tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Phase II trial of neoadjuvant sequential FEC100 followed by docetaxel and capecitabine for HER2-negative locally advanced breast cancer (LABC): A multicenter study from British Columbia
Authors: S. K. Chia, C. Lohrisch, K. Gelmon, H. Kennecke, G. Pansegrau, M. Taylor, A. Attwell, D. Jepson, M. Hayes, T. Shenkier
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2009)

598 Background: Anthracyclines and taxanes are now standard of care for LABC. Phase III trials have demonstrated pathological complete responses of the breast (pCR) of 20–34% in studies of primary operable and LABC. Recent trials in the HER-2 negative population reported pCR rates of 20–29%.We have completed a multi-centre phase II trial of a neoadjuvant sequential anthracycline and taxane combination regimen in a HER-2 negative LABC population. Methods: Women with HER-2 negative stage IIB-IIIC breast cancer were enrolled. Treatment consisted of 4 cycles of FEC100 (5-FU 500 mg/m 2 , epirubicin 100 mg/m 2 , cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m 2 ) followed by 4 cycles of XT (docetaxel 75 mg/m 2 and capecitabine 1,000 mg/m 2 PO BID x 14 days q3 weekly). Hormone receptor positive cases were prescribed standard endocrine therapy. A correlative translational component with baseline and interval biopsies and serum collection was also performed. Results: A total of 51 patients (27% stage IIB; 43% IIIA; 20% IIIB; and 10% IIIC) were accrued across 4 BCCA centres from November 2004-December 2007. Median age was 54 years (33–67 years). 59% of tumours were ER positive. There were no primary progressors on FEC100, though 2 patients had significant toxicities requiring early discontinuation. 3 patients (6%) developed clinical progression on XT. The majority of patients (79%) on XT required a dose reduction or delay. There were 5 episodes (10%) of febrile neutropenia. 15 patients (29%) underwent adjuvant radiotherapy prior to surgery. The pCR rate (breast and axilla) for the entire study population was 22% (11/51). In the ER+ and triple negative subtypes the pCR (breast and axilla) was 13% and 42%, respectively. Conclusions: This multi-centre phase II trial demonstrates activity for neoadjuvant anthracyclines followed by combination docetaxel/capecitabine in a HER-2 negative LABC population. Though the pCR rate was greater in the triple negative cohort, significant improvements are still required across the biological subtypes in HER-2 negative LABC. [Table: see text]
An alternative sampling support for collection of particles in exhaled air
Authors: Ekaterina Mirgorodskaya, Per Larsson, Anna Bredberg, Ann-Charlotte Almstrand, Anna-Carin Olin
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

We have previously reported a method to collect material from the airways in the form of exhaled particles (PEx) 1 . In the original set-up, PEx were sampled on silicon wafers to fulfill the conditions for downstream TOF SIMS analysis. Application of analytical techniques, such as immunoassay or LC-MS, involves extraction of material from the sampling support. PEx extraction from silicon wafers requires large volumes and generates unwanted silica debris.  The aim of this study was to identify PEx sampling supports suitable for use of wet chemistry on the collected material.  Five individuals exhaled 60L onto different sample supports. All sample supports were commercially available filters (Millipore). Samples were extracted in 200 μl of PBS/0.13%TWEEN and analyzed using albumin ELISA. Lipid was extracted using chloroform/methanol/water, 3:6:2 v/v/v, and analyzed by MALDI TOFMS.  The six tested sample supports were: (1) LCR Membrane; (2) glass fiber; (3) mixed cellulose membrane; (4) Omnipore Membrane; (5) Durapore Membrane; (6) Isopore Membrane. Silica wafers were included for comparison. The extraction efficiency was evaluated based on the albumin amount extracted from the filters. The best results were obtained for Filter1, which gave the highest amount of albumin/PEx, w/w. The filter showed good linearity for observed albumin recovery as function of PEx mass, R 2 =0.98. The suitability of the filter for lipid analysis was confirmed by MALDI TOFMS of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine.  We conclude that hydrophilic LCR Membrane is a good solid support for sampling PEx, suitable for collection of samples when wet chemistry is involved in the followup analysis.  1. Almstrand, et al.,  Anal. Chem.,  2009.  81 : 662.
Specificity of the 5q- Chromosome in a Distinct Type of Refractory Anemia
Authors: Alain Verhest, F. van Schoubroeck, M. Wittek, J. P. Naets, R. Denolin-Reubens
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1976)

A further instance of the 5q- chromosome associated with a distinct type of a regenerative anemia strengthened the hypothesis of specificity and consistency of this karyotypic abnormality in a new hematologic entity. The Giemsa banding technique revealed that the deletion of the long arms of chromosome #5 was interstitial: del (5) (pter ➛ q12 :: q31 ➛ qter).
A case-based discussion from the Medical Intensive Care Unit of Sahloul University Hospital of Tunisia: an unusual cause of alveolar hypoventilation in a patient with COPD: Figure 1
Authors: Olfa Mejri, Olfa Beji, Chaker Ben Salem, Houssem Hmouda
Journal: Thorax (2015)

A 54-year-old heavy smoker with a 20-year history of COPD, confirmed by spirometry, and previous gastric ulcer presented to the emergency room with mild mid-epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting evolving over 3 days. He reported taking a traditional herbal tea made of Retama raetam (white weeping broom) (approximately 1000 mL) which caused subsequent symptom deterioration and acute confusion (figure 1). Figure 1 The medicinal plant Retama raetam. On examination, the patient had no fever and was confused with a Glasgow coma score of 13/15. His abdomen was soft. The remainder of the physical examination was unremarkable. Chest X-ray, ECG, CT brain scan and laboratory blood tests were normal. Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis on room air disclosed severe respiratory acidosis with hypercapnia and high bicarbonate level (pH=7.14, pCO2=11 kPa, ![Graphic][1]</img>=36 mmol/L) as well as severe hypoxaemia (paO2=5.4 kPa). Subsequently, because of a rapid deterioration of the level of consciousness, as assessed by a fall in Glasgow coma score (GCS) to 6/15, the patient required intubation, sedation and mechanical ventilation. His blood pressure and pulse fell substantially soon after he was placed on the ventilator, requiring fluid resuscitation and continuous infusion of norepinephrine (1 mg/h). The patient was then transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). In the ICU, he was maintained on volume assist control ventilation with the following settings: tidal volume 420 mL, FIO2 50%, positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) 4 cm H2O, respiratory rate 14/min and inspiratory time (I)/expiratory time (E) ratio of 1/3. Pupils were dilated and responsive to light. Invasive arterial blood pressure (IABP) was 120/65/80 mm Hg, respectively, for systolic, diastolic and mean IABPs. Oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry was 100%, and heart rate was around 55 bpm. ECG showed sinus bradycardia with no other … [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Switch from sitaxentan to another ERA in PAH: Single center short term safety observations
Authors: Tobias Lange, Michael Arzt, Michael Pfeifer
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Background & aims:  In December 2010 the Endothelin Receptor Antagonist (ERA) Sitaxentan (SIT) has been withdrawn from the market. Therefore patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) had to be switched to other PAH-therapies. There are differences in the side effect-profile of the ERAs Ambrisentan (AMB), Bosentan (BOS) and SIT including drug interactions. We describe the short term safety in PAH-patients at our center who were switched from SIT to another ERA.   Methods:  All patients switched from SIT to AMB or BOS for more than 4 weeks were included. We collected liver function tests (LFT), INR, WHO functional class (FC) and new side effects.   Results:  Patients on SIT (n=16) were seen 13 days (4–32) after the withdrawal notification. Mean duration of SIT therapy was 478 days (93–2332). Patients were switched to AMB (n=10) or BOS (n=6) on the basis of personal experience and expected side effects. Mean follow-up was 41 days.  LFTs under SIT were all within the normal range and remained normal in all but one patient who had ALAT increase from 13 to 242 U/l on BOS, normalizing after BOS cessation. The WHO FC did not change in any patient. Three patients complained about new or worsening peripheral edema, 2 on AMB and 1 on BOS. In 4 out of 12 patients receiving oral anticoagulation who were in therapeutic range under SIT, the INR dropped below 2 after switch to AMB (1) or BOS (3). One patient died suddenly 10 days after switch to BOS.   Conclusion:  PAH-patients who are switched from SIT to another ERA can experience in part serious safety problems and should be closely monitored.
Efficacy and safety of applying the British Thoracic Society (BTS) criteria to determine appropriateness of follow up in general respiratory clinics
Authors: Satinder Dalay, Vikas Punamiya, Shiva Bikmalla, Alice M. Turner, Rahul Mukherjee
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Introduction : Respiratory physicians are under increasing pressure in England to discharge patients with chronic illnesses to primary care. The BTS statement on criteria for specialist referral, admission, discharge and follow-up for adults with respiratory disease (Thorax 2008; 63(Suppl I):i1–i16.) remains the only available basis for this dialogue.

Aim : To assess the impact of implementing BTS criteria for discharge on follow-up to new ratio (“new-to-follow up” ratio) in a general respiratory clinic (efficacy) and to assess readmission rates of those discharged as a measure of appropriateness of discharge.

Methods : Retrospective analysis of “New-to-Follow up” ratios of one pilot general respiratory clinic in a large teaching hospital collected over a 2 week period in July 2010; repeat analysis undertaken (Oct-Dec 2010) after a BTS statement-guided clinic reform was implemented (Jul-Dec 2010) with a management plan in the clinic letter. Unscheduled hospital admission in 6 months following the date of the clinic discharge were compared with preceding 6 months.

Results : Number of Follow-up-to-new ratio pre-reform was 5.0 (144/29); post-reform improved to 0.86 (111/129); clinic waiting time fell from 13 to 5 weeks.

There was a significant drop in all-cause and respiratory-related admission rates for those who were reviewed and discharged.

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Re-admission data





Conclusion : Patient-focussed, multidisciplinary approach to long-term respiratory conditions allows accurate diagnosis and appropriate discharge planning to take place using the BTS criteria.
What is structural similarity and is it greater in living things?
Authors: Keith R. Laws
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (2001)

Humphreys and Forde (H&amp;F) propose that greater within- category structural similarity makes living things more difficult to name. However, recent studies show that normal subjects find it easier to name living than nonliving things when these are matched across category for potential artefacts. Additionally, at the level of single pixels, visual overlap appears to be greater for nonliving things.
Natural Antibody in Mammary Tumor Virus-Infected Mice That Reacts With Intracytoplasmic A Particles of Mouse Mammary Tumors
Authors: Stefan Zotter, Martin Müller
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1977)

By an indirect immunofluorescence technique with prolonged serum incubation on murine mammary tumor (MT) slices, 179 of 424 mice examined were found to possess natural serum antibody (antibodies) that reacted with intracytoplasmic A particles (iAp) of MT cells. The immunologic specificity of this antibody was supported by absorption and blocking experiments. Furthermore, a strong similarity was seen between the mouse antibody reaction on various MT and the fluorescence pattern of rabbit anti-iAp antiserum on these tumors. In female mice, incidence and geometric mean titers of the antibody in part were correlated to the spontaneous MT frequency of the mouse strains examined. Some mice of the strains XVII/Bin and CBA/BinfXVII/Bin, hitherto regarded as "free" of the mouse mammary tumor virus (MuMTV), also contained anti-iAp antibody in their sera. In contrast to MuMTV)-producing CBA/Bin micethese animals did not possess detectable spontaneous antibody reacting with MuMTV-B particles. Therefore, hypothetically, the antibody response in these mice might be induced by incomplete MuMTV expression. In the strain CBA/Bin, females 4 months old and older possessed the antibody in significantly higher geometric mean titers when compared to 4-week-old female mice. The history of lactation seemed to have no influence on the titer of antibody. In the comparatively high MT strains CBA/Bin and C3H/Bin, adult (4-month-old) females had the antibody in significantly higher levels when compared to age-matched males.
Magnetoencephalography as a neuro-imaging method in chronic dyspnoea: A feasibility study
Authors: Miriam Johnson, Michael Simpson, Rebecca Millman, Gary Green
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Background: Neuroimaging in chronic dyspnoea is challenging.

Aim: Feasibility of MEG in chronic dyspnoea

Methods: An exploratory cohort had chronic respiratory disease (mMRC dyspnoea 3,4). Patients performed seated leg exercise. Baseline data: cause/duration/intensity of dyspnoea. Four MEG scans were conducted: 1) at rest (5 mins), 2) post exercise dyspnoea recovery (10 mins); 1+2 repeated after an hour. Recovery scans were conducted +/- facial airflow in random order. Patients rated dyspnoea intensity (0-10 NRS) at baseline, maximal exertion and every minute during recovery. A structural MRI scan was conducted. Data was compared with banked data from normal volunteers.

Results: 7/8 patients(mean age=62;[47-83]; 4 males; median mMRC=4) completed all scans except one MRI.

Maximum dyspnoea intensity was induced by 5 minutes, and induced to the same level for repeat scans (median=8; IQR=7-8). All recovered to baseline by 10 minutes.

Virtual Electrodes (VEs)(time-series estimates at specified points)were generated from the first and last 3 minutes of post-exercise data and the time/frequency profile plotted. VEs were based on dyspnoea pathway location estimates: prefrontal cortex; amygdala; anterior cingulate cortex; anterior insula; post and precentral gyrus. Predominant activity frequencies were in the beta (13-30 Hz) and gamma (30-80 Hz) bands. Preliminary beamformer-source localisation in individuals shows differences in areas of activity: post-exercise/on recovery; with/without airflow; between patients/normal volunteers at rest.

Conclusions: MEG is a feasible, potentially useful method to investigate chronic dyspnoea, able to identify neural activity related to changes in dyspnoea.
Resistance to Syngeneic Lymphoma Cells as a Result of Immunization With Chemically Modified Allogeneic Lymphoma Cells in Mice 2
Authors: R. W. Gillette, D. C. Berringer, D. A. Wunderlich
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1978)

Journal Article Resistance to Syngeneic Lymphoma Cells as a Result of Immunization With Chemically Modified Allogeneic Lymphoma Cells in Mice Get access R. W. Gillette, R. W. Gillette Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar D. C. Berringer, D. C. Berringer Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar D. A. Wunderlich D. A. Wunderlich Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 60, Issue 6, June 1978, Pages 1427–1432, https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/60.6.1427 Published: 01 June 1978 Article history Received: 09 September 1977 Accepted: 16 December 1977 Published: 01 June 1978
Three‐Year Clinical Outcome Following Baseline Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Anti–Citrullinated Protein Antibody–Positive Arthralgia Patients: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Yoony Y. J. Gent, Marieke M. ter Wee, Nazanin Ahmadi, Cornelis van Kuijk, Alexandre E. Voskuyl, Conny J. van der Laken, Cristina Dowling, Lotte A. van de Stadt, Dirkjan van Schaardenburg
Journal: Arthritis & Rheumatology (2014)
Severe tuberculosis forms in children in Romania
Authors: Ramona Nedelcu, Horia Cocei, Elmira Ibraim
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Introduction : Despite the sharp decrease of TB incidence rate in children in Romania in the recent years, some dozens of severe forms of disease are still reported each year. Aim and objectives: To analyze the demographic and clinic profile of severe TB forms in children in Romania, in 2010 and 2011 . Method : The records of children with TB meningitis and miliaria reported in 2010 and 2011 have been extracted from the electronic National TB Register of Romania and have been analyzed by demographic and clinic parameters. Results : There have been registered 106 children with severe TB forms, 53 in each year. The meningitis was more frequent than miliaria: 62.3% in 2010 and 58.5% in 2011. Of 106 cases, 48.1% were males and 63.2% were living in rural. By age group, the higher percentage (38.7%) were up to one year old. In 11 miliaria cases TB meningitis has also been diagnosed and in 3 cases a previous TB episode has been notified. Less then one third of children (28.3%) have been tested for HIV infection, none of them positive. Despite difficulties in bacteriological confirmation of TB in children, 24.5% had positive microscopy and 30.2% positive culture in appropriate biological samples. No drug-resistant TB form has been reported. Overall successful outcome has been reached in 77.4% of cases; however, 12.3% of children deceased and 4.7% abandoned treatment before completion. Conclusion: There are still some dozens of cases with severe forms of TB reported each year, raising important challenges in early detection, accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of childhood TB in the country. Achievement of successful outcome in such cases is of top priority.
Morphology of blood disorders, G.D'Onofrio &amp; G.Zini, (B. Bain translator) 2nd edition, Wiley Blackwell2015. ISBN: 978‐1‐118‐44260‐9 hardcover $220, e‐book $176.99
Authors: Carlo Brugnara
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (2015)

Blood morphology examination is a fundamental step in the diagnosis and monitoring of hematological diseases. Although a large number of on-line tools are available to both trainees and hematologist-oncologists, textbooks like “Morphology of Blood Disorders” still play a central and unique role in the training the new generation of blood professionals as well as in providing an authoritative and comprehensive reference tool. The two authors, Giuseppe D'Onofrio and Gina Zini, both from Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy are recognized experts in the morphology of blood and bone marrow. They have teamed up with Prof. Barbara Bain, from Imperial College London, the foremost authority on morphology of blood elements, to produce an exceptionally well-illustrated and detailed textbook, covering both benign and malignant hematology. In many sections, blood morphology is accompanied by output data from hematology analyzers, providing an additional piece of the puzzle that most of the other textbooks on this matter have failed to adequately consider. Prof. Bain has captured the subtleties and nuances of the original Italian text and married them with an eloquent and incisive prose which beautifully describes both images and pathophysiology. A major strength of this textbook is the number and quality of the images as well as the detailed descriptions contained in the legends. I highly recommend “Morphology of Blood Disorders” for hematologists, hemopathologists, and clinical laboratory professionals, both as a training instrument and a reference tool. Carlo Brugnara Department of Laboratory Medicine Boston Children's Hospital 300 Longwood Avenue, Bader 760 Boston, MA 02115. E-mail: carlo.brugnara@childrens.harvard.edu
Abstract P111: Obesity Prevalence Soars among Urban Middle-class in Bangladesh
Authors: Juliann Saquib, Nazmus Saquib, Shuchi Anand, Masuma Khanam, Glenn Chertow, Mark Cullen
Journal: Circulation (2013)

Background: Bangladeshi adults are at risk for obesity as a result of increased nutritional intake, spurred by high economic growth in the past decades. Available data pertain to rural and urban-po...
Toxic deaths in the Second National Wilms' Tumor Study.
Authors: B Jones, N E Breslow, J Takashima
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1984)

There were 122 deaths among 803 children registered, randomized, and followed in the second National Wilms' Tumor Study; 17 occurred in children apparently free of disease and were attributable to causes other than tumor progression. Seven deaths were attributed to infection during periods of drug-induced leukopenia; four were due to liver failure; and one each was attributable to radiation pneumonopathy, intestinal obstruction, renal failure, myocardial disease, and encephalopathy. The cause of one death was unexplained. Of particular concern were four (of 47) infants under one year of age with group I or II disease who had toxic deaths. Subsequent to these experiences the doses of all chemotherapeutic agents were reduced by 50% for infants under one year of age. No deaths from toxicity were observed thereafter in infants. An analysis of the therapeutic effect of this dose reduction showed three of 47 relapsed on full dose and five of 54 on half dose. The difference is not statistically significant. This report is a further demonstration of the potentially serious vulnerability of infants to standard doses of anticancer drugs even when they are calculated on a per kilogram basis.
Re-testing for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is only indicated for inner dynein arm defects
Authors: Robert Hirst, Andrew Rutman, Gwyneth Williams, Neeta Kulkarni, Chris O'Callaghan
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Background: PCD is an autosomal recessive condition that remains difficult to diagnose. Previously we showed that inner dynein arm phenotypic variants of PCD can in some cases revert to normal on re-testing [1]. Here we present 5-years of data on re-testing positively diagnosed PCD patientsacross a broad range of phenotypic variants.

Aims: To test the hypothesis that re-testing for PCD does not change the initial testing results.

Methods: Nasal brush biopsies were taken and ciliary beat frequency and pattern measured using high speed video microscopy. Biopsies were fixed and sectioned prior toultra-structural analysis using transmission electron microscopy.

Results: 162 PCD cases were identified over a 5 year period (13% of cases referred).

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PCD re-tests





Conclusion: Re-testing for PCD should be considered in patient's whose initial biopsy suggested an absence of inner dynein arms or a radial spoke defect.

Reference: [1] O'Callaghan C, Rutman A, Williams GM, Hirst RA. Inner dynein arm defects causing primary ciliary dyskinesia: repeat testing required . European Respiratory Journal 03/2011; 38(3):603-7.