tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Comparison of functional capacity, muscle strength, body composition in patients with cystic fibrosis, non-cystic bronchiectasis and healthy controls
Authors: Meral Bosnak-Guclu, Melda Saglam, Zeynep Aribas, Sema Savci, Deniz Inal-Ince, Hulya Arikan, Ebru Yalcin, Ugur Ozcelik
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Aim: We aimed to compare functional capacity, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, and body composition in patients with cystic fibrosis, non-cystic bronchiectasis and healthy controls.

Methods: 43 with bronchiectasis, 36 patients with cystic fibrosis, and 35 age-sex matched controls were included. Body composition was evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Pulmonary function test was performed. Respiratory muscle strength (MIP and MEP) was evaluated using a mouth pressure device, quadriceps muscle strength using a dynamometer, functional capacity using six-minute walk test (6MWT).

Results: 

The weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and fat free mass, pulmonary functions, MIP and MEP, quadriceps muscle strength, 6MWT distance, were significantly lower in patients with bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis compared with healthy controls (p<0.05). 24 patients (56%) with bronchiectasis, 23 (64%) patients with cystic fibrosis had malnutrition. 12 (28%) bronchiectasis, 16 (44%) cystic fibrosis patients' MIP were weaker than 95%CI (80-150 cmH2O) of the controls. 8 (19%) bronchiectasis, 8 (22%) cystic fibrosis patients' 6MWT distance were shorter than 95%CI (576-871 m) of the controls. 9 (21%) bronchiectasis, 7 (19%) cystic fibrosis patients' quadriceps muscle were weaker than 95%CI (160-500 N) of the controls.

Conclusion: Body composition, pulmonary function, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength and functional capacity are impaired in bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis patients. Malnutrition may lead these impairments. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs should be adjusted to improve these outcomes.
The clinical significance of negative flow cytometry immunophenotypic results in a morphologically scored positive bone marrow in patients following treatment for acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Juan Ouyang, Maitrayee Goswami, Guilin Tang, Jie Peng, Farhad Ravandi, Naval Daver, Mark Routbort, Sergej Konoplev, Pei Lin, L. Jeffrey Medeiros, Jeffrey L. Jorgensen, Sa A. Wang
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (2015)

In a patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) following therapy, finding ≥5% bone marrow (BM) blasts is highly concerning for residual/relapsed disease. Over an 18-month period, we performed multicolor flow cytometry immunophenotyping (MFC) for AML minimal residual disease on >4,000 BM samples, and identified 41 patients who had ≥5% myeloblasts by morphology but negative by MFC. At the time of a negative MFC study, an abnormal cytogenetic study converted to negative in 14 patients and remained positive at a low level (2.5-9.5%) by fluorescence in situ hybridization in 3 (14%), of the latter, abnormalities subsequently disappeared in the repeated BM in 2 patients. Positive pretreatment mutations, including FLT3, NPM1, IDH1, CEBPA, became negative in all 10 patients tested. Of the seven patients with favorable cytogenetics, PML/RARA, CBFB-MYH11 or RUNX1-RUNX1T1 fusion transcripts were detected at various levels in six patients but all patients remained in complete remission. With no additional chemotherapy given, 39 patients had BM repeated (median 2 weeks, range <1-21), and all cases showed <5% BM blasts and a continuously negative MFC. In the end of follow-up (median 10 months, range 1-22), 13 patients experienced relapse, 12/13 showing clonal cytogenetic evolution/switch and 11 demonstrating major immunophenotypic shifts. We conclude that MFC is useful in identifying a regenerating BM sample with ≥5% BM blasts that would otherwise be scored as positive using standard morphologic examination. We believe this conclusion is supported by the changes in molecular cytogenetic status and the patient clinical follow-up data.
Prostate-specific antigen velocity and the odds of detecting gleason 8 to 10 prostate cancer at biopsy
Authors: A. V. D’Amico, J. Cullen, Y. Chen, D. G. McLeod
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2006)

4567 Background: Increased detection of high-grade prostate cancer was observed in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) in men receiving finasteride that halves prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and eliminates subsequent PSA rise from benign prostatic hyperplasia. Therefore despite doubling PSA, men receiving finasteride needed a larger PSA rise to exceed 4 ng/ml and have prostate biopsy recommended compared to placebo. We evaluated whether the PSA rise during the year before biopsy (PSA velocity) was associated with prostate cancer detection. Methods: Between 1/90 and 12/03, of 2125 prostate biopsies performed for a PSA exceeding 4 ng/ml or a nodule on digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate cancer was identified in 1418. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed evaluating the detection of Gleason 6 or less, 7, or 8 to 10 cancer. Covariates included the continuous variables of PSA velocity and level, number of prior negative biopsies and age and the categorical variables of ethnicity, DRE findings and family history. Results: As shown in the table , PSA velocity was only associated with Gleason 8 to 10 cancers (Adjusted Odds Ratio: 1.05 [95% Confidence Interval: 1.02 to 1.08]; p = 0.001). Age, PSA level and DRE status were associated across Gleason scores (p-values 0.005 or less), whereas family history (p-values 0.02 or less) and number of prior negative biopsies (p-values 0.01 or less) were associated with Gleason 7 or less cancers. Conclusion: PSA velocity is associated with Gleason 8 to 10 cancers at biopsy providing rationale for the PCPT results and a tool to enhance detection of clinically significant prostate cancer. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Prevalence of obstructive and restrictive functional patterns in a population of enviromental asbestos exposed
Authors: Silvano Dragonieri, Paolo Trerotoli, Pierluigi Carratu, Onofrio Resta, Marina Musti
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

BACKGROUND. Tremolite is one of the six recognized types of asbestos. This material is toxic and inhaling the fibers can lead to asbestosis, lung cancer and both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. Resident population in the area of Lagonegro (Basilicata, Italy) has been shown to be exposed to enviromental tremolite pollution, deriving from superficial rocks and asbestos caves. A branch of the ongoing health surveillance program for residents is evaluating the prevalence of obstructive or restrictive pulmonary functional patterns.  METHODS. A total number of 1353 individuals were included into this study. The study group was composed by 695 residents in the tremolite-exposed area of Lagonegro (age 49.35±16.68, current smokers 122, ex-smokers 134). The control group was composed by 658 individuals living in areas not tremolite-exposed (age 54.13±17.75, current smokers 121, ex-smokers 174). All the participants to the study performed a lung function test.  RESULTS. Prevalence of obstructive disease was 0.58% in the exposed group and 2.58% in the non-exposed group (p=0.029). Only current or ex smokers showed obstructive pattern respectively 3.7% and 3.9%. Odds Ratio for obstructive disease in tremolite-exposed subjects was 0.236 (95% CI 0.079-0.708). Prevalence of restrictive disease was 5.2% in the exposed group and 5.9% in the non-exposed group (p=0.539)  CONCLUSIONS. According to our data, tremolite exposure has apparently no influence on the prevalence of functional respiratory deficit. It is necessary to follow the exposed group in time by repeated measurements.
Letter from Ethiopia: Harnessing the strengths of the leprosy programme to control tuberculosis
Authors: D. N J Lockwood, P. R Saunderson
Journal: BMJ (1995)

Tuberculosis remains a leading cause of death in Ethiopia but there is no effective national tuberculosis control programme. By contrast, the leprosy control programme has been very successful, with a 10-fold reduction in the number of leprosy cases requiring antibacterial treatment, though patients with nerve damage require continuing care. The paradox of rising numbers of tuberculosis cases and declining numbers of leprosy cases may be solved by joint leprosy-tuberculosis clinics. The strengths of leprosy fieldworkers in control management, case holding, and compliance can be harnessed in developing an effective tuberculosis control programme. Implementing a joint programme in Ethiopia may be beneficial not only for tuberculosis patients but also for leprosy patients, who are thus brought closer to general medical services.
Total Anatomical Reconstruction During Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Implications on Early Recovery of Urinary Continence
Authors: Francesco Porpiglia, Riccardo Bertolo, Matteo Manfredi, Stefano De Luca, Enrico Checcucci, Ivano Morra, Roberto Passera, Cristian Fiori
Journal: European Urology (2015)
Prolonged treatment (2 years) with different doses (3 versus 6 MU) of interferon α-2b for chronic hepatitis type C
Authors: Giorgio Saracco, Elisabetta Borghesio, Pietro Mesina, Antonello Solinas, Claudia Spezia, Franco Macor, Vittorio Gallo, Livio Chiandussi, Carlo Donada, Valter Donadon, Fulvio Spirito, Alessandra Mangia, Angelo Andriulli, Giorgio Verme, Mario Rizzetto
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (1997)
Breast change perception in women after smoking cessation
Authors: Cinzia De Marco, Giovanni Invernizzi, Rosalba Miceli, Luigi Mariani, Anna Villarini, Elena Munarini, Roberto Mazza, Roberto Boffi
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Aims and background:  There are several barriers to smoking cessation that are unique to women. Compared to men, women report lower levels of motivation to quit and greater perceived difficulty with cessation. However, recent studies might favour commitment by women to quit through higher risk perception related e.g. to the development of premature facial wrinkling or to the decrease of mammographic density due to cigarette smoking.   Methods:  To evaluate the perception of breast change after cessation and its possible motivational effect on manteinance, we interviewed 25 premenopausal women who had quit ≥ 1 year before. We obtained information and discussed with them about change in breast size and turgor. The two groups of women with and without breast change were statistically compared. with the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test (continuous variables) and the Fisher test (categorical variables).   Results:  Median age was 41 years (range: 30-49 years). Median CO before quitting was 18 ppm and PY was 22.5; both these parameters characterize a category of mild smokers. Sixteen women (64%) reported breast change at 6 months after smoking quitting. Such an outcome was paralleled by only moderate effects on weight or BMI increase after quitting: Notably, of the 16 women with breast change, only 3 (19%) with a normal baseline BMI showed a BMI increase to >25.   Conclusions:  These results indicate that women in pre-menopausal status reported subjective perception of change in breast size after smoking cessation, which may not be totally explained by weight gain. Further studies are needed to understand the effect, if any, of such perception on motivation to quit smoking.
COMPLEMENT-DERIVED LEUKOTACTIC FACTORS IN PATHOLOGICAL FLUIDS
Authors: Peter A. Ward
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1971)

Leukotactic factors derived from the complement sequence consist of C5-related products, including the small cleavage product and the higher molecular weight complex (C567). A leukotactically active cleavage product (of low molecular weight) has also been described. The C5-related factors have been found in two conditions: soluble tissue extracts of immunologic vasculitis and in synovial fluids from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The C3-related product has been found in synovial fluids from patients with inflammatory, nonrheumatoid arthritis and in extracts of experimentally infarcted myocardium. The presence of these factors may be causally related to the acute inflammatory nature of the cellular exudates.
Impact of allergy diagnosis on patients' perceptions and experience of HDM allergy: A European survey
Authors: Christine Rolland, Michèle Lheritier-Barrand, Lisa Tauleigne, Marie David, Lise Lemonnier, Erkka Valovirta
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background: We assessed allergy awareness and diagnosis in a survey in four European countries. A post-hoc analysis determined the impact of diagnostic status on the perception of house dust mite (HDM) allergy and its management.  Methods: 4016 adults (France: n=1001; Germany: n=1002; Italy: n=1004; Spain: n=1009) answered an anonymous, online, questionnaire on their perception and personal experience of HDM allergy. The results were analyzed according to whether the subjects had been diagnosed with HDM allergy by a physician (n=611) or not. Survey procedures complied with the ESOMAR International Code of Marketing and Social Research Practice.  Results: 56% of the overall survey population stated that they experienced symptoms (repetitive sneezing, nasal discharge, stuffy nose, eye irritation and breathing difficulties). 15% had been diagnosed with HDM allergy and another 23% thought that they were allergic to HDMs but had not been diagnosed. Of the diagnosed patients, 47% presented year-round symptoms, 35% had seasonal symptoms and 14% rarely had symptoms. A high proportion of diagnosed patients considered that their symptoms were due to dust (66%) or indoor air pollution (27%), versus 66% for HDMs. 87% of diagnosed patients felt well informed, whereas 37% of the latter had not identified HDMs as the cause of their symptoms. Diagnosed patients appeared to be more aware that untreated HDM allergy can progress to asthma and that HDM allergy is difficult to treat.  Conclusion: Physician-diagnosed HDM allergy patients had greater levels of awareness of HDM allergy and its management than non-diagnosed patients. However, some topics need to be reinforced through health education measures.
Use of minor tranquilizers and antidepressant medications by depressed outpatients: results from the medical outcomes study
Authors: K B Wells, W Katon, B Rogers, P Camp
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1994)

The purpose of this study was to compare use of minor tranquilizers and antidepressant medications by depressed outpatients across different treatment settings.The study subjects were 634 patients with current depressive disorder or depressive symptoms who visited general medical clinicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, or other therapists. Data on use of medication in different types of clinical practices with different types of payment plans were gathered from structured interviews by study clinicians and from surveys of patients.Of the depressed patients, 23% had recently used an antidepressant medication and 30% had used a minor tranquilizer. The level of use was similar for different types of depression. Patients of psychiatrists were the most likely to use medications. In the practices of physicians, but not nonphysicians, the more severely distressed patients were more likely to use antidepressant medications. Of the patients taking an antidepressant medication, 39% used an inappropriately low dose. Patients in prepaid health care plans were twice as likely as those in fee-for-service care to use minor tranquilizers.Less than one-third of the depressed outpatients used antidepressant medications, and the probability of use was similar for major depression and other types of depression for which efficacy is less well established. Use of antidepressant medications among patients of nonphysicians was unrelated to the level of psychological sickness, suggesting the need for more cooperation among provider groups. Minor tranquilizers were used more often than antidepressants, particularly among patients in prepaid plans, despite controversy over their efficacy.
Biphasic cuirass ventilation decreased the indices of pulmonary circulation in patients with secondary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Yoko Sato, Takuma Asakura, Noriyuki Saeki, Kazutetsu Aoshiba, Toru Kotani
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Introduction:  Biphasic cuirass ventilation (BCV) is a non-invasive extrathoracic positive/negative pressure mechanical ventilation. We reported BCV decreased pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in patients with secondary pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to chronic respiratory failure (CRF). In this study, we investigated the effect of BCV on pulmonary circulation to seek the mechanism of decreasing PAP.   Methods:  Fifteen steady-state PH caused by CRF patients were included. None were given vasodilator and nor diagnosed dehydration. PH was defined as mean PAP (mPAP) >20mmHg determined by right heart catheterization (RHC). Control mode was applied in combination with negative/positive pressure between -15 and - 25cmH2O/3 and 10cmH2O. BCV was performed 1 hour/day for 2 week not to exhaust the patients. Data from RHC, the serum levels of N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and noradrenalin were obtained before and after the trial of BCV. Patients were interviewed the comfort around BCV. Data were analyzed by the Wilcoxon test p   Results:  mPAP, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure and cardiac index decreased significantly (27.3 to 23.1 mmHg, p=0.004, 13.9 to 9.4 mmHg, p=0.018, and 2.72 to 2.44 l/min/m 2 , P=0.035, respectively) without the increase in pulmonary vascular resistance index. NT-proBNP significantly decreased (240.6 to 110.4 pg/ml, p=0.025, respectively), but noradrenalin didn9t change. Eleven patients (73%) answered comfortable during and after BCV.   Conclusions:  The results suggest BCV decreases cardiac load in these patients. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical and physiological effects of BCV.
Objective measure of patients’ understanding of their role in a randomized trial: A multicenter case-control study
Authors: T. Leroy, V. Christophe, S. Clisant, P. Antoine, L. Vanlemmens, E. Fournier, N. Penel
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2009)

e17500 Background: Informed consent process is the key-element of the ethical considerations of clinical trials. Several reports have shown that even having been through this process, enrolled patients misunderstand the modalities and goals of randomized clinical trials (RCT). The purpose of this study is to compare individuals’ objective understanding about RCT between patients already included (cases) and patients treated under standard care who have never received information about clinical trials (controls). Methods: We submitted a standardized questionnaire to both populations to explore the objective understanding of RCT. This questionnaire includes 10 ended-questions (q) exploring: understanding of underlying legislation (3 q), understanding of conditions of study withdrawal (3 q), understanding of randomization (2 q) and understanding of uncertainty (2 q). Results: 75 cases and 107 controls were included in the present study. Three questions are associated with a rate of good responses close to 70% in both populations: anonymity of collected data (66% in controls vs 81% in cases), existence of legislation protecting patients (73% vs 76%) and right to withdraw in case of toxicity (73% vs 82%). Understanding of cases is statistically better (p &lt; 0.05) for 6 other questions: physicians duty to tell everything about the trial (44% vs 68%), right to withdraw from the study without giving any reason (38% vs 73%), withdrawing does not jeopardies the quality of further care (40% vs 71%), all the patients do not receive the same treatment (56% vs 73%), allocation at random (12% vs 52%) and uncertainty about benefits (20% vs 38%). At last, the rate of correct responses is similar and very low for the question exploring the uncertainty about toxicity (43% vs 44%). Conclusions: Informed consent actually improves enrolled patients’ understanding of RCT. Nevertheless, additional efforts should be made to increase the quality of the transmission of information about randomization and uncertainty. [Table: see text]
The importance of not only individual, but also community and society factors in resilience in later life
Authors: Kate Mary Bennett, Gillian Windle
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (2015)

Little work has focused on resilience amongst older adults, and few factors have been identified that promote their resilience. Kalisch et al. suggest that socioenvironmental factors are distant influences. We argue, however, that community and societal influences are as important as individual ones. Further, an ecological framework explains why some older adults are resilient whilst others are not.
Effect of addition of statins to antiviral therapy in hepatitis C virus–infected persons: Results from ERCHIVES
Authors: Adeel A. Butt, Peng Yan, Hector Bonilla, Abdul‐Badi Abou‐Samra, Obaid S. Shaikh, Tracey G. Simon, Raymond T. Chung, Shari S. Rogal
Journal: Hepatology (2015)

3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) have been variably noted to affect hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment response, fibrosis progression, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence, with some having a more potent effect than others. We sought to determine the impact of adding statins to antiviral therapy upon sustained virological response (SVR) rates, fibrosis progression, and HCC development among HCV‐infected persons using the Electronically Retrieved Cohort of HCV Infected Veterans (ERCHIVES), an established, longitudinal, national cohort of HCV‐infected veterans. Within ERCHIVES, we identified those who received HCV treatment and a follow‐up of &gt;24 months after treatment completion. We excluded those with human immunodeficiency virus coinfection, hepatitis B surface antigen positivity, cirrhosis, and HCC at baseline. Our main outcomes were liver fibrosis progression measured by FIB‐4 scores, SVR rates, and incident HCC (iHCC). Among 7,248 eligible subjects, 46% received statin therapy. Statin use was significantly associated with attaining SVR (39.2% vs. 33.3%; P &lt; 0.01), decreased cirrhosis development (17.3% vs. 25.2%; P &lt; 0.001), and decreased iHCC (1.2% vs. 2.6%; P &lt; 0.01). Statins remained significantly associated with increased odds of SVR (odds ratio = 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.29, 1.61), but lower fibrosis progression rate, lower risk of progression to cirrhosis (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.56; 95% CI = −0.50, 0.63), and of incident HCC (HR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.34, 0.76) after adjusting for other relevant clinical factors. Conclusions : Statin use was associated with improved virological response (VR) rates to antiviral therapy and decreased progression of liver fibrosis and incidence of HCC among a large cohort of HCV‐positive Veterans. These data support the use of statins in patients with HCV. (Hepatology 2015) H epatology 2015;62:365–374