tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Exhaled breath biomarkers in patients with ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP)
Authors: Ulrike Grigat, Phillip Trefz, Patricia Fucs, Jochen Schubert, Wolfram Miekisch
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) in breath have been described as biomarkers of metabolism, oxidative stress and cancer. This pilot study was intended to find out whether VAP related breath biomarkers could be recognized by means of a smart and rapid combination of VOC sample preparation and analysis.  20 mechanically ventilated patients (10 with pneumonia, 10 controls) were investigated. 15 mL of alveolar gas were withdrawn from the respiratory circuit. VOCs were pre-concentrated by means of needle trap micro extraction (NTME) at the bedside and identified/ quantified by means of gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Results were analysed using ANOVA on ranks.  Expired concentrations of VOC9s ranged from (400 pptV to 3000 ppbV (0.02 to 14.2 nmol/L). Exhaled acetone concentrations were higher in control patients (median 2895 ppbV vs. 187 ppbV, p=0.037). VAP patients exhaled lower concentrations of C8 aldehydes (median 2.061 ppbV vs. 19.683 ppbV, p=0.013) than control patients. Exhaled pentane showed a tendency to higher concentrations in VAP patients (median 9.907 ppbV vs. 6.040 ppbV).  The NTME- GC/MS assay enabled reliable detection of volatile substances from ventilated patients in trace amounts. Elevated pentane concentrations indicate oxidative stress in VAP, reduced aldehyde concentrations may be due to chemical quenching through ROS or ONOO- present in the alveoli of pneumonia patients. Analysis of exhaled oxygenated compounds bears the potential of non invasive monitoring and recognition of pathological pulmonary processes.
Adults and children with small non-cleaved-cell lymphoma have a similar excellent outcome when treated with the same chemotherapy regimen.
Authors: I Magrath, M Adde, A Shad, D Venzon, N Seibel, J Gootenberg, J Neely, C Arndt, M Nieder, E Jaffe, R A Wittes, I D Horak
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1996)

PURPOSE We have used identical treatment protocols for adults and children with small non-cleaved-cell lymphoma (SNCL) for many years and report here the results of two successive treatment regimens in these age groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS Seventy-two patients (39 adults and 33 children) were treated with protocol 77-04 between 1977 and 1985. All patients, except those with resected abdominal disease, received 15 cycles of a combination of cyclophosphamide (CTX), doxorubicin (ADR), prednisone (PRED), vincristine (VCR), high-dose methotrexate (MTX), and intrathecal (IT) therapy. Forty-one patients (20 adults and 21 children) were treated with protocol 89-C-41, which has been used since 1989. High-risk patients received four alternating cycles (with a total duration of 12 to 15 weeks) of an intensified version of protocol 77-04 without PRED (CODOX-M), and a new drug combination consisting of ifosfamide, etoposide, high-dose cytarabine (ara-C), and IT MTX (IVAC). Low-risk patients received three cycles of the CODOX-M regimen. High-risk patients were randomized to either receive or not receive granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). RESULTS Event-free survival (EFS) in protocol 77-04 was 56% at 2 years and beyond. EFS in protocol 89-C-41 was 92% at 2 years and beyond. GM-CSF was associated with increased thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSION Adults and children with SNCL have a similar prognosis when treated with the same chemotherapy. EFS in high-risk patients has been markedly improved by including IVAC in protocol 89-C-41, and excellent results can be achieved with only four cycles of therapy. In protocol 89-C-41, GM-CSF was not beneficial.
SF3B1 mutation identifies a distinct subset of myelodysplastic syndrome with ring sideroblasts
Authors: Luca Malcovati, Mohsen Karimi, Elli Papaemmanuil, Ilaria Ambaglio, Martin Jädersten, Monika Jansson, Chiara Elena, Anna Gallì, Gunilla Walldin, Matteo G. Della Porta, Klas Raaschou-Jensen, Erica Travaglino, Klaus Kallenbach, Daniela Pietra, Viktor Ljungström, Simona Conte, Emanuela Boveri, Rosangela Invernizzi, Richard Rosenquist, Peter J. Campbell, Mario Cazzola, Eva Hellström Lindberg
Journal: Blood (2015)
The one-stop dyspepsia clinic—an alternative to open-access endoscopy for patients with dyspepsia
Authors: M D Rutter, A F Michie, P N Trewby
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1998)

The most sensitive investigative tool for the upper gastrointestinal tract is endoscopy, and many gastroenterologists offer an open-access endoscopy service to general practitioners. However, for patients with dyspepsia, endoscopy is not always the most appropriate initial investigation, and the one-stop dyspepsia clinic allows for different approaches. We have audited, over one year, the management and outcomes of patients attending a one-stop dyspepsia clinic. All patients seen in the clinic were included, and for those not endoscoped the notes were reviewed one year after the end of the study to check for reattendances and diagnoses originally missed. Patients' and general practitioners' views of the service were assessed by questionnaire. 485 patients were seen, of whom 301 (62%) were endoscoped at first attendance. In 66 patients (14%), endoscopy was deemed inappropriate and only one of these returned subsequently for endoscopy. 118 patients (24%) were symptom-free when seen in the clinic and were asked to telephone for an appointment if and when symptoms recurred; half of these returned and were endoscoped. Oesophagitis and duodenal ulcer were significantly more common in this ‘telephone endoscopy' group than in those endoscoped straight from the clinic. Overall, 25% of patients referred were not endoscoped. Important additional diagnoses were made from the clinic consultation. General practitioners and patients valued the system, in particular the telephone endoscopy service. 84% of general practitioners said they would prefer the one-stop dyspepsia clinic to open-access endoscopy.
Update: raccoon rabies epizootic - United States and Canada, 1999.
Authors: A. Wandeler, R. C. Rosatte, D. Williams, T. K. Lee, K. T. Gensheimer, J. T. Montero, C. V. Trimarchi, D. L. Morse, S. R. Jenkins, C. Berryman
Journal: MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (2000)
Protecting children from second-hand smoke
Authors: Claudia E. Kuehni, Juerg Barben
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2015)

Since the 1970s, we have known that second-hand smoke (SHS) makes children sick, but we have only recently begun to quantify tobacco-related ill health, and to monitor the effects of public health interventions. In this issue of the European Respiratory Journal , Been et al. [1] quantify, for the first time, the effects of smoke-free legislation on hospitalisations for paediatric respiratory infections. Effects of smoke-free legislation on paediatric RTIs: more evidence that child health can be easily improved <http://ow.ly/OPcWd> We thank Kali Tal (Institute for Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland) for her editorial contributions.
Plant Kunitz proteinase inhibitor attenuates inflammation, oxidative stress and remodeling induced by elastase in mice
Authors: Edna A. Leick, Osmar A. Theodoro-Junior, Renato F. Righetti, Rafael Almeida-Reis, Leandro Oliva, Bruno T. Martins Oliveira, Natalia M. Pinheiro, Carla Máximo Prado, Maria Luiza Vilela Oliva, Milton A. Martins, Iolanda F.L.C. Tibério
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Introduction : Pulmonary emphysema is one of the major components of COPD and results from chronicinflammation, oxidative stress and remodeling process.  Aims: To evaluate if a plant proteinase inhibitor (EcTI) modulates inflammatory, oxidative stress and remodeling alterations induced by elastase.  Methods:  C57Bl6 mice received elastase intratracheally (50ml/animal ELA group). Control group received saline (SAL group). Afterwards, mice were treated with EcTI (0.2mg/kg) at days 1, 14 and 21 after elastase instillation (ELA-EcTI group). At day 28, lungs were removed, samples of lung parenchyma were stained for neutrophils, macrophage (MAC-2), TNF-α, MMP-9 and 12, TIMP-1, iNOS, eNOS-positive cells and volume fraction of 8-iso-PGF-2α, were counted using morphometry.  Results : In ELA group, there was a significant increase in neutrophils, MAC-2, TNF-α, MMP-9 and12, TIMP-1, iNOS, eNOS-positive cells and volume fraction of 8-iso-PGF-2α compared to controls (p 4 μm 2 ), MAC-2 (0.87±0.12/10 4 μm 2 ), TNF-α (2.11±0.31/10 4 μm 2 ), MMP-9 (8.7±1.42/10 4 μm 2 ), MMP-12 (9.49±0.37/10 4 μm 2 ), TIMP-1 (11.3±1.08/10 4 μm 2 ), iNOS (1.94±0.29/10 4 μm 2 ), eNOS (1.51±0.26/10 4 μm 2 ) and decreased the amount of the volume fraction of 8-iso-PG2α (11.08±0.64%) compared to ELA group (p Conclusions: The EcTI reduced elastase-induced pulmonary inflammatory, oxidative stress and extracellular matrix remodeling alterations induced by elastase. Although more studies need to be performed, this inhibitor may contribute as potential therapeutic tool for COPD management.  Financial Support : FAPESP, CNPq, LIM-20 HCFMUSP.
Suicide by vehicular crash
Authors: C W Schmidt, J W Shaffer, H I Zlotowitz, R S Fisher
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1977)

The authors evaluated data on 182 fatally injured and 96 nonfatally injured drivers involved in vehicular crashes over a 6-year period. Only 1.7% of the total fatal crashes were considered to have been suicides, and 1% of the nonfatal crashes were deemed suicide attempts. Neither group of drivers had unusually high incidences of previous suicidal ideation or behavior, but both groups tended to be socially deviant, with above average levels of psychopathology and social aggressiveness. Crash victims in both groups also had poor driving records and high rates of alcohol abuse, findings that have important implications for accident prevention.
Bronchial and alveolar exhaled nitric oxide as a marker of systemic involvement in patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Mario Malerba, Beatrice Ragnoli, Alessandro Radaeli, Chiara Ricci, Francesco Lanzarotto, Alberto Lanzini
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Background:  Crohn9s Disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease often associated with a variety of systemic manifestations, including airways involvement. Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FENO) can be measured non invasively at low (bronchial air) and high (alveolar air) flows to reflect proximal airway inflammation, and systemic inflammation.  The aim of our study was to compare both bronchial and alveolar FENO as an index of pulmonary involvement and of systemic inflammation in CD patients with different stages of clinical activity, with a group of healthy subjects.   Methods:  Thirty CD patients (age 43.10±14.6 yrs) without clinical evidence of pulmonary diseases and 21 non smokers, not atopic healthy controls (age 35.1±13.2 yrs) were enrolled.   Results:  Bronchial (14.9±10.2 ppb vs 10.1±6.3 ppb, p=0.049) and alveolar FENO (4.4±2.2 ppb vs 2.6±1.9; p=0.006) were significantly higher in CD patients than in healthy controls, respectively. Both bronchial (p=0.0016) and alveolar FENO (p=0.017) were positively correlated with Crohn9s Disease Activity Index.   Conclusions:  Our results for bronchial and alveolar FENO confirm subclinical pulmonary involvement in Crohn9s disease. FENO may be of clinical value during follow-up of these patients as a surrogate marker of systemic inflammation.
Surgical outcome of lobular neoplasia diagnosed in core biopsy: Prospective study of 316 cases.
Authors: Barbara Susnik, Deborah Day, Janet Krueger, Ellen Abeln, Tara Bowman, Tamera J Lillemoe
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2014)

4 Background: Recommendations for management of lobular neoplasia (LN) including lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) diagnosed in core biopsy specimens (CB) are controversial. The aim of our prospective study is to identify subset of patients with LN diagnosed in CB who do not require subsequent surgical excision (SE). Methods: All patients with a diagnosis of ALH or LCIS on CB were referred for SE. Cases with coexistent DCIS or invasive breast carcinoma were excluded. Cases with coexistent ductal atypia including FEA or ADH (LN-DA) and LCIS variants including pleomorphic or necrotic LCIS (LN-V) were separated from classic LN (LN-C). Dedicated breast pathologists and radiologists reviewed all cases with careful imaging/pathology (IP) correlation. Results: From June 2008 to December 2013, 13,772 percutaneous breast CB procedures were performed. A total of 370 patients with LN diagnosed on CB were referred to SE. 302 (82%) patients with 316 lesions underwent SE within 2 months after initial diagnosis. Average age was 55.3, 27% had positive family history and 4% had previous breast carcinoma. After patients with synchronous ipsilateral CB showing cancer were excluded (20 patients) from upgrade analysis, the diagnostic groups included 228 LN-C, 15 LN-V and 53 LN-DA. In the LN-C group I/P discordance represented 6/228 cases (2.6%). Upgrade to carcinoma of LN-C varied between discordant (6/6) and concordant cases (8/222=3.6%). In comparison, upgrades were seen in 26.7% LN-V (4/15), and 28.3% LN-DA (15/53). For concordant LN-C, the imaging target was calcifications in 176/222 cases (81%); 7 were associated with upgrade (3.9%). Upgrades were rare for MRI targeted lesions (0/14) and mass lesions (1/32). Overall, upgrades were similar for ALH and LCIS (3.4% vs. 4.5 %). Conclusions: While LN with nonclassic morphology or with associated ductal atypia requires SE, this can be avoided in classic LN diagnosed on CB targeting calcifications when careful imaging/pathology correlation is applied; the likelihood of unsuspected cancer diagnosis is minimal and limited to coincidental cases. Until larger numbers are studied, excising classic LN diagnosed as masses or MRI detected lesions may be prudent.
Abstract 12: The Effect of Extracellular Matrix Stiffness on Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Alison L Müller, Yun Li, Boris Hinz, Darren H Freed
Journal: Circulation Research (2014)

Differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) has been shown to be influenced by the surrounding microenvironment. It is important to understand the physiological implications of the hMSC microenvironment regarding differentiation within the body, especially in patients with cardiovascular disease. We are interested in understanding the influence of differing extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness found in the body that the MSC encounters during its journey from the bone marrow to the infarct scar in patients recovering from a myocardial infarction. As hMSCs must respond rapidly to their environment, we also investigated the influence of microRNA at different surface tensions. HMSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of patients undergoing open heart surgery and cultured in standard DMEM/F12 with 20% FBS. We plated these cells on fibronectin-coated plates with surface tensions of 2kPa, simulating bone marrow; 15kPa, simulating left ventricle; and 100kPa, simulating a fibrotic environment. Protein and mRNA were collected for further analysis. Our data have revealed that softer surface tensions, representing a bone marrow-undifferentiating environment, cause a decrease in the protein expression of EDA-fibronectin and alpha-smooth muscle actin. There were also increases in mRNA of myosin heavy chain-9 and 10, and collagen-1. Softer surface tensions also show a slight increase in miR-301a, although at 15kPa, miR-301a expression is increased even further. Our lab has previously shown that miR-301a is involved in maintaining a proliferative phenotype of hMSCs. Interestingly, Dicer1, responsible for processing microRNAs, is upregulated at softer surface tensions and attenuated at 15kPa. Dicer1 mRNA expression is attenuated at 15kPa. These results indicate that ECM stiffness influences hMSC differentiation and the increase in Dicer1 found with softer matrices could represent an umbrella miRNA inhibition effect to effectively suppress hMSC differentiation.
The effect of work on asthma in middle-aged men having asthma from youth
Authors: Irmeli Lindström, Hille Suojalehto, Paula Pallasaho, Antti Lauerma, Antti Karjalainen
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

AIMS: We studied the effect of current workplace exposure on current asthma severity, asthma control and occurrence of exacerbations in a population of approximately 40-year old men having asthma since their youth.  METHODS: We used Finnish Defence Force registers, 1986-1990, to select: (1) conscripts with asthma to represent a mild/moderate asthma group (n=485), (2) asthmatics who were exempted from military service to represent a relatively severe asthma group (n=393) and (3) a control group (n=1500) without asthma. A questionnaire consisting of validated questions on asthma and occupations was sent out in 2009 and current occupational exposure was estimated with asthma Job Exposure Matrix (JEM). Asthma severity was evaluated with the modified GINA guidelines and control with the Asthma Control Test. Logistic regression was used in risk factor analyses. A total of 54% of the men in asthma group 1, 44% of those in asthma group 2 and 44% of the controls answered.  RESULTS: A total of 17.7% of the men in asthma group 1 and 40.5% of the subjects in asthma group 2 and had currently moderate or severe persistent asthma. Asthma was more often uncontrolled in asthma group 2 (28.0% vs. 15.1%, p=0.002) and exacerbations during last 12 months were more frequent (19.3% vs. 11.6%, p=0.0363). Being currently not-employed (OR 2.0, 95%CI 1.0-4.0) and self-reported occupational exposure to abnormal temperatures (OR 1.7, 95%CI 1.0-3.0) associated with asthma exacerbations, while occupational exposure based on JEM was not related to current asthma status.  CONCLUSION: Current workplace exposure seems to have only minor effect on asthma severity, control and exacerbations in 40-year old men having asthma since their youth.
Long-term follow-up study of occupational hand eczema
Authors: T. Mälkönen, K. Alanko, R. Jolanki, R. Luukkonen, K. Aalto-Korte, A. Lauerma, P. Susitaival
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2010)

Long-term follow-up studies on the prognosis and consequences of occupational hand eczema (OHE) and the prognostic risk factors for persistent OHE are sparse.To determine the medical and occupational outcome after a follow-up of 7-14 years in 605 patients diagnosed with OHE and to identify the prognostic risk factors for the continuation of hand eczema.Patients examined at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health in 1994-2001 completed a follow-up questionnaire 7-14 years after diagnosis.The hand eczema had healed (no eczema during the last year) in 40% of patients with OHE. The duration of hand eczema before diagnosis was strongly associated with the continuation of eczema. Age, sex and diagnosis (allergic or irritant contact dermatitis) were not associated with the prognosis, but skin atopy, and especially respiratory atopy, were correlated with the continuation of hand eczema. Contact allergies in general were not risk factors for persistent OHE, but the presence of a work-related chromate allergy was associated with poor healing. A total of 34% of patients had changed their occupation due to OHE, and their long-term prognosis was better than those who had not. The hand eczema of patients originally in food-related occupations continued on an unfavourable course.In the logistic model, risk factors for the continuation of OHE were a long duration of hand eczema before diagnosis, respiratory atopy, skin atopy, and continuation in the same occupation. Those who ended up changing occupation due to their OHE had a better medical and economic prognosis.
Mitochondrial DNA sequence evolution in sharks: rates, patterns, and phylogenetic inferences.
Authors: A P Martin
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (1995)

Abundant representation of sharks in the fossil record makes this group a superb system in which to investigate rates and patterns of molecular evolution and to explore the strengths and weaknesses of phylogenetic inferences from molecular data. In this report, the molecular evolution of the cytochrome b gene in sharks is described and the information related to results from phylogenetic analysis of the data evaluated in the light of a phylogeny derived independently of the molecular data. Across divergent lineages of sharks there is evidence for significant substitution rate variation, departure from compositional equilibrium, and substantial homoplasy; nevertheless, the signal of evolutionary history is evident in patterns of shared transversions and amino acid replacements.
Influence of tobacco smoking on adhesion molecules profiles in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease
Authors: Ekateina Makarova, Nikolay Menkov, Galina Varvarina, Monica Shoniya, Viktor Novikov
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Interactions between intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAM) and their ligands regulate leukocyte recruitment to inflammatory foci. Tobacco smoking dysregulates specific components of the adhesion cascade, which is pathogenic factor in smoking-induced diseases.

Aim of the study: to investigate the influence of the smoking duration on the level of soluble (s) forms of ICAM and clinical features of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD).

Patients and methods: The levels of sICAM-1 (sCD54) and sICAM-3 (sCD50) were investigated in serum of 50 patients with COPD (14 females/36 males, mean age 60+10 years, mean FEV1 58,3+12%). The patients were divided in 2 groups: 1st group with smoking duration  30 pack-year (30 patients). Control group consisted of 30 healthy donors.

Results : The frequency of COPD exacerbations and mMRC dyspnea index in patients with smoking duration >30 pack-years were significantly higher than in other group (mean exacerbation rate 2,3+0,5 and 1,3+0,7; mean mMRC index 3,4+1,2 and 2,5+1,1 respectively). The mean serum levels of sCD50 and sCD54 were significantly decreased in the 2nd group compared both with the 1st patient group and healthy donors. Correlations between smoking duration and serum sCD50 level (r=-0,43 p=0,04), as well as between FEV1 and sCD54 level (r=0,6, p=0,02) were observed.

Conclusion . Severe course and frequent COPD exacerbations in patients with prolonged smoking duration was associated with decreased levels of sCD50 and sCD54 antigens suggesting the involving of cellular adhesion disturbances in COPD pathogenesis in heavy smokers.