tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Finasteride increases anagen hair in men with androgenetic alopecia
Authors: D. Van Neste, V. Fuh, P. Sanchez-Pedreno, E. Lopez-Bran, H. Wolff, D. Whiting, J. Roberts, D. Kopera, J-J. Stene, S. Calvieri, A. Tosti, E. Prens, M. Guarrera, P. Kanojia, W. He, K.D. Kaufman
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2000)

Background The growth of scalp hair is a cyclical process of successive phases of growth (anagen) and rest (telogen). In previous clinical trials in men with androgenetic alopecia, treatment with finasteride increased scalp hair counts in a defined area (i.e. increased hair density). Objectives The current study used a phototrichogram methodology to assess the effect of finasteride on the phases of the hair growth cycle. Patients/Methods Two hundred and twelve men, age 18–40 years, with androgenetic alopecia were randomized to receive finasteride 1 mg daily or placebo for 48 weeks. At baseline and at 24 and 48 weeks, macrophotographs were taken to measure total and anagen hair count in a 1‐cm2 target area of the scalp. Results At baseline, mean total and anagen hair counts in the finasteride group were 200 and 124 hairs, respectively (% anagen = 62%) and the anagen to telogen ratio was 1·74 (geometric mean). In the placebo group, the respective values were 196 and 119 hairs (% anagen = 60%) and 1·57. At week 48, the finasteride group had a net improvement (mean ± SE) compared with placebo in total and anagen hair counts of 17·3 ± 2·5 hairs (8·3% ± 1·4%) and 27·0 ± 2·9 hairs (26% ± 3·1%), respectively (P < 0·001). Furthermore, treatment with finasteride resulted in a net improvement in the anagen to telogen ratio of 47% (P < 0·001). In this study, treatment with finasteride 1 mg day−1 for 48 weeks increased both total and anagen hair counts, and improved the anagen to telogen ratio. Conclusions These data provide direct evidence that finasteride 1 mg daily promotes the conversion of hairs into the anagen phase. These data support that finasteride treatment results in favourable effects on hair quality that contribute to the visible improvements in hair growth observed in treated patients.
Cyclophosphamide conditioning in patients with severe aplastic anaemia given unrelated marrow transplantation: a phase 1–2 dose de-escalation study
Authors: Paolo Anderlini, Juan Wu, Iris Gersten, Marian Ewell, Jakob Tolar, Joseph H Antin, Roberta Adams, Sally Arai, Gretchen Eames, Mitchell E Horwitz, John McCarty, Ryotaro Nakamura, Michael A Pulsipher, Scott Rowley, Eric Leifer, Shelly L Carter, Nancy L DiFronzo, Mary M Horowitz, Dennis Confer, H Joachim Deeg, Mary Eapen
Journal: The Lancet Haematology (2015)
Long non-coding RNA CCAL regulates colorectal cancer progression by activating Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway via suppression of activator protein 2α
Authors: Yanlei Ma, Yongzhi Yang, Feng Wang, Mary-Pat Moyer, Qing Wei, Peng Zhang, Zhe Yang, Weijie Liu, Huizhen Zhang, Niwei Chen, Hua Wang, Huamin Wang, Huanlong Qin
Journal: Gut (2015)

<h3>Objective</h3> Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as key molecules in cancers, yet their potential molecular mechanisms are not well understood. The objective of this study is to examine the expression and functions of lncRNAs in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). <h3>Methods</h3> LncRNA expression profiling of CRC, adenoma and normal colorectal tissues was performed to identify tumour-related lncRNAs involved in colorectal malignant transformation. Then, we used quantitative reverse transcription PCR assays to measure the tumour-related lncRNA and to assess its association with survival and response to adjuvant chemotherapy in 252 patients with CRC. The mechanisms of CCAL function and regulation in CRC were examined using molecular biological methods. <h3>Results</h3> We identified colorectal cancer-associated lncRNA (CCAL) as a key regulator of CRC progression. Patients whose tumours had high CCAL expression had a shorter overall survival and a worse response to adjuvant chemotherapy than patients whose tumours had low CCAL expression. CCAL promoted CRC progression by targeting activator protein 2α (AP-2α), which in turn activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway. CCAL induced multidrug resistance (MDR) through activating Wnt/β-catenin signalling by suppressing AP-2α and further upregulating MDR1/P-gp expression. In addition, we found that histone H3 methylation and deacetylases contributed to the upregulation of CCAL in CRC. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Our results suggest that CCAL is a crucial oncogenic regulator involved in CRC tumorigenesis and progression.
Pulmonary function criteria in pre-operative evaluation for cardiac surgery
Authors: Ana Sofia Santos, Ricardo Coelho, Raquel Rosa, Alexandra Borba, José Fragata, João Cardoso
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Preoperative pulmonary function (PF) testing is often indicated in the evaluation of surgical candidates, especially if scheduled for thoracic and upper abdominal surgery.

Patients (pts) submitted to non-resective thoracic surgery are traditionally considered high-risk if FEV1 < 1L (or <60% of predicted), FVC < 1,5L or DLco <60% of predicted.

Yet, more recent publications suggest that these limits may be too conservative and that surgery can be safely performed in selected high-risk pts.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of pre-operative lung dysfunction in the outcome of pts submitted to cardiac surgery (particularly length of mechanical ventilation (MV)).

Methods: Pts included in this study were pts evaluated for cardiac surgery (CABG and/or valvular) at our PF Laboratory. The variables evaluated were demographics, PF results and surgical variables and the differences between pts with or without lung dysfunction were analysed.

Results: Thirty pts were studied (60% male, mean age 69y, 36,6% never smokers). Changes in PF were present in 70% of pts and 43,3% were high risk pts. The mean EuroSCORE II was 4,66% and 50% of pts underwent valve surgery, 33.3% CABG and 16.7% both procedures. Extracorporeal circulation was used in 83,3% of pts. Only 1 pt died. No single pulmonary function change in high risk patients was associated with increased MV time but these pts had longer length of hospital stay (7,8 vs. 11,7 days).

Conclusions: The results in this study suggest that the criteria used to define high risk pts for non-resective thoracic surgery may be too restrictive and that a less conservative approach can be used when evaluating surgical candidates with pulmonary dysfunction.
Isolation of the Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus: Chemical and Morphological Studies2
Authors: Michael J. Lyons, Dan H. Moore
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1965)

The course of purification of the mammary tumor virus from milk of infective Columbia RIII strain mice by methods involving velocity gradient (zone) centrifugation in Ficoll, a chemically inert, high molecular weight, synthetic polysaccharide, is described. On a dry weight basis, an approximate 1,000-fold enrichment of virus was achieved. A fraction consisting of what appeared to be incomplete virus was separated in a zone above the main viral particle zone in the gradient tube. The viral particles had an average lipid content of 27 percent and a ribonucleic acid (RN A) content of 0.8 percent on a dry weight basis. Experiments pointed to the essential single-stranded character of the RNA, the mononucleotide composition of which, in moles percent, was: uridine monophosphate, 28.9; guanosine monophosphate, 30.2; cytidine monophosphate, 21.6; adenosine monophosphate, 19.3. The value of 3.7 × 106 daltons was determined for the average RNA content of the virions. In certain morphological features and in aspects of their maturation, largely relating to the arrangement of the nucleic acid-containing structure within the particles, they differed significantly from the myxoviruses, a group which they otherwise resemble in general morphology and gross chemical composition. Substantial tumorigenicity for the mammary gland was found to reside in viral particle preparations, purified by isopyenic gradient centrifugation in rubidium chloride and gradient electrophoresis, methods previously described—the purity of which was attested by electron microscopic examination.
Evaluation of Factors Contributing to Tumor Resistance to Cyclophosphamide2
Authors: David C. Laux, Robert N. Lausch
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1974)

Cyclophosphamide chemotherapy (200 mg/kg weekly), initially successful in preventing the progressive growth of syngeneic transplants of PARA-adenovirus 7transformed cells, lost its effectiveness after 6-8 drug treatments. A number of potential mechanisms for this reversal were investigated. Experiments with normal and tumor-bearing hosts provided no evidence that the critical factor for resumption of tumor growth was a decrease in host's capacity to convert the drug to its active form. Transplantation rejection tests indicated that the drugresistant cells retained or even increased their immunosensitivity. Therefore, selection of immunoresistant cells had not occurred. Tumor cells obtained from biopsy specimens of growing neoplasms in both in vitro and in vivo tests were clearly more resistant than the parent cells to cyclophosphamide. It was concluded that tumor growth resumed primarily because of a decreased susceptibility to the drug. Since cyclophosphamide abrogated established tumor immunity, suppression of the host immune response was a possible contributing factor.
Results of a Pilot Study Involving the Use of an Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotide Directed Against the Insulin-Like Growth Factor Type I Receptor in Malignant Astrocytomas
Authors: David W. Andrews, Mariana Resnicoff, Adam E. Flanders, Lawrence Kenyon, Mark Curtis, Gino Merli, Renato Baserga, George Iliakis, Robert D. Aiken
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2001)

PURPOSE: Preclinical animal experiments support the use of an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide directed against the insulin-like growth factor type I receptor (IGF-IR/AS ODN) as an effective potential antitumor agent. We performed a human pilot safety and feasibility study using an IGF-IR/AS ODN strategy in patients with malignant astrocytoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Autologous glioma cells collected at surgery were treated ex vivo with an IGF-IR/AS ODN, encapsulated in diffusion chambers, reimplanted in the rectus sheath within 24 hours of craniotomy, and retrieved after a 24-hour in situ incubation. Serial posttreatment assessments included clinical examination, laboratory studies, and magnetic resonance imaging scans. RESULTS: Other than deep venous thrombosis noted in some patients, no other treatment-related side effects were observed. IGF-IR/AS ODN–treated cells, when retrieved and assessed, were ≤ 2% intact by trypan blue exclusion, and none of the intact cells were viable in culture thereafter. Parallel Western blots disclosed IGF-IR downregulation to ≤ 10% after ex vivo antisense treatment. At follow-up, clinical and radiographic improvements were observed in eight of 12 patients, including three cases of distal recurrence with unexpected spontaneous or postsurgical regression at either the primary or the distant intracranial site. CONCLUSION: Ex vivo IGF-IR/AS ODN treatment of autologous glioma cells induces apoptosis and a host response in vivo without unusual side effects. Subsequent transient and sustained radiographic and clinical improvements warrant further clinical investigations.
Impact of cough on quality of sleep and effect of anti-tussive treatment in children: An observational study
Authors: Alessandro Zanasi, Gianluca De Danieli, Luigi Lanata, Rossella Balsamo, Salvatore Cazzato, Francesco De Blasio
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Background: Cough is one of the most frequent symptoms in children and is the most common symptom for which children are visited by primary care paediatricians.

Methods: We studied 433 children who required a paediatrician specific consultation for acute cough and analyzed quality of sleep and anti–tussive treatment.

Results: The mean age of the children was 6.1 years (DS 3.6). Cough disturbed sleep in 87.5% of children (Fig.1) and in 71% of parents.

![Figure][1] 



The number of children treated with peripheral anti-tussives (leodropropizine n=101) was higher than with central anti-tussives (codeine and cloperastine n=60). Percentage of cough resolution was significantly higher with levodropropizine than with central anti-tussives (47% vs. 28% respectively, p=0.0012) (Fig 2). Percentage of no change or worsenng was lower for levodropropizine vs. central drugs (3% vs. 18%, respectively).

![Figure][1] 



Conclusions: Cough disturbed children and parents sleep. Both peripheral and central anti-tussives were effective in reducing cough intensity, with an advantage for levodropropizine in terms of higher cough resolution and lower unsuccessful treatment.

 [1]: pending:yes
Maximal inspiratory pressures, lung volumes and flows in young rowers
Authors: Jana Kivastik, Mati Arend, Raul Rämson, Jarek Mäestu
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Respiratory muscle training has demonstrated improvement in exercise performance in both healthy adults and in patients with chronic respiratory illnesses. Such programs often ask to perform respiratory efforts against a pressure load equivalent to a certain percent of maximal respiratory pressures. Portable devices are available to measure those maximal pressures, but it can be highly dependent on participant effort.  Our aim was to find out whether maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) correlates with different flow-volume loop parameters in a group of college level rowers and to compare the data from athletes with reference values.  We studied 19-33 year-old rowers (n=14, two of them female) with height 173-202 cm. Spirometry was performed to determine FVC, FEV 1 , PEF and PIF. MIP was measured with a hand-held mouth pressure meter. All measured values were compared with reference data and correlations between MIP, lung function and anthropometric indices were found.  Compared to reference population values of FVC and FEV 1  from rowers were mostly above average (97-130% pred.), whereas PEF ranged from 85 to 120% of predicted. All 3 forced expiration indices correlated with height (p 2 O). The only significant positive correlation was found between MIP and PIF (p  Relatively high lung volumes and flows compared to the predicted values indicate the increased functional capacity of respiratory system in rowers. We found a wide between-individual variability of MIP in young subjects. MIP values did correlate with neither anthropometric nor spirometric indices (except for PIF).
Diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis in East London, UK
Authors: Joanne Li Shen Ooi, Foong Way David Tai, Simon Wong, Mohamed Adhnan Thaha, Jessica Louise Potter, Veronica Lilian Coral White, Heinke Kunst
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Background   Abdominal tuberculosis (ATB) is often diagnosed late. Culture confirmation rates are low. Various other diagnostic modalities are used to support treatment decisions.   Methods   We conducted a retrospective study of 50 consecutive patients with ATB managed at a London tertiary centre from 2009-2012. Patient demographics, site of ATB, details of confirmation of TB diagnosis and treatment were recorded.   Results   Of 50 patients, 46% were male. Mean age at diagnosis was 37.7 years (range 11-73). 90% were not UK born, 64% (32/50) from Bangladesh/India/Pakistan. Of all patients, 10% had confirmed HIV. 30% had coexisting pulmonary TB.  Peritoneal involvement was present in 52% of all ATB. Radiological evidence of ATB was found in 81%. Ascites was sampled in 46% and was culture positive in 23%. Laparoscopy was performed in 58% of cases. 88% patients had histology positive for granulomatous inflammation; 46% had positive cultures of biopsy tissue. Average treatment time of peritoneal TB was 7.3 months.  Intestinal TB comprised 28% of all ATB, mostly involving small bowel (10/14) but also oesophagus, stomach, appendix and colon. 50% had concurrent peritoneal involvement. Granulomatous changes were seen in 85%; 43% were culture positive. Average treatment duration was 7.6 months.  Isolated ATB lymphadenitis was seen in 12%, biopsied in 2 of 6, both positive for histology and culture. Another 2 of the 6 were culture positive on bronchoalveolar lavage.  Perineal/perianal TB was seen in 5 cases (culture confirmed in 3). Average treatment in this group was significantly longer than for ATB involving other sites (10 vs 7.3 months, p=0.04).   Conclusions   Laparoscopic biopsy should be performed if possible. Treatment times often exceed 6 months.
Abstract 19048: Tissue-Specific Regulation of Phospholipase C Beta-3 by Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA)
Authors: Tim Allhoff, Thomas Thum, Natalie Lund, Anna Klinke, Eike-Christin von Leitner, Yoshimi Kakiuchi, Claudia Kuhne, Edzard Schwedhelm, Tanja Rudolph, Volker Rudolph, Stephan Willems, Thomas Meinertz, Rainer H Boger, Phil S Tsao, Stephan Baldus, Karsten Sydow
Journal: Circulation (2010)

Elevated concentrations of the endogenous NO synthase inhibitor ADMA correlate with endothelial dysfunction and increased cardiovascular risk. ADMA is degraded by the enzyme DDAH. DDAH1-transgenic (DDAH1) mice show an increased NO production and are protected against inflammatory responses in graft coronary artery disease and ischemia reperfusion injury. The aim of this study was to identify ADMA-regulated genes in aortic tissue. Microarray gene expression analyses were performed in aortic tissue of DDAH1 male mice, wild-type littermates (WT), and C57Bl/6 (C57) mice with or without chronic ADMA infusion (50 mg/kg/body weight) via osmotic minipumps. DDAH1 mice showed lower ADMA plasma concentrations (DDAH1 vs. WT; 0.52±0.04 vs. 0.68±0.05 μmol/l, p<0.05) determined by LC-MS/MS, whereas ADMA-treated animals presented high ADMA levels (C57 vs. C57+ADMA; 0.83±0.03 vs. 3.30±0.21 μmol/l, p<0.001). Chronic ADMA infusion and DDAH1 overexpression resulted in a significant up- and downregulation of genes, particular...
Naturally Occurring Leukemia Viruses in &lt;italic&gt;H-2&lt;/italic&gt; Congenic C57BL Mice. I. High Lymphoma Incidence Following Milk-Borne Transmission of Virus&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: C J Melief, A Vlug, R E de Goede, C de Bruyne, W Barendsen, P de Greeve
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1980)

Two modes of transmission of ecotropic type C viruses occur naturally in C57BL mice: maternal (i.e., through milk) and genetic. By selection of virus-positive and virus-negative BIO.ASgSn [B10.A (H-2a)] mothers and foster-nursing of C57BL/10ScSn [B10 (H-2bb)] newborns, four sublines of C57BL mice were obtained: B10.A V+, B10.A V−, B10 V+, and B10 V−. (V+ denotes positive for milk-transmitted B-troplc virus; V− denotes negative for milk-transmitted B-tropic virus.) Milk transmission of naturally prevalent B-troplc virus (V+ subllnes) led to persistent infection of all offspring over at least 8 generations. Milk transmission of virus was associated with a very high incidence of lymphomas. The H-2 complex influenced the titers of virus after milk transmission, which were higher in B10.A V+ mice than in B10 V+ mice. H-2 control of virus titers, as measured by serum p30 assay, was confirmed in (B10.A V+ × B10 V+)F2 mice. Resistance to the virus was dominant, because serum p30 levels in F1 and H-2a/b F2 animals were similar to those in the B10 V+ subline and lower than those in the B10.A V+ subline. The H-2 complex also influenced the incidence of lymphomas (78 and 42%, respectively, in the B10.A V+ and B10 V+ sublines). Most B10.A V+ lymphomas were of T-cell origin, whereas most B10 V+ lymphomas were classified as non-T/non-B-cells. Genetic transmission of virus (V− sublines) led to heterogeneous expression of both N- and B-tropic viruses, which thereby established the mottled trait for expression of genetically transmitted type C viruses in C57BL mice. Genetic transmission was associated with a low incidence of lymphomas that occurred in senescence.
Proksimal ve Eşzamanlı Kolorektal Neoplazi ile Metabolik Sendrom Birlikteliği
Authors: Han-Mo Chiu, § Jaw-Town Lin, ║ Chia-Tung Shun, Jin-Tung Liang, # Yi-Chia Lee, § Shih-Pei Huang, ‡ veMING-SHIANG Wu
Journal: Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (2007)
Mild cognitive impairment and self reported exacerbation rate in patients with COPD
Authors: Brenda Deering, Niamh McCormack, Richard Costello
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) and Dementia normally present between the ages of 40 and 65. Co-morbidities associated with COPD may also predispose the onset of dementia. This audit was undertaken to determine the degree of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in patients presenting to the COPD Outreach Department when compared to age matched norms using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Tool (MoCA: range 0-30:   An audit (n=66) was undertaken; included: 23M, 32F; excluded: depression n=7; legally blind n=1; refused n=3. Results were compared to age matched norms by calculating the Z-Score. Descriptive and correlation analysis (Spearman9s Rank), were used. A linear regression analysis was undertaken to identify the independence of relationships to the MoCA.  Average age [72 (±8)], COPD GOLD stage (mode III), self reported (SR) exacerbation rate [3 (±2)] and smoke pack years [53 (±40)]were calculated. The average school leaving (SL) age was 14 (±3)] and 45% reported anxiety or depression (32.5% undiagnosed). The average MoCA+1 [for   When compared to reported age matched norms, patients with COPD scored worse on the MoCA. A lower Z-score on the MoCA is independently associated with exacerbation rate.
Effect of Aging on Cholecystokinin-Induced Panic
Authors: Alastair J. Flint, Diana Koszycki, Franco J. Vaccarino, Alain Cadieux, Jean-Philippe Boulenger, Jacques Bradwejn
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1998)

Epidemiologic surveys have found that the incidence and prevalence of panic disorder decline in later life. The goal of this study was to determine whether aging has an effect on healthy subjects' responses to the panicogenic agent cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK-4).The study used a double-blind, placebo-controlled design: 40 subjects 20-35 years old and 40 subjects 65 years old or older were randomly assigned to receive an intravenous bolus of either 50 micrograms of CCK-4 or normal saline.When given CCK-4, older subjects had significantly fewer and less intense symptoms of panic, shorter duration of symptoms, and less of an increase in heart rate than did younger subjects.This study found an age-related change in responsiveness to CCK-4. Further research to delineate the mechanism of this change is warranted.