tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Effect of salbutamol on dry air- and acetylcholine-induced bronchoconstriction in the canine lung periphery
Authors: JG Teeter, AN Freed
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1991)

We examined the effect of salbutamol on dry airflow-induced bronchoconstriction (AIB) and acetylcholine-induced bronchoconstriction (Ach-IB) in the canine lung periphery using a wedged bronchoscope technique. Collateral system resistance (Rcs) and airway wall temperature (Taw) were monitored in a peripheral lung segment before, during and after airflow challenge. Rcs before and after aerosolized acetylcholine was recorded in a contralateral lung segment. Intravenous salbutamol (2.5 micrograms.kg-1) significantly attenuated the peak fall in Taw during airflow challenge and the peak rise in Rcs following challenge. Intravenous salbutamol attenuated Ach-IB to a similar degree. Significant systemic effects were recorded following i.v. salbutamol. In contrast, aerosolized salbutamol (50 micrograms) minimally decreased the fall in Taw during airflow challenge, while virtually eliminating AIB. The same dose of aerosolized salbutamol only partially attenuated Ach-IB. Aerosolized salbutamol did not affect mean arterial pressure or heart rate. Intravenous salbutamol may in part inhibit AIB by increasing pulmonary blood flow, secondary to its systemic circulatory effects, and decrease heat and water loss during airflow challenge. In contrast, aerosolized salbutamol abolished AIB, while only minimally effecting airway cooling. These data suggest that AIB is a result of mediator release and/or smooth muscle contraction.
Profiling of humoral immune responses to influenza viruses by using protein microarray
Authors: M. Koopmans, E. de Bruin, G.-J. Godeke, I. Friesema, R. van Gageldonk, M. Schipper, A. Meijer, R. van Binnendijk, G.F. Rimmelzwaan, M. D. de Jong, A. Buisman, J. van Beek, D. van de Vijver, J. Reimerink
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection (2011)
Consultation skills of medical students before and after changes in curriculum
Authors: M R Utting, F Campbell, C Rayner, C R Whitehouse, T L Dornan
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (2000)

Summary The University of Manchester Medical School has adopted problem-based learning as its main educational method, with a change of emphasis from a biomedical to a biopsychosocial approach. The training of junior medical students in clinical interviewing is intended to reinforce and develop their interpersonal skills. We measured the impact of this new curriculum by assessing two intakes of students covering the period before and after its introduction; a third intake was later added to examine the effect of further curriculum adjustments. 86 students, randomly selected, were videorecorded conducting diagnostic interviews with standardized patients 10 weeks after they had started to learn clinical interviewing. Two instruments were developed—a 23-item communication skills scale and a 13-item information-gathering scale and both showed acceptable inter-rater and test-retest reliability. Communication skills did not differ between years. The total score for information-gathering fell by 13% (95% confidence interval –20 to –6%, P 0.001) in the first year after introduction of the new educational approach but returned to baseline the following year after further modification of the course. Although the new approach yielded no measurable improvement in the process of communication, assessment 10 weeks after the start of interview training may be too early to permit definitive conclusions. We conclude that it is possible to change to a more patient-centred emphasis in teaching medical interviewing. Some initial loss of information content was rectified by adjustment of the course. Our unfavourable early experience highlights the need to evaluate educational change.
Polymorphism of GSTP1 and EPHX1 genes in smokers and patients with I and II stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Vera Nevzorova, Svetlana Vakhrusheva, Tatyana Tilik, Tatyana Surovenko, Tatyana Brodskaya, Marina Isaeva
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is known as disease associated with smoking. Studying the processes of genetic control of detoxication in connective tissue seems to be important.  Polymorphic variants of genes encoding glutathiontransferase GSTP1 and microsomal epoxidhydrolase EPHX1 have been studied. 80 patients have been examined. They were divided into two groups: 1 group - smoking persons without COPD; 2 group – smoking patients with I or II stages of COPD (2 subgroups). The control group consisted of healthy non-smoking persons. Analysis of polymorphic loci of genes GSTP1, EPHX1 was performed by polymerase chain reaction.  The high frequency of heterozygous polymorphisms of GSTP1 and EPHX1 was established in patients with COPD. It was estimated that relative risk of COPD increased in the presence of heterozygous variant 105I/V of GSTP1 (OR=2.4, 95% CI: 0.93-6.19, P  Relative risk of COPD also increased in the presence of heterozygous variant 114A/V of GSTP1 in smokers (OR=1.91, 95% CI: 0.83-4.4, P  It was revealed that relative risk of COPD increased in the presence of heterozygous variant 113T/H of EPHX1 (OR 1.6, 95% CI: 0.63-4.4, P  Molecular genetic markers, such as GSTP1 and EPHX1 can be used in predictive measures and diagnosis of increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Association between markers of aggressiveness of malignant cutaneous melanoma and sleep disordered-breathing
Authors: Francisco Campos-Rodriguez, Miguel A. Martinez-Garcia, Antonio Martorell-Calatayud, Amalia Perez-Gil, Eduardo Nagore, Irene Valero-Sanchez, Maria J. Selma-Ferrer, Eusebi Chiner-Vives, Pedro Landete, Josep M. Montserrat, Cristina Carreras, Ramon Farre
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Background.  Recent studies in humans have shown an association between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), including overnight hypoxia, and the incidence and mortality of cancer, but no study has focused on a specific type of cancer. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between some markers of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) aggressiveness and the severity of SDB.   Methods . We performed a prospective, multicenter observational study in 56 consecutive patients diagnosed with CMM. Measurements of CMM aggressiveness included: number of mitosis/mm 2 , Breslow Index, presence of ulceration and growth rate of melanoma (GRM). Every participant underwent a diagnostic respiratory polygraphy. Multivariate analyses were used to investigate the independent relationship between SDB severity measured by the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation indexes (ODI3% and ODI4%) and markers of CMM aggressiveness.   Results . The prevalence of SDB (AHI≥5) in the cohort was 60.7% and severe SDB (AHI≥30) was present in 14.3% of the patients. In fully adjusted multivariate analyses, AHI (OR 1.17; 95%CI 1.03-1.34), ODI3% (OR 1.14; 95%CI 1.03-1.26) and ODI4% (OR 1.3; 95%CI 1.04-1.45) were independently associated with an increased GRM. Furthermore, AHI, ODI4% and ODI3% correlated with other aggressiveness factors of CMM, such as the Breslow Index, presence of ulceration and mitotic index.   Conclusion . SDB severity independently predicts aggressiveness of cutaneous malignant melanoma.
Tracheal mucus clearance in high-frequency oscillation: effect of peak flow rate bias
Authors: M King, A Zidulka, D M Phillips, D Wight, D Gross, H K Chang
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1990)

We have reported previously that high-frequency oscillation of the chest wall (HFO/CW) enhances the tracheal mucus clearance rate (TMCR) in dogs. This enhancement of TMCR may be due in part to the expiratory bias in peak flow rate (VE/VI greater than 1) that occurs during HFO/CW. We examined this factor in 8 anaesthetized, spontaneously breathing dogs by comparing TMCR during the following manoeuvers: 1) HFO/CW, applied by means of a thoracic cuff; 2) symmetric high-frequency oscillation via the airway opening (HFO/AO), applied by means of a piston pump driven by sinusoidal signal; 3) HFO/AO with an expiratory bias in peak flow, and 4) HFO/AO with an inspiratory bias in peak flow. All manoeuvers were of 5 min duration and were performed at 13 Hz and an oscillatory tidal volume of 1.5 ml.kg-1. In the latter two manoeuvers, the piston pump was driven by a nonsinusoidal signal such that peak VE/VI was greater than and less than unity, respectively. A high-impedance, cross-current flow of warmed, humidified air was provided at the tracheal tube. The order of manoeuvers 2, 3 and 4 was randomized, while manoeuver 1 was repeated at the end. TMCR was determined by direct bronchoscopic visualization of charcoal particle transport. Each HFO manoeuver was bracketed by a control period of spontaneous breathing. We found that TMCR during HFO/CW was 2.4 x control (p less than 0.001), in line with previous results.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Influence of demographic and disease related factors on the degree of distress associated with symptoms and restrictions on daily living due to asthma in six countries
Authors: FH Quirk, CM Baveystock, R Wilson, PW Jones
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1991)

To investigate the influence of demographic and physiological variables on the degree of distress associated with asthma, 124 patients were recruited from six countries. All patients responded to 76 items relating to symptoms and impacts of asthma on daily living by marking a 10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS) to indicate the degree of distress associated with any particular item. The influence of three factors, age, sex and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), on these VAS scores was investigated. Differences between patients accounted for 13.4% of the total variance (sum of squares) in VAS scores. There were no significant effects of sex, age or FEV1 on VAS score (p greater than 0.05 in each case). The separate proportionate contribution of each of these three factors to the total variance in item scores ranged from 0.02% (FEV1) to 0.2% (sex). There were significant differences between the mean VAS scores from the six countries (p less than 0.01) but these differences contributed to only 3.6% of the total variance in the measured VAS scores. We conclude that demographic and disease related factors account for very little of the differences in the degree of distress that patients attach to the symptoms and effects of asthma. We suggest that it is possible to make meaningful comparisons between countries of the impact of asthma on patients' lives.
Polymerase chain reaction monitoring reduces the incidence of cytomegalovirus disease and the duration and side effects of antiviral therapy after bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Einsele H, Ehninger G, Hebart H, Wittkowski Km, Schuler U, Jahn G, Mackes P, Herter M, Klingebiel T, Löffler J, Wagner S, Müller Ca
Journal: Blood (1995)
Antigen-Deficient Cell Variants in Preneoplastic Foreign Body Reaction of Mice&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN1"&gt;2&lt;/xref&gt;
Authors: K. Gerhard Brand, Lance C. Buoen, Inge Brand
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1972)

Sarcomas were induced in F1 hybrids of congenic CBA/Br and CBA/H-T6 or CBA/H mice by subcutaneous implantation of plastic films. Antigen-deficient variants were derived from 80% of such hybrid tumors by transplantation of multiple tumor pieces to nonhybrid animals of either parent genotype. This percentage was slightly higher than that recorded For chemically induced and spontaneous tumor groups. In another experiment, the implants and surrounding tissue capsules were removed from the hybrid animals during the preneoplastic period 7½ months after implantation. Segments of this material were transferred to nonhybrid animals of either parent genotype. In 60% of preneoplastic transfer experiments, we obtained antigen-deficient variant tumors up to 14 months after transfer. Hybrid origin of the tumors was confirmed on the basis of T6 chromosomes. We concluded that preneoplastic antigen-deficient variant cells are quite regularly produced in Foreign body reactions of mice which, much later, may lead to sarcomas. Quantitative considerations suggest that, in the original hybrid host, preneoplastic variant cells are less competitive than preneoplastic nonvariant cells.
The role of chaperone α-Bcrystallin (HspB5) in COPD pathogenesis
Authors: Radostina Cherneva, Ognian Georgiev, Daniela Petrova, Vesela Ivanova, Nedka Trifonova, Maria Stamenova
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background:  α-Bcrystallin (HspB5) is a chaperone whose role as a marker of innate immunity activation as well as its therapeutic potential have recently been investigated in several inflammatory diseases – multiple sclerosis, myocardial ischaemia, Guillain Barre syndrome.   Aim:  The aim of the study is to determine the role of α-Bcrystallin in COPD pathogenesis and inflammation.   Materials:  Plasma levels of α-Bcrystallin were studied in 163 patients – 52 healthy non-COPD smokers; 20 COPD smokers I - II stage GOLD; 43 COPD smokers – III-IV stage (GOLD) and forty-eight patients with acute inflammatory respiratory disease. The plasma levels of α-Bcrystallin antibodies were determined by ELISA (human anti alpha-Bcrystrallin Abcam), and were confirmed with Western blotting.   Results:  The mean levels of anti - α-Bcrystallin antibodies were: in non-COPD smokers – 0,291 OD; in COPD smokers – 0,352OD; in healthy non-COPD smokers – 0,433 OD. There was a statistically significant difference between COPD smokers and healthy non-COPD smokers (p-0,010). The same could be observed comparing the group of patients with acute inflammation and non – COPD healthy smokers (p-0,007). There was not a statistically significant difference in patients with mild/moderate and those with severe COPD.   Conclusion:  α-Bcrystallin is increased in patients with inflammatory lung diseases. Though unspecific it could be used in a panel of markers discerning COPD smokers from healthy non- COPD smokers. Being a regulator of innate immunity and a therapeutic anti-inflammatory agent its exact role in COPD pathogenesis and therapy should further be explored.
Utility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Management of Breast Cancer: Evidence for Improved Preoperative Staging
Authors: Laura Esserman, Nola Hylton, Leila Yassa, John Barclay, Steven Frankel, Edward Sickles
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1999)

The staging and treatment for breast cancer are changing; there is an increase in the incidence of ductal carcinoma-in-situ, the use of fine-needle aspiration and stereotactic biopsy for diagnosis, and the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Thus, there is a need for a tool to assess more precisely the extent of cancer in the breast before surgery. To better plan surgical and chemotherapeutic interventions, we evaluated high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as such a tool.Fifty-seven patients with 58 cases of breast cancer were evaluated preoperatively with MRI using a technique called the triple-acquisition rapid gradient echo technique to maximize anatomic detail. Imaging results were compared with mammography and subsequent pathology results.Magnetic resonance imaging correctly identified residual or primary cancer in 55 of 58 cases and accurately predicted the extent of the cancer in 54 of 58 cases. The anatomic extent was more accurately defined with MRI compared with mammography (98% v 55%). Magnetic resonance imaging added the greatest value in cases of multifocal disease.By applying MRI selectively to patients with a known diagnosis of cancer and focusing on defining the extent of malignant lesions, we were able to obtain clear and accurate anatomic information. Our results suggest that MRI could provide very valuable information for preoperative planning and single-stage resection in breast cancer. Based on preliminary data from our series, MRI would be valuable as a staging tool in the preoperative setting even if the cost is in the range of $1,300 to $2,000. It is already significantly less than the target cost, so it is reasonable to refine this technique for clinical use to help plan the most appropriate surgical intervention and possibly reduce costs as well. A careful prospective study is warranted to validate our findings.
Are Accident Flying Squads also Worthwhile for Medical Emergencies?
Authors: A R Cope, A F Dove, T Kulendrarajah, C A J McLauchlan
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1991)

A retrospective analysis of 208 flying squad attendances was performed to assess the effect of pre-hospital care by the team on outcome in emergency medical conditions, and in the trauma victim. Sixty-two (26%) of these cases were medical, but only 24 (11.5%) required immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Only one out of the four successful resuscitations finally left hospital alive. In trauma, there was no significant enhancement of survival due to the presence of the team by comparing the expected against observed mortality and the injury severity score for age-matched groups. The value of flying squads as a training aid, perception of the local community and relationships with other emergency services are discussed. Alternative solutions to improving pre-hospital care include advanced trained ambulance and bystander resuscitation schemes. Although difficult to quantify the authors feel that flying squads are of benefit.
Occupation and Cancer of the Lower Urinary Tract in Detroit&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="fn2"&gt;2&lt;/xref&gt;
Authors: D T Silverman, R N Hoover, S Albert, K M Graff
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1983)

The relationship between occupation and cancer of the lower urinary tract in Detroit was examined by means of a population-based case-control study conducted as part of the National Bladder Cancer Study. Three hundred three white male patients with transitional or squamous cell carcinoma of the lower urinary tract and 296 white male controls selected from the general population of the study area were interviewed to obtain lifetime occupational histories. Our findings suggested that truck drivers have a significant increased risk of lower urinary tract cancer [relative risk = 2.1; 95% confidence interval (Cl) = 1.4-4.4]. A significant trend in risk was apparent with increasing duration of employment as a truck driver (P = 0.004); the relative risk estimated for truck drivers employed at least 10 years was 5.5 (Cl = 1.8-17.3). Truck drivers with a history of operating vehicles with diesel engines experienced a significant elevated risk compared to non-truck drivers (relative risk = 11.9; Cl = 2.3-61.1), but whether the increased risk observed among truck drivers was attributable to diesel exposure could not be evaluated. Nonsignificant excess risks were also seen for tool and die makers as well as for workers in several other industries and occupations. Employment in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry was associated with no significant excess risk of lower urinary tract cancer (relative risk = 1.1; Cl = 0.8-1.5).
Therapy of CNS leukemia with intraventricular chemotherapy and low-dose neuraxis radiotherapy.
Authors: P Steinherz, B Jereb, J Galicich
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1985)

Successful treatment of CNS leukemic relapse has been frustrated by frequent local recurrence and eventual marrow relapse. We describe the treatment of meningeal leukemia in 39 children with intrathecal remission induction followed by the placement of an Ommaya reservoir to facilitate the administration and distribution of chemotherapeutic agents into the CSF. Six hundred or 900 rad of craniospinal radiation and maintenance intraventricular and intrathecal chemotherapy was then administered. Systemic reinduction therapy was added in the later cases. Sixteen children (41%) experienced no further events, with 17+ months to 13+ years (median, 25 months) follow-up . Eleven patients (28%) had CNS recurrence, nine (23%) bone marrow (BM) relapse, and two (5%) testicular relapse as the next adverse event. The course of patients with first isolated CNS relapse differed from that of the others. Eleven (69%) of 16 patients treated for first isolated CNS relapse are alive and 9 are event free, while only 35% of patients whose CNS relapse occurred simultaneously or after recurrent disease at other sites are alive (P = .04). Seven of 23 in the later group are event free. The difference is due to the increased incidence of BM relapse in the later group (30% v 6%; P = .04). For patients with first isolated CNS relapse, the life-table median CNS remission duration is 42 months. The projected CNS relapse-free survival and event-free survival 8 to 10 years after CNS relapse are 40% and 32%, respectively. Headache, nausea, and emesis of short duration were frequent during therapy. In three patients, the reservoir had to be removed for infection. No patient suffered neurologic deficit related to the reservoir. The therapy described can reduce the CNS relapse rate with manageable toxicity. Systemic relapse is still a major problem after multiple CNS relapse and in those in whom the CNS relapse follows or is simultaneous with relapse at other sites.
LSC 2013 abstract - Development of a mouse model of COPD exacerbation
Authors: Aran Singanayagam, Nicholas Glanville, Nathan Bartlett, Sebastian Johnston
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Introduction:  There are few existing mouse models of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) exacerbation. Protocols include single or multiple doses of elastase(EL), different intervals between EL administration and infection and/or addition of lipopolysaccharide(LPS). Our aim was to develop a mouse model of rhinovirus(RV) induced COPD exacerbation that closely resembled human disease.   Methods:  10 week C57BL/6 mice were exposed intranasally to 1,2,3 or 4 weeks of 1.2U EL +/- 7µg LPS, followed by infection with RV1B or UV inactivated RV,1 or 2 weeks after EL/LPS dosing.   Results:  Reduced virus loads and inflammation were seen in EL-LPS treated mice compared to PBS treated mice, regardless of whether 1,2,3 or 4 weeks of dosing was administered. Histological emphysema was present in EL-LPS mice, regardless of duration of exposure(data not shown). Single dose EL or EL-LPS protocols followed by 1 or 2 week interval to infection showed similar virus loads across RV-infected groups(fig1). However, there were significantly increased bronchoalveolar lavage neutrophils and Muc5AC gene expression at 1 day post infection in EL-LPS mice infected after a 2 week interval compared to PBS+RV mice(fig1).   Conclusion:  A protocol of single dose EL+LPS followed by 2 week interval to infection produces phenotypes that most closely resemble human exacerbation. This model may be useful for investigating disease mechanisms and  in vivo  testing of novel therapies.