tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Abstract 213: The Late Phase of Ischemic Preconditioning Is Abrogated by a Specific Prostaglandin I2 Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Yiru Guo, Steven P Jones, Wei Tan, Xiaoping Zhu, Wen-Jian Wu, Jingyao Mu, Roberto Bolli
Journal: Circulation (2007)

Previous studies have shown that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mediates the late phase of ischemic preconditioning (PC) by producing various cardioprotective prostanoids including prostacyclin (PGI 2 ) and prostaglandin (PG) E 2 (PGE 2 ). Prostanoids are known to act via activation of specific receptors. However, the specific PG receptors responsible for the salubrious actions of COX-2 in PC and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury remain unclear. The PGI 2 receptor (IP) mediates the actions of PGI 2 and PGE 2 , the two major COX-2-derived prostanoids with cardioprotective properties. Accordingly, the goal of this study was to determine the role of the IP in late PC. C57BL/6 mice underwent a 30-min coronary occlusion (O) followed by 24 h of reperfusion (R). Administration of the IP receptor selective antagonist, RO 3244794 (group III, 10 mg/kg i.p.), 30 min prior to the 30-min O had no appreciable effect on infarct size compared with untreated and vehicle-treated groups (68.4 ± 1.2 % vs. 63.3 ± 3.1 % and 65.6 ± 3.9 % of the risk region, respectively). When mice were preconditioned with six cycles of 4-min O/4-min R 24 h prior to the 30-min O, infarct size was markedly reduced (group IV, 33.2 ± 2.9 %), indicating a late PC effect. In the vehicle-treated late PC group, infarct size (group V, 37.2 ± 4.9 %) was similar to the late PC group, indicating the vehicle had no effect. However, the protective effect of late PC was completely abrogated by administration of RO 3244794 30 min before the 30-min O (group VI, 63.8 ± 4.5 %). We conclude that the IP receptor is an obligatory mediator of the late phase of ischemic PC in vivo , suggesting that pharmacologic manipulations of this receptor may be therapeutically useful.
Cancer-Associated Alterations of Blood Group Antigen Expression in the Human Pancreas&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN2"&gt;2&lt;/xref&gt;
Authors: S H Itzkowitz, M Yuan, L D Ferrell, R M Ratcliffe, Y S Chung, K Satake, K Umeyama, R T Jones, Y S Kim
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1987)

Certain alterations of blood group substance (BGS) expression have been observed in gastrointestinal cancer tissues. However, in the pancreas little is known about BGS expression by normal or malignant tissue. The present immunohistochemical study analyzed simultaneously the expression of A, B, H, Lewisa (Lea), and Lewisb (Leb) antigens in specimens of normal pancreas, chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatic carcinoma (primary and metastatic). In normal pancreas all five antigens were expressed in ducts, ductules, and acini, but not in islets. Acinar cells expressed A, B, H, and Leb in supranuclear cytoplasm, whereas Lea was found mainly on centroacinar cells. Only BGSs that were appropriate for the host's blood type were expressed, except for one case of Lea deletion. BGS expression by chronic pancreatitis tissue closely resembled that by normal tissue. In primary pancreatic cancer two cancer-associated alterations were noted that were not found in either normal pancreas or chronic pancreatitis. Deletion of an expected A, B, H, or Leb antigen occurred in approximately 25% of cases, particularly in more poorly differentiated cancers. Incompatible expression of an unexpected A or B antigen occurred in 33% of cases, regardless of degree of differentiation. Metastatic pancreatic cancers also exhibited BGS deletion and incompatibility. In both primary and metastatic cancers the incidence of incompatible A or B expression was higher in cancers from the United States than in cancers from Japan, but the incidence of BGS deletion was similar between the two countries. It was concluded that deletion of A, B, H, or Leb antigens and incompatible expression of A or B antigens are cancer-associated events in the pancreas.
Reply
Authors: Tracey G. Simon, Raymond T. Chung
Journal: Hepatology (2015)

Potential conflict of interest: Dr. Chung received grants from Gilead, AbbVie, Merck, Bristol‐Myers Squibb, Janssen, and Mass Biologics. We appreciate the letter from Dr. Soriano and colleagues, who describe a case of successful treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with sofosbuvir and ledipasvir in a diabetic patient marked by a simultaneous reduction in insulin requirements. As noted by the authors, the link between insulin resistance and HCV is well established. HCV is an independent risk factor for diabetes, particularly in patients who exhibit other components of metabolic syndrome.1 HCV‐mediated insulin resistance is also strongly correlated with hepatic fibrosis progression and incident hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).2 The eradication of HCV correlates strongly with a reduced risk of cirrhosis, need for liver transplantation, and development of HCC.3 However, the clinical benefits of viral clearance extend beyond the prevention of liver‐related outcomes. In population‐based cohorts, sustained virological response has been linked to improvements in all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular death, and other (non‐HCC) malignancy, compared to nonresponders.4 Viral clearance is also associated with decreased circulating levels of several proinflammatory and atherogenic markers, including intercellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, and tumor necrosis factor alpha.5 There is also mounting evidence that viral clearance is linked to reduction in insulin resistance as well as reduced rates of incident diabetes.6 The case described by Soriano et al. illustrates the relationship between viral eradication and changes in glucose tolerance. In so doing, the authors highlight an important secondary benefit of anti‐HCV therapy. Collectively, both available and emerging data serve to reinforce the recommendation that all patients with chronic hepatitis C should be treated.7
Oral Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in the Treatment of Advanced or Recurrent Endometrial Carcinoma: A Dose-Response Study by the Gynecologic Oncology Group
Authors: J. Tate Thigpen, Mark F. Brady, Ronald D. Alvarez, Mark D. Adelson, Howard D. Homesley, Alberto Manetta, John T. Soper, Fred T. Given
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1999)

PURPOSE: Progestins have definite activity against advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma. Both parenteral and oral progestins yield similar serum levels and response rates, which range from 18% to 34%. The one major study that used oral medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) noted a response rate at the lower end of the range (18%) and much poorer progression-free and overall survival times (4 and 10.5 months, respectively) than previously reported. The present study sought to confirm this earlier study of oral MPA, to assess the importance of prognostic factors such as histologic grade and receptor levels, and to determine whether a higher dose of MPA would yield a higher response rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred ninety-nine eligible women with advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma were randomized to receive oral MPA either 200 mg/d or 1,000 mg/d until unacceptable toxicity intervened or their disease progressed. RESULTS: Among 145 patients receiving the low-dose regimen, there were 25 complete (17%) and 11 partial (8%) responses for an overall response rate of 25%. The 154 patients receiving the high-dose regimen experienced 14 (9%) complete and 10 (6%) partial responses for an overall response rate of 15%. Median durations of progression-free survival were 3.2 months and 2.5 months for the low-dose and high-dose regimens, respectively. Median survival durations were 11.1 months and 7.0 months, respectively. The adjusted relative odds of responding to the high-dose regimen compared with the low-dose regimen was 0.61 (90% confidence interval, 0.36 to 1.04). Prognostic factors having a significant impact on the probability of response included initial performance status, age, histologic grade, and progesterone receptor concentration. Compliance with oral therapy was documented with serum levels 1 month after starting therapy, when possible. MPA levels were commensurate with the assigned dose and schedule. CONCLUSION: Oral MPA is active against endometrial carcinoma. Response to progestin therapy is more frequent among patients with a well-differentiated histology and positive progesterone receptor status. This study provides no evidence to support the use of MPA 1,000 mg/d orally instead of MPA 200 mg/d orally. In fact, the trends suggest the opposite. The use of oral MPA 200 mg/d is a reasonable initial approach to the treatment of advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma, particularly those lesions that are well-differentiated and/or progesterone receptor-positive (&gt; 50 fmol/mg cytosol protein). Patients with poorly differentiated and/or progesterone receptor levels less than 50 fmol/mg cytosol protein had only an 8% to 9% response rate.
Miliary tuberculosis: Diagnosis difficulties and prognosis factors
Authors: Samira Aouadi, Meriem Mjid, Sonia Maalej, Imen Bachouche, Asma Ghariani, Meherazia Bourguiba, Ali Ben Kheder, Ikram Drira
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Introduction:  Miliary tuberculosis (MT) is a form of tuberculosis which is characterized by wide hematogenous dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis into the human body. The clinical presentation.of MT is highly variable.   Objective:  The aim of this study is to describe diagnosis difficulties and prognosis factors of MT in Tunisian patients.   Methods:  A retrospective study was conducted in the female adult pulmonary department of the Tunis Chest Disease and Surgery Training Hospital between 2000 and 2010.   Results:  Seventeen patients were found to have MT. The average age was 50 years [12-89]. Past history of Tb was noted in 1 case. Five patients had Tb contact history. Factors of immunodepression noted in 9 patients were: elderly (n=7), pregnancy (n=1) and corticosteroid therapy (n=1). Immunology of HIV was negative in all patients. Main symptoms were cough and wasting syndrome (n=15). On admission, 7 patients had an acute respiratory failure. Cachexy was noted in 8 cases. Chest X ray showed diffuse miliary shadow in all cases. Diagnosis was confirmed in 7 patients, by microscopic sputum tests (n=5), pleural biopsy (n=1) and lymph node biopsy (n=1). In the other cases (n=10), diagnosis was retained by a high index of clinical suspicion. Multifocal Tb was noted in 5 cases. The extrapulmonary sites were: central nervous system (n= 3), pleura (n=2), vertebral bodies (n=1), lymphatic nodes (n=1). Antituberculous treatment was started in all cases. The outcome was favourable in 15 patients. Two elderly were dead. Tb relapse occurred in 2 cases.   Conclusion:  MT is a severe disease in witch treatment must be early even without diagnosis confirmation. Advanced age seems to be one important prognosis factors.
Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program following a severe exacerbation of COPD
Authors: Roser Coll-Fernandez, Josune Ormaza, Montserrat Baré, Francisco Epelde, Natalia Martínez, Silvia Pozo, Fernanda Caballero, Eduard Monsó
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Introduction: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an effective intervention for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is recommended by clinical guidelines.Timing of referral for rehabilitation,immediately after exacerbation to later on while the patient is in a stable state, however, is open to debate.

Objectives:To evaluate the effects of a two-month, home-based PR program on dyspnea, exercise capacity, muscle strength and activities of daily living in COPD after a severe exacerbation.

Methods: COPD patients who had just undergone inhospital treatment for a severe exacerbation were enrolled on to a multidisciplinary home PR within 48-72 hours of discharge.The program consisted of twice-weekly sessions for a period of 8 weeks.Lung function,oxygen saturation,exercise capacity (six-minute walk distance test),quadriceps strength,Bode index and London Scale Scoring were recorded at hospital discharge and after 2 months.Follow-up and baseline measurements were compared to determine the change in the measured variables after the program (paired t test).

Results: 10 patients underwent the program (mean [SD] age 71.90 [7.1]years, baseline FEV1 after bronchodilator 42.7[11] % predicted).Significant improvements were attained after the program in exercise capacity (pre 280m and postprogram 354m p<0.05),oxygen saturation (pre 91.4 %, and postprogram 94.4% p<0.001) and London Scale Scoring (pre 22.1 and postprogram 14.9 p<0.001).No statistically significant improvements in lung function,BODE index and quadriceps strength were observed.

Conclusions: post-exacerbation PR improve exercise capacity tolerance in COPD patients with a significant impact on activities of daily living.
General information tapes inhibit recall of the cancer consultation.
Authors: S M Dunn, P N Butow, M H Tattersall, Q J Jones, J S Sheldon, J J Taylor, M D Sumich
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1993)

PURPOSE Studies of tape recordings of cancer consultations have produced conflicting results. At the same time, audiotapes containing general information about cancer are poorly evaluated and are distributed to patients in an ad hoc manner. We compared the effects of both interventions on patient satisfaction, psychologic adjustment, and recall of information following their first consultation with a medical oncologist. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients (n = 142) were randomized to receive (1) an audiotape of their consultation, (2) an audiotape describing cancer in general terms, or (3) no tape. Recall of information was assessed in a structured interview 4 to 20 days after the consultation. RESULTS Satisfaction with the consultation increased linearly from no tape to general tape to consultation tape. Satisfaction with the tape itself was higher in patients who received the consultation tape (satisfaction score, 61%) compared with those who received the general tape (43%). Average recall for all groups was 6.4 of the 25 items of information presented, and 2.4 of the six points identified as particularly important by the oncologist. The consultation tape did not improve recall over the no tape control, but the general tape caused a decrease of almost two items in total recall. Spontaneous (ie, unprompted) recall was significantly poorer with the general information tape. Psychologic adjustment to cancer was unaffected. CONCLUSION We conclude that individual audiotapes have a limited potential to increase recall of information from the oncology consultation. General information tapes about cancer appear to inhibit recall actively.
Prevalence of IgM and IgG antibodies to West Nile virus among blood donors in an affected area of north-eastern Italy, summer 2009
Authors: P Pezzotti, C Piovesan, L Barzon, R Cusinato, M Cattai, M Pacenti, A Piazza, E Franchin, S Pagni, S Bressan, T Martello, R Potenza, C Scipioni, R Ammendola, A Breda, G Palù, F Russo, G Rezza
Journal: Eurosurveillance (2011)

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
BECLOMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE AEROSOL TREATMENT OF HAY FEVER
Authors: J. B. ANDERSEN, P. HALBERG, N. MYGIND
Journal: Allergy (1975)

In a controlled, double‐blind study 20 children and adults, suffering from summer hay fever, were treated intranasally with a daily dose of 200 μg, 300 μg or 400 μg beclomethasone dipropionate (Beconase®, Becotide Nasal®) or with placebo for 2 weeks during the hay fever season. No beneficial effect of the placebo treatment was observed. In patients treated with 200 μg and 300 μg beclomethasone dipropionate a day there was a moderate decrease in nasal symptom scores and in use of antihistamine tablets. As the results indicated 400 μg a day to have the most pronounced effect on nasal symptoms, this dosage is recommended for children as well as adults suffering from summer hay fever.
Doctor is charged with manslaughter over woman who died after abortion
Authors: C. Dyer
Journal: BMJ (2015)

A doctor and two nurses have been charged with manslaughter over the death of a woman living in the Irish Republic who travelled to London for an abortion more than three years ago.

Adedayo Adedeji, 62, who is on the General Medical Council’s GP register, is due to appear at Ealing Magistrates Court in west London on 19 June, along with the nurses Gemma …
Accuracy of three activity monitors in patients with COPD – Validation by video
Authors: Mikael Andersson, Charlotte Urell, Margareta Emtner
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Introduction:  COPD patients have a slowing of movements due to muscle disuse, muscle wasting and increased dyspnea. The use of walking aids such as rollators are common. Slow movements,low movement intensities and the use of rollators have been reported to potentially decrease the accuracy of activity monitors (AM) when used in patients with COPD.   Aims and objectives:  To assess the accuracy regarding number of steps from three AM9s. The objective was to test the hypothesis that differences between AM9s might occur when used in patients with severe COPD.   Methods:  15 patients with severe COPD (FEV1 1.15 l) who desaturated ≥4% during a 6-minute walk test were included. Patients performed a 53 minutes structured protocol of different physical activities, while simultaneously wearing 3 AM9s; ( McRobert9s DynaPort ADL-monitor® ,  McRobert9s DynaPort MiniMod®  both worn at waist level, and  BodyMedia SenseWear Armband Pro®  worn around the upper arm). Activities included walking at different speeds, walking with a rollator, walking in stairs, sitting, lying, etcetera. As criterion validity, video recording and manual step count was used.   Preliminary results:  Significant differences (p   Conclusions:  Caution in interpreting results from activity monitoring seems warranted if the outcome is number of steps derived from different AM9s. The SenseWear Armband seem unsuitable for detecting number of steps in severe COPD, especially if a rollator is used.
Acute hair loss on the limbs in frontal fibrosing alopecia: a clinicopathological study of two cases
Authors: M. Miteva, I. Camacho, P. Romanelli, A. Tosti
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2010)

Conflicts of interest: none declared. Madam, Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) was first described by Kossard1, 2 as a clinically distinct variant of lichen planopilaris (LPP) that affects mostly postmenopausal women and frequently involves the eyebrows. It presents as a progressive symmetrical band‐like alopecia of the frontal hairline, the preauricular and, less commonly, the retroauricular scalp. Apart from the frontal scalp and eyebrows, involvement of other sites has been occasionally reported.3 4–5 In particular, alopecia of the limbs was noticed in 22% of patients in the series of Tan and Messenger,3 whereas two of the 16 patients of Moreno‐Ramirez and Camacho‐Martinez4 had keratotic papules on the limbs. Histopathological study of FFA has been limited only to biopsies from the scalp and eyebrows until now.1, 3, 6 We report two patients with FFA who developed acute hair loss of the limbs and discuss the biopsy features of the limb alopecia. A premenopausal 25‐year‐old woman presented with a history of progressive asymptomatic hair loss, which started as thinning of the eyebrows followed by recession of the frontal hairline. On examination, there was a pale, atrophic band‐like alopecia on the frontopariental scalp with obliteration of the follicular ostia. Sex hormone levels were within normal ranges. A 4‐mm frontal hairline biopsy revealed the scarring pattern characteristic for FFA. The diagnosis of FFA was established and treatment was initiated with dutasteride 0·5 mg daily as per recent data,7 minoxidil 5% foam for the scalp and intralesional triamcinolone acetonide 10 mg mL−1 for the eyebrows. Two weeks later the patient returned, complaining of abrupt patchy hair loss on both upper and lower limbs associated with minimal pruritus (Fig. 1). The skin was inconspicuous for inflammation and the pull test was positive for extractable telogen vellus hairs. Biopsy from the margin of an alopecic patch revealed a single small vellus hair follicle surrounded by a concentric fibroplasia and prominent interface lymphocytic infiltrate attacking the follicular epithelium and resulting in vacuolar degeneration (Fig. 2, left). In the dermis there were a few pilar muscle remnants confirming the scarring nature of the process. Hence, the histology of the limb alopecia resembled the histology of the scalp alopecia.
Impact of indwelling pleural catheter on quality of life in management of malignant pleural effusion in patients with advanced malignancies
Authors: M.J. Lorenzo, M. Modesto, M. Muñoz, J. Perez, A. Santa-Cruz, E. Bollo, S. Fernández, R. Cordovilla, M. Lanchas, J.A. Perez-Fidalgo, E. Cases
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Study objective: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common complication of some advanced malignancies with an important negative impact on symptoms and quality of life (QoL). Indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) is useful for controlling symptoms due to relapsed MPE. There are scarce data about its impact on QoL in patients with advanced malignancies.  We aimed to assess the QoL along time in patients with diagnosis of recurrent MPE and IPC.  Design and methods: A prospective multicentric observational study was performed in five university hospitals in Spain from September 2010 to September 2011. Patients included must have a histological-confirmed advanced malignancy and a diagnosis of MPE. QoL was assessed by the scale of the EORTC QLQ30. Three timing cut-off points were considered: previous insertion of pleural catheter (baseline), at 30 days and at 60 days after insertion.  Results: 52 patients with MPE (median age 66 years; 30 male) were included. Most frequent symptoms at study entrance were dyspnea(100%), chest pain(42%) and cough(44%). 52 patients completed baseline QoL questionnaire, 29 at 30 days and 16 at 60 days. At timing cut-off points of 30 days, QoL scales showed a significant improvement in symptoms severity and a non-significant trend to improve the global and functional scores.  Conclusions: IPC is a useful tool that increases QoL in the palliative management of advanced malignancies with MPE.
Evaluating airway obstruction in patients admitted to general medicine wards by bedside spirometry
Authors: Pavan Yadav, J.K. Samaria, Moosa Hussain
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Study objectives: Airway obstruction is found to coexist with other medical conditions. This study attempts to assess airway obstruction in patients admitted in general medicine wards.  Methods: A cross-sectional study of 52 patients admitted to medicine ward of a tertiary hospital was carried out. Bed-side spirometry was performed in each of these patients after taking consent and recording a detailed history.  Results: A remarkable 52% of the patients were found to have airway obstruction (FEV1/FVC 70%) obstruction respectively. A diagnosis of obstructive airway disease was present only in 26% of these patients at the time of admission. A considerably higher prevalence of airway obstruction than average was observed in patients admitted for respiratory (70%), cardiac (62.5%) and neurological (58.8%) disorders, while a lower prevalence was seen in those with nephrological (40%), haematological (0%) or other (22.2%) conditions. No patient was additionally diagnosed with airway obstruction during the hospital stay and only 26% of patients with airway obstruction received bronchodilator therapy.  Conclusions: Airway obstruction co-existing with other medical condition stays grossly under-diagnosed. A routine bed-side spirometry performed on hospitalized patients could be a useful tool for detecting and treating airway obstruction.