tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Smoking habit and volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath of healthy subjects
Authors: Carolin Wagner Struwing, Mª Angeles Munoz-Lucas, Javier Jareno-Esteban, Concepcion Civera-Tejuca, Jose Angel Maldonado-Sanz, Luis Callol-Sanchez
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

INTRODUCTION   Tobacco smoke exposure increases oxidative stress and is related to respiratory diseases. Volatile organic compounds - VOC- (aldehydes and organic acids) in exhaled breath might be biochemical markers of oxidative stress and smoking habit.   AIMS   To determine if there exists an association between specific VOC and the smoking habit of healthy subjects.   MATERIAL AND METHODS   Observational case-control study in healthy volunteers, divided into three groups: smokers, ex -smokers and non-smokers (according to SEPAR criteria) with normal spirometry and no evidence of respiratory disease. Breath samples were collected via a BioVOC container after a residual functional capacity maneuver. We analized six VOC (hexanal, heptanal, octanal, nonanal, propionic acid and nonanoic acid). Biochemical analysis was performed by TD/GC/MS (Markes-Agilent Tech). We used the SPSS ®  v-15 for Windows for statistical analysis.   RESULTS   We included 89 healthy subjects with a mean age of 49.3 years. 42 male, 47 female. 30 were smokers, 24 ex-smokers and 35 non-smokers. The pack-year index was 30.9 (18.6) in smokers and 26.5 (21.6) in ex-smokers.  Only nonanal showed statistical differences between the three groups (p 0.04). After dividing into tobacco-exposure (smokers and ex-smokers) and non tobacco exposure group, we also observed a statistical difference (p 0.019).  There were no differences after stratification analysis for age and gender (male r 0.05, p 0.753, female r 0.081, p 0.588), and  between the nonanal concentration and the amount of tobacco smoked.   CONCLUSIONS   Nonanal could be a marker of oxidative stress in smokers and ex – smokers.  We observed no association with age, gender or amount of tobacco consumption.
ss agonists are widely used
Authors: A. Jones
Journal: BMJ (1995)

EDITOR,—In addressing the controversy over the use of s agonists in asthma neither A E Tattersfield nor R W Fuller has really fuelled the debate.1 Their arguments revolve around whether s agonists cause deaths from asthma and whether they cause increased bronchial hyperreactivity if used regularly. The first question is now largely historical and well aired. If we accept the mounting evidence that s agonists can cause worsening asthma the real issue is then the extent of their use (or misuse). To answer this we need to look …
Do ITPA and TPMT genotypes predict the development of side effects to AZA
Authors: J A Duley, A M Marinaki, M Arenas, T H J Florin
Journal: Gut (2006)

In a retrospective study of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, van Dieren et al recently reported the absence of a correlation between genotypes for both inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (ITPA) and thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT), with any side effects to azathioprine (AZA) ( Gut 2005; 54 :1664). This contrasts with two other studies. A rigorous prospective study, published recently, has demonstrated a significant association between ITPA genotype and early dropout from AZA therapy.1 Our original publication implicated ITPA in a number of adverse effects, which were independent of myelosuppression.2 Another letter has reported non-association of ITPA with myelosuppression3 but thiopurine induced myelosuppression has been well documented over the past 25 years as associated with TPMT, not ITPA, status.4

However, we draw attention to a peculiar feature of the TPMT results of van Dieren et al that one patient—who suffered severe myelosuppression—was reported as TPMT\*3B/\*3B genotype. We previously published a meta-analysis of the incidence of the TPMT*3B (G460A) mutation,5 discovering that it is rare, and this has been confirmed by a recent large study, making the chance of homozygosity negligible.6 Indeed, our evidence suggested that even the few …
CSF cortisol in patients with depression, mania, or anorexia nervosa and in normal subjects
Authors: Robert H. Gerner, Jeffery N. Wilkins
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1983)

The authors studied CSF cortisol in 30 depressed patients, 10 manic patients, 21 women with anorexia nervosa, and 22 normal control subjects. All patients were also rated on a global severity scale for mania or depression. Results indicated higher CSF cortisol levels in all three patient groups than in the control group. Only the depressed group had a significant positive correlation between CSF cortisol and severity ratings. The authors recommend further research into the hypothalamic mechanisms associated with cortisol secretion and regulation.
Drug Points: Convulsions after clomiphene citrate
Authors: M R Rimmington, S J Vine, D K C Chui, S M Walker
Journal: BMJ (1994)

Streptomycin sulphate is an effective aminoglycoside with limited nephrotoxicity.We report a case of renal electrolyte wasting that mimicked Bartter's syndrome and was induced by streptomycin.
Abstract 14237: Inpatient Stress Testing Reduces Subsequent ED visits and Readmissions for Chest Pain
Authors: Jaya Mallidi, Srikanth Penumetsa, Jennifer Friderici, Fadi Saab, Michael Rothberg
Journal: Circulation (2011)

Introduction: For patients admitted for observation of chest pain, stress tests increase length of hospitalization and cost. It is not known whether stress testing prevents recurrent emergency depa...
Mammography Screening Still Brings Mixed Advice:
Authors: Susan Jenks
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2015)

led the study.Its findings come when several organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, are updating recommendations for when and how often average-risk women should be screened.The revised recommendations are expected before next year.Using claim data filed with a major U.S. insurance plan, the researchers found that costs ran higher than previously documented, with false-positive readings accounting for most of the NSCLCs, Rizvi's team showed that anti-PD-1 therapy statistically correlated with and enhanced neoantigen-specific T-cell reactivity, as well as the presence in patients of a molecular signature that reflects his or her smoking history, and DNA repair pathway mutations."Mutations that change the resultant amino acid [structure] correlated better than total mutation number.Because the mechanism [of action of the drug] should be immune monitoring of abnormalities, such as mutations, this makes sense, as the immune system wouldn't 'see' a mutation that doesn't alter the protein," Garon said.Although not a perfect biomarker for efficacy because some patients who do not meet the PD-L1 threshold still experience activity of the drug, PD-L1 will be helpful in guiding treatment, said Roy Herbst, M.D., Ph.D., Ensign Professor of Medicine, Medical Oncology at the
Life Style as a Blood Pressure Determinant
Authors: Jan A Staessen, Leszek Bieniaszewski, Karel Pardaens, Victor Petrov, Lutgarde Thijs, Robert Fagard
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1996)

In Belgium, an affluent Western European country, participation in sports, alcohol intake, and living in a working class area were identified as the life style factors with the closest associations with the blood pressure level. Obesity was another important blood pressure correlate. Sodium intake, determined from the 24 h urinary output, and smoking were not associated with blood pressure. Controlled intervention studies have proven that weight reduction, endurance training and alcohol abstinence effectively reduce blood pressure. In the light of these intervention studies, the Belgian findings and the published work highlight the potential of preventive strategies aimed at these major life style factors.
Accuracy of 64-Slice Computed Tomography to Classify and Quantify Plaque Volumes in the Proximal Coronary System
Authors: Alexander W. Leber, Alexander Becker, Andreas Knez, Franz von Ziegler, Marc Sirol, Konstantin Nikolaou, Bernd Ohnesorge, Zahi A. Fayad, Christoph R. Becker, Maximilian Reiser, Gerhard Steinbeck, Peter Boekstegers
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2006)
Performance of urine lipoarabinomannan assays for paediatric tuberculosis in Tanzania
Authors: Inge Kroidl, Petra Clowes, Klaus Reither, Bariki Mtafya, Gabriel Rojas-Ponce, Elias N. Ntinginya, Mariam Kalomo, Lilian T. Minja, Dickens Kowuor, Elmar Saathoff, Arne Kroidl, Norbert Heinrich, Leonard Maboko, Matthew Bates, Justin O'Grady, Alimuddin Zumla, Michael Hoelscher, Andrea Rachow
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2015)

We evaluated the diagnostic performance of two tests based on the release of lipoarabinomannan (LAM) into the urine, the MTB-LAM-ELISA assay and the Determine TB-LAM-strip assay, in children with suspected tuberculosis (TB) in a high TB/HIV-prevalence setting. In a prospective study, 132 children with suspected active TB were assigned to diagnostic subgroups. Urine samples were subjected to testing by both assays to ascertain sensitivity and specificity. Host factors associated with positive LAM results were investigated and LAM excretion monitored after antituberculous treatment initiation. 18 (13.6%) children had culture-confirmed pulmonary TB. The assays' sensitivity was higher in HIV-positive versus HIV-negative children: 70% (95% confidence interval 35–93%) versus 13% (0–53%) for MTB-LAM-ELISA and 50% (19–81%) versus 0% (0–37%) for Determine TB-LAM. In 35 (27%) children with excluded active TB, both assays showed a specificity of 97.1% (85–100%). Proteinuria and low body mass index were independently associated with LAM positivity. In most patients, LAM excretion declined to zero during or at conclusion of antituberculous treatment. HIV/TB co-infected children might benefit from LAM-based tests to aid early TB diagnosis and subsequent positive impact on morbidity and mortality. Using LAM as a rule-in and treatment-monitoring tool may also show further potential.
Selective clinical trial reporting: betraying trial participants, harming patients
Authors: S. M. Wolfe
Journal: BMJ (2015)

We analysed all journals from two Journal Citation Reports (JCR) categories: ‘Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Medicine’ and ‘Otorhinolaryngology’ published in 2018 for their policies on publishing facial photographs and actual practices of publishing these photographs in articles. We extracted the following data for each journal: JCR category, impact factor, volume, issue, instructions for authors regarding ethical issues, instructions for photograph deidentification, journals’ references to standard research and publishing policies, presence and type of published clinical images, separate informed consent for the publication of patient photograph and methods of deidentification. The sample included 103 journals, which published 568 articles with 1404 clinical images. Around a half of the journals (52%) had a policy on clinical images, however, the only predictor of having a journal policy on clinical images was reference in the policy to International Committee of Medical Journal Editors Recommendations (OR=3.00, 95% CI 1.26 to 7.14, p=0.013). Identifiable patient photographs were found in 13% (79/568) of the articles, constituting 9% (128/1404) of the total sample of images. Only 16% (13/79) of articles publishing recognisable patient facial images included a statement about consent for publication of the image. From the total sample of articles, 34% (27/79) contained deidentified but recognisable patient photographs and only 22% (6/27) of them had a statement about patient consent for photograph publication. The patients’ consent was more likely stated in the article in cases of recognisable facial images (OR=2.81, 95% CI 1.41 to 5.63, p=0.004). Journals publishing clinical research involving the face and neck region need to establish and enforce policies on publishing clinical images.
The effect of inhaled ciclesonide on airway blood flow
Authors: Laura Andrea Toth, Hila Goldstein, Adrian Kis, Laszlo Kunos, Judit Varga, Gyorgy Losonczy, Szilvia Vasas, Eliana Mendes, Adam Wanner, Gabor Horvath
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Background:  In addition to their genomic anti-inflammatory actions, inhaled corticosteroids are known to induce acute airway responses through nongenomic mechanisms in asthma. We have previously demonstrated that a single dose of fluticasone caused a rapid, dose-dependent decrease in airway blood flow (Qaw) in subjects with asthma. Although suppression of airway inflammation can reverse airway hyperperfusion, the role of the classical genomic corticosteroid mechanisms in the airway vasoconstriction is not known.   Objective:  The purpose of the study was to determine whether ciclesonide, a prodrug inhaled corticosteroid with weak glucocorticoid receptor binding affinity, similarly leads to vasoconstriction in the airway mucosa.   Methods:  Ten healthy non-smoker volunteers participated in the study. Qaw levels were determined before and 15, 30 and 60 min after inhalation of ciclesonide (320 μg), fluticasone (500 μg) or placebo. A soluble, inert gas-uptake method was used to measure Qaw.   Results:  Ciclesonide and fluticasone produced a rapid decrease in mean Qaw levels without a nadir up to 60 min. After ciclesonide inhalation, the maximum mean Qaw decrease was 39% (from 56.1±4 to 34.1±4.7 μl/ml/min; p   Conclusion:  In healthy subjects, inhaled ciclesonide and fluticasone caused a vasoconstriction in the airway demonstrating a corticosteroid action that is not related to the anti-inflammatory effects of these drugs. The prodrug ciclesonide induced reduction of Qaw suggests a mechanism for airway vasoconstriction other than the genomic mechanism of corticosteroids.
The integration of respiratory services... Is it the way forward
Authors: Alison Graham, Jacqueline Bayliss, Kath Morgan
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Aim: To assess the impact of the introduction of an Integrated Respiratory Service in Central and East Cheshire by looking at admission avoidance, reduction in admissions, length of patient stay and oxygen prescribing costs.

Introduction: The Integrated Respiratory team (IRT) is an in-reach and out reach specialist respiratory service for patients with COPD and other lung diseases in Central and East Cheshire. The IRT offers a 7 day service which incorporates acute hospital care, same day & early discharge services for patients with COPD, patient assessment and support within their place of residence to facilitate hospital admission avoidance, community & hospital based specialist nurse led clinics, a oxygen assessment service, pulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory education and palliative care.

Methods: An analysis of service activity data was undertaken for the period 1st April, 2010 to 31st January, 2011.

Key Achievments: The IRT has managed 2778 referrals, reduced the oxygen prescribing budget by £120,000, avoided the admission of 255 patients, supported the early discharge of 446 patients and reduced the average length of stay from 6 to 3 days. The IRT has managed 1366 new and follow up patients in the specialist community clinics. This equates with a potential predicted annual cost-saving of £163,079.63 in the oxygen prescribing budget, suggests a annual cost-saving of between £453,269 and £634,577 as a result of the reduction in length of stay and in addition an annual saving of approximately £481,162 for those patients on the early and supported discharge programme.

Conclusion: The Integration and collaboration of Respiratory Specialist Services is not only providing the best care, it is cost effective.
Screening and detection of human enterovirus 71 infection by a real-time RT-PCR assay in Marseille, France, 2009–2011
Authors: C.Y.Q. Tan, G. Gonfrier, L. Ninove, C. Zandotti, A. Dubot-Pérès, X. de Lamballerie, R.N. Charrel
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection (2012)
MRI scanning increases eightfold in Canadian women with breast cancer
Authors: Jacqui Wise
Journal: BMJ (2015)

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among women with newly diagnosed breast cancer increased eightfold over a 10 year period, a Canadian study published in JAMA Oncology has shown.1

The study found that preoperative breast MRI was associated with a notable increase in ancillary investigations, mastectomies, and contralateral prophylactic mastectomies and a longer waiting time to surgery.

Current guidelines recommend bilateral mammography as the primary imaging technique and, if necessary, preoperative ultrasonography. In recent years the use of preoperative breast MRI has …
Presentation of non-final results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) at major oncology meetings
Authors: C. M. Booth, A. Le Maître, K. Ding, K. Farn, M. Fralick, C. Phillips, D. W. Cescon, R. M. Meyer
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2008)

6550 Background: Presentation of non-final analyses of RCTs may be misleading and introduce bias to trial conduct. Here we evaluate presentation of non-final analyses of RCTs at seven major oncology meetings. Methods: We identified 138 consecutive article reports of systemic therapy RCTs for lymphoma, breast, colorectal, or non-small cell lung cancer published in six major journals 2000–2004. We then searched proceedings of seven major cancer meetings 1990–2004 for all related abstracts reporting primary efficacy outcomes. Study methodology and results were extracted from each article and abstract. Conference abstracts with suggestive language (eg, interim, results to date, current results) were recorded as implying that data were preliminary. Disagreement between article and abstract was defined as discordance in sample size, median follow-up, or results. Factors associated with disagreement were assessed by uni- and multivariate analyses. Strength of author conclusion was evaluated using a 7-point Likert scale. Results: We identified 303 abstracts of which 197 were eligible. Results were implied to be preliminary in 86 (44%) abstracts. Only 41 (21%) abstracts explicitly stated data were preliminary. Disagreement of data between article and conference abstract was found in 124/197 abstracts (63%) and was more common in abstracts implying data were preliminary (67/86 [78%] vs. 57/111 [51%]; p=.0001). By multivariate analysis, factors most associated with disagreement between article and abstract include implication that data were preliminary (OR 3, p=.0007), lymphoma trial (OR 4, p=.01) and trial not exclusively sponsored by industry (OR 3, p=.04). Author conclusion to adopt experimental regimen differed between abstract and article in 23 (14%) cases. No differences in conclusion to adopt were detected between RCTs showing disagreement and those showing no disagreement of data. Conclusions: The majority of RCT abstracts presented at major oncology conferences include important items of data that are discordant with published articles, suggesting that reporting of non-final analyses is common. While discordance is most frequent in abstracts that indicate analyses are preliminary, it is also common in abstracts that do not indicate preliminary reporting. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Effects of Epoetin Alfa on Hematologic Parameters and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients Receiving Nonplatinum Chemotherapy: Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: T. J. Littlewood, E. Bajetta, J. W.R. Nortier, E. Vercammen, B. Rapoport
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2001)

PURPOSE: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial assessed the effects of epoetin alfa on transfusion requirements, hematopoietic parameters, quality of life (QOL), and safety in anemic cancer patients receiving nonplatinum chemotherapy. The study also explored a possible relationship between increased hemoglobin and survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three hundred seventy-five patients with solid or nonmyeloid hematologic malignancies and hemoglobin levels ≤ 10.5 g/dL, or greater than 10.5 g/dL but ≤ 12.0 g/dL after a hemoglobin decrease of ≥ 1.5 g/dL per cycle since starting chemotherapy, were randomized 2:1 to epoetin alfa 150 to 300 IU/kg (n = 251) or placebo (n = 124) three times per week subcutaneously for 12 to 24 weeks. The primary end point was proportion of patients transfused; secondary end points were change in hemoglobin and QOL. The protocol was amended before unblinding to prospectively collect and assess survival data 12 months after the last patient completed the study. RESULTS: Epoetin alfa, compared with placebo, significantly decreased transfusion requirements (P = .0057) and increased hemoglobin (P &lt; .001). Improvement of all primary cancer- and anemia-specific QOL domains, including energy level, ability to do daily activities, and fatigue, was significantly (P &lt; .01) greater for epoetin alfa versus placebo patients. Although the study was not powered for survival as an end point, Kaplan-Meier estimates showed a trend in overall survival favoring epoetin alfa (P = .13, log-rank test), and Cox regression analysis showed an estimated hazards ratio of 1.309 (P = .052) favoring epoetin alfa. Adverse events were comparable between groups. CONCLUSION: Epoetin alfa safely and effectively ameliorates anemia and significantly improves QOL in cancer patients receiving nonplatinum chemotherapy. Encouraging results regarding increased survival warrant another trial designed to confirm these findings.
TALEN-mediated genetic inactivation of the glucocorticoid receptor in cytomegalovirus-specific T cells
Authors: Laurie Menger, Agnes Gouble, Maria A. V. Marzolini, Annette Pachnio, Katharina Bergerhoff, Jake Y. Henry, Julianne Smith, Martin Pule, Paul Moss, Stanley R. Riddell, Sergio A. Quezada, Karl S. Peggs
Journal: Blood (2015)
The role of serum pseudomonas aeruginosa antibodies in diagnosis and follow-up of patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Deniz Dogru Ersoz, Sevgi Pekcan, Ebru Yalcin, Ugur Ozcelik, Nural Kiper, Nermin Gurcan, Burcin Sener
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

In cystic fibrosis (CF), if Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) infection is not diagnosed and treated early, chronic colonisation in lungs may later lead to rapid decline in pulmonary functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate Pa antibodies, to compare them with Pa culture results, to determine their role in early diagnosis and follow-up, to correlate them with severity of disease and to determine factors which cause antibody positivity. Ninety CF patients were included; they were divided into chronic, intermittent, control and mucoid Pa groups according to their airway cultures. They were evaluated in every 3-6 months in total 4 visits in a follow-up period of 2 years. In each visit, Pa antibodies against exotoxin, elastase and alkaline protease were determined in blood by ELISA method. The presence of at least one antibody had the highest sensitivity. Among the antibodies, alkaline protease had the highest specificity and elastase had the highest sensitivity. All antibodies were highest in mucoid group folowed by the chronic group. Antibodies were higher in the chronically colonised patients than the noncolonised ones. Elastase was highest in the chronic and lowest in the mucoid Pa group. The presence of antibodies were much higher than positive Pa cultures in patients younger than 5 years of age. Only in mucoid group, there was a negative correlation between FEV1 and alkaline protease. In CF, Pa antibodies can be considered as early markers for diagnosis especially in young children who can not expectorate, however, anti-Pa antibodies should be used together with sputum cultures for long term follow-up and treatment.