tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared with interstitial lung disease (ILD)
Authors: Victoria Sandrey, Susanna Barr, David Smith
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Background:  PR is effective in improving exercise capacity, dyspnoea and quality of life in patients with COPD. The benefits in patients with ILD are less well described.   Methods:  The records of 24 patients (15 male) with ILD who had completed PR were compared with age (within 2 years) and MRC score (same score) matched COPD patients (19 male) who had also completed PR within the same setting.  Incremental shuttle walk distance (ISWT), endurance shuttle walk time (ESWT), level of exercise induced desaturation, chronic respiratory disease questionnaire (CRDQ) scores and hospital anxiety and depression (HAD) scores were measured at baseline and on completion of the 8 week programme. The mean changes in each group were compared using a paired t-test.   Results:  The mean average age of each group was 68 years, with a mean average MRC score of 3.3. The baseline oxygen saturations in both groups was similar.  Both groups showed improvements in all measured outcomes-most of which were clinically important. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in any of the outcomes. In addition, the level of exercise desaturation after PR was greater in the ILD group (7.7%) compared with the COPD group (3.0%).   Conclusions:  This study shows that PR in patients with ILD produces similar outcomes to those seen in COPD. The exercise induced oxygen desaturation seen in patients with ILD is greater.
Prenatal maternal stress and atopic diseases in the child: a systematic review of observational human studies
Authors: N. W. Andersson, M. V. Hansen, A. D. Larsen, K. S. Hougaard, H. A. Kolstad, V. Schlünssen
Journal: Allergy (2015)

Abstract Background A growing number of studies suggest that maternal stress during pregnancy promotes atopic disorders in the offspring. This is the first systematic review to address prenatal maternal stress ( PNMS ) and the subsequent risk of atopy‐related outcomes in the child. Methods The review was performed in accordance to the PRISMA criteria. We searched and selected studies in PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Psych INFO until November 2014. Results Sixteen (with 25 analyses) of 426 identified articles met the review criteria. Five main PNMS exposures (negative life events, anxiety/depression, bereavement, distress and job strain) and five main atopic outcomes (asthma, wheeze, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and IgE) were assessed across the studies. Overall, 21 of the 25 analyses suggested a positive association between PNMS and atopic outcomes. Of the 11 exposure–response analyses reported, six found statistically significant trends. Conclusion This systematic review suggests a relationship between maternal stress during pregnancy and atopic disorders in the child. However, the existing studies are of diverse quality. The wide definitions of often self‐reported stress exposures imply a substantial risk for information bias and false‐positive results. Research comparing objective and subjective measures of PNMS exposure as well as objective measures for atopic outcome is needed.
Derivation of a predicted equation for peak expiratory flow (PEF) values in adult Indian population using EU scale peak flow meter (PFM)
Authors: Rahul Kodgule, Virendra Singh, Bodigovinda Saicharan, Raja Dhar, Jyoti Londhe, Bill Brashier, Udaiveer Singh, Umar Hafiz, Subhasis Mukherjee, Sapna Madas, Sundeep Salvi, Parvaiz Koul
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Although a PFM is a useful tool for diagnosis and management of asthma, there are no reliable reference values for the adult Indian population. The aim of this study was to derive a predicted equation for PEF for Indian adults using an EU scale PFM.   Methodology:  5 centres representing different geographic, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds from India were selected (North: Srinagar, West: Jaipur, East: Kolkota, Centre: Pune and South: Hyderabad). Respiratory health and demographic questionnaires were administered to randomly selected 1000 rural and 1000 urban adults from each centre. Sampling was stratified according to gender, height and age. PEF values were measured using Breathometer (Cipla Ltd., India).The predicted equation was generated using linear regression analysis with SPSS software, Version 11.5.   Results and conclusion:  Out of 9746 participants, 3608 were excluded as unhealthy based on presence of respiratory symptoms, smoking status and/or previous respiratory disease. 80% of the 6138 healthy adults (M: 3720; F: 2418) were used to derive the predicted equation. The equation was validated by comparing the predicted PEF values with the measured values in the remaining 20% sample (Mean ΔPEF: M=3.7 L/min, CI= -0.9,8.3; F=3.1, CI= -1.4,7.6). Gender, age and height were found to be significant determinants of PEF. Using regression analysis, the predicted equations derived in L/min are: F: PEF = 168.551 – 1.776$*$age + 1.354$*$height; M: PEF = 69.259 – 2.290$*$age+ 2.888$*$height. These reference PEF values for Indian adults are 24% lower for males and 27% lower for females than the Caucasian population.
Britain is ahead of US in dealing with misconduct
Authors: Martin (Ted) Hermary
Journal: BMJ (2000)

EDITOR—Christie reports on a consensus statement on research misconduct drawn up at a consensus conference last year. In his report he writes that “The two day conference, held at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, heard that Britain is 20 years behind countries such as the United States.”1

I beg to differ. Decades of American debates about misconduct have not produced anything like a consensus of professional, academic, and governmental representatives, parties who normally have …
Efficacy of Liraglutide for Weight Loss Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Melanie J. Davies, Richard Bergenstal, Bruce Bode, Robert F. Kushner, Andrew Lewin, Trine Vang Skjøth, Arne Haahr Andreasen, Christine Bjørn Jensen, Ralph A. DeFronzo
Journal: JAMA (2015)

IMPORTANCE Weight loss of 5% to 10% can improve type 2 diabetes and related comorbidities.Few safe, effective weight-management drugs are currently available.OBJECTIVE To investigate efficacy and safety of liraglutide vs placebo for weight management in adults with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes.DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Fifty-six-week randomized (2:1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial with 12-week observational off-drug follow-up period.The study was conducted at 126 sites in 9 countries between June 2011 and January 2013.Of 1361 participants assessed for eligibility, 846 were randomized.Inclusion criteria were body mass index of 27.0 or greater, age 18 years or older, taking 0 to 3 oral hypoglycemic agents (metformin, thiazolidinedione, sulfonylurea) with stable body weight, and glycated hemoglobin level 7.0% to 10.0%.INTERVENTIONS Once-daily, subcutaneous liraglutide (3.0 mg) (n = 423), liraglutide (1.8 mg) (n = 211), or placebo (n = 212), all as adjunct to 500 kcal/d dietary deficit and increased physical activity (Ն150 min/wk).MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Three coprimary end points: relative change in weight, proportion of participants losing 5% or more, or more than 10%, of baseline weight at week 56. RESULTSBaseline weight was 105.7 kg with liraglutide (3.0-mg dose), 105.8 kg with liraglutide (1.8-mg dose), and 106.5 kg with placebo.Weight loss was 6.0% (6.4 kg) with liraglutide (3.0-mg dose), 4.7% (5.0 kg) with liraglutide (1.8-mg dose), and 2.0% (2.2 kg) with placebo (estimated difference for liraglutide [3.0 mg] vs placebo, -4.00% [95% CI, -5.10% to -2.90%]; liraglutide [1.8 mg] vs placebo, -2.71% [95% CI, -4.00% to -1.42%]; P < .001for both).Weight loss of 5% or greater occurred in 54.3% with liraglutide (3.0 mg) and 40.4% with liraglutide (1.8 mg) vs 21.4% with placebo (estimated difference for liraglutide [3.0 mg] vs placebo, 32.9% [95% CI, 24.6% to 41.2%]; for liraglutide [1.8 mg] vs placebo, 19.0% [95% CI, 9.1% to 28.8%]; P < .001for both).Weight loss greater than 10% occurred in 25.2% with liraglutide (3.0 mg) and 15.9% with liraglutide (1.8 mg) vs 6.7% with placebo (estimated difference for liraglutide [3.0 mg] vs placebo, 18.5% [95% CI, 12.7% to 24.4%], P < .001;for liraglutide [1.8 mg] vs placebo, 9.3% [95% CI, 2.7% to 15.8%], P = .006).More gastrointestinal disorders were reported with liraglutide (3.0 mg) vs liraglutide (1.8 mg) and placebo.No pancreatitis was reported.CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among overweight and obese participants with type 2 diabetes, use of subcutaneous liraglutide (3.0 mg) daily, compared with placebo, resulted in weight loss over 56 weeks.Further studies are needed to evaluate longer-term efficacy and safety.
Biochemical predictors of mortality in pulmonary embolism
Authors: Arun Lakhanpal, Adeel Ashraf, Lisa Martin, Andreas Tridimas, Joseph Abbott, Hassan Burhan
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Introduction:  Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is associated with significant mortality. Although clinical algorithms and improved imaging have resulted in faster and more accurate diagnosis of PE, predictors of mortality remain an area of speculation.   Aim:  To assess the role of D-dimers, Troponin and CRP as predictors of all cause mortality 2 years post investigation of suspected PE.   Method:  We collected biochemical reports for 561 patients who had a total of 576 computerised-tomography pulmonary angiograms (CTPAs) performed between February 2008 and January 2009 for suspected PE. We were able to accurately confirm whether or not 461 (82.2%) of the patients had died, from any cause, as of February 2011. Data were analysed using MS excel.   Results:    Discussion:  There was no overall difference in all cause mortality at 2 years post CTPA for suspected PE between those who had a PE and those who did not. Mortality was equally high (15%) in both groups, regardless of presence or absence of PE at the time of investigation.  None of the biochemical markers we studied were associated with increased mortality. Only 220 (48%) and 174 (38%) patients had D-dimer and Troponin (known to be associated with increased all-cause mortality) measured respectively, although 369 (80%) had CRP measured. This may explain why an elevated Troponin was not associated with increased mortality in our study.
Abstract 3422: Absolute Myocardial Blood Flow Imaging At 3 Tesla: Comparison With 1.5 Tesla
Authors: Timothy Christian, Stephen P Bell, Mei Lee L Frankish, Lawrence Whitesell
Journal: Circulation (2007)

First-pass (FP) MR myocardial perfusion (perf) imaging can quantify absolute myocardial blood flow (MBF) but images are of low signal at conventional field strength. Purpose: To determine the accuracy of absolute FP MBF measures at 3 Tesla and compare these measures with FP 1.5T using MBF by microspheres (mcsp) as the gold-standard. Methods: A pig model was used to alter MBF in a coronary artery during FP MRI (intracoronary adenosine followed by ischemia). This produces an active zone with a range of MBF and a control zone. Mcsp were injected into the left atrium with concurrent reference sampling. FP MR perf imaging was performed at 1.5T (n=8) or 3.0T (n=7) using a saturation-recovery gradient echo sequence in short-axis slices (SAX) during a bolus injection of 0.025mmol/kg gadolinium-DTPA. Fermi function deconvolution was performed on active and control ROI from SAX slices with an arterial input function from the LV cavity. These MR values of MBF were matched to mcsp values obtained from SAX slices at pathology. Results: Occlusion MBF was 0.22±.26 ml/min/g, adenosine MBF was 2.11±1.13 ml/min/g and control zone MBF was 0.70±0.22ml/min/g. The correlation of MR FP MRI with mcsp is shown in Figure 1 : 3T) r=0.95, p&lt;0.0001, 1.5T, r=0.94, P&lt;0.0001. The 95% confidence limits were slightly narrower at 3T (3T=0.41ml/min/g, 1.5T=0.55ml/min/g, p=NS. FP MRI characteristics were better at 3T (noise, SNR, contrast enhancement all superior at 3T). In zones where MBF&lt;0.50ml/min/g, the correlation with mcsp was closer at 3T (r=0.55 at 1.5T, r=0.85 at 3T). Conclusion: Absolute MBF by FP perfusion imaging is accurate at both 1.5 and 3T. Signal quality is better at 3T which may confer a benefit in low MBF zones.
High dependency unit (HDU) care offers no survival advantage over ward based care for our hypercapnic COPD patients needing non-invasive ventilation (NIV)
Authors: Timothy M. Williams, Stephanie K.M. Harlow, Paul V. Murray
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Background 

NIV in COPD patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure reduces mortality rates1. Patients with a low pH should be managed in a HDU2. However, NIV can be provided on a respiratory ward and bed availability often deems this necessary2.

Aims 

To establish the impact on mortality when COPD patients needing NIV were managed on a respiratory ward compared to a HDU. We also investigated whether being known to our community based Respiratory Care Team (RCT) had an effect on care.

Methods 

Data were prospectively collected from May 2011-May 2012. Outcome measures were change in pH over 4-6 hours, in-hospital mortality and 90 day mortality.

Results 

There were no difference in mean age (75 vs 77) or pH at presentation (7.24 vs 7.26) of the HDU (n=11) compared to the ward cohort (n=19). The HDU cohort had a greater improvement in pH (0.134 vs. 0.051; p<0.05). This did not translate to a survival advantage with no difference between in-hospital (3 vs. 3; p=0.64) or 90 day (5 vs. 5; p=0.43) mortality. 53% (n=16) patients were known to the RCT and while this had no effect on mortality, being known to the team reduced length of stay by a median of 1.5 days.

Conclusions 

We have shown that NIV on the ward is as effective as on HDU. An advantage of our HDU being co-located with our respiratory ward is that patients receive input from respiratory physicians and physiotherapists regardless of their location. Prior knowledge of the patient by the RCT reduced length of stay.

1. Plant PK, et al. Lancet 2000 Jun 3;355(9219):1931-5.

2. British Thoracic Society (BTS), NIV in acute respiratory failure, Thorax 2002;57:192-211.
Structural descriptions in HIT – a problematic commitment
Authors: Markus Graf, Werner X. Schneider
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (2001)

Humphreys and Forde conceptualize object representations as structural descriptions, without discussing the implications of structural description models. We argue that structural description models entail two major assumptions – a part-structure assumption and an invariance assumption. The invariance assumption is highly problematic because it contradicts a large body of findings which indicate that recognition performance depends on orientation and size. We will delineate relevant findings and outline an alternative conception.
High-dose ifosfamide in bone and soft tissue sarcomas: results of phase II and pilot studies--dose-response and schedule dependence.
Authors: S R Patel, S Vadhan-Raj, N Papadopolous, C Plager, M A Burgess, C Hays, R S Benjamin
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1997)

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of high-dose ifosfamide (HDI) at a total dose of 14 g/m2 per cycle with mesna in combination with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in adult patients with sarcomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between July 1991 and February 1994, 74 patients with sarcomas (37 bone and 37 soft tissue) were treated on two simultaneous phase II studies that evaluated HDI given as a continuous infusion over 74 hours. G-CSF was started on day 5 at 5 microg/kg/d until recovery of granulocyte count. Additionally, between March 1993 and March 1994, 15 similar patients with previously treated bone or soft tissue sarcomas were treated on a pilot study in which the same total dose of ifosfamide was administered by a bolus schedule, along with mesna and G-CSF. Patients were treated until maximal response, and where possible, surgical resection of gross disease was performed. RESULTS Seventy-two patients from the phase II study using continuous infusion are assessable for response. Four complete responses (CRs) and 17 partial responses (PRs) were noted, for an overall response rate of 29% (95% confidence interval [CI], 19% to 39%). The response rate was 40% (95% CI, 24% to 56%) for bone sarcomas and 19% (95% CI, 6% to 32%) for soft tissue sarcomas. Fourteen patients from the pilot study that used a bolus schedule are assessable for response. One CR and seven PRs were noted, for an overall response rate of 57% (95% CI, 31% to 83%) and a response rate of 45% for soft tissue sarcomas. Two patients developed grade 3 to 4 renal toxicity, three developed grade 3 CNS toxicity, one had possible grade 3 cardiac toxicity, and two developed severe painful peripheral neuropathy. There were no treatment-related deaths. CONCLUSION HDI at 14 g/m2 with mesna and G-CSF is an active salvage regimen for patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas. There is a definite positive dose-response curve, and bolus administration appears to be more active than continuous infusion.
Thermally Switched Release from a Nanogel‐in‐Microfiber Device
Authors: Long Li, Guang Yang, Guangliang Zhou, Yi Wang, Xiaotong Zheng, Shaobing Zhou
Journal: Advanced Healthcare Materials (2015)

A nanogel-in-microfiber device, whose release can be switched on and off in response to a temperature change, is successfully developed. The release behaviors are realized through the deswelling and swelling of the nanogels in shell layer of fiber by alternatively elevating and lowering the environmental temperature.
Oral Complaints Related to Climacteric Symptoms in Oöphorectomized Women
Authors: M M Ferguson, Julie Carter, P Boyle, D McK Hart, R Lindsay
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1981)

Numerous oral complaints have been attributed to the female climacteric including altered taste, a burning sensation and xerostomia. However, the data relating these symptoms to the climacteric require elucidation as there have been no adequately controlled studies. In the present investigation, a group of 145 oöphorectomized women were followed for one year. Approximately half were treated with oestrogen replacement and the remainder with a placebo. The results indicate that the hormone had no direct effect upon the oral symptoms but that there was a general increase in somatic complaints which appeared to be related to the degree of neurosis experienced. This is turn can be attributed to vasomotor changes which are under the control of oestrogen.
Depression, hopelessness, and suicidal behavior in Chinese and American psychiatric patients
Authors: John A. Chiles, Kirk D. Strosahl, Zheng Yan Ping, Mark C. Michael, Kathryn Hall, Ron Jemelka, Brian Senn, Cathy Reto
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1989)

The authors compared 37 patients in the People's Republic of China and 46 patients in the United States who were having difficulty with suicidal thinking or behavior. Hopelessness, reasons for living, and suicidal efficacy showed none of the expected relationships with suicidal intent among the Chinese patients, but the two groups were similar on many variables theoretically related to suicidality. Chinese patients were less likely to communicate suicidal intent and rated suicide as less effective at solving problems. The authors examine such variations in the light of possibly different cultural approaches to suicidal behavior.
Imiquimod: a novel treatment for lentigo maligna
Authors: I. Ahmed, J. Berth-Jones
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2000)

Journal Article Imiquimod: a novel treatment for lentigo maligna Get access I. Ahmed, I. Ahmed Department of Dermatology, Walsgrave Hospitals NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry CV2 2DX, U.K. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar J. Berth‐Jones J. Berth‐Jones Department of Dermatology, Walsgrave Hospitals NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry CV2 2DX, U.K. Dr J.Berth‐Jones . Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 143, Issue 4, 1 October 2000, Pages 843–845, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2133.2000.03787.x Published: 01 October 2000
Sexual abuse histories and sequelae in female psychiatric emergency room patients
Authors: J Briere, L Y Zaidi
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1989)

The charts of 100 nonpsychotic female patients in a psychiatric emergency room were reviewed to locate references to history of sexual molestation: 50 charts were selected at random from emergency room files, and 50 charts had been written by clinicians asked to query abuse history. A substantially higher rate of sexual abuse was found for patients who had been directly asked about sexual molestation (70%) than for the random sample (6%). Further analysis linked molestation history to suicidality, substance abuse, sexual difficulties, multiple psychiatric diagnoses, and axis II traits or disorders--especially borderline personality. Severe abuse and multiple abusers best predicted psychiatric sequelae.
Physicians' smoking habit, training and attitude toward cancer patient smoking cessation: The Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori experience
Authors: Micaela Lina, Paolo Pozzi, Cinzia Brunelli, Marco Alessandro Pierotti, Roberto Boffi
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Backgrounds and aim: Guidelines recommend all physicians to ask patients (Pts) about their smoking status and to offer cessation advice (SC). Aim of the study was to examine the smoking habit of medical doctors (MDs) at the Milan Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori (INT), to relate this to their level of training and to their attitudes in suggesting patients to quit smoking.  Materials and methods: All MDs of the INT (n=285) were mailed a web-based survey.  Results: Fourteen percent of MDs were current smokers; only 23% of all clinicians received a training proposal in SC, 6% attended a SC course, even if 43% declared their willingness to do it. 86% of them asked Pts about smoking status, but only 50% advised Pts to quit and 32% assessed their motivation to do it. Guidelines were disregarded because of lack of time, fear to increase patients9 stress or lack of skills in SC. Smoking habits didn9t influence training attendance,willingness to be trained in SC or Pts referral to Tobacco Control Unit.  Conclusion: Smoking prevalence among INT MDs was still too high for healthcare practitioners and a low proportion of them was ever involved in a SC traing session; however, smoking status doesn9t appear to influence MDs9 choice of training rather than the eventual referral of cancer smoker Pts to the dedicated Unit. Surveys like this should encourage cancer centers to make SC as part of their core mission and to implement SC training in their institutional policies.