tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Tissue Localization of Zinc Glycinate Marker and Carcinoembryonic Antigen by Immunofluorescence. I. Preparation of Antisera Against the Zinc Glycinate Marker 2
Authors: C. A. Saravis, S. K. Oh, G. Pusztaszeri, W. G. Doos, N. Zamcheck
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1978)

Antisera against the zinc glycinate marker (ZGM) were produced in New Zealand White rabbits with induced tolerance to normal tissue components and CEA, and in mature, previously uninoculated rabbits for use in immunofluorescent histologic localization of ZGM in colon cancers and other tissues. Analysis of the antisera by immunodiffusion and counterimmunoelectrophoretic techniques showed them to be specific for ZGM when tested with ZGM, carcinoembryonic antigen, normal tissue extracts, or cell elements of normal blood.
Screening for inborn errors of metabolism.
Journal: BMJ (1969)

Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are a heterogeneous group of monogenic diseases that affect the metabolic pathways. The detection of IEM relies on a high index of clinical suspicion and co-ordinated access to specialized laboratory services. Biochemical analysis forms the basis of the final confirmed diagnosis in several of these disorders. 1. The investigations fall into four main categories 2. General metabolic screening tests 3. Specific metabolite assays 4. Enzyme studies 5. DNA analysis The first approach to the diagnosis is by a multi-component analysis of body fluids in clinically selected patients, referred to as metabolic screening tests. These include simple chemical tests in the urine, blood glucose, acid-base profile, lactate, ammonia and liver function tests. The results of these tests can help to suggest known groups of metabolic disorders so that specific metabolites such as amino acids, organic acids, etc. can be estimated. However, not all IEM needs the approach of general screening. Lysosomal, peroxisomal, thyroid and adrenal disorders are suspected mainly on clinical grounds and pertinent diagnostic tests can be performed. The final diagnosis relies on the demonstration of the specific enzyme defect, which can be further confirmed by DNA studies.
AB1055 Comparison of Automated Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay with Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Five Anti-Extractable Nuclear Antigens Specific to Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: Table 1.
Authors: H.-S. Kim, M. Oh, Y. Park
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2015)

<h3>Background</h3> Autoantibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENAs) are important diagnostic markers for autoimmune diseases but have some limitations, since no gold standard has been established. We compared two current assays commonly used. <h3>Objectives</h3> An automated fluorescent enzyme immunoassay (FEIA), Phadia® 250 (Phadia, Sweden), is being compared with microplate ELISA assay (INOVA Diagnostics, USA) for the detection of five commonly used anti-extractable nuclear antigens. <h3>Methods</h3> A total of 100 serum samples from the patients with systemic rheumatic diseases were collected and assayed with the Phadia® 250 (Phadia, Sweden) and microplate ELISA (INOVA Diagnostics, USA) for 5 anti-extractable nuclear antigens. Five kinds of autoantibodies to SSA/Ro, SSB/La, RNP, Sm, and Scl-70 were performed using respective QUANTA Lite™ ELISA kits (INOVA Diagnostics, USA) and Phadia® 250 assays. The statistical analysis of agreement rate with kappa coefficient, sensitivity and specificity of each assays were performed with Analyse-it® for Microsoft Excel 3.90.4 (Analyse-it Software, Ltd.) <h3>Results</h3> The concordance rates between ELISA and Phadia® 250 ranged from 89% for anti-RNP to 97% for anti-Scl-70, and the kappa coefficients between the results by the two assays were from 0.44 to 0.82 (Table1). There were no significant differences in sensitivities and specificities of each anti-ENA between the two assays except for specificity of anti-RNP and sensitivity of anti-Sm. The overall sensitivities of antibodies to SS-A/Ro (0.760-0.840), SS-B/La (0.200-0.120) and RNP (0.560-0.400) in SLE group were quite similar for the two methods. Specificities of antibodies to SS-A/Ro (0.338-0.351), SS-B/La (0.689-0.730), RNP (0.824-0.919) and Sm (0.959-0.986) in SLE group also indicated similarity between the two assays. There were no significant differences in sensitivities and specificities of each antigen in Sjögren group except for sensitivity of anti-RNP. <h3>Conclusions</h3> FEIA method by automated Phadia® 250 showed comparable results with those by conventional ELISA for detecting anti-ENAs. Automated FEIA by Phadia® 250 could be a useful method in that it provides shorter protocol time, simpler use of methodology. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared
176P: ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer is associated with a high rate of venous thromboembolism
Authors: A. Zer, A. Hershko-Klement, D. Hwang, G. Korpanty, N. Leighl, G. Liu, R. Feld, R. Burkes, M. Tsao, F. Shepherd
Journal: Journal of Thoracic Oncology (2016)
P40 Should provision of acute inpatient Non Invasive Ventilation in a district general hospital be exclusively a Respiratory Consultant-led service?
Authors: C Baker, L Santharam, LA Hems, M Pagaria
Journal: Thorax (2015)

<h3>Introduction</h3> Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) may be used for a number of specific clinical indications in the context of acute type 2 respiratory failure. Prior to October 2013, any doctor at or above ST3 level could initiate NIV on a patient if it was deemed necessary. It was noted in a number of cases the use of NIV was inappropriate and not as per the clinical guidelines.<sup>1</sup> In October 2013 a new guideline was implemented within the Trust whereby all decisions to start patients on NIV must be discussed with and approved by the Respiratory Consultant on-call. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of the guideline implementation on the outcome for patients treated with NIV. <h3>Methods</h3> Retrospective analysis of data from Inpatient NIV database of patients receiving acute NIV over a 2-year period (one year before and one year after the implementation of the new guidelines). Comparison was drawn between the data from two years for all-cause mortality and mortality specifically in those with COPD. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 280 cases were identified over the 2-year period (140 male, 140 female). All-cause mortality was found to be lower overall in the post-intervention group (38.9% post-intervention compared to 48.3% pre-intervention). This was further analysed based on whether or not patients had COPD. Overall there was statistically significant higher mortality in non-COPD patients compared to COPD patients both before and after intervention with p values of 0.023 and 0.0096 respectively. There was significantly lower mortality in COPD patients post-intervention compared to pre-intervention (p = 0.0237). There was also lower mortality in non-COPD patients after intervention but this was not statistically significant. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Mortality for NIV patients was considerably lower after strict implementation of the local guideline. It shows that Respiratory Consultant-led decisions enable more appropriate use of this treatment and better outcomes for patients. It also highlights the importance of education in NIV initiation for general medical doctors. <h3>Reference</h3> 1 The use of non-invasive ventilation in the management of patients with COPD admitted to hospital with acute type 2 respiratory failure. A joint BTS/RCP London/Intensive Care Society document, 2008
Associations of Hepatitis B Surface Antigenemia with HLA Locus B Specificities
Authors: William D. Hillis, Argye Hillis, Wilma B. Bias, W. Gordon Walker
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1977)

To test whether HLA histocompatibility phenotypes might be associated with circulating hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAG), we performed chisquare and Scheffé analyses on findings in 144 renal patients with known HLA types and HBsAg status. A significant relation between locus B HLA type (or types) and HBS antigenemia was demonstrated (P = 0.01, adjusted for dual testing) with positive associations suggested between Bw15, Bw17 and Bw35 types and transient or persistent (or both) antigenemia. The latter associations individually were statistically significant only if multiple testing was disregarded, but the contrast by the Scheffé method between the three implicated specificities and all other specificities was significant, even after adjustment for multiple testing (P less than 0.02). Associations of genetically determined HLA specificities with hepatitis B infection may constitute the basis for previously observed population differences in HBS Ag prevalences, and suggest that susceptibility to hepatitis B infection may be in part genetically determined.
An Epidemic of Coccidioidomycosis among Archeology Students in Northern California
Authors: S. Benson Werner, Demosthenes Pappagianis, Irena Heindl, Arthur Mickel
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1972)

A coccidioidomycosis outbreak from a common point source confirmed by soil cultures, occurred during the summer of 1970 among 103 archeology students. The students were excavating Indian ruins near Chico, California, 113 km north of any previously recognized endemic area. At least 61 students contracted an illness clinically compatible with coccidioidomycosis. Skin or serologic tests confirmed coccidioidomycosis in 27 of the 61. Notable were higher rates of symptomatic infection (77 per cent) and cutaneous manifestations (52 per cent) in proved cases than previously reported. Two cases were misdiagnosed as "contact dermatitis" and treated with systemic corticosteroids. The existence of a generalized, pruritic, maculopapular eruption in patients with influenza-like symptoms coming from endemic areas should alert physicians to the possibility of coccidioidomycosis. The occupational hazard of coccidioidomycosis to archeologists and other workers in endemic areas deserves greater recognition.
Abstract A42: Precision medicine for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with newly diagnosed or refractory/recurrent cancer: Lessons learned from N=1 studies on rare tumors
Authors: Troy A. McEachron, Keri B. Zabokrtsky, Aaron Sassoon, Zarko Manoljvic, David W. Craig, John D. Carpten, Leonard S. Sender
Journal: Cancer Research (2016)

Abstract Next-generation sequencing has rapidly emerged as the preferred method for unbiased genomic interrogation and is increasingly being integrated into clinical practice. Utilizing this technology, we have developed a precision medicine clinical research protocol focused on pediatric, adolescent, and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer. Our objectives are two-fold: 1) To arrive at genome informed treatment recommendations for individual patients suffering from aggressive and/or worsening disease in a clinically relevant time-frame; 2) To survey the genomic landscape of patients with newly diagnosed and/or recurrent/refractory disease. To accomplish this, we have employed an interdisciplinary workflow including a customized bioinformatic analysis pipeline, contextual biological interpretation of the data, and case reviews during regularly scheduled molecular tumor board meetings. To date we have sequenced over 50 patients. Here, we present the data from those patients diagnosed with rare malignancies. Factors affecting the successful identification of actionable targets and subsequent intervention are varied. Furthermore, we highlight the realistic opportunities, challenges, and insight gained from an ongoing single institution experience. Citation Format: Troy A. McEachron, Keri B. Zabokrtsky, Aaron Sassoon, Zarko Manoljvic, David W. Craig, John D. Carpten, Leonard S. Sender. Precision medicine for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with newly diagnosed or refractory/recurrent cancer: Lessons learned from N=1 studies on rare tumors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Pediatric Cancer Research: From Mechanisms and Models to Treatment and Survivorship; 2015 Nov 9-12; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(5 Suppl):Abstract nr A42.
CBIO-06THE NOVEL E2F1-REGULATED LONG NON-CODING RNA TALNEC2 IS HIGHLY EXPRESSED IN GBM FROM SHORT-TERM SURVIVORS AND REGULATES THE MIGRATION, STEMNESS AND RADIATION RESPONSE OF GLIOMA STEM CELLS
Authors: Hae Kyung Lee, Shlomit Brodie, Susan Finnis, Simona Cazacu, Cunli Xiang, Hong Xin, Steve Kalkanis, Laila Poisson, Doron Ginsburg, Chaya Brodie
Journal: Neuro-Oncology (2015)

Despite advances in novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM), prognosis remains extremely poor and median survival of 12-14 months has not changed significantly. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the identification of molecular mechanisms that play a role in overall survival. Recent studies implicated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in gliomagenesis and patient survival. Here, we analyzed the expression and functions of a novel lncRNA, TALNEC2 that was identified by us as an E2F1-activated lncRNAs using RNA seq. The expression of the lncRNA was examined in astrocytic tumors, in GBM specimens derived from short- ( 3 years) term survivors, and in GSCs and glioma cell lines. TALNEC2 was selectively expressed in glioma cell lines and GSCs compared with normal neural cells. Similarly, we found higher expression of this lncRNA in astrocytic tumors in a grade-dependent manner and a significant (P < 0.05) increased expression in specimens derived from short-term survivors. Silencing of TALNEC2 resulted in a decrease in cell proliferation (54.2 ± 6.1 in A172; 48.2 ± 5.5 in U87 cells), decrease in cell migration and self-renewal of GSCs (67.4 ± 11.9) and in increased sensitivity of GSCs to radiation (3Gy, P < 0.01). TALNEC2 was highly enriched in exosomes secreted from GSCs and played a role in the interaction of GSCs with their microenvironment, especially with astrocytes and microglia. Finally, we found that silencing of TALNEC2 in GSCs resulted in inhibition of xenograft growth and prolonged animal survival. Using miRNA sequencing we identified specific miRNAs that were altered in the silenced cells. In conclusion, we identified a novel E2F1-regulated lncRNA that is highly expressed in GBM from short-term survivors. The expression of TALNEC2 is associated with the increased tumorigenic potential of GSCs and with their resistance to radiation. We conclude that TALNEC2 is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of GBM.
Factitious Diarrhea Detected by Measurement of Stool Osmolality
Authors: M Topazian, H J Binder
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1994)

Patients with chronic unexplained diarrhea present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Many disorders can cause chronic diarrhea, but despite extensive evaluation the cause may remain unknown. Surreptitious abuse of laxatives1 and ingestion of drugs whose laxative properties are not recognized2 are leading causes of chronic diarrhea in patients referred to university hospitals for evaluation3,4. Factitious diarrhea has traditionally been diagnosed by evaluating stools for laxatives. We recently studied two patients with chronic unexplained diarrhea who were found to have diluted their stool samples. Dilution was suspected when the measured stool osmolality was found to be considerably lower than . . .
Induced Fibrillatory Arrest in Open-Heart Surgery
Authors: William W. L. Glenn, Allan L. Toole, Edward Longo, Michael Hume, Thomas O. Gentsch, Beverly Patrick
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1960)

EARLY experiments in open-heart surgery indicated the need for preventing air embolism from the open heart during cardiopulmonary bypass. The studies that were made by Senning1 and by Glenn and Sewell,2 independently, on deliberately induced ventricular fibrillation, were aimed at the solution of this problem, as were later studies by others on cardiac arrest induced by potassium citrate, acetylcholine, anoxia and hypothermia. Though it has been determined that the latter methods produce an ideal operative field — a heart that is completely quiet and nearly bloodless — prolonged cardiac arrest induced by any method that does not include coronary perfusion . . .
Circulating Periostin Is Elevated In Patients With Hemoglobinopathies and Correlates With Bone Mineral Density In Double Heterozygous Sickle-Cell/Beta-Thalassemia Patients; A Novel Marker Of Bone Strength?
Authors: Ersi Voskaridou, Dimitrios Christoulas, Athanasios Papatheodorou, Panagiotis Oikonomopoulos, Veroniki Komninaka, Konstantina Repa, Evangelos Terpos
Journal: Blood (2013)
Vincent " ensu" Tabone
Authors: N. Stafford
Journal: BMJ (2012)

President of Malta who pioneered anti-trachoma campaigns



From earliest childhood Vincent Tabone was very much aware of trachoma, the leading cause of infectious blindness in the world. The disease affected at least one member of 30% of all families on the tiny Maltese island of Gozo, where Tabone was born. So, not surprisingly, Tabone had wanted to train in ophthalmology after earning his medical degree in 1937 from the University of Malta.⇑

Unfortunately for Tabone, ophthalmology training was not available in Malta at the time and soon thereafter, in 1939, the second world war broke out. Tabone served as medical officer in the Royal Malta Artillery, working in various hospitals on Malta. Towards the end of the war as the military action moved far beyond Malta, Tabone finally got his wish. A British ophthalmologist based on Malta began training Tabone. When discharged in 1946, Tabone was awarded a scholarship for intensive ophthalmology training in the United Kingdom.

After a year in the UK, he returned to Malta as an ophthalmologist armed with the latest knowledge and expertise. He began an important systematic battle against trachoma on his home island.

“The eradication of trachoma was and still is, to some extent, a huge story,” said Robert Feibel, a clinical ophthalmology …
Spontaneous Deaths of Fetuses with Chromosomal Abnormalities Diagnosed Prenatally
Authors: Ernest B. Hook
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1978)

In a survey of pregnancies, in which a chromosomal abnormality was diagnosed by amniocentesis but in which the mother did not undergo an abortion, the spontaneous fetal death rate after amniocentesis for 21 fetuses with Down's syndrome was 24 per cent (or 21 per cent, considering 19 singletons only). This rate is significantly greater than the rate of 2.7 per cent among 73 fetuses with less seriously abnormal genotypes reported in this survey or of 3.3 per cent and 3.5 per cent in the Canadian and United States studies of amniocentesis. After midtrimester there is about a sixfold higher risk of spontaneous fetal death for a fetus with Down's syndrome than for one with a normal genotype. At least some (and probably a major fraction) of the discrepancy observed between maternal-age-specific rates of Down's syndrome in live births and those found after amniocentesis is due to spontaneous fetal loss. A similar inference may be drawn for trisomy 18.
Perforation of Infarcted Interventricular Septum, with Partial Heart Block
Authors: Ralph Vernon Ford
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1949)

THIS is the report of an acquired interventricular defect that developed at the site of an infarct high in the septum and was associated with partial heart block and a systolic murmur. In previous comprehensive surveys in 1934 by Sager1 and in 1943 by Weber2 a total of 35 cases of interventricular septal perforations due to infarction were collected. Since that time, 18 additional cases have been reported. Prior to the case reported below there were reports of only 2 cases of infarcted septal perforations with clinically detected conduction disturbances of the heart.The purpose of this paper is to . . .
THU0428 Validation of the Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Screen II (Topas II) Questionnaire in a Turkish Population
Authors: M.T. Duruöz, F. Ulutatar, C. Sanal Top
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2015)

<h3>Background</h3> The Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Screen II (ToPAS II) questionnaire was developed and validated in Canada. It is simple index which is very good at classifying those who are not diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) and those who are diagnosed with PsA. <h3>Objectives</h3> To assess the validity of ToPAS II questionnaire in a Turkish population. <h3>Methods</h3> The Turkish translation of ToPAS was sent us by the developer authors of the original index. Subjects were recruited from Psoriasis (Dermatology), Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) and Rheumatology (non PsA) clinics. All subjects were assessed by a rheumatologist according to a Standard protocol which includes demographic parameters, physical examination, ToPAS questionnaire and CASPAR criteria. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) assessed to obtain sensitivty and specificity of Turkish version of ToPAS II questionnaire. <h3>Results</h3> One hundred and fifty subjects were recruited in all groups. The mean of age was 41.07 years (SD:12,60) and the 58% of subjects were female. There were 46 subjects from psoriasis group, 43 subjects from PsA group, 41 subjects PRM group and 20 subjects from rheumatology (non-PsA) group. The area under the ROC curve was 0,985 which means as good predictor. An observed overall sensitivity and specificity, based on a single cut point of 81.2% and 99.0%. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The Turkish version of ToPAS II has high sensitivity and specificity to screen subjects for PsA. It is very practical, not time consuming and accurate index. <h3>References</h3> Gladman DD, Schentag CT, Tom BDM et al. Development and initial validation of a screening questionnaire for psoriatic arthritis: the Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Screen (ToPAS). Ann Rheum Dis 2009;68:497-501. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared
Levodopa Suppression of Prolactin in Nonpuerperal Galactorrhea
Authors: William B. Malarkey, Laurence S. Jacobs, William H. Daughaday
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1971)

Nonpuerperal lactation may be the result of pituitary tumors or functional pituitary disorders. Elevations of serum prolactin measured by radioimmunoassay were found in three patients with pituitary tumors and in one of two patients with functional pituitary disorders. Ingestion of 0.5 g of levodopa (L-dopa) produced a profound fall in serum prolactin in all patients by 90 minutes; thereafter, levels tended to rise toward base-line values. Sustained suppression of serum prolactin levels could not be achieved when L-dopa was given four times daily, although the suppressive effect of a single dose was always demonstrable. More prolonged treatment of one patient did not decrease lactation or lower basal prolactin levels. Because L-dopa probably exerts its effects on the pituitary gland via the hypothalamus, these studies suggest that pituitary tumors associated with lactation may not be autonomous.
Soundings: Marriage à la mode
Authors: George Dunea
Journal: BMJ (2006)

As a preamble to some notes on modern marriage, I should mention that in America the general practitioner has gone the way of the buffalo, having been replaced by family practice and primary care physicians. The latter is commonly referred to as the PCP, an abbreviation that brings to mind a chemical that might be poisoning our rivers and lakes. He or she could be a specialist, such as a cardiologist, but also functions as the patient's first point of care, which may have certain reimbursement implications.