tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Assessment of ventilation inhomogeneity in patients with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency - A useful tool for monitoring early lung disease
Authors: Susanne Fuchs, Monika Gappa
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

The risk of developing alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (α1-AT deficiency) related fatal emphysema during adulthood is high in patients with a PiZZ genotype. Currently, the FEV1 is used for detecting and monitoring α1-AT deficiency related lung disease. However it is likely that the early manifestation starts in peripheral airways that are not accessible by spirometry. Multiple Breath Washout (MBW) is a sensitive test for detecting ventilation inhomogeneity (VI) within the peripheral airways that can be quantified by calculating several indices such as the Lung Clearance Index (LCI).

We performed a preliminary analysis of an ongoing multi centre study assessing the clinical and prognostic value of measuring the LCI in patients with α1-AT deficiency.

19 controls (7-51years) and 20 unselected patients with α1-AT deficiency (12-72 years) performed 2-3 single MBWN2 using the EasyOne Pro LAB™ (ndd Switzerland) with 100% oxygen and subsequent spirometry.

Mean (SD) LCI was 6.5 (0.64) in controls and 9.0 (1.98) in patients with a mean difference (95% ci, p-value) of -2.57 (-3.54;-1.60, <0.001) between the groups. Within-test repeatability (CV%) was 5.3% in controls and 6.0% in patients. LCI correlated significantly with age in patients.

Assessment of LCI derived from MBWN2 was feasible, reproducible and well tolerated in both, patients and controls. LCI differed significantly between patients and controls. In patients, VI increased with age. We conclude from these preliminary data that the LCI reflects presence of VI in patients with α1-AT deficiency and may thus be useful for monitoring α1-AT deficiency related lung disease.
Molecular characterisation of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. isolates at a tertiary-care centre in Lebanon
Authors: S.S. Kanj, J.E. Corkill, Z.A. Kanafani, G.F. Araj, C.A. Hart, R. Jaafar, G.M. Matar
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection (2008)
Bronchitic and non-bronchitic phenotypes of COPD differ in the prevalence of depressive symptoms
Authors: Vladimir Koblizek, Sarka Pracharova, Miloslav Hronek, Miroslav Kovarik
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background: Psychological sequelae of COPD may influence functional status independent of disease severity. Presence of depression among several phenotypes of COPD is not clearly understood.  Aim: We wanted to find out the real occurence of depression in both basic clinical phenotypes of COPD.  Methods and material: Multicomponent assessment of 38 consecutive patiens (6 female, 66,7 ± 7,6 years) with stable COPD (GOLD categories A 1, B 21, C O, D 16) in the out-patient clinic of university hospital (within non-interventional cross-sectional Complexity of COPD Study).  Results: 27 patients had bronchitic and 11 subjects suffered from non-bronchitic phenotype of COPD (post- ipratropium and salbutamol FEV1 57,7%). Bronchitic variant was associated with lower level of depressive symptoms (Beck scale 5,1 ± 3, Zung scale 50,2 ± 10,9) than that found in non-bronchitic subpype of COPD (Beck scale 8,3 ± 3,4, Zung scale 57.5 ± 7,4). Although this difference reached statistical significance only in Beck questionnaire p=0,013 (Mann Whitney test). In all other parameters (BMI, FFMI, education level, inhalation risk, 6MWD, exercise desaturation, mMRC dyspnea, Celli9s BODE, Puhan9s BODE, ADO, CAT, all domains of SGRQ, arterial blood Gates, ECG heart rate) were no differences between these two basic phenotypes.  Conclusion: Non-bronchitic phenotype of COPD was associated with more depression complaints than bronchitic scenario. This difference was not apparent in terms of quality of life, prognostic indices and number of other variables describing course of COPD.
A clinical study on broncholithiasis
Authors: Hong Lyeol Lee, Hae Sung Nam, Jae Hwa Cho, Jeong Seon Ryu
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Broncholithiasis is defined as the presence of a calcified fragment of tissue within a bronchus. It almost invariably represents the end-stage of healing of granulomatous diseases such as histoplasmosis or tuberculosis. Broncholiths are found with almost equal frequency in men and women, mostly in the fifth or sixth decade. Common symptoms are chronic cough, hemoptysis and sputum. Lithoptysis, which is pathognomic, is rare. The chest radiograph mostly shows calcified masses around the bronchi. In most cases, because of no significant symptoms or complications, observation may be the best course but bronchoscopic removal or surgical interventions are indicated in some instances.

From June 1996 to December 2010, 24 patients with broncholithiasis had undergone the analysis for clinical manifestation, bronchoscopic finding, treatment modality and follow-up status.

Broncholithiasis was developed in association with tuberculosis in 45.8% and locations corresponded in 54.5%. Lithoptysis occurred in 20.8%. Obstructive pneumonitis was the most common radiographic finding, and calcification was found in 50.0%. Various positive findings, noted in all patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy, included visible broncholith, granulation tissue or blood clots. In follow-up patients, while all patients with conservative care only continued to have symptoms, an excellent result was evident in 8 of 11 patients in whom broncholith was removed after treatment or spontaneously.

A clinical awareness of the manifestations of broncholithiasis will result in early diagnosis and treatment. If the broncholith can be removed, as indicated, before irreversible distal bronchial and parenchymal damages occur, the long-term outlook for symptomatic relief is excellent.
High-Dose Cyclazocine Therapy of Opiate Dependence
Authors: RICHARD RESNICK, MAX FINK, ALFRED M. FREEDMAN
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1974)

Twenty-three former heroin addicts who had been stabilized on 4 to 5 mg. of cyclazocine per day had their dossage increased to 10 to 30 mg. per day. These increases resulted in mild, transient side effects. The narcotic-blocking activity of cyclazocine was extended to 48 hours by a daily dose of 10 mg. and to 72 hours by 20 mg. A daily dose of 3O mg. increased its blocking activity at 48 hours but not at 72 hours.
Traumatic Fore-quarter Avulsion
Authors: D. S. Pracy
Journal: BMJ (1958)

MEDICAL MEMORANDA BICJOU was unable to give details.Salicylates are known very rarely to cause thrombocytopenic purpura.It is assumed that in this case a mild inhibition of red-cell production also occurred and accounted for the anaemia.Although no studies of haemolysis or liver function were made, the case seems worthy of a brief report so that prompt action may be taken in similar cases before platelet counts are reduced to such dangerous levels.
Protein profiles (proteomics) discriminating between effect/no effect of weekly paclitaxel: A phase II study in metastatic breast cancer (BC)
Authors: B. K. Linderholm, J. Lehtio, E. Lidbrink, E. Ekman, P. Karlsson, A. von Wachenfeldt, B. Norberg, L. Carlsson, T. Hatschek, R. Lewensohn
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2005)

699 Background: At present, there are no predictive markers for different types/scheduling of cytotoxic agents. We have recently shown 5 putative biomarkers dicriminating patients with ER and PgR positive breast cancer with relapses from relapse-free after adjuvant tamoxifen using proteomics with SELDI (ASCO 2004). Aims: The primary objectives were to determine protein profiles discriminating between effect /no effect of weekly paclitaxel measured as objective response (OR), response duration (RD) and time to progression (TTP). Material and Methods: Patients with a documented metastatic BC ≥18 years, ECOG performance status 0–2, life expectance > 3 months, and with a written signed informed consent were accepted for inclusion. Prior treatment with chemotherapy was not required. Patients should have an adequate haematologic function: WBC> 2.5 x 109, platelets > 100 x 109, haemoglobin>100 (post-transfusion allowed), and a normal hepatic and cardiac function. Paclitaxel was given weekly for three weeks followed by one treatment free week (1 course). The study design was approved by the ethical committee of the Karolinska Institute. Protein expression profiles were determined by use of Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption /Ionisation (SELDI) technology. Samples were run in duplicate (2 different ProteinChip arrays); cation exchange ProteinChip array pH 5.0 and anion exchange ProteinChip array pH 5.0, low and high intensity runs. Results: A total of 46 patients age 32 to 79 years, were included from 26 November 2001 through 30 June 2003 at five centres in Sweden. Eleven patients were not evaluable (did not receive the first course (n=1), off-study before first evaluation due to clinical progress (n=7), other disease (n=1) or toxicity (n=2). Preliminary results show an overall response rate (ORR) including stable disease > 24 weeks in 19 of 35 patients (45%). One patient is still on therapy after 33 courses. Results on key-proteins by proteomics discriminating between effect/no effect of therapy will be presented. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Immune status in bronchopulmonary displasia
Authors: Ilgar Mustafayev, Lala Allahverdiyeva, Alevtina Bogdanova
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Objective: To evaluate the state of cellular immunity in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD ) .

Materials and methods : The study involved 103 patients with BPD at the age of first days of life to 14 years. Analyzed such cell protection indicators as CD3 , CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8, CD20. Studies conducted in the acute period of the disease and in remission.

Results: The status of all children in the acute period was extremely grave. All patients underwent mechanical ventilation with high doses of oxygen. RDS occurred in 96 % of patients. The first study of cellular immunity was conducted in the neonatal period and characterized by inhibition of T-cells : CD3 (48,6 ± 0,7 p   0.5 ) .

Conclusion: The immune status in BPD is characterized by inhibition of T-cell in an acute phase of the disease and its gradual normalization in remission . B-cell link in BPD does not suffer.
Derivation and Validation of a Prediction Rule for Two‐Year Mortality in Early Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Robyn T. Domsic, Svetlana I. Nihtyanova, Stephen R. Wisniewski, Michael J. Fine, Mary Lucas, C. Kent Kwoh, Christopher P. Denton, Thomas A. Medsger
Journal: Arthritis & Rheumatology (2014)

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with a reduction in life expectancy, but there are no validated prognostic models for determining short-term mortality. The objective of this study was to derive and validate a prediction rule for 2-year mortality in patients with early diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc).We studied a prospectively enrolled cohort of 387 US Caucasian patients with early dcSSc (<2 years from the appearance of the first symptom), randomly divided into a derivation cohort (n = 260) and a validation cohort (n = 127). Predefined baseline predictor variables were analyzed in a stepwise multivariable logistic regression model in order to identify factors independently associated with 2-year all-cause mortality using a cutoff of P < 0.05. We rounded the beta values to the nearest integer and summed the points assigned to each variable in order to stratify patients into low-risk, moderate-risk, and high-risk groups. We then applied this rule to an external validation cohort of 110 Caucasian patients with early dcSSc from a single UK center and compared stratum-specific mortality using chi-square statistics.Four independent predictor variables (with assigned integer values) comprised the model: age at first visit (points allotted: -1, 0, or 1), skin thickness progression rate (points allotted: 0 or 1), gastrointestinal tract severity (points allotted: 0, 1, or 2), and anemia (points allotted: 0 or 2). The prediction model performed well, with no significant differences between the derivation cohort and the US or UK validation cohorts in the low-risk and moderate-risk groups.We derived a 4-variable prediction rule that can be used to stratify patients with early dcSSc into groups by risk of 2-year mortality, and we validated that prediction rule in US and UK cohorts.
Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Human Lung Transplantation
Authors: P. E. SILKOFF, M. CARAMORI, L. TREMBLAY, P. McCLEAN, C. CHAPARRO, S. KESTEN, M. HUTCHEON, A. S. SLUTSKY, N. ZAMEL, S. KESHAVJEE
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (1998)

Acute allograft rejection in animals and humans has been associated with increased nitric oxide production in the graft. Exhaled nitric oxide (ENO) measurement is a noninvasive method of assessing inflammation in airway diseases, e.g., asthma, which might be applicable to lung transplant recipients. Over 12 months, ENO of lower respiratory origin was measured in 108 lung transplant recipients with a mean time after transplant of 1,083 d. ENO (mean +/- SEM; ppb) in stable patients (19.5 +/- 1.1; p < 0.001) was not different from that of healthy controls (23.8 +/- 3.2). ENO was significantly higher in episodes of clinical acute rejection (51.1 +/- 6.3) compared with stable patients but not elevated in bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (18.6 +/- 1.5) or pulmonary infection (25.9 +/- 4.0). A retrospective analysis of bronchoscopy findings and concurrent ENO (n = 99) showed that ENO did not vary according to histological findings (normal, acute rejection grade I, nonspecific inflammatory change) or with a positive BAL culture. ENO was not correlated with differential lymphocyte and neutrophil counts. ENO appears to be a valid marker of clinical acute rejection in human lung transplantation as distinct from infection or bronchiolitis obliterans. Furthermore, bronchoscopic findings in the absence of a clinical illness were not associated with a rise in ENO.
Abstract 17183: Characterization of epicardial adipose tissue in Ischemic Heart Disease: a CMR study
Authors: Maria Luaces, Alexander Cely, Natalia Zareba, Pedro Marcos-Alberca, Beatriz Cabeza, Leopoldo Pérez de Isla, Carlos Macaya
Journal: Circulation (2014)

Introduction: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has endocrine and paracrine properties due to its close relationship to the adjacent myocardium. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) provides accurate quantification of EAT even in misshapen hearts. Objectives: To assess EAT volume in patients with ischemic heart disease and its correlations with structural, functional and clinical features in this group of patients. Methods: Patients referred for CMR for any clinical reason during a 1-year period with a CMR diagnosis of ischemic heart disease were consecutively included. In each case, CMR was performed with a GE 1.5 T magnet. EAT was manually traced in each case covering both ventricles from the end diastolic phase in the SSFP-B short axis images. The EAT volume was calculated multiplying the area subtended by the slice thickness. Results: Thirty-seven patients were included. Mean age was 59,7 (12,7) years and 81% were male. The most common indication for CMR was viability assessment- 60% of cases. CMR changed a...
Maternal Age and Outcome of Pregnancy
Authors: A. H. Leyland, F. A. Boddy, F G Cunningham, Kenneth J Leveno, Jaye M. Shyken, Klaus J. Staisch, Gertrud S. Berkowitz, Robert H. Lapinski, Richard L. Berkowitz, Mary Louise Skovron, Robert Resnik
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1990)
Selective intrabronchial instillation of surfactant in a patient with pneumonia: a preliminary report
Authors: K Mikawa, N Maekawa, K Nishina, Y Takao, H Yaku, H Obara
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1993)

The efficacy of treatment with exogenous surfactant has been reported in children with respiratory failure due to severe pneumonia. Its effect in adults with similar features has not been established. We therefore administered 240 mg of surfactant to a 71 year old man, who had developed right lower lobe pneumonia and hypoxaemia following abdominal aortic surgery. After this treatment, the patient's oxygenation, evaluated by arterial oxygen tension/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FIO2) ratio during artificial ventilation, gradually improved, and ventilator settings could be reduced whilst maintaining PaO2 at the appropriate level. Although the precise mechanism by which surfactant improves respiratory failure due to pneumonia is unclear, administration of the drug may have overcome a quantitative deficiency of endogenous surfactant attributable to the antagonistic effect of pulmonary exudates and reduced production following damage to type II pneumocytes. The present case provides an indirect suggestion of a possible causal relationship between the improvement of oxygenation and administration of surfactant in adult respiratory failure caused by pneumonia.
Abstract 685: Reduced von Willebrand Factor-cleaving Protease (ADAMTS13) Activity in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Koichi Kaikita, Kenji Soejima, Takanori Hayasaki, Kenichi Tsujita, Masakazu Matsukawa, Takashi Kudo, Hidetomo Maruyoshi, Sunao Kojima, Hideki Shimomura, Shunichi Koide, Hitoshi Sumida, Yasuhiro Ogata, Tomohiro Sakamoto, Michihiro Yoshimura, Chikateru Nozaki, Tomohiro Nakagaki, Hisao Ogawa
Journal: Circulation (2006)

Backgrounds: High plasma levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF) are associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The hemostatic activity of VWF is strongly dependent on it...
First Clinical Results With a New Mechanical Connector for Distal Coronary Artery Anastomoses in CABG
Authors: Friedrich S. Eckstein, Luis F. Bonilla, Lars Englberger, Franz Eberli, Stephan Windecker, Todd A. Berg, Michel Romanens, Franz F. Immer, Thierry P. Carrel
Journal: Circulation (2002)

Coronary anastomoses are currently primarily carried out with the use of running nonabsorbable sutures. Recently, a renewed interest has developed for facilitated mechanical anastomotic devices especially for minimal invasive techniques or limited access surgery. The initial experience with the first successful creation of mechanical vein-to-coronary artery anastomoses in humans is reported.Between November 2000 and June 2001, 14 patients scheduled for multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure were investigated. One vein graft-to-coronary artery anastomosis per patient was performed with the St. Jude Medical ATG Symmetry coronary connector system (stainless steel investigational device, not yet commercially available). We evaluated the overall performance of the device. Intraoperative flow measurements of the grafts using transit time methods were measured. A postoperative angiographic control was performed immediately after the procedure in all patients. Hemostasis was instantaneous in all cases and all anastomoses (mechanical n=14, sutured n=40) were patent. Mean intraoperative flow measurements for the mechanical anastomosed vein grafts was 75+/-25 mL/min. Three month angiogram or MRI angiography is available to date in 11 patients. Ten connector grafts were patent and 1 was occluded. There were no cardiac-related adverse events or return of angina; exercise tolerance tests and stress electrocardiograms were normal in all patients.The St. Jude Medical ATG Symmetry coronary connector system is a new device for sutureless distal vein graft-to-coronary artery anastomoses in CABG. This system allows the construction of geometrically perfect anastomoses. This technology represents a further step in a new era of sutureless anastomoses in cardiac surgery.
EURO 2008 - preparations for the football championship in Austria
Authors: R Strauss, R Muchl, C Hain, H Hrabcik
Journal: Eurosurveillance (2008)

The European Football Championship 2008 (EURO 2008) is jointly organised by Switzerland and Austria and will take place between 7 and 29 June 2008. The Austrian Public Health Service is making special preparations for a potential public health crisis during this mass gathering, which is expected to have around 550,000 spectators [1].
Abstract 18100: Usfulness of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Plasma Levels to Predict Long-Term Mortality After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Diego Lopez Otero, Ramiro Trilo Nouche, Belen Cid Alvarez, Raymundo Ocaranza Sanchez, Melisa Santas Alvarez, Maria Alvarez Barredo, Maria Elena Dominguez Tourino, Jose Ramon Gonzalez Juantey
Journal: Circulation (2011)

Introduction and hypothesis: B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) has been shown to be useful for predicting long-term mortality after conventional aortic valve replacement. We assessed the hypothesis that the BNP levels also predicts long-term mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods: A total of 74 patients who underwent TAVI were included. Indications for TAVI were nonoperable or surgical high-risk patients (Logistic EuroSCORE &gt; 20%). The mean age was 82.3 years and (46) 62% were female. The usual baseline clinical characteristics were registered, and pro-BNP was measured 24 hours before the procedure. The Cox proportional hazards model were used to evaluate these clinical factors and the BNP variable was converted into its logarithm for the multifactorial Cox analysis (Log-proBNP). Results: The baseline clinical characteristics were similar among the survivors and nonsurvivors. BNP values were significantly lower in survivors [median (p25, p75)], [2245 pg/mL (1361 pg/mL, 4030 pg/mL)] than in nonsurvivors [6269 pg/mL (2937 pg/mL, 11028 pg/mL)], (p &lt; 0.001). The multivariate analysis revealed that increased Log-proBNP levels were associated with a higher mortality rate [HR = 6.0 (IC 95%: 1.5-25), p = 0.012] after adjusting for gender, age, body mass index, glomerular filtration rate (calculated using the MDRD-4 formula) and left ventricular ejection fraction. Pairwise comparison of the ROC curves (Figure 1) showed a significantly better performance of Log-proBNP combined to the EuroSCORE compared with EuroSCORE alone for predicting mortality (area under the ROC EoroSCORE curve = 0.9295 and area under the ROC Log-proBNP + EuroSCORE curve = 0.9444). Conclusions: Preprocedure plasma proBNP level is an independent predictor of long-term mortality in patients with aortic stenosis after TAVI. Besides, this value combined with the EuroSCORE value is stronger than EuroSCORE alone in risk stratification of these patients.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing and hormonal status in winter sports elite athletes
Authors: Alexander Ulyanov, Samira Gasymova, Lydia Nikitina, Fedor Petrovskiy
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Background:  There are no data available yet regarding relationship between cardiopulmonary exercise testing and hormonal status in athletes.   Methods:  A total of 86 elite athletes of winter sports (biathlon, ski, ice hockey, snowboard) aged 14-35 were included in the study. Total minute ventilation (V E ), oxygen uptake (VO 2 ), V-slope anaerobic threshold (AT) and oxygen pulse (O 2 /HR) were analyzed (Oxycon Mobile, Viasys). Morning levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSG), free T4 (FT4), cortisol and testosterone were determined using electrochemical immunoassay. Blood samples were taking 7.00 - 8.00 am before exercise.   Results:  In contrast to females, males had higher values of V E  max, AT, VO 2  max, O 2 /HR max and testosterone (p  E  max and testosterone (rs=0.59; p 2  max and testosterone (rs=0.83; p 2  max and FT4 (rs=0.71; p 2 /HR max and FT4 (rs= 0.56; p E  max, AT, VO 2  max, O 2 /HR max in athletes.   Conclusion:  The present data suggest a significant role of testosterone in cardiorespiratory fitness in elite athletes.
Appearance of Lipid-Laden Intima and Neovascularization After Implantation of Bare-Metal Stents
Authors: Masamichi Takano, Masanori Yamamoto, Shigenobu Inami, Daisuke Murakami, Takayoshi Ohba, Yoshihiko Seino, Kyoichi Mizuno
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2009)