tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Automated Collection of Quality-of-Life Data: A Comparison of Paper and Computer Touch-Screen Questionnaires
Authors: G. Velikova, E. P. Wright, A. B. Smith, A. Cull, A. Gould, D. Forman, T. Perren, M. Stead, J. Brown, P. J. Selby
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1999)

To evaluate alternative automated methods of collecting data on quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients. After initial evaluation of a range of technologies, we compared computer touch-screen questionnaires with paper questionnaires scanned by optical reading systems in terms of patients' acceptance, data quality, and reliability.In a randomized cross-over trial, 149 cancer patients completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30, version 2.0 (EORTC QLQ-C30), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) on paper and on a touch screen. In a further test-retest study, 81 patients completed the electronic version of the questionnaires twice, with a time interval of 3 hours between questionnaires.Fifty-two percent of the patients preferred the touch screen to paper; 24% had no preference. The quality of the data collected with the touch-screen system was good, with no missed responses. At the group level, the differences between scores obtained with the two modes of administration of the instruments were small, suggesting equivalence for most of the QOL scales, with the possible exception of the emotional, fatigue, and nausea/vomiting scales and the appetite item, where patients tended to give more positive responses on the touch screen. At the individual patient level, the agreement was good, with a kappa coefficient from 0.57 to 0.77 and percent global agreement from 61% to 97%. The electronic questionnaire had good test-retest reliability, with correlation coefficients between the two administrations from 0.78 to 0.95, kappa coefficients of agreement from 0.55 to 0.90, and percent global agreement from 56% to 100%.Computer touch-screen QOL questionnaires were well accepted by cancer patients, with good data quality and reliability.
Low-dose gallium nitrate for prevention of osteolysis in myeloma: results of a pilot randomized study.
Authors: R P Warrell, D Lovett, F A Dilmanian, R Schneider, R T Heelan
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1993)

PURPOSE Since osteolysis is a major cause of morbidity in myeloma, we conducted a pilot study to evaluate whether the addition of gallium nitrate to standard antimyeloma treatment could preserve or increase bone mass in patients with osteolytic disease. METHODS Patients stabilized on cytotoxic therapy were randomized to treatment with gallium nitrate for 6 months, or to observation only for the first 6 months followed by gallium nitrate treatment during the subsequent 6 months. Gallium nitrate was administered in monthly cycles by daily subcutaneous injections (30 mg/m2/d) for 2 weeks, followed by 2 weeks with no therapy, supplemented by an intravenous infusion (100 mg/m2/d) for 5 days every other month. RESULTS Paired 6-month comparisons were available for seven observation periods and 13 gallium nitrate treatment periods. Total-body calcium assessed by delayed-gamma neutron activation (DGNA) decreased in four of seven patients during observation, but increased in nine of 13 patients during gallium nitrate treatment; the mean difference in total-body calcium (TBCa) between the two groups at 6 months was 3%. Median regional bone density assessed by dual-photon absorptiometry (DPA) declined by 1.4% in patients under observation (range, +6.7% to -18.3%), but was unchanged during gallium nitrate treatment (median change, 0%; range, -10.5% to +14.4%). The group mean vertebral fracture index assessed by lateral spine x-rays decreased by 27% during observation compared with 2% during gallium nitrate treatment. Mean body height decreased by 0.57 inches in the observation group and .06 inches in the gallium nitrate group. Patient self-assessment of bone pain showed that seven of 12 gallium nitrate-treated patients rated themselves as experiencing major reductions in bone pain, compared with zero of seven patients who were observed. One episode of hypercalcemia occurred in a patient under observation. CONCLUSION Adjuvant treatment with low-dose gallium nitrate attenuates the rate of bone loss in myeloma and may be useful for ameliorating the consequences of skeletal morbidity in patients with cancer-related osteolysis.
Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Interacting Protein Deficiency Uncovers the Role of the Co-receptor CD19 as a Generic Hub for PI3 Kinase Signaling in B Cells
Authors: Selina Jessica Keppler, Francesca Gasparrini, Marianne Burbage, Shweta Aggarwal, Bruno Frederico, Raif S Geha, Michael Way, Andreas Bruckbauer, Facundo D Batista
Journal: Immunity (2015)

Humans with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome display a progressive immunological disorder associated with compromised Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Interacting Protein (WIP) function. Mice deficient in WIP recapitulate such an immunodeficiency that has been attributed to T cell dysfunction; however, any contribution of B cells is as yet undefined. Here we have shown that WIP deficiency resulted in defects in B cell homing, chemotaxis, survival, and differentiation, ultimately leading to diminished germinal center formation and antibody production. Furthermore, in the absence of WIP, several receptors, namely the BCR, BAFFR, CXCR4, CXCR5, CD40, and TLR4, were impaired in promoting CD19 co-receptor activation and subsequent PI3 kinase (PI3K) signaling. The underlying mechanism was due to a distortion in the actin and tetraspanin networks that lead to altered CD19 cell surface dynamics. In conclusion, our findings suggest that, by regulating the cortical actin cytoskeleton, WIP influences the function of CD19 as a general hub for PI3K signaling.
Rickettsia raoultii and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Dermacentor reticulatus ticks collected from Bialowieza Primeval Forest European bison (Bison bonasus bonasus), Poland
Authors: K. Matsumoto, A. Grzeszczuk, P. Brouqui, D. Raoult
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection (2009)
Sodium transport mediated by concentration-sensitive sodium channel in mouse alveolar epithelium
Authors: Teruki Hagiwara, Shigeru Yoshida
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Introduction: The concentration-sensitive Na+ channel (NaC), a member of the family of voltage-dependent Na+ channels, opens in response to increased Na+ concentration in the extracellular fluid ([Na+]o). Although the expression of NaC in alveolar epithelial type II (AT II) cells has been reported, the physiological role of NaC in lung tissue has not yet been established. Various ion channels in the alveolar epithelium are involved in maintaining the alveolar fluid balance; therefore, we hypothesized that NaC-mediated Na+ transport contributes to the clearance of Na+ from the alveolar fluid. In this study, we examined NaC distribution in mouse lung tissue and the [Na+]o-dependent influx of Na+ into mouse alveolar epithelium.

Methods: We used immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to study mouse lung tissue using antibodies against NaC and other ion transport proteins. In situ hybridization was performed using a digoxigenin-labeled antisense probe for NaC mRNA. Na+ dynamics in mouse alveolar epithelium were analyzed using sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate and an image analyzer Argus-50.

Results: The alveolar epithelial type I (AT I) cells showed positive staining with anti-NaC antibodies. Similarly, NaC mRNA signals were detected in the AT I cells by in situ hybridization. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed the presence of NaC in the cell membrane of the AT I cells. NaC was partially colocalized with γ epithelial sodium channels (ENaC). Results of image analysis showed that Na+ influx into alveolar epithelium was dependent on elevation of [Na+]o.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that NaC, expressed in AT I cells, is involved in Na+ transport in the alveolar epithelium.
Increasing waist circumference during adolescence will decrease FEV1 and FVC in males at 18 years old – The Pelotas (Brazil) 1993 Birth Cohort
Authors: Fernando C. Wehrmeister, Ana M.B. Menezes, Rogelio Perez-Padilla, Ricardo B. Noal, Maria C. Assunção, Helen Gonçalves, Pedro C. Hallal, Aluisio J.D. Barros
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Background : Studies have shown an inverse relationship between waist circumference (WC) and lung function in adults and elderly. The long term effects of such association, as well as its relation to adolescence are not yet established.  Aim : to evaluate the effects of the WC difference between 15 and 18 years old on lung function parameters at age 18 years.  Methods : a cohort study (The Pelotas 1993 Birth Cohort) using data from follow-up visits at 15 and 18 years. WC was evaluated using the difference, in standard deviations, between 15 and 18 years old, adjusted for height in both periods. Spirometry was performed to obtain Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) as absolute (liters) and % of predicted values (using Brazilian equation). Multivariate Linear regression models were performed adjusting for confounders and stratified by sex.  Results : From 5,249 original members 4,106 were evaluated at 18 years old with a follow-rate of 81.4% (including deaths). Spirometry was performed in 3,899 individuals. There was an inverse relationship between the WC difference and FEV 1  among males, both for absolute (FEV 1  β = -0,029 [IC 95% -0.054; -0.004]; FVC β = -0,026 [IC 95% -0.053; 0.000]) and for predicted values (FEV 1  β = -0.661 [IC 95% -1.259; -0.063]; FVC β = -0,591 [IC 95% -1.168; -0.015]). For females no statistically significant differences were found.  Conclusion : WC difference between 15 and 18 years was negatively associated with lung function at 18 years old, only in males. However, the magnitude of this association was low.
Aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgia: Prevalence, clinical and serum parameters among Turkish postmenopausal breast cancer patients
Authors: H. Harputluoglu, O. Dizdar, F. Unsal Malas, L. Ozcakar, N. Bulut, Y. Ozisik, K. Altundag
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2008)

11525 Background: The frequency of aromatase inhibitor (AI)-associated arthralgia is reported to be between 5–47% among various adjuvant studies. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and pathogenesis of AI associated arthralgia in patients with breast cancer. Methods: Fifty-three postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer receiving adjuvant AI treatment were involved. Musculoskeletal symptoms were assessed by using Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT) symptom scales. Serum anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), anti-DNA antibody, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C reactive protein, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP), rheumatoid factor (RF) levels were measured. Articular/periarticular ultrasonogram was performed for involved joints and electromyogram (EMG) of upper and lower extremities was performed for neuropathy. Results: Median age of the patients was 57 and median duration of AI use was 12 months. Thirty patients were receiving anastrozole, 22 receiving letrozole and one exemestane. 21 patients (39.6%) had AI- associated new-onset or worsening arthralgia. Most frequently involved joints were knee (67%), small joints of the hand (57%) and ankle (38.9%) joints. 26.4 % of the patients had ANA positivity (titer 1/80–1/160, homogenous or speckled pattern), 5.7% had anti-DNA positivity, 5.7% had anti-CCP positivity, 35.8% had RF positivity, 40% had osteoporosis, 57% had effusion in the effected joints, 72% had EMG findings consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome. The only differences between the patients with and without arthralgia were ANA and anti-DNA positivity rates; 40% vs. 19% for ANA, p=0.1, and 14% vs. 0% for anti-DNA, p=0.055, respectively. Conclusions: A significant fraction of patients using AIs experiences arthralgia. This study showed that an autoimmune process may be responsible for arthralgia in at least a proportion of the patients. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Coevolution of yeast mannan digestion: Convergence of the civilized human diet, distal gut microbiome, and host immunity
Authors: D Wade Abbott, Eric C Martens, Harry J Gilbert, Fiona Cuskin, Elisabeth C Lowe
Journal: Gut Microbes (2015)

The complex carbohydrates accessible to the distal gut microbiota (DGM) are key drivers in determining the structure of this ecosystem. Typically, plant cell wall polysaccharides and recalcitrant starch (i.e. dietary fiber), in addition to host glycans are considered the primary nutrients for the DGM; however, we recently demonstrated that α-mannans, highly branched polysaccharides that decorate the surface of yeast, are also nutrients for several members of Bacteroides spp. This relationship suggests that the advent of yeast in contemporary food technologies and the colonization of the intestine by endogenous fungi have roles in microbiome structure and function. Here we discuss the process of yeast mannan metabolism, and the intersection between various sources of intestinal fungi and their roles in recognition by the host innate immune system.
Inhalation Carcinogenesis of Various Alkylating Agents&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN2"&gt;2&lt;/xref&gt;
Authors: A R Sellakumar, C A Snyder, R E Albert
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1987)

A series of earlier studies showed that inhalation exposures of rats to three water-reactive electrophilic compounds produced brisk yields of nasal cancer even when the animals were exposed for only 30 days (6 hr/day X 5 day/wk). In addition, carcinogenic potencies of the compounds appeared to relate to their chemical reactivities as measured by hydrolysis rates. For a further study of this phenomenon, inhalation exposures were conducted with five additional water-reactive compounds: beta-propiolactone [(BPL) CAS: 57-57-8], methylmethane sulfonate [(MMS) CAS: 66-27-3], ethylchloroformate [(ECF) CAS: 541-41-3], dichloroacetyl chloride [(DCAC) CAS: 79-36-7], and propylene oxide [(PO) CAS: 75-56-9] on male Sprague-Dawley rats. The hydrolysis rates of these compounds span 6 orders of magnitude. The compounds were administered for 30 days (6 hr/day X 5 days/wk) with the use of exposure concentrations that were inversely proportional to the respective hydrolysis rates. With this protocol, all compounds except PO (the slowest reacting compound) produced nasal cancer in rats. The concentrations of MMS and BPL employed in the studies produced similar nasal cancer yields, indicating that the carcinogenic potencies of these compounds in rat nasal mucosa were proportional to their hydrolysis rates. The nasal cancer yields of DCAC and ECF were less than expected. DCAC hydrolyzes so rapidly at in vivo temperatures (half-life much less than 0.01 min) that it may not reach target DNA in reactive form. Why the exposures to ECF produced yields of nasal cancer not predicted by its reactivity is currently under investigation. These results combined with our earlier results demonstrate that the carcinogenic potencies of some inhaled reactive electrophilic compounds are related to their hydrolysis rates.
Immunologic Surveillance Against Chemically Induced Primary Colon Carcinoma in Rats 2
Authors: Subhash C. Bansal, Raymond Mark, Bharti R. Bansal, Jonathan E. Rhoads
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1978)

A 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride-induced rat gastrointestinal tract tumor model was used to study the phenomenon of immunologic surveillance. In two different sets of experiments, a properly timed administration of antithymocyte globulin resulted in earlier tumor appearance, increased numbers of tumors, and increased multiplicity of gastrointestinal tumors. Results obtained from histologic examination of the gastrointestinal tract at different times after the last dose of 1 ,2- dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride suggested that a normally functioning immune system effectively suppressed the growth of some nascent tumors. However, the immunosuppression of the host with antithymocyte globulin allowed the development of foci of microtumors into grossly visible neoplasms. Our experiments supported the concept that immunologic surveillance against neoplasia depends on the thymus cell system, although other possible mechanisms were not excluded.
Lung function and immunopathological changes after inhaled corticosteroid therapy in asthma
Authors: C Burke, CK Power, A Norris, A Condez, B Schmekel, LW Poulter
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1992)

Six patients with asthma (American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria), maintained on inhaled beta 2-agonists alone, were treated with inhaled corticosteroid (budesonide 400 micrograms b.d.) for a period of three months. Prior to steroid therapy, baseline spirometry, bronchodilator response and bronchial hyperresponsiveness were documented and endobronchial biopsies were obtained for immunopathological analysis. Frozen sections of the biopsies were investigated using immunoperoxidase methods, with a panel of monoclonal antibodies selected to reveal the presence and distribution of lymphocyte and macrophage subsets and HLA-DR expression. After three months the studies were repeated. Studies before steroid therapy revealed a T-cell-dominated inflammation in the bronchial wall of all subjects. Baseline airway obstruction, median (range) forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 78.5 (61-109)% of predicted, with a significant bronchodilator response 20.8 (14-33)% and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to histamine geometric mean (SD) PC20FEV1 0.69 (2.5) mg was documented. Steroid therapy caused a significant reduction in bronchial hyperresponsiveness to histamine, with an increase in geometric mean PC20FEV1 to 2.22 (3.2) mg post steroid (p less than 0.03). Concurrent with a reduction in bronchodilator response and an increase in spirometric variables (improved forced midexpiratory flow (FEF25-75) p less than 0.03), there were marked reductions observed in the overall numbers of T-lymphocytes (CD 2, 5, 8), the numbers of CD45RO+ T-cells, and the numbers of macrophages (RFD1+) with the phenotype of antigen presenting cells. In all six subjects, reductions in the quantitative expression of HLA-DR molecules were also seen.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Hyperthyroidism and Radio-Iodine Therapy in a District General Hospital
Authors: D F Child, M A S S Mughni, P Hudson, C P Williams, J N Harvey
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1994)

A retrospective analysis was performed of 48 patients with hyperthyroidism (41 women aged 35-80, mean 56.6 years; 7 men aged 31-77, mean 52.1 years) treated with a fixed dose of 550 MBq 131I during a 12 month period May 1991-April 1992. Weight loss was common at presentation but 28.57% of women aged 35-49 years weighed over 80 kg compared to 9.98% in a standard UK population P < 0.05. Patients treated with carbimazole (73%) prior to 131I had higher FT3 levels at presentation (14.0 +/- 4.4 pmol/l) compared to those (27%) who were considered not to require such treatment (8.9 +/- 1.4 pmol/l, P < 0.001). Four months following radio-iodine, 67% were hypothyroid, 25% were euthyroid and 8% remained thyrotoxic and were retreated. Another patient became hypothyroid during 1 year of follow-up. Pre-treatment with carbimazole did not protect against the development of hypothyroidism (carbimazole treated 69% hypothyroid at 4 months, untreated 62% hypothyroid at 4 months). Patients with continuing thyrotoxicosis had very high FT3 levels at presentation (18.6, 21.1, 20 and in one patient reported only as > 10 pmol/l). A rationalized programme of follow-up assessments at 2, 3, 4, 8 and 12 months is suggested for patients treated with this dose of radio-iodine.
Management of the complications of submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection for upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors
Authors: Tao Chen, Chen Zhang, Li-Qing Yao, Ping-Hong Zhou, Yun-Shi Zhong, Yi-Qun Zhang, Wei-Feng Chen, Quan-Lin Li, Ming-Yan Cai, Yuan Chu, Mei-Dong Xu
Journal: Endoscopy (2015)

<b>Background and study aims: </b>Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) has become a potential option for the endoscopic treatment of a selected group of patients with submucosal tumors (SMTs) originating from the muscularis propria layer in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the incidence and management of STER-related complications. <b>Patients and methods: </b>From January 2011 to August 2013, 290 patients with upper gastrointestinal SMTs treated by STER were included in the study. Clinicopathological characteristics and complication data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. <b>Results: </b>Mucosal injury occurred in three cases (1.0 %) and major bleeding occurred in five cases (1.7 %). The gas-related complications were very common; however, only nine cases of major pneumothorax (> 30 % lung collapse) needed therapeutic intervention (3.1 %). Thoracic effusion occurred in 49 patients, 11 of whom had low grade fever or segmental atelectasis that required thoracentesis and drainage (3.8 %). Thus, although the overall incidence of complications was 23.4 % (68/290), only 10.0 % of procedures (29/290) required intervention for complications. Based on the statistical analysis, irregular shape, tumor in the deep muscularis propria layer, long procedure time, and air insufflation were risk factors of STER-related major complications. <b>Conclusion:</b> Although the incidence of STER-related complications was relatively high, most of these complications were minor and did not require therapeutic intervention. STER is a safe technique for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal SMTs.
Assessment of the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with undiagnosed chronic cough
Authors: Mohamed Zidan, Hany Shaarawy
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background: Recent reports have suggested an association between chronic cough and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). There is also evidence that treatment of sleep apnea can improve chronic cough. Objective: Is to assess the prevalence of OSA in patients with undiagnosed chronic cough and the effect of using CPAP therapy on the improvement of cough in those patients. Methods: The present study included 100 non smoker patients complaining of cough for more than 8 weeks without obvious diagnosis, after exclusion of any parenchymal lung or mediastinal diseases using chest X-ray, CT chest, pulmonary function testing, and methacholine challenge test to exclude cough variant asthma, patients undergone full polysomnography to screen for OSA and in whom proved to have the diagnosis, CPAP was tried for 2 weeks then follow up of the cough frequency and severity was done. Results: The study included 100 patients, with 60% females and 40% males, the duration of cough in weeks was 18.16±6.01 weeks, the most common cause of cough was gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which was present in 70% of cases followed by upper airway cough syndrome (UACS) which was present in 50% of cases, OSA was present in 25% of patients in association with GERD in 15 patients and in association with UACS in 10 patients (10%). There was significant improvement of cough after using CPAP for 2 weeks (visual analogue scale (VAS) dropped from 82.4±8.6 mm to 7.4±5.11 mm after use of CPAP). Conclusion: OSA should be ruled out in patients with undiagnosed chronic cough as it is a common finding. CPAP seems to be an effective tool in treating those patients.