tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Late relapse of testicular cancer.
Authors: J Baniel, R S Foster, R Gonin, J E Messemer, J P Donohue, L H Einhorn
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1995)

This study analyzed a large group of patients with testicular germ cell cancer in complete remission, who relapsed more than 2 years after completion of treatment.A review of all patients treated at Indiana University Medical Center from 1979 through 1992 for late relapse was conducted. Eighty-one patients were treated for late relapse of testicular cancer. Forty-seven patients relapsed more than 5 years after successful management of their initial disease.At initial diagnosis, 35 patients had clinical stage I, 18 stage II, and 28 stage III disease. Twenty-three of 35 stage I, all 18 stage II, and all 28 stage III patients were treated by chemotherapy before their late relapse. The median follow-up duration of patients post-management of late relapse was 4.8 years. Twenty-one patients (25.9%) are continuously disease-free. Nineteen of these 21 patients had surgical resection of carcinoma or teratoma as a component of their therapy. Of sixty-five patients treated for late relapse by chemotherapy, 17 (26.2%) had a complete response, but only two have been continuously disease-free with chemotherapy alone. These two never received prior chemotherapy.Late relapse of testis cancer is more common than previously thought. Surgery is the preferred mode of therapy. Chemotherapy has only modest success in this entity, in contrast to the excellent results in de novo germ cell tumors. Patients treated for testicular germ cell cancer need annual follow-up evaluations throughout their life due to the possibility of late relapse.
The role of T-cell reactivity towards the autoantigen α-NAC in atopic dermatitis
Authors: A. Heratizadeh, I. Mittermann, H. Balaji, K. Wichmann, M. Niebuhr, R. Valenta, T. Werfel
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2010)

Background A subgroup of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) produces IgE autoantibodies to human proteins which may be present in inflamed skin and perpetuate cutaneous inflammation. Objectives In order to investigate mechanisms of 'autoallergy' for AD we studied T‐cell responses to the autoallergen Hom s 2, the human transcriptional coactivator α‐nascent polypeptide‐associated complex (α‐NAC). Methods Specific proliferation of blood lymphocytes from 30 patients and 12 healthy control individuals was investigated by flow cytometry. The proliferation of skin‐ and blood‐derived T cells was assessed in limiting‐dilution assays. T‐cell clones (TCC) were generated from peripheral blood and from biopsies of lesional skin of patients with AD and the phenotype and cytokine patterns were determined. Results α‐NAC‐specific T‐cell responses were detected in patients and control individuals. α‐NAC induced a significantly higher proliferation of CCR4+ (compared with CCR4−) and CLA+ (compared with CLA−) T cells from the circulation. Limiting‐dilution assays revealed a high proliferation of blood and skin‐infiltrating lymphocytes in the presence of α‐NAC compared with control cultures. α‐NAC‐specific TCC generated from lesional skin of AD predominantly produced interferon‐γ and some TCC also produced interleukin‐17. The cytokine pattern of α‐NAC TCC may contribute to keratinocyte apoptosis and eczema formation in AD. Conclusions α‐NAC‐specific TCC can be generated from blood and lesional skin of patients with AD. These TCC produce not only Th2 but also Th1 cytokines which may explain the Th1 phenotype of inflammation in AD.
Health-related quality of life in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Franziska Ihle, Carlos Baezner, Tobias Meis, Patrick Huppmann, Gregor Zimmermann, Stefan Leuschner, Vivian Arias Herrera, Werner von Wulffen, Andrea Waelde, Shani Haziraj, Hanno Leuchte, Jürgen Behr, Claus Neurohr
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Background:  The aims of the present study were (1) to investigate global and disease specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in individuals with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), (2) to examine the correlation between HRQOL and exercise capacity (6-minute walk test, 6MWT) and (3) to compare patientsratings with the age-matched general German population.   Methods:  63 consecutive patients (DANA-Point 1) of our pulmonary hypertension program (age 57±17.1 years; 33 male [53%]; 21 [34%] combination therapy; BMI 24.4±4.6) were evaluated by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), the standardized global SF-36 questionnaire and the specific “Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review” (CAMPHOR).   Results:  PAH patients were found to have a reduced HRQOL in physical SF-36 domains. In contrast, the mental health of our PH patients is excellent with SF-36 subscales reaching best possible scores. CAMPHOR “quality of life” score reached the upper tertile, whereas “symptoms” and “activity” scores were in the middle tertile, indicating a reduced physical performance. No significant correlations were found between the 6MWT (401±114 meters) and HRQOL scales. Compared to the age-matched norm population, HRQOL self-ratings were significant reduced in six of eight SF-36 subscales (p≤0.01) except for “pain” (p=0.300) and “mental health” (p=0.093).   Conclusion:  The study results suggest especially a physical HRQOL limitation for PAH patients. The 6MWT might not be a sufficient surrogate marker for HRQOL domains. HRQOL adds important patient sensitive information beyond the 6MWT and should be considered for clinical study design.
Federal Air Travel Restrictions for Public Health Purposes—United States, June 2007-May 2008
Authors: S. Penfield, J. Flood, W. Lang, M. Zanker, M. B. Haddad, F. Alvarado-Ramy, L. Leidel, G. Fowler, S. Modi, C. Brown, F. Averhoff, M. S. Cetron
Journal: JAMA (2008)
The Nader Report: One Author's Perspective
Authors: FRANKLIN D. CHU
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1974)

The author discusses a study done by a group of researchers sponsored by a grant to Ralph Nader. The study focused on the community mental health centers program of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). It finds fault with the discrepancy between ideology and implementation of the program, charging that it has failed to supplant the state hospital system, has excluded the very poor and the very sick, is inaccessible to the population it purports to serve, lacks citizen involvement, and is not held accountable to NIMH. Three psychiatrists comment on the author's presentation.
Prospective study of nosocomial spread of tuberculosis
Authors: Tushar Sahasrabudhe, Anishkumar Khan, Tinku Joseph
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

In view of large number of Tuberculosis cases and shortage of beds in India, the hospitalized TB patients are not isolated or quarantined. The non-TB patients in the same ward do feel concerned about acquiring TB, though it is generally believed that the hospitalized TB patients on treatment quickly become non-infectious and a prolonged close contact is necessary for spread of TB. We evaluated this belief by a prospective study. The non-TB patients admitted in the hospital ward having sputum positive pulmonary TB patients on nearby beds, were evaluated. Also frequent visitors to the ward, such as friends or relatives of these patients were evaluated. Those with history of TB or contact with a TB case in past were excluded. Also persons with HIV, diabetes and other immuno-compromising states were excluded. Those with negative Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) with 1 TU tuberculin i.e. induration of less than 10 mm, were followed up. A repeat Tuberculin test was performed after 3 months to allow time for tuberculin conversion and also to avoid booster effect of repeat TST. Out of 70 patients, 58 were TST negative. Out of these, 53 followed up. 9/53 (16.98%) had turned TST positive after 3 months. Duration of stay in the wards as well as number of TB patients in the ward during their hospital stay was found to have proportionately increased the risk of transmission (P <0.001). Out of 117 visitors, 98 were TST negative. Out of these, 61 followed up. 4/61 (6.56%) had turned TST positive after 3 months. This study indicates that there is a small but definite risk of nosocomial spread of TB. Isolating TB patients in a separate ward and restricting frequent visitors may help.
In Vitro Assessment of Cytotoxic Agents in Murine Cancers: Comparison Between Antiproliferative and Antimetabolic Assays<xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN2">2</xref>
Authors: C Roobol, H C Sips, J Theunissen, G Atassi, J L Bernheim
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1984)

Different methods were compared for the in vitro evaluation of the therapeutic effects of the antineoplastic agents doxorubicin, cisplatin, fluorouracil, and vinblastine sulfate in a model system of murine tumor cell lines consisting of L1210 leukemia, P815 mast cell leukemia, and B16 melanoma. Excellent correlations were found with the in vivo effects with the use of a soft agar clonogenic assay, irrespective of the method of growth assessment (i.e., visual colony counting or incorporation of tritiated thymidine in proliferating colonies). Drug effects on the proliferation of tumor cell lines in liquid medium frequently led to an overestimation or underestimation of the actual in vivo effects. Direct incorporation of the radiolabeled precursors thymidine, uridine, and leucine after pretreatment with drugs always led to the prediction of resistance and was therefore considered unreliable.
Occupation, Chronic Bronchitis, and Lung Function in Young Adults
Authors: JAN-PAUL ZOCK, JORDI SUNYER, MANOLIS KOGEVINAS, HANS KROMHOUT, PETER BURNEY, JOSEP MARIA ANTÓ
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2001)

We studied the relationship between occupational exposures, chronic bronchitis, and lung function in a general population survey in 14 industrialized countries, including 13,253 men and women aged 20 to 44 yr. We studied associations between occupational group, occupational exposures, bronchitis symptoms (cough and phlegm production for at least 3 mo each year), FEV1, and nonspecific bronchial responsiveness (NSBR) separately in lifetime nonsmokers, cigarette smokers, and ex-smokers. Occupational exposure to vapors, gas, dust, or fumes, estimated with a job exposure matrix (JEM), was associated with chronic bronchitis among current smokers only (prevalence ratio (PR): 1.2 to 1.7). The interaction of occupational exposure with smoking, however, was not statistically significant (p > 0.1). Self-reported exposure was related to chronic bronchitis in all smoking groups. An increased risk for chronic bronchitis was found in agricultural, textile, paper, wood, chemical, and food processing workers, being more pronounced in smokers. Lung function and NSBR were not clearly related to occupational exposures. Findings were similar for asthmatic and nonasthmatic subjects. In conclusion, occupational exposures contributed to the occurrence of chronic (industrial) bronchitis in young adults. Fixed airflow limitation was not evident, probably due to the relatively young age of this population.
Specificity and Distribution of the Determinants of the Major Glycoprotein (gp71) of Murine Oncornaviruses as Detected by an In Vitro Cytotoxicity Assay2
Authors: Jeffrey J. Collins, Lisa D. Bolio, Timothy P. Denny, Dani P. Bolognesi
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1977)

The involvement of the various determinants (type, group, and interspecies) of the major envelope glycoprotein gp71 of murine C-type viruses in rendering cells susceptible to lysis by heterologous anti-gp71 antisera has been investigated. By means of the [14C]nicotinamide release microcytotoxicity assay. It was demonstrated that the lytic activity of rabbit anti-Friend strain of murine leukemia virus (F-MuLV) gp71 serum for mouse cells releasing very high levels of F-MuLV could be neutralized by absorbing out the group but not the interspecies reactivity of this serum. Rabbit anti-F-MuLV gp71 serum with considerable residual type-specific reactivity after appropriate cell absorptions was not lytic for the F-MuLV-releasing mouse cells. In addition to the successful absorptions with mouse cells releasing F-MuLV, Gross strain of murine leukemia virus, or AKR murine leukemia virus, normal mouse embryo cells also could remove the cytotoxic reactivity of the rabbit anti-F-MuLV gp71 serum. The presence of a molecule in normal cells bearing a gp71 group-like determinant was confirmed by the ability of cell extracts to block the specific precipitation of purified gp71 in competition radioimmunoassay. The results suggested that the group determinant of gp71 was of major importance in the cytotoxic reaction and that such a determinant was also present on normal mouse cells, probably reflecting the expression of endogenous virus.
Similar efficacy of 6 and 18 months of therapy with four drugs (COMP) for localized non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of children: a report from the Childrens Cancer Study Group.
Authors: A T Meadows, R Sposto, R D Jenkin, J H Kersey, R R Chilcote, S E Siegel, P F Coccia, J Rosenstock, K C Pringle, C J Stolar
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1989)

Successful treatment of localized non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in childhood with 18 months of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, methotrexate (MTX), and prednisone (COMP) prompted a randomized clinical trial to determine whether a 6-month course of the same therapy was as effective as an 18-month course when combined with local irradiation. Two successive Childrens Cancer Study Group (CCSG) protocols (CCG 551 and CCG 501) entered 232 eligible patients from October 1979 until April 1986. Initially, all children with localized disease were considered eligible, but by a subsequent amendment, those with lymphoblastic (LB) histology were excluded. Hence, the study population consisted of 211 patients with nonlymphoblastic (NLB) and 21 with LB disease. Early relapses (before 6 months) occurred in 13 patients with NLB histology. Late relapses were seen in seven patients, three with LB histology. Among the 104 randomized patients who followed the prescribed therapy, there were four recurrences and no differences between 6-month and 18-month therapy. The overall survival for NLB disease was 91% on CCG 551 and 98% on CCG 501. We conclude that 6 months of COMP is excellent therapy for children with localized NLB NHL.
Immunodepressive Effect of Rauscher Leukemia Virus on Antinuclear Antibody Formation in New Zealand Black Mice&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN2"&gt;2&lt;/xref&gt;
Authors: Benjamin V. Siegel, McKay Brown, Jane I. Morton
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1972)

Inoculation of Rauscher leukemia virus (RLV) into 5- and 8-day-old New Zealand Black (NZB) strain mice resulted in erythroleukemogenesis accompanied by anemia and hepatosplenomegaly. The diminution in antinuclear antibody (ANA) formation was directly related to the dose of virus administered. Virus-infected animals that survived eventually developed ANA responses comparable to, but not exceeding, those of the controls. Infection of ANA-positive NZB mice at 1.5, 5, and 12 months of age resulted in leukemia development unassociated with any significant reversal of strongly positive reactions. ANA reactivity was not precipitated in the normally negative BALB/c or C57BL/6 strains after RLV inoculation.
Hyperinflation correlates with poor exercise tolerance in recipients with advanced chronic lung allograft dysfunction
Authors: Hendrik Suhling, Jessica Rademacher, Mark Greer, Tobias Welte, Axel Havericht, Gregor Warnecke, Jens Gottlieb
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background: Advanced chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) limits the survival after lung transplantation and reduces health related quality of life (HRQOL).

Aims: The study was performed to find parameters correlating with low exercise capacity of patients with advanced CLAD.

Methods: In this single-center prospective study, all patients with advanced CLAD (FEV1 <50% baseline) in our out-patient clinic were screened between 1.7.2011 and 15.11.2011 by exercise capacity, HRQOL (using SF 36, St. George, HADS), body composition, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, respiratory muscle function and chest x –ray. The patients with low exercise capacity (LEC-CLAD) were defined as 6MWT < 50% predicted or use of oxygen or wheelchair/rollator.

Results: 319 of 785 patients, had CLAD and 53 had the diagnosis of advanced CLAD. A single patient refused consent to this study, 52 patients were included. 19 needed oxygen or had a 6 min walk test (6 MWT) fewer than 50% predicted (LEC-CLAD). Patients with LEC-CLAD demonstrated lower forced vital capacity (1820ml vs 2380ml, p = 0.001), pathologic respiratory muscle function (P0.1/Pimax index: 0.14 vs. 0.06, p < 0.001), decreased inspiratory capacity (IC; 1190ml vs. 1620ml, p = 0.001). We were able to show a positive correlation between 6 MWT and IC (r = 0,367, p < 0.001). Patients with LEC-CLAD demonstrated a decrease in activity and social function.

Conclusion: Advanced CLAD is an inhomogeneity cohort of patients showing different exercise tolerance of reduced lung function. We were able to demonstrated pronounced hyperinflation in patients with worse toleration and pathologic respiratory muscle function.
Immature Thymocytes Undergoing Receptor Rearrangements Are Resistant to an <i>Atm</i>-Dependent Death Pathway Activated in Mature T Cells by Double-Stranded DNA Breaks
Authors: Avinash Bhandoola, Benjamin Dolnick, Nihal Fayad, Andre Nussenzweig, Alfred Singer
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2000)

Immature CD4(+)CD8(+) thymocytes rearrange their T cell receptor (TCR)-alpha gene locus to generate clonotypic alpha/beta TCR, after which a few cells expressing selectable TCR are signaled to further differentiate into mature T cells. Because of requirements for self-tolerance, immature CD4(+)CD8(+) thymocytes are programmed to die in the thymus in response to a variety of stimuli that do not induce death of mature T cells. We now demonstrate that, in contrast to all previously described stimuli, immature CD4(+)CD8(+) thymocytes are selectively more resistant than mature T cells to apoptotic death induced by DNA intercalating agents. Importantly, we demonstrate that DNA intercalating agents induce double-stranded DNA breaks in both immature thymocytes and mature T cells, but immature thymocytes tolerate these DNA breaks, whereas mature T cells are signaled to die by an Atm-dependent but p53-independent death mechanism. Thus, our results indicate that absence of an Atm-dependent but p53-independent pathway allows immature thymocytes to survive double-stranded DNA breaks. It is likely that the unique ability of immature thymocytes to survive DNA-damaging intercalating agents reflects their tolerance of double-stranded DNA breaks that occur normally during antigen receptor gene rearrangements.
Abstract 003: Change in Cardiovascular Risk Factors Associated with Weight Gain in the Dallas Heart Study
Authors: Tiffany M Powell, Colby R Ayers, James A de Lemos, Amit Khera, Susan G Lakoski, Darren K McGuire, Rachel Ballard-Barbash, Sandeep R Das
Journal: Circulation (2012)

Background: Concerning trends in weight gain from 2000-2009 exist in the Dallas Heart Study (DHS), a probability-based sample of Dallas County residents aged 30-65. However, the impact of significant weight gain (≥ 5% increase in body weight) on cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in this contemporary, multi-ethnic population is not known. Methods: We measured weight, LDL-c, blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and fasting glucose (FG) in 2,022 DHS participants (58% female) at study entry in 2000 and in 2009. Using logistic regression stratified by sex and race/ethnicity, we determined the age-adjusted odds of worsening CVRF (any increase in LDL-c, SBP, DBP or FG) for people who gained significant weight compared to those who did not. Results: Among women, 43% (N=500) gained significant weight, compared to 42% of men (N=355). Despite similar average weight gain (9.7±5.8 kg for women vs. 10±5.6 kg for men, p=0.4), women who gained significant weight had almost twice as large an increase in LDL-c (14±34 vs. 8±39 mg/dl, p=0.01) and SBP (12±18 vs. 6±19 mmHg, p&lt;0.001) compared with men who gained significant weight. Increases in DBP (5±10 vs. 4±11 mmHg, p=0.05) and FG (4±29 vs. 2±32 mg/dl, p=0.30) were not significantly different between men and women. Among those with significant weight gain who were not on medications, SBP and LDL-c increases were higher in women compared with men (p&lt;0.05). Differences in the amount of weight gained stratified by race and sex were modest (Table). Black women who gained significant weight were likely to have a worsening of all CVRF, while Hispanic women had the highest likelihood of having an increase in SBP associated with weight gain. In contrast, significant weight gain among men was not associated with worsening CVRF. Conclusions: Significant weight gain was associated with a deleterious impact on CVRF among women but not men. Disparate effects of weight gain between men and women highlight the importance of targeting aggressive weight control interventions toward women to help prevent adverse cardiac outcomes.
Removing Substances from Blood by Affinity Chromatography
Authors: Bruce F. Scharschmidt, Paul H. Plotz, Paul D. Berk, Jeanne G. Waggoner, John Vergalla
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1974)

In vitro studies indicate that bilirubin and other albumin-bound substances can be efficiently removed from plasma by filtration over albumin-conjugated agarose beads. The effectiveness of this technique in vivo was investigated in rats by using a closed extracorporeal hemoperfusion system. Five Gunn rats whose endogenous bilirubin pool had been labeled with [3H]bilirubin and five Sprague Dawley rats with surgically created biliary obstruction were chosen as models of unconjugated and conjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Indocyanine green was injected into rats and its removal also studied. In the Gunn rats, 98% of the bilirubin was removed from plasma during the initial pass over the column as determined isotopically and chemically. Plasma bilirubin levels fell more than 70% from 8.2±1.6 mg/100 ml (mean±SD) to 2.6±0.5 mg/100 ml during a 1-h hemoperfusion. An average of 1,061 μg of bilirubin was recovered from the columns, representing 22.5±4.2% of the total exchangeable bilirubin pool and 96±36.4% of the plasma pool. Results were similar in the rats with biliary obstruction and in those given indocyanine green. Normal Sprague Dawley rats experience minimal changes in formed blood elements, electrolytes, and proteins as the result of hemoperfusion. When the total volume of the column did not exceed 51% of the estimated blood volume of the animal, the survival rate was 100% in 20 studies, and the procedure was without observable ill effect. Extrapolation of both in vitro and in vivo data to man suggests that extracorporeal hemoperfusion over albumin-agarose columns may be a practical means of assisting hepatic excretory function.