tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Asthma and allergy to laboratory animals in university employees: Need for prophylaxis
Authors: Erica Ferraz, Luisa Karla Arruda, Marcos C. Borges, Satoshi Kitamura, Ericson Bagatin, Elcio Oliveira Vianna
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Introduction:  Subjects exposed to laboratory animals are at high risk of developing respiratory and allergic diseases. The reported prevalence of occupational asthma ranges from 1.4 to 9.5%, and occupational rhinitis from 2.9 to 18.8% (reviewed by Foletti, I.  et al . Allergy 2008; 63:834-41). In the moment, few studies have looked at programs to prevent these diseases.   Objectives:  To assess the prevalence of asthma and atopic sensitization to common allergens, and to evaluate the employment of prophylactic measures in two Brazilian universities.   Methods:  Subjects exposed to laboratory animals in two Brazilian universities (University of S. Paulo and State University of Campinas) answered to specific questionnaires to assess work conditions, underwent spirometry, bronchial provocation with mannitol, and skin prick tests to eleven common allergens and five work-related allergens (rat, mouse, guinea pig, hamster, and rabbit).   Results:  Eighty-five subjects (38±11 years old, 59 men) were evaluated. Fourty-four (51.8%) subjects were sensitized to at least 1 common allergen, and nine (10.6%) were sensitized to at least 1 work-related allergen. Twelve subjects (14%) presented hyperresponsiveness to mannitol. Personal protective equipments were available at work for 98%; however, 51% did not wear mask all the time when in contact with animals. Twenty-six percent of subjects received formal orientation about the risk assessment and hazard recognition related to laboratory animal allergy.   Conclusion:  In this ongoing study, prevalence was relevant to support prophylactic measures. These measures need reinforcement.
Early Recognition of the Effects of Publication Bias
Authors: Daniel C. Ihde, Mary N. Ihde
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1987)

To the Editor: Dr Antman's editorial on Dr Simes' article on the potentially confounding effects of publication bias in evaluating the efficacy of various cancer therapies referred to what is probably the earliest published reference to a prospective clinical trial in the biblical book of Daniel. Some two millenia later, another outstanding individual, whose major contributions lie outside the area of clinical therapeutics, was also concerned with these issues. Abraham Lincoln recognized the value of disseminating the results of unsuccessful as well as successful experiments, as recounted in Sandberg's biography. Finding Herndon [Lincoln's law partner] reading a new book, "The Annual of Science," he glanced through it and commented that the book was on the right track because it took account of failures as well as successes in its field. "Too often we read only of successful experiments in science and philosophy, whereas if the history of failure and defeat was included there would be a saving of brain-work as well as time. The evidence of defeat, the recital of what was not as well as what cannot be done serves to put the scientist or philosopher on his guard—sets him to thinking on the right line." Given the fiscal constraints under which he operated, we do not know whether President Lincoln would have supported the funding of an international registry of clinical trials (as suggested by Dr Simes) from the federal budget. It is likely, however, that he would have been sympathetic to such a proposal.
Phase II evaluation of dacarbazine (D), mitomycin-C (M), doxorubicin (A) and cisplatin (P) (DMAP) plus sargramostim (GM-CSF) in the treatment of advanced, persistent, or recurrent leiomyosarcoma of the uterus: A Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) study
Authors: H. J. Long, J. A. Blessing, J. Sorosky
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2005)

5077 Background: Following a reported 23% objective response rate for MAP (Edmonson, et al: Gynecol Oncol 2002; 85:507–510) in patients with advanced uterine leiomyosarcoma, and preliminary data suggesting an even higher response rate for DMAP + GM-CSF, the GOG conducted a phase II clinical trial of DMAP plus GM-CSF in this population. Methods: Between March, 2002 and June, 2003, 19 patients who had measurable disease (using RECIST criteria), GOG performance score 2 or less, and who had recovered from recent surgery and radiotherapy entered into the study. The treatment schedule consisted of GM-CSF 250 μg/m2 SC q 12 hr days -6 through -3, followed by D 750 mg/m2 IV over 2 hr plus M 6 mg/m2 IV plus A 40 mg/m2 IV plus P 60 mg/m2 IV over 2 hr on day 1, followed by GM-CSF 250 μg/m2 SC days 2 through 15. Cycles were repeated q 28 days until progression of disease or adverse toxicity prevented further therapy. Patients were required to have ANC ≥1,500/μl and platelets ≥100,000/μl prior to retreatment. All chemotherapy doses were reduced by 20% for nadir grade 4 neutropenia lasting > 7 days or any nadir grade 4 thrombocytopenia. If treatment was delayed by 1–2 weeks for myelosuppression, a 10% dose reduction was required. Patients were considered evaluable for response if they had 2 consecutive tumor measurements separated by 28 days. Results: Eighteen patients received 18 cycles (median: 3; range: 1–6) of therapy. Fourteen patients were PS 0, 3 were PS 1, and 1 was PS 2. Seven patients had prior radiation therapy. The overall response rate was 27.8% with 5.6% complete and 22.2% partial responses. Percent of patients with grade 3 or 4 toxicities included 78% neutropenia, 94% thrombocytopenia, 61% anemia, 44% GI, 28% infection, and 17% azotemia. Conclusions: Although DMAP + GM-CSF produced an observed response rate of 27.8%, the complexity and toxicity of the regimen precluded further investigation; thus, the study was closed after completing the first stage of accrual. Author Disclosure Employment or Leadership Consultant or Advisory Role Stock Ownership Honoraria Research Funding Expert Testimony Other Remuneration GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer GlaxoSmithKline
Abstract 20415: Spin Labeling MRI Detects Improvements of Regional Myocardial Perfusion in the Ischemic Heart after Stem Cell Engraftment
Authors: HuaLei Zhang, Hui Qiao, Rachel S Frank, Jonathan A Epstein, Victor A Ferrari, Rong Zhou
Journal: Circulation (2010)

MRI-based quantification of myocardial blood flow (perfusion) is especially challenging in rodent models, particularly in the setting of their high heart rates. We assessed the hypotheses that 1) t...
Abstract 3090: Missense Mutations in SNTA1-Encoded Syntrophin Alpha and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Authors: David W Van Norstrand, Argelia Medeiros-Domingo, David J Tester, Jianding Cheng, Carmen R Valdivia, Jonathan C Makielski, Michael J Ackerman
Journal: Circulation (2008)

An estimated 10–15% of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) may be channelopathic with approximately half of the SIDS-associated channel mutations involving the sodium channel (NaV1.5) macromolecular complex. Recently, SNTA1, which encodes the sodium channel interacting protein (ChIP), syntrophin alpha, was discovered to be a novel long QT syndrome (LQTS) susceptibility gene (LQT12) with mutations causing increased late sodium current secondary to increased s-nitrosylation of the sodium channel’s alpha subunit. Therefore, SNTA1 is a plausible candidate gene for SIDS. In this IRB-approved study, mutational analysis of SNTA1’s eight translated exons was performed using PCR, DHPLC, and direct DNA sequencing of DNA derived from 286 SIDS cases (112 females, 197 white, average age 2.9 ± 1.9 months, range 3 days -12 months). The anonymized study design precluded a determination of mutation status as familial or sporadic. Overall, 8/286 cases of SIDS harbored missense mutations in SNTA1 that were absent in 800 reference alleles. Six distinct, rare SNTA1 missense mutations were detected in 7/112 (6.25%) female infants but only 1/174 (0.6%) male infants (p &lt; 0.01). Comprehensive open reading frame analysis of all 800 reference alleles also revealed rare genetic variants in 1% of the control subjects. A common pair of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (P74L/A257G), with a heterozygous frequency of 1%, was identified similarly in both cases and controls. This study provides the first molecular evidence implicating mutations in SNTA1 as a novel pathogenic substrate for channelopathic SIDS. However, given the ~1% background rate of rare variants in controls, mechanistic studies of each putative SIDS-associated SNTA1 mutation will be necessary to confirm that the mutant ChIP yields a functionally perturbed NaV1.5 macromolecular complex akin to the investigations that established SNTA1 as a novel LQTS-susceptibility gene.
Non-invasive assessment of VQ - should we use a two compartment or three compartment model?
Authors: Gareth Jones, Geoff Lockwood, Stenson Ben, Joan Lasenby, Robert Ross Russell
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Background  - Computerised modelling of gas exchange has recently allowed non-invasive assessment of shunt and ventilation-perfusion (VQ) mismatch. We have shown that measurements of arterial saturation (SaO2) made at different levels of inspired oxygen (PiO2) can be computed to reconstruct an oxygen diffusion graph (J Clin Monitor 2014). This then provides a measure of VQ, shift and shunt.   Methods  - The original computer program was based on a 2-compartment model of the lungs incorporating a single VQ unit, and a shunt component. However it has been suggested that a 3-compartment model (using a high VQ area, a low VQ area and a shunt fraction) would be more accurate. We therefore reassessed our original data using both a 2C and 3C model.   Results  - Data from the Olszowlka and Wagner gas exchange model, and then data from 16 infants with 56 datasets were compared between the two models.Data from the O&W model showed close correlation with both the 2C and the 3C model although the 3C model did not break the data back into constituent fractions as well as the 2C model. When applied to the clinical dataset, the 2C and 3C models were very close for 33 of 56 datasets, but in the remaining 23 datasets, the 3C model varied. In these cases, the 3C model suggested greater VQ abnormalities (and smaller shunt fraction) than the 2C model. These patients were clinically sicker with more severe lung disease.   Discussion  - The 2C and 3C models both give acceptable interpretation of most datasets, but in the sickest neonates the 3C model appears to offer a more clinically representative interpretation.
Periorbital müsinozis: Kutanöz lupus eritematozusun bir varyantı mı?
Authors: Adisbeth Morales-Burgos, Jorge L. Sánchez, José Gonzalez-Chávez, Janelle Vega, veHildamari Justiniano San Juan, Puerto Rico
Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2010)
Clinical features and treatment outcome of childhood T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia according to the apparent maturational stage of T-lineage leukemic blasts: a Children's Cancer Group study.
Authors: F M Uckun, P S Gaynon, M G Sensel, J Nachman, M E Trigg, P G Steinherz, R Hutchinson, B C Bostrom, H N Sather, G H Reaman
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1997)

PURPOSE Leukemic cells from T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients are thought to originate from T-lymphocyte precursors corresponding to discrete stages of T-cell ontogeny. Here we sought to determine the influence of leukemic cell apparent maturational stage on treatment outcomes in pediatric T-lineage ALL. PATIENTS AND METHODS From 1983 through 1993, 407 pediatric T-lineage ALL patients were enrolled onto two sequential series of risk-adjusted treatment protocols of the Children's Cancer Group. In the current analysis, T-lineage ALL patients were immunophenotypically classified as follows: CD7+ CD2- CD5- pro-thymocyte leukemia (pro-TL), CD7+ (CD2 or CD5)+ CD3- immature TL, and CD7+ CD2+ CD5+ CD3+ mature TL. RESULTS Similar induction outcomes of 91.4%, 97.1%, and 98.3% were obtained by the pro-, immature, and mature TL groups, respectively. Four-year event-free survival (EFS) was lower for pro-TL patients (57.1%; SD = 8.4%,) compared with immature and mature TL patients (68.5%; SD = 3.5%; and 77.1%; SD = 4.0%, respectively) with an overall significance of .05 (log-rank test) or .04 (log-rank trend test). Relative hazards rates (RHR) were 2.11 and 1.22 for pro-TL and immature TL versus mature TL, respectively. Highly significant differences were found for overall survival (P = .005, log-rank test; P = .009, log-rank trend test). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the prognostic influence of ontogeny grouping was independent of that of other prognostic factors. CONCLUSION Leukemic cells of the pro-TL maturation stage identify a small subgroup of T-lineage ALL patients who have a significantly worse EFS outcome than patients whose cells are of a more mature stage of development.
Analysis of EGFr, VEGF and p53 in serum of head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) : Preliminary results of the GORTEC 99–02 randomized trial
Authors: J. Metges, D. Guenet, A. Auperin, V. Gregoire, P. Maingon, J. Lesaunier, G. Calais, L. Zelek, J. Bourhis
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2006)

5509 Background: Predictive and prognostic markers are warranted in HNSCC. We designed a prospective study to analyze EGFr, VEGF and P53 both in the serum and in the tumor of HNSCC patients included in the GORTEC 99–02 prospective phase III trial which compared conventional radiotherapy (RT) plus 5FU and carboplatin (FUP) vs RT with a concomitant boost and FUP vs a very accelerated RT. Methods: This prospective study has been designed to include 820 patients, we present here the results in a sub group of 216 patients for whom the biological markers were analyzed. Association between these markers and TNM staging, age, sex, disease progression and survival was evaluated. Serum analysis was performed for serum EGFr (Oncogene Science), VEGF (R&amp;D systems) and p53 serum-autoantibodies (Immunotech). Statistical analysis were performed using Spearman correlation coefficient, Kruskal-Wallis test for quantitative variables, chi2 and Fischer exact test for qualitative varaibles and Logrank test and cox model for survival analysis. Multivariate analysis of survival took into account T and N status, tumor localisation and the type of treatment. Results: No correlation was found between the serum levels of VEGF and EGFr, neither between EGFr and p53. There was a borderline significant association (p = 0.07) towards higher VEGF serum levels in p53 negative, compared to p53 positive patients. No correlation was found between age, sex, T and N staging and all the serum markers. The VEGF level was significantly higher in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal primaries and lower in oropharyngeal and buccal primaries (p = 0.04). The EGFr level seemed also associated with the tumor localisation (p = 0.055). The median follow up was 2 years. High levels of serum EGFR were associated with better overall survival in univariate and multivariate analysis (p &lt; 0.01). Overall survival was not significantly higher in positive serum p53 patients than in negative p53 patients (p = 0.11 in multivariate analysis). VEGF was not associated with survival. Conclusions: These preliminary resulst suggest that high levels of serum EGFr was associated with a better outcome in this homogenous, prospective series of HNSCC. Work supported by a french PHRC from the National Institutes of Health. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Randomized Trial of Black Cohosh for the Treatment of Hot Flashes Among Women With a History of Breast Cancer
Authors: Judith S. Jacobson, Andrea B. Troxel, Joel Evans, Lorissa Klaus, Linda Vahdat, David Kinne, K. M. Steve Lo, Anne Moore, Pamela J. Rosenman, Elizabeth L. Kaufman, Alfred I. Neugut, Victor R. Grann
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2001)

PURPOSE: Most breast cancer survivors experience hot flashes; many use complementary or alternative remedies for these symptoms. We undertook a randomized clinical trial of black cohosh, a widely used herbal remedy for menopausal symptoms, among breast cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with breast cancer who had completed their primary treatment were randomly assigned to black cohosh or placebo, stratified on tamoxifen use. At enrollment, patients completed a questionnaire about demographic factors and menopausal symptoms. Before starting to take the pills and at 30 and 60 days, they completed a 4-day hot flash diary. At the final visit, they completed another menopausal symptom questionnaire. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were measured in a subset of patients at the first and final visits. RESULTS: Of 85 patients (59 on tamoxifen, 26 not on tamoxifen) enrolled in the study, 42 were assigned to treatment and 43 were assigned to placebo; 69 completed all three hot flash diaries. Both treatment and placebo groups reported declines in number and intensity of hot flashes; the differences between the groups were not statistically significant. Both groups also reported improvements in menopausal symptoms that were, for the most part, not significantly different. Changes in blood levels of FSH and LH also did not differ in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Black cohosh was not significantly more efficacious than placebo against most menopausal symptoms, including number and intensity of hot flashes. Our study illustrates the feasibility and value of standard clinical trial methodology in assessing the efficacy and safety of herbal agents.
Original article: Effect of short‐term exposure to air pollution and pollen on medical emergency calls: a case‐crossover study in Spain
Authors: E. Carracedo‐Martinez, C. Sanchez, M. Taracido, M. Saez, V. Jato, A. Figueiras
Journal: Allergy (2008)

Background: A symmetric case‐crossover design was used to analyse the short‐term relationship between air pollution, pollen and emergency calls to medical services. Methods: This study covered patients who made medical emergency calls in the City of Vigo (Spain) during the period 1996–1999. Morbidity data were obtained from the records of the 061 Medical Emergency Control Center, in its capacity as the body officially coordinating all medical emergencies by telephone. Air pollution data were furnished by the Vigo Municipal Air Pollution Surveillance Grid. Pollen levels were provided by the staff of the Spanish Aerobiology Network in Vigo. Results: A rise of 10μg/m 3 in ambient particulate levels led to the risk of medical emergency calls requesting attention increasing by: (i) 1.97% [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.83–2.11%] for circulatory causes on the same day; (ii) 1.95% (95% CI: 1.76–2.14%) for respiratory causes at 2 days and (iii) 1.34% (95% CI: 1.23–1.45%) for combined circulatory and respiratory causes on the same day. A number of pollens displayed a statistically significant relationship with emergency calls. No interaction was in evidence between pollens and air pollutants. Conclusions: While elevations in particulate air pollution increase medical emergency calls because of cardiac or respiratory causes or both combined, elevations in pollen levels increase medical emergency calls because of respiratory causes.
Fungal sensitization in patients with moderate and severe asthma
Authors: José Alvaro Amaral Júnior, André Luiz de Araújo Mendes, Denicy Alves Pereira Ferreira, Maria do Rosário da Silva Ramos Costa
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

BACKGROUND: Sensitization to fungi is associated with respiratory allergic diseases and can trigger asthma attacks in susceptible patients. Bezerra et al (2008) mapped the presence of fungi in five regions of Sao Luis - MA, identifying the most prevalent genres.  AIM: To determine the prevalence of sensitization to Aspergillus sp, Penicillium sp , Fusarium sp and Neurospora sp in patients with severe and moderate asthma .  METHODOLOGY: This was an analytic observational, case-control, in patients with asthma, conducted in the Programa de Assistencia ao Paciente Asmatico (PAPA), Sao Luis - MA . Eighty-three patients with severe or moderate asthma and 46 subjects without atopy and without asthma were included in the control group. The determination of specific IgE was performed for the four types of fungi.  RESULTS: In patients with asthma only 6% showed no sensitization to any of the fungi tested, whereas among non-asthmatics this proportion was 20%. It was also found that 80% of asthma patients were polysensitized. The specific sensitization was statistically significant (p   CONCLUSION: The prevalence of fungi Aspergillus sp sensitization (p
Evidence-Based Nudging: Best Practices in Informed Consent
Authors: Ricky Munoz, Mark Fox, Michael Gomez, Scott Gelfand
Journal: The American Journal of Bioethics (2015)

Ploug and Holm offer an impassioned defense of informed consent in the face of perceived encroachment from nudging practices. The authors conclude unequivocally that “Nudging in the clinical contex...
Psychopathology in the families of children and adolescents with borderline personality disorder
Authors: S J Goldman, E J D'Angelo, D R DeMaso
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1993)

The purpose of this study was to determine whether rates of psychopathology differed between the families of a group of children and adolescents with borderline personality disorder and the families of a psychiatric comparison group.The rates of psychiatric disorders in the families of 44 child and adolescent outpatients with borderline personality disorder were compared with the rates in the families of a psychiatric comparison group of 100 children and adolescents, none of whom had a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. Psychopathology in family members was ascertained by the family history method with the use of information from semistructured interviews with the subjects in the two study groups and with their parents or guardians. The adults were systematically interviewed regarding specific DSM-III-R disorders in their families.The families of the patients with borderline personality disorder had significantly greater rates of psychopathology, particularly in the areas of depressive, substance abuse, and antisocial disorders.The finding of higher rates of psychopathology among the family members of the group with borderline personality disorder supports the hypothesis that a history of significant family psychopathology is associated with the disorder.
Further Observations to Elucidate the Role of Interventricular Dispersion of Repolarization and Early Afterdepolarizations in the Genesis of Acquired Torsade de Pointes Arrhythmias
Authors: S.Cora Verduyn, Marc A Vos, Jolanda van der Zande, Atilla Kulcsàr, Hein J.J Wellens
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (1997)