tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
The Volunteer Rescue Squad: The Impact of a Group on the Psychological Adaptation of Its Members
Authors: GORDON W. KEATING, WALTER A. BROWN, KAY STANDLEY
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1973)

Young rescue squad volunteers were studied to ascertain some of the developmental determinants of rescue work and to define aspects of the culture of the squad and relate these to the personal development of its members. The authors suggest that squad membership may serve important adaptive functions for the individual: in mastering past traumas, becoming independent from the primary family, and in developing self-control and competence. They indicate the need for further study of the contribution of voluntary group membership to the individual's development and adaptation; there may be important implications for various types of therapy and for community consultation.
Lack of association of<i>ALOX12</i>and<i>ALOX15B</i>polymorphisms with psoriasis despite altered urinary excretion of 12(<i>S</i>)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid
Authors: M. Setkowicz, L. Mastalerz, A. Gielicz, A. Wojas-Pelc, M. Sanak
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2014)

Pro- and anti-inflammatory metabolites of arachidonic acid - eicosanoids - participate in skin homeostasis, affecting the growth and differentiation of keratinocytes. Alterations of 12-lipoxygenase (LOX) and 15-LOX and their metabolites have been described in the epidermis of patients with psoriasis, but systemic production of 12-LOX and 15-LOX eicosanoids has not been studied in the disease.To ascertain the frequencies of the genetic variants ALOX12 rs1126667 and ALOX15 rs11568070 in cases and controls, and to compare urinary metabolites of 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) between patients with psoriasis and healthy controls.Patients with psoriasis (n = 200) were stratified depending on the severity of their dermal lesions. Genotyping was performed using a 5'-nuclease real-time assay. The concentrations of 12(S)-HETE, its metabolites and 15(S)-HETE were determined in urine samples using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.Tetranor-12(S)-HETE metabolite excretion was significantly higher in urine of patients with psoriasis, while excretion of 12(S)-HETE was decreased. Neither 12(S)-HETE nor tetranor-12(S)-HETE correlated with the type of disease or severity score. No difference in urinary 15(S)-HETE was found between the study groups. Genotype distribution of the ALOX12 rs1126667 or ALOX15 rs11568070 polymorphisms did not discriminate for the disease or its severity.Systemic metabolism of 12(S)-HETE is accelerated in psoriasis because excretion of the tetranor-12(S)-HETE inactivation product is elevated. No correlation with the severity or extent of psoriasis is detectable. We propose that in patients with psoriasis, 12(S)-HETE to tetranor-12(S)-HETE conversion could be at least a marker for this disease, in which inflammation of the skin can induce microsomal beta-oxidation of this eicosanoid.
International cricket injury surveillance: a report of five teams competing in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011
Authors: Craig Ranson, Roanne Hurley, Lorinda Rugless, Akshai Mansingh, Joe Cole
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2013)

Background Injury surveillance is the cornerstone of effective injury management. However, to date no studies using recommended methods and involving multiple nations have been conducted within International Cricket. Aim To conduct injury surveillance across multiple teams during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. Methods An electronic system, based on the guidelines for injury surveillance in international cricket, was used to record all new injury episodes was used for data collection. Results Twenty-three time-loss and 97 non-time-loss injuries were recorded. The injury incidence was 3.7/100 player-days (0.7 time-loss and 3.0 non-time-loss) with time-loss incidence being; for match injury 20.1/1000 player-days, bowling injury 3.3/100 bowling days and batting injuries 2.2/10 000 balls faced. Thigh muscle strain and medical illness were the diagnoses with the highest incidence. Fast bowlers, slow bowlers and batters all had a similar injury prevalence of approximately 5%. The bowling delivery stride was the activity that resulted in the greatest lost time. Conclusions This is the first study to use recommended injury surveillance guidelines to reporting injury rates across multiple teams at a major cricket tournament. Non-time-loss injury incidence appears relatively high and further study of the effect on performance and progression to subsequent time-loss is required. Fast bowler injury prevalence rates are lower than reported elsewhere, however this may be due to the nature of the tournament and match format, which is likely to impose a lower relative workload. In future, data from all competing teams over all formats of the game (Twenty20, ODI and Tests) needs to be analysed to effectively inform injury prevention research and practice.
THE EFFECT OF BACTERIAL VARIATION UPON THE FACTORS NECESSARY FOR THE PHENOMENON OF LOCAL SKIN REACTIVITY TO BACTERIAL FILTRATES
Authors: Gregory Shwartzman
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1930)

In this paper there is reported the effect of bacterial variation upon the reacting factors of the phenomenon of local skin reactivity to bacterial culture filtrates. By means of the method described in the text the following results were obtained: Various stock strains of B. typhosus were found to produce reacting factors which differed in their neutralizability by anti-stock immune sera. The reacting factors of low neutralizability also possessed low antigenicity. The passage of strains through mice brought about in one instance a lowering of neutralizability of reacting factors and in another instance had no effect. It was possible to increase the antigenicity of the reacting factors by passage of the strain through mice. Transformation of "stock" strain into "rough" brought about the formation of reacting factors of new specificity. The "rough" reacting factors were neutralized by homologous sera and also differed in their neutralizability. Reacting factors of various degrees of neutralizability were produced by stock strains which did not display any difference in colony appearance (with one exception). The "rough" reacting factors appeared in strains of typical "rough" colony morphology. However, "rough" strains of the same degree of roughness morphologically differed in the neutralizability of their reacting factors. The changes in neutralizability elicited by passage through mice had no influence on colony morphology. There seemed to be a parallelism between the degree of agglutinability of stock strains by anti-stock sera and the degree of neutralizability of reacting factors of the same strain. It was possible to obtain a partial loss of neutralizability by passage through mice with and without change in agglutinability. The agglutination titer of anti-rough serum was not an indication of its anti-rough neutralizing properties. The degree of neutralizability of "rough" reacting factors paralleled the specific serum agglutinability of the strains producing them. Abundant precipitation occurred in mixtures of toxic filtrates and immune serum in spite of low neutralization. The filtrates of rough cultures non-neutralizable by anti-stock sera failed to precipitate with the latter. The appearance of neutralizing anti-rough antibodies was coincident with the development of anti-rough precipitates. The rough strains possessed a lower virulence than the stock strains from which they were derived. However, there was no difference in the virulence of "rough" strains, the reacting factors of which differed in their neutralizability. The filtrates containing "rough" reacting factors were seemingly as lethal to mice and rabbits as were filtrates of stock cultures of B. typhosus. The possible relation of these findings to the immunological understanding of the course of infectious diseases and to serum therapy is discussed.
Clinical Approach to the Critically Ill, Morbidly Obese Patient
Authors: Ali A. El-Solh
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2004)

In the absence of a national registry, the prevalence of critically ill, morbidly obese patients in the United States is not known. On the basis of a retrospective study spanning 7 years of intensive care unit (ICU) data (1994–2000), it is estimated that the incidence of morbidly obese patients requiring intensive care treatment approaches 14 cases per 1,000 ICU admissions per year (1). However, this figure is likely to underestimate the true incidence because the database was restricted to nonsurgical patients. The growing interest in gastric bypass underlines the increased public awareness of the medical and economic consequences of this epidemic. The latest numbers released by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery indicate that the rate of bariatric surgeries has risen in the United States alone from 37,000 cases in the year 2000 to 62,400 cases in 2001 and it is expected that the total number of cases may exceed 100,000 by the end of 2003 (2). Most of the reviews that have provided data on morbidly obese patients have focused on the impact of obesity on individual organ function. Yet, clinical investigations addressing the care of the critically ill, morbidly obese patient are scarce. A recent review published in the AJRCCM detailed the principles and approach to outpatient treatment of obesity (3). The present commentary is aimed at (1) describing the common challenges of treating morbidly obese patients in critical care settings and (2) reviewing the current concepts and suggestions for therapy.
Trade-offs between the benefits and risks of drug treatment for psoriasis: a discrete choice experiment with U.K. dermatologists
Authors: D.M. Ashcroft, E. Seston, C.E.M. Griffiths
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2006)

Background The choice of drug treatment for an individual patient is a complex matter. In the case of psoriasis there is a range of treatments available, with varying degrees of efficacy and risk of adverse events. Objectives To examine the extent to which the attributes of a treatment affect dermatologists’ choice of drug therapy and explore the magnitude and nature of the trade-offs between the risks and benefits of treatment. Methods A postal questionnaire was sent to members of the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD). The questionnaire used a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to elicit dermatologists’ preferences for the treatment of psoriasis. In all, 227 dermatologists completed the questionnaire. The results indicated that time to moderate improvement, time to relapse, risk of hypertension, liver damage, skin cancer and skin irritation were all important factors affecting dermatologists’ choice of treatment. Comparing the coefficients for the different side-effects indicated that the dermatologists considered the risk of liver damage to be the most important side-effect, followed by the risk of skin cancer. The time to achieve a moderate (50%) improvement in psoriasis was prioritized over the time to relapse. Conclusions This study has provided novel insight into the trade-offs that dermatologists face when selecting treatment for psoriasis patients. Future research should explore the extent to which dermatologists’ preferences for treatment match those of psoriasis sufferers.
A Mouse Skin Multistage Carcinogenesis Model Reflects the Aberrant DNA Methylation Patterns of Human Tumors
Authors: Mario F. Fraga, Michel Herranz, Jesús Espada, Esteban Ballestar, Maria F. Paz, Santiago Ropero, Emel Erkek, Onder Bozdogan, Héctor Peinado, Alain Niveleau, Jian-Hua Mao, Alan Balmain, Amparo Cano, Manel Esteller
Journal: Cancer Research (2004)

Abstract Whereas accepted models of tumorigenesis exist for genetic lesions, the timing of epigenetic alterations in cancer is not clearly understood. We have analyzed the profile of aberrations in DNA methylation occurring in cells lines and primary tumors of one of the best-characterized mouse carcinogenesis systems, the multistage skin cancer progression model. Initial analysis using high-performance capillary electrophoresis and immunolocalization revealed a loss of genomic 5-methylcytosine associated with the degree of tumor aggressiveness. Paradoxically, this occurs in the context of a growing number of hypermethylated CpG islands of tumor suppressor genes at the most malignant stages of carcinogenesis. We have observed this last phenomenon using two approaches, a candidate gene approach, studying genes with well-known methylation-associated silencing in human tumors, and a mouse cDNA microarray expression analysis after treatment with DNA demethylating drugs. The transition from epithelial to spindle cell morphology is particularly associated with major epigenetic alterations, such as E-cadherin methylation, demethylation of the Snail promoter, and a decrease of the global DNA methylation. Analysis of data obtained from the cDNA microarray strategy led to the identification of new genes that undergo methylation-associated silencing and have growth-inhibitory effects, such as the insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3. Most importantly, all of the above genes were also hypermethylated in human cancer cell lines and primary tumors, underlining the value of the mouse skin carcinogenesis model for the study of aberrant DNA methylation events in cancer cells.
Reconstruction of the Ancestral Plastid Genome in Geraniaceae Reveals a Correlation between Genome Rearrangements, Repeats, and Nucleotide Substitution Rates
Authors: Mao-Lun Weng, John C. Blazier, Madhumita Govindu, Robert K. Jansen
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (2013)

Geraniaceae plastid genomes are highly rearranged, and each of the four genera already sequenced in the family has a distinct genome organization. This study reports plastid genome sequences of six additional species, Francoa sonchifolia, Melianthus villosus, and Viviania marifolia from Geraniales, and Pelargonium alternans, California macrophylla, and Hypseocharis bilobata from Geraniaceae. These genome sequences, combined with previously published species, provide sufficient taxon sampling to reconstruct the ancestral plastid genome organization of Geraniaceae and the rearrangements unique to each genus. The ancestral plastid genome of Geraniaceae has a 4 kb inversion and a reduced, Pelargonium-like small single copy region. Our ancestral genome reconstruction suggests that a few minor rearrangements occurred in the stem branch of Geraniaceae followed by independent rearrangements in each genus. The genomic comparison demonstrates that a series of inverted repeat boundary shifts and inversions played a major role in shaping genome organization in the family. The distribution of repeats is strongly associated with breakpoints in the rearranged genomes, and the proportion and the number of large repeats (>20 bp and >60 bp) are significantly correlated with the degree of genome rearrangements. Increases in the degree of plastid genome rearrangements are correlated with the acceleration in nonsynonymous substitution rates (dN) but not with synonymous substitution rates (dS). Possible mechanisms that might contribute to this correlation, including DNA repair system and selection, are discussed.
Protective effect of metronidazole on uncoupling mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation induced by NSAID: a new mechanism
Authors: A Z A Leite
Journal: Gut (2001)

The pathogenesis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) enteropathy is complex. It involves uncoupling of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation which alters the intercellular junction and increases intestinal permeability with consequent intestinal damage. Metronidazole diminishes the inflammation induced by indomethacin but the mechanisms remain speculative. A direct effect on luminal bacteria has traditionally been thought to account for the protective effect of metronidazole. However, a protective effect of metronidazole on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation has never been tested.To assess the protective effect of metronidazole on mitochondrial uncoupling induced by indomethacin and also on the increased intestinal permeability and macroscopic damage.The protective effect of metronidazole was evaluated in rats given indomethacin; a macroscopic score was devised to quantify intestinal lesions, and intestinal permeability was measured by means of (51)Cr-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. The protective effect of metronidazole against mitochondrial uncoupling induced by indomethacin was assessed using isolated coupled rat liver mitochondria obtained from rats pretreated with metronidazole or saline.Metronidazole significantly reduced the macroscopic intestinal damage and increase in intestinal permeability induced by indomethacin; furthermore, at the mitochondrial level, it significantly reduced the increase in oxygen consumption in state 4 induced by indomethacin and caused less reduction of the respiratory control rate.Our study confirmed the beneficial effects of metronidazole on intestinal damage and intestinal permeability, and demonstrated, for the first time, a direct protective effect of metronidazole on uncoupling of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation caused by NSAIDs.
Safety and Biological Efficacy of a Lipid–CFTR Complex for Gene Transfer in the Nasal Epithelium of Adult Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Peadar G. Noone, Katherine W. Hohneker, Zhaoqing Zhou, Larry G. Johnson, Carla Foy, Clay Gipson, Kim Jones, Terry L. Noah, Margaret W. Leigh, Caryl Schwartzbach, John Efthimiou, Rodney Pearlman, Richard C. Boucher, Michael R. Knowles
Journal: Molecular Therapy (2000)

Gene transfer is an attractive option to treat the basic defect in cystic fibrosis. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, rising-dose tolerance study in the nasal epithelium, we tested the safety and efficacy of a cationic liposome [p-ethyl-dimyristoylphosphadityl choline (EDMPC) cholesterol] complexed with an expression plasmid containing hCFTR cDNA. Eleven adult CF patients were studied in a protocol that allowed comparisons within individual subjects: vector and placebo were sprayed into alternate nostrils at intervals over 7 h. After dosing, vector-specific DNA was present in nasal lavage of all subjects for up to 10 days. There were no adverse events. The vector-treated epithelium did not exhibit a significant increase in CFTR-mediated Cl− conductance from baseline and was not different from the placebo-treated nostril: mean ΔCFTR Cl− conductance, mV ± SEM, −1.6 ± 0.4 vs −0.6 ± 0.4, respectively. CFTR-mediated Cl− conductance increased toward normal during repetitive nasal potential difference measurements over the 3 days before dosing which influenced the postdosing calculations. No vector-specific mRNA was detected in the nasal epithelial scrape biopsies, although endogenous CFTR mRNA was detected in all subjects. We conclude that the lipid–DNA complex is safe, but did not produce consistent evidence of gene transfer to the nasal epithelium by physiologic or molecular measures.
Selected Statistical Issues in Group Randomized Trials
Authors: Ziding Feng, Paula Diehr, Arthur Peterson, Dale McLerran
Journal: Annual Review of Public Health (2001)

Group randomized trials (GRTs) in public health research typically use a small number of randomized groups with a relatively large number of participants per group. Two fundamental features characterize GRTs: a positive correlation of outcomes within a group, and the small number of groups. Appropriate consideration of these fundamental features is essential for design and analysis. This paper presents the fundamental features of GRTs and the importance of considering these features in design and analysis. It also reviews and contrasts the main analytic methods proposed for GRTs, emphasizing the assumptions required to make these methods valid and efficient. Also discussed are various design issues, along with guidelines for choosing among them. A real data example illustrates these issues and methods.
Genetic variants of inducible costimulator are associated with allergic asthma susceptibility
Authors: Anand Kumar Andiappan, Sriram Narayanan, Rachel A Myers, Bernett Lee, Maartje A Nieuwenhuis, Alessandra Nardin, Choon-Sik Park, Hyoung Doo Shin, Jeong-Hyun Kim, Harm-Jan Westra, Lude Franke, Tonu Esko, Andres Metspalu, Yik-Ying Teo, Seang Mei Saw, Chiea Chuen Khor, Jianjun Liu, Gerard H Koppelman, Dirkje S Postma, Michael Poidinger, John E Connolly, De Yun Wang, Olaf Rotzschke, Maria A Curotto de Lafaille, Fook Tim Chew
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2014)
Anti–Placental Growth Factor Reduces Bone Metastasis by Blocking Tumor Cell Engraftment and Osteoclast Differentiation
Authors: Lieve Coenegrachts, Christa Maes, Sophie Torrekens, Riet Van Looveren, Massimiliano Mazzone, Theresa A. Guise, Roger Bouillon, Jean-Marie Stassen, Peter Carmeliet, Geert Carmeliet
Journal: Cancer Research (2010)

Treatment of bone metastases is largely symptomatic and is still an unmet medical need. Current therapies mainly target the late phase of tumor-induced osteoclast activation and hereby inhibit further metastatic growth. This treatment method is, however, less effective in preventing initial tumor engraftment, a process that is supposed to depend on the bone microenvironment. We explored whether bone-derived placental growth factor (PlGF), a homologue of vascular endothelial growth factor-A, regulates osteolytic metastasis. Osteogenic cells secrete PlGF, the expression of which is enhanced by bone-metastasizing breast tumor cells. Selective neutralization of host-derived PlGF by anti-mouse PlGF (alphaPlGF) reduced the incidence, number, and size of bone metastases, and preserved bone mass. alphaPlGF did not affect metastatic tumor angiogenesis but inhibited osteoclast formation by preventing the upregulation of the osteoclastogenic cytokine receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand in osteogenic cells, as well as by blocking the autocrine osteoclastogenic activity of PlGF. alphaPlGF also reduced the engraftment of tumor cells in the bone and inhibited their interaction with matrix components in the metastatic niche. alphaPlGF therefore inhibits not only the progression of metastasis but also the settlement of tumor in the bone. These findings identify novel properties of PlGF and suggest that alphaPlGF might offer opportunities for adjuvant therapy of bone metastasis.