tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for bacterial peptidoglycan (PGN) assessment in air and house dust samples
Authors: Peter S. Thorne, Nervana Metwali
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

PGN forms the outer wall of Gram+ bacteria (Gm+B) and when liberated induces inflammation through TLR2 and NLR2. Thus, PGN is a potential marker for Gm+B. We employed 3 PGN standards, 3 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and environmental samples to develop PGN-specific EIAs.  Reagents: anti-PGN mAb clones (B10, 6F6, 3C11); Ceremide β-D-galactoside, Kerasin and Phrenosin cerebrosides for PGN capture; PGN standards:  Bacillus subtilis  (PGN-Bs),  Micrococcus luteus  (PGN-Ml) and  Staphylococcus aureau s (PGN-Sa). Evaluation methods: inhibition EIA, EIA with cerebrosides for capture and PGN mAb for labeling, and double mAb sandwich EIA. Samples from three studies were extracted in PBS plus 0.05% tween.  Kerasin proved a higher affinity receptor than other cerebrosides. The B10 and 3C11 mAb showed high specificity for PGN-Bs and PGN-Ml. The 6F6 mAb exhibited high specificity for all 3 PGN. Sandwich EIA did not provide suitable detection for the PGN perhaps because the mAb were directed toward the same epitope. Inhibition assays were inferior to the method employing cerebrosides. Cerebrosides effectively captured PGN for EIA. The 6F6 mAb bound to soluble (PGN-Sa) or insoluble (PGN-Bs; PGN-Ml) macromolecular PGN while mAb B10 and 3C11 bound preferentially to insoluble (PGN-Bs; PGN-Ml) PGN. House dust samples had mean (±SE) PGN levels of 34.45±4.70 μg/mg dust. Inhalable-fraction air samples averaged 7.52±2.90 μg/m 3  while EDC passive air samplers averaged 2740±680 μg/m 2  PGN.  These data show that our antibodies bind to an epitope on the PGN backbone that is common to many Gm+B. The sensitivity of the cerebroside-mAb EIA is sufficient for quantitation of PGN in household dust and air samples.
Surgery for Ovarian Cancer: Rationale and Guidelines
Authors: Benjamin E. Greer, Ron E. Swensen, Heidi J. Gray
Journal: Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2004)

Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer in women and the leading cause of death caused by gynecologic malignancy. Surgery plays a fundamental role in treating this challenging disease. Goals of primary surgery for ovarian cancer are to establish diagnosis, proper staging, determination of prognosis, and optimal cytoreduction of gross disease before chemotherapy for improved outcome. In addition to standard removal of the ovaries, uterus, omentum, and pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes for early disease, extended surgical techniques used to debulk advanced disease include bowel resection, splenectomy, partial liver resection, peritoneal or diaphragmatic stripping, and use of laser or ultrasound (CUSA). Secondary surgery is used in a variety of situations. Second-look procedures were performed historically to determine response to chemotherapy to delineate duration of treatment, but now are best used in a research setting with the advent of improved chemotherapeutic agents. As a high percentage of patients have a gynecologic malignancy recurrence after primary treatment, many practitioners perform secondary cytoreductive procedures for recurrent disease. Additionally, in the recurrent setting, surgery may be necessary for relief of bowel obstruction and palliation of symptoms. Surgical management of ovarian cancer must be performed by surgeons, such as gynecologic oncologists, who have a firm understanding of the disease process, display good clinical judgment, and are adequately trained to perform the complex surgery that commonly is required for appropriate care.
Antivirals for herpes simplex viruses:
Authors: Shailendra Sawleshwarkar, Dominic E Dwyer
Journal: BMJ (2015)

#### The bottom line A 25 year old woman presents to her general practitioner with a two day history of painful vulval lesions. She has not had previous episodes and does not have any significant previous medical history. She is in a new relationship with a male partner. Genital examination shows multiple vulval ulcers. Herpes simplex viruses type 1 and type 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) commonly cause mucocutaneous disease, including orolabial infections (more commonly HSV-1; for example, gingivostomatitis and “cold sores”) and genital herpes (HSV-2 or HSV-1).1 Infections may be asymptomatic (see box for classification). Other important manifestations include perinatal infection following symptomatic or asymptomatic maternal genital infection, encephalitis in children and adults, other neurological conditions (radiculitis, myelitis, and meningitis), eye disease (corneal ulceration, keratitis, iridocyclitis, acute retinal necrosis), and disseminated infections. This review will focus on use of antivirals in orolabial, genital, and neurological HSV infections. #### Classification of genital and labial herpes infection
Impact of CPAP treatment on the changes of maxi-k+ channel beta subunit-1 expression in patients affected by sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS)
Authors: Candela Caballero, Ángeles Sanchez Armengol, Mª. Jesús Dominguez-Simeón, María Abad, Carmen Carmona, Pablo Stiefel, Francisco Capote
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Regulatory function on the vasodilatation of the maxi-K+ channel beta1 subunit has been described in mouse model.CPAP treatment was shown to be related with an increase of the beta1subunit expression.Objective: To determine the relations between oxymetric and endothelial situation and subunit beta1 expression in the moment of recruitment and after 3 month of CPAP in SAHS patients.Methods: Prospective study in SAHS patients with CPAP(3 months).SAHS was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index(AHI)≥15(cardiorespiratory polygraphy).Endothelial function was evaluated with a test of postocclusive hyperemia by Laser-Doppler flowmetry.Beta1-subunit mRNA expression was made by a blood test in peripheral blood leukocytes.This two determinations were repeated 3 months after CPAP, calculating the parameter beta1b-beta1a.Results: 33 patients were enrolled with 66,7% males.Polygraphy showed a mean AHI of 61 ± 25.8,desaturation index 60 ± 25,nocturnal saturation 89.45±4.8(%),minimum nocturnal saturation 53.87± 20.34(%) and CT90 of 31.3 ± 22.7 (%).When investigating the parameter beta1b-beta1a we found a negative correlation with: nocturnal saturation(%)(R = -0.3, p = 0.02),minimum nocturnal saturation (%) (R = -0.4, p = 0.01) and area under the curve (PU / s),(R = -0, 46, p = 0.01)and a positive correlation with CT90 (R = 0.3, p = 0.04) and the slope (PU)(R = 0.4, p = 0.001).Conclusions: In our study population individuals showing worst oxymetric parametres or basal vascular endothelial situation initially achieved after 3 month of CPAP the most important improvement of beta1 subunit levels (expressed as higher values in the difference beta1b-beta1a).
Woman with learning difficulties is awarded £65 000 after “appalling” treatment by hospital:
Authors: Ingrid Torjesen
Journal: BMJ (2015)

A 64 year old woman with severe learning disabilities who was abused at Manor Hospital in Walsall and whose doll, which she used for comfort and believed to be her own baby, was severely damaged during her stay has been awarded £65 000 (€92 000; $101 000) in compensation.

The settlement agreement was approved by the High Court at an open court approval hearing that took place at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on 2 July 2015. Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs Manor Hospital, also agreed to an independent investigation. The trust has already issued a formal apology to the patient’s family and admitted causing damage to the doll.

Susan Hearsey was admitted to …
Characterization of bronchodilator response by spirometry and plethismography
Authors: Raquel Barros, Paula Pinto, Cristina Bárbara
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background: The bronchodilator response criterion is defined by ATS/ERS as an increase of FEV1 and/or FVC ≥ 12% and 200 mL. However, there are other criteria that should be evaluated in order to better characterize  bronchodilator response  Objectives: to determine lung function (LF) parameters obtained by spirometry and plethysmography, that have significant changes with  administration of bronchodilator; to quantify changes of LF parameters between pre and post bronchodilator; to characterize  response to bronchodilator according to different criteria.  Methods: We studied 52 consecutive subjects who performed LF tests, in which was detected airway obstruction with subsequent administration of bronchodilator. The sample was divided in accordance with  presence or absence of pulmonary hyperinflation (PL).  Results: All parameters increased or reduced after administration of  bronchodilator (p 25-75% ≥10% (63.5%), FEF 25-75% ≥20% (46.1%), IC≥10% (34.6%) and  reduction of Raw≥10% (32.7%). For  group without PL   criterion was  increase of FEF 25-75% ≥10% (62.2%) and in  group with PL was  increase in FEF 25-75%  ≥10% (66.7%) and  reduction of RV≥10% (66.7%).  Conclusion: This study couldn9t define a single parameter that was considered the best to characterize a positive bronchodilator response, but suggested a combination of several parameters for a correct characterization of airway reversibility.
Prescription of antitussives in asthma: A cross-sectional study in primary care in France and in Italy
Authors: David Darmon, Laurent Laforest, Eric Van Ganse, Gilles Devouassoux, Alain Follet, Laurent Letrilliart
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background:  In medical practice, asthma is often poorly controlled and guidelines inadequately followed. Prescriptions of antitussives to asthma patients by general practitioners in primary care and the characteristics of those receiving this drug category remain poorly investigated.   Aims:  To identify, in French and Italian asthma patients treated in primary care in 2008, the frequency of prescription of antitussives, and the factors associated with this prescription.   Methods:  A cross-sectional study was conducted, based on general practitioners9 electronic medical records (Cegedim-Strategic-Data). Asthma patients aged 13-40, with ≥ 4 units of prescribed respiratory drugs or ≥ 4 visits for asthma in 2007 and in 2008 were selected. Those under tiotropium were excluded. The prescription of antitussives in 2008 was described in both countries, and corresponding correlates of receiving antitussives were identified according to patient characteristics and asthma prescription patterns.   Preliminary results:  A total of 3,093 French patients (mean age 28, 50% women) and 3,872 Italian patients (mean age 29, 49% women) were included. In French asthma patients, 15% received antitussives in 2008 (3% in Italy). In France, being prescribed antitussives was mainly associated with receiving nasal therapy, oral corticosteroids, and visiting at least monthly physician (p   Conclusions:  Unlike Italy, prescription of antitussives is common in asthma management in France, and is associated with rhinitis treatment and potential markers of asthma exacerbation.
Abstract 17301: Sleep Apnea is a Predictor of Incident Heart Failure in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Findings from a Prospective Population Study
Authors: Anand S Iyer, Marjan Mujib, Mustafa Ahmed, Yan Zhang, Margaret Feller, Gregg C Fonarow, Ali Ahmed
Journal: Circulation (2010)

Background:  Sleep apnea or disordered breathing during sleep is highly prevalent in heart failure (HF) and may be associated with poor prognosis. HF is also considered a risk factor for sleep apnea. However, it is unclear whether sleep apnea is also a risk factor and predictor of incident HF.   Methods:  Of the 5795 community-dwelling adults, ≥65 years, in the Cardiovascular Health Study, 4814 were without prevalent HF and responded to the question: “Has anyone observed you while sleeping to have episodes where you stop breathing for a while and then snore or snort loudly?” Of these, 387 (8%) responded “Yes” and were considered to have self-reported sleep apnea at baseline. Cox regression models were used to estimate the associations of baseline sleep apnea with incident HF during >12 years of follow-up, adjusting for age, sex, race, income, smoking, alcohol use, self-reported general health, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, left ventricular hypertrophy, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and serum creatinine.   Results:  Participants (n=4814) had a mean (±SD) age of 73 (±6) years, 57% were women, and 16% African American. Incident HF occurred in 25% and 20% of those with and without sleep apnea (unadjusted HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.17–1.77; p=0.001; Figure). This association was attenuated but remained significant after multivariable adjustment (adjusted HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.01–1.55; p=0.041). Baseline sleep apnea had no significant association with incident acute myocardial infarction or all-cause death.   Conclusions:  In community-dwelling older adults without HF, baseline self-reported sleep apnea was associated with a significant increased risk of incident HF.
Junior doctors pledge to continue action unless Hunt improves offer
Authors: Tom Moberly
Journal: BMJ (2015)

England’s junior doctors remained defiant this week over proposed changes to their contract despite the offer of a meeting from the health secretary on Monday.

Jeremy Hunt offered to talk to the BMA junior doctors’ leader, Johann Malawana, after 13 royal medical colleges weighed into the controversy on behalf of junior doctors.1 But his offer failed to prevent a protest by junior doctors in London on Monday 28 September. Hundreds of doctors marched to Downing Street to protest against the plan to impose the new contract on junior doctors in England next summer.

Doctors …
Abstract 11713: LOX-1 Knockout Mice Preserve Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chiharu Yokoyama, Takuma Aoyama, Takeru Shiraki, Yuka Hayakawa, Toshiaki Takeyama, Kazuhiko Nishigaki, Takako Fujiwara, Hisayoshi Fujiwara, Tatsuya Sawamura, Shinya Minatoguchi
Journal: Circulation (2011)

Purpose:  Lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) regulates cardiac remodeling after ischemia-reperfusion and Angiotensin II infusion. These suggest that the oxidative stress-LOX-1 pathway is important in the pathology of heart failure. Oxidative stress is one of the major factors in doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiomyopathy. Therefore, we presumed that LOX-1 contributes to the pathogenesis of Dox-induced cardiomyopathy.   Methods:  Cardiomyopathy was induced by a single injection of Dox (20 mg/kg IP) into wild-type (WT) mice and LOX-1 knockout (KO) mice. We performed echocardiography 0,7,14 and 28 days after Dox injection. IL-1β and TNF-α were measured by ELISA. NF-κB, caspase-3 and sarcomeric protein expressions were assessed by Western blotting. Quantitative assessments, including fibrotic area (% of total tissue area) and cell size, were carried out using a multipurpose image processor.   Results:  28 days after Dox injection, both LVEDD and LVESD of LOX-1 KO mice were smaller than those of WT mice (p   Conclusions:  Our results suggest that LOX-1 plays important roles in the pathology of cardiomyopathy induced by DOX administration. The deletion of LOX-1 suppressed NF-κB activation and production of cytokines, which may lead to improvements in cardiac function and suppression of remodeling, including cell death, fibrosis and degenerative changes in the cardiomyocytes.
Effects of Anterior Hypophyseal Transplants on Intrasplenic Ovarian Grafts
Authors: Martin Silberberg, Ruth Silberberg, Helen V. Leidler
Journal: Cancer Research (1951)

In ovariectomized mice of strain A, the effects of subcutaneous anterior hypophyseal transplants on intrasplenic ovarian grafts were studied. The hypophyseal transplants promoted growth and age changes in the grafted ovaries: proliferation of follicles and lutein tissue was stimulated; epithelial tubules and old lutein tissue appeared prematurely and were increased in amount; intrasplenic tumors tended to appear early; and the ratio of granulosa-cell tumors to luteomas shifted in favor of the latter. These effects are considered to be caused by the action of both the follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones given off by the grafted hypophyses.
Association between interleukin-4 -589 gene polymorphism and lung function parameters – The Pelotas 1993 birth cohort
Authors: Fernando C. Wehrmeister, Isabel O. de Oliveira, Renata Bielemann, Fernando P. Hartwig, Pedro Hallal, Maria C. Assunção, Helen Gonçalves, Ana M.B. Menezes
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Background : Lung function in adolescence is an important indicator for good health in later life yet little is known about its possible genetic associations.  Aim : to evaluate the relationship between interleukin-4 -589 gene polymorphism (rs2243250) and lung function parameters amongst adolescents of 15 years of age.  Methods : cross-sectional analysis using data of the participants of the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort. TaqMan® Genotyping Assay was performed for allelic discrimination using ABI 7.500 Fast System (Applied Biosystems by Life Technologies-Grand Island, USA) and the possible genotypes described were CC, CT and TT. Lung function parameters were measured in absolute values (liters) of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) and forced vital capacity (FVC) using a portable spirometer Easy One (ndd Medical Techologies). Linear regression models were used, adjusting for height and skin color and stratified by sex. All analysis was conducted using Stata 13.0.  Results : Of the 5249 original cohort members, 4325 returned for follow-up visit at the age of 15. The follow-up rate was 87.5%, including those who died. Most of the participants were white female and more than a half had CC genotype for SNP -589. Compared to those with a CC genotype, TT genotype had lower FEV 1  in both girls (s = -0.08 [95% CI -0.14; -0.02]) and boys (s = -0.08 [95% CI -0.15; -0.01]). FVC was only significant amongst female with TT genotype (s = -0.08 [95% CI -0.15; -0.01]).  Conclusions : SNP -589 was associated with FEV 1  in girls but the magnitude of this association is low. Other SNPs in the genetic chain could interact with SNP -589 and contribute to lung function values.
‘Serious thigh muscle strains’: beware the intramuscular tendon which plays an important role in difficult hamstring and quadriceps muscle strains
Authors: Peter Brukner, David Connell
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2015)

Why do some hamstring and quadriceps strains take much longer to repair than others? Which injuries are more prone to recurrence? Intramuscular tendon injuries have received little attention as an element in ‘muscle strain’. In thigh muscles, such as rectus femoris and biceps femoris, the attached tendon extends for a significant distance within the muscle belly. While the pathology of most muscle injures occurs at a musculotendinous junction, at first glance the athlete appears to report pain within a muscle belly. In addition to the musculotendinous injury being a site of pathology, the intramuscular tendon itself is occasionally injured. These injuries have a variety of appearances on MRIs. There is some evidence that these injuries require a prolonged rehabilitation time and may have higher recurrence rates. Therefore, it is important to recognise the tendon component of a thigh ‘muscle strain’.
Complementary and Alternative Therapeutics: Rigorous Research is Needed to Support Claims
Authors: Jane F. Kinsel, Stephen E. Straus
Journal: The Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology (2003)

The establishment of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) in 1998 as a part of the National Institutes of Health was catalyzed by the increasing interest and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities by the public. This article presents an overview of CAM, summarizes similarities and differences between the regulatory requirements for drugs and CAM/botanical products, identifies several challenges and opportunities for conducting research to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of CAM therapeutics, and highlights the role of NCCAM in supporting and stimulating research in this area.
Clinical history and IGRA is unreliable in the diagnosis of tuberculosis
Authors: William Ricketts, Graham Bothamley
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Aim:  To monitor the stages in the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and assess whether early interferon-γ responses can be helpful.   Method:  Site – a TB clinic in a high incidence (58 per 100,000) area of London. 25 patients with suspected TB were followed through their diagnostic process. Patients were scored using a modified UCSD Clinical Suspicion of TB tool by two clinicians blinded to the patient9s identity and each other9s scores. Estimated risk of TB was made at four stages in the diagnostic process: with clinical data, TST, HIV and IGRA (QuantiFERON Gold in Tube) results; after radiology; sputum smear; and blood tests. A decision as to whether to offer treatment was made at stage two and at each stage thereafter.   Results:  Clinical history with IGRA was associated with a wide variation in estimated probability of TB (IQR 15-85%). As the diagnostic process progressed, accuracy increased (see figure) and inter-scorer variation decreased. Diagnosis of culture-negative TB was especially problematic. Despite differences between the two scorers there was no difference in the number of patients treated correctly after radiology (69% vs 54% TB; 92% vs 92% not-TB), sputum smear (67% vs 44% TB; 83% vs 92% not-TB) and other blood tests (77% vs 46% TB; 92% vs 92%not-TB).   Conclusion:  Clinical history even with IGRA results is unreliable in the diagnosis of TB. New tests for culture-negative TB would be valuable.
Hospital Bed Occupancy due to Drug-Related Problems<sup>1</sup>
Authors: Karabi Ghose
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1980)

The number of patients admitted for drug-related problems and the duration of inpatient treatment required primarily for drug reactions and/or related problems during the period 1 October to 31 December 1979 were studied in one of the three general medical units of a district general hospital. 93% of all patients were admitted as emergencies either through the casualty department or at the their own general practitioner's request. Acute self-poisoning (9.9%) and other drug-related problems (8.8%) were, respectively, the third and fifth most common causes of hospital admission. These two conditions jointly (all drug-related problems) appeared to be the second most common cause and accounted for 18.7% of hospital admissions. The mean duration of hospitalization in patients with drug-related problems, excluding self-poisoning, was approximately 8 days. This was almost identical to hospital bed occupancy due to bronchopulmonary diseases (8.3 days) and complications of diabetes mellitus (8.4 days).