tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Silent infection in clotted hemodialysis access grafts.
Authors: J C Ayus, D Sheikh-Hamad
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (1998)

Thrombotic and infectious complications are frequent causes of hemodialysis vascular access failure and contribute considerably to the cost of care for chronic hemodialysis patients. Although there is clear indication for removal of patent grafts in unresolved bacteremia, there are no guidelines for the management of clotted nonfunctioning grafts. To evaluate for the existence and clinical relevance of silent infection in clotted nonfunctioning hemodialysis grafts, a study was conducted with a series of 20 hemodialysis patients who presented with fever (15 patients), or fever and clinical signs of sepsis (five patients), in whom the source of infection was not immediately localized to any organ system. Comparison was made with 21 asymptomatic patients with clotted grafts who served as control subjects. All patients and control subjects came from a pool of 115 chronic hemodialysis patients in an outpatient hemodialysis unit in the Houston metropolitan area, who were on hemodialysis for a period of time ranging from 3 to 15 yr. Indium scans were performed, followed by removal of the clotted grafts in all patients and control subjects. Bacterial cultures of the recovered surgical material and blood were done concomitantly in all study participants. Indium scans showed positive uptake in or around the clotted grafts in all of the patients and in 15 of the control subjects. Purulent material was found in the grafts in all patients and in 13 of 15 indium scan-positive control subjects. When positive, blood culture pathogens were identical to those cultured from the graft material in all instances. The predominant pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus, followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis. There was no evidence of graft infection in the control subjects if indium scan was negative. Chart review dating back to the start of dialysis revealed five past infectious episodes in the patient group, compared with four in the control group. These findings suggest that clotted nonfunctioning grafts are frequent harbingers of infection. They should be suspected as the source of infection in every hemodialysis patient that presents with fever, even in the absence of clinical signs of graft site infection.
TLR-3 triggered exacerbation of experimental asthma depends on IL-17 producing NK cells
Authors: Lars Lunding, Sina Webering, Christina Vock, Christoph Hölscher, Jochen Behrends, Heinz Fehrenbach, Michael Wegmann
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Exacerbations are a common event in asthma patients and may result in severe symptoms. Typically, the inflammatory phenotype of acute asthma exacerbations is characterized by increased numbers of eosinophils together with large infiltration of neutrophils. Clinical studies revealed viral infections of the airways as the main trigger. Double stranded RNA is produced as an intermediate during replication of all major respiratory viruses that can be sensed via toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3). Therefore, we propose a key role for TLR3 in the pathogenesis of acute asthma exacerbations. Our study aimed at i) establishing a mouse model of TLR3 trigged asthma exacerbation, ii) clarifying the underlying mechanisms, and iii) identifying the cell type(s) directing the inflammatory response in acute exacerbation.  Intranasal application of synthetic TLR3 ligand poly(I:C) induced an exacerbation of experimental allergic asthma characterized by pronounced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), marked infiltration of neutrophils, mucus production, enhanced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased numbers of TH17 and IL-17 producing NK cells. All these characteristics were absent in IL-17A deficient mice, indicating an essential role of IL-17A in TLR3 triggered asthma exacerbation. In IL-23p19 deficient mice, which lack TH17 cells, local application of poly(I:C) again triggered asthma exacerbation. Interestingly, in mice with antibody depleted NK cells AHR, mucus production and number of eosinophils where ameliorated. Therefore, IL-17 producing NK cells and not TH17 cells play a major role in TLR3 triggered exacerbation of allergic asthma in mice.
Oncogenic Marek's Disease Herpesvirus in Avian Encephalitis (Temporary Paralysis) 2
Authors: S. G. Kenzy, B. R. Cho, Y. Kim
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1973)

When oncogenic Marek's disease herpesvirus (MDHV) was present in blood or tissue culture inocula, an encephalitis designated as temporary paralysis (TEP) could be consistently reproduced. It resembled transient paralysis (Zander) and the temporary paralysis syndrome (Walker and Grattan). Mild MDHV and turkey herpesvirus (HVT) failed to produce a TEP response. This response was effectively reduced by pretreatment of chicks with HVT or mild MDHV 8 days before inoculation with blocd from acute MD-affected fowl, by rapid freezing and thawing of infective blood before inoculation into chicks, and by inoculation with sera from MD survivors 4 or 5 days before inoculation with oncogenic MDHV. Chicks with TEP developed a concurrent viremia, due to MDHV, and microscopic neural lesions of MD. Some chicks died while paralyzed, but most chicks recovered rapidly, only to die 2–l6 weeks later from clinical MD. No evidence of any encephalitogenic bacterial or viral agent other than MDHV was obtained.
Alterations in Microsomal Metabolism of Benzo [&lt;italic&gt;a&lt;/italic&gt;] pyrene in Mice Fed Butylated Hydroxyanisole&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="fn2"&gt;2&lt;/xref&gt;
Authors: J L Speier, L W Wattenberg
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1975)

The metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene (BP) by liver microsomes in female A/HeJ mice fed a control diet or a diet containing butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) was studied. Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity (AHH) was not changed by BHA feeding. However, the measurement of other parameters demonstrated that BHA feeding altered the microsomal system metabolizing BP. Incubation of BP and calf thymus DNA with liver microsomes from BHA-fed mice showed about half the binding of BP metabolites to DNA as compared to that of controls. The AHH activity of mice fed BHA was much more sensitive to in vitro inhibition by alpha-naphthoflavone than that of controls. The amount of cytochrome P450 was increased per unit weight of microsomal protein and liver in mice fed BHA. The ethyl isocyanide binding spectra were measured to see if alterations of cytochrome P450 might be produced by BHA feeding. The maximum at 430 nm was the same in control and BHA-fed mice. However, the maximum at 455 nm was lower in BHA-fed mice than in controls, which indicated that BHA had caused some changes. The data showed that BHA feeding resulted in altered properties of liver microsomes, including a decrease in BP metabolite binding to DNA.
Serum Zinc Concentration: An Unreliable Parameter for Diagnosing Bronchogenic Carcinoma
Authors: J. Cecil Smith, Heine H. Hansen, Oleg S. Selawry, Mary Patricia Howard, James A. Halsted
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1973)

Journal Article Serum Zinc Concentration: An Unreliable Parameter for Diagnosing Bronchogenic Carcinoma Get access J. Cecil Smith, Ph.D., J. Cecil Smith, Ph.D. 2Chief of Trace Element Research Laboratory, Veterans Administration Hospital, and Lecturer of Biochemistry, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C. 20422 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Heine H. Hansen, M.D., Heine H. Hansen, M.D. 3Assistant Chief for Clinical Operation, National Cancer Institute-Veterans Administration Medical Oncology Branch/Service Veterans Administration Hospital, and Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C. 20422 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Oleg S. Selawry, M.D., Oleg S. Selawry, M.D. 4Chief, National Cancer Institute-Veterans Administration Medical Oncology Branch/Service, Veterans Administration Hospital, and Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C. 20422 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Mary Patricia Howard, B.S., Mary Patricia Howard, B.S. 5Biologist, Trace Element Research Laboratory, Veterans Administration Hospital, Washington, D.C. 20422 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar James A. Halsted, M.D. James A. Halsted, M.D. 6Consultant to the Trace Element Research Laboratory and Clinical Professor of Medicine, The Albany Medical College of Union University, Albany, N.Y. 12208 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 51, Issue 4, October 1973, Pages 1379–1381, https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/51.4.1379 Published: 01 October 1973 Article history Received: 13 July 1973 Accepted: 16 July 1973 Published: 01 October 1973
Media power and public mental health policy
Authors: L R Marcos
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1989)

The author describes the functions of the news media and their influence on public mental health policy making. News media functions are divided into the categories of selecting the news, reporting information, serving as a channel of communication, presenting views and opinions, and legitimizing the issues. These functions are illustrated by focusing on a highly publicized New York City policy to involuntarily hospitalize mentally ill homeless people living in the streets. Strategies are suggested to mental health professionals on how to effectively interact with the news media.
Inspiratory muscle strength training: A pilot study on laryngeal movements
Authors: Astrid Sandnes, Tiina Andersen, Thomas Halvorsen, John-Helge Heimdal, Tom Karlsen, Thor-Andre Ellingsen, Magnus Hilland, Ola Røksund
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Introduction:  Exercise induced vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is a common condition, often confused with exercise induced asthma with unfortunate consequences. The evidence base for conservative treatment is limited but two single-case reports suggest effects from inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST).   Objectives:  To run a pilot study that objectively visualizes laryngeal response pattern(s) to controlled training with IMST.   Methods:  Ten healthy volunteers (range 21-26), were examined at rest with video recorded continuous transnasal flexible laryngoscopy while performing a standardized training program using a resistive loading device (Respifit S). The resistance during the training sessions were set at maximal and 60-80% of the maximal attainable inspiratory mouth pressure (PI max ). Laryngeal movements were scored by a senior laryngologist according to a preset scheme.   Results:  Resistance set at 60-80% of PI max  produced a measurable glottic abduction in all subjects. Increasing the inspiratory pressure to PI max , revealed no change in the abduction in seven subjects, while in two subjects abduction appeared to decrease. In one subject a paradoxical adduction was observed. Supraglottic adduction was seen in two patients at PI max.  In all subjects larynx moved downwards during inspiration, and nine of ten subjects seemed to engaged all muscle groups in the hypopharynx during inspiration at PI max .   Conclusion:  The study suggests that IMST may be an efficient tool in the treatment of exercise induced VCD. Large interindividual differences suggest a need for individual training programs, and underscores that objective methods must be used during instructions and training with IMST in these patients.
The influence of psycho-social factors in the evolution of pulmonary hypertension patients
Authors: Adina Petronela Tomuta, Nicoleta Bertici, Voicu Tudorache
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Background:The prognosis in pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH) is commonly evaluated by severity, functional class, the 6-minute walk-distance test, oxygen consume, BNP/proBNP, echocardiography, catheterization. The increase in survival induces major psycho-social problems who are often neglected.  Objective:Evaluation of depression and social status in PAH patients and correlation with other prognosis factors.  Methods:The adult PAH patients evolution included in the local registry was monitored for 4 years of specific therapy(Bosentan/Ambrisentan/Sildenafil). Besides the commonly monitored parameters, depression(by BeckDepressionIndex), marital status, family support, work integration and average income were also evaluated.  Results:49 adult patients with PAH, 51,02% male(which is an atypical result, because we have 8 male patients with disproportional PAH and moderate COPD); age 47,12±16,18 years were included, the majority from an urban area(69,38%) and with severe forms(71,42%), Nyha Class III(55,1%). Only 16 patients work(32,65), 29 have an income below 150euro/month; 57,14% are or were married as 7 are divorced. Moderate and severe depression is present in 71,42% with maximal values in scleroderma patients. 11 patients died(22,44%), 7 of these began to be noncompliant to treatment/diet/medical exams. Only 9(18,36%) patients take antidepressant treatment. Severe depression and poor social status were strongly correlated with deaths.  Conclusions:Life expectancy is growing, but significant decrease in ability to work, and therefore income, loss of family support and severe depression often lead to noncompliancy. Psychological assessment and social/material support become mandatory.
The impact of aggressive debulking surgery and cisplatin-based chemotherapy on progression-free survival in stage III and IV ovarian carcinoma.
Authors: M S Piver, S B Lele, D L Marchetti, T R Baker, Y Tsukada, L J Emrich
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1988)

Forty consecutive patients with stage III and IV invasive ovarian carcinoma were treated on a phase II protocol consisting of optimal debulking surgery, induction cisplatin, cisplatin, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (PAC) chemotherapy, 6-month interval laparoscopy, reinduction cisplatin, PAC chemotherapy, and second-look procedure. All 40 patients have either disease progression or have completed the 12-month protocol. Eighty-seven percent of the patients (35) underwent optimal (less than or equal to 2 cm residual) debulking surgery before chemotherapy, in spite of the fact that 50% (20) were referred to Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) as inoperable after initial surgery elsewhere. There were no postoperative deaths and chemotherapy was started in less than or equal to 14 days in 97% of the patients. Of the 40 patients, 30% (12) achieved a pathologic complete remission (11) or a clinical complete remission (one patient refused second-look surgery). The estimated 3-year survival rate was 62%, but the 3-year progression-free survival rate was only 29%. The median survival time was 48 months. The estimated 3-year progression-free survival rate was 31% for residual disease less than or equal to 2 cm. For the five patients with residual disease greater than 2 cm, four died within 3 years. The median survival time of patients with less than or equal to 2 cm residual disease was 48 months, as compared with 21 months for those with greater than 2 cm residual disease. Although the estimated 3-year survival rate of 62% is noteworthy, the 3-year progression-free survival rate of only 29% is probably indicative that in spite of extensive debulking surgery and cisplatin-based chemotherapy as used in this protocol, the long range proportion of patients "cured" will remain small.
ICU acquired pneumonia due to pseudomonas aeruginosa with and without multidrug resistance
Authors: Miquel Ferrer, Francesca De Rosa, Laia Fernandez, Albert Gabarrus, Mariano Esperatti, Silvia Terraneo, Mariano Rinaudo, Leonardo Filippo DiFrancesco, Gianluigi Li Bassi, Antoni Torres
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Objectives:  To assess risk factors for ICU-acquired pneumonia (ICUAP) caused by  P. aeruginosa  with and without multidrug resistance (MDR).   Methods:  We prospectively collected 394 consecutive episodes of ICUAP. We compared characteristics, severity and outcomes between cases caused by  P. aeruginosa  and other pathogens, and between  P. aeruginosa  with and without MDR.   Results : 246 (62%) cases had etiologic diagnosis.  P. aeruginosa  was the most frequent pathogen (72, 29%), 21 (29%) cases had MDR. Patients with  P. aeruginosa  were older, more often previously colonized by  P. aeruginosa,  had received more frequently previous antibiotics, had higher rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, less frequent alcohol abuse and less pleural effusion. Prior airway colonization by  P. aeruginosa  and previous antibiotics independently predicted  P.  aeruginosa aetiology, while alcohol abuse and pleural effusion were associated to a lower risk for this pathogen. Patients with MDR  P. aeruginosa  had lower levels of C-reactive protein at day 3 and interleukin-6 at day 1 than those with  P. aeruginosa  without MDR. Non-response to treatment and 90-day mortality was not significantly different between cases with and without  P.  aeruginosa, even adjusting for confounders, as well as in patients with  P. aeruginosa  with and without MDR.   Conclusion:  Prior colonization by  P. aeruginosa  and antimicrobial treatment independently predicted P. aeruginosa  aetiology, while alcohol abuse and pleural effusion were associated to a lower risk for this pathogen.  P. aeruginosa  is not associated to higher mortality or treatment failure compared to other pathogens.   Support:  Ciberes (CB06/06/0028), 2009 SGR 911, ERS Fellowship, IDIBAPS.
Differences in exhaled nitric oxide levels between patients with cystic fibrosis and atopic bronchial asthma
Authors: Miroslava Todorova, Neli Genkova, Blagoi Marinov, Stoilka Mandadzhieva, Miroslava Bosheva, Stefan Kostianev
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Background: Assessment of the fraction exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is commonly used for evaluation of the underlying inflammation in the airways but NO also reduces the epithelial adhesion and uptake of Peudomonas aeruginosa.

The aim of the study is to compare FeNO levels in patients with cystic fibrosis and bronchial asthma.

Patients and methods: Exhaled NO was determined with a chemiluminescence analyzer (Niox Mino, Aerocrine, Sweden). Single breath FeNO measurements at 50 mL.sec-1 were performed in 18 stable cystic fibrosis (CF) patients (further subdivided with respect to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection to Ps(+) and Ps(-) groups), 19 patients with atopic bronchial asthma and 15 non-smoking controls (mean±SD age=14.7±6.6 vs. 14.2±5.1 vs. 16.1±5.5 years; p>0.05). All subjects underwent comprehensive anthropometric and pulmonary function assessment (MasterScreen Diffusion, E. Jaeger, Germany).

Results: The highest levels of FeNO were found in patients with bronchial asthma (41.4±14.2 ppb) while CF and controls did not differ significantly (16.4±7.8 vs14.1±4.1 ppb; p>0.05). The Ps(+) CF patients revealed significantly lower FeNO than Ps(-) (8.8±3.1 vs 23.1±2.0 ppb;p<0.001) having also lower mean expiratory flows (MEF50%= 54.7±27.8 vs 82.7±20.7 %pred; p<0.05 and MEF25%=33.6±9.6 vs 57.7±13.5 %pred;p<0.001).

Conclusion: Patients with atopic bronchial asthma have significantly higher values of FeNO. The levels of nitric oxide in gross cystic fibrosis group are comparable to those found in controls. The Ps(+) cystic fibrosis patients have significantly lower values than Ps (-) and controls.
Lingua Medica
Authors: F. Roberts
Journal: BMJ (1953)

BREAST-FEEDING DIFFICULTIES BRITISH purposes of complementary feeding (allaying anxiety) will be fully achieved.There have been disputes on this question, and many cases have been cited in which an adequate intake was immediately secured and the mother's anxiety was allayed.But no cases have yet come to my notice in which the pro- portion of human milk in the diet was the highest possible or in which a return to full breast-feeding was practicable without a sacrifice of weight gain. ConclusionFinally, brief mention must be made of three conditions which may worry either the doctor or the mother-namely, failure to establish lactation, vomiting, and constipation.Non-lactation is often diagnosed too soon.It is impor- tant at all times to give sips of sterile water (with or without sugar) to allay the baby's thirst, as this interferes with its rest more than hunger does.But artificial feeds should not be given until the eighth day or until the baby has lost 15% of its birth weight, whichever is the earlier; and they should not exceed 1 oz.per lb.(60 ml. per kg.) of body weight a day until the fourteenth day.If by that time the milk is still not coming in in effective quantities it may be doubted whether lactation can be established.Vomiting is a constant cause of complaint.Few mothers (strange though it seems) expect milk to be curdled in the stomach, so that the curds in the vomit alarm them.Vomiting should be judged in relation to test feeds and weight gains.If it seems that the baby's progress is affected by the vomiting, and there is no infection, then belladonna,_ 5 minims (0.3 ml.) of the tincture in water, Qr atropine methonitrate, 2 to 5 drops, should be given before the feeds.Even when the infant's progress is not affected, this treat- ment may be necessary to quieten the mother.If the vomit- ing continues in significant quantity, a stomach wash-out should be given to determine whether there is mucous gastritis; if large quantities of mucus are found the treat- ment should be repeated daily until the condition remits.The only cases of vomiting needing weaning are those which follow on puerperal sepsis. RomanceRomance words are those which, though of classical derivation, arose in Italy, France, or Spain.From Italy we have belladonna (beautiful woman, from the effect of the drug on the eyes), malaria (bad air), and
Adult onset Still’s disease: rare but important cause of raised ferritin
Authors: Todd Leckie, Dominic Nee, Alastair Hepburn
Journal: BMJ (2015)

Koperdanova and Cullis provide a concise and pragmatic approach to interpreting serum ferritin levels, which are commonly raised in a range of acute and chronic diseases.1 We would like to mention adult onset Still’s disease—a …
Back to Life, Back to Normality: Cognitive Therapy, Recovery, and Psychosisby TurkingtonDouglas , KingdonDavid , RathodShanaya , WilcockSarah K.J. , BrabbanAlison , CromartyPaul , DudleyRobert , GrayRichard , PeltonJeremy , SiddleRon , and WeidenPeter . Foreword by BeckAaron T. . New York, Cambridge University Press, 2009, 198 pp., $28
Authors: Peter F. Buckley
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (2010)