tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
An Outbreak of Gram-Negative Bacteremia Traced to Contaminated O-Rings in Reprocessed Dialyzers
Authors: John P. Flaherty
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1993)

To investigate an outbreak of gram-negative bacteremia in an outpatient hemodialysis unit and to identify the source of contaminating bacteria and the route by which bacteria gained access to the bloodstream.A matched-pair, case-control study and a bacteriologic investigation of the hemodialysis unit and the implicated dialyzers.A university outpatient hemodialysis unit.Eleven patients receiving long-term hemodialysis who had a total of 12 episodes of primary gram-negative bacteremia and 12 matched controls.Clinical and demographic data were obtained for patients and controls. Dialysis unit procedures were observed for compliance with aseptic technique. Cultures of potential environmental sources of bacteria were obtained. Hemodialyzers from bacteremic and nonbacteremic patients were dismantled, and the component parts were cultured. Inoculation of O-rings (from Hemoflow F-80 dialyzer) with bacteria and simulated dialysis were done.During January to October 1988, 12 episodes of primary gram-negative bacteremia caused by Pseudomonas cepacia, Xanthomonas maltophilia, Citrobacter freundii, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus var. anitratus, or Enterobacter cloacae occurred in 11 patients. In 11 episodes, symptoms developed within 3 hours of starting hemodialysis. Intravenous antibiotics were administered for 11 episodes, 3 episodes resulted in hospitalization, and all patients recovered. Case patients were more likely to have received high-flux dialysis with Hemoflow F-80 dialyzers (odds ratio congruent to 11) than were controls. O-rings from dialyzers used by bacteremic patients were culture positive for the organism responsible for bacteremia. Three of the four dialyzers were disinfected using the standard automated method and were recultured 72 hours later; the O-rings of all three dialyzers remained culture positive. Simulated dialysis using dialyzers with contaminated O-rings caused blood pathway contamination despite intervening reprocessing. When the disinfection method for F-80 dialyzers included removal and complete disinfection of the O-rings, O-ring and blood pathway cultures were consistently negative. After this procedure was made routine, no episodes of primary gram-negative bacteremia occurred during the next 6 months.Because dialyzers with removable headers and O-rings are widely used in patients receiving long-term hemodialysis, disinfection procedures should include measures to ensure adequate disinfection of O-rings.
Bin1 Ablation in Mammary Gland Delays Tissue Remodeling and Drives Cancer Progression
Authors: Mee Young Chang, Janette Boulden, Erika Sutanto-Ward, James B. Duhadaway, Alejandro Peralta Soler, Alexander J. Muller, George C. Prendergast
Journal: Cancer Research (2007)

Abstract Genes that modify oncogenesis may influence dormancy versus progression in cancer, thereby affecting clinical outcomes. The Bin1 gene encodes a nucleocytosolic adapter protein that interacts with and suppresses the cell transforming activity of Myc. Bin1 is often attenuated in breast cancer but its ability to negatively modify oncogenesis or progression in this context has not been gauged directly. In this study, we investigated the effects of mammary gland–specific deletion of Bin1 on initiation and progression of breast cancer in mice. Bin1 loss delayed the outgrowth and involution of the glandular ductal network during pregnancy but had no effect on tumor susceptibility. In contrast, in mice where tumors were initiated by the ras-activating carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene, Bin1 loss strongly accentuated the formation of poorly differentiated tumors characterized by increased proliferation, survival, and motility. This effect was specific as Bin1 loss did not accentuate progression of tumors initiated by an overexpressed mouse mammary tumor virus-c-myc transgene, which on its own produced poorly differentiated and aggressive tumors. These findings suggest that Bin1 loss cooperates with ras activation to drive progression, establishing a role for Bin1 as a negative modifier of oncogenicity and progression in breast cancer. [Cancer Res 2007;67(1):100–7]
Effects of Chinese domestic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on gonadal differentiation in Xenopus laevis.
Authors: Zhan-Fen Qin, Jing-Ming Zhou, Shao-Gang Chu, Xiao-Bai Xu
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2002)

To determine whether polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) influence gonadal differentiation in Xenopus laevis, tadpoles were exposed to two Chinese domestic PCBs (PCB3 and PCB5 from Nieuwkoop and Faber stage 46/47 to complete metamorphosis. Gonads were characterized using a dissecting microscope. The control X. laevis had normal ovaries or testes in gross morphology, whereas obviously abnormal testes including ovotestes were found in PCB3- and PCB5-exposed groups. Ovotestes were characterized by morphologic ovaries in the cranial and caudal parts and morphologic testes in the middle part. PCBs did not alter the percentage of females but reduced the percentage of males with morphologically normal testes. The histologic structure of gonads was examined by a series of sections. Morphologically normal and abnormal testes from a few frogs exposed to PCBs were interspersed with oocytes in histologic sections. These testes exhibited looser structure with fewer seminiferous tubes, spermatogonia, and spermatozoa than in controls. The findings suggest that PCB3 and PCB5 have significant feminization effects on gonadal differentiation in X. laevis and that this species is sensitive to endocrine disruption and may be used as a good model to study endocrine disruption.
15 <sup>th</sup> International AIDS conference: New grassroots organisation is set up to tackle AIDS
Authors: Robert Walgate
Journal: BMJ (2004)

A new non-governmental organisation comprising people from communities affected by HIV and AIDS is being set up, challenging the top heavy structure of existing United Nations organisations such as UNAIDS, the joint programme on HIV and AIDS.

France's official “AIDS ambassador,” Mireille Guigaz, backs the concept, which is the idea of Jean-Louis Lamboray, who announced his resignation from UNAIDS last week (10 July, p 67). “The global organisation of the fight against HIV/AIDS has to …
No evidence for myocardial iron overload in multitransfused patients with myelodysplastic syndrome using cardiac magnetic resonance T2* technique
Authors: Eli Konen, Husam Ghoti, Orly Goitein, Asher Winder, Tammi Kushnir, Yael Eshet, Eliezer Rachmilewitz
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (2007)

Abstract The method of cardiovascular T2* magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows in vivo estimation of iron in the heart and liver and was used to measure the degree of iron overload in 10 transfused MDS patients (average 90 blood units) and in 3 patients with congenital hemolytic anemia. In all MDS patients iron overload was found in the liver but not in the heart. Patients with congenital anemias had iron in both organs despite iron chelation. It is possible that in MDS more time and more transfusions are required to induce iron accumulation in the myocardium. Therefore, cardiac MRI may serve as a diagnostic tool to assess if and when iron chelation is indicated. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of skin lesions induced by skin-tropic α- and β-papillomaviruses in a patient with epidermodysplasia verruciformis
Authors: C. Borgogna, M.M. Landini, S. Lanfredini, J. Doorbar, J.N. Bouwes Bavinck, K.D. Quint, M.N.C. de Koning, R.E. Genders, M. Gariglio
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2014)

Journal Article Characterization of skin lesions induced by skin‐tropic α‐ and β‐papillomaviruses in a patient with epidermodysplasia verruciformis Get access C. Borgogna, C. Borgogna Virology Unit Department of Translational Medicine Medical School of Novara Via Solaroli 17 28110 Novara Italy Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar M.M. Landini, M.M. Landini Virology Unit Department of Translational Medicine Medical School of Novara Via Solaroli 17 28110 Novara ItalyDepartment of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences Medical School of Turin Turin Italy Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar S. Lanfredini, S. Lanfredini Virology Unit Department of Translational Medicine Medical School of Novara Via Solaroli 17 28110 Novara Italy Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar J. Doorbar, J. Doorbar Division of Virology Department of Pathology University of Cambridge Cambridge U.K Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar J.N. Bouwes Bavinck, J.N. Bouwes Bavinck Department of Dermatology Leiden University Medical Center Leiden the Netherlands Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar K.D. Quint, K.D. Quint Department of Dermatology Leiden University Medical Center Leiden the NetherlandsDDL Diagnostic Laboratory Rijswijk the Netherlands Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar M.N.C. de Koning, M.N.C. de Koning DDL Diagnostic Laboratory Rijswijk the Netherlands Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar R.E. Genders, R.E. Genders Department of Dermatology Leiden University Medical Center Leiden the Netherlands Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar M. Gariglio M. Gariglio Virology Unit Department of Translational Medicine Medical School of Novara Via Solaroli 17 28110 Novara Italy Correspondence Marisa Gariglio. E‐mail: gariglio@med.unipmn.it Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 171, Issue 6, 1 December 2014, Pages 1550–1554, https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.13156 Published: 01 December 2014
Gene therapy provides temporary relief in patient with immune disorder
Authors: S. Mayor
Journal: BMJ (2012)

<h3>Objectives</h3> Our aim was to explore how members of community pharmacy staff perceive and experience the role of procedures within the workplace in community pharmacies. <h3>Setting</h3> Community pharmacies in England and Wales. <h3>Participants</h3> 24 community pharmacy staff including pharmacists and pharmacy support staff were interviewed regarding their view of procedures in community pharmacy. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. <h3>Results</h3> 3 main themes were identified. According to the ‘dissemination and creation of standard operating procedures’ theme, community pharmacy staff were required to follow a large amount of procedures as part of their work. At times, complying with all procedures was not possible. According to the ‘complying with procedures’ theme, there are several factors that influenced compliance with procedures, including work demands, the high workload and the social norm within the pharmacy. Lack of staff, pressure to hit targets and poor communication also affected how able staff felt to follow procedures. The third theme ‘procedural compliance versus using professional judgement’ highlighted tensions between the standardisation of practice and the professional autonomy of pharmacists. Pharmacists feared being unsupported by their employer for working outside of procedures, even when acting for patient benefit. Some support staff believed that strictly following procedures would keep patients and themselves safe. Dispensers described following the guidance of the pharmacist which sometimes meant working outside of procedures, but occasionally felt unable to voice concerns about not working to rule. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Organisational resilience in community pharmacy was apparent and findings from this study should help to inform policymakers and practitioners regarding factors likely to influence the implementation of procedures in community pharmacy settings. Future research should focus on exploring community pharmacy employees9 intentions and attitudes towards rule-breaking behaviour and the impact this may have on patient safety.
Economic evaluation of BDP/formoterol fixed <i>vs</i> two single inhalers in asthma treatment
Authors: B. Brüggenjürgen, N. Ezzat, P. Kardos, R. Buhl
Journal: Allergy (2010)

To cite this article: Brüggenjürgen B, Ezzat N, Kardos P, Buhl R. Economic evaluation of BDP/formoterol fixed vs two single inhalers in asthma treatment. Allergy 2010; 65 : 1108–1115. Abstract Background: Asthma treatment costs are substantial, the largest proportion being incurred by medications. Combination therapy with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long‐acting beta 2 ‐agonists (LABA) is recommended in patients not adequately controlled by ICS alone. Aim of this study was to compare costs and health outcomes of a fixed ICS–LABA combination of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) and formoterol fumarate (FF) vs the same drugs delivered via separate inhalers in Germany. Methods: A cost‐minimization analysis, a cost‐effectiveness analysis, as well as a threshold analysis were undertaken. Efficacy results were obtained from a recent clinical trial. Cost inputs include medical costs, physician costs, and hospital admission costs. Medical costs, health outcomes, and treatment costs were also varied to assess their impact on results. Results: Beclomethasone dipropionate/FF fixed combination was less costly compared to BDP + FF delivered as separate inhalers, costs totaling €525 and €637, respectively, over a 24‐week treatment period. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was €−9.77 per additional day free of asthma symptoms. Equal cost‐effectiveness ratios would still be obtained at a price of the fixed combination increased by 3.4‐fold. Conclusion: A cost‐minimization analysis as well as a cost‐effectiveness analysis for Germany based on different product price calculations show that BDP/FF fixed combination is superior to BDP + FF delivered via separate inhalers.
TCT-640 MGuard TM Stent Reduces Early Adverse Events In Saphenous Vein Graft Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Danillo T. Silva, Jose d Costa, Antonio de Castro Filho, Tannas Jatene, Evandro Martins Filho, Paulino Q. Rodas, Eduardo Moreira Santos, Ricardo A. Costa, Dimytri A. Siqueira, Galo Maldonado, Daniel Chamié, Alexandre Abizaid, Amanda Sousa, J. Eduardo Sousa
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2014)
Precision analysis of a whole blood T cell subset immunophenotyping assay
Authors: Minjun Apodaca, Stephen C De Rosa, Leonard A D'Amico, Bryan J Kennedy, Mary L Disis, Chihiro Morishima
Journal: Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (2013)

Meeting abstracts The Cancer Immunotherapy Trials Network has initiated several clinical trials utilizing T cell growth factors such as IL-15 and IL-7. In support of these trials, we have developed and conducted precision testing of a 12-color flow cytometric assay to characterize the surface
Systematic review of randomised controlled trials of strategies to promote adherence to tuberculosis treatment
Authors: J. Volmink, P. Garner
Journal: BMJ (1997)

<h3>Abstract</h3> <b>Objective:</b> To determine the effectiveness of strategies to promote adherence to treatment for tuberculosis. <b>Identification:</b> Searches in Medline (1966 to August 1996), the Cochrane trials register (up to October 1996), and LILACS (Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud) (1982 to September 1996); screening of references in articles on compliance and adherence; contact with experts in research on tuberculosis and adherence. <b>Inclusion criteria:</b> Randomised or pseudorandomised controlled trials of interventions to promote adherence with curative or preventive treatment for tuberculosis, with at least one measure of adherence. <b>Main outcome measure:</b> Relative risks and 95% confidence intervals for estimates of effect for categorical outcomes. <b>Results:</b> Five trials met the inclusion criteria. The relative risk for tested reminder cards sent to patients who defaulted on treatment was 1.2 (95% confidence interval 1.1 to 1.4), for help given to patients by lay health workers 1.4 (1.1 to 1.8), for monetary incentives offered to patients 1.6 (1.3 to 2.0), for health education 1.2 (1.1 to 1.4), for a combination of a patient incentive and health education 2.4 (1.5 to 3.7) or 1.1 (1.0 to 1.2), and for intensive supervision of staff in tuberculosis clinics 1.2 (1.1 to 1.3). There were no completed trials of directly observed treatment. All of the interventions tested improved adherence. On current evidence it is unclear whether health education by itself leads to better adherence to treatment. <b>Conclusions:</b> Reliable evidence is available to show some specific strategies improve adherence to tuberculosis treatment, and these should be adopted in health systems, depending on their appropriateness to practice circumstances. Further innovations require testing to help find specific approaches that will be useful in low income countries. Randomised controlled trials evaluating the independent effects of directly observed treatment are awaited. <h3>Key messages</h3> Despite adequate delivery systems, some patients with tuberculosis do not complete treatment Six specific interventions have been tested in randomised trials to improve adherence, ranging from intensive staff supervision to monetary incentives for patients This systematic review of randomised trials found that all of the strategies tested seemed to improve adherence Independent effects of health education could not be assessed, and there are no trials yet available that test the effectiveness of directly observed treatment Health providers should draw on what is known to be effective when designing strategies appropriate to local needs and circumstances Further innovations, especially those that are feasible in developing countries, should be evaluated in randomised controlled trials before being introduced into routine practice.
Selective ablation of basophils in mice reveals their nonredundant role in acquired immunity against ticks
Authors: Takeshi Wada, Kenji Ishiwata, Haruhiko Koseki, Tomoyuki Ishikura, Tsukasa Ugajin, Naotsugu Ohnuma, Kazushige Obata, Ryosuke Ishikawa, Soichiro Yoshikawa, Kaori Mukai, Yohei Kawano, Yoshiyuki Minegishi, Hiroo Yokozeki, Naohiro Watanabe, Hajime Karasuyama
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2010)

Ticks are ectoparasitic arthropods that can transmit a variety of microorganisms to humans and animals during blood feeding, causing serious infectious disorders, including Lyme disease. Acaricides are pharmacologic agents that kill ticks. The emergence of acaricide-resistant ticks calls for alternative control strategies for ticks and tick-borne diseases. Many animals develop resistance to ticks after repeated infestations, but the nature of this acquired anti-tick immunity remains poorly understood. Here we investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying acquired resistance to Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks in mice and found that antibodies were required, as was IgFc receptor expression on basophils but not on mast cells. The infiltration of basophils at tick-feeding sites occurred during the second, but not the first, tick infestation. To assess the requirement for basophil infiltration to acquired tick resistance, mice expressing the human diphtheria toxin receptor under the control of the mast cell protease 8 (Mcpt8) promoter were generated. Diphtheria toxin administration to these mice selectively ablated basophils. Diphtheria toxin-mediated basophil depletion before the second tick infestation resulted in loss of acquired tick resistance. These data provide the first clear evidence, to our knowledge, that basophils play an essential and nonredundant role in antibody-mediated acquired immunity against ticks, which may suggest new strategies for controlling tick-borne diseases.
Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Freesia Horsted, Joe West, Matthew J. Grainge
Journal: PLoS Medicine (2012)

Background People with cancer are known to be at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), and this risk is believed to vary according to cancer type, stage of disease, and treatment modality. Our purpose was to summarise the existing literature to determine precisely and accurately the absolute risk of VTE in cancer patients, stratified by malignancy site and background risk of VTE. Methods and Findings We searched the Medline and Embase databases from 1 January 1966 to 14 July 2011 to identify cohort studies comprising people diagnosed with one of eight specified cancer types or where participants were judged to be representative of all people with cancer. For each included study, the number of patients who developed clinically apparent VTE, and the total person-years of follow-up were extracted. Incidence rates of VTE were pooled across studies using the generic inverse variance method. In total, data from 38 individual studies were included. Among average-risk patients, the overall risk of VTE was estimated to be 13 per 1,000 person-years (95% CI, 7 to 23), with the highest risk among patients with cancers of the pancreas, brain, and lung. Among patients judged to be at high risk (due to metastatic disease or receipt of high-risk treatments), the risk of VTE was 68 per 1,000 person-years (95% CI, 48 to 96), with the highest risk among patients with brain cancer (200 per 1,000 person-years; 95% CI, 162 to 247). Our results need to be considered in light of high levels of heterogeneity, which exist due to differences in study population, outcome definition, and average duration of follow-up between studies. Conclusions VTE occurs in greater than 1% of cancer patients each year, but this varies widely by cancer type and time since diagnosis. The absolute VTE risks obtained from this review can aid in clinical decision-making about which people with cancer should receive anticoagulant prophylaxis and at what times. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.