tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and prognostic factors associated with cardiovascular (CV) comorbidity in COPD patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation (AECOPD)
Authors: Jacques Piquet, Jean-Michel Chavaillon, Pablo Ferrer-Lopez, Laëtitia Chemery, François Sénéchal, Nicolas Roche
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Background:  In a recent publication (Piquet, ERJ, 2013), we found that CV comorbidity (coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure) was an independent risk factor for mortality following hospitalization for AECOPD.    Objective:  To compare the characteristics and risk factors for 4-year mortality between COPD patients with and without CV comorbidity hospitalized for AECOPD.    Methods:  Vital status of 1824 patients (female: 23.2%; age: 70.3+/-11.3 yrs) admitted for AECOPD in 2006-2007 was documented in 2010-2011.    Results:  Vital status was available for 1750 patients: 481 (27.5%) and 1269 (72.5%) with and without CV comorbidity, respectively. Mortality was 57.0% and 40.4% in these patients, respectively. The following significant differences were found between patients with vs without CV comorbidity: increased % of men (84.4% vs 73.9%); older age (74.3+/-9.4 vs 68.5+/-11.5 yrs); higher BMI (26.3+/-5.9 vs 25.3+/-6.0 kg/m2); higher frequency of arrhythmia (6.2% vs 2.5%) and lower limb oedema (18.9% vs 11.1%) on admission. Multivariate analysis found that age (≥80 vs     Conclusion:  Despite different mortality rates and characteristics at admission, patients with and without CV comorbidity share largely similar independent risk factors for mortality.
The effects of bacilli Calmette Guerin-polysaccharide nucleic acid on nasal airway inflammation and resistance in allergic rhinitis mice
Authors: Yin Xi, Kefang Lai, Lina Han, Na Wu, Yanhua Hong, Jiaxing Xie, Wei Luo, Nanshan Zhong
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Background:  Lots of data can be found to approve that exposure to mycobacteria has the potential to suppress the development of allergic rhinitis or atopy.But the influence of bacilli Calmette Guerin-polysaccharide nucleic acid (BCG-PSN) especially on nasal airway inflammation and resistance (R NA ) on mice,are poorly understood.   Objective:  Investigate the effects of BCG-PSN on nasal airway inflammation and resistance in allergic rhinitis mice.   Method:  Balb/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA)/saline,then challenged by intranasal administration under conscious to establish an allergic rhinitis model.The mice were intervened with BCG-PSN by intranasal administration (1, 5, 10μg) before sensitization. A novel method of R NA  was applied to measure nasal function. Then the inflammation of nose was accessed by nasal tissues histology.   Result:  In 3 interventions groups the R NA  had no statistical difference compared to rhinitis group.But compared to the normal group,the R NA  of expiration in 10μg,5μg group and the R NA  of inspiration in 10μg group had no statistical difference.The number of eosinophils (Eos) in 10μg group was lower than rhinitis group as well as mucosal thickness.   Conclusion:  BCG-PSN can inhibit nasal airway inflammation and decrease nasal airway resistance in allergic rhinitis mice.
Safety of Calcium Channel Blockers in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Anatoly Langer
Journal: Circulation (1998)

The article by Kluijtmans and colleagues 1 (Circulation, October 21, 1997) adds to the growing literature on the relationship between the common thermolabile variant of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and risk of vascular disease.In an angiographically assessed cohort of subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD) participating in a statin regression trial (RE-GRESS), significantly increased homocysteine concentrations were found in subjects homozygous (ϩ/ϩ) or heterozygous (ϩ/Ϫ) for the thermolabile variant compared with those carrying only the normal variant (Ϫ/Ϫ).Median levels were 2.8 and 0.8 mol/L higher in the ϩ/ϩ and ϩ/Ϫ subjects, respectively.Compared with population-based controls, there was trend toward higher risk of CAD in subjects carrying the thermolabile variant, but this did not reach significance (OR for ϩ/ϩ versus Ϫ/Ϫ: 1.21 [0.87 to 1.68]; ϩ/Ϫ versus Ϫ/Ϫ: 1.14 [0.94 to 1.38]).However, when the results were combined with those of 6 other studies, including our own, 2 in a meta-analysis, there was a significant increase in relative risk in subjects with the ϩ/ϩ genotype (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.47).The data of Kluijtmans et al in a large cohort of wellcharacterized CAD patients are welcome.However, I am concerned by their meta-analysis.They have pooled together data from studies that have examined different phenotypes.For example, in our study, 2 we recruited subjects with myocardial infarction.Although there is, of course, a relationship between angiographic CAD and myocardial infarction, the 2 are not synonymous, and each has distinct determinants.This is likely to extend to genetic causes.Indeed, analysis of different phenotypes may explain at least some of the discrepancies that have been reported not only in relation to the thermolabile MTHFR mutation but also to other genetic factors.Meta-analysis, even when restricted to a single phenotype, has several well-recognized limitations. 3 When added to by heterogeneity in the phenotype, its validity is highly questionable.The meta-analysis carried out by Kluijtmans et al adds little to their primary data.Although positive, it should not be interpreted as strong evidence in support of a role for the MTHFR thermolabile mutation as a determinant of coronary risk.
Autophagy Activation and Protection From Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Human Chondrocytes
Authors: Paloma López de Figueroa, Martin K. Lotz, Francisco J. Blanco, Beatriz Caramés
Journal: Arthritis & Rheumatology (2015)

Objective Autophagy is a key pathway of cellular homeostasis for removing damaged macromolecules and organelles, including mitochondria. Recent studies indicate that activation of autophagy is defective in aging and osteoarthritis (OA), contributing to cell death and tissue damage. In addition, there is increasing evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in OA pathogenesis. The objective of this study was to determine whether activation of autophagy protects against mitochondrial dysfunction in human chondrocytes. Methods Human chondrocytes were treated with oligomycin, an inhibitor of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex V. Autophagy activation was analyzed by determination of light chain 3 membrane‐bound form II (LC3‐II), a marker of autophagosome formation. To investigate whether autophagy protects from mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy was induced by rapamycin, the selective inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC‐1), and by torin 1, the inhibitor of mTORC‐1 and mTORC‐2. Small interfering autophagy‐related 5 was used to evaluate the role of autophagy in mitochondrial dysfunction. Results Mitochondrial dysfunction was induced by treatment with oligomycin, which significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). This was associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species and cell death. Autophagy activation, as reflected by LC3‐II, was decreased in a time‐dependent manner. To evaluate whether autophagy regulates mitochondrial function, chondrocytes were pretreated with rapamycin and torin 1 before oligomycin. Autophagy activation significantly protected against mitochondrial dysfunction. Conversely, genetic inhibition of autophagy induced significant mitochondrial function defects. Conclusion Our data highlight the role of autophagy as a critical protective mechanism against mitochondrial dysfunction. Pharmacologic interventions that enhance autophagy may have chondroprotective activity in cartilage degenerative processes such as OA.
Long-term effects on renal function and blood pressure of treatment with cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin in patients with germ cell cancer.
Authors: S W Hansen, S Groth, G Daugaard, N Rossing, M Rørth
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1988)

Long-term effects of cisplatin on renal function were investigated in 34 patients with germ cell cancer observed for a median of 65 months (range, 43 to 97 months). All patients achieved a complete remission after treatment with cisplatin (median dose 583 mg/m2), vinblastine, and bleomycin. None of the patients relapsed during follow-up. During treatment the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreased by 18% (P less than .05). During follow-up kidney function recovered in ten patients and partly improved in eight patients. Changes in plasma creatinine did not consistently correspond to alterations in GFR. The mean increase in systolic blood pressure during follow-up did not differ from the increase seen in a group of age-matched healthy men. The mean increase in diastolic pressure, however, was significant (P less than .05), but was entirely due to hypertension observed in six patients. Renography of these patients was normal. We conclude that the decrease in GFR observed during treatment with cisplatin is partly reversible. Cisplatin-treated patients have an increased risk of developing hypertension years after treatment.
Unexpected clinical features of the Tarasoff decision: the therapeutic alliance and the "duty to warn"
Authors: Lawson R. Wulsin, Harold Bursztajn, Thomas G. Gutheil
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1983)

The authors present a case report and discuss the clinical effects of the Tarasoff decision on the therapy of a potentially violent patient. They emphasize that the patient's ambivalence toward the intended victim can be used to foster the therapeutic alliance. The therapist's legal duty to the victim and therapeutic duty to the patient, they assert, can then be synergistically applied with an unexpected benefit: the patient's capacity to make choices is enhanced.
Bronchial hyperresponsiveness: the need for a distinction between hypersensitivity and excessive airway narrowing
Authors: PJ Sterk, EH Bel
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1989)

Bronchial hyperresponsiveness is currently defined as an increase in sensitivity to a wide variety of airway narrowing stimuli. Most patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exhibit such an enhanced sensitivity. In asthma, in particular, this hypersensitivity is accompanied by excessive degrees of airway narrowing. This raises the question as to whether measures of sensitivity, e.g. the provocative concentration or dose producing 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20 or PD20), comprise all the relevant information in bronchial hyperresponsiveness. In adjunct to model studies, there is experimental evidence in man that the potential mechanisms of bronchial hyperresponsiveness can be divided into those causing hypersensitivity and those responsible for the increase in the maximal attainable degree of airway narrowing. The recognition and distinction of these components of hyperresponsiveness have clinical implications in the diagnosis and therapy of asthma and COPD. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness is a composite functional disorder, which requires treatment of each of its components.
Plasma surfactant protein D (SP-D) and comorbidity rate in patients with COPD
Authors: Kateryna Gashynova
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

SPD is a lung derived protein that suggests being specific marker for COPD. Comorbidity often determinate functional capacity, health status and mortality in this kind of patients. However relationship between lung injury and co-existing diseases is still under investigation.

The aim of study was to reveal influence of comorbidity rate on SP-D level in patients (pts) with COPD.

Study population and methods . 40 out-patients with stable COPD (Stage II-IV) were surveyed. Plasma SP-D evaluation, spirometry, calculation of comorbidity rate by source documentation analysis were performed for all pts.

Results . In accordance with comorbidity rate all pts were divided on three groups: Group I – pts without any co-existing disease; Group II – pts with one and Group III – pts with two or more comorbid conditions

SP-D level in pts with different comorbidity rate presents in table 1.

View this table:



Conclusion. 

High comorbidity rate did not associate with SP-D level changes in patient with COPD.
BmTI-A: A serine protease inhibitor attenuates hyperresponsiveness in an experimental model of chronic allergic inflammation in Balb/c mice
Authors: Ariana CorrêaFlorencio, Fernanda M. Arantes-Costa, Robson Santos de Almeida, Sara S.S. Hamaguchi, Sérgio D. Sasaki, Milton A. Martins, Iolanda F.L.C. Tibério, Fernanda D.T.Q.S Lopes, Edna A. Leick
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Aims:  To evaluate the effect of the serine protease inhibitor BmTI-A on pulmonary mechanics in mice with chronic allergic lung inflammation.  Methods:  Balb/c mice received ovalbumin (50 mg, i.p.) (OVA and OVA+BmTI-A groups) or saline (0.9% NaCl, i.p.) (SAL and SAL+BmTI-A groups) on days 0 and 14 of the protocol. Afterwards, they received four inhalations of ovalbumin (10 mg /ml) or saline (0.9% NaCl) on days 22, 24, 26 and 28, and were treated with a BmTI-A (35.54 pmol in 50mL of saline or just saline) by nasal instillation, on the first and last day of inhalation. Twenty-four hours after the last challenge, the animals were anesthetized and subjected to evaluation of respiratory mechanics in a plethysmograph using Harvard Apparatus (120 cycles per minute, 10 ml/kg). The basal and maximal values of the Rrs and Ers were measured after aerosol administration of methacholine (3, 30 and 300mg/ml, for 1 minute).  Results:  OVA group showed an increase in Rrs and Ers compared to controls (p 2 0.ml -1 .s) compared to the OVA group (1.60±0.13 cmH 2 0.ml -1 .s, p=0.009) as well as in the Ers (OVA+BmTI-A: 67.41±5.81 cmH 2 0.ml -1 ; OVA: 97.06±14.45 cmH 2 0.ml -1 , p=0.013).  Conclusions:  This serine protease inhibitor reduced the hyperresponsiveness in this animal model. Although more studies need to be performed, this inhibitor may contribute as a potential therapeutic tool for asthma management.  Financial Support:  FAPESP, CNPq, LIM-20-HC-FMUSP.
Abstract 18437: Transient Deterioration of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Caused by Defibrillation Threshold Testing During Implantable-Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation: Its Impact on Ca2+ Transient and Clinical Evidence
Authors: Norihisa Toh, Kazufumi Nakamura, Nobuhiro Nishii, Daiji Miura, Tohru Miyoshi, Satoshi Nagase, Kunihisa Kohno, Hiroshi Morita, Kengo F Kusano, Hiroshi Ito
Journal: Circulation (2010)
Screening for Vitamin D Deficiency: Is the Goal Disease Prevention or Full Nutrient Repletion?
Authors: Arthur B. Chausmer
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2015)

Letters19 May 2015Screening for Vitamin D Deficiency: Is the Goal Disease Prevention or Full Nutrient Repletion?Arthur B. Chausmer, MD, PhDArthur B. Chausmer, MD, PhDFrom Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/L15-5095 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail TO THE EDITOR:We read Heaney and Armas' editorial (1) about the assessment of and need for vitamin D supplementation with great interest. The pathologic hallmark of vitamin D insufficiency is an increase in uncalcified osteoid organic matrix in bone. The clinical hallmarks of this condition are specific findings, such as Milkman fractures, or unmineralized osteoid on undecalcified bone biopsy specimens. Neither hypocalcemia nor osteoporosis—which causes uniform loss of organic and mineralized bone and is a disorder of architecture, not calcification—is a hallmark of vitamin D deficiency. Virtually no direct clinical evidence of vitamin D deficiency in the general U.S. ...References1. Heaney RP, Armas LA. Screening for vitamin D deficiency: is the goal disease prevention or full nutrient repletion? [Editorial]. Ann Intern Med. 2015;162:144-5. [PMID: 25420050] doi:10.7326/M14-2573 LinkGoogle Scholar2. LeFevre ML; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for vitamin D deficiency in adults: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med. 2015;162:133-40. [PMID: 25419853] doi:10.7326/M14-2450 LinkGoogle Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: Arthur B. Chausmer, MD, PhDAffiliations: From Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.Disclosures: Authors have disclosed no conflicts of interest. Forms can be viewed at www.acponline.org/authors/icmje/ConflictOfInterest Forms.do?msNum=L15-0126. PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsSee AlsoScreening for Vitamin D Deficiency: Is the Goal Disease Prevention or Full Nutrient Repletion? Robert P. Heaney and Laura A.G. Armas Screening for Vitamin D Deficiency in Adults: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement Michael L. LeFevre , on behalf of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force* Screening for Vitamin D Deficiency: Is the Goal Disease Prevention or Full Nutrient Repletion? Robert P. Heaney Screening for Vitamin D Deficiency: Is the Goal Disease Prevention or Full Nutrient Repletion? Robert P. Heaney Metrics 19 May 2015Volume 162, Issue 10Page: 738-739KeywordsBloodBoneConflicts of interestDisclosureEpidemiologyHypocalcemiaMetabolitesNutrientsVitamin DVitamin D deficiency ePublished: 19 May 2015 Issue Published: 19 May 2015 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 2015 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF downloadLoading ...
Assessment of insight in psychosis
Authors: X F Amador, D H Strauss, S A Yale, M M Flaum, J Endicott, J M Gorman
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1993)

It is frequently reported that patients with psychotic disorders have poor insight into their illness. Previous research has suggested that poor insight may have considerable power in predicting the long-term course of chronic mental disorders and an impact on patients' compliance with treatment plans. The authors, proposing that insight is best viewed as a multidimensional phenomenon, developed the Scale to Assess Unawareness of Mental Disorder, which samples discrete and global aspects of insight across a variety of manifestations of illness. This article reports on a reliability and validity study of the scale.The study subjects were 43 patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Various aspects of insight into illness were evaluated with the scale. In addition, ratings of psychopathology, course of illness, and compliance with treatment were made.Item variability was high and normally distributed, supporting the authors' contention that insight can be rated on a continuous rather than dichotomous scale. Results of the analyses examining the relations between the various dimensions of insight assessed and the psychopathology, course, and compliance variables were generally as hypothesized. Convergent validity with other global measures of insight was found, and aspects of poor insight were correlated with poorer compliance and course of illness. Examination of the interrelations among the four insight subscales revealed that these subscales sample independent phenomena.The Scale to Assess Unawareness of Mental Disorder has good reliability and validity and has certain advantages over previous measures of insight, suggesting the usefulness of a multidimensional view of this complex concept.
Itpa Genetic Variants Are Protective Against Anemia During Antiviral Therapy for G2/3 Hcv, But Do Not Decrease the Need for Rbv Dose Reduction or Increase Svr
Authors: Alexander J. Thompson, Rosanna Santoro, Valeria Piazzolla, Hans L. Tillman, Keyur Patel, Paul J. Clark, Susanna Naggie, Kevin Shianna, Leonardo Mottola, Daniela Petruzzellis, Mario Romano, Fernando Sogari, Domenico Facciorusso, David B. Goldstein, John G. McHutchison, Alessandra Mangia
Journal: Hepatology (2010)
Orphan G-protein coupled receptor GPCR-X as a novel cancer drug target: validation and mechanistic studies
Authors: Ning Ke, Roshni Sundaram, Wufang Fan, Cheryl Rogers, Dehua Yu, John Chionis, Demin Zhou, Gisela Claassen, Aaron Albers, Mirta Grifman, Bernd Meyhack, Arndt Brachat, Tarif Awad, Johnny Peppers, Nick Paoni, Flossie Wong-Staal, Qi-Xiang Li
Journal: Cancer Research (2005)

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005

960 

GPCR-X is an orphan G-protein coupled receptor widely expressed in many tissues, but with higher expression levels in several cancer tissues. High expression levels have also been found to be associated with cellular transformation, implying a potential oncogenic function for this gene. Here, we show that siRNA mediated GPCR-X silencing in cancer cells reduced anchorage-independent growth, at least partly due to increased anoikis. GPCR-X silencing also led to induction of intrinsic apoptosis in several cancer cells, but not in normal primary cells. Using regulated GPCR-X siRNA expression in prostate cancer line PC3 in an athymic xenograft tumor model, we observed 100% tumor free regression in response to GPCR-X inactivation for the early staged tumors. Even with the later staged PC3 tumors, 80% of tumors also regressed and 17% became tumor free, suggesting the potential of an efficacious targeted therapy. The expression profiles between A2058 cells containing either the control siRNA or siRNA against GPCR-X were compared in an attempt to elucidate downstream pathways. Genes involved in several known pathways were affected by GPCR-X gene silencing. In particular, a number of genes involved in integrin-mediated signaling and cell adhesion were down-regulated, indicating a potential role for GPCR-X in the cell adhesion pathway. This hypothesis was further validated by cell adhesion experiments which demonstrated reduced adhesion of cells silenced for GPCR-X. Thus, the role of GPCR-X in cell transformation is likely via an integrin-mediated cell adhesion pathway. The apparent absence of physiological defects in adult human tissues lacking GPCR-X and the specificity of apoptotic induction by GPCR-X-silencing in cancer cells suggest an interesting drug target for cancer therapeutics with low toxicity.
Increased calorie consumption corresponds to weight gain levels across the globe:
Authors: Anne Gulland
Journal: BMJ (2015)

Researchers have urged policy makers to improve the healthiness of food after a study showed that obesity rates are rising in many countries in line with increases in the amount of energy in food.1

The study, in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization , analysed increases in the food energy supply and obesity in 69 high, low, and middle income countries and found that body weight and the number of calories consumed had both increased in 56 countries (81%) from 1971 to 2010. In 45 of these countries the increase in energy consumed was enough to explain the increase in average body weight.

Researchers used a model to predict body weight gain, based on a rule that an increase in energy intake of …