tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Long-term response of upper airway stimulation in obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Wilfried De Backer, Johan Verbraecken, Lennart Knaack, Arie Oliven, Winfried Hohenhorst, Olivier Vanderveken, Paul Van de Heyning
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background: Previous studies identified patient selection criteria for therapy success in Upper Airway Stimulation (Inspire Medical Systems, USA) for treatment of moderate-to-severe OSA in patients intolerant to continuous positive airway pressure. The current study reported therapy response at 12-months post-implant in subjects who met selection criteria.  Methods: Among 34 implanted subjects, 18 met criteria for responder and 16 did not. AHI (Level 1 monitoring) were measured at 12 months. All patients were monitored for device-related adverse events and patients met selection criteria were examined for therapy response during over-night PSG.  Results: There were no device malfunctions or un-anticipated device-related adverse events from 6-12 months. Among patients who met selection criteria and for which data are available, the AHI reduction was maintained at 12-month. Improvement for ESS and FOSQ were also observed in these subjects from baseline to 6-month, 10.7 ± 5.4 to 7.5 ± 4.1 (p=0.03), and 88.8 ± 22.1 to 104.6 ± 13.7 (p=0.01) for ESS and FOSQ, respectively. AHI remained unchanged at 12-month for patients that did not meet selection criteria.  Conclusion: The current study has demonstrated that Upper Airway Stimulation to treat OSA has a sustained therapy efficacy at 12-month post-implant in a selected group of moderate-to-severe OSA subjects.
Airborne concentration of limonene (a volatile organic compound (VOC)), when using a spray of 41 essential oils
Authors: Sebastien Ortega, Anne-Sophie Weiler, Martine Ott, Audrey Dazy, Frederic de Blay
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Introduction : Essential oils are more and more used and even sometimes recommended by the manufacturer to struggle against the allergens (mite, mold).

Objective : To measure airborne concentration of limonene, while using a spray of 41 essentials oils recommended to reduce mite infestation.

Materials and methods : The quantification of the major pre hapten (limonene) contained in the spray has been appreciated in two different ways. In the first case, the quantity of limonene in 4 pulverizations has been measured by weighing them, knowing that the product contains 4.5% of limonene. In the second case, 4 pulverizations of the spray of essential oils have been measured in a cabin of 9 m3, with a photoionization detector (ppbRAE3000® Katrem® France). For each quantification, tests were made 10 times. The choice of 4 pulverizations has been taken to follow the instructions recommended by the manufacturer.

Results : The mass of limonene measured by weighing had a mean value of 57.7 +/- 2.0 mg (for 4 pulverizations). In the room of 9 m3, the theoretical airborne concentration according to the mass of limonene in the spray was estimated to 6.4 mg/m3. The direct measurement of limonene in the room was 15 mg/m3.

Conclusion : It has been showed that concentration superior to 2.5 mg/m3 TVOC was able to have a significant impact on asthma symptoms. It’s important that the pulmonologists ask their patients about their use of essential oils, which can potentially worsen the asthma symptoms.
Clara cell protein in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage
Authors: A Bernard, FX Marchandise, S Depelchin, R Lauwerys, Y Sibille
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1992)

The 10 kDa Clara cell protein was measured in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from 39 healthy subjects (14 smokers, 25 nonsmokers) and from 41 patients with respiratory disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sarcoidosis, lung cancer). Clara cell protein appears as one of the most abundant respiratory tract derived proteins, with values averaging 7% of the total protein content of lung lavages from healthy nonsmokers. A significant reduction of Clara cell protein was found in BAL from smokers and patients with COPD or lung cancer. The same pattern of change was found in the concentrations of Clara cell protein in serum. Pulmonary sarcoidosis did not affect absolute values of Clara cell protein in lung lavages but was associated with elevated levels in serum. Changes in lung lavage Clara cell protein differed from that of albumin, beta 2-microglobulin or the secretory component, since the latter were unaffected by smoking or COPD but increased in sarcoidosis and lung cancer. These results indicate that Clara cell protein in BAL or serum might serve as a sensitive indicator of nonciliated bronchial cell dysfunction.
MEMORIES OF MICROBESAND METABOLISM
Authors: Harry P. Broquist
Journal: Annual Review of Nutrition (1997)

[Figure: see text] ▪ Abstract As Jackie Gleason was wont to say: “How sweet it really is!” And—reflecting on the 1940s–1980s, when studies of microbial nutrition revealed exciting structure-function relationships of the B-complex vitamins with relevance to metabolism in humans—it really is. A chemistry degree from Beloit College and a doctorate in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin set the stage for my life's work at Lederle Laboratories, the University of Illinois, and Vanderbilt University. At Lederle my research contributed to folic acid chemistry: coenzyme forms and function; antimetabolites and cancer chemotherapy. My subsequent university studies centered on lysine biosynthesis and metabolism, e.g. its precursor role in carnitine and in indolizidine alkaloids of physiological interest. There were also many opportunities to reach out and give something back to the system via teaching and diverse service activities, all of which has led to a happy, fulfilling career, one for which I am ever thankful.
What is chemsex and why does it matter?
Authors: Hannah McCall, Naomi Adams, David Mason, Jamie Willis
Journal: BMJ (2015)

It needs to become a public health priority

“Chemsex” is used in the United Kingdom to describe intentional sex under the influence of psychoactive drugs, mostly among men who have sex with men. It refers particularly to the use of mephedrone, γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), γ-butyrolactone (GBL), and crystallised methamphetamine. These drugs are often used in combination to facilitate sexual sessions lasting several hours or days with multiple sexual partners.1 2

Mephedrone and crystal meth are physiological stimulants, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, as well as triggering euphoria and sexual arousal. GHB (and its precursor GBL) is a powerful psychological disinhibitor and also a mild anaesthetic. Anecdotal reports and some small qualitative studies in the UK find that people engaging in chemsex report better sex, with these drugs reducing inhibitions and increasing pleasure. They facilitate sustained arousal and induce a feeling of instant rapport with sexual partners. Some users report using them to manage negative feelings, such as a lack of confidence and self esteem, internalised homophobia, and stigma about their HIV status.3 …
Salzburg statement on shared decision making
Journal: BMJ (2011)

The effect of light and bisulfite on infusion solutions containing epinephrine (2 μg/mL), bupivacaine hydrochloride (1 mg/mL), fentanyl (2 μg/mL) and sodium edetate (0.18 μg/mL) was investigated. Solutions were made isotonic using sodium chloride, and they contained either 1.82 μg/mL sodium metabisulfite or no metabisulfite at all. The infusions were stored in polypropylene infusion bags (550 mL) and were subjected to light from a xenon burner with a specter similar to sunlight behind a glass window. The contents of epinephrine, bupivacaine and fentanyl were determined with stability indicating methods using a HPLC system. In two identical experiments epinephrine was demonstrated to be more stable under irradiation in the absence of sodium metabisulfite (89.3% and 91.3% remaining of initial concentration) than in its presence (64.5% and 60.1% remaining). Bupivacaine and fentanyl showed no degradation as a function of light exposure, and the stability was not affected by the presence or absence of bisulfite. After two weeks exposure to natural light (Oslo, 60°N, March) the content of epinephrine was 45.0% of the initial concentration in the solutions containing bisulfite and 95.6% in the solutions without bisulfite (n = 3). The relationship between various concentrations of bisulfite and the photostability of three epinephrine solutions (2 μg/mL, 20 μg/mL and 110 μg/mL) were tested. The results indicated that approximately equimolar concentration of epinephrine compared to bisulfite, or bisulfite in some excess, was least favorable to the stability of epinephrine. A possible explanation for the photodestabilizing effect of bisulfite can be the conversion of superoxide radicals (O<sub>2</sub><sup>−</sup>) to highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (·OH) by bisulfite. From these results it can be concluded that solutions containing epinephrine and bisulfite should be protected from light not only during storage but also during use in cases where the infusion time amounts to several days. An alternative, wherever possible, would be to omit bisulfite in the solutions.
Associations with a change in tracking of lung function
Authors: Steve Turner, David Mullane, Des Cox, Jack Goldblatt, Louis Landau, Peter Le Souef
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Background  Recent work has demonstrated tracking of lung function from early infancy to ages 18 and 22 years. We hypothesised that factors associated with wheeze would be associated with a changing trajectory of lung function tracking during infancy and childhood.  Methods  Lung function was measured longitudinally at one, six and twelve months (V’maxFRC) of age and at ages six, twelve and eighteen years (FEF 25-75 ). Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to explore chronological changes in % lung function. Results were analysed using the 91 individuals with data at all ages apart from 6 years (“restricted analysis”) and then for all individuals after replacing missing values with average values for that age (“whole cohort analysis”).  Results  The % lung function was determined in 241 individuals aged one month, 192 six months, 164 twelve months, 106 six years, 183 twelve years and 141 eighteen years. In the restricted analysis, maternal asthma was associated with reduced lung function from twelve months to 18 years (p=0.006). In the whole cohort analysis, associations were observed between: infant onset atopy and reduced lung function from six to 18 years (p=0.005); flow limitation at one month and reduced lung function only up to age six years (p  Conclusions  The repeated measurements of lung function in our cohort have allowed identification of factors associated with changes in lung function growth. These include early lung function, early onset atopy and maternal asthma and one or other may be associated with acceleration in infants with low initial lung function or deceleration in those with normal initial lung function.
Safety and tolerability of single doses of AZD5069 in healthy volunteers
Authors: Heather Wray, Andrew Sparrow
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Background:  AZD5069 is a small molecule CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) antagonist in development as a novel oral treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The safety and tolerability of single ascending doses (SAD) of AZD5069 have been investigated in a first time in human Phase I, randomised, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled study in healthy male and female adult volunteers (NCT00953888).   Methods:  69 volunteers were randomised in cohorts of up to 9 to receive either a single dose of AZD5069 (n=45) or placebo (n=24) after an overnight fast. Doses of AZD5069 were 0.1 mg, 0.5, 1.65, 5.45, 17.99, 60, 120 or 200 mg. Each volunteer was dosed only once.   Results:  Reversible dose-related reductions in circulating neutrophil counts were observed by 8 hours post-dose, consistent with reported literature on CXCR2 inhibition. The reduction reached a plateau, beyond which increasing exposure had no further effect, but recovering by 96 hours post-dose, at all doses. The reductions were approximately dose related, but a direct relationship with drug concentration could not be confirmed from these data. The pharmacokinetics of AZD5069 were linear, approximately dose proportional and predictable up to 200 mg. Biomarker assay responses were +ve at 4 hrs post dose at > 5.45 mg, maximal at 120 mg.  AZD5069 was well tolerated. A total of 33 adverse events (AEs) was reported [23 AZD5069, 10 placebo], all of which were of mild-to-moderate intensity, except for one severe AE in the placebo group. Four AEs were considered drug-related: dry mouth (AZD5069 0.5 mg), nausea (AZD5069 120 mg), dysuria and headache (placebo).   Conclusion:  AZD5069 was generally well tolerated in SAD in healthy volunteers.
Effect of Polyoma Virus on Mouse Kidney Rudiment &lt;italic&gt;In Vitro&lt;/italic&gt;&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="fn1"&gt;2&lt;/xref&gt;&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="fn2"&gt;3&lt;/xref&gt;
Authors: Lauri Saxén, Tapani Vainio, Sulo Toivonen
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1962)

The effect of polyoma virus on mouse kidney rudiment was studied in vitro. Rudiments in various stages of development were used. Short-term cultures were prepared on Millipore TA filter membrane with the use of the Trowell-type organ-culture technique. Long-term cultures were prepared from kidney and from salivary-gland rudiments on cellulose sponge matrix. This study showed that metanephrogenic mesenchyme is highly susceptible to polyoma virus; the first signs of viral cytopathogenic effect were observed 2 days after infection in vitro. However, renal epithelium seemed to resist the cytotoxic effects of the virus, and only minor changes due to the virus were found in the kidney epithelium. This observation is in sharp contrast to results after inoculation of polyoma virus into new-born mice. In addition to the lack of cytolytic response in renal epithelium, no proliferation was observed in this tissue in long-term cultures. Salivary epithelium, on the other hand, rapidly developed viral lesions, and in long-term cultures signs of proliferation occurred. The reasons for the lack of viral response in vitro in renal epithelium are discussed in the light of the morphogenetic mechanism in this organ as compared with that in the salivary gland. In addition, the possibility of some host factors operating in vivo that are relevant to the virus susceptibility of the kidney epithelium is suggested.
Pancreas Posters
Authors: S.C. Smith, C.V. Bouvier, D. Michaeli, R.E. Pounder, M.E. Caplin
Journal: Gut (2001)

pyrexia of unknown origin, urinary, chest or line), and 17.2% severe (deep infection or septicaemia).Expected Mortality and Morbidity of patients receiving PCA and Epidural were similar (p=0.343 and p=0.348).A greater infection rate is seen with Epidural (45.1%, 18.4% severe) compared to 20% patients receiving PCA, of which none were severe ( 2 : p=0.02).12.5% patients receiving Epidurals experienced hypotension (systolic <90mmHg for >2hrs), and of these 58.9% had septic episodes (p=0.053).Conclusions: In patients undergoing left-sided colonic resection, patients receiving epidural analgesia were more than twice as likely to experience an infective adverse event as those receiving PCA.This may in part be due to hypotensive episodes associated with epidural.
Fatigue in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: is there a role for hypothyroidism
Authors: E Kalaitzakis
Journal: Gut (2009)

I read with great interest the article by Newton et al ( Gut 2008; 57 :807–13) concerning fatigue in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The authors enrolled 156 consecutive patients with histologically proven NAFLD in whom fatigue, depression, daytime somnolence, and health-related quality of life were assessed by means of validated questionnaires. Physical activity was also evaluated by accelerometry and results were compared to those of age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched healthy controls as well as patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Fatigue was found to …
Randomized trial of CVPP for three versus six cycles in favorable-prognosis and CVPP versus AOPE plus radiotherapy in intermediate-prognosis untreated Hodgkin's disease.
Authors: S Pavlovsky, E Schvartzman, F Lastiri, H Magnasco, C Corrado, E Raslawski, M E Cancela, M C Ardaiz, I Cerutti, A Rosso, S Bruno, P N Aranguren, A Salvarezza, H Donato, E Dibar, S Zirone
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1997)

PURPOSE To evaluate in a randomized trial the impact of three versus six cycles of cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, procarbazine, and prednisone (CVPP) chemotherapy in favorable-prognosis and CVPP versus doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, and etoposide (AOPE) plus involved-field radiotherapy (RT) in intermediate-prognosis previously untreated Hodgkin's disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS Of 256 patients evaluated, 80 with a favorable prognosis according to a prognostic index designed by the Grupo Argentina de Tratamiento de Leucemia Aguda (GATLA) were randomized to three versus six cycles of CVPP without RT and 176 with intermediate risk to CVPP versus AOPE, both for six cycles with RT between the third and fourth cycles of 30 Gy to the involved areas at diagnosis. CVPP consisted of intravenous (I.V.) cyclophosphamide and vinblastine on days 1 and 8, and oral procarbazine and prednisone on days 1 to 14, every 28 days. AOPE consisted of I.V. doxorubicin and vincristine on day 1, oral prednisone on days 1 to 5, and I.V. etoposide on days 1 and 3, every 28 days. RESULTS Complete remission was obtained in 39 of 41 (95%) patients treated with three cycles of CVPP and 36 of 39 (92%) treated with six cycles in the favorable-risk group (difference not significant [NS]). In the intermediate-risk group, 89 of 92 (97%) treated with CVPP plus RT versus 75 of 84 (89%) treated with AOPE plus RT achieved a complete remission (P = .05). At 60 months, the event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival rates in the favorable-risk group were 80% and 91% for CVPP x 3 and 84% and 97% for CVPP x 6, respectively (P = NS). In the intermediate-risk group, 60-month EFS rate for CVPP plus RT was 85%, compared with 66% for AOPE plus RT (P = .009). The overall survival rate was 95% versus 87% respectively (P = .157). CONCLUSION Three cycles of CVPP without RT are equally effective as six cycles in the favorable-risk group. However, in the intermediate-group, CVPP plus RT is superior to AOPE plus RT, with significantly fewer events before and after induction (P = .009), without a difference in overall survival.
Phase II Study of Docetaxel, Doxorubicin, and Cyclophosphamide as First-Line Chemotherapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: J. M. Nabholtz, J. R. Mackey, M. Smylie, A. Paterson, D. R. Noël, T. Al-Tweigeri, K. Tonkin, S. North, N. Azli, A. Riva
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2001)

PURPOSE: This pilot phase II study investigated the efficacy and toxicity of docetaxel with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (TAC) as first-line chemotherapy for anthracycline-naive patients with metastatic breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients received a total of 359 courses consisting of docetaxel 75 mg/m 2 given intravenously (IV) over 1 hour, preceded by IV doxorubicin 50 mg/m 2 and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m 2 for a maximum of eight 3-week cycles. RESULTS: After an independent panel review, the overall objective response rate was 77% (complete response, 6%). Overall objective response rates in patients with visceral, bone, and liver involvement were 82%, 82%, and 80%, respectively. Median duration of response was 52 weeks, and median time to progression was 42 weeks. With a median follow-up of 32 months, the median survival had not yet been reached, whereas the 2-year survival was 57%. The main toxicities were hematologic (neutropenia grade 3/4 in 100% of patients and 95% of cycles; febrile neutropenia in 34% of patients and 9% of cycles). Documented grade 3 infection was seen in one patient (2%) in one cycle, and no toxic death was reported. Severe acute or chronic nonhematologic adverse events were infrequent, and docetaxel-specific toxicities (such as fluid retention and nail changes) were mild, with only one patient being discontinued for fluid retention. Congestive heart failure was seen in two patients (4%). CONCLUSION: TAC is an active and manageable regimen that has been chosen as the basis of five randomized phase III trials, including two pivotal studies comparing TAC to fluorouracil plus doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide in the metastatic and adjuvant treatment of breast cancer.
Renal transplantation relieves the symptoms but does not reverse beta 2-microglobulin amyloidosis.
Authors: G Mourad, A Argilés
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (1996)

Renal transplantation is considered to be the treatment of choice of dialysis-related beta 2-microglobulin amyloidosis (DRA), as it provides near-normal serum levels of beta 2-microglobulin and obviates the need for dialysis. However, the long-term outcome of DRA after transplantation has not been fully assessed, and its evolution after transplant failure has not been reported. This study examined 17 patients with histologically confirmed DRA who underwent kidney transplantation and had a dialysis-free follow-up period in excess of 1 yr. Immunosuppressive treatment included low-dose prednisolone, cyclosporine, and/or azathioprine. Symptoms related to DRA were sought at every outpatient visit, and bone x-rays were performed at time of transplantation and annually thereafter. The number and size of the bone cysts were determined. Most of the DRA symptoms, and particularly shoulder stiffness, disappeared within the first wk after transplantation and this persisted throughout the transplant follow-up period (58.5 +/- 9 months). However, the number of bone cysts remained remarkably constant even in those patients with still-functioning grafts (12 +/- 7.5 and 12.1 +/- 7.7, before and at last transplantation follow-up examination, respectively). Beta 2-microglobulin amyloid was found to be present in one patient operated on for hip fracture 2 yr after receiving a well-functioning transplant. Seven patients experienced graft failure and returned to dialysis after 47 +/- 39 months of transplantation. Severe DRA symptoms reappeared strikingly early after resuming hemodialysis, and five out of the seven patients required surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, three of them within the first yr (mean, 17 +/- 12 months). The number of cysts significantly increased from 17 +/- 11 to 21 +/- 11 during the second dialysis period. These findings provide further evidence suggesting that although the clinical expression of DRA is arrested during transplantation, the anatomical lesions and the pathological processes underlying it are unlikely to be reversed.
Susceptibility of I nbred Rats to Gastric and Duodenal Carcinomas Induced by N -Methyl- N ′-nitro- N -nitrosoguanidine 2
Authors: M. S. Martin, F. Martin, E. Justrabo, R. Michiels, H. Bastien, S. Knobel
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1974)

Gastric and duodenal adenocarcinomas were induced by N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NG) in 3 strains of inbred and 1 strain of outbred rats. The carcinogenic effect of NG was limited to the upper digestive tract, but a high incidence of nonmalignant biliary cysts was also observed. The successful induction of gastroduodenal neoplasms by NG in inbred animals was at variance with previous reports. Such induction is essential, however, for tumor transplantation or immunologic studies. The choice of inbred strain may be important, since carcinoma incidence varied significantly among strains.