tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Effect of tiotropium on exhaled breath temperature in patients with COPD
Authors: Tanya Kralimarkova, Penka Georgieva, Evgeni Mekov, Denislava Nedeva, Vasil Dimitrov, Todor Popov
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Background:  Reduced exhaled breath temperature (EBT) in COPD patients reflects reduced vasculature of the airways and profound structural changes in the lung structures. Tiotropium has bronchodilation and mucus diminishing effects and is largely prescribed for COPD treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of single inhalation and 1 week treatment with tiotropium on EBT of patients with stable COPD.   Methods:  We recruited 13 subjects (3 females, median age 66, range 46-80 years) with stable COPD who had not inhaled tiotropium for at least 2 weeks. All of them were smokers (4) or ex-smokers (9) with 42 (mean) ± 13 (standard deviation) pack years of smoking. We measured their lung function with a pneumotachograph based spirometer and their EBT by means of a portable handheld device (X-halo, DMI, Singapore) before and 60 min. after inhalation of 1 capsule of tiotropium (18 mcg). The same measurements were repeated after 1 week of treatment with tiotropium taken in the evening. Patients were asked not to make any changes in their regular treatment during the study.   Results:  EBT [°C, mean ± s.e.m.] did not change significantly before and after a single breath inhalation of tiotropium: 32.73±0.39 vs. 32.35±0.43, P=0.40, while forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) % predicted increased from 41.2±4.5 to 43.9±5.3, P=0.11. After 1 week of tiotropium treatment pre-inhalation EBT values increased from 32.73±0.39 to 33.24±0.28, P=0.024, FEV1% increased from 41.2±4.5 to 46.8±5.8, P=0.019 respectively.   Conclusions:  EBT increases significantly after 1 week of regular treatment with tiotropium, while a single inhalation of it leads to a drop (insignificant with the number of patients we tested).
Observations on Technique for Study of Human Chromosomes by Culture of Leukocytes from Peripheral Blood
Authors: P GENEST, C AUGER
Journal: JAMA (1963)

A critical analysis of the various features of blood leukocyte culture for the study of human chromosomes was carried out. The following observations were made: (1) Fasting blood was essential for effective separation of leukocytes. (2) These cells are easily obtained by differential centrifugation and RBC sedimentation. (3) Non-specific agglutination of leukocytes was prevented by the use of Eagle's medium for suspension cultures. (4) No contamination occurred in a series of 50 leukocyte cultures to which antibiotics were not added. (5) Addition of an experimental Phaseolus vulgaris extract at concentration of 1 x 10(-4) to cultures resulted in a 12 to 15% mitotic index. (6) Desacetyl-methyl-colchicine (Colcemid) had optimal effect at concentration of 0.1 mug./ml. (7) Distilled water added to cell suspension in culture medium (5: 1) was an effective hypotonic agent.A simplified technique of leukocyte culture for chromosome preparations is proposed.
Evaluation of newer prognostic markers for adult soft tissue sarcomas.
Authors: E A Levine, T Holzmayer, S Bacus, E Mechetner, R Mera, C Bolliger, I B Roninson, T K Das Gupta
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1997)

PURPOSE In addition to tumor size, grade, location, and the presence of metastases, other factors may be useful in prognostication for adults with soft tissue sarcoma (STS). This study examines the relationship of MDR-1 mRNA, p-glycoprotein (P-gp), Ki-67 expression, and DNA content expression to clinical outcome in adults with STS. PATIENTS AND METHODS Snap-frozen STS specimens from 65 patients were analyzed and compared with clinical outcomes. Immunohistochemistry was performed for the Ki-67 antigen and P-gp. DNA content was determined using the Feulgen reaction and quantitated using image analysis. MDR-1 mRNA expression was determined using a reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based assay. RESULTS P-glycoprotein expression was found by immunohistochemistry in 48% of cases with 5-year overall (54% v 14%, P = .07) and disease-free survival rates (32% v 18%, P = .039) higher in high-grade tumors that did not express P-gp. MDR-1 mRNA was detected in 51% of cases and no patient with high levels of MDR-1 mRNA expression was a long-term survivor. Patients with diploid tumors had significantly better survival than those with nondiploid tumors (51% v 31%, P = .03). High levels of Ki-67 were associated with poorer overall survival (46% v 31%, P = .04). On multivariate analysis, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging, DNA content, Ki-67, and P-gp staining were significant prognostic factors for 5-year overall and disease-free survival. CONCLUSION P-gp expression, high-level Ki-67 expression, and nondiploid DNA content are independent prognostic indicators that correlate with poor outcomes in STS patients. However, MDR-1 mRNA was not found to be predictive of survival. These newer markers are useful additions to AJCC staging for prognostication for patients with STS. Such markers may be useful in selecting high-risk STS patients who could benefit from systemic adjuvant therapy.
Ration of IL1β / IL1-receptor antagonist (RA) in alveolar macrophages of induced sputum of patients with asthma during long-term follow-up
Authors: Svetlana Pospelova, Svetlana Sobchenko, Vyacheslav Kravtsov
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

The aim of the study was to assess ratio IL1β/IL1RA in alveolar macrophages (AM) of induced sputum in patients who receive long-term treatment of asthma.  Immunocytochemical study conducted dynamic of this ratio in AM of induced sputum in 43 patients with moderate and severe uncontrolled asthma mean age 49± 2 years. 27 patients had been receiving treatment and self-management education at «The Asthma School» (main group), 16 patients had been receiving treatment without education in outpatient clinics (comparison group). All patients were treated with inhaled steroids (ICS) according to GINA.  Mean daily doses of ICS (BDP equivalent, mcg) was 385,7± 51,3 - in main group and 456,6±81,9 - in comparative group (p>0,05).  First sputum samplings were obtained at the beginning of the study, second samplings were obtained after 18 months of observation. Results of immunocytochemical staining with IL-1β and IL-1Ra monoclonal antibodies of cell centriphugates obtained using liquid-based cytology method were evaluated via Histology Score method (HScore).  Baseline this ratio did not differ in both groups 0,5±0,1 (p>0,05). In 18 month follow-up this ratio of patients of main group was 5,1±1,3 and 0.7±0,2 in comparison group (p  We conclude that IL1β/IL1RA ratio may be used as a non-invasive biomarker of airway inflammation and asthma control in long-term treatment.
Impact of candida spp. colonization of respiratory tract in patients with intensive care unit-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Silvia Terraneo, Miquel Ferrer, Mariano Esperatti, Marta Di Pasquale, Valeria Giunta, Mariano Rinaudo, Hugo Loureiro, Rogelio Peralta, Francesca De Rosa, Gianluigi Li Bassi, Stefano Centanni, Antoni Torres
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Introduction : In immunocompetent patients with respiratory infections, concomitant colonization by  Candida  spp. seems not clinically relevant. However,  Candida   spp. airway colonization could promote development of ICU-acquired pneumonia (ICUAP) due to  Pseudomonas aeruginosa   and multi-drug resistant bacteria, prolonged stay and worse outcomes. We compared characteristic and outcomes of patients with ICUAP, with or without airway colonization by  Candida   spp.   Methods : We prospectively collected 385 consecutive immunocompetent patients with ICUAP, clustered according to the presence or absence in sputum, tracheal aspirate or bronchoalveolar lavage of  Candida   spp.   Results :  Candida   spp. was found in 82 (21%) patients. Colonized patients had a higher APACHE-II, SAPS-II and SOFA scores at baseline and higher rate of diabetes and chronic renal failure. Conversely, previous use of antibiotics and steroid therapy was less frequent. The rate of etiologic diagnosis was lower, as well as the isolation of  Enterobacteriaceae   and  Pseudomonas aeruginosa  . The length of stay and mortality were similar in both groups. Following adjustment for potential confounders, patients with  Candida  spp. remained with similar ICU (adjusted odds-ratio (OR) 1.70, 96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81-3.59, p=0.16) and hospital mortality (adj. OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.63-2.42, p=0.54).   Conclusion : Patients with ICUAP and  Candida   spp. colonization had lower rates of  Enterobacteriaceae   and  P. aeruginosa   aetiology. Despite worse initial clinical presentation, they had similar outcomes to patients not colonized by  Candida   spp.  Supported: IDIBAPS, CibeRes(CB06/06/0028)-ISCiii, 2009 SGR 911.
Cold snaring diminutive polyps: can we make of a polyp … a better polyp?
Authors: Alessandro Repici, Cesare Hassan
Journal: Endoscopy (2015)

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Western countries [1] [2]. A high quality randomized trial recently showed the efficacy of endoscopic polypectomy in preventing CRC incidence and mortality [3], confirming the results of previous observational studies [4] [5]. Completeness of endoscopic resection is necessary to prevent post-polypectomy recurrence and interval cancer [6]. However, endoscopic polypectomy also carries a definite risk of major adverse events, such as bleeding or bowel perforation [7], so that a careful balance between efficacy and safety appears to be clinically relevant.
John Harmar Mott
Authors: Alison Mott
Journal: BMJ (2015)

My father, John Harmar Mott, was known as a quiet and modest man, intellectual, classical, and knowledgeable, but still a private man with old fashioned courtesy, always rising to greet you with a smile.

He was born in 1922 in Oxford into a family who deeply valued knowledge and intellect, and received a classical education, at the Dragon School and Radley College, then changed in his teens …
The role of procalcitonin (PCT) in differential diagnosis of pneumonia and pulmonary congestion associated with end-stage renal failure (ESRF)
Authors: Mustafa Ilgaz Dogrul, Nilufer Bayraktar, Sule Akcay
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

We face difficulties in distinguishing between pneumonia and non-pneumonia lung problems in ESRF. We aimed to determine the role of PCT in distinguishing between infectious and noninfectious causes, concerning the etiology of the infiltrative appearances detected on lung radiographs of ESRF patients receiving hemodialysis (HD). Method: 66 cases between 19-87 years of age were enrolled. Those cases were split into 3 groups each of which consisted of 22 patients: Pneumonia patients without ESRF, pulmonary congestion patients with ESRF and healthy control group. Results: While pneumonia group demonstrated a significantly lower mean PCT value compared with the ESRF+congestion group (p=0.001), mean CRP and leukocytes were significantly higher in the pneumonia group (p 0.05). A significant difference (p=0.014) was found between the pneumonia and ESRF+congestion groups upon basing the classification on 1.5 ng/ml in the ESRF+congestion group. PCT level was below 1.5 ng/ml in all the cases (100%) in the ESRF+congestion group. In conclusion, our findings support that PCT has no superiority over CRP in the diagnosis of pneumonia. CRP measurement should be still more preferable than PCT in revealing the inflammatory response due to its cost-effective and easy-to-perform characteristics. As a result of detecting serum PCT values below 1.5 ng/ml in ESRF patients who have pulmonary congestion, infiltrative apperances may be attributed to hypervolemia.
Natural history and treatment of HCV/HIV coinfection: Is it time to change paradigms?
Authors: Joop E. Arends, Faydra I. Lieveld, Lauke L. Boeijen, Clara T.M.M. de Kanter, Karel J. van Erpecum, Dominique Salmon, Andy I.M. Hoepelman, Tarik Asselah, Andrew Ustianowski
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2015)
Spirometric corroboration of radiolographic changes suggestive of COPD and influence on ventilation-perfusion scanning
Authors: Joseph Abbott, Sophie Kinrade, Arun Lakhanpal, Hassan Burhan
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Introduction: An abnormal chest radiograph (CXR) can affect the ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan interpretation in the investigation of suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). V/Q scans are not always preceded by a normal CXR and many CXRs are reported as showing changes “compatible with COPD”.

We decided to ascertain whether radiological suspicion was supported by spirometric evidence of COPD and whether those with more severe COPD were more likely to have an intermediate probability V/Q scan.

Methods: All V/Q scans and CXR reports for the 12 months from February 2008 were analysed. The spirometry database was searched and results obtained.

Results: 68 patients had V/Q scans with CXRs reported as showing changes compatible with COPD. 44 (65%) had not had spirometry.

Of the 24 (35%) patients with spirometry, 3 reports were unavailable and 19 (90%) were consistent with COPD. The mean FEV1 was 60.2% predicted and the mean FEV1/FVC ratio was 50.7.

The V/Q scan reports are classified according to COPD severity in the table below.

View this table:

Table 1





Conclusion: Of the 68 patients reported as having radiological “evidence” of COPD, only 24 (35%) had had spirometry. Of the 21 patients with spirometry reports available, 2 (9%) did not have COPD.

None of the patients with COPD had an intermediate probability VQ scan.

COPD is often “reported” on a chest radiograph but spirometric evidence is not always present and, if present, does not always confirm the radiological suspicion.
Possible role of anaerobes in the progression of nontuberculous mycobacteriosis
Authors: Kei Yamasaki, Kazuhiro Yatera, Toshinori Kawanami, Kentarou Akata, Shingo Noguchi, Chinatsu Nishida, Hiroshi Ishimoto, Kazumasa Fukuda, Hatsumi Taniguchi, Hiroshi Mukae
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Background:

Recent advances of molecular biological modalities detecting bacterial species as cultivation-independent ways indicate the possible role of several bacterial species in the pathogenesis and progression of certain infectious diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of anaerobes in the progression of nontuberculous mycobacteriosis (NTM) by means of bacterial floral analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BALF) using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in patients with bronchiectasis.

Patients and Methods:

Fifty-nine patients with bronchiectasis evaluated by chest computed tomography were enrolled in this study (including 30 cases who had been diagnosed as NTM). BALF taken from the pathological lesions were evaluated by both the culture-independent molecular method and conventional culture methods. The molecular method was conducted as follows; approximately 600 bp of bacterial 16S rRNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using universal primers and then clone library was constructed. Nucleotide sequences of randomly chosen 96 clones for each specimen were determined and the homology with in-house database was searched to determine bacterial species. This method can evaluate the ratio of bacterial species (bacterial flora) in each specimen.

Results:

Bacterial floral analysis using rRNA gene sequencing method showed significantly high rates of anaerobes other than Mycobacterium species in patients with NTM bronchiectasis compared to non-NTM bronchiectasis patients.

Conclusion:

Given the results of the present study, it is speculated that anaerobes may have an important role in the progression of bronchiectasis in patients with NTM.
Induction Therapy for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Sagar Lonial, Jesus F. San Miguel
Journal: Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2013)

Treatment options for patients with newly diagnosed myeloma have evolved significantly over the past 10 years. Although response rates after induction for older or younger patients were limited, with few patients achieving complete remission, more recent combinations have cleared the way for major response and even complete remissions after induction therapy. As a consequence of these changes, patients are now achieving more durable and longer remissions, which have ultimately improved overall survival for patients with myeloma. The age-appropriate use of induction therapy, autologous transplant, and maintenance therapy, all keeping in mind the specific genetic risk group of a given patient, requires a long-term treatment plan for each patient defined early in the treatment course.
Immune Response to Gross Virus-induced Lymphoma. I. Kinetics of Cytotoxic Antibody Response<xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN2">2</xref>
Authors: Ronald B. Herberman, Mark E. Oren
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1971)

The kinetics of the humoral immune response to a transplantable tumor induced by Gross virus in W/Fu rats, (C58NT)D, was studied. Eight-week-old W/Fu rats were given subcutaneous injections of varying doses of tumor cells and bled serially for determination of cytotoxic antibody levels. In 65% of the rats, small tumors arose which regressed within 2 weeks. The antibody response was biphasic: an initial peak at 10 days followed by a second peak at about 30 days. In the other rats, tumors either regressed after a longer period of growth or they grew progressively. The initial antibody response was similar to that of the early regressor animals, but this was followed by higher second-peak filers that remained elevated for longer periods. The height of the second antibody peak was closely related to the number of tumor cells injected. Inoculation of a second dose of tumor cells resulted in a boost in antibody titers and persistence of high titers for 2 weeks beyond that of the unboosted controls. Fractionation of sera on Sephadex G-200 showed that the antibodies in the first-peak sera were 19S in size, and those in second-peak sera were 7S.
High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologuos Stem Cell Transplantation in Previously Untreated Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma - Final Analysis of a Large Prospective Multicenter Study (NLG-T-01)
Authors: Francesco d'Amore, Thomas Relander, Grete F. Lauritzsen, Esa Jantunen, Hans Hagberg, Harald Anderson, Harald Holte, Anders Österborg, Mats Merup, Peter de Nully Brown, Outi Kuittinen, Martin Erlanson, Bjørn Østenstad, Unn-Merete Fagerli, Ole Gadeberg, Christer Sundström, Jan Delabie, Elisabeth Ralfkiaer, Martine Vornanen, Helle Toldbod
Journal: Blood (2011)
Small PARP inhibitor PJ-34 induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of adult T-cell leukemia cells
Authors: Xue Tao Bai, Ramona Moles, Hassiba Chaib-Mezrag, Christophe Nicot
Journal: Journal of Hematology & Oncology (2015)

HTLV-I is associated with the development of an aggressive form of lymphocytic leukemia known as adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). A major obstacle for effective treatment of ATLL resides in the genetic diversity of tumor cells and their ability to acquire resistance to chemotherapy regimens. As a result, most patients relapse and current therapeutic approaches still have limited long-term survival benefits. Hence, the development of novel approaches is greatly needed.In this study, we found that a small molecule inhibitor of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), PJ-34, is very effective in activating S/G2M cell cycle checkpoints, resulting in permanent cell cycle arrest and reactivation of p53 transcription functions and caspase-3-dependent apoptosis of HTLV-I-transformed and patient-derived ATLL tumor cells. We also found that HTLV-I-transformed MT-2 cells are resistant to PJ-34 therapy associated with reduced cleaved caspase-3 activation and increased expression of RelA/p65.Since PJ-34 has been tested in clinical trials for the treatment of solid tumors, our results suggest that some ATLL patients may be good candidates to benefit from PJ-34 therapy.
Abstract 1124: Greater Brain Hippocampal Volume Loss in Female Over Male Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Mary A Woo, Christiane M Abouzeid, Paul M Macey, Rajesh Kumar, Gregg C Fonarow, Michele A Hamilton, Ronald M Harper
Journal: Circulation (2009)

Depression and short-term memory loss are common in heart failure (HF) and more frequently reported in females than in males. The hippocampus is a brain region which is closely linked to both depre...
HIGH NITROGEN DIETS AND RENAL INJURY
Authors: L. H. Newburgh, Margaret Woodwell Johnston
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1931)

An earlier report from this laboratory dealt with the effect upon the kidneys of the white rat, of diets high in protein from different sources.The first diet contained a mixture of seeds supplemented with casein in order to increase the total protein.A second group of rats received diets in which casein was the only protein.Lean beef muscle was the source of protein for the third diet, whereas beef liver furnished the protein in the fourth diet.Our experience with these diets brought out the significant fact that the extent of the injury was largely deter- mined by the nature of the nitrogenous material employed.Thus we were able to state that "Diets containing 75 per cent of dried liver pro- duce a granular kidney in less than one year, but the same amount of casein fed sixteen months, causes only a moderate tubular injury.The effect of a similar amount of beef muscle is intermediate between these two."Since the casein diets in which all (or almost all) of the nitrogen was present as pure protein, caused only negligible injury; and since the beef muscle and liver diets in which a considerable increment of the nitrogen was present in the form of purines and other nonprotein nitrogenous complexes, worked such marked injury; we were led to suspect that the pure protein in a diet does not harm the kidney, but that the nephropathy has its origin in the nonprotein nitrogenous sub- stances present in animal tissues-such as muscle and liver.In order to test Jhis idea, we fed diets to rats containing 75 per cent of lactalbumin, and wheat and soya bean "gluten" in as large amounts as is consistent with a normal supply of vitamines and salts.These latter two diets contained about 70 per cent of protein.Neither the animal protein (lactalbumin) nor the vegetable proteins, were capable 153