tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Assessment of self-management needs among patients with COPD
Authors: David Coultas, Kathryn Wortz, Angela Cade, FengHsiu Su, Bradford Jackson, Sumihiro Suzuki, Kaming Lo, Karan Singh, Sejong Bae
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Introduction:  While self-management is an essential part of chronic illness care, little is known about patients9 perspectives of their self-management needs.   Objective:  To address this gap we conducted a cross-sectional, self-management needs assessment among patients with COPD.   Methods:  Patients were enrolled from clinics as part of a self-management intervention trial. Patient activation was categorized based on thier confidence in self-management and on motivation to participate in their care. Behavioral intentions addressed readiness to quit smoking and to meet physical activity goals. Self-efficacy was assessed using a COPD-specific scale. Open-ended questions assessed self-care facilitators, barriers, and goals.   Results:  Of 76 patients enrolled, mean age was 69.2 years with 49.1% female. For patient activation 29.0% are active, 31.6% high effort, 23.7% complacent, and 15.8% passive. Among current smokers the majority are interested in quitting with 35% contemplation, 30% preparation, and 20% action. While mean levels of reported self-efficacy were similar across domains, the proportion reporting low levels of confidence were greatest for physical activity and behavioral domains (56.6%). In a qualitative analysis of 34 interviews major themes relevant to self-management facilitators, barriers, and goals were fear (i.e., disease progression, suffocation/death), loss (i.e., functioning, independence, cherished activities), co-morbid limitations, stigma/social isolation, and desire for change (i.e., improve functioning, better care, information, understanding).   Conclusions:  The results from this cross-sectional analysis highlight the complexity of self-management support needs among patients with COPD.
Detecting Alcohol Consumption as a Cause of Emergency General Medical Admissions
Authors: S P Lockhart, Y H Carter BSc, A M Straffen, K K Pang, J McLoughlin, J H Baron
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1986)

In a general medical unit 27% of 104 admissions and 17% of bed occupancy were attributed to alcohol consumption, although only 10 of these 28 patients had classical alcohol-related conditions. Questioning on the amount of alcohol consumed was the most accurate method of screening for these patients. The brief MAST questionnaire, mean red cell volume, gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate transaminase and urate were all inadequate as screening tests. Only 13% of the admissions were defined as 'problem drinkers' on the brief MAST questionnaire, suggesting that harmful effects of alcohol are not confined to 'alcoholics'. Clinical suspicion and questions on the level of alcohol consumption are more efficient than questionnaire, biochemical or haematological screening tests in detecting alcohol-related medical problems.
Plasma fractionated total metanephrines for biochemical diagnosis of neuroblastoma.
Authors: L. Crosazzo Franscini, E. Grouzmann, M. Faouzi, M. Beck Popovic
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2010)

9571 Background: Urine catecholamines and their metabolites are used for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with neuroblastoma. O-methylated metabolites of catecholamines (plasma free or total metanephrines) are the most sensitive tests for diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. We postulate that neuroblastoma transforms catecholamines into metanephrines which may be more sensitive and specific than urine catecholamines for diagnosis and follow-up of the disease. The aim of the study was to establish reference values for plasma fractionated metanephrines in children and provide preliminary results on their diagnostic values. Methods: We included into the study 191 healthy children aged 0-17 years needing a venous puncture. 2 ml of heparinized blood were drawn to measure plasma total metanephrines. Additionally, we included ten patients with neuroblastoma to evaluate the diagnostic utility of the test. Results: Upper reference limit of total plasma normetanephrine (NMN), metanephrine (MN) and methoxytyramine (MT) were: 9.67 nmol/l (95% CI: 8.32-10.1) for NMN, 4.95 nmol/l (95% IC: 4.19-6.05) for MN, 5.8 nmol/l (95% IC: 4.85-7.37) for MT. There was no significant difference between boys and girls. A linear trend gradually decreasing from birth to 17 years was observed for NMN and MT which was statistically significant for both. Plasma concentration of MN showed a non-linear relationship to age. In patients with neuroblastoma, plasma total MT and NMN measurements were highly sensitive and specific at diagnosis. The highest sensitivity and specificity (100% and 99.48%, respectively) were achieved for plasma total NMN with a cutoff at 19.64 nmol/l (odds ratio 1.18, CI 1.06-1.31) and for plasma total MT (sensitivity 100% and specificity 98.95%) with a cutoff at 9.43 nmol/l (odds ratio 1.8, CI 1.32-2.46). Conclusions: These preliminary results provide pediatric reference limits for total plasma metanephrines and suggest a promising role in diagnosis and follow-up of neuroblastoma patients. Further data are necessary to confirm its validity. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Comment on Udell et al. Saxagliptin and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Moderate or Severe Renal Impairment: Observations From the SAVOR-TIMI 53 Trial. Diabetes Care 2015;38:696–705
Authors: Sanjay Kalra, Yashdeep Gupta, Manash P. Baruah, Anu Gupta
Journal: Diabetes Care (2015)

We read the analysis of the Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes Recorded in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 53 (SAVOR-TIMI 53) trial by Udell et al. (1) with interest. The important finding is the increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure with increasing severity of nephropathy. This highlights yet another association between macrovascular and microvascular complications in diabetes. The initial data by the same group reported a 27% higher incidence of hospitalization for heart failure among patients treated with saxagliptin as compared with placebo (2). The authors have not been able to provide a watertight explanation …
Early Detection and Accurate Description of Extent of Metastatic Bone Disease in Breast Cancer With Fluoride Ion and Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Holger Schirrmeister, Albrecht Guhlmann, Jörg Kotzerke, Claudia Santjohanser, Thorsten Kühn, Rolf Kreienberg, Peter Messer, Karin Nüssle, Klaus Elsner, Gerhard Glatting, Harald Träger, Bernd Neumaier, Christoph Diederichs, Sven N. Reske
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1999)

PURPOSE: Previous studies have shown that bone metastases are revealed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or bone marrow scintigraphy several months before they are visible by conventional bone scintigraphy (BS). We present a new approach for detecting bone metastases in patients with breast cancer. We compared findings obtained with fluoride ion (F-18) and positron emission tomography (PET) with those obtained with conventional BS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-four breast cancer patients were prospectively examined using F-18–PET and conventional BS. F-18–PET and BS were performed within 3 weeks of each other. Metastatic bone disease was previously known to be present in six patients and was suspected (bone pain or increasing levels of tumor markers, Ca 2+ , alkaline phosphatase) in 28 patients. Both imaging modalities were compared by patient-by-patient analysis and lesion-by-lesion analysis, using a five-point scale for receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. A panel of reference methodswas used, including MRI (28 patients), planar x-ray (17 patients), and spiral computed tomography (four patients). RESULTS: With F-18–PET, 64 bone metastases were detected in 17 patients. Only 29 metastases were detected in 11 patients with BS. As a result of F-18–PET imaging, clinical management was changed in four patients (11.7%). For F-18–PET, the area under the ROC curve was 0.99 on a lesion basis (for BS, it was 0.74; P &lt; .05) and 1.00 on a patient basis (for BS, it was 0.82; P &lt; .05). CONCLUSION: F-18–PET demonstrates a very early bone reaction when small bone marrow metastases are present, allowing accurate detection of breast cancer bone metastases. This accurate detection has a significant effect on clinical management, compared with the effect on management brought about by detection with conventional BS.
Genetic absence of PD-1 promotes accumulation of terminally differentiated exhausted CD8+ T cells
Authors: Pamela M. Odorizzi, Kristen E. Pauken, Michael A. Paley, Arlene Sharpe, E. John Wherry
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2015)

Programmed Death-1 (PD-1) has received considerable attention as a key regulator of CD8+ T cell exhaustion during chronic infection and cancer because blockade of this pathway partially reverses T cell dysfunction. Although the PD-1 pathway is critical in regulating established “exhausted” CD8+ T cells (TEX cells), it is unclear whether PD-1 directly causes T cell exhaustion. We show that PD-1 is not required for the induction of exhaustion in mice with chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. In fact, some aspects of exhaustion are more severe with genetic deletion of PD-1 from the onset of infection. Increased proliferation between days 8 and 14 postinfection is associated with subsequent decreased CD8+ T cell survival and disruption of a critical proliferative hierarchy necessary to maintain exhausted populations long term. Ultimately, the absence of PD-1 leads to the accumulation of more cytotoxic, but terminally differentiated, CD8+ TEX cells. These results demonstrate that CD8+ T cell exhaustion can occur in the absence of PD-1. They also highlight a novel role for PD-1 in preserving TEX cell populations from overstimulation, excessive proliferation, and terminal differentiation.
Dust exposure and respiratory symptoms; cross sectional study in Tanzanian coffee factories
Authors: Gloria Sakwari, Magne Bråtveit, Bente E. Moen
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Introduction:  Exposure to coffee dust is associated with respiratory symptoms among workers in secondary coffee processing in industrialized countries, but only three studies have been done in primary coffee factories and none of these studies were in Tanzania.   Aim:  This study was carried out to examine whether there is a relationship between total dust exposure and respiratory health effects among workers in Tanzanian primary coffee processing factories.   Methods:  A cross sectional study was conducted in two primary coffee factories and in a beverage factory which served as control. Total dust samples were collected throughout the working shift from the breathing zone of the workers in the coffee factory (n = 44) and the control factory (n = 19). Respiratory symptoms were assessed by standardized ATS questionnaire. Statistical differences were tested by Independent t test and Chi Square. Logistic regression analyses were performed, adjusting for age and smoking.   Results:  Totally 150 workers participated; 79 coffee workers and 71 controls. Coffee workers had significantly higher prevalence than the controls for morning cough with sputum (23% vs. 10%, OR = 2.9 95% CI 1.1 - 8.4) and chest tightness (27% vs. 13%, OR = 3.2 95% CI 1.2 - 8.7). Total dust exposure in the coffee factories was significantly higher than in the control factory (geometric mean; 1.23 mg/m 3  vs. 0.21 mg/m 3 , p = 0.001).   Conclusion:  Coffee workers in primary factories have higher prevalence for respiratory symptoms and higher dust levels than controls.
Territorial distribution of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis in Paraiba, Brazil
Authors: Kelly R.L. Figueiredo, Vanessa L.A. Teotonio, Alessandra B.M. Oliveira, Gerlania S.D. Sousa, Georgia F.P. Winkeler, Agostinho Hermes Medeiros-Neto
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a worldwide concern but its magnitude in the state of Paraiba -Brazil has not been reported. Objective: To enroll all cases of MDR-TB in State of Paraiba and check territorial distribution. Methods: Using tabulated data collected by the MDR-TB Epidemiologic Vigilance System, in the period January 2002 to December 2010, we enrolled cities of residence of each case and provided an territorial picture o MDR-TB, regarding space distribution and city population. Population data were collected from Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics - IBGE, June 2008. Results: Paraiba is the 13th Brazilian State in order of population (3,769,977 inhabitants, 1.9% of Brazilian population). Total tuberculosis cases in Paraiba were 7332 (1.4% Brazilian cases). Absolute number of MDR-TB was 39 (1,3% of total Brazilian cases). The proportion of MDR-TB and total tuberculosis cases in Paraiba was 0,53%. In concerning to territory distribution, MDR-TB cases scattered over 19 of 223 cities of Paraiba. Although most inhabited cities presented more cases, it did not happen in a proportional fashion. Some important cities (50 to 100 thousand inhabitants) presented no case. More interesting, MRD-TB occurred also in small cities, with less than 3.000 inhabitants. More than one third of cases occurred in cities with less than 50,000 inhabitants. Most cases occurred less than 200Km from capital (Joao Pessoa). Conclusion: MDR-TB cases are scattered over 19 cities in Paraiba, including less inhabited cities. Preventive approaches, early diagnosis and the development of effective and relatively inexpensive methods of case search should be emphasized.
Neoplasms in Persons Treated With X-Rays in Infancy: Fourth Survey in 20 Years2
Authors: L. H. Hempelmann, W. J. Hall, M. Phillips, R. A. Cooper, W. R. Ames
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1975)

Journal Article Neoplasms in Persons Treated With X-Rays in Infancy: Fourth Survey in 20 Years Get access L. H. Hempelmann, L. H. Hempelmann Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar W. J. Hall, W. J. Hall Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar M. Phillips, M. Phillips Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar R. A. Cooper, R. A. Cooper Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar W. R. Ames W. R. Ames Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 55, Issue 3, September 1975, Pages 519–530, https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/55.3.519 Published: 01 September 1975 Article history Received: 19 November 1974 Revision received: 23 May 1975 Accepted: 30 May 1975 Published: 01 September 1975
Glucocorticoid receptor antagonism decreases alcohol seeking in alcohol-dependent individuals
Authors: Leandro F. Vendruscolo, David Estey, Vivian Goodell, Lauren G. Macshane, Marian L. Logrip, Joel E. Schlosburg, M. Adrienne McGinn, Eva R. Zamora-Martinez, Joseph K. Belanoff, Hazel J. Hunt, Pietro P. Sanna, Olivier George, George F. Koob, Scott Edwards, Barbara J. Mason
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2015)

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a major public health concern that is a considerable risk factor for morbidity and disability; therefore, effective treatments are urgently needed. Here, we demonstrated that the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist mifepristone reduces alcohol intake in alcohol-dependent rats but not in nondependent animals. Both systemic delivery and direct administration into the central nucleus of the amygdala, a critical stress-related brain region, were sufficient to reduce alcohol consumption in dependent animals. We also tested the use of mifepristone in 56 alcohol-dependent human subjects as part of a double-blind clinical and laboratory-based study. Relative to placebo, individuals who received mifepristone (600 mg daily taken orally for 1 week) exhibited a substantial reduction in alcohol-cued craving in the laboratory, and naturalistic measures revealed reduced alcohol consumption during the 1-week treatment phase and 1-week post-treatment phase in mifepristone-treated individuals. Mifepristone was well tolerated and improved liver-function markers. Together, these results support further exploration of GR antagonism via mifepristone as a therapeutic strategy for alcoholism.
Historical approach in asthma patient and public education
Authors: Liliya Belenko Gentet
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

The aim: to study the international demand of asthma history education.  Methods. The Internet site Asthma Museum was created a year ago by association Respirlibre (it unites French, Russian and Ukrainian members) in French and in Russian languages. Asthma Museum is a new tool of international patient and public education with idea to introduce the historical development of asthma science in understanding and disease treatment, in order to help the patients to accept the diagnosis and apprehend modern therapy, to make easier the implementation of the medical advices. Results. During a year The Asthma Museum has been visited by people from 33 countries. 97% of visitors found this site using the search engines (google, ask and others). The 78% of them sought for the information on the history of asthma, it9s origins, it9s roots. The 41% of visitors looked for the answers about inhaler devices: what are their particularities, side effects, how they are validated, how to determine the empty inhaler and their use in different countries etc. 21% of visitors wanted to know how the environment influenced the asthma patients : asthma and perfume, asthma and detergents, asthma and thunder etc. 8% had the questions about allergic rhinitis. 5% of guests (often the Russian speaking auditorium) are interested in asthma association movement.  Conclusion. Historical approach in asthma education attracts attention of Internet users. It gives the information about the prevention and the treatment of asthma in a lively shape. The history of asthma is a bridge that conducts the patients to the questions of asthma management. It could be also means of transforming of public image of asthma.
Bronchoscopic findings and interventions in patients with long-term tracheostomy
Authors: Andreas Pfleger, Ernst Eber
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Aims: To describe airway abnormalities identified by flexible bronchoscopy (FB) in patients with long-term tracheostomy (LTT) and interventions as a consequence of FB findings.

Methods: Records of patients with LTT followed from Jan 08 to Dec 11 were reviewed. FBs were performed as routine surveillance FBs, additional scheduled FBs, or because of disease or tracheostomy related complications. Resulting interventions (ventilator -, cannula -, or medication changes, and surgical interventions) and extra caregiver trainings were recorded.

Results: In 52 patients (20 f, 32 m) 210 FBs were performed. 30 patients had LTT for long-term ventilation, 22 as a bypass for upper airway obstruction. Median age was 4.5 yrs (0.1-32.7). In 97 instances FBs were performed transnasally, in 93 via the cannula, and in 20 via both routes. In 13 instances (6%) complications led to FBs; in 23 (11%) additional scheduled FBs, and in 174 (83%) surveillance FBs were performed. The mean frequency of FBs was 1.1/patient and year (0.25-2.7). The most common findings were airway malacia in 38%, clinically relevant granulation tissue in the suprastomal region in 8%, at the end of the cannula in 7%, and in other regions in 13%. Cannula changes were performed in 21%, ventilator changes in 4%, and surgical interventions in 3%. 12% of the caregivers received extra training on correct suction techniques.

Conclusions: In this series of patients with LTT we found a high incidence of airway abnormalities. As FB findings resulted in interventions in a quarter of our patients we recommend that FB should be performed at least once a year. Patients with significant airway pathology, however, may benefit from more frequent endoscopic evaluations.
Tumor x Host Cell Hybrids in the Mouse: Chromosomes From the Normal Cell Parent Maintained in Malignant Hybrid Tumors 2
Authors: Dominique Avilès, Jami Jacques, Jean-Pierre Rousset, Evelyne Ritz
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1977)

We investigated whether the malignancy of hybrids between normal and malignant cells could be correlated with the loss of specific genes borne by specific chromosomes from the normal parent cells. Tumors produced in mice by the inoculation of Cl.1D cells (an L cell derivative) contained tumor x host cell hybrids. Hybrid cell populations isolated from 14 tumors were injected into 123 mice, of which 108 (87%) developed tumors. Metaphases of growing hybrid cell tumors were analyzed by use of a trypsin-Giemsa banding technique. The chromosomes contributed by the host (normal) parent cell could be distinguished from Cl.1D chromosomes, since the latter exhibited morphologic differences due to rearrangements. In the 14 hybrid tumors analyzed, we found that any one of the chromosomes of the host cell might be present, which indicated that none of the chromosomes from the normal cell bore genetic information capable of suppressing the malignancy of Cl.1D cells. Absence of complimentation in the hybrids suggested that, even if the accumulation of several mutations were necessary for malignant tumor growth of Cl.D1 cells, none of these mutations is recessive.
Phase 3 Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Study of Cabozantinib (Xl184) Vs Placebo in Subjects with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Who Have Received Prior Sorafenib (Celestial) (Nct01908426)
Authors: G.K. Abou-Alfa, A. Cheng, T. Meyer, A.B. El-Khoueiry, M. Ikeda, H.G. Chun, J. Furuse, J. Knox, T. Okusaka, M. Colombo, P. Merle, A. Santoro, D. Gallagher, E. Janczewska, J. Trojan, H.J. Klumpen, I. Cicin, J. Ping, A.E. Borgman-Hagey, R.K. Kelley
Journal: Annals of Oncology (2014)
Increasing Concentration of Inhaled Saline with or without Amiloride
Authors: Namita Sood, William D. Bennett, Kirby Zeman, James Brown, Carla Foy, Richard C. Boucher, Michael R. Knowles
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2003)

Mucociliary clearance is determined by ciliary activity and rheology of airway surface liquid. To test the hypothesis that mucociliary clearance would increase after inhalation of an osmotically active agent that would increase the volume of airway surface liquid, we measured mucociliary clearance in 16 normal subjects after inhalation of varying tonicities of saline alone, and after pretreatment with a Na+ channel blocker (amiloride). Subjects inhaled vehicle (0.12% saline) or amiloride, followed by inhalation of 0.12, 0.9, or 7% saline. Subsequently, mucociliary clearance rates were measured by gamma scintigraphy of inhaled 99mTc Fe2O3. Mucociliary clearance of whole and peripheral lung was increased (approximately twofold) after inhalation of increasing concentrations of saline (p < 0.04). Pretreatment with amiloride increased mucociliary clearance rates (approximately twofold) after inhalation of 0.12 and 0.9% saline (p < 0.05), but not 7% saline. The rates of mucociliary clearance by pretreatment with amiloride and 7% saline alone (approximately 1.4% per minute) approached the rapid mucociliary clearance rates (approximately 2.0% per minute) reported in systemic pseudohypoaldosteronism, which has loss-of-function mutations of the epithelial Na+ channel and an increased volume of airway surface liquid. We conclude that maneuvers that increase the volume of airway surface liquid are associated with increased rates of mucociliary clearance in normal subjects.