tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Unusual association of tuberculosis with schistosomiasis and tuberculosis with sporotrichosis
Authors: Reynaldo Quagliato, Mauricio Leme, Paulo Tonidandel, Welwitschia Dias, Maira Zanovello, Gisele Yonezawa, Aristoteles Barbeiro, Lair Zambom
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Introduction:  Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that causes currently nearly 2 million deaths worldwide. More than 200,000 of these occur in patients co-infected with HIV. There are about 700 000 new cases a year, and we found the presence of two cases with atypical association of schistosomiasis and sporotrichosis.   Objective:  To report our experience with concomitant infection tuberculosis with schistosomiasis and sporotrichosis.   Method:  Cases study of patients infected with tuberculosis in the Hospital of the UNICAMP-Campinas,Brazil.   Results:  We found the case of man, 55 years, alcoholic, with pleural effusion for about a year. Thoracocentesis resulted in exudate and ADA= 66 U/L. Chest CT showed mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Result of culture of lymph node removed by mediastinoscopy was positive to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Sporothrix schenckii. The other case is a 32 years old, male, with a history of fever and weight loss with chest x-ray opacity in the left apex. Chest CT showed a mass in right upper lobe permeated by a tree in bud and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. He underwent lobectomy that showed the presence of Schistosoma mansoni and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in parenchyma, pleura and lymph nodes.   Conclusion:  Tuberculosis can be associated to other diseases even in HIV-negative patients, including simulating lung cancer.
The economic value of screening haemodialysis patients for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the USA
Authors: B.Y. Lee, Y. Song, S.M. McGlone, R.R. Bailey, J.M. Feura, J.H.Y. Tai, G.J. Lewis, A.E. Wiringa, K.J. Smith, R.R. Muder, L.H. Harrison, B. Piraino
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection (2011)

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can cause severe infections in patients undergoing haemodialysis. Routine periodic testing of haemodialysis patients and attempting to decolonize those who test positive may be a strategy to prevent MRSA infections. The economic value of such a strategy has not yet been estimated. We constructed a Markov computer simulation model to evaluate the economic value of employing routine testing (agar-based or PCR) at different MRSA prevalence, spontaneous clearance, costs of decolonization and decolonization success rates, performed every 3, 6 or 12 months. The model showed periodic MRSA surveillance with either test to be cost-effective (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio ≤$50 000/quality-adjusted life-year) for all conditions tested. Agar surveillance was dominant (i.e. less costly and more effective) at an MRSA prevalence ≥10% and a decolonization success rate ≥25% for all decolonization treatment costs tested with no spontaneous clearance. PCR surveillance was dominant when the MRSA prevalence was ≥20% and decolonization success rate was ≥75% with no spontaneous clearance. Routine periodic testing and decolonization of haemodialysis patients for MRSA may be a cost-effective strategy over a wide range of MRSA prevalences, decolonization success rates, and testing intervals.
Diminished Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Adherence
Authors: Laurence A. Boxer, John M. Allen, Robert L. Baehner, Vicktoria Amick
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1980)

To investigate the biochemical and cellular basis for the rise in polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) count during epinephrine administration, PMN from subjects receiving epinephrine were studied for their capacity to adhere to nylon wool fibers and endothelial cell monolayers. After administration of epinephrine, the PMN count increased by 80% at 5 min, and isolated PMN adherence to nylon fibers fell from a base line of 44±2-18±3%. In contrast, when subjects were infused with the β-antagonist propanolol before receiving epinephrine, the PMN count failed to rise and PMN adherence was normal. Exposure of PMN endothelial cell monolayers to 0.1 μM epinephrine led to diminished PMN adherence that could be blocked by 10 μM propanolol but not by 10 μM phentolamine. Sera obtained from subjects 5 min after receiving epinephrine or from supernates derived from endothelial cell monolayers exposed to 90 nM epinephrine inhibited PMN adherence to nylon fibers. Addition of anticyclic AMP antisera but not anticyclic guanosine monophosphate antisera to the postepinephrine sera or to the postepinephrine supernate derived from the endothelial cell monolayers abolished their inhibitory effect of PMN adherence to nylon fibers. In contrast, direct exposure of PMN to epinephrine failed to affect their adherent properties. Because it has been previously shown that endothelial cells contain β-receptors and respond to catecholamines by raising their intracellular concentrations of cyclic AMP, and that PMN adherence is attenuated by cyclic AMP, it would appear that diminished PMN adherence after epinephrine administration is mediated through endothelial cell β-receptor activity, which in turn impairs PMN margination in vivo and could account for the rise in circulating PMN.
Increased influx of progenitor B cell subsets in the lung with diverse levels of in-situ proliferation and activation in a murine model of allergic inflammation
Authors: Konstantinos Samitas, Carina Malmhäll, Madeleine Rådinger, You Lu, Tünde Deak, Margareta Sjöstrand, Jan Lötvall, Apostolos Bossios
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Introduction : B cells are multifunctional leukocytes that act as regulators of allergic inflammation. They differentiate in the bone marrow (BM) from Haematopoietic Stem Cells via pro-B, pre-B and immature B cells. During airway challenge, effectors cells, i.e. eosinophils, move to the lung in different developmental stages implying local differentiation. It is still unclear if this also applies to B cells.   Aim : To determine the numbers and phenotypes of B cell precursors in the lung after allergen exposure and investigate their proliferation and activation status in situ.   Methods : Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized BALB/c mice were exposed intranasally to OVA or PBS for 5 days. Lung tissue was harvested 24h after final allergen exposure. Cells were stained for markers of B cell differentiation (B220, CD43, IL-7R, BP-1, IgM/IgD, IgE, CD138), chemotaxis (CXCR4), viability/proliferation/apoptosis (7AAD/BrdU/Bax) and direct/indirect activation (CD69/CD40,CD86).   Results : Pro-B (B220+/CD43+/BP-1-) and pre-B (B220+/CD43-/BP-1+) progenitors increased in the lung after allergen exposure, showed high rate of proliferation (BrdUhigh) and expressed CXCR4. Pro-B cells exhibited resistance to apoptosis (Bax downregulation), while pre-B cells showed increased expression of functional activation (CD40, CD86) and proliferation in situ (s+G2/M phase).   Conclusion : Allergen exposure promotes an influx of specific B cell precursor subsets in the lung with anti-apoptotic characteristics that can proliferate in-situ, migrate and be activated. Our data support the notion of a potential regulatory role of B cell precursors in allergic airway inflammation.
Quantifying the risk of pandemic influenza in pregnancy and Indigenous people in Australia in 2009
Authors: H Kelly, G N Mercer, A  C Cheng
Journal: Eurosurveillance (2009)

An increased relative risk of infection with the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus associated with pregnancy and Indigenous status has been a common finding in many countries. Using publicly available data from May to October 2009 in Australia, we estimated the relative risk of hospitalisation, admission to intensive care unit and death as 5.2, 6.5 and 1.4 respectively for pregnant women, and as 6.6, 6.2 and 5.2, respectively for Indigenous Australians. Pregnancy and Indigenous status were associated with severe influenza. More complete analyses of risks in these groups are required to understand and prevent influenza morbidity and mortality.
Single session bilateral endoscopic lung volume reduction therapy in advanced upper lobe and homogeneous emphysema using a tissue sealant
Authors: Mordechai Kramer, Oren Fruchter, Moshe-Nimrod Maimon, Yael Refaely
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Objective(s):  This open labeled multicenter study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of single-session bilateral 4-site lung volume reduction therapy with the AeriSeal® Emphysematous Lung Sealant System (ELS) in patients with advanced upper lobe heterogeneous (ULP) and homogeneous (Ho) emphysema.   Methods:  20 patients with advanced Ho (n=4) and ULP (n=16) emphysema received 4-site bilateral upper lobe volume reduction with ELS under conscious sedation. Outcome measures include pulmonary function tests (at 6, 12 and 24 wks), exercise capacity, symptoms, and health related quality of life (HRQL, at 12 and 24 wks).   Results:  4-site therapy was well tolerated. Procedure duration was 14±4 minutes. Average hospital length of stay was 0.9±1.5 days. There were 5 SAEs during the first 85±32 days of follow-up (3 treatment related, 1 COPD exacerbation). Interim 6-week results (n=14; ΔFEV 1  = +16.1±27.5%; ΔFVC =+10.7±17.4%) demonstrated clinically significant improvements in spirometry (Δ > +12%) in 8 of 14 patients. 12 week data for the first 4 patients demonstrated additional physiological improvement (ΔFEV 1  = +37.6%; ΔFVC = +14.1%) from their corresponding 6-week responses (ΔFEV 1  = +17.1%; ΔFVC = 8.2%).   Conclusions:  Bilateral single session endoscopic lung volume reduction therapy can be achieved safely using ELS in patients with advanced Ho and ULP emphysema under conscious sedation. Initial results indicate that efficacy responses are similar to those reported with surgical volume reduction, and treatment is associated with short hospital length of stay and minimal morbidity.
The action of platelet activating factor and its antagonism by WEB 2086 on human isolated airways
Authors: P R Johnson, C L Armour, J L Black
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1990)

This study investigated the direct and indirect effects of platelet activating factor (PAF, PAF-acether) on human isolated airways. PAF caused a single non-repeatable contraction which was found to be variable both between lung samples and within tissues from the same lung. The range of contractions induced by PAF, 7 X 10(-8), M and 7 X 10(-7) M was 2-55% and 3-72% of the maximal response to carbachol, respectively. The PAF antagonist WEB 2086, 10(-6) M, inhibited the contraction induced by PAF, 7 X 10(-7) M, (p less than 0.05, n = 5). PAF caused a significant potentiation of the contractile effects of bolus doses of histamine. This potentiation was inhibited by WEB 2086, 10(-6) M, (p less than 0.05, n = 5). These results suggest firstly that the bronchoconstriction observed in man after PAF administration could be the result of an action of PAF on the smooth muscle or result from the action of a second mediator released by PAF from cells within the lung. Secondly, the bronchial hyperresponsiveness observed after PAF administration could be due to a specific alteration in smooth muscle sensitivity. The fact that WEB 2086 inhibited the contractile response to PAF and the potentiation of histamine-induced contraction would suggest that PAF receptors mediate these responses.
Adverse drug reactions in a pulmonary teaching hospital: Incidence, pattern, seriousness, and preventability
Authors: Shadi Baniasadi, Fanak Fahimi, Masoome Karimi
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Introduction:  Detection of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in hospitals provides an important measure of the burden of drug related morbidity on the healthcare system. Studies have shown that between 1.7% and 25.1% of hospital inpatients experience an ADR during their hospitalization.   Aims:  This study aimed to determine the incidence, pattern, seriousness, and preventability of hospital-acquired ADRs, in medical wards of a pulmonary teaching hospital in Iran.   Methods:  Clinical pharmacist residents were trained to report all suspected ADRs through ADR-reporting yellow forms. The incidence, pattern, seriousness, and preventability of the reported ADRs were analysed.   Results:  During the period of 24 months, for 16125 patients, 312 ADR reports were received. The most frequently reported reactions were due to anti-infective agents (26.54%). Ceftriaxone accounted for the highest number of the reported ADRs among anti-infective agents. The gastro-intestinal system was the most frequently affected system (21.78% of all reactions). Eighteen percent of the ADRs were reported as serious reactions. Fifty of the ADRs were classified as preventable.   Conclusions:  Our study shows that ADRs are an important cause of morbidity in our hospital. Disease prevalence and drug use patterns in our hospital differ markedly from those of generalized ones. These differences affect the frequency and nature of ADRs. Preventive measures should be taken to minimize the occurrence of ADRs.
Pulmonary response to salbutamol inhalation using dynamic OE-MRI in patients with asthma
Authors: Weijuan Zhang, Robert Niven, Simon Young, Yuzhen Liu, Geoffrey Parker, Josephine Naish
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

PURPOSE To evaluate pulmonary oxygenation before and after salbutamol inhalation using dynamic oxygen enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (OE-MRI).

METHODS 8 severe asthmatics, 5 mild asthmatics and 3 healthy volunteers underwent dynamic OE-MRI on a 1.5T scanner prior to, 15 min after and 30 min after inhalation of 400ug salbutamol. A rescan was performed within 1 week without salbutamol inhalation. Images were collected during subject inhaling medical air and 100% oxygen. The maximal change in the partial pressure of O2 (ΔPO2max) after gas switchover in the tissue water of the lung parenchyma, a parameter to reflect local ventilation-perfusion imbalance, was extracted and compared among each time point.

RESULTS Severe asthmatics showed lower baseline FEV1%pred and higher airway reversibility than healthy and mild asthmatics (table1). In severe asthmatics, but not mild asthmatics or healthy volunteers, the ΔPO2max maps became more heterogeneous with a significantly decreased whole-lung mean value at 30 min post-bronchodilator compared with baseline. This difference was not found in the non-salbutamol scan (table 2, figure 1 and 2).

CONCLUSIONS OE-MRI revealed a heterogeneous pattern of decreased oxygenation of the lung in severe asthmatics as a response to salbutamol, which might due to the worsening in regional ventilation-perfusion imbalance 1.

REFERENCE 1. Ballester, E., et al., Am Rev Resp Dis, 1990. 141(3): 558-62.

![Figure][1]  [1]: pending:yes
Maximum-likelihood estimation of molecular haplotype frequencies in a diploid population.
Authors: L Excoffier, M Slatkin
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (1995)

Molecular techniques allow the survey of a large number of linked polymorphic loci in random samples from diploid populations. However, the gametic phase of haplotypes is usually unknown when diploid individuals are heterozygous at more than one locus. To overcome this difficulty, we implement an expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm leading to maximum-likelihood estimates of molecular haplotype frequencies under the assumption of Hardy-Weinberg proportions. The performance of the algorithm is evaluated for simulated data representing both DNA sequences and highly polymorphic loci with different levels of recombination. As expected, the EM algorithm is found to perform best for large samples, regardless of recombination rates among loci. To ensure finding the global maximum likelihood estimate, the EM algorithm should be started from several initial conditions. The present approach appears to be useful for the analysis of nuclear DNA sequences or highly variable loci. Although the algorithm, in principle, can accommodate an arbitrary number of loci, there are practical limitations because the computing time grows exponentially with the number of polymorphic loci. Although the algorithm, in principle, can accommodate an arbitrary number of loci, there are practical limitations because the computing time grows exponentially with the number of polymorphic loci.
Phase I trial of Intraperitoneal (IP) administration of a measles virus (MV) derivative expressing the human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in recurrent ovarian cancer (OvCa)
Authors: E. Galanis, L. C. Hartmann, W. Cliby, P. P. Peethambaram, H. J. Long, J. S. Kaur, P. Haluska, J. A. Sloan, K. Peng, S. J. Russell
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2008)

5538 Background: Edmonston vaccine strains of MV have significant antitumor activity against OvCa xenografts (Peng et al, Cancer Res, 2002). Oncolytic selectivity is due to overexpression of the MV receptor CD46 in OvCa cells. Engineering MV to express the marker peptide CEA (MV-CEA) can allow real time monitoring of viral gene expression. This novel antitumor approach was translated to a phase I clinical trial in recurrent OvCa. Methods: Eligible patients (pts) had taxol and platinum refractory OvCa, protective anti-MV antibody (ab) titers and normal CEA levels. MV-CEA was administered IP, q 4 wks for up to 6 cycles. The standard cohorts of three design was applied. Results: 20 pts have been treated in 7 dose levels (103 - 109 TCID50). Median number of prior chemo regimens was 3.2. No dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed. Most common toxicities included grade 1–2 fatigue (9 pts); grade 1 fever (9 pts); grade 1–2 anorexia (7 pts); grade 1–2 abdominal pain (7 pts); grade 1–2 nausea (6 pts). There was no treatment induced immunosuppression as assessed by DTH, CD4, CD8, Ig and complement levels, no significant increase in the titers of MV ab in serum or ascites in response to treatment, no development of anti-CEA ab, and no shedding in urine or mouth gargle specimens. CEA elevation was observed in 1 pt (108 TCID50) in the peritoneal fluid and 2 patients (109 TICD50) in the serum. Viremia was detected in 4 asymptomatic pts by QRT-PCR. There was CD46 receptor overexpression by IHC in 7/8 pt tumor samples tested. Best objective response was stable disease (STAB) in 13 pts: median duration 88 days, range 55–277. Outcome was dose dependent with 8/8 STAB pts in dose levels 5–7 vs 5/12 in levels 1–4. All pts with viremia or CEA elevation achieved STAB. Five pts had pronounced decrease in CA125 levels, by 43.5%, 77.7%, 71.8%, 31.6% and 33.9%, respectively. Conclusions: MV-CEA is well tolerated in doses up to 109 TCID50. There is early evidence of dose dependent biologic activity in heavily pretreated pts, and possible association between viremia or CEA detection and outcome. Overexpression of CD46 in tumor specimens indicates potential value of CD46 targeted therapeutics in OvCa. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Analysis of nontuberculous mycobacteriosis deaths in official statistics, 1970-2010, and a recent clinical cohort study for the estimation of prevalence rate in Japan
Authors: Kozo Morimoto, Kazuro Iwai, Kazuhiro Uchimura, Takashi Yoshiyama, Kozo Yoshimori, Hideo Ogata, Atsuyuki Kurashima, Shoji Kudoh
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Background: Pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteriosis (pNTM) has been reported to increase in recent decades, but only a few papers have demonstrated the actual morality rate and its yearly trend during a long time span.

Objectives: To clarify the yearly trend of NTM mortality and to estimate the prevalence rate of pNTM disease in Japan, present studies are conducted.

Methods: The yearly death numbers and regional distribution of NTM deaths in Japan were studied using the yearly published Vital Statistics. The crude and age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated from the same data with a use of the Census. A 5-year follow up study on 309 pNTM patients, visited and registered at our institute from 2004 to 2006, was conducted to obtain 5 year’s prognosis with an annual death rate.

Results: Three NTM disease deaths were reported for the first time in 1970 and thereafter showed a marked increase until 2010 (1121) with female predominance. The crude death rates of both genders have been constantly increasing since 1970, and females were predominated than males in recent years. The age-adjusted rates for both genders also showed a gradual increase until 2010. Analysis on the regional difference revealed high crude death rates in the middle and western Japan, particularly in the southern coast regions along the Pacific Ocean. From a clinical follow up study, pNTM-caused mortality rate was found to be nearly 1-2 % annually. The prevalence rate of pNTM was estimated to be 33-65 per 100,000 in 2005.

Conclusions: A constant and steady increase of NTM deaths in Japan with particular geographical distribution is apparent.
Influence of long antibiotic therapy of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) on cytological characteristics of sputum
Authors: Alla Demchuk, Hanna Demchuk, Yuriy Mostovoy
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

To estimate changes of surface epithelium, leukogram, presence of microbes in the induced sputum (IS) at patients (Pt) with LRTI due to antibiotic therapy (AT) the microscopic examination of IS from 32 Ps (mean age - 58,1±19,4, male 30 (93,8%)) before and after prescription AT was performed. LRTI included community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) at 24 (75%) Pt, COPD exacerbation at 8 (25%) Pt. Before AT in IS of 20 (83,3%) CAP Pt signs of bacterial infection were revealed: single cells of epithelium with degeneration, siderophages (10±3-5 in vision feilds), prevalence of neutrophils (94,5±3%), rich and moderate cocco-bacillary flora. In IS of 4 (16,7%) CAP Pt proliferation of alveolocytes, dystrophy of prismatic epithelium, in leukogram - lymphocytes (37,5±5%) and monocytes (43±7,5%), scanty flora was found that reflected viral etiology. In IS of all COPD Pt against of the background of purulent detritus bronchial epitheliocytes with signs of squamous metaplasia and atypia, neutrophils (60±10%), lymphocytes (17±5,5%), monocytes (7±3%), moderate or abundant flora with coccobacills, diplococcus, leptotrix was revealed. Duration of AT was 8,5±2,3 days for 24 Pt and 15,4±3,4 days for 8 Pt (p<0.05). After AT in IS of Pt with prolonged therapy squamous metaplasia of surface epithelium with signs of hyperkeratosis and degeneration, increased lymphocytes (8±2,5%), eosinophils (13±4%), high level of Candida elements was found. In IS of Pt with short course of AT against of the background of mucus few leukocytes, macrophage and epitheliocytes were found. Long AT of Pt with LRTI caused dysfunction of normal regeneration process of surface epithelium.
Prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing Shigella species isolated from French travellers returning from the Caribbean: an emerging pathogen with international implications
Authors: M D Gray, D W Lacher, S R Leonard, J Abbott, S Zhao, K A Lampel, E Prothery, M Gouali, F-X Weill, A T Maurelli
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection (2015)
Botulism and hot-smoked whitefish: a family cluster of type E botulism in France, September 2009
Authors: L A King, T Niskanen, M Junnikkala, E Moilanen, M Lindström, H Korkeala, T Korhonen, M Popoff, C Mazuet, H Callon, N Pihier, F Peloux, C Ichai, H Quintard, P Dellamonica, E Cua, M Lasfargue, F Pierre, H de Valk
Journal: Eurosurveillance (2009)

A family cluster of three cases of type E botulism were identified in south-east France in September 2009. The suspected food source of infection was a vacuum packed hot-smoked whitefish of Canadian origin purchased by the family during a visit to Finland and consumed several weeks later in France on the day prior to symptom onset. No leftover fish was available to confirm this hypothesis. Vacuum packed hot-smoked whitefish has previously been associated with cases of type E botulism in multiple countries, including Finland, Germany, the United States and Israel.