tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Detection of virulence factors in α-haemolytic Escherichia coli strains isolated from various clinical materials
Authors: E. Birošová, L. Siegfried, M. Kmet'ová, A. Makara, A. Ostró, A. Grešová, P. Urdzík, A. Liptáková, M. Molokáčová, R. Bártl, L. Valanský
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection (2004)
The diagnostic yield of ultrasound-guided cutting needle biopsy in the investigation of suspected pleural tuberculosis
Authors: Richard Turner, Omar Pirzada
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Introduction and Aim Closed pleural biopsy for tuberculosis (TB) using the Abrams needle is long-established and gives yields >75%. Modern practice often employs smaller gauge cutting needles under guidance of ultrasound (US). Few published data have evaluated this technique. We report diagnostic yields from a low incidence setting.

Method Cases of pleural TB were identified retrospectively over six years from statutory notification data. Direct microbiological and histological evidence for the diagnosis was noted in reference to pleural biopsy method.

Results Biopsy data were available for 26 of 42 cases. 21 had undergone US-guided pleural biopsy using a narrow gauge (18-20G) cutting needle and 5 had been biopsied by other means (one CT-guided technique, two video-assisted thoracoscopy, a medical thoracoscopy and one Abrams procedure). 7 (33%) of the US-guided biopsies were diagnostic compared to 4 (80%) in the other group. Pathology reports suggested insufficient pleural tissue in 9 of the 15 non-diagnostic samples; all of these were from US-guided biopsies.

View this table:

Pleural biopsy results according to diagnostic technique. Figures are numbers (%) of patients.





Conclusions The diagnostic yield of biopsy using a narrow gauge needle under US guidance was lower than both the established standard using the Abrams needle and the yield from other biopsy techniques. Consideration should be given to the optimum method of tissue biopsy for suspected pleural TB.
Ability of Interleukin‐33– and Immune Complex–Triggered Activation of Human Mast Cells to Down‐Regulate Monocyte‐Mediated Immune Responses
Authors: Felice Rivellese, Jolien Suurmond, Kim Habets, Annemarie L. Dorjée, Nandhini Ramamoorthi, Michael J. Townsend, Amato de Paulis, Gianni Marone, Tom W. J. Huizinga, Costantino Pitzalis, René E. M. Toes
Journal: Arthritis & Rheumatology (2015)

Mast cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In particular, their activation by interleukin-33 (IL-33) has been linked to the development of arthritis in animal models. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional responses of human mast cells to IL-33 in the context of RA. Human mast cells were stimulated with IL-33 combined with plate-bound IgG or IgG anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), and their effects on monocyte activation were evaluated. Cellular interactions of mast cells in RA synovium were assessed by immunofluorescence analysis, and the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) for mast cell-specific genes was evaluated in synovial biopsy tissue from patients with early RA who were naive to treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. IL-33 induced the up-regulation of Fcγ receptor type IIa and enhanced the activation of mast cells by IgG, including IgG ACPAs, as indicated by the production of CXCL8/IL-8. Intriguingly, mast cell activation triggered with IL-33 and IgG led to the release of mediators such as histamine and IL-10, which inhibited monocyte activation. Synovial mast cells were found in contact with CD14+ monocyte/macrophages. Finally, mRNA levels of mast cell-specific genes were inversely associated with disease severity, and IL-33 mRNA levels showed an inverse correlation with the levels of proinflammatory markers. When human mast cells are activated by IL-33, an immunomodulatory phenotype develops, with human mast cells gaining the ability to suppress monocyte activation via the release of IL-10 and histamine. These findings, together with the presence of synovial mast cell-monocyte interactions and the inverse association between the expression of mast cell genes at the synovial level and disease activity, suggest that these newly described mast cell-mediated inhibitory pathways might have a functional relevance in the pathogenesis of RA.
The systemic inflammation and factors of coagulation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Authors: Victoriia Saienko, Lyidmyla Konopkina
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

There is evidence of activation of the coagulation cascade in the plasma at systemic inflammation from COPD. But we know little about markers and how reflected this process.

Aim: to examine designed to evaluate the relationship between serum highly C-reactive protein (CRP) levels as an inflammatory marker and the factors of coagulation characteristics; to predict the initial signs of hemostatic disorders formation in COPD pts.

Methods: we have examined 15 patients (age – 64,9±5,9 yrs, male–13 (86,7%)) with COPD II-III st. We have studied the clinical status, spirometry and CRP (pg/ml), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (s), thrombin time (TT) (s) and international normalized ratio (INR).

Results: COPD pts had levels of APTT and INR below of the normative parameters (p < 0,05). The level of APTT was 25,2±4,9 s, INR - 0,97±0,13 and didn't depend on both sex and age. The level of TT was 16,9±1,5 s. There existed reverset connection between level of INR and hs-CRP (r = -0,5931; p<0,05) and reverse connections between levels of TT and CRP (r = -0,6659; p<0,05). Correlation of INR level, TT level and CRP is shown on the figure.

![Figure][1] 



Conclusion: The CRP level is associated with the extrinsic coagulation cascade in the plasma of peripheral blood of COPD patients. Increase of CRP level can be predict the initial signs of hemostatic disorders formation in COPD patients.

 [1]: pending:yes
Modulation of Thymus-Leukemia Antigens on Mouse Leukemia Cells Induced by IgG, But Not IgM, Antibody<xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN2">2</xref><xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN3">3</xref>
Authors: Christopher W. Stackpole
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1980)

Exposure of mouse leukemia cells bearing thymus-leukemia (TL) surface antigens to whole TL alloantiserum has previously been shown to desensitize the cells to subsequent lysis by guinea pig complement (C) and fresh antiserum (antigenic modulation) and to correlate with the ability of cells to escape immune destruction in mice immunized against TL antigens. Tested in vitro, IgG of TL.1,2,3,5 antiserum modulated RADA1 leukemia cells (TL.1,2,3,5) completely within 2 hours at 37° C when fully sensitizing amounts were used, with normal mouse serum as a source of C3. Similar results were obtained with IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b fractions of TL antiserum. An IgG2a monoclonal TL.3 antibody also completely modulated TL.3 antigens and partially modulated all antigens detected with TL.1,2,3,5 antiserum. IgM anti-TL.1,2,3,5 failed to modulate RADA1 cells even after 6 hours in vitro when fully sensitizing amounts of antibody were used. An IgM monoclonal TL antibody also failed to induce modulation. Modulation did occur on cells Incubated with fully sensitizing amounts of IgG and IgM TL.1,2,3,5 antibody simultaneously, and nearly all cell-bound Immunoglobulins were IgG. In mice passively Immunized with IgG TL antibody, RADA1 cells modulated completely within 24 hours, whereas no modulation occurred during 4 days in mice immunized with IgM antibody. However, in both instances, tumor cells grew actively, which indicated that tumor escape did not depend on achievement of a modulated state.
Artificial olfactory system based on nanomaterials-based sensors for early detection of tuberculosis via breath test
Authors: Morad Nakhleh, Raneen Jeries, Alaa Gharra, Anke Binder, Yoav Broza, Mellisa Pascoe, Keertan Dheda, Hossam Haick
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Background: Commonly used tools for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) have suboptimal accuracy, remain inaccessible as they are not point-of-care, and require a sputum sample, which is often unavailable in HIV-infected persons.  Aim: To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of nanomaterials-based electro-chemical sensor array, with odor detection ability, to diagnose TB infection, via exhaled breath analysis.  Methods: A case control study (n= 198) was conducted using 64 patients with culture-proven TB and 134 controls (67 were symptomatic patients who presented to a TB clinic but were culture negative on follow-up and not started on anti-TB treatment, and 67 were healthy volunteers). Exhaled breath was sampled and analyzed using an array of chemically modified, nanomaterial-based and odor detecting sensors. While using 138 randomly selected samples as a derivation set, the remaining 60 samples as the blinded validation set. The impact of HIV status, smoking, and treatment effect was also evaluated.  Results: Sensitivity, specificity, Positive and Negative Predictive Values (PPV and NPV), when using a ROC-derived most accurate cutoff point, in the derivation set were, 85%,89%,78% and 92%, respectively, moreover, in validation, blind set experiment, the relevant values were 90%,92%,86% and 95% respectively. These results were un-affected by smoking habits, HIV status, and/or prior TB treatment of several days.  Conclusion: These preliminary proof-of-concept data indicate that a nanomaterial-based sensors may be a non-invasive, simple and useful for the accurate diagnosis of TB, used as mobile point-of-care screening tool.
Bronchial epithelium in humans recently recovering from respiratory infections caused by influenza or mycoplasma
Authors: M Soderberg, S Hellstrom, R Lundgren, A Bergh
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1990)

Sixty three bronchial mucosal biopsies were collected from 12 patients recovering from respiratory infections with influenza virus (n = 8) and Mycoplasma (n = 4). The bronchoscopy was performed within 1-6 wks from the onset of symptoms. Of the 63 biopsies prepared for light microscopy, 27 biopsies from the influenza patients and 10 from the Mycoplasia patients were further analysed at the light and electron microscope level. The epithelium and the underlying stroma was analysed morphometrically and the results were compared to those of 39 biopsies from 27 healthy subjects. A slightly raised bronchial reactivity was noted in two patients. In the influenza patients the epithelial height was greater compared to that of the healthy subjects and subepithelial lymphocytosis was noted. Areas with damaged epithelium, epithelium shedding, and occasionally a thickened basement membrane, considered typical for asthma, occurred in both infected groups, and in the biopsies of the healthy subjects.
Protein tyrosine kinase p56-Lck regulates lymphocyte function-associated 1 adhesion molecule expression, granule exocytosis, and cytolytic effector function in a cloned T cell.
Authors: T Torigoe, J A Millan, K W Chan, R Taichman, A A Brian, J C Reed, R ] Tachman R [corrected to Taichman
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1994)

Elevated levels of p56-Lck kinase activity were achieved in an interleukin 2 (IL-2)-dependent cloned cytolytic T cell CTLL-2 through gene transfer approaches. CTLL-2-Lck cells remained dependent on IL-2 for growth and survival in culture but exhibited markedly elevated, IL-2-independent cytolytic activity against a variety of tumor targets. This immune cell effector function was similar to the non-major histocompatibility complex-restricted cytolytic activity previously described for lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells, and involved a cytolytic mechanism that was independent of protein synthesis in either the T cells or the tumor targets. Characterization of CTLL-2-Lck cells revealed markedly elevated levels of both the alpha (CD11a) and beta (CD18) chains of the cell adhesion molecule lymphocyte function-associated 1 (LFA-1) and increased binding of these T cells to a recombinant protein representing the extracellular domain of the LFA-ligand, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). Antibodies to CD11a partially abrogated cytolytic killing of tumor target cells by CTLL-2-Lck cells, suggesting that the upregulation in LFA protein levels potentially accounts at least in part for the phenotype of these T cells. Gene transfer-mediated elevations in p56-Lck kinase activity in an IL-3-dependent myeloid cell clone 32D.3 also resulted in increased LFA-1 expression, demonstrating that the findings are not unique to CTLL-2 cells. In addition to upregulation of LFA-1 expression, CTLL-Lck cells also exhibited more efficient exocytosis of cytotoxic granules upon activation with Ca(2+)-ionophore and phorbol ester, relative to control transfected and untransfected CTLL-2 cells. The findings functionally link the Lck kinase to a T cell effector pathway involved in cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
Changes in Vegf-A-Serum Levels After Chemoembolization with Irinotecan Loaded Drug-Eluting Beads (Debiri) in Patients with Chemorefractory Liver Metastases of Colorectal Cancer. Final Results of 37 Patients
Authors: S. Pluntke, S. Dyrda, D. Strumberg, A. Bachinger, S. Wnendt, H. Wilke, R. Dappen, J. Koch, M. Stahl
Journal: Annals of Oncology (2014)
Challenges in the management of patients with ANCA- associated vasculitides
Authors: Ionela Nicoleta Belaconi, Claudia Lucia Toma, Stefan Dumitrache-Rujinski, Cornelia Tudose, Diana Leonte, Miron Alexandru Bogdan
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) and microscopic polyangiitis are antineutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA) – associated vasculitides with significant morbidity and mortality.

Objective: We evaluated the evolution of 12 patients diagnosed in our clinic between 2000 and 2011, treated with conventional treatment (prednisolone and pulse cyclophosphamide initially, and in remission with prednisolone and azathioprine).

Results: We evaluated 12 patients (10 females), median age of 46 years (range 20-74), with a median duration of follow up of 5.2 years (range 1-12 years).

![Figure][1] 



Six patients had relapses (50%), 1 developed subglottic stenosis, 1 retro-orbital pseudo tumor and 2 patients developed lung abscesses inside a cavity which imposed lobectomy after unsuccessful antibiotic treatment. Two patients developed lung tuberculosis (one multi-drug-resistant) and 1 pulmonary nocardiosis linked to the immunosuppressive therapy. Two patients needed peritoneal dialysis for renal failure. Two patients died of stroke (1) and severe active vasculitis (1). Older age and renal failure were predictors of death.

Conclusions: The management of patients with ANCA-associated vasculitides is difficult, and marked by significant adverse effects of the therapy.

 [1]: pending:yes
Lack of myeloid differentiation primary response protein MyD88 L265P mutation in primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma
Authors: I. Brenner, S. Roth, L. Flossbach, M. Wobser, A. Rosenwald, E. Geissinger
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2015)

Journal Article Lack of myeloid differentiation primary response protein MyD88 L265P mutation in primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma Get access I. Brenner, I. Brenner Institute of Pathology University of Würzburg Josef‐Schneider‐Straße 2 97080 Würzburg Germany Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar S. Roth, S. Roth Institute of Pathology University of Würzburg Josef‐Schneider‐Straße 2 97080 Würzburg Germany Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar L. Flossbach, L. Flossbach Institute of Pathology University of Würzburg Josef‐Schneider‐Straße 2 97080 Würzburg Germany Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar M. Wobser, M. Wobser Department of Dermatology University of Würzburg Josef‐Schneider‐Straße 2 97080 Würzburg Germany Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar A. Rosenwald, A. Rosenwald Institute of Pathology University of Würzburg Josef‐Schneider‐Straße 2 97080 Würzburg GermanyComprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Mainfranken University and University Hospital Würzburg Germany Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar E. Geissinger E. Geissinger Institute of Pathology University of Würzburg Josef‐Schneider‐Straße 2 97080 Würzburg GermanyComprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Mainfranken University and University Hospital Würzburg Germany Correspondence: Eva Geissinger. E‐mail: geissinger@mail.uni-wuerzburg.de https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8966-0747 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 173, Issue 6, 1 December 2015, Pages 1527–1528, https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.13960 Published: 01 December 2015
Clinical and in vitro effects of recombinant human erythropoietin in patients receiving intensive chemotherapy for small-cell lung cancer.
Authors: E de Campos, J Radford, W Steward, R Milroy, M Dougal, R Swindell, N Testa, N Thatcher
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1995)

PURPOSE Recombinant human erythropoietin (r-Hu-EPO) is known to be effective in untreated cancer patients. Here we assess the possibility that r-Hu-EPO may also prevent or reduce anemia in patients who receive cytotoxic chemotherapy. METHODS Thirty-six patients with small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) were enrolled onto a three-arm, randomized trial to investigate the effect of r-Hu-EPO on hemoglobin (Hb) levels and RBC and platelet (Plt) transfusions during chemotherapy. Bone marrow progenitors were studied before and after treatment. Two groups of patients received r-Hu-EPO at a dose of either 150 IU/kg (group 150) or 300 IU/kg (group 300) three times per week for the duration of chemotherapy. A control group did not receive r-Hu-EPO (group O). A maximum of six cycles of a chemotherapy regimen that consisted of vincristine, ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (VICE) were given to all patients. Hematologic parameters were measured weekly, and RBC or Plt transfusions were given for Hb levels less than 9 g/dL and Plt counts less than 20 x 10(9)/L. RESULTS Hb levels decreased in all patients, but onset of anemia was delayed in groups that received r-Hu-EPO (P = .002). A total of 116 U RBC were transfused in group 0, 54 in group 150, and 52 in group 300 (P = .017). In addition, there was a nonsignificant trend toward higher Plt counts and fewer Plt transfusions in patients who received r-Hu-EPO. CONCLUSION r-Hu-EPO at a dose of either 150 or 300 IU/kg three times weekly delays the onset of anemia and reduces RBC transfusion requirements in patients who undergo intensive chemotherapy for SCLC. A possible effect of r-Hu-EPO on platelet numbers deserves further study.
Concerns about immunisation
Authors: N. Lee
Journal: BMJ (2000)

Editor—Bedford and Elliman make some important statements about immunisation.1 Certainly, millions of lives have been saved. Smallpox has been eradicated, and polio should be eradicated soon. But are routine vaccines safe? Four months after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States recommended that all babies should receive three doses of the rotavirus vaccine, the use of this vaccine was being indefinitely suspended after reports of over 100 cases of intussusception and two deaths resulting from its use.2 The manufacturer voluntarily withdrew the vaccine.

In July 1999 the US Public Health Service and the American Academy of Pediatrics asked vaccine manufacturers to eliminate the preservative mercury from vaccines because of concern about its cumulative effects.3 Babies who receive the 15 recommended vaccines in the first six months of their lives have a cumulative mercury exposure that exceeds limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency. What is the impact when, by the age of 5 years, children have received over two dozen doses of vaccines containing mercury and other toxins?

Some scientists say that the massive polio immunisation campaign in Zaire and other African countries in the 1950s accelerated the spread of HIV.4 The aerosol vaccine was grown in monkey kidney tissue; that same species of monkey carries a simian immune deficiency virus. The places where the vaccine was administered are the epicentre of the AIDS epidemic. Was the vaccine the vector that carried the immune deficiency virus to humans? The answers to this most important question are inconclusive and controversial.

It costs millions to develop, research, and market a vaccine. Wouldn't it make more sense to spend that money to protect, promote, and support breast feeding for every baby? There is much evidence that breast feeding reduces the incidence and severity of rotavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and otitis media, without side effects.5

There can be conflict when economic and political interests enter the realm of public health. We have seen how important information about safety has been hidden to protect profit; the tobacco industry lawsuits are an illustration. We have seen it when the sons and daughters of the mothers who were given diethylstilbestrol showed up seriously ill a generation later, and when infants whose mothers were given thalidomide were born deformed. How long must a clinical trial be to ensure safety? One generation? Two? More?
Determinants of hospital costs in community acquired pneumonia
Authors: Burcu Karaboga, Ugur Bilge, Aykut Cilli
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a prevalent disease and constitutes a substantial socio-economic burden. On the other hand, there is limited data about the cost of CAP in Turkey.  This study investigated direct costs and related factors for hospitalised CAP patients. Direct hospitalisation costs and possible associated factors (age, sex, comorbidity, clinical and laboratory findings, smoking history, antibiotic usage within 3 months, length of hospital stay, ICU stay, PSI, CURB65, treatment success and medication groups such as antibiotics, steroids, immunosupressives) were assessed in a retrospective study of 106 patients admitted to a hospital ward due to CAP.The mean patient age was 60.4 yrs and 35.8% were female. Comorbidities were found in 87% and the most significiant comorbidities were DM, CAD and COPD. Eight (7.5%) patients needed ICU care. Overall CAP treatment success rate was 89.6%. Length of hospital stay (p=0.001, r= 0.78), use of antipseudomonal antibiotic combination (p=0.001), use of antibiotic within 3 months (p=0.001) and two or more hospitalisation days within 3 months (p=0.031) increased the costs but age, comorbidity, treatment success, ICU requirement, PSI and CURB65 scores did not increase the costs. In conclusion, this study provides cost estimates for the treatment of patients hospitalised with CAP. Major determinants of costs were length of hospital stay, use of antipseudomonal antibiotic combination, use of antibiotic within 3 months and two or more hospitalisation days within 3 months.