tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
When to harvest peripheral-blood stem cells after mobilization therapy: prediction of CD34-positive cell yield by preceding day CD34-positive concentration in peripheral blood.
Authors: C Elliott, D M Samson, S Armitage, M P Lyttelton, D McGuigan, R Hargreaves, C Giles, G Abrahamson, Z Abboudi, M Brennan, E J Kanfer
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1996)

PURPOSE To evaluate whether the CD34+ yield from a single peripheral-blood stem-cell (PBSC) harvest could be predicted by measurement of the patient's circulating WBC and CD34+ cell concentrations on the day before harvest. PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty-nine patients with hematologic or nonhematologic malignancy underwent 41 stem-cell mobilization episodes with cytotoxic chemotherapy and/or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and a total of 63 leukapheresis procedures were performed. Peripheral-blood samples were analyzed for WBC and CD34+ cell concentration both on the day before and the day of leukapheresis. RESULTS The median WBC and CD34+ concentrations on the day preceding leukapheresis were 10.0 x 10(9)/L (range, 0.4 to 44.4) and 24.9 x 10(6)/L (range, 0.1 to 349.4), respectively. On the day of harvest, the corresponding figures were 15.1 x 10(9)/L (range, 1.5 to 52.6) and 29.3 x 10(6)/L (range, 0.1 to 543.1), respectively. The median CD34+ cell number collected in a single leukapheresis was 2.6 x 10(6)/kg body weight (range, 0.1 to 26.1). Both the preceding day (r = .84, P &lt; .001) and harvest day (r = .95, P &lt; .001) CD34+ circulating concentrations correlated significantly with the number of CD34+ cells per kilogram collected at leukapheresis. The correlation between CD34+ cells per kilogram collected and harvest day WBC count was also significant (r = .43, P &lt;.001), but with the preceding day WBC count was nonsignificant. CONCLUSION The number of CD34+ cells harvested in a single leukapheresis can be predicted by measurement of the preceding day peripheral-blood circulating CD34+ concentration, and on the basis of these data a table of probable CD34+ cell yield has been constructed. This correlation may facilitate the efficient organization of leukapheresis procedures.
Growth regulation of thyroid gland and thyroid tumorsEdited by P. E. Goretski and H. D. Roher, Volume 18 of Frontiers of Hormone Research, edited by T. B. van Wimersma Greidanus. Basel: Karger, 1989, $110.00 (viii + 162 pages). ISBN 3-80554984-9
Authors: M. Saeed-uz-Zafar
Journal: Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism (1990)
Androgen Conjugates in Human Breast Cyst Flulds&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="fn2"&gt;2&lt;/xref&gt;
Authors: W R Miller, M M Roberts, R J Creel, P L Yap, R W Kelly, A P Forrest
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1982)

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHAS) has been measured by radioimmunoassay in 100 breast cyst fluids obtained from 82 women. Values ranged from 1.5 to 1,155 microM with a median of 140 microM. These concentrations are in excess of those for plasma but are comparable or less than values for breast secretions obtained by nipple aspiration. Levels of DHAS in cyst fluid were not significantly affected by age, menopausal status, or parity of the subject or by the volume of cyst fluid obtained. In patients with multiple cysts, DHAS values from cysts aspirated from the same breast on the same data were relatively comparable, but wide variations were frequently observed between cysts aspirated on different occasions from the same breast and between cysts from different breasts of the same patient, whether sampled simultaneously or sequentially. Such variability must complicate comparative studies among women.
Desmoid Tumor: Prognostic Factors and Outcome After Surgery, Radiation Therapy, or Combined Surgery and Radiation Therapy
Authors: Matthew T. Ballo, Gunar K. Zagars, Alan Pollack, Peter W.T. Pisters, Raphael A. Pollock
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1999)

PURPOSE: To evaluate the therapeutic value of resection and the potential benefits of and indications for adjuvant and definitive radiation therapy for desmoid tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 189 consecutive cases of desmoid tumor treated with surgical resection, resection and radiation therapy, or radiation therapy alone. Treatment was surgery alone in 122 cases, surgery and radiation therapy in 46, and radiation therapy alone in 21. Median follow-up was 9.4 years. RESULTS: Overall, 5- and 10-year actuarial relapse rates were 30% and 33%, respectively. Uncorrected survival rates were 96%, 92%, and 87% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. For the patients treated with surgery, the actuarial relapse rates were 34% and 38% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Among 78 patients with negative margins, the 10-year recurrence rate was 27%, whereas 40 margin-positive patients had a 10-year relapse rate of 54% (P = .003). Tumors located in an extremity also had a poorer prognosis than did those in the trunk. For patients treated with radiation therapy for gross disease, the 10-year actuarial relapse rate was 24%. For patients treated with combined resection and radiation therapy, the 10-year actuarial relapse rate was 25%. The addition of radiation therapy offset the adverse impact of positive margins seen in the surgical group. CONCLUSION: Wide local excision with negative pathologic margins is the treatment of choice for most desmoid tumors. Function-sparing resection is appropriate because adjuvant radiation therapy can offset the adverse impact of positive margins. Unresectable disease should be treated with definitive radiation therapy.
Urokinase plasminogen activation receptor (uPAR) levels correlate with bronchial epithelial barrier integrity
Authors: Mariel Slater, Dominick Shaw, Ian Sayers
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Rationale:  The urokinase plasminogen activation receptor (uPAR) is a membrane bound receptor cleaved at its glycosylphosphatidylinisotol (GPI) anchor to form a full length soluble cleaved form (scuPAR). We have shown that uPAR is elevated in airway epithelium in asthma patients and  in vitro  leads to MMP-9 activation. MMP-9 has been associated with reduced bronchial epithelial barrier integrity. To date, the role of uPAR in determining airway epithelial barrier function has not been measured directly.   Aim:  To assess whether suPAR levels influence bronchial epithelial barrier integrity, possibly via modification of MMP-9.   Methods:  Primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) were grown at air liquid interface (ALI) and barrier integrity assessed using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Total MMP-9 and scuPAR levels were assessed in basal supernatants using a Duoset ELISA and active MMP-9 was measured using a fluorokine assay (n=3-4).   Results:  scuPAR levels negatively correlated with TEER at ALI day 14 (r= -0.54,  p =0.010). ScuPAR levels also positively correlated with both active MMP-9 (r=0.89,  p l0.0001) and total MMP-9 (r=0.93,  p l0.0001) levels in the same sample, suggesting that expression of these proteins is concomitant. TEER negatively correlated with both active and total MMP-9.   Conclusion:  These data suggests that increased scuPAR as observed in the airways in asthma is associated with decreased epithelial barrier integrity  in vitro , possibly via activation of MMP-9. These findings warrant further investigation and may have clinical implications in asthma where the bronchial epithelial barrier is potentially compromised.
Pleural mesothelioma with solitary simultaneous subcutaneous tissue metastasis of the abdominal wall at diagnosis - First clinical documentation
Authors: Roger Fei Falkenstern-Ge, Martin Kimmich, Sabine Bode-Erdmann, Godehard Friedel, German Ott, Martin Kohlhaeufl
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Introduction  Pleural mesothelioma with metastasis to the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal wall at first diagnosis and without penetration into the peritoneum is an extremely rare clinical presentation. Pleural mesothelioma is a malignant neoplasm of mesodermal origin and arises from multipotential mesothelial or subserosal cells of the pleura, pericardium and peritoneum.  Aims and objectives  This is the first clinical documentation of pleura mesothelioma simultaneously metastasized to the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal wall.  Methods  Patients with pleura mesothelioma have low survival rate. A 55- year- old man was referred to our center due to increasing dyspnea and a painful periumbilical mass in the anterior abdominal wall. CT- scan revealed both advanced mesothelioma of the pleura and a tumor mass confined to the subcutaneous fatty tissue without penetration through the peritoneum. Video assisted-thoracoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of epithelioid pleuramesothelioma, which was also confirmed by a biopsy of the periumbilical mass. Systemic chemotherapy with cisplatin and pemetrexed was initiated.  Results  Under the ongoing systemic chemotherapy, the evaluation revealed partial remission of pleura mesothelioma and its subcutaneous manifestation of the abdominal wall. During the follow- up evaluations, we could observe improved clinical conditioning of our patient.  Conclusion  Mesothelioma is a aggressive malignant manifestation with resistence toward many therapies. This is the first ever cllinical documentation of a patient with pleura mesothelioma and simultaneous subcutaneous manifestation of abdominal wall.
PECAM-1 single nucleotide polymorphisms and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Michael Crooks, Ahmed Fahim, Simon Hart
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias and carries a prognosis worse than many cancers. However, the pathogenesis of this disease remains incompletely understood.

Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (PECAM-1) is a 130 kDa glycoprotein that has been implicated in pulmonary fibrosis in a strain of knockout mice. We assess the prevalence of the PECAM-1 single gene polymorphisms and the serum concentration of PECAM-1 in IPF patients versus controls.

Methods: Samples of full blood were collected from 37 patients with IPF and 41 controls. DNA was extracted from whole blood using QIAmp DNA Blood Midi Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA). PCR was performed using primers specific to exon 3, exon 8 and exon 12 of the PECAM-1 gene. Purified PCR products were sent to Eurofins MWG Operon for sequencing. The serum concentration of soluble PECAM-1 was assessed using ELISA.

Results and discussion: No significant difference was observed in the prevalence of single gene polymorphisms in exon 3, 8 or 12 of the PECAM-1 gene. The serum PECAM-1 concentration was significantly higher in the IPF group versus controls (106.177ng/ml vs 84.327ng/ml respectively, p=0.0398) with elevated sPECAM-1 concentrations associated with better lung function (p=0.038).

Conclusion: No significant difference in the prevalence of single gene polymorphisms in the PECAM-1 gene was observed between IPF and control groups. Serum PECAM-1 concentration was elevated in IPF patients versus controls however it is not possible to conclude whether this is important in the pathogenesis of the disease or a secondary event resulting from cell injury and aberrant tissue repair.
IgE-induced pro-inflammatory extracellular matrix composition in airway smooth muscle cells is prevented by omalizumab
Authors: Michael Roth, Jun Zhong, Chong Teck S'ng, Michael Tamm
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background:  Increased extracellular matrix deposition, and more important its pro-inflammatory composition is a hallmark of airway remodelling in allergic asthma.   Objective:  a) To investigate the remodelling potency of antibody activated IgE in human airway smooth muscle cells of asthma and control patients. b) the role of the two IgE receptors on IgE-induced airway remodelling, and c) the potential of the anti-IgE antibody drug omalizumab to prevent IgE-induced extracellular matrix remodelling.   Methods:  Isolated primary human airway smooth muscle cells of patients with asthma (n=8) and controls (n=8) were pre-incubated with Omalizumab for 30 min and then stimulated with antibody activated human IgE, and or TGF-β1 for up to 72 hrs. The content of specific collagens in the extracellular matrix was determined by ELISA. IgE receptors were down-regulated by silencing RNA.   Results:  IgE and TGF-β1 increased the deposition of collagen-I, -III, and fibronectin, but not of collagen-IV and –VII in asthmatic and non-asthmatic cells. When combined, the stimuli had a synergistic effect. Pre-incubation (30 min) with omalizumab dose-dependently prevented IgE-induced collagen deposition, but had no effect on TGF-β1. IgE stimulation of collagen-I involved IgE receptor-I and p38 MAP kinase. IgE induced collagen-III and fibronectin deposition required IgE receptors-I and –II, as well as Erk1/2 and p38 mitogen activated protein kinases.   Conclusion : IgE is a potent inducer of pro-inflammatory extracellular matrix components in the human airway wall and its effect can be prevented by Omalizumab. Thus the anti-IgE antibody drug may reduce airway remodelling in long term therapy.
Churg Strauss syndrome associated with montelukast treatment – Study case
Authors: Milena Adina Man, Monica Pop, Dana Alexandrescu, Ruxandra Rajnoveanu
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Churg Strauss Syndrome is a systemic vasculitis occurring in patients with asthma, blood eosinophilia and vasculitis involving more than two extrapulmonary organs. In the past few years, there have been several reports about leucotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA), therapy implications in the pathogenesis of Churg Strauss syndrome.  We report a case, 62 years old, nonsmoker women with a 20 years history of moderate asthma treated with Fluticasone/Salmeterol (50/500) for 5 year and Montelukast (10mg) for 5 month (had not been on steroid treatment other than inhaled with no decreasing of steroid dose). The patient was admitted in our hospital in December with malaise, fever, headache, wheezing, musculoskeletal and thoracic pain, rhinitis and gastroenteritis. A chest radiograph showed only few reticulonodular infiltrates. Chest CT revealed infiltrates in right superior lobe. The blood eosinphilia was 52% of her total WBC count. Bronchioalveolar lavage showed 14,6% eosinophils; medular biopsy revealed central eosinophils. The gastrointestinal biopsy show eosinophilic infiltration. Serum IgE level was elevated. The patient has more than four of the six diagnostic criteria (developed by ACR in 1990) for Churg Strauss syndrome. We believed that Montelukast use was associated with CSS. Discontinuation of Montelukast and association of oral Prednisone (1mg/kg) generated rapid improvement of the symptoms and favorable outcome.  Respiratory physicians need to evaluated the risk of CSS when treating patients with LTRA. But Montelukast has been associated with CSS in a very small number. The efficacity, lack of major side effects and easy administration make Montelukast a good alternative in asthma management.
Use of breath stacking technique as a strategy for redistribution of regional chest wall volume in obese women
Authors: Jacqueline Barcelar, Talita Lourdes Melo, Camila Dornelas, Daniella Brandão, Cyda Reinaux, Guilherme Fregonezi, Selma Bruno, Andrea Aliverti, Armele Dornelas
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

The effects of obesity on pulmonary function can affect the chest expansion and induce restrictive mechanisms. Maneuvers of respiratory expansion improve the lung ventilation.   Aims:  To analyze the effects of breath stacking (BS) on compartmental analysis of breathing in obese females.   Methods:  Clinical blind, randomized controlled trial involving 32 obese women (BMI ≥ 40kg/m 2 ) separated into two groups: control (CG) n=16, mean age 41.94±9.38 and intervention (GBS) n= 16, mean age 40.38±10.16. Optoelectronic Plethysmography (OEP) was performed to assess total and regional tidal volume during a breath stacking. For statistical analysis used paired t tests and unpaired.   Results:  GBS showed an increase in contribution in the rib cage pulmonar (p = 0.037) and decrease in abdomen (p = 0.024). Variable of pulmonary ventilation minute ventilation had decrease (p = 0.036) in GBS.   Conclusions:  BS changed the distribution of ventilation, resulting in greater contribution to lung volume in the lower chest wall corresponding to activity of the diaphragm.
Challenges in pulmonary fibrosis {middle dot} 3: Cystic lung disease
Authors: G. P Cosgrove, S. K Frankel, K. K Brown
Journal: Thorax (2007)

Cystic lung disease is a frequently encountered problem caused by a diverse group of diseases. Distinguishing true cystic lung disease from other entities, such as cavitary lung disease and emphysema, is important given the differing prognostic implications. In this paper the features of the cystic lung diseases are reviewed and contrasted with their mimics, and the clinical and radiographic features of both diffuse (pulmonary Langerhans' cell histiocytosis and lymphangioleiomyomatosis) and focal or multifocal cystic lung disease are discussed.
Clinical Research in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Thomas L. Croxton, Gail G. Weinmann, Robert M. Senior, Robert A. Wise, James D. Crapo, A. Sonia Buist
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2003)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common condition, and one difficult to manage. Available treatments, other than smoking cessation, are only minimally effective, and the knowledge basis for clinical decision making is limited. To identify areas in which further clinical research may lead to significant improvements in the care of patients with COPD, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute convened a Working Group, entitled "Clinical Research in COPD: Needs and Opportunities," on March 21-22, 2002. This group of experts identified important questions in the field and made the following recommendations: (1) establish a multicenter Clinical Research Network to perform multiple, short-term clinical trials of treatments in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD; (2) create a system for the standardized collection, processing, and distribution of lung tissue specimens and associated clinical and laboratory data; (3) develop standards for the classification and staging of COPD; (4) characterize the development and progression of COPD using measures and biomarkers that relate to current concepts of pathogenesis; and (5) evaluate indications for long-term oxygen therapy for patients with COPD.
Double-alkylator non-total-body irradiation regimen with autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in pediatric solid tumors.
Authors: M F Ozkaynak, K Matthay, M Cairo, R E Harris, S Feig, C P Reynolds, J Buckley, J G Villablanca, R C Seeger
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1998)

PURPOSE To determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of cyclophosphamide (CTX) when administered with fixed doses of carboplatin, etoposide, and melphalan (CEM) followed by autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) in children with recurrent or high-risk solid tumors as a consolidation chemotherapy, and to make preliminary observations on efficacy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-seven patients with solid tumors between the ages of 2 and 21 years were enrolled. Twenty of 27 had recurrent disease, whereas seven were treated in first remission. Nine were treated with melphalan 50 mg/m2/d for 4 days, carboplatin 300 mg/m2/d for 4 days as a continuous infusion (CI), and etoposide 200 mg/m2/d for 4 days as a CI (level I). CTX 750 mg/m2/d for 4 days was added to this regimen for the next 18 patients (level II). Seven of nine patients at level I and four of 18 at level II received bone marrow (BM) only, while two of nine at level I and 14 of 18 at level II received BM plus peripheral-blood stem cells (PBSC). RESULTS The median time to reach an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) greater than 500/microl was 12.5 and 10 days for patients who received BM only and BM plus PBSC, respectively. Three cases of grade 3 mucositis, one Candida sepsis, and two transient hypoxemias were the main nonfatal toxicities. No toxic mortality was observed among level I patients. Three of 18 (16%) level II patients, all in second CR, died of transplant-related complications. Median follow-up is 29 months. Nine died of progressive disease (one second malignancy), six relapsed and are alive with disease, and nine are in continuous CR. Among the 15 PNET/Ewing's sarcoma patients, seven are in continuous CR (three of nine in second CR/VGPR, four of six in first CR/VGPR). CONCLUSION The addition of CTX 3 g/m2 to CEM followed by autologous HSCT as a consolidation therapy resulted in 16% toxic mortality in children with recurrent or high-risk solid tumors. Further CTX dose escalation was aborted. No common nonhematologic toxicity was identified. The event-free survival (EFS) of 66% +/- 19% at 3 years for patients with metastatic PNET/Ewing's sarcoma in first remission is encouraging. However, this is based on only six patients. Both level I and II need further exploration in high-risk pediatric solid tumors in first remission.
Two test cases in Holland clarify law on murder and palliative care
Authors: Tony Sheldon
Journal: BMJ (2004)

Legal judgments in two test cases against doctors in the Netherlands accused of killing their dying comatose patients have clarified the differences between palliative care and murder.

In the first case, which has lasted seven years, the Supreme Court finally rejected a doctor's appeal against a charge of murder. The court said that the dose of 50 mg of the anaesthetic drug alcuronium chloride (Alloferin) he gave his patient could not be considered a form of palliative care. Neither was it euthanasia, as the patient had not made a request to die. The appeal had been made by Amsterdam GP Wilfred van Oijen, who appeared in a 1994 …