tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Reply: A Potential Link between Serum Low-Density Lipoproteins and Asthma
Authors: Amisha V. Barochia, Stewart J. Levine
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2015)

reported in 2013 in another study on the association between asthma and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) subclasses (3): We found a positive correlation between FEV 1 % predicted and larger LDL particles (LDL-1), as well as negative correlation between FEV 1 % predicted and smaller, more dense LDL particles (LDL-3).In that study, we hypothesized that LDL could represent a potent trigger for the inflammatory changes of the airways.It was somewhat surprising that the Barochia and colleagues did not mention our study, as it still represents the only study that has assessed the full spectrum of all seven LDL subclasses in asthma.As highlighted by the European Panel on LDL Subclasses (4), the methodology used for assessing lipoprotein subclasses is crucial.In the present study, Barochia and colleagues used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to assess the lipoprotein particles; yet with this methodology, they were able to assess only a few subclasses with low resolution (e.g., three very-low-density lipoprotein subclasses [large, medium, and small very-low-density lipoprotein], two LDL subclasses [large and small LDL], and three HDL subclasses [large, medium, and small HDL]).Methodologies are available to assess lipoprotein subfractions with a higher degree of resolution, and in our study, we used a methodology of gel electrophoresis (Lipoprint; Quantimetrix Corporation, Redondo Beach, CA) that is able to distinguish seven LDL subclasses (3) as well as 10 HDL subclasses (5).Of interest, in our study (3), we reported that asthma was associated with smaller LDL particles, which are proinflammatory particles (6), and in the present study, Barochia and colleagues reported that asthma was associated with larger HDL particles, which seem to be dysfunctional HDLs with proinflammatory properties (7).We therefore believe that the findings of the two studies support the concept that small LDLs could lead to the amplification of the inflammatory cascade in asthma, and we advocate for larger studies specifically designed to confirm the association between asthma and dyslipidemia and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Improved Outcome for Patients With Middle Ear Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Children’s Oncology Group Study
Authors: Douglas S. Hawkins, James R. Anderson, Charles N. Paidas, Moody D. Wharam, Stephen J. Qualman, Alberto S. Pappo, K. Scott Baker, William M. Crist
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2001)

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to define the clinical features and optimal therapy for children and adolescents with middle ear (ME) rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed demographic data, clinical features, therapy (including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation), and outcome for the 179 eligible patients with ME RMS who were enrolled onto Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Studies (IRS) I through IV or pilot studies between November 1972 and December 1997. RESULTS: Most patients were younger than 10 years old (90%), and 63% were male. Because of the parameningeal location, most tumors were not resected before chemotherapy (group I, &lt; 1%; group II, 4%; group III, 84%; group IV, 12%). Although most tumors were locally invasive (T2, 89%), the majority were small (≤ 5 cm, 66%), lacked nodal metastases (N0, 86%), and had embryonal histology (85%). The 5-year failure-free survival (FFS) and overall survival (OS) estimates were 67% and 72%, respectively. Both FFS and OS improved significantly over the course of IRS I through IV (3-year FFS and OS: IRS-I, 42% and 42%; IRS-II, 70% and 74%; IRS-III, 65% and 72%; IRS-IV pilot, 81% and 96%; IRS-IV, 88% and 88%, P &lt; .001). Lower clinical group or stage and smaller tumor size were associated with better outcome. Age, sex, tumor invasiveness, and nodal metastases were not predictive of outcome. CONCLUSION: Patients with ME RMS generally present with small, unresectable, invasive tumors at a site traditionally considered prognostically unfavorable. Nevertheless, such patients have benefited markedly from improvements in multimodal, risk-based therapy during the course of IRS I through IV, and with contemporary therapy, most are cured.
What Promise Does PCSK9Hold?⁎⁎Editorials published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiologyreflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of JACCor the American College of Cardiology.
Authors: John J.P. Kastelein, Sigrid W. Fouchier, Joep C. Defesche
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2005)
Multiracial General Practice in Nairobi
Authors: A. L. Ribeiro
Journal: BMJ (1954)

Multiracial general practice in Nairobi can be quite a difficult affair for any newcomer not acquainted with Africa and the Orient; for, apart from knowledge of general medicine and even specialized tropical medicine, there are many factors which govern the healing art.The chief of these factors in a multiracial society is the knowledge of the peoples themselves in relation to disease.In Nairobi, poverty, ignorance, and supersti- tion play a very important part, in contrast to England, where they are practically negligible.In the practice of medicine in a multiracial city, among peoples of diverse races and creeds, with cul- tures of different social and economic strata, one has not only to know these patients of different races and tribes as individuals, but also to know them in relation to their tribal and racial background.Mere expert medical knowledge will not suffice. The European CommunityThe European population, consisting of people from the United Kingdom and the rtst of Europe, are more or less in a privileged position both economically and medically.They have a medical system which is as good as any in Europe, and there is no-poverty, because there is practic- ally no unemployment and wages are high.With them, therefore, medical practice is the same as in Europe. A Complex CommunityThe Asians form a very complex group of peoples, con- sisting of Hindus, Mohammedans, Goans, Arabs, Sey- chellois, and Somalis.The Hindus make up 52% of this group, and are subdivided into Sikhs, Punjabis, Marathas, Cutchis, Banniahs, and Patels.With the exception of the Sikhs, they are generally vegetarians, and much of the disease among them is due to poor nutrition, particularly among the women, whose diet is totally inadequate, thus producing avitaminosis and anaemia.Overcrowding is general.I have often seen a family of six, eight, or even ten living in one room, using tiered beds like bunks in a ship.It is not to be wondered that members of the family are constantly ill.I was once called
Attitude towards health care personals of opposite gender among patients attending cancer screening: An experience from southern India
Authors: S. V. Attili, A. Vutukuru
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2008)

20617 Background: This study was undertaken to assess the feasibility of a single health care personal to perform cancer screening in health camps. It is a comprehensive assessment of attitude toward disease (cancer)&health care personal, by persons attending the health camps. Methods: This is an interview based study conducted at health camps. Persons attending same were assessed to know attitude towards cancer screening&whether positive/ negative attitude is based on social or cultural constraints. They were also assessed to know any differences in the attitude if the health care person belongs to opposite gender. And the results are stratified based on socio economic strata, level of education, religion and caste. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. SPSS 7.1 program was used for the analyses. Results: A total of100 patients were interviewed. Overall willingness to participate in the cancer screening is far less (42%) and the main reason was the social taboo associated with cancer in the society by many persons (36%), the fear of being diagnosed with cancer (25%) and unable to comprehend (lack of knowledge-20%). Majority of patients have more than one reason not to participate in the screening program. Among the participants, majority of them (50%) are uncomfortable to be examined by the health care personal of opposite gender. Surprisingly this difference was more among the persons belonging to the higher socio economic strata. However when stratified based on the level of education, there are no differences in the attitude. Another stunning finding is that gender difference was more pronounced (70%) among males compared to the females. Conclusion: Overall willingness to participate in the screening is far less than satisfactory. Male persons participating in screening are more reluctant to be examined by the female health care personal, while the vice versa is not so obvious among the Andhra Pradesh population. The reluctance was observed at a higher rate among those belonging to higher socio economic group. Therefore, for a successful implementation, the first step will be educating the population and employing healthcare persons of both genders in order to avoid further attrition of persons participating in screening programs. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Response of naevus of Ota to Q-switched ruby laser treatment according to lesion colour
Authors: S. Ueda, M. Isoda, S. Imayama
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2000)

Lesions of naevus of Ota range in colour from light brown to blue, and even greenish-black. To develop guidelines for optimal treatment, we evaluated the number of Q-switched ruby laser treatments required to eliminate the pigmentation of such lesions classified by colour. Over a period of 6 years, we evaluated 151 Japanese patients with naevus of Ota who had been treated with the Q-switched ruby laser at a low energy level (wavelength 694.3 nm; pulse duration 28 x 10-9 s; energy fluence 5 J/cm2; spot size 6.5 mm) every 2 months. Each lesion was classified by colour as brown (n = 22), brown-violet (n = 42), violet-blue (n = 81) and blue-green (n = 6). The 22 predominantly brown lesions attained an excellent (100-95%) or good (95-75%) cosmetic result following three laser treatments in all patients who received this number of treatments. In the 42 brown-violet lesions, 25 of the 29 good or excellent results were achieved after four treatments; the 13 less successful results were in patients who had one to three treatments. In the 81 violet-blue lesions, 54 of the 65 good or excellent results were achieved after four treatments and 64 of 65 after five treatments, whereas all 16 less good results were in patients who had only one to three treatments. However, in the six blue-green lesions, six or more treatments were required to achieve a similarly favourable result. At the end of treatment, the area was virtually free of scarring, and its texture resembled that of the surrounding normal skin. We have confirmed that the use of the Q-switched ruby laser at a low energy level can eliminate the pigmentation of naevus of Ota. While the desired improvement can be obtained within 1 year, the number of treatments appears to depend on the predominant colour of the lesion.
Validation of Seven Noninvasive Diagnostic Models for Prediction of Liver Fibrosis in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: J.Y. Cheng, H. Ma, J.D. Jia, J.L. Hou, H.G. Ding, G.F. Chen, Q. Xie, Y.M. Wang, M.D. Zeng
Journal: Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (2015)
The diagnostic yield and safety of fine needle aspiration of intrathoracic hydatid cysts: A three year retrospective study
Authors: Obianuju B. Ozoh, Coenraad F.N. Koegelenberg, Raquel Brauns, Elvis M. Irusen, Florian von Groote-Bidlingmaier, Colleen A. Wright, Mercia Louw, Pawel T. Schubert, Chris T. Bolliger
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background: Hydatid disease remains a clinically relevant entity in much of the developing word. A presumptive diagnosis may be confirmed by cytological analysis of liquid obtained by percutaneous aspiration of the cyst. There is, however, a paucity of data on the safety and diagnostic yield of this approach.  Objectives: To assess ultrasound (US)-assisted transthoracic fine needle aspiration (TTFNA) of suspected thoracic hydatid cysts with regards to safety and diagnostic yield.  Methods: We retrospectively included 11 cases (35.8 ± 9.1 years, 7 females) who underwent US-assisted TTFNA over a three-year period and who were eventually confirmed to have histological proof (surgical resection) of hydatid cyst. Complications were reviewed, and the diagnostic yield of US-assisted TTFNA was compared with serology (using histology as the gold standard).  Results: Cytology was diagnostic in 5/11 of cases (45.5%), compared to serology that was diagnostic in 6/8 cases (75%, p = 0.352). Cytology was diagnostic in one case with negative serology. A serious complication (empyema) was observed in one case.  Conclusions: US-assisted FNA of thoracic hydatid cysts has a modest diagnostic yield. US-assisted FNA should be reserved for cases with indistinct imaging and/or a negative serology, given the risk of complications.
Effects of inspiratory muscle training on functional exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength and dyspnea in patients with sarcoidosis: A preliminary report
Authors: Meral Bosnak Güçlü, Muserrefe Nur Karadalli, Burcu Camcioglu, Zeynep Aribas, Gülsah Bargi, Nurdan Köktürk, Haluk Türktas
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Background:  Reduced respiratory muscle strength has been reported in patients with sarcoidosis. However, the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on functional exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength and dyspnea have not been investigated so far.   Aim : To investigate the effects of IMT on functional exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength and dyspnea in patients with sarcoidosis.   Methods:  A prospective, randomized controlled, double–blinded study. Ten patients (45.78±6.515 years) received IMT (%40 of MIP), and 10 patients (44.89±11.84 years) received sham therapy (%5 of MIP) for six weeks. Pulmonary function was performed using spirometry. Functional exercise capacity was evaluated using 6-minute walk test (6MWT), respiratory muscle strength (MIP, MEP) using a mouth pressure device, dyspnea using Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale.   Results:  Baseline clinical and demographic characteristics were similar in groups (p>0.05). Six-MWT distance (p=0.043), MIP (p=0.001) and MEP (p=0.003) and dyspnea (p=0.036) were significantly improved in the IMT group compared with controls. Six-MWT distance improved within only in IMT group (p=0.001). The MIP (p   Conclusion:  The inspiratory muscle training improves functional exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength; decreases dyspnea perception in patients with sarcoidosis and should be included effectively in pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
Fetal bile salt metabolism
Authors: R. A. Smallwood, R. Lester, G. J. Piasecki, P. D. Klein, R. Greco, B. T. Jackson
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1972)

Bile salt metabolism was studied in fetal dogs 1 wk before term. The size and distribution of the fetal bile salt pool were measured, and individual bile salts were identified. The hepatic excretion of endogenous bile salts was studied in bile fistula fetuses, and the capacity of this excretory mechanism was investigated by the i.v. infusion of a load of sodium taurocholate-(14)C up to 20 times the endogenous pool size. The total fetal bile salt pool was 30.9+/-2.7 mumoles, of which two-thirds was in the fetal gallbladder. Expressed on a body weight basis, this was equal to approximately one-half the estimated pool size in the adult dog (119.2+/-11.3 vs. 247.5+/-33.1 mumoles/kg body wt). Measurable quantities of bile salt were found in small bowel (6.0+/-1.8 mumoles), large bowel (1.1+/-0.3 mumoles), liver (1.2+/-0.5 mumoles), and plasma (0.1+/-0.03 mumoles). Plasma bile salt levels were significantly greater in fetal than in maternal plasma (1.01+/-0.24 mug/ml vs. 0.36+/-0.06 mug/ml; P < 0.05). Fetal hepatic bile salt excretion showed a fall over the period of study from 2.04+/-0.34 to 0.30+/-0.07 mumoles/hr. The maximal endogenous bile salt concentration in fetal hepatic bile was 18.7+/-1.5 mumoles/ml. The concentration in fetal gallbladder bile was 73.9+/-8.6 mumoles/ml; and, in those studies in which hepatic and gallbladder bile could be compared directly, the gallbladder appeared to concentrate bile four- to fivefold.Taurocholate, taurochenodeoxycholate, and taurodeoxycholate were present in fetal bile, but no free bile salts were identified. The presence of deoxycholate was confirmed by thin-layer chromatography and gas liquid chromatography, and the absence of microorganisms in fetal gut suggests that it was probably transferred from the maternal circulation. After infusion of a taurocholate load, fetal hepatic bile salt excretion increased 30-fold, so that 85-95% of the dose was excreted by the fetal liver during the period of observation. Placental transfer accounted for less than 5% of the dose. Fetal bile volume increased 15-fold on average, while bile salt concentrations increased two- to threefold. It is concluded that bile salt is taken up, conjugated, and excreted by the fetal liver with remarkable efficiency. The excreted material is either stored and concentrated in the fetal gallbladder or released into the intestine and reabsorbed to be reexcreted in bile.
Education of patients with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome: Efficiency of a phone coaching procedure
Authors: Kamila Sedkaoui, Sandrine Pontier, Nicole Rossin, Ludivine Leseux, Laurence Adrover, Paul Léophonte, Jean-Louis Fraysse, Alain Didier
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Introduction  : The most commonly used treatment for sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is the application of constant airway pressure (CPAP) during sleep. However compliance with this treatment is frequently below 70%. In France, CPAP equipment hire (from a home care provider) is reimbursed by the national health insurance if compliance >3h/daily. We know that understanding and adherence are key factors for treatment success.   Methods:  The main aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of an educational intervention (EI) by phone calls in SAS patients treated with CPAP by a home care provider (SADIR). The educational intervention consisted on 5 sessions (day 3, 10, 30, 60, 90 after equipment) of telephone-based counseling intervention by a competent staff. Patients were randomized with or without EI.   Results : 379 patients were included. A higher CPAP compliance (> 3hours/night) at 4 months was observed in the EI group compared to control group (75% and 65% respectively, chi 2 =3.97). On average, patients with EI had used CPAP during 4h38 by night versus 4h08 for patients without EI (p=0.04).   Conclusion:  An educational intervention dispensed by phone increased CPAP compliance.
A Case of Capgras Syndrome
Authors: M. T. HASLAM
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1973)

The Capgras syndrome in a 32-year-old woman is described. While showing some affective and schizophrenic features, the syndrome appears to have retained its purity over a period of eight years. A good remission has been maintained recently through the use of long-acting phenothiazines. Case material, including letters, is presented and a brief summary given of the historical origns of the syndrome.
Effects of inspiratory muscle training in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients: A preliminary report
Authors: Meral Bosnak Guclu, Gülsah Bargi, Zeynep Aribas, Burcu Camcioglu, Müserrefe Nur Karadalli, Zeynep Sahika Aki, Nurdan Köktürk, Müge Aydogdu, Gülsan Türkoz Sucak
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Background: Reduced respiratory muscle strength has been reported in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. However, the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on functional exercise capacity, inspiratory muscle strength and dyspnea, in HSCT recipients has not been investigated so far

Aim : To investigate the effects of IMT on functional exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength and dyspnea in allogeneic HSCT recipients.

Methods: A prospective, randomized controlled, double–blinded study. Twenty-five allogeneic HSCT recipients (>100 days post transplantation) were included. Twelve recipients (36.17±14.63 years) received IMT (%40 of MIP), and 13 recipients (39.46±10.99 years) received sham therapy (%5 of MIP) for six weeks. Pulmonary functions were measured. Functional exercise capacity was evaluated using 6-minute walk test (6MWT), respiratory muscle strength (MIP, MEP) using a mouth pressure device and dyspnea using Modified Borg scale.

Results: Baseline characteristics were similar in groups (p>0.05). Six-MWT distance (p=0.020), MIP (p<0.001) and MEP (p=0.010) and dyspnea (p=0.025) were significantly improved in IMT group compared with controls. Six-MWT distance (p<0.001 in IMT, p=0.012 in control group) were significantly improved within groups; MIP (p<0.001) and MEP (p<0.001), dyspnea (p=0.005) were significantly improved within IMT group.

Conclusion: The inspiratory muscle training is safe and effective in allogeneic HSCT recipients and improves functional exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength; decreases dyspnea perception and should be included in rehabilitation programs.
Constitutively activated STAT3 is predictive for trastuzumab resistance in primary HER2 positive breast cancer
Authors: A. Sonnenblick, S. Brohée, R.F. Salgado, G. Van den Eynden, P. Neven, S. Loibl, C. Denkert, H. Joensuu, M. Piccart, C. Sotiriou
Journal: Annals of Oncology (2015)
Phase I clinical trial of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor in children with refractory solid tumors: a Pediatric Oncology Group study.
Authors: W L Furman, D Strother, K McClain, B Bell, B Leventhal, C B Pratt
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1993)

PURPOSE A phase I study was undertaken to determine the toxicity and maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (rTNF) in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-seven patients with recurrent or refractory solid tumors were enrolled on the study. rTNF was administered daily for 5 days by 30-minute intravenous (IV) infusion, and doses were escalated in cohorts of three to six patients. Courses were repeated after a 9-day rest period, if toxicity was tolerable. Daily doses ranged from 100 to 350 micrograms/m2. RESULTS Most courses were associated with grade I/II fever, rigors, nausea, or vomiting. Three patients experienced moderate dyspnea that responded to supplemental oxygen. All abnormalities resolved on discontinuation of the infusion. One patient had a cardiac arrest 90 minutes after receiving the first dose of rTNF and died 10 days later of related complications. In two other patients, rTNF was discontinued due to persistent grade IV hypotension. Toxicities were not consistently related to dose and no cumulative effects were noted. The dose-limiting toxicity was transient hepatic dysfunction, which occurred in three of six patients receiving 350 micrograms/m2; this toxicity was rapidly reversed on discontinuation of the rTNF. One patient, whose non-Hodgkin's lymphoma had recurred after bone marrow transplantation, had a partial response. Disease was stabilized in two patients. CONCLUSION We recommend that phase II testing proceed at a dose of 300 micrograms/m2/d on the schedule described.