tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Stability of Attitudes Regarding Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia Among Oncology Patients, Physicians, and the General Public
Authors: Joanne Wolfe, Diane L. Fairclough, Brian R. Clarridge, Elisabeth R. Daniels, Ezekiel J. Emanuel
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1999)

PURPOSE: Attitudes regarding the ethics of physician-assisted suicide (PAS) and euthanasia have been examined in many cross-sectional studies. Stability of these attitudes has not been studied, and this is important in informing the dialog on PAS in this country. We evaluated the stability of attitudes regarding euthanasia and PAS among three cohorts. METHODS: Subjects included 593 respondents: 111 oncology patients, 324 oncologists, and 158 members of the general public. We conducted initial and follow-up interviews separated by 6 to 12 months by telephone, regarding acceptance of PAS and euthanasia in four different clinical vignettes. RESULTS: The proportion of respondents with stable responses to vignettes ranged from 69.2% to 94.8%. In comparison to patients and the general public, physicians had less stable responses concerning the PAS pain vignette (69.1% v 80.8%; P = .001) and more stable responses for all euthanasia vignettes (P &lt; .001) except for pain. Over time, physicians were significantly more likely to change toward opposing PAS and euthanasia in all vignettes (P &lt; .05). Characteristics previously associated with attitudes regarding PAS and euthanasia, such as Roman Catholic religion, were not predictive of stability. CONCLUSION: Up to one third of participants changed their attitudes regarding the ethical acceptability of PAS and euthanasia in their follow-up interview. This lack of consistency mandates careful interpretation of referendums and requests for physician-assisted suicide. Furthermore, in this study, we found that physicians are becoming increasingly opposed to PAS and euthanasia. The growing disparity between physicians and patients regarding the role of these practices is large enough to suggest possible conflicts in the delivery of end-of-life care.
Integrated Assessment of Diastolic and Systolic Ventricular Function Using Diagnostic Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Catheterization
Authors: Boris Schmitt, Paul Steendijk, Karsten Lunze, Stanislav Ovroutski, Jan Falkenberg, Pedram Rahmanzadeh, Nizar Maarouf, Peter Ewert, Felix Berger, Titus Kuehne
Journal: JACC. Cardiovascular imaging (2009)
The French success story of decrease tobacco with e-cigarette in 2013
Authors: Bertrand Dautzenberg, Marie-Dominique Dautzenberg
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

The e-cigarette is a new product that may be the best to promote the end of tobacco and the worst if promotes nicotine use among non-smoker or normalize the tobacco in the society. We analyse the evolution of available data to assess e-cigarette in 2013 in France.   Methods : Data from the Eurobarometer 2012, Ipsos survey 11/2013, Etincel OFDT 11/2013, PST survey in 2012 and 2013, number of shops, market of tobacco and of smoking cessation (OFDT).  Results: The number of specialty stores increased from 100 to 1,500 in 2013 (principal place of purchase e-cigarettes in France (58%) (OFDT). The number of adults who have tried e-cigarettes has increased from 7% in 3/2012 (Eurobarometer) to an estimate rate in 11/2013 of 18% (OFDT) or 21% (Ipsos), 1/5 of those who have tried have used the last 30 days in 2012, 1/3 in 2013 in the whole population (OFDT) and in schoolchildren (PST). The primary motivation to use is cessation (OFDT), but 2/3 of e-cigarettes users remain also smokers (OFDT). In 2013 according to OFDT 3.3% adult daily use e-cigarette and 30 % use cigarettes (inpes). The ever use rate of e-cigarettes in teenagers double each year (PST).  Cigarette sales which were 54billion from 2005 to 2012 were lowered to 52billion in 2012 and 48billion in 2013 (-7.6 %), which correspond to 1million smokers while the number of daily vaping is 1.3million. This decline in smoking is associated with a decrease of smoking cessation products(-18% for nicotine patches, -38% for varenicline).   Conclusion:  The decline in sales of tobacco and drug cessation is consistent with the massive arrival of e-cigarettes in France in 2013. Approximately 1.2 million smokers passed to vaping (8% of daily smokers) in 1 year.
Clinical and Pharmacokinetic Phase I Study of Multitargeted Antifolate (LY231514) in Combination With Cisplatin
Authors: R. Thödtmann, H. Depenbrock, H. Dumez, J. Blatter, R. D. Johnson, A. van Oosterom, A.-R. Hanauske
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1999)

PURPOSE: Multitargeted antifolate (MTA; LY231514) has broad preclinical antitumor activity and inhibits a variety of intracellular enzymes involved in the folate pathways. This study was designed to (1) determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicities (DLT), and pharmacokinetics of MTA combined with cisplatin; (2) determine a recommended dose for phase II studies; and (3) collect anecdotal information on the antitumor activity of MTA combined with cisplatin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with solid tumors received MTA intravenously over 10 minutes and cisplatin over 2 hours once every 21 days. In cohort 1, both agents were administered on day 1 starting with MTA 300 mg/m 2 and cisplatin 60 mg/m 2 . In cohort 2, MTA (500 or 600 mg/m 2 ) was administered on day 1, followed by cisplatin (75 mg/m 2 ) on day 2. RESULTS: In cohort 1, 40 assessable patients received 159 courses of treatment. The MTD was MTA 600 mg/m 2 /cisplatin 100 mg/m 2 . DLTs were reversible leukopenia/neutropenia and delayed fatigue. Hydration before cisplatin therapy did not influence MTA pharmacokinetics. Eleven objective remissions included one complete response in a patient with relapsed squamous cell head and neck carcinoma, and partial responses in four of ten patients with epithelial pleural mesothelioma. In cohort 2, 11 assessable patients received 23 courses of treatment. The MTD was MTA 600 mg/m 2 and cisplatin 75 mg/m 2 . DLTs were neutropenic sepsis, diarrhea, and skin toxicity. Two patients died of treatment-related complications during the study. Two patients had objective remissions (one mesothelioma patient, one colon cancer patient). CONCLUSION: The combination of MTA and cisplatin is clinically active, and administering both agents on day 1 is superior to a split schedule. Further development of this combination for mesothelioma is warranted.
Barcode‐Enabled Sequencing of Plasmablast Antibody Repertoires in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Yann‐Chong Tan, Sarah Kongpachith, Lisa K. Blum, Chia‐Hsin Ju, Lauren J. Lahey, Daniel R. Lu, Xiaoyong Cai, Catriona A. Wagner, Tamsin M. Lindstrom, Jeremy Sokolove, William H. Robinson
Journal: Arthritis & Rheumatology (2014)

Objective A hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the production of autoantibodies, including anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). Nevertheless, the specific targets of these autoantibodies remain incompletely defined. During an immune response, B cells specific for the inciting antigen(s) are activated and differentiate into plasmablasts, which are released into the blood. We undertook this study to sequence the plasmablast antibody repertoire to define the targets of the active immune response in RA. Methods We developed a novel DNA barcoding method to sequence the cognate heavy‐ and light‐chain pairs of antibodies expressed by individual blood plasmablasts in RA. The method uses a universal 5′ adapter that enables full‐length sequencing of the antibodies' variable regions and recombinant expression of the paired antibody chains. The sequence data sets were bioinformatically analyzed to generate phylogenetic trees that identify clonal families of antibodies sharing heavy‐ and light‐chain VJ sequences. Representative antibodies were expressed, and their binding properties were characterized using anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide 2 (anti–CCP‐2) enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and antigen microarrays. Results We used our sequencing method to generate phylogenetic trees representing the antibody repertoires of peripheral blood plasmablasts from 4 individuals with anti‐CCP+ RA, and recombinantly expressed 14 antibodies that were either “singleton” antibodies or representative of clonal antibody families. Anti–CCP‐2 ELISA identified 4 ACPAs, and antigen microarray analysis identified ACPAs that differentially targeted epitopes on α‐enolase, citrullinated fibrinogen, and citrullinated histone H2B. Conclusion Our data provide evidence that autoantibodies targeting α‐enolase, citrullinated fibrinogen, and citrullinated histone H2B are produced by the ongoing activated B cell response in, and thus may contribute to the pathogenesis of, RA.
An audit of two night ambulatory sleep polygraphy in community practice
Authors: Neil M. Skjodt, Ronald S. Platt
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

BACKGROUND:  Nightly variations in sleep study measures have not been extensively reported in actual community practice. Such data may better define the natural history of sleep apnea and guide efficient testing practice.   AIMS:  To audit patient demographics and polygraphy measures in subjects undergoing two rather than one night of ambulatory monitoring.   METHODS:  Subjects with two nights of technically acceptable diagnostic Remmers Sleep Recorder testing (Sagatech Electronics, Calgary) were selected from studies referred to a web portal for specialist interpretation. Descriptive data and Bland-Altman analyses were done using R (2.15.1-5quantal, ResearchMethods1.4).   RESULTS:  Only 1 011 of 23 599 (4.3%) subjects had two acceptable nights of polygraphy. The twice tested patients were typical overweight (median 30.9; interquartile range 26.6-35.6 kg/m 2 ), heavy snoring (90.0%), middle-aged (50; 42-57 years), and moderately sleepy (Epworth scale 10; 6-14) men (63.6%) at moderate pre-polygraphy risk of sleep apnea (59.8; 42.0-84.9%). Recording time, snoring index, estimated respiratory disturbance index (RDI, median 10.5 vs. 9.88/h), and time with SpO 2    CONCLUSIONS:  Repeat polygraphy was ineffective being: 1.) rarely requested, 2.) usually done in moderate to high risk for sleep apnea subjects, 3.) free of any indirect first night effects, and 4.) associated with some unbiased disagreement in moderately severe sleep apnea.
An overview of thrombolytic treatment for pulmonary embolism: A single center experience
Authors: Hadice Selimoglu Sen, Ozlem Abakay, Cengizhan Sezgi, Sureyya Yilmaz, Mahsuk Taylan, Halide Kaya, Abdullah Cetin Tanrikulu, Abdurrahman Abakay
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Introduction:  A massive pulmonary embolism (MPE) has a poor prognosis and high mortality. Thrombolytic therapy is preferred in patients with life-threatening symptoms such as hypotension, cardiogenic shock, and right ventricular failure due to the risk of severe bleeding.   Materials and Methods:  This is a retrospective analysis of patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) and given thrombolytic therapy in the chest diseases clinic of a tertiary university hospital between January 2008 and November 2013.   Results:  The subjects9 mean age was 59.54 ± 13.76 years. Fourteen of 39 patients who were treated with thrombolytic therapy were male (35.89%) and 25 (64.10%) were female. The symptoms experienced by the patients included dyspnea in 39 patients, chest pain in 35 patients, hemoptysis in 6 patients, syncope in 13 patients and cough in 10 patients. Risk factors were advanced age (> 60 years) in 19, immobilization in 19, malignancy in 3, major surgery in 11 patients. The in-hospital mortality analysis showed that 32 patients were discharged and 7 patients died. Four patients died from their pulmonary embolism and 3 patients died because of a major bleeding complication.   Conclusions:  Pulmonary embolism is a disease that may lead to death within hours secondary to acute right heart failure. Early diagnosis and treatment can be life saving. Thrombolytic therapy has been shown to improve hemodynamic parameters in the early period post-PE. An increased risk of bleeding is one of the most important drawbacks of thrombolytic therapy. Nonetheless, it can be a life-saving therapy in properly selected patients.
Blood Vessel Constitutive Models—1995–2002
Authors: Raymond P. Vito, Stacey A. Dixon
Journal: Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering (2003)

▪ Abstract Knowledge of blood vessel mechanical properties is fundamental to the understanding of vascular function in health and disease. Analytic results can help physicians in the clinic, both in designing and in choosing appropriate therapies. Understanding the mechanical response of blood vessels to physiologic loads is necessary before ideal therapeutic solutions can be realized. For this reason, blood vessel constitutive models are needed. This article provides a critical review of recent blood vessel constitutive models, starting with a brief overview of the structure and function of arteries and veins, followed by a discussion of experimental techniques used in the characterization of material properties. Current models are classified by type, including pseudoelastic, randomly elastic, poroelastic, and viscoelastic. Comparisons are presented between the various models and existing experimental data. Applications of blood vessel constitutive models are also briefly presented, followed by the identification of future directions in research.
The senescent methylome and its relationship with cancer, ageing and germline genetic variation in humans
Authors: Robert Lowe, Marita G. Overhoff, Sreeram V. Ramagopalan, James C. Garbe, James Koh, Martha R. Stampfer, David H. Beach, Vardhman K. Rakyan, Cleo L. Bishop
Journal: Genome biology (2015)

Cellular senescence is a stable arrest of proliferation and is considered a key component of processes associated with carcinogenesis and other ageing-related phenotypes. Here, we perform methylome analysis of actively dividing and deeply senescent normal human epithelial cells.
Regulation of immunoproteasomes by cigarette smoke
Authors: Ilona Keller, Ali Önder Yildirim, Oliver Eickelberg, Silke Meiners
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Cigarette smoke (CS), as a major source for oxidative stress in the lungs, is the main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients suffering from COPD are more susceptible to viral infections resulting in acute exacerbations. Viral infections induce expression of immunoproteasomes (IP) via IFNγ-signaling. This specialized form of proteasome is destined to improve antigen presentation in infected cells and to efficiently degrade oxidatively damaged proteins. The role of IPs in COPD pathology is unknown.  Expression levels of IP-subunits LMP2 and LMP7 were evaluated in wildtype (wt) as well as LMP2 -/-  and LMP7 -/-  deficient mice in whole lung homogenates. Of note, we observed pronounced expression of IP-subunits in wt lungs compared to other organs. Immunohistochemical analysis of lung sections revealed that IP positive staining was observed in cells adjacent to airways, but also in alveolar regions. To study regulation of IP  in vitro , we analyzed expression of IP in different lung cell lines. IFNγ induced pronounced expression of IP in both lung epithelial and fibroblasts cells, as detected by qRT-PCR and western blotting. We then investigated regulation of IP by CS. A549 human lung epithelial cells were treated with extracts of CS for 24h up to 12 days, and expression of IP was investigated on RNA and protein level. Long-term treatment of cells with CS-extract resulted in downregulation of basal IP expression.  In vivo , wt mice exposed to CS for 3 days also showed significant downregulation of IP on the protein level. Diminished expression of IP due to smoke exposure may affect antigen processing of viral proteins and thus add on severity and delayed resolution of viral infections in COPD exacerbations.
Detection of human norovirus from frozen raspberries in a cluster of gastroenteritis outbreaks
Authors: L Maunula, M Roivainen, M Keränen, S Mäkelä, K Söderberg, M Summa, C H von Bonsdorff, M Lappalainen, T Korhonen, M Kuusi, T Niskanen
Journal: Eurosurveillance (2009)

We describe a cluster of norovirus outbreaks affecting about 200 people in Southern Finland in September and October 2009. All outbreaks occurred after consumption of imported raspberries from the same batch intended for the catering sector. Human norovirus genotype GI.4 was found in frozen raspberries. The berries were served in toppings of cakes in separate catering settings or mixed in curd cheese as a snack for children in a daycare center. The relative risk for consumption of the berry dish was 3.0 (p <or= 0.05) at the daycare centre. Human norovirus GI.4 was also detected in samples from two patients, and in berries. Both shared identical partial capsid sequences. Based on the results of epidemiological, trace-back and laboratory investigations it was concluded that one particular batch of frozen raspberries was the source of all outbreaks.
Studies on Marek's Disease. II. Pathogenesis
Authors: L N Payne, P M Biggs
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1967)

The development of Marek's disease (fowl paralysis; neurolymphomatosis) has been studied by examination of peripheral nerves and other tissues at different times after infection of young chicks with the HPRS-814 strain of Marek's disease. Three types of nerve lesions were found: 1) A-type, characterized by proliferation of lymphoid cells, presence of Marek's disease cells, and sometimes demyelination and Schwann cell proliferation; 2) 8-type, characterized by diffuse infiltration by plasma cells and mainly small lymphocytes, usually interneuritic edema, sometimes demyelination and Schwann cell proliferation; 3) C-type, characterized by light infiltration by plasma cells and small lymphocytes. A mixed A- and B-type lesion was also found. Serial killing experiments and grouping of lesions from transmission experiments according to the time elapsed since infection indicate that the nerve lesion follows the progression: A-type→ mixed A- and 8-type→B-type. The C-type lesion is believed to be a mild form of the B-type. The study indicates that Marek's disease is characterized by a neoplastic-like proliferation of lymphoid cells in the nerves and in other organs, notably the ovary. In some birds the proliferation is progressive and they succumb early in the course of the disease with tumor-like infiltration of the nerves and often other organs. Demyelination and other nerve tissue changes appear to be secondary to the lymphoid proliferation. In other birds the proliferation of lymphoid cells in the nerves is anested, and the lesion changes into one of a more inflammatory appearance.
Characterization of 76 patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis from a Brazilian reference center
Authors: Carolina Freitas, Mariana Araújo, Bruno Baldi, Suzana Pimenta, Ronaldo Kairalla, Carlos Roberto Carvalho
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Introduction: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disorder affecting childbearing women. There was no previous epidemiological study from South America characterizing subjects with LAM. Objectives: To describe the clinical features, quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire), pulmonary function tests (PFT) and VEGFD data, and also six-minute walk test (6MWT) performance of LAM patients followed in a Brazilian reference center. Methods: Data from 76 women with LAM followed in the Pulmonary Division of the University of Sao Paulo from 2008 to 2011 were reviewed. Results: The mean age was 42 ± 11 years. The average age at diagnosis was 38 ± 9 years, whereas the mean time from first symptom to diagnosis was 23 months. The diagnosis of LAM was confirmed by tissue biopsy in 88% of cases. 14% of patients had tuberous sclerosis, 50% renal angiomyolipoma, 61% previous pneumothorax and 15% previous chylothorax. Dyspnea was a complaint of 69% of subjects and 20% were ex-smokers. Impaired quality of life was found, with worse scores in physical and emotional domains. Mean FEV1 and DLCO were, respectively, 74±26%pred and 65±28%pred. The most common abnormalities on PFT were obstructive pattern (58%), reduced DLCO (53%) and air trapping (22%). The mean distance walked was 493 ± 118 m, while the mean Borg dyspnea score and the minimum SpO2 at end 6MWT were, respectively, 3 ± 3 and 88±9%. Dessaturation ≥4% was found in 53% of patients during 6MWT. In 60% of subjects, VEGFD serum level was increased. Conclusions: In a Brazilian sample of LAM patients, besides the typical results in PFT, quality of life impairment, increased VEGFD serum levels and dessaturation during 6MWT were also important findings.
The characterization of diastolic function of the right ventricle in patients with COPD combined with congestive heart failure (CHF)
Authors: Vasif Abdullayev, Gülzar Aliyeva, Ruslan Yusifov
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Study of diastolic function is very important because it is the diastolic properties characterize the functional reserve of the heart and exercise tolerance in patients with CHF and changes in diastolic function during treatment to allow some extent to judge the effectiveness of the therapy.

The research was conducted in 355 patients based on clinical-instrumental examination. The patients were divided into 3 groups: 1 - COPD patients -121; 2- COPD and CHF patients - 118; 3 - 116 CHF patients.

Some of the differences observed between the groups in the analysis of data on the diastolic function of the right ventricle. The maximum flow velocity in early diastolic filling phase of the pancreas in 3 and 2 groups decreased compared with the control group (1,8% and 15,2%, respectively, in the group with the accuracy of comorbidity, p≤0,05), and blood flow velocity in systole of the right atrium (VaTC) increased compared with the control by 9,9% and 14,9%, respectively, in 3 and 2 groups, indicating that the redistribution blood flow in diastole and is characteristic for breach' of RV diastolic function by I type. This is also confirmed by the decrease in the index of Ve/VaTC 5,8% in third and by 23,1% in the 2-nd group (compared to controls p=0,988, p≤0,01).

So, the right diastolic dysfunction were significantly more common in the 2-nd group. The patients in this group showed no disorders diastolic RV only 3.5% of cases, compared with 11,0% in the third group, the difference was significant (p≤0,05).
Association of abnormal smooth pursuit eye movements with the deficit syndrome in schizophrenic patients
Authors: D E Ross, G K Thaker, R W Buchanan, A C Lahti, D Medoff, J J Bartko, M Moran, J Hartley
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1996)

The authors' goal was to test the hypothesis that abnormal smooth pursuit eye movements in schizophrenic patients are associated with the deficit syndrome.The eye movements of 24 normal comparison subjects, 32 patients with nondeficit schizophrenia, and 11 patients with deficit schizophrenia were tested with infrared oculography using foveapetal step-ramp targets.The group of schizophrenic patients had normal latency to pursuit onset, abnormally decreased open-loop acceleration and abnormally decreased velocity during the periods of closed-loop acceleration and steady-state pursuit. The subgroup of schizophrenic patients with the deficit syndrome had particularly poor performance during the periods of open- and closed-loop acceleration.Patients with schizophrenia have abnormal smooth pursuit eye movements in response to a step-ramp stimulus, and the defects are particularly pronounced in patients with the deficit syndrome. Abnormal smooth pursuit eye movements in schizophrenia and related disorders have been consistently linked with primary and enduring negative symptoms.