tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Lung function among workers exposed to endotoxins in coffee processing factories
Authors: Gloria Sakwari, Simon H.D. Mamuya, Magne Bråtveit, Bente E. Moen
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background   Occupational exposure to endotoxins causes airway diseases and impairs lung function.   Objectives   To measure personal total dust and endotoxins levels and to examine lung function among coffee workers in relation to exposure.   Methods   All 159 production workers from four Tanzanian factories processing Arabica and Robusta coffee were invited to participate. Personal total dust was sampled throughout the shift using Sidekick Casella pumps (n=193). Cumulative dust was calculated as mean dust exposure multiplied with the number of years of work in the respective coffee factories. Lung function test were carried out using a portable spirometer (SPIRARE3). Differences in groups were tested by independent t-tests. Linear regression was done to adjust for confounders; age, height and smoking.   Results   Robusta (n= 74) and Arabica (n=66) coffee workers had a mean age of 33 years and 38% were current smokers. Total dust levels and endotoxins were significantly higher in the Robusta factories (geometric mean 3.42 mg/m 3  and 10800EU/m 3 , respectively) than in the Arabica coffee factories (2.10 mg/m 3  and 1400EU/m 3 ). Mean cumulative dust in both groups was 17mg/m 3 .  Arabica coffee workers had worked longer in the coffee factories (AM 7years vs. 3.5 years) and had lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV 1 /FVC ratio than Robusta coffee workers, though not significantly different. When the groups were merged, FEV 1  correlated negatively with cumulative dust. After adjusting for confounders there was a decrease in FEV 1  of 3 ml per mg/m 3  per year (p=0.053).   Conclusion   Exposures to dust and endotoxins in coffee processing factories are high and might cause decreased lung function.
Outcomes other than recurrence should be analysed
Authors: Martin Kurzer, Alan E Kark, Tahir Hussain
Journal: BMJ (2008)

Nordin and van der Linden’s attempt to link outcome after groin hernia surgery with surgeon volume, using the Swedish hernia register, is commendable.1 But even they must admit that using recurrence as the only outcome is crude, outdated, and of little relevance nowadays. In addition, not all hernia operations are equivalent—size and difficulty vary …
High-intensity interval training for improving health-related fitness in adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: S A Costigan, N Eather, R C Plotnikoff, D R Taaffe, D R Lubans
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2015)

Background High-intensity interval training (HIIT) may be a feasible and efficacious strategy for improving health-related fitness in young people. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the utility of HIIT to improve health-related fitness in adolescents and to identify potential moderators of training effects. Methods Studies were considered eligible if they: (1) examined adolescents (13–18 years); (2) examined health-related fitness outcomes; (3) involved an intervention of ≥4 weeks in duration; (4) included a control or moderate intensity comparison group; and (5) prescribed high-intensity activity for the HIIT condition. Meta-analyses were conducted to determine the effect of HIIT on health-related fitness components using Comprehensive Meta-analysis software and potential moderators were explored (ie, study duration, risk of bias and type of comparison group). Results The effects of HIIT on cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition were large, and medium, respectively. Study duration was a moderator for the effect of HIIT on body fat percentage. Intervention effects for waist circumference and muscular fitness were not statistically significant. Conclusions HIIT is a feasible and time-efficient approach for improving cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in adolescent populations.
Clinical and economical impact of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A two-year study
Authors: Francesco Blasi, Carla Fornari, Francesca Di Stasi, Sara Conti, Lorenzo Giovanni Mantovani, Luca Merlino, Stefano Aliberti, Giancarlo Cesana
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

COPD is a common disease with considerable health and economic consequences. The aim of our study was to analyze clinical and economical impact of COPD exacerbations (E-COPD). A secondary data analysis of healthcare administrative databases of Lombardy, Italy was performed, including patients hospitalized for a severe E-COPD (index event) from Jan to Dec 2003. Two study groups were identified based on the number and type of E-COPD experienced after the index event during a two-year follow-up: those who had at least one severe E-COPD (Group A) and those who had only moderate E-COPD (Group B). A total of 12,436 patients (7,933 males; mean±SD age: 74±10 yrs) were enrolled. Among those, 45% belonged to Group A and 55% to Group B. Clinical outcomes, costs and consumptions of pulmonary function test (PFT) per person during the follow-up are given in Table.  Mortality risk increased in the study population in relation to the number and type of E-COPD experienced during the follow-up. The number and type of E-COPD significantly impact outcomes and costs. Less than one fourth of patients discharged after an E-COPD will undergo a PFT during two years, although its cost is extremely lower than the hospital stay.
Domestic longterm therapy of SAS by electrical auricle stimulation
Authors: Viliam Donic, Sona Gresova, Judita Stimmelova, Zoltan Tomori, Gert DeVos, Boudewijn DeKerf, Johan Verbraecken
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Aims:  Development of a noninvasive method for domestic longterm treatment of SAS by electrical auricle stimulation (EAS). A noninvasive reflex method was tested for long-term domestic therapy, applicable in large groups of SAS patients.   Method: .After finding the appropriate stimulation point on the auricle of the ear, using impedance measurement, an electrode was applied to test the efficacy during one night with electrical stimulation at this point. If successful, a removable earplug was made, fixing the elctrode. A second electrode was placed behind the ear. This system was developed to be used in a home setting. Oxygen desaturation, airflow and tidal volume were recorded on a laptop.   Results:  Reflex activation of the brainstem inspiratory generator by EAS proved to interrupt not only obstructive but also central and mixed apnoic episodes. It was successfully used at home for 190 nights in 3 patients. AI decreased from 46.2±16.6 to 15.9±10.3 (improvement by 68%), while the total sleep time (TST) remained unchanged (343.2±53.0 vs 338.3 ±94.9). Maximum nightly home application was during 373 nights, with very good subjective improvement. The method could be useful for home therapyin an increasing number of SAS patients.   Conclusion:  Reflex activation of breathing by EAS provides a successful longterm domestic treatment for SAS...
Matrix Metalloproteinases: Biologic Activity and Clinical Implications
Authors: Amy R. Nelson, Barbara Fingleton, Mace L. Rothenberg, Lynn M. Matrisian
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2000)

ABSTRACT: Tumor progression is a complex, multistage process by which a normal cell undergoes genetic changes that result in phenotypic alterations and the acquisition of the ability to spread and colonize distant sites in the body. Although many factors regulate malignant tumor growth and spread, interactions between a tumor and its surrounding microenvironment result in the production of important protein products that are crucial to each step of tumor progression. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of degradative enzymes with clear links to malignancy. These enzymes are associated with tumor cell invasion of the basement membrane and stroma, blood vessel penetration, and metastasis. They have more recently been implicated in primary and metastatic tumor growth and angiogenesis, and they may even have a role in tumor promotion. This review outlines our current understanding of the MMP family, including the association of particular MMPs with malignant phenotypes and the role of MMPs in specific steps of the metastatic cascade. As scientific understanding of the MMPs has advanced, therapeutic strategies that capitalize on blocking the enzymes have rapidly developed. The preclinical and clinical evolution of the synthetic MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) is also examined, with the discussion encompassing important methodologic issues associated with determining clinical efficacy of MMPIs and other novel therapeutic agents.
Malignant Lymphoma in Macaques: A Clinicopathologic Study of 45 Cases&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN2"&gt;2&lt;/xref&gt;&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN3"&gt;3&lt;/xref&gt;
Authors: Timothy G. Terrell, David H. Gribble, Bennie I. Osburn
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1980)

Malignant lymphoma was diagnosed in 42 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and 3 stumptail macaques (M. arctoldes) between February 1969 and December 1977. The distribution of tumor masses in the tissues of individual animals varied widely. Solitary tumor masses were present in 14 animals and multiple masses in the remaining 31 animals. Visceral lymph nodes, gastrointestinal tract, heart, and kidneys were most commonly affected. Peripheral lymph nodes were rarely involved. Most malignant lymphomas were of an undifferentiated cell type, although tumors of histiocytic, lymphocytic, poorly differentiated, and mixed lymphocytic and histiocytic cell types were also observed. Concurrent bacterial and/or viral infections were evident in 30 of the 45 macaques with malignant lymphoma. Amyloidosis was present in 9 animals. This high incidence of bacterial and viral infections and amyloidosis in the animals with malignant lymphoma suggested that their immune responses were abnormal. The development of malignant lymphoma in the macaques may have been secondary to or enhanced by immunodeficiency.
Paradoxical rise in left ventricular filling pressure in the dog during positive end-expiratory pressure ventilation. A reversed Bernheim effect.
Authors: J R Darsee, J R Mikolich, P F Walter, R C Schlant
Journal: Circulation Research (1981)

Controversy exists whether positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) ventilation lowers cardiac output by reducing left ventricular preload, or by a combination of mechanisms. Sixteen open-chest dogs were instrumented for measurement of left and right ventricular pressure, aortic flow, and left ventricular dimensions. With the pericardium intact, PEEP caused the interventricular septum to bulge toward the left ventricular chamber, increased right and left ventricular end-diastolic pressures, but decreased the average of the three left ventricular dimensions. When right ventricular filling pressure was suddenly reduced, the interventricular septum moved back toward the right ventricle, and left ventricular filling pressure fell. With the pericardium removed, PEEP was associated with a decrease in all three left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions but no significant change in left ventricular filling pressure. Although several indices of contractility were decreased during PEEP, all returned to baseline values when left ventricular preload was normalized during PEEP by a rapid infusion of heparinized blood into the left atrium. In conclusion, PEEP decreases preload and significantly alters the shape and compliance of the left ventricle with the pericardium intact. With the pericardium removed, PEEP produces proportional decreased in major and minor axis dimensions, does not appear to affect left ventricular contractility independent of preload, and alters left ventricular compliance to only a small degree.
First report of the predominance of clonal complex 398 Staphylococcus aureus strains in osteomyelitis complicating diabetic foot ulcers: a national French study
Authors: E. Senneville, M. Brière, C. Neut, N. Messad, G. Lina, J.-L. Richard, A. Sotto, J.-P. Lavigne
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection (2013)
On Hippocrates
Authors: E. Roddy
Journal: BMJ (2002)

Editor—Loefler regards the Hippocratic ethics as taking no account of modern medicine and that craving for the simplicity of Hippocratic medicine is pointless nostalgia.1 We argue that his article takes a simplified view of the application of the Hippocratic ideals to modern medicine and that these are as relevant today as they were in the 4th century bc.

At the very centre of the Hippocratic ideals are the principles of “doing no harm” and “absolute regard for life.” Loefler argues that harm is an inevitable consequence of the powerful array of interventions available to the modern doctor. Although many investigations and interventions have potential adverse effects and complications, it is the balance of potential benefit and harm of each intervention that is the most important consideration. If overall benefits outweigh potential complications, this Hippocratic ideal is still respected.

Harm—often in the form of death—can also be incurred by failing to intervene. Guidelines regarding consent for examination or treatment state that to give valid consent a patient needs to understand the nature and purpose of the procedure and that it is advisable to inform the patient of any risks in the proposed treatment, any alternatives to it, and the risks incurred by doing nothing.2 By fully involving patients and their next of kin in such decisions, we respect the individual and uphold another tenet of Hippocratic medicine.

Loefler says that the principle of absolute respect for life is no longer held in regard concerning orders not to resuscitate. In doing so, he addresses the wrong Hippocratic ideal, for when weighing up a patient's wishes, prognosis, coexistent medical problems, and the likely success of an attempt to resuscitate, the principle of doing no harm often takes precedence over absolute regard for life. Loefler finds piety and serenity lacking in modern medicine and yet in making an order not to resuscitate, the aim is often to facilitate a pious and serene passing while maintaining a patient's dignity.

In an age when technological advancement has inevitably amplified the potential risk to patients and has increased longevity sometimes at the expense of quality of life, we believe that the Hippocratic ideals are more important than ever and remain the cornerstones of ethics in modern medicine.
PAF acether release on antigenic challenge
Authors: S. Dunoyer‐Geindre, F. Ludi, T. Perez, N. Terki, P. I. Gumowski, J. P. Girard
Journal: Allergy (1992)

This study describes an in vitro method to evaluate a PAF acether release test (PART) from white blood cells after antigenic challenge. PAF acether activity of the supernatant was tested by platelet aggregation. The aggregating power was abolished by using SRI 63-441 (Sandoz), a PAF acether inhibitor. This method was applied to 57 patients with allergic or pseudo-allergic reactions to drugs by using different drug protein conjugates. The results of PART were evaluated in relation to the clinical history (score of imputability) and to other tests (skin tests, lymphocyte transformation tests (LTT), IgE-RAST). A good correlation was found between the release of PAF acether and a high predictability score: sensitivity 75%, specificity 83.8%. PART also correlated with skin tests (75% agreement, n = 60), with LTT (67.7% agreement, n = 74) and in 65.6% of cases with positive penicillin IgE-RAST (n = 32). This method brings a new possibility for the investigation of drug-allergic and pseudo-allergic reactions.
Antimalarial activity of artefenomel (OZ439), a novel synthetic antimalarial endoperoxide, in patients with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria: an open-label phase 2 trial
Authors: Aung Pyae Phyo, Podjanee Jittamala, François H Nosten, Sasithon Pukrittayakamee, Mallika Imwong, Nicholas J White, Stephan Duparc, Fiona Macintyre, Mark Baker, Jörg J Möhrle
Journal: The Lancet Infectious Diseases (2015)

Artefenomel (OZ439) is a novel synthetic trioxolane with improved pharmacokinetic properties compared with other antimalarial drugs with the artemisinin pharmacophore. Artefenomel has been generally well tolerated in volunteers at doses up to 1600 mg and is being developed as a partner drug in an antimalarial combination treatment. We investigated the efficacy, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of artefenomel at different doses in patients with Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax malaria.This phase 2a exploratory, open-label trial was done at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Bangkok, and the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit in Thailand. Adult patients with acute, uncomplicated P falciparum or P vivax malaria received artefenomel in a single oral dose (200 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg, or 1200 mg). The first cohort received 800 mg. Testing of a new dose of artefenomel in a patient cohort was decided on after safety and efficacy assessment of the preceding cohort. The primary endpoint was the natural log parasite reduction per 24 h. Definitive oral treatment was given at 36 h. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01213966.Between Oct 24, 2010, and May 25, 2012, 82 patients were enrolled (20 in each of the 200 mg, 400 mg, and 800 mg cohorts, and 21 in the 1200 mg cohort). One patient withdrew consent (before the administration of artefenomel) but there were no further dropouts. The parasite reduction rates per 24 h ranged from 0·90 to 1·88 for P falciparum, and 2·09 to 2·53 for P vivax. All doses were equally effective in both P falciparum and P vivax malaria, with median parasite clearance half-lives of 4·1 h (range 1·3-6·7) to 5·6 h (2·0-8·5) for P falciparum and 2·3 h (1·2-3·9) to 3·2 h (0·9-15·0) for P vivax. Maximum plasma concentrations, dose-proportional to 800 mg, occurred at 4 h (median). The estimated elimination half-life was 46-62 h. No serious drug-related adverse effects were reported; other adverse effects were generally mild and reversible, with the highest number in the 1200 mg cohort (17 [81%] patients with at least one adverse event). The most frequently reported adverse effect was an asymptomatic increase in plasma creatine phosphokinase concentration (200 mg, n=5; 400 mg, n=3; 800 mg, n=1; 1200 mg, n=3).Artefenomel is a new synthetic antimalarial peroxide with a good safety profile that clears parasitaemia rapidly in both P falciparum and P vivax malaria. Its long half-life suggests a possible use in a single-dose treatment in combination with other drugs.Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust, and UK Department for International Development.
Novel protein biomarkers of bronchiectasis in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Emily DeBoer, Miranda Kroehl, Brandie Wagner, Malti Nikrad, Evaldas Katilius, Scott Sagel, Robin Deterding
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Introduction: Neutrophil elastase (NE) activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) is associated with early bronchiectasis in children with cystic fibrosis (CF); however, the pathophysiology of bronchiectasis remains unclear.  Aims and objectives: We hypothesize that other proteins in BALF are involved in CF bronchiectasis. We assessed the relationships between BALF proteins from CF children and airway count, a surrogate of bronchiectasis on chest CT (DeBoer E.M. et al. Chest; In press).  Methods: CF children with a chest CT scan within 2 months of BALF collection were included in this study. Banked BALF was analyzed for 1129 proteins using SOMAmer TM , (Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamers) proteomic technology (Gold L. et al. PLoS one 2010; 5:e15004). Airway count was obtained using automated software. Spirometry data was recorded. A Spearman9s rank correlation coefficient estimated the correlation between spirometry, protein quantity, and mean airway count. The proteins were ranked by magnitude of the correlation coefficient.  Results: 22 subjects (15 male) had a quality CT for analysis; age: 4 -20 years, FEV1: 32 -139% predicted, and airway count: 0.3 –52 airways per CT slice. 82 proteins, including NE (r = 0.47, p = 0.03), were significantly correlated with airway count (p   Conclusions: The unique SOMAmer TM  protemic platform identifies several novel proteins that are associated with bronchiectasis that could serve as clinically useful biomarkers in children with CF.
Incorrect Degree for Author
Authors: Peyman Benharash, William Toppen
Journal: JAMA Surgery (2015)

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Abstract 16024: Selective Inhibition of G12/13 Prevents Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Activation and Neointima Formation in Response to Balloon Angioplasty
Authors: Akira Takaguri, Katsuhiro Okuda, Kathy Elliott, keita kimura, Akinari Hinoki, Kunie Eguchi, Satoru Eguchi
Journal: Circulation (2010)

Several G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists including angiotensin II (AngII) and certain growth factor receptor agonists such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) have been shown to acti...
Inhibitor effect of Janus kinase II in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model
Authors: Gracia Hernandez, Lucia Diaz, Adela Serrano, Javier Milara, Julio Cortijo
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

INTRODUCTION 

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the interstitial pulmonary disease with higher incidence and worse prognosis. Recent evidence suggests that cucurbitaceae are selective inhibitors of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Since P-STAT3 is increased in fibrotic foci of IPF patients, we hypothesis that it may inhibit the progression of the disease.

OBJECTIVE 

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Cucurbitacin I (CuI) in a murine model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

MATERIAL Y METHODS 

Wistar rats were instilled intratracheally with a single dose of bleomycin (BLM)(3.75 U/kg; n=12) to induce lung fibrosis. CuI (20mg/kg/day; n=6) or CuI vehicle (control and IPF group) was administered intraperitoneally daily for 21 days. Animal evolution was controlled through CT/SPECT imaging. Tgf-β1, Col1A and Et-1 gene and protein expression was measured by real time PCR and western blott as fibrotic markers.

RESULTS 

CT/SPECT quantification showed reduction of the fibrotic areas in the CuI treated group by reestablishing the air space in the lungs by inhibiting the IPF progression.

Tgf-β1, Col1A and Et-1 gene expression was upregulated 2.3, 7.2 and 1.9 fold respectively in BLM relative to Control rats. This was counteracted with CuI treatment. These results were substantiated by protein over-expression of Tgf-β1 (62.30%), Col1A (45.80%) and Et-1 (44.44%) in BLM rat. Protein expression was inhibited in CuI treated group by 32.04%, 30.52% and 44.99% respectively.

CONCLUSION 

CuI inhibits the rat model BLM induced pulmonary fibrosis.