tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Photoprotective potential of Cordyceps polysaccharides against ultraviolet B radiation-induced DNA damage to human skin cells
Authors: W.C. Wong, J.Y. Wu, I.F.F. Benzie
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2010)

Background Ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes DNA damage resulting in photoageing and skin cancer. UVB (290–320 nm) interacts directly with DNA, inducing two major photoproducts: cyclobutane‐pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and (6‐4) pyrimidine‐pyrimidone photoproducts. Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. is a medicinal fungus with reported anticancer and cytoprotective effects. Objectives To investigate genoprotective effects of polysaccharide‐rich Cordyceps mycelial components against UVB‐induced damage in normal human fibroblast cells. Methods Cultured human fibroblasts (BJ cells) were treated for 30 min and, separately, for 24 h with hot water extract of Cordyceps fungal mycelia or exopolysaccharides. Cells were washed, irradiated with UVB (302 nm), and immediately lysed, after which DNA damage, as strand breaks, was measured using an enzyme‐assisted comet assay that detects CPDs. Results DNA damage in UVB‐irradiated cells was significantly lowered (P <0·01) with Cordyceps pretreatment. Similar results were seen with 30 min and 24 h pretreatment. Specifically, and in comparison with irradiated cells with no Cordyceps pretreatment, there was a 27% reduction in CPDs in irradiated cells with 24 h pretreatment with 200 μg mL−1 of the hot water Cordyceps extract, and a 34% reduction with 24 h pretreatment with 200 μg mL−1 of the exopolysaccharide extract. Conclusions Clear evidence of protection against UVB‐induced CPDs was seen with Cordyceps mycelial extracts. Results indicate that Cordyceps may offer photoprotection and lower the risk of basal cell carcinoma, the main skin cancer caused by CPDs. Further study is needed to identify protective mechanisms.
Abstract 11644: Impact of Renal Insufficiency on Outcome After MitraClip-Procedure: Results from the German TRAMI Registry
Authors: Christoph Hammerstingl, Jan Malte Sinning, Thomas Meinertz, Wolfgang Schillinger, Raffi Bekeredjian, Horst Sievert, Peter Boekstegers, Joachim Schofer, Taoufik Ouarrak, Jochen Senges, Georg Nickenig
Journal: Circulation (2011)

Background: Transcatheter repair of mitral valve regurgitation (TRAMI) with the MitraClip procedure is an evolving technique. Renal insufficiency is known as an independent predictor for death in d...
Epidemiology of allergic rhinitis in asthmatic patients in Greece
Authors: Angeliki Florou, Sofia Vakali, Fotini Vlasserou, Christina Gratziou
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Background:  The co-morbidity of allergic rhinitis and asthma is a fundamental issue of common airway disease.   Aim:  This study was designed in order to evaluate the co-existence of allergic rhinitis in asthma patients in Greece.   Methods:  Data from 2700 patients with diagnosed asthma and nasal symptoms were recorded during a scheduled or an urgent visit to a specialized physician.The study was performed by respiratory physicians and allergiologists.Recordings were based to a common study questionnaire.   Study population:  A total of 2588 asthma patients were finally evaluated.The mean age was 43.7 years with a small prevalence of female gender.One third of asthmatic patients were smokers.   Results:  62% of asthmatic patients were atopic and 53% of them had a positive asthma family history.80.7% of asthmatic patients also had symptoms from allergic rhinitis.Nasal symptoms showed significant seasonal distribution with major peaks in spring (70%) and autumn (32%).In 60% of the cases the allergic rhinitis symptoms affect daily activities and in 72% they deteriorate asthma symptoms.  Despite the use of appropriate treatment, asthma was not well controlled in 40% of the cases. 60% of the patients had at least one asthma exacerbation in the previous year and among them 85% had 1-3 exacerbations. In addition in well controlled asthmatics who were the 40.3% of total population, 77% of the patients have used medical therapy for managing allergic rhinitis.   Conclusion:  The co-morbidity of allergic rhinitis in asthmatic Greek patients is high and needs to be always addressed and managed properly in order to achieve a better asthma control.
Use of pain at baseline and pain progression to predict overall survival (OS) in patients (pts) with docetaxel pretreated metastatic castration-refractory prostate cancer (CRPC): Results from the SPARC trial
Authors: A. O. Sartor, D. Petrylak, C. Sternberg, F. Witjes, S. Halabi, W. Berry, M. Petrone, T. McKearn, M. Noursalehi, M. George
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2009)

5148 Background: First-line chemotherapy trials have reported that pain predicts OS in CRPC. We report relationships between OS and baseline pain –a major component of CRPC patient reported outcomes (PRO) –and pain at progression, for docetaxel pre-treated patients in a second-line chemotherapy trial in CRPC. Methods: Docetaxel pre-treated pts (N = 488) were analyzed from the multi-national, randomized, double-blind SPARC trial, comparing second-line satraplatin + prednisone vs placebo + prednisone in 950 metastatic CRPC pts. Daily pain intensity and narcotic analgesic use were recorded as a PRO from one week prior to randomization until end-of-study. Pain was measured by the 6-point Present Pain Intensity (PPI) component of the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire. After randomization, weekly PPI scores were calculated as the mean of the daily PPI scores (using ≥3 daily measurements/week). Baseline pain was the mean of ≥5 daily PPI scores recorded during 7 days preceding randomization. An independent blinded review committee (IRC) determined pain progression (defined as an increase in weekly PPI score ≥1 point from baseline or ≥2 points from nadir, or a &gt;25% increase from baseline in weekly average analgesic score for ≥2 consecutive weeks). To examine the effects of pain on OS, pts were categorized as “no pain” (PPI ≤1) or pain (PPI ≥2) by baseline assessment; and, as either pain progressors or pain non-progressors. Results: Shortened OS was observed in pts with baseline pain; median survival of 178 pts with pain was 44 weeks vs 72 weeks for 287 pts without pain (Strat. Log-rank p &lt; 0.0001, Strat. HR 0.59; 95% CI: 0.48–0.74). IRC found disease progression in 414 (84.4%) of the docetaxel pre-treated pts with 196 of these pts showing pain progression. Pain progression was strongly linked to OS with 196 pain progressors having median OS of 47 weeks compared to 71 weeks for 292 pain non-progressors (Strat. Log-Rank p = 0.0022; Strat. HR 0.71; 95% CI: 0.57–0.87). Conclusions: Both pain at baseline and pain at progression are important prognostic indicators of OS in metastatic CRPC pts failing first-line docetaxel. [Table: see text]
Coronary Care Follow-Up Study: Acute Care Required Immediately following Thrombolytic Therapy
Authors: Christine Ellicott, David B Shaw, Brian J Kirby, Trevor Bailey
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1993)

We carried out a prospective survey of the outcome of patients with ‘suspected myocardial infarction’, in order to determine where they should be nursed. The delay between onset, admission, transfer to the CCU, the sequelae and side-effects of thrombolytic therapy were noted and were documented prospectively. Of 217 admissions to CCU with a history of chest pain and suspected acute myocardial infarction during a four-month period (mean age was 62.8 years range 31 to 86 years) 202 fulfilled the criteria for suspected myocardial infarction. Streptokinase was given in 129 and alteplase in one patient. The delay between onset of pain and admission was &lt; 4 h in 73, 4 to 12 h in 30 and &gt; 12 h in 23. Elderly patients were just as likely as younger ones to receive thrombolytic therapy (Chi 2 = 3.6; P = 0.6). An eventual diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction was made in 133 of whom 100 received streptokinase. Dysrhythmia or shock was encountered in one-third of those given streptokinase and a quarter of the remainder. Reactions to streptokinase were recorded in 32 mainly hypotension or bradycardia alone or in combination. Forty-five per cent experienced either cardiac complications or drug reactions or both. During one month there were 57 admissions, 50 of whom arrived by ambulance. The mean delay between call out and arrival in the A&amp;E department was 55 min. We concluded patients who are given thrombolytic therapy need close supervision and they should be nursed in a CCU or its equivalent.
Chemotaxis and adhesion from peripheral eosinophils in atopic asthmatic children with and without obesity
Authors: Milena Baptistella Grotta, Edson Antunes, Dalize Squebola, Adyleia Dalbo Contrera Toro, Maria Angela Ribeiro, Silvia Barros Mazon, Jose Dirceu Ribeiro
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Background: The prevalence of obesity and asthma has increased over the past several decades. Recent investigations suggest relationship between asthma and obesity in many studies, but the mechanisms are unclear. The aim of this study was evaluate chemotaxis and adhesion of eosinophils in atopic asthmatic children and adolescents with and without obesity.

Method: 32 obese asthmatic and non obese asthmatic and 5 healthy volunteers were included. Peripheral blood was collected and eosinophils were purified using a Percoll gradient followed by immunomagnetic cell separator. Chemotaxis was performed with microchemotaxis chamber in triplicate with spontaneous chemeotaxis (MEM), eotaxin, platelet activating factor (PAF) and regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES). The measurement was done by optical microscope count. The adhesion was performed by fibronectin plates in triplicate with MEM and eotaxin. Eosinophilic adhesion was calculated by comparison between absorbance of unknown samples with the standard curve.

Results: In spontaneous chemotaxis, with eotaxin and PAF, there was significant difference in the number of eosinophils between obese asthmatic, non obese and healthy volunteers (p<0.05). RANTES increased between asthmatic obese and healthy volunteers groups (p<0.05). Spontaneous adhesion and with eotaxin increased the adhesion of eosinophils between obese asthmatic and healthy volunteers (p<0.05).

Conclusion: This is the first study that demonstrated higher eosinophilic activity (chemotaxis and adhesion) in obese atopic asthmatic children than non obese asthmatic and healthy volunteers.
Measurement of gas transfer components using nitric oxide in post pulmonary endartectomy (PEA) chronic thromboembolic hypertension (CTEPH) patients
Authors: Louise Harlow, Katrina Oates, Robert MacKenzie-Ross, Joana Pepka-Zaba
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Introduction: Reduced TLCO is frequently observed in CTEPH patients. Previous work has indicated the value of nitric oxide (NO) to differentiate the diffusing membrane capacity (Dm) and capillary blood volume (Vc); the components of TLCO. It has been suggested, that TLNO is a more accurate reflection of Dm, due to greater affinity for haemoglobin and independence from Vc. This study uses new technology to measure Dm and Vc, using NO, in a cohort of post PEA CTEPH patients. The aim of the study is to compare the relative contribution of Dm and Vc to the reduction in TLCO.  Methods: We studied 24 CTEPH patients (14male, 10female, mean age 56(+15) post PEA. Full lung function were performed and TLNO and Dm were measured using single breath for NO and CO on a PFTpro system (Viasys). Vc was calculated using the equation 1/DLCO-1/DmCOxqCO=1/Vc. Patients with co-existing parenchymal lung disease were excluded from the study. Correlations between variables were looked at using Pearsons.  Results: Both Dm and Vc demonstrated a significant correlation with TLCO. Vc was reduced more than Dm (60%/89% respectively).  Conclusions: TLCO is still reduced post PEA, despite successful de-bulking of proximal obstructions and normal TLC and RV. The method used in this study is able to distinguish between the two components of gas transfer. Vc is more affected than the alveolar component Dm. The new technology offers a simple patient friendly procedure allowing measurements of Dm and Vc. This has the potential for improving our understanding of the different components of gas transfer. Further work is warranted in this area.
Effects of clonidine on bronchial responses to histamine in normal and asthmatic subjects
Authors: AT Dinh Xuan, J Regnard, R Matran, P Mantrand, C Advenier, A Lockhart
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1988)

Our aim was to examine the effects of clonidine (C), an agonist of central and peripheral alpha-2 adrenoceptors, on bronchomotor responsiveness to histamine (H). In a double-blind study, we compared on two different days the effects of pretreatment with placebo (P) and with 200 micrograms or 150 micrograms of C given orally, in ten normal (NS) and eight asymptomatic asthmatic subjects (AS) respectively, the response to inhalation of serially increasing doses of H. On each day, five doubling doses of H (first dose = 3.5 and 1.1 mumol in NS and AS, respectively) were administered every 5 min; forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was measured after each dose. The dose-response curves were compared by an analysis of variance. Clonidine caused hypotension with bradycardia in all subjects. Baseline values and pre-challenge values of FEV1 after P and C were identical on the two study days. Compared to P, C did not modify the response to H in NS but significantly increased it in AS (p less than 0.01). Our results suggest that the neural control of the airways differs in AS compared to NS and could be explained either by a decrease in sympathetic inhibitory activity or a greater responsiveness of the airways to parasympathetic stimulation and/or a higher parasympathetic tone in AS.
Successful non-operative management of an Achilles fracture
Authors: F S Haddad, P Ting, N J Goddard
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1999)

pedicle. The condition is associated with other congenital abnormalities including the prune-belly syndrome, in which dilatation of the genitourinary tract interferes with gut rotation and fusion of the dorsal mesogastrium7. Some have suggested that it is the abnormal laxity of the splenic ligaments that is the primary aetiology8. An excess incidence in child-bearing years and in the multiparous has raised the possibility of ligamentous lengthening as a cause. Increased splenic mass has also been proposed as a possible aetiology but data regarding malarial and lymphomatous splenomegaly are conflicting; in most patients with a wandering spleen there is nothing wrong with the spleen itself9. Many patients with a wandering spleen are symptomfree, the condition being discovered incidentally on abdominal examination. Intermittent abdominal pains are a common mode of presentationl. Severe and persistent abdominal pain suggests splenic torsion which may vary from 90 to 160 degrees. Delay in diagnosis risks not only splenic infarction but also pancreatic necrosis10. How should a symptomatic wandering spleen be managed? At one time the favoured treatment was splenectomy, but this operation is now avoided when possible because of the spleen's important role in the reticuloendothelial system; therefore there is renewed interest in splenopexy. Torsion of the spleen and consequent infarction still necessitates splenectomy. All patients undergoing elective splenopexy should undergo pneumococcal vaccination in case the need for splenectomy should arise during splenopexy. Of the splenopexy techniques describedll, suturing of the spleen is said not to be complicated by haemorrhage though some feel this applies only to paediatric splenopexy where a thicker splenic capsule is more forgiving12. Our approach, whereby a Prolene pouch is fashioned and secured in the left upper quadrant, is novel. The spleen can then be easily placed within and the pouch closed thus securing the spleen in its correct anatomical position.
Abstract 16987: Genetic Deletion of DJ-1/Park7 Increases Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Rebecca L Hood, Bridgette F Moody, Chad K Nicholson, John W Calvert
Journal: Circulation (2011)

Background: DJ-1/Park7 has classically been implicated in early onset Parkinson's disease, but has recently been identified to play a role in the cellular response to stress. For instance, in non-cardiac cells, DJ-1 has been shown to associate with and inactivate Daxx, a modulator of apoptosis. DJ-1 is expressed in the heart, but its role in mediating myocardial injury is currently unknown. Therefore, we examined how a deficiency in DJ-1 would affect myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. Methods and Results: Wild-type (WT) control and DJ-1 knockout (DJ-1 KO) mice were subjected to 45 min of left coronary artery I followed by 24 hr of R, at which time the extent of myocardial injury was evaluated. The deficiency of DJ-1 significantly increased the extent of myocardial injury as evidenced by a 45% increase in myocardial infarct size relative to the area-at-risk (INF/AAR), a 44% increase in INF relative to the left ventricle (LV) and a 155% increase in circulating troponin-I levels. In an effort to evaluate the signaling mechanism responsible for the increased injury in DJ-1 KO mice, WT and KO animals were subjected to 45 min of I followed by 1 hr R. Western blot analysis revealed that DJ-1 KO mice exhibited a higher baseline cytosolic protein expression of Daxx compared to WT. Following MI/R, Daxx expression was increased in WT mice and this increase was further augmented by the absence of DJ-1. DJ-1 is known to prevent the association of Daxx with ASK-1, leading to a decrease in the pro-apoptotic phosphorylation of Jnk (Jnk-P). Further analysis revealed that DJ-1 KO mice displayed both higher levels of Jnk-P and cleaved caspase-3 after MI/R when compared to WT mice. Conclusions: These data suggest for the first time that DJ-1 plays a protective role in the heart following MI/R injury as evidenced by the increase in Daxx-mediated apoptosis and exacerbated myocardial injury observed in DJ-1 deficient mice.
A comparison of anti-inflammatory compounds in a steroid-insensitive mouse tobacco smoke model
Authors: Vincent Russell, Paul Woodman, Andrew Connolly, Dianne Spicer, Alan Young
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

The effects of PDE4 and p38 inhibitors were compared to steroids in a robust model of lung inflammation induced by 4 days of exposure to tobacco smoke (TS).   Methods  Mice were exposed to either air or TS for 4d and were killed 24hr after the last exposure, the lungs lavaged and cells counted. Compounds were given at maximal efficacy doses as defined in a mouse LPS model. Steroids were dosed orally (Dexamethasone, 300µg/kg 1hr pre- and 6hr post- TS); or intra-nasally (fluticasone proprionate (FP), budesonide (BUD) 300µg/kg 1hr pre- TS). Roflumilast (ROF) was dosed either i.n. (0.1, 0.3, 1mg/kg) or orally (5 mg/kg) 1hr pre-TS. The inhaled p38i PF03715444 was dosed 100µg/kg i.n 1hr pre-TS. The p38i BIRB-796 was orally (1mg/kg) dosed 1hr pre- and 6hr post-TS.  Results  TS-exposure caused cellular infiltration into the lung which was reproducible across multiple studies. Oral or i.n. dosed steroids did not inhibit the inflammation (p>0.05 total cell and neutrophil (neut) count). Body weight significantly decreased over the 4d (FP 6%, BUD 11%, DEX 11%; all p Conclusions  TS-exposure for 4d induced a steroid-insensitive lung inflammation which was reproducibly inhibited by PDE4 and P38 inhibitors; although neither caused a total inhibition of the inflammation, suggesting that there is scope to investigate more efficacious mechanisms and combinations within this model.
Using video stylet improves the efficiency of double-lumen endobronchial tube intubation
Authors: Hung-Te Hsu, Shah-Hwa Chou, Chun-Yen Chou, Kuang-Yi Tseng, Yi-Wei Kuo, Mei-Chun Chen, Kuang-I. Cheng
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Background:  Although the video stylet proved an effective tool for endotracheal intubation, it is not determined in double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT) intubation.   Aims and objectives:  The study is to investigate the clinical efficiency of the video stylet for DLT intubation with direct laryngoscope.   Methods:  Forty patients were prospectively randomized and allocated into the direct laryngoscope (DL) group (n = 20) or video stylet (VS) group (n = 20). Total intubation time was measured as the primary outcome and categorized into T1 time (mouth opening to seeing the vocal cords on the screen of GlideScope) and T2 time (placing tube into trachea and CO2 waveforms shown on monitor). Post-intubation complications were also recorded.   Results:  Total intubation time was significantly shorter in VS group than in DL group (27.6 ± 3.9 vs. 48.2 ± 10.4 s, p   The incidence and severity of hoarseness on the first postoperative day was lower in the VS group than in the DL group (incidence: p = 0.025, severity: p = 0.021).   Conclusion:  Compared with using a laryngoscope, using video stylet for DLT intubation saves intubation time and lowers the incidence of hoarseness on the first postoperative day.
Radiofrequency ablation of lung neoplasms in patients being no candidates for surgery. The impact of the intervention on the pulmonary function
Authors: Thomas Schneider, Michael Puderbach, Arved Bischof, Josef Kunz, Hendrik Dienemann, Hans Hoffmann, Felix J.F. Herth, Claus Peter Heussel
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Introduction: CT guided percutaneous Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) of pulmonary lesions is an alternative option for patients being no candidates for surgery. The pulmonary function should not be impaired substantially by the procedure. In this study the pulmonary function subsequent to RFA of lung neoplasms as well as the morbidity related to the intervention was analyzed.

Methods: A total of 26 CT guided percutaneous RFA procedures were performed (in a total of 16 patients) after discussion in the national comprehensive cancer centre due to limited pulmonary reserve or other co-morbidities. Histology was proofed by CT-guided percutaneous biopsy (NSCLC: n=22; pulmonary metastasis: n=4) prior to the RFA procedure (in general anesthesia, double lumen intubation). Morbidity related to the intervention and the pulmonary function subsequent to the intervention was analyzed.

Results: The median forced expiratory volume (FEV1) pre RFA was 1.7l (range 0.7-2.9l; 65%, range 38%-129%). It was unchanged post RFA: 1.6l (range 1.1-2.4l; 64%, range 38%-118%) during median 168d follow-up (range 28- 393d). Pneumothorax requiring drainage as solely major complication occurred in 6/26 procedures (23%). Median hospitalization time was 5 days (range 4-12 days). Local control by CT was reached in all cases; systemic disease progress was verified by PET in 4 patients.

Conclusions: Mid-term change in pulmonary function due to pulmonary RFA has a negligible clinical impact. Therefore RFA sems to be suitable especially in patients with severely limited pulmonary function, if other local strategies are unreasonable.