tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Fibrocyte involvement and increased prostacyclin and VEGF in the rejection process after lung transplantation
Authors: Annika Andersson Sjöland, Lena Thiman, Ingrid Skog, Lennart Hansson, Leif Eriksson, Anna-Karin Larsson Callerfelt, Leif Bjermer, Gunilla Westergren-Thorsson
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Many lung-transplanted (LTx) patients develop obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) with extracellular matrix in the bronchioles. The increased production of matrix is accompanied with fibrocyte infiltration, increased alveolar tissue and increased lumen of vessels. In this study we hypothesize that fibrocytes, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and prostacyclin (PGI2) are involved in the rejection and vessel remodelling after LTx. We investigated fibroblast phenotypes regarding production of VEGF/PGI2 and expression of VEGFR2/PGI receptor(R). Isolated fibroblasts from distal biopsies were incubated with TGF-β. PGI2 and VEGF were analyzed in medium. Fibrocytes and fibroblast phenotypes were identified by immunohistochemistry by combining antibodies against prolyl 4-hydroxylase (p4OH) with CD45, VEGFR2 or PGIR in OB patients. Vessels were identified with vWillebrand factor. PGI2 synthesis was higher in LTx compared to controls (p=0.02). VEGF production in patients that had developed bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) was increased 7-fold after TGF-β stimulation compared to a 2.8 fold increase in patients without BOS. Both the number of fibroblasts expressing p4OH/VEGFR2 and p4OH/PGIR were increased in patients with OB compared to healthy controls (p=0.048,p=0.02). The number of p4OH/VEGFR2 fibroblasts correlated with lumen area of vessels (R0.80 p
Study of Antibody-Coated Fungi in Patients with Funguria and Suspected Disseminated Fungal Infections or Primary Fungal Pyelonephritis
Authors: William J Hall
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1980)

The direct immunofluorescence method for the detection of antibody-coated bacteria in urine sediments has been used by investigators to distinguish invasive bacterial disease of the renal parenchyma from noninvasive bladder bacteriuria. The purpose of the present investigation was to test the usefulness of the demonstration of urinary fungal immunoglobulins and complement in distinguishing patients with fungal cystitis from those with suspected disseminated fungal disease. Twenty-one patients with microscopic funguria were suspected clinically of having disseminated fungal infection. Urine specimens from these patients were tested for the presence of antibody- and complement-coated fungi by direct immunofluorescence with the use of specific goat antisera to human immunoglobulins and complement. No unexpected frequencies of combinations of urinary yeast staining by specific antibody were noted. Urine specimens demonstrating funguria from 12 patients with uncomplicated illnesses were also examined for the presence of antibody- and complement-coated fungi; no unexpected frequencies of combinations of urinary yeast staining were noted in this group and no differences in frequencies of specific antibody staining were noted when compared with results in patients with suspected invasive fungal disease. Thus, no difference in the occurrence of specific antibody or complement adsorbed to urinary yeasts was observed between patients suspected of having invasive fungal disease and a small group of control patients.
Randomized trial of a psychologic distress screening program after breast cancer: effects on quality of life.
Authors: E Maunsell, J Brisson, L Deschênes, N Frasure-Smith
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1996)

PURPOSE Although psychosocial intervention can reduce psychosocial distress following breast cancer, many women who are experiencing problems are not identified and offered additional help. This trial assessed effects on quality of life of psychologic distress screening among newly diagnosed, nonmetastatic breast cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS From 1990 to 1992, all eligible patients in one regional breast cancer center were identified and offered study participation. Women in both control and experimental groups received brief psychosocial intervention from a social worker at initial treatment. The experimental group also had monthly telephone screening of distress levels using a brief, validated instrument, with additional psychosocial intervention offered only to those with high distress at screening. RESULTS Among 282 eligible patients, 89% were randomized and completed the study. Participants' psychologic distress levels decreased over the study period (P = .0001). However, no between-group differences were observed. Mean distress scores among control and experimental women at 0-, 3-, and 12-month interviews were 20.7 and 20.4, 15.5 and 15.0, and 14.6 and 13.5, respectively. No between-group differences were observed with respect to physical health, functional status, social and leisure activities, return to work, or marital satisfaction. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that, among patients who receive a minimal psychosocial intervention as part of their initial cancer care, a distress screening program does not improve quality of life. Minimal psychosocial intervention at initial treatment may be effective in reducing distress, thus making it difficult to obtain additional benefit from a screening program.
Abstract 136: Lucas 2 ETCO2 Not Always Better than Feedback-Guided Manual CPR
Authors: Paul Van Berkom, Alyssa Venema, Jelle Cloin, Gerrit J Noordergraaf
Journal: Circulation (2012)

High quality chest compressions is believed to be a major contribution to survival, and has been related to the level of end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2), a surrogate for induced flow. Automated CPR (A-CPR) devices in clinical use include the Autopulse™ (Zoll) and the LUCAS™ (PhysioControl).While A-CPR has been suggested to provide consistently “at least as good as” compressions, we noted cases with decreasing ETCO2 during LUCAS2 compressions, and initially anecdotally reinstituted manual CPR with QCPR feedback. We observed ETCO2 improvements thereafter. Aim: Describe ETCO2 changes during LUCAS2 and manual in-hospital resuscitations in relationship to the cases. We sought patient-oriented common factors as root cause. Method: Open, cohort, analysis of CPR cases with manual after automated CPR using Philips MRx and hospital data. Results and discussion: Since Jan-2012, eight (of 26) CPR cases were analyzable with manual compressions after automated LUCAS2 chest compressions. Paired t-test showed significant improveme...
Sex-Specific Expression of Heschl's Gyrus Functional and Structural Abnormalities in Paranoid Schizophrenia
Authors: Donald C. Rojas, Peter Teale, Jeanelle Sheeder, Jack Simon, Martin Reite
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1997)

Evidence supports abnormal temporal lobe structure and function in schizophrenia. Some abnormalities, particularly involving the auditory cortex, appear to be sex specific. These findings were extended to anatomical and physiological descriptors.The authors quantified the volume, surface area, and three-dimensional location of Heschl's gyri on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of 21 patients with paranoid schizophrenia and 24 healthy comparison subjects. Neuromagnetic localizations of the 100-msec latency auditory evoked field (M100) were compared with MRI-determined locations of Heschl's gyri, computed as the geometric center of mass of the volume.Volumetric measures revealed small Heschl's gyri only in male patients. Asymmetry was found in the location of the Heschl's gyrus centroid (more anterior on the right) across all groups. Male comparison subjects had M100 locations posterior to the Heschl's gyrus centroid in the left hemisphere and close to the Heschl's gyrus centroid on the right, while male patients had M100 sources anterior to the Heschl's gyrus centroid on the left. All women had M100 locations posterior to the Heschl's gyrus centroid on the left and anterior to it on the right.These results demonstrate that some temporal lobe abnormalities in schizophrenia are sex specific. They also suggest that the anomalous lateralization of the auditory evoked field cannot be explained by a shift in the underlying anatomy, since the anatomical substrate is lateralized in both comparison subjects and patients of both sexes. These findings may indicate a sex-specific functional reorganization in the auditory cortex in schizophrenia.
Fit for flight? An investigation into awareness of air travel recommendations among patients with respiratory disease
Authors: Axel Sylvan, Ian Webster
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Objective:  To investigate awareness of air-travel guidelines among patients with respiratory disease.   Background:  While the population has aged and prevalence of respiratory disease has risen, air travel has increased dramatically in the UK. A significant proportion of flight-related emergencies may be of respiratory origin.   Method:  64 respiratory patients completed questionnaires based on British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidelines, screening for awareness and experience of air travel. Pulse oximetry readings were performed and, where possible, spirometry. Frequency data was analysed in StatsDirect, using Exact (Clopper-Pearson) 95% Confidence Intervals. Enquiries about in-flight oxygen where made to 8 airlines.   Results:  72% of patients were not aware of air travel guidelines. Of patients who deemed themselves fit to fly, 4% would require in-flight oxygen and 37.5% would be likely to require oxygen on flights lasting over 2 hours. Among patients planning to fly, most considered themselves fit to fly, although 79% were unaware of the guidelines and 42% would be eligible for hypoxic challenge testing. Of patients with experience of air travel, 87.5% had never been offered pre-flight respiratory tests and 25% had suffered in-flight respiratory problems.   Conclusion:  Awareness of air travel guidelines among respiratory patients is low and poses a significant health risk. Patients are inadequately offered pre-flight respiratory tests and availability of in-flight oxygen varies widely between airlines and is, when offered, an expensive service.  This study calls for greater recognition of air travel with respiratory disease among patients, physicians and airlines alike.
Microbiological investigation of a hospital outbreak of invasive group A streptococcal disease in Krakow, Poland.
Authors: M Strus, A Drzewiecki, A Chmielarczyk, A Tomusiak, P Romanek, K Kosowski, P Kochan, M van der Linden, R Lütticken, P B Heczko
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection (2010)
Abstract MP82: Exergaming and Physical Activity Guidelines- A Population-Based Study of Young Adults
Authors: Lisa Kakinami, Erin K O'Loughlin, Erika N Dugas, Catherine M Sabiston, Gilles Paradis, Jennifer O'Loughlin
Journal: Circulation (2014)

Background: Compared to traditional non-active video games, exergaming may contribute significantly to overall daily physical activity (PA), but the association in population-based samples has not been fully explored. Objectives: To assess whether total minutes of PA per week among exergamers differs from non-exergamers, and whether the likelihood of meeting PA guidelines differs between exergamers and non-exergamers. Methods: Data were available from the 2011-2012 wave of the Nicotine Dependence in Teens (NDIT) study (n=829). Multivariable models assessed the association between exergaming with moderate, vigorous, and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) minutes in the past week, and the association between exergaming and meeting PA guidelines after adjusting for age, household income, employment status, education, weight status, and screen time. Exergaming was defined as use ≥ 1-3 times per month in the past year, and PA guidelines were defined as ≥ 150 minutes of moderately intense PA, or ≥ 75 minutes of vigorously intense PA, or a combination. Minutes of PA were measured using the well-validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Sex differences in exergaming use and exergaming beliefs and attitudes were also assessed. Results: In this population-based sample of young adults (mean age 24 [SD: 0.7] years, 55% female [n=455]), 18% (n=148) of the participants were exergamers (54% female, n=80). Exergaming males and females reported an average of 88.4 and 65.7 exergaming minutes in the past week, respectively. Compared to male exergamers, female exergamers were more likely to believe that exergaming is a good way to integrate PA into their lives (p&lt;0.001), were more likely to prefer exergaming to indoor/outdoor sports (p=0.03), and were more likely to use fitness-training exergames at home (p=0.006). Perceived levels of exertion were also significantly different between male and female exergamers. The majority of male exergamers reported light (51%, n=23) or moderate (44%, n=20) exergaming exertion, whereas female exergamers reported moderate (53%, n=30), as well as light (28%, n=16) and intense (19%, n=11) exertion (p=0.02). After adjusting for covariates, male exergamers were not significantly different from male non-exergamers in total minutes of PA per week, but female exergamers reported 47 more minutes of moderate PA in the past week compared to female non-exergamers (p=0.03). There was no association between exergaming and meeting PA guidelines in either males or females. Conclusions: Exergaming contributes to moderate-intensity PA among females but not among males in this population based sample of young adults. Exergaming may therefore be an important source of PA for women, but the current landscape of exergames may be inadequate to substantially increase minutes of PA among males. Differences in attitudes toward exergaming should be further explored.
Antileukemic Properties of Organoplatinum Complexes2
Authors: Sandra J. Meischen, Glen R. Gale, Lanny M. Lake, Crist J. Frangakis, Michael G. Rosenblum, Ernest M. Walker, Loretta M. Atkins, Alayne B. Smith
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1976)

The antitumor activity of 46 cis-amineplatinum congeners was evaluated against L1210 leukemia in (C57BL/6 × DBA/2)F1 mice. Several compounds in this series significantly prolonged the life-spans of mice with the leukemia. During the selection of the compound that yielded optimal activity [dichloro( 1,2-diaminocyclohexane)platinum], the chlorides were substituted with various organic and inorganic anions. The aqueous solubility was greatly increased with retention of significant antileukemic activity. Most of the active compounds were synergistic with cyclophosphamide, and cure rates up to 80% were obtained with certain combinations.
Late effects in long-term survivors of high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
Authors: T B Haddy, M A Adde, J McCalla, M J Domanski, M Datiles, S C Meehan, A Pikus, A T Shad, I Valdez, L Lopez Vivino, I T Magrath
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1998)

To evaluate long-term survivors of high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) for late effects and to attempt to assess the relative contributions of the primary treatment modalities to these late effects.Of 103 young survivors followed up for 1 to 20 years, 74 patients were interviewed and underwent various investigations, and an additional 12 patients were interviewed only. Of the 86 patients, 65 had previously suffered from small non-cleaved-cell lymphoma, 16 from lymphoblastic lymphoma, and five from large-cell lymphoma.Left ventricular dysfunction was identified in eight of 57 (14.0%) patients who had received doxorubicin (DOX) in doses greater than 200 mg/m2, of whom four were symptomatic and four were asymptomatic. A ninth patient required a pacemaker. Of the 86 patients, 23 (26.7%) reported pregnancies, 18 of whom had 30 children. Two of the 86 (2.3%) patients developed second cancers. Other major late effects included posttransfusion viral hepatitis, eight patients; CNS toxicity, two patients; endocrine impairment, 14 patients; vitamin B12 deficiency, two patients; esophageal stricture, one patient; urinary tract problems, two patients; and musculoskeletal defects, three patients. Major late effects occurred in 11 of 21 (52.4%) patients who had received radiation as well as chemotherapy, eight of 22 (36.4%) patients who had surgical resections as well as chemotherapy, and 17 of 74 (23.0%) patients who had received chemotherapy alone.The predominant major late effects observed were late cardiac toxicity related to DOX therapy and hepatitis C virus infection that presumably resulted from blood product transfusions administered before the introduction of screening for the hepatitis C virus. Fertility was not greatly impaired, and second malignancies were uncommon. No patient had clinically significant impairment of growth. Radiation appeared to increase the likelihood of late effects.
Updates to the Management of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: William G. Wierda
Journal: Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2015)

The decision of when to start treatment for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has not markedly changed; it is triggered by parameters of active disease, such as progressive symptoms or progressive cytopenias related to bone marrow compromise from disease. How to treat patients with CLL has become less complicated, given the growing list of options for CLL, and generally depends on the patient's age, presence of comorbidities, and risk factors (such as chromosome 17 or 11 deletion). During his presentation at the NCCN 20th Annual Conference, Dr. William Wierda focused attention on many of the new kids on the therapeutic block for CLL--the CD20 monoclonal antibodies obinutuzumab and ofatumumab, the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib, the PI3K inhibitor idelalisib, and the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax--and reviewed some of the clinical data supporting the use of these agents in different patient populations with CLL.
Tuberculosis and venous thromboembolism:Clinical features and outcomes
Authors: Jihen Ben Amar, Bouthaina Ben Safta, Besma Dhahri, Saloua Azzabi, Mohamed Ali Baccar, Hichem Aouina, Hend Bouacha
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Infections are risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE), especially if severe and acute. The role of chronic infections such as active tuberculosis (TB) is ill defined, although several case reports and small series have suggested an association between TB and VTE. The purpose of our study is to investigate clinical, paraclinical and outcomes in the association between TB and VTE.

Methods:A retrospective study on 26 patients with confirmed TB complicated with VTE explored in our Hospital.Clinical and laboratory data were collected.

Results:16 men and 10 women,mean age 42.58 years were collected. The prevalence of VTE among patients with active TB was 6%. More than half of patients had a poor general condition with a BMI<18. Extended radiologic lesions were present in 16 patients. VTE was revealing the diagnosis of TB in 4 patients, concomitant of it in 5 patients and occurring during TB treatment for 17 patients.

There were 10 cases of pulmonary embolism (PE).15 of deep vein thrombosis were complicated by PE in 7 cases and by extension of thrombosis to the other member in one case. Anticoagulant therapy was based on heparin relayed by oral anticoagulants within an average of 5.45 days. The average time to reach an effective anticoagulation was 19.72 days. Two patients were treated with low-molecular-weight heparin for 8 months.The average of hospital stay was 41.81 days.

The outcome was favorable in 14 patients, 4 were lost to evolution and we deplored 8 deaths: one patient with hemoptysis, another died in an array of liver failure and 6 died in severe PE.

Conclusion:TB must be considered as a pertinent risk factor for VTE and should be included in VTE risk evaluation similar to any acute and severe infection.
Molecular typing of fluoroquinolone-resistant and fluoroquinolone-susceptible Escherichia coli isolated from blood of neutropenic cancer patients in a single center
Authors: Carlo Tascini, Francesco Menichetti, Silvia Bozza, Monica Fedele, Roberta Preziosi, Massimo Allegrucci, Albano Del Favero, Alessandra Micozzi, Piero Martino, Francesco Bistoni
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection (1999)
Immunohistological pointers to a possible role for excessive cathelicidin (LL‐37) expression by apocrine sweat glands in the pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa
Authors: V.U. Emelianov, F.G. Bechara, R. Gläser, E.A. Langan, W.M. Taungjaruwinai, J.M. Schröder, K.C. Meyer, R. Paus
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2011)

The cause of follicular occlusion, a key early event in the pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), also known as acne inversa, remains unknown.To identify changes, if any, in the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) and cytokine expression profile of HS affected human skin.Quantitative immunohistomorphometry was used to compare the in situ protein expression of selected AMPs and cytokines in lesional HS skin from 18 patients with that in healthy skin (n = 12). The lesional skin from patients with HS was histologically subclassified based on the predominance of inflammation vs. scarring.Compared with healthy controls, significantly increased immunoreactivity for cathelicidin (LL-37) was noted in the apocrine sweat gland and distal outer root sheath (ORS) of the hair follicle (HF) epithelium in lesional HS skin. Immunoreactivity for LL-37, psoriasin, human β-defensin 3 (hBD3), α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-8 was significantly increased in HS epidermis. LL-37 and TNF-α immunoreactivity was also increased in the dermis of lesional HS skin. In contrast, lysozyme expression was decreased in the epidermis of lesional HS skin, while that of TNF-α and IL-8 was decreased in the proximal ORS of HFs in HS lesions. These differences were most pronounced in HS with predominant inflammation. Our observations raise the question as to whether excessive secretion of AMPs by the skin, in particular by the apocrine sweat glands, distal HF epithelium, and epidermis, may attract inflammation and thus facilitate or promote HS development.
Estrogen Receptors α and β
Authors: Yvonne K. Hodges, Lin Tung, Xiang-Dong Yan, J. Dinny Graham, Kathryn B. Horwitz, Lawrence D. Horwitz
Journal: Circulation (2000)

Background —Estrogens have vascular effects through the activation of estrogen receptors (ERs). In addition to ERα, the first ER to be cloned, a second subtype called ERβ has recently been discovered. Methods and Results —Using a reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay that employs the same primer pair to simultaneously amplify ERα and ERβ transcripts, we found that ERβ is the ER form that is predominantly expressed in human vascular smooth muscle, particularly in women. The transcriptional effects of the 2 ERs in transfected HeLa cells differed. In response to 17β-estradiol, ERα is a stronger transactivator than ERβ at low receptor concentrations. However, at higher receptor concentrations, ERα activity self-squelches, and ERβ is a stronger transactivator. Tamoxifen has partial agonist effects with ERα but not with ERβ. Conclusions —The protective effects of estrogens in the cardiovascular system of women may be due to the genomic effects of ERβ in vascular tissue.