K., as captured by the General Practice Research Database (GPRD). Individuals chronically exposed to bezafibrate were compared with individuals chronically exposed to other fibrates. Hazard ratios (HRs) for incident type 2 diabetes were calculated using a Cox proportional hazards model. A post hoc analysis was used to examine the effect of bezafibrate on progression to use of oral antidiabetic medications or insulin in individuals with diabetes at baseline. RESULTS Bezafibrate users had a lower hazard for incident diabetes than users of other fibrates (HR 0.66 [95% CI 0.53–0.81]). This effect became stronger with increasing duration of therapy. Post hoc analysis of the effect of bezafibrate on progression of preexisting diabetes also showed a lower hazard for progression to use of antidiabetic medication (0.54 [0.38–0.76]) or progression to use of insulin (0.78 [0.55–1.10]). CONCLUSIONS Bezafibrate appears to have clinically important antidiabetic properties. Randomized controlled trials should be considered to assess the utility of bezafibrate in treating patients with diabetes or in preventing diabetes in high-risk patients.
Cytolytic T lymphocyte function is independent of growth phase and position in the mitotic cycle
Authors: RP Sekaly, HR MacDonald, P Zaech, AL Glasebrook, J-C Cerottini
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1981)

We have investigated mitotic cell cycle and growth phase regulation of homogeneous cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL). Two independently derived CTL clones were stained with the DNA-binding dye Hoechst 33342, sorted in a fluorescence-activated cell sorter according to their position in the cell cycle, and then assayed for specific lytic activity using a short-term (30 min) (51)Cr release assay. Results show that lytic activity remained unchanged throughout the cell cycle. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the lytic activity of CTL clones growing exponentially or arrested in a plateau phase. These results demonstrate that T cell-mediated cytolysis is independent of growth phase and position in the cell cycle.
Effect of Adrenalectomy on Pressor Responsiveness to Angiotonin and Renin
Authors: G. C. SALMOIRAGHI, J. W. McCUBBIN
Journal: Circulation Research (1954)

Pressor response to injection of renin is reduced or abolished during adrenal insufficiency without concurrent change in response to angiotonin and other drugs. Selective loss of response to renin is considered to result from depletion of available renin-substrate by endogenous renin; when release of endogenous renin is precluded by nephrectomy, adrenalectomy does not cause diminution of response to renin. The increase in response to angiotonin and renin that follows nephrectomy is not prevented by adrenalectomy.
Double-blind, multicentre analysis of the efficacy of borage oil in patients with atopic eczema
Authors: None HENZ, None JABLONSKA, None VAN DE KERKHOF, None STINGL, None BLASZCZYK, None VANDERVALK, None VEENHUIZEN, None MUGGLI, None RAEDERSTORFF
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1999)

Although γ-linolenic acid (GLA) has been shown to correct deficiencies in skin lipids associated with reduced δ-6-desaturase activity which should result in improvement of dysregulation of inflammation and immunity in atopic eczema, clinical studies with evening primrose oil containing 10% GLA have yielded contradictory results. We have therefore examined the effect of a higher percentage (at least 23%) GLA-containing borage oil in adults with stable atopic eczema of moderate severity in a double-blind, multicentre study. One hundred and sixty patients were randomized to take daily either 500 mg of borage oil-containing capsules or the bland lipid miglyol as a placebo over a 24-week period. Use of topical diflucortolone-21-valerate cream was allowed as rescue medication, with the amount used until response being defined as primary, and clinical improvement as secondary efficacy criteria. Although several clinical symptoms improved compared with placebo, the overall response to borage oil did not reach statistical significance. Significant differences in favour of borage oil were, however, observed in a subgroup excluding patients who failed to show increased erythrocyte dihomo-γ-linolenic acid levels and in whom adherence to inclusion criteria and the study protocol were questionable. GLA metabolites increased in borage oil-treated patients only, and serum IgE showed a trend to decrease on overall and subgroup analysis. No substance-related adverse effects were observed. This study shows no overall efficacy of GLA-containing borage oil in atopic eczema, with steroid use being the primary response parameter, although it suggests that a subgroup of patients may benefit from this well-tolerated treatment.
Philippine Mitochondrial DNA Diversity: A Populated Viaduct between Taiwan and Indonesia?
Authors: K. A. Tabbada, J. Trejaut, J.-H. Loo, Y.-M. Chen, M. Lin, M. Mirazon-Lahr, T. Kivisild, M. C. A. De Ungria
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (2009)

Relatively little is known about the genetic diversity of the Philippine population, and this is an important gap in our understanding of Southeast Asian and Oceanic prehistory. Here we describe mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in 423 Philippine samples and analyze them in the context of the genetic diversity of other Southeast Asian populations. The majority of Philippine mtDNA types are shared with Taiwanese aboriginal groups and belong to haplogroups of postglacial and pre-Neolithic origin that have previously been identified in East Asian and Island Southeast Asian populations. Analysis of hypervariable segment I sequence variation within individual mtDNA haplogroups indicates a general decrease in the diversity of the most frequent types (B4a1a, E1a1a, and M7c3c) from the Taiwanese aborigines to the Philippines and Sulawesi, although calculated standard error measures overlap for these populations. This finding, together with the geographical distribution of ancestral and derived haplotypes of the B4a1a subclade including the Polynesian Motif, is consistent with southward dispersal of these lineages “Out of Taiwan” via the Philippines to Near Oceania and Polynesia. In addition to the mtDNA components shared with Taiwanese aborigines, complete sequence analyses revealed a minority of lineages in the Philippines that share their origins—possibly dating back to the Paleolithic—with haplogroups from Indonesia and New Guinea. Other rare lineages in the Philippines have no closely related types yet identified elsewhere.