tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Acoustical analysis of the cause of snoring noise
Authors: Christoph Janott, Yumiko Matsuba, Thomas Stark, Clemens Heiser
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Introduction: For a targeted surgical therapy of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), it can be of benefit to know where snoring is generated within the upper airways. Today, drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is increasingly used to identify location and form of vibrations and obstructions. However, DISE is time consuming and costly. In contrast, determination of the snoring noise location by means of acoustic analysis could be easier for doctor and patient. Furthermore, it can be performed during natural sleep. Aim of this study is to evaluate a method for acoustical analysis of snoring noise, which is based on principles of speech signal processing.  Methods: Up to now, 25 patients with primary snoring and OSAS, who underwent DISE, have been included in the study. Using DISE video and audio recordings, the vibration locations where classified based on the VOTE classification (velum, tonsils (oropharynx), tongue base, epiglottis). The snoring events where extracted from the audio data. By means of speech signal processing methods (LPC, MFCC), the frequency response of the articulation tract was calculated in order to find snoring formants which are characteristic for the snoring sound location.  Results: Based on the first and the second formant, characteristic frequency patterns could be distinguished for the vibration locations epiglottis, tongue base, and oropharynx/velum. These patterns are independent of the source signal9s fundamental frequency.  Conclusion: In the future it may be possible to detect the location of snoring and obstructions within the upper airway by acoustical analysis of snoring during natural sleep, in order to support the selection of an appropriate therapy for the patient.
Risk Factors for Ischaemic Heart Disease in Patients with Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Authors: J T Lear, R H Neary, P Jones, D A Fitzgerald, J S C English
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1997)

For reasons that are unclear, patients with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) have a lower than expected mortality rate from ischaemic heart disease. We have compared risk factors for ischaemic heart disease (lipids, fibrinogen levels, smoking history and social class) in 29 DH patients and 57 controls matched for age and sex. Patients with DH had significantly lower cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B and fibrinogen and higher HDL2; they also smoked less and were of higher social class. The mechanisms underlying these observations merit further investigation. Intestinal abnormalities or gluten-free diet may account for differences in lipid fractions, and the immunomodulatory properties of cigarette smoke may protect against the development of DH.
Severity of obstructive airway disease and risk of osteoporotic fracture
Authors: F. de Vries, T. P. van Staa, M. S. G. M. Bracke, C. Cooper, H. G. M. Leufkens, J-W. J. Lammers
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2005)

The use of inhaled corticosteroids has been associated with a dose-related increased risk of fracture. This may be related to systemic absorption. However, several studies have found that patients with more severe reductions in pulmonary function had reduced bone mineral density, independent of inhaled corticosteroids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between disease severity and fracture risk. A large case–control study (108,754 cases) was conducted using data from the UK General Practice Research Database. It was found that higher doses of inhaled corticosteroids were associated with greater risks of fracture. The crude odds ratio of fracture among patients exposed to &gt;1,600 μg beclomethasone equivalents per day was 1.95 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.68–2.27). When adjustments were made for disease severity and use of bronchodilators, the initial dose–response relationship between inhaled corticosteroids and fracture risk disappeared (adjusted odds ratio of 1.19 (95% CI 1.01–1.41)). In conclusion, patients with severe obstructive airway disease are at risk of fracture. However, adequate adjustment for disease severity is essential when the association between the use of inhaled corticosteroids and risk of osteoporotic fracture is studied in observational research.
Biodistribution of engineered hematite nanoparticles in healthy and asthmatic mice
Authors: Åsa Gustafsson, Ulrika Bergström, Lina Ågren, Lars Österlund, Anders Bucht
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Background: Iron oxide nanomaterials are used in a wide range of green nanotechnology applications, such as solar hydrogen production, solid waste decontamination, and waste water cleaning. During manufacturing there is a risk of inhalation exposure. To date there are few studies of biodistribution following inhalation of hematite nanoparticles (NP) and no such studies are published on sensitive individuals. Aim: The present work aimed to study if biodistribution of hematite NP differs between healthy mice and mice with an allergic airway inflammation. Method: Radioactive [55/59Fe]-hematite NP (primary diameter 20nm) was given by intratracheal lung instillation to healthy mice and mice with an allergic airway inflammation induced by the experimental allergen ovalbumin. Biodistribution was monitored with liquid scintillation and whole-body autoradiography (WBA) at 1, 7 and 14 days after exposure, respectively. Results: Our data demonstrate translocation towards lymphoid organs; draining mediastinal lymph nodes, thymus, spleen and other organs such as bone marrow, liver, and brain. Tissue levels were fairly stable or decreased over time. However, within the brain the levels were observed to increase over time, and WBA indicates a regional distribution within the brain. Our preliminary data do not indicate major differences in biodistribution between healthy mice and mice with an ongoing airway inflammation. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that exposure to hematite NP via inhalation is a route of entry to secondary organs and highlight a need for further delineation of their biodistribution after inhalation of hematite NP and assessment of detrimental health effects including neurological effects.
Radiohalogenated nonnatural amino acids as PET and SPECT tumor imaging agents
Authors: Jonathan McConathy, Weiping Yu, Nachwa Jarkas, Wonewoo Seo, David M. Schuster, Mark M. Goodman
Journal: Medicinal Research Reviews (2011)

Abstract Radiohalogenated α‐amino acids are a diverse and useful class tumor imaging agents suitable for positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography. These tracers target the increased rates of amino acid transport exhibited by many tumor cells. The most established clinical use for radiolabeled amino acids is imaging primary and recurrent gliomas, and there is growing evidence that they may also be useful for other oncologic applications, including neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer. This review focuses on the synthesis, radiolabeling, and preclinical evaluation of three series of nonnatural radiohalogenated amino acids: alicyclic, α,α‐dialkyl, and 1 H ‐[1,2,3]triazole amino acids which target system L, system A, and cationic amino acid transport systems, respectively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev., 32, No. 4, 868‐905, 2012
Intrahepatic triglyceride content is independently associated with chronic kidney disease in obese adults: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ling-Ling Pan, Hui-Jie Zhang, Zhu-Feng Huang, Qian Sun, Zheng Chen, Zhi-Bin Li, Shu-Yu Yang, Xiao-Ying Li, Xue-Jun Li
Journal: Metabolism (2015)
Assessment of the CHA<sub>2</sub>DS<sub>2</sub>-VASc Score in Predicting Ischemic Stroke, Thromboembolism, and Death in Patients With Heart Failure With and Without Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Line Melgaard, Anders Gorst-Rasmussen, Deirdre A. Lane, Lars Hvilsted Rasmussen, Torben Bjerregaard Larsen, Gregory Y. H. Lip
Journal: JAMA (2015)

The CHA2DS2-VASc score (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years [doubled], diabetes, stroke/transient ischemic attack/thromboembolism [doubled], vascular disease [prior myocardial infarction, peripheral artery disease, or aortic plaque], age 65-75 years, sex category [female]) is used clinically for stroke risk stratification in atrial fibrillation (AF). Its usefulness in a population of patients with heart failure (HF) is unclear.To investigate whether CHA2DS2-VASc predicts ischemic stroke, thromboembolism, and death in a cohort of patients with HF with and without AF.Nationwide prospective cohort study using Danish registries, including 42 987 patients (21.9% with concomitant AF) not receiving anticoagulation who were diagnosed as having incident HF during 2000-2012. End of follow-up was December 31, 2012.Levels of the CHA2DS2-VASc score (based on 10 possible points, with higher scores indicating higher risk), stratified by concomitant AF at baseline. Analyses took into account the competing risk of death.Ischemic stroke, thromboembolism, and death within 1 year after HF diagnosis.In patients without AF, the risks of ischemic stroke, thromboembolism, and death were 3.1% (n = 977), 9.9% (n = 3187), and 21.8% (n = 6956), respectively; risks were greater with increasing CHA2DS2-VASc scores as follows, for scores of 1 through 6, respectively: (1) ischemic stroke with concomitant AF: 4.5%, 3.7%, 3.2%, 4.3%, 5.6%, and 8.4%; without concomitant AF: 1.5%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 3.0%, 3.7%, and 7% and (2) all-cause death with concomitant AF: 19.8%, 19.5%, 26.1%, 35.1%, 37.7%, and 45.5%; without concomitant AF: 7.6%, 8.3%, 17.8%, 25.6%, 27.9%, and 35.0%. At high CHA2DS2-VASc scores (≥4), the absolute risk of thromboembolism was high regardless of presence of AF (for a score of 4, 9.7% vs 8.2% for patients without and with concomitant AF, respectively; overall P<.001 for interaction). C statistics and negative predictive values indicate that the CHA2DS2-VASc score performed modestly in this HF population with and without AF (for ischemic stroke, 1-year C statistics, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.65-0.68] and 0.64 [95% CI, 0.61-0.67], respectively; 1-year negative predictive values, 92% [95% CI, 91%-93%] and 91% [95% CI, 88%-95%], respectively).Among patients with incident HF with or without AF, the CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with risk of ischemic stroke, thromboembolism, and death. The absolute risk of thromboembolic complications was higher among patients without AF compared with patients with concomitant AF at high CHA2DS2-VASc scores. However, predictive accuracy was modest, and the clinical utility of the CHA2DS2-VASc score in patients with HF remains to be determined.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis in special populations
Authors: Ian Mitchell, Bosco Paes, Abby Li, Krista Lanctot
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Objective:  To compare palivizumab utilization and compliance, and respiratory infection (RI) outcomes in subgroups of infants at high risk for RSV within the Canadian Registry Database.   Methods:  A prospective, observational, registry of infants at 29 sites who received ≥1 dose of palivizumab during the 2006-2010 RSV seasons. Utilization and RI outcomes were collected monthly over the full course of palivizumab. Infants ≤35 completed weeks gestational age without medical conditions who met standard approval criteria (Group 1) were compared to those at high risk of RI due to underlying medical illnesses (Group 2).   Results:  There were more infants in Group 1 (n=4880, 84%) than Group 2 (n=952, 16%). Group 2 included Down syndrome (20.2%), upper airway anomalies (18.5%), pulmonary disorders (13.3%), cystic fibrosis (12.3%), neuromuscular impairment (8.2%), multiple system disorders (6.1%), cardiac disorders (2.7%), immunocompromise (1.8%), and miscellaneous disorders (16.9%). From 2006-2010, the proportion of Group 2 infants increased 4-fold from 5.6% (69/1224) to 19.1% (462/2413). Group 2 was older at enrollment (10.2±9.2 vs 3.5±3.1 months, p   Conclusion:  Results imply that infants with underlying medical disorders, though not currently approved for prophylaxis, are at an elevated risk for both RI and RSV hospitalization.
Prolactin and Aging: X-Irradiated and Estrogen-Induced Rat Mammary Tumorigenesis&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN2"&gt;2&lt;/xref&gt;
Authors: Akihiro Ito, Masashi Naito, Hiromitsu Watanabe, Kenjiro Yokoro
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1984)

Both sexes of inbred WF rats at either 8 or 28-60 weeks of age were exposed to 200 rad whole-body radiation, 2.5 or 5.0 mg 17 beta-estradiol (E2), or both agents The female rats treated with E2 alone or with both X-rays and E2 at 8 weeks of age showed a high incidence of mammary carcinomas (MCA), a large increase in pituitary weight, and a rise in serum prolactin (PRL) levels. However, the same treatments to males did not induce MCA despite a moderate increase in both pituitary weight and serum PRL. Ovariectomy prior to E2 treatment failed to modify the occurrence of MCA or pituitary tumors. When X-rays and E2 were given to female rats at 28-60 weeks of age, pituitary weight, serum PRL levels, and the incidence of MCA were unaffected. When the E2 pellet was kept for the first 24 weeks and withdrawn during the last 12 weeks, the incidence of MCA, pituitary weight, and serum PRL was low. It was concluded that: 1) the pituitary glands of young female rats were susceptible to E2 treatment but were insensitive in older females, and 2) the occurrence of MCA in female rats appeared to be promoted by elevated PRL levels secreted by E2-induced pituitary tumors. Mammary tissue of male rats was less sensitive to PRL levels in the development of MCA.
The gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio (GPR) predicts significant liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with chronic HBV infection in West Africa
Authors: Maud Lemoine, Yusuke Shimakawa, Shevanthi Nayagam, Mustapha Khalil, Penda Suso, Jo Lloyd, Robert Goldin, Harr-Freeya Njai, Gibril Ndow, Makie Taal, Graham Cooke, Umberto D'Alessandro, Muriel Vray, Papa Saliou Mbaye, Ramou Njie, Vincent Mallet, Mark Thursz
Journal: Gut (2015)

<h3>Background</h3> Simple and inexpensive non-invasive fibrosis tests are highly needed but have been poorly studied in sub-Saharan Africa. <h3>Methods</h3> Using liver histology as a gold standard, we developed a novel index using routine laboratory tests to predict significant fibrosis in patients with chronic HBV infection in The Gambia, West Africa. We prospectively assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the novel index, Fibroscan, aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and Fib-4 in Gambian patients with CHB (training set) and also in French and Senegalese CHB cohorts (validation sets). <h3>Results</h3> Of 135 consecutive treatment-naïve patients with CHB who had liver biopsy, 39% had significant fibrosis (Metavir fibrosis stage ≥F2) and 15% had cirrhosis (F4). In multivariable analysis, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and platelet count were independent predictors of significant fibrosis. Consequently, GGT-to-platelet ratio (GPR) was developed. In The Gambia, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the GPR was significantly higher than that of APRI and Fib-4 to predict ≥F2, ≥F3 and F4. In Senegal, the AUROC of GPR was significantly better than Fib-4 and APRI for ≥F2 (0.73, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.86) and better than Fib-4 and Fibroscan for ≥F3 (0.93, 0.87 to 0.99). In France, the AUROC of GPR to diagnose ≥F2 (0.72, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.85) and F4 (0.87, 0.76 to 0.98) was equivalent to that of APRI and Fib-4. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The GPR is a more accurate routine laboratory marker than APRI and Fib-4 to stage liver fibrosis in patients with CHB in West Africa. The GPR represents a simple and inexpensive alternative to liver biopsy and Fibroscan in sub-Saharan Africa.
Bronchoscopic Evaluation of Severe Asthma
Authors: SALLY E. WENZEL, STANLEY J. SZEFLER, DONALD Y. M. LEUNG, STEVEN I. SLOAN, MICHAEL D. REX, RICHARD J. MARTIN
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (1997)

The role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of severe asthma chronically treated with high doses of glucocorticoids is poorly understood. Despite this, treatment has been aimed at advancing anti- inflammatory and immunomodulator therapy. This study was designed to evaluate both the presence and type of airway inflammation in patients with severe asthma. A prospective bronchoscopic study evaluated 14 severe, high-dose oral glucocorticoid dependent asthmatics. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was analyzed for cytology and inflammatory mediators. Endobronchial and transbronchial biopsies were performed in selected patients for morphometric evaluation of macrophage/monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes. These results were compared with lavage and endo- and transbronchial biopsy studies in normal controls and patients with moderate asthma. The concentration of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was highest in the moderate asthmatics not on glucocorticoids, with very little difference between normal controls and severe asthmatics (significant difference among the groups, p = 0.007). In contrast, the severe asthmatics demonstrated a twofold higher concentration of neutrophils in lavage than either the mild-moderate asthmatics, or the normal controls (p = 0.032 among the groups, p < 0.05 between the severe asthmatics and both controls). Similar results were obtained in the endobronchial and transbronchial biopsy specimens, which consistently showed significantly higher numbers of neutrophils in the severe asthmatics than in the control groups. The eicosanoid mediators, thromboxane and leukotriene B4, were also highest in the severe asthma group (differences among the groups, p = 0.019 and p = 0.023, respectively). These findings suggest that inflammation remains in severe symptomatic asthmatics despite treatment with high dose glucocorticoids which may be due to the severity of disease, glucocorticoid treatment, or other as yet undefined factors.
Autografting Followed by Nonmyeloablative Immunosuppressive Chemotherapy and Allogeneic Peripheral-Blood Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation as Treatment of Resistant Hodgkin’s Disease and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Authors: Angelo M. Carella, Marina Cavaliere, Enrica Lerma, Raimondo Ferrara, Lucilla Tedeschi, Antonella Romanelli, Maria Vinci, Graziella Pinotti, Paola Lambelet, Carlo Loni, Simonetta Verdiani, Francesco De Stefano, Mauro Valbonesi, Maria Teresa Corsetti
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2000)

PURPOSE: To investigate the use of a nonmyeloablative fludarabine-based immunosuppressive regimen to allow engraftment of HLA-sibling donors’ mobilized stem cells and induction of a graft-versus-lymphoma effect for patients with advanced resistant Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with Hodgkin’s disease (n = 10) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (n = 5) were studied. All patients received cyclophosphamide and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor to mobilize autologous hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Subsequently, they received high-dose therapy with carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan and reinfusion of HSCs. At a median of 61 days after engraftment, patients were given fludarabine 30 mg/m 2 with cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m 2 daily for 3 days. Donor-mobilized HSC collections were prepared for fresh infusion and were not T-cell depleted. Methotrexate and cyclosporine were used to prevent graft rejection and as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. RESULTS: Combined treatment was well tolerated. After mini-allografting, hematologic recovery was prompt. Thirteen patients had 100% donor cell engraftment. Eleven patients achieved complete remission (CR) after the combined procedure. Nine patients, who were in partial remission after autografting, achieved CR after mini-allografting. Seven patients developed ≥ grade 2 acute GVHD (aGVHD) and two developed extensive chronic GVHD (cGVHD). Three patients who received the highest number of donor lymphocyte infusions (DLIs) developed grade 3 GVHD (two patients) and extensive cGVHD (one patient). Ten patients are currently alive, and five are in continuous CR. Seven patients received DLI, with five CRs. Five patients died: one of progressive disease, two of progressive disease combined with aGVHD or cGVHD, one of extensive cGVHD, and one of infection. CONCLUSION: Fludarabine/cyclophosphamide was well tolerated and allowed consistent engraftment in lymphoma allografted patients. Response rates were high in this group of refractory and heavily pretreated patients. This dual procedure seems to be most promising in patients with end-stage malignant lymphomas.
Airway hyperresponsiveness to mannitol as a predictor of treatment response to ciclesonide in patients with suspected asthma: A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Andreas Scherr, Anja Jochmann, David Miedinger, Sabrina Maier, Salome Schafroth Török, Praschant Chhajed, Michael Tamm, Jörg Leuppi
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the basic treatment in patients with asthma. The aim of the study was to find predictors which detect subjects who clinically benefit from ICS using a combined endpoint (improvement in either FEV1 [>12% and >200ml], Juniper asthma control questionnaire [ACQ] >0.5 or asthma quality of life questionnaire [AQLQ] >0.5).  Methods: 70 treatment-naive subjects (mean age 40.3 years (range 18-70); 21 male) with suspected asthma were randomised to inhale ciclesonide (320mcg/day, n= 34) or placebo (n= 36) in a double-blind manner for 1 month. Spirometry, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to mannitol and to methacholine, exhaled nitric oxide, ACQ and AQLQ were assessed before and after treatment.  Results: An improvement in the combined endpoint was seen in 16 subjects (47%) in the ciclesonide group (1 FEV1, 9 ACQ, 14 AQLQ) and in 15 subjects (42%) in the placebo group (2 FEV1, 5 ACQ, 13 AQLQ). AHR to mannitol was found in 8/16 responders and only 3/18 non-responders in the ciclesonide group (sensitivity 50%, specificity 83%, PPV 72%, NPV 65%, p=0.038). Using a logistic regression analysis, AHR to mannitol was the only significant predictor of a response to ciclesonide with an odds ratio of 5.0 (95%CI 1.03-24.28, p=0.046).  Conclusions: In subjects with suspected asthma, AHR to mannitol is a predictor of subsequent response to ICS treatment.
Evaluation of Moloney Murine Sarcoma and Leukemia Virus Complex as a Model for Airborne Oncogenic Virus Biohazards: Survival of Airborne Virus and Exposure of Mice2
Authors: Virginia S. Hinshaw, Frederick L. Schaffer, Mark A. Chatigny
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1976)

Aerosols of the Moloney murine sarcoma virus (MuSV-M) and leukemia virus (MuLV-M) complex (MuSV-M/MuLV-M) were generated from refluxing atomizers and then aged in rotating drums at 21 degrees C holding temperature with relative humidities ranging from 25 to 76%. The MuSV-M and MuLV-M aerosolized from the same tumor extract preparation survived almost equally at the four humidity levels. Both viruses remained viable in the airborne state for at least 2 hours after aerosolization. When mice were exposed to airborne MuSV-M/MuLV-M, no macroscopic lesions were observed in lungs or other tissues examined during the 2-month postexposure period. On the basis of this study, MuSV-M was determined unsuitable as a "model system" in which a simple aerosol dose response could be used for biohazard evaluation of oncogenic virus aerosols.