tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Respiratory symptoms and lung function tests among the goldsmith engaged in jewellery manufacturing industries in India
Authors: Subhabrata Moitra, Subhashis Sahu
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Introduction:  The goldsmiths are exposed to various acidic and metallic fumes at work. But no study has been reported on goldsmiths neither on the Indian jewellery industries evaluating the relationship between occupational exposure and respiratory health.  Aim:  The study was carried out to see if there is a cause and effect relationship between the exposure to metallic and acidic fumes and respiratory health effects among workers engaged in Indian jewellery manufacturing industries.  Methods:  134 males participated in the study among which 100 were the industry workers (mean age 34±4.2 years) and 34 were front desk office executives (mean age 37±5.2) of the same industry. Evaluation of examined subjects included completion of a standardized questionnaire on respiratory symptoms and spirometry. Data were analyzed using odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and logistic regression adjusting for age, smoking status, second hand smoke exposure and parental atopy/asthma.  Results:  The goldsmiths had significantly higher prevalence of chronic cough (OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.2-8.2), nasal allergy (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.1-4.8), production of phlegm (OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.4-6.2) and tightness in chest (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.7-4.7) compared to the office workers. Results of spirometry showed significantly lower percent predicted values of FVC (p  Conclusion:  Due to exposure to various sensitizers and irritants (metallic and acidic fumes) in the workplace the goldsmiths had higher prevalence of respiratory disturbances and a reduced lung functions compared to the front office staffs.
Clinical pattern of LRTI with RSV and hMPV in immunocompromised patients
Authors: Kathleen Jahn, Peter Grendelmeier, Joerg Halter, Alexis Dumoulin, Hirsch Hans, Stolz Daina, Tamm Michael
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Infections are very common in immunocompromised patients. Bronchoscopy with BAL is an established diagnostic tool in this patient group. Multiplex PCR allows a faster detection of viral infections and a rapid therapeutical intervention and/ or deescalation of empiric antibiotic therapy.  We analysed the samples of 971 immunosuppressed patients undergoing bronchoscopy for respiratory symptoms from October 2009 until December 2012. In 37 samples RSV and in 25 cases hMPV could be detected. One case showed a combination of RSV and hMPV. The underlying dise consisted of transplantation for lung (13) and kidney (1), haematological disorders (34) and others (ILD 4, rheumatological 3, ABPA 1, Asthma 2, HIV 1, immunglobuline deficiency 1).  Clinical symptoms consisted of cough (50), sputum (20), fever (16), dyspnoe (16) and FEV1 decline (4). Thoracic CT scans revealed infiltrations (22), ground glass opacities (4), bronchiolitis (3) and a cavern (1). 16 CTs were without any pathological findings. Bronchoscopy showed purulent secretion (19) or mucosal redness (25). In 14 cases were no macroscopical evidence for an infection.  Most often a single viral infection could be detected. In a few cases we found RSV in combination with Rhinovirus (1), Adenovirus (1) and CMV (1) or hMPV associated to Rhinovirus (3), Coronavirus (1), HSV 1 (3), CMV (3) and Influenza (1).  Conclusion:  RSV and hMPV in LRTI are not infrequent in immunocompromised patients. Typical signs/ symptoms are cough, infiltrates on CT scan and purulent secretion. The early differentiation of viral infection with Multiplex PCR allows a rapid targeted therapy for RSV or hMPV and the early suspending of antibiotics while missing bacteria in the samples.
Discrimination of sepsis metabolic profiles revealed by LC/MS-MS based metabonomics approach
Authors: Longxiang Su, Yinyu Huang, Ying Zhu, Kun Xiao, Lichao Cao, Lixin Xie
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

To identify metabolic biomarkers for differentiating sepsis from SIRS, and severity assessment, and outcome prediction. This study involved 35 patients diagnosed as sepsis, 15 patients with SIRS, and 15 normal controls. The contents of small metabolites and lipids in serum were measured by LC-MS/MS techniques and analyzed using multivariate statistical methods. The data from PCA revealed that normal and other patients with SIRS can be differentiated by metabolic profiles. Significant decrease (P<0.05) in the levels of Ne,Ne dimethyl-lysine, 27-Norcholestane hexol, dTDP-beta-L-rhodinose, Lactitol dihydrate, S-phenyl-D-cysteine, and PC(O-2:0/2:0) and increase (P<0.05) in the levels of Propenoyl carnitine, S-(3-Methylbutanoyl)-dihydrolipoamide-E, N-Nonanoyl glycine, and N-Nonanoyl glycine were observed in sepsis patients compared with the SIRS. The severe sepsis and septic shock were combined against sepsis, which represent sepsis severity, showed that lower levels in Propenoylcarnitine, Glycerylphosphorylethanolamine, Ne,Ne dimethyl-lysine, Galactosylhydroxylysine, 2-Phenylacetamide, D-Cysteine, and Phenylacetyl glycine (P<0.05). The profile of sepsis patients within 48h before death illustrated an obvious metabolic disorders state, S-(3-Methylbutanoyl)-dihydrolipoamide-E, 1,3-Dimethyl-uric acid, PG(22:2(13Z,16Z)/0:0), PG(14:1(9Z)/0:0), Epinephrine glucuronide, S-Succinyl-glutathione increased and Propenoyl-carnitine decreased (P<0.05). Computational network revealed that D-Cysteine played an important role during sepsis progress. From the view of metabolic kinetics process, Propenoyl-carnitine maybe a potential biomarker.
Synergy between tumor immunotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy.
Authors: Smita K. Nair, David Boczkowski, Benjamin Moeller, Mark Dewhirst, Eli Gilboa
Journal: Cancer Research (2004)

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004

2474 

This study tested the hypothesis that combination of anti-angiogenic therapy and tumor immunotherapy of cancer are synergistic. To inhibit angiogenesis, mice were immunized with dendritic cells (DC) transfected with mRNA encoding products which are preferentially expressed during neoangiogenesis: vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and Tie2 expressed in proliferating endothelial cells, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressed in the angiogenic stroma as well as the tumor cells used in this study. Immunization of mice against VEGF or VEGFR-2 stimulated CTL responses and led to partial inhibition of angiogenesis. Anti-angiogenic immunity was not associated with morbidity or mortality except for a transient impact on fertility seen in mice immunized against VEGFR-2, but not VEGF. Tumor growth was significantly inhibited in mice immunized against VEGF, VEGFR-2 and Tie2, either before tumor challenge or in the setting of pre-existing disease in murine B16/F10.9 melanoma and MBT-2 bladder tumor models. Co-immunization of mice against VEGFR-2 or Tie2 and total tumor RNA exhibited a synergistic antitumor effect. Synergism was also observed when mice were co-immunized with various combinations of defined tumor-expressed antigens, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) or TRP-2, and VEGF or VEGFR-2. This study shows that co-immunizing mice against angiogenesis-associated and tumor-expressed antigens can deliver two compatible and synergistic cancer treatment modalities via a common treatment, namely immunization.
A phase I study of clofarabine and liposomal daunorubicin in childhood and adolescent acute myeloid leukemia.
Authors: N. J. Graham, P. J. Johnson, M. Cummins, R. Keenan, B. Gibson, I. Hawley, P. Kearns
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2010)

TPS327 Background: This phase I study evaluates the tolerability of clofarabine with liposomal daunorubicin in patients with refractory or relapsed AML. The UK front line study (AML17) is currently investigating clofarabine and daunorubicin for a high- risk subgroup of AML patients >16 yrs old. Patients <16 yrs are currently excluded but will be able to participate when the recommended dose for clofarabine in combination with an anthracycline has been determined from this trial. Clofarabine is next generation purine nucleoside analogue currently approved by the EMEA and FDA for use in relapsed/refractory childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia but its application in childhood AML remains unproven. Clofarabine damages DNA synthesis and repair and induces apoptosis through direct and indirect actions on mitochondria. Daunorubicin is important in AML therapy. The liposomal preparation of daunorubicin is used due to the high proportion of eligible patients with previous exposure to significant doses of anthracyclines. The liposomal preparation aims to minimize cardiotoxicity. The objective is to define the maximum tolerated dose of clofarabine when combined with liposomal daunorubicin. The objectives are to characterize safety and tolerability and to document the overall response rate and durability of response indicated by the number of patients that subsequently undergo stem cell transplant. Methods: Eligibility criteria include; AML relapse within 12 mths of initial diagnosis or AML refractory to induction therapy or 2nd/subsequent relapse, Age;6 mths to <18 yrs and previous daunorubicin or equivalent exposure less than 450 mg/m2. Patients with extramedullary leukemia, symptomatic CNS involvment, systemic conditions or receiving another trial drug are excluded. Expected accrual 6-12 dependent on dose escalations. Patients receive iv clofarabine on days 1-5, and iv liposomal daunorubicin 60 mg/m2 on days 1,3, and 5. The starting dose is 30 mg/m2 escalating to a maximum 40 mg/m2 provided no DLTs are observed. The primary endpoint is the appearance of dose limiting (DLTs) with the maximum tolerated dose being defined by the number of DLTs. 5 patients have been recruited, completing the first dose level. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Abstract 14938: Exercise Improves Ventricular Function And Decreases Myocardial Oxygen Waste In Diet-induced Obese Mice.
Authors: Anne D Hafstad, Jim Lund, Anje C Hoper, Elin Hadler-Olsen, Martin Hagve, Ulrik Wisloff, Terje S Larsen, Ellen Aasum
Journal: Circulation (2011)

Background: Diabetes/obesity is associated with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, altered myocardial metabolism, decreased cardiac efficiency and impaired LV energetics. Exercise has been shown to...
Applications of Positron Emission Tomography in Liver Imaging: An Overview
Authors: Amir H. Khandani
Journal: Liver Cancer (2009)

While positron emission tomography (PET) has been used for several decades in the research setting, its clinical use has grown substantially in the past decade. This is a quantitative physiological imaging modality utilizing positron emitters such as Fluorine-18, Oxygen-15, Nitrogen-13 and Carbon-11. The fact that several of these nuclides are components of common biological molecules makes PET particularly suitable to visually capture different biologic pathways; however, the short physical half-life of Oxygen-15 (2 min), Nitrogen-13 (10 min), and Carbon-11 (20 min) limits their utilization to the centers with an on-site cyclotron. Fluorine-18 has a physical half-life of 110 min and can be synthesized in commercially operating cyclotrons and transported to remote PET facilities. The most commonly used radiotracer is 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG). Tumor imaging with FDG is based on the principle of increased glucose metabolism of cancer cells. Like glucose, FDG is taken up by the cancer cells through facilitative glucose transporters (Glut). These transporters are glycoproteins, and so far, 12 isoforms have been identified in different organs. Normal hepatocytes express Glut2, Glut9, and Glut10 (Joost and Thorens, 2001). Expression of Gluts, predominantly Glut1 and Glut3, is significantly increased in most malignancies.
Prevalence of asthma and allergy in adults shows still an increasing trend in Finland during the past 15 years
Authors: Pekka Jousilahti, Tiina Laatikainen, Leena von Hertzen, Erkki Vartiainen, Tari Haahtela
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Introduction : Asthma and allergic diseases are a major public health problem, and their prevalence has been increasing in Finland from 1960s.   Aims : To study the prevalence of asthma, hay fever or other allergic rhinitis, allergic eye symptoms, and atopic (itching) eczema, and their 15 year trends, among the Finnish adult population.   Methods : Study population consists of the participants of the National FINRISK Study in 1997, 2002, 2007 and 2012. In each survey, the sample included 10000 (in 2012 8000) randomly selected 25 - 64 year old men and women. Participation rate varied between 65 and 72%. Data were collected using standardized self-administered questionnaires based on the European Respiratory Health Survey (ERHS).   Results : The prevalence of physician diagnosed asthma increased from 6.1% to 9.5% in men (p    Conclusions : Asthma and allergic symptoms are common in Finland, and their prevalence has been increasing in the past 15 years among the younger people. All symptoms are more prevalent in women than in men. The increase may be explained by the cohort effect, ie. the younger generations have higher prevalence of asthma and allergy compared to the older ones.
Coagulation factor V mediates inhibition of tissue factor signaling by activated protein C in mice
Authors: Hai Po H. Liang, Edward J. Kerschen, Sreemanti Basu, Irene Hernandez, Mark Zogg, Shuang Jia, Martin J. Hessner, Raffaella Toso, Alireza R. Rezaie, José A. Fernández, Rodney M. Camire, Wolfram Ruf, John H. Griffin, Hartmut Weiler
Journal: Blood (2015)
Abstract 13108: Optimal Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy after Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation for Off-Label vs. On-Label Indications
Authors: Duk-Woo Park, Jung-Min Ahn, Cheol Whan Lee, Sung-Cheol Yun, Sung-Han Yoon, Hyun Woo Park, Mineok Chang, Pil Hyung Lee, Hyo In Choi, Jae-hyung Roh, Hanul Choi, Jong-Young Lee, Soo-Jin Kang, Seung-Whan Lee, Young-Hak Kim, Seong-Wook Park, Seung-Jung Park
Journal: Circulation (2014)

Introduction: The risks and benefits of long-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) beyond 12 months in patients receiving drug-eluting stents (DES) and with high-risk clinical and angiographic features are unclear. Hypothesis: We try to determine whether extended use of DAPT is beneficial among patients with off-label use of DES. Methods: A total of 5,045 patients were included in the DES LATE trial and stratified according to randomized treatments (aspirin-alone or dual-therapy) and whether use was standard or off-label. Off-label was defined as use in renal insufficiency, ejection fraction ≤30%, acute myocardial infarction (MI), multivessel stenting, total stent length ≥36 mm, or ostial, bifurcation, grafts, left main, restenotic, thrombus, or totally occluded lesions. The primary endpoint was a composite of death from cardiac causes, MI, or stroke at 24 months after randomization. Results: Off-label use occurred in 68.6% of all patients. Among patients with off-label use, the risk of primary endpoint at 2 years was similar between aspirin-alone and dual-therapy group (2.6% vs. 3.1%; hazard ratio: 0.89; 95% confidence interval: 0.59 to 1.34, P = 0.59). In addition, no significant differences were observed between 2 treatment groups for individual and combined risks of efficacy and safety endpoints (death, MI, stroke, stent thrombosis, repeat revascularization, or major bleeding). These findings were consistent in patients with on-label use of DES (Figure). Conclusions: Extended use of DAPT beyond 12 months was not significantly more effective than aspirin monotherapy in reducing the risk of death from cardiac causes, MI, or stroke, regardless of off-label or on-label use of DES.
Obesity and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Pathways for Programming in Mouse, Monkey, and Man—Where Do We Go Next? The 2014 Norbert Freinkel Award Lecture
Authors: Jacob E. Friedman
Journal: Diabetes Care (2015)

Obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus continue to increase worldwide and span the spectrum of age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Alarmingly, 1 in 10 infants and toddlers is obese, and 1 in 5 youths is both obese and at risk for metabolic syndrome prior to puberty. The mechanisms underlying how poor maternal health imparts risk for future metabolic disease in the offspring are beginning to emerge in deeply phenotyped human and nonhuman primate models. Maternal diet and obesity impact fuels, hormones, and inflammation with powerful effects on fetal metabolic systems. These are accompanied by persistent changes in the infant microbiome and epigenome and in offspring behavior. These results suggest that gestational and lactational dietary exposures are driving health risks in the next generation. Whether maternal diet can prevent changes in the womb to alter infant life-course disease risk is still unknown. Controlled, mechanistic studies to identify interventions are sorely needed for a healthier next generation.
Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy in Hormone Receptor-Positive Postmenopausal Breast Cancer: Evolution of NCCN, ASCO, and St Gallen Recommendations
Authors: Robert W. Carlson, Clifford A. Hudis, Kathy I. Pritchard
Journal: Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2006)

Endocrine therapy has a firm role in adjuvant treatment of women with hormone receptor-positive invasive breast cancer. Until recently, tamoxifen was the most commonly used adjuvant endocrine therapy in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Several randomized clinical trials have studied the third-generation selective aromatase inhibitors (AIs) (anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane) as adjuvant endocrine therapy in postmenopausal women. These studies compared therapy with an AI alone versus tamoxifen alone; 2 to 3 years of tamoxifen followed by switching to an AI versus continuation of tamoxifen; or extended therapy with an AI after approximately 5 years of tamoxifen therapy. No statistically significant differences in overall survival were observed. A single trial using extended treatment with an adjuvant AI suggests a small, statistically significant survival advantage in women with axillary lymph node-positive disease while showing no statistically significant decrease in survival with the use of an AI. The toxicities of the AIs are generally acceptable, with fewer endometrial cancers, gynecologic complaints, and thromboembolic events, but more bone fractures and arthralgias compared with tamoxifen alone. Three widely disseminated treatment guidelines, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Breast Cancer Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology Technology Assessment on the Use of Aromatase Inhibitors, and the St Gallen International Expert Consensus on the Primary Therapy of Early Breast Cancer, now incorporate AIs in the adjuvant therapy of postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
Abstract 1897: Genetic Variants That Confer Susceptibility to Myocardial Infarction Differ Among Individuals With or Without Hypertension or Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Mitsutoshi Oguri, Takanori Nagahiro, Haruo Kamiya, Miyoshi Ohno, Tetsuro Yoshida, Kimihiko Kato, Kiyoshi Yokoi, Sachiro Watanabe, Norifumi Metoki, Kei Satoh, Yukitoshi Aoyagi, Yoshinori Nozawa, Toyoaki Murohara, Yoshiji Yamada
Journal: Circulation (2009)

Introduction. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are important risk factors for myocardial infarction (MI). Recent evidence suggests that genetic variants associated with MI may differ between men ...
Precocious detection of pulmonary hypertension in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Donatella Castria, Rosa Metella Refini, Fabrizio Mezzasalma, Pasquale Di Sipio, Elena Bargagli, Rita Filippi, Carlo Pierli, Paola Rottoli
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

The aim of our study is:(1)to evaluate the prevalence of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) in Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients (pts);(2)to determine the accuracy of PAPs measurement with Doppler echocardiography (DE) versus Right Heart Catheterization (RHC);(3)to analyze survival in pts with or without PH;(4)to determine any correlation between functional data and haemodynamic parameters. We analyzed 54 IPF pts referred to our Centre who underwent RHC. PH was defined when PAPm ≥25 mmHg. PH was diagnosed in 30/54 pts (55%, PAPm=30 ±5mmHg, PAPs=48±10, PW=11±3, RVP=3,1±2). There was a significant correlation between PAPs evaluated at DE and RHC (p 12 m: group B] and we observed a significant difference in survival between group A and B (p=0,0042, 35m versus 56), between group A and all other pts(group 2+B; p=0,0095, 35 versus 52).11(91%) of group A needed oxygen-therapy after a median time of 8m since IPF diagnosis, while 32(76%) of all other pts (group 2+B) after 16m(p=0.029). We observed a significant correlation between Six Min Walking test distance (WTD) performed in room air and PAPs at RHC(p=0.039).  Our data confirms that PH has an high prevalence in IPF and RHC is the gold standard for PH diagnosis. An early onset of PH is related to a worst prognosis and to a precocious oxygen-therapy request. A decrease of WTD could help clinicians to suspect PH in IPF pts.
PEEP-masks in patients with severe obstructive pulmonary disease: a negative report
Authors: HR Christensen, K Simonsen, P Lange, P Clementsen, JP Kampmann, K Viskum, J Heideby, U Koch
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1990)

Positive pressure during expiration by face masks applied by the patient has gained wide acceptance in the treatment of chronic bronchitis, but the efficacy is still unproven. The effect of 6 months of treatment with PEEP-masks (positive end-expiratory pressure) was therefore studied in 47 patients with severe irreversible obstructive pulmonary disease (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) about 1 l), and mucus hypersecretion. Patients were double-blindly randomized to at least 45 min daily treatment with PEEP-masks with either 10 or 0 cm water pressure. After 6 months of treatment, no statistical difference was found between the two groups in change of median values (month 6 - month 0) of FEV1, forced vital capacity (FVC), arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), amount of sputum or dyspnoea. Median values of arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) decreased significantly (0.03 kPa) in the placebo group. Cough intensity and dyspnoea during walking on staircases improved significantly in the placebo group. No difference among groups was found in number of days bedridden, hospitalized, number of exacerbations or antibiotic consumption. We conclude, that the use of PEEP-masks in these patients is without clinical documentation and cannot be recommended.