tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Body-plethysmographic measurements of bronchodilator response in stable COPD
Authors: Irina Strambu, Diana Ionita, Ileana Stoicescu, Madalina Burecu, Camelia Nita, Alina Croitoru, Daniela Dospinoiu, Felicia Cojocaru
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Aim:  To assess the change in respiratory functional parameters after maximal bronhodilation in stable COPD patients.   Subjects and methods:  Spirometry and body-plethysmography were performed using ATS/ERS criteria in patients with stable COPD (no asthma symptoms/history, non-atopic) before and 30 minutes after inhalation of 400 mcg salbutamol and 40 mcg ipratropium. The cut-offs for a positive response were set at 12% for increase in FEV1 (at least 200 mL), 12% for IC increase or RV decrease and 25% for Raw decrease.   Results:  Fifty-two patients were included (age 60±6 years, 37 males), GOLD stages II (24 subjects) and III/IV (28 subjects).  The change in parameters after maximal bronchodilation compared to the initial values were: 8±7% for FEV1, 10±7% for IC, -7±6% for RV, -32±18% for Raw.  Seven patients (13%) had a significant increase in FEV1. A significant change was seen in 23 patients (44%) for IC, 13 patients (25%) for RV and 30 patients (58%) for Raw.  No differences were seen in bronchodilator response for patients in different GOLD stages or regarding the frequent exacerbations status (p>0.05 for all parameters).   Conclusions:  There was a positive response after maximal bronchodilation in stable COPD patients with no asthma, measured as an increase in FEV1. Decrease in hyperinflation (measured as an increase in IC and/or a decrease in RV) and a decrease in flow resistance were seen in more than half of the patients. Bronchodilator response did not depend on GOLD stage or frequent exacerbations status. A correct bronchodilation leading to less hyperinflation (and consequently lesser symptoms) is of major clinical importance.
Time trends in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Matteo Zignol, Dennis Falzon
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background : To investigate time trends in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in different geographical settings worldwide we used data collected by the World Health Organization over the period 1994-2010.   Methods : Time trends in MDR-TB rates from 45 countries or territories were calculated by multiplying the new TB case notification rates by the frequency of MDR-TB in new TB cases in the same year. The number of available country-year data points differed between countries. The annual percentage change in MDR-TB rates was plotted against the annual percentage change in TB notification rates, placing all countries or territories in one of six groupings according to whether MDR-TB rates and TB notification rates were increasing or decreasing.   Results : In countries like Japan, Poland, Singapore and the US, the incidence of MDR-TB has been falling quicker than the incidence of TB. Countries with a high proportion of MDR-TB among TB cases (Georgia, Russian Federation: Tomsk Oblast), with a majority of TB cases of foreign origin (Sweden, United Kingdom) and with high HIV prevalence (Botswana, South Africa: Mpumalanga Province, Swaziland) show net increments in both TB and MDR-TB incidence, with the latter increasing faster than the former.   Conclusions : While global trends in MDR-TB may not be inferred directly from the national data currently available, MDR-TB incidence is increasing in countries with disparate epidemiological and geographical settings.
Prediction of mortality in the Swiss chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cohort using the age dyspnoe and airflow obstruction index (ADO)
Authors: Lucia Schönenberger, Anja Jochmann, Pierre-Olivier Bridevaux, Prashant N. Chhajed, Jean-William Fitting, Thomas Geiser, Malcolm Kohler, Sabrina Maier, David Miedinger, Salome Schafroth Török, Andreas Scherr, Robert Thurnheer, Michael Tamm, Jörg D. Leuppi
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background: COPD is associated with significant mortality, being the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. The Age Dyspnoe and airflow Obstruction Index (ADO) is a simplified prognostic assessment tool for patients with COPD which has been developed in specialized settings.

Aims: Our objective was to reassess the usefulness of the ADO index as a predictor of mortality in a general practitioners' (GP's) based Swiss COPD cohort.

Methods: 409 patients with presumed GOLD stages I-IV were enrolled by their GP's and data was collected during a total period of 24 months.

The observed 2-year risk of all-cause mortality in the cohort was compared to the ADO index predicted 3-year risk of death by performing logistic regression analysis with ADO as independent variable and observed 2-year all-cause mortality as dependent variable.

Results: Complete data could be analyzed in 390 patients (70% male, mean age 68 years). 154 patients (40 %) did not have COPD according to spirometric criteria (FEV1/FVC <70%). COPD GOLD stage I was found in 22 (9%) patients, GOLD stage II in 94 (40 %), GOLD stage III in 90 (38 %) and GOLD stage IV in 30 (13 %), respectively. Of the 236 patients with COPD (median ADO score of 4, IQR 3.5), 14 (6 %) died during the 2-year follow up period.

There was a significant association between predicted (ADO index) and observed risk of death in the cohort (p<0.01). The odds ratio for death per point increase in the ADO index was 1.65 with a 95% confidence interval from 1.16-2.33.

Conclusion: The ADO index seems to be a significant predictor of 2-year all-cause mortality in patients with COPD treated in primary–care settings.
Pulse oximeter validation study
Authors: Geljit Johal, Jodie Hunt, Brendan Cooper
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Introduction:  The aim of this study was to assess a) the reliability of our pulse oximeters for SpO2 and HR signals, b) to detect malfunctions, c) and to provide recommendations on SpO2 testing.   Methods:  A pulse oximeter tester (Metron DEAG) was to test 12 Konica Minolta pulse oximeters over a split 6 month period. The suitability of the analyser was measured against a reference standard (OxSim-1 pulse oximeter simulator). The ranges that were simulated include SpO2 of 85%, 95% and 98% at heart rates (HR) of 80, 40 and 140 beats per minute (b.p.m) respectively.   Results:  The Bland-Altman analysis did not reveal any significant difference at all 3 ranges for both analysers. The mean differences at SpO2 of 85% and HR of 40 b.p.m was -0.37% and ±2SD of (0.67- -1.39). At 95% 80 b.p.m mean difference of +0.67±2SD (+1.18 - +0.15) and 98% at 140 b.p.m a mean difference of 0.08% ±2SD (+0.44- -0.29). The difference between the two analysers was correlated better towards the higher range of SpO2. There was no variability in the simulated HR during the testing of all the pulse oximeters.   Discussion:  The results of the study show that the oximeters appear to be remarkably stable over time.   Conclusions:  The change in SpO2 over Period 1 (mean simulated readings of 86.1%, 95.8% and 98.0%) and Period 2 (mean simulated readings of 86.2% and 95.7% and 98.0%) was negligible. The P values for all three ranges (85% P value of 0.65, 95% P=0.59 and 98% P=0.47) were > 0.05 and therefore no significant differences in the data existed. We conclude that regular testing of pulse oximeters does not help predict failure or problems that aren9t picked up by the regular operators.
Cystic fibrosis lung disease assessed by lung clearance index
Authors: Elpis Hatziagorou, Vasiliki Avramidou, Kalliopi Kontouli, Vasiliki Georgopoulou, John Tsanakas
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

AIM: To detect whether the lung clearance index (LCI) is a sensitive and repeatable noninvasive measure of airway infection among children and adolescents with CF.  METHODS: Seventy-three children with CF (mean age, 10.6) and 51 healthy age- matched children underwent multiple-breath washout testing. LCI within and between-test variability was assessed. Children with CF had spirometry performed, 32 children underwent HRCT scan, which was scored with modified Bhala score and 30 children performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test on cycle ergometer (Ergoline, Vmax Series V.20-1, Sensor medics).  RESULTS: The mean (SD) LCI in healthy children was 6.9 (1.1). The LCI was higher in children with CF (10.3 [3.9]; P   CONCLUSIONS: The LCI is elevated among children and adolescents with CF, especially in the presence of Pseudomonas. The The LCI is a feasible, repeatable, and sensitive noninvasive marker of lung disease in children with CF that correlates with structural and functional lung impairment.
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii subspecies–level dysbiosis in the human gut microbiome underlying atopic dermatitis
Authors: Han Song, Young Yoo, Junghyun Hwang, Yun-Cheol Na, Heenam Stanley Kim
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2015)

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a serious global epidemic associated with a modern lifestyle.Although aberrant interactions between gut microbes and the intestinal immune system have been implicated in this skin disease, the nature of the microbiome dysfunction underlying the disease remains unclear.The gut microbiome from 132 subjects, including 90 patients with AD, was analyzed by using 16S rRNA gene and metagenome sequence analyses. Reference genomes from the Human Microbiome Project and the KEGG Orthology database were used for metagenome analyses. Short-chain fatty acids in fecal samples were compared by using gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analyses.We show that enrichment of a subspecies of the major gut species Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is strongly associated with AD. In addition, the AD microbiome was enriched in genes encoding the use of various nutrients that could be released from damaged gut epithelium, reflecting a bloom of auxotrophic bacteria. Fecal samples from patients with AD showed decreased levels of butyrate and propionate, which have anti-inflammatory effects. This is likely a consequence of an intraspecies compositional change in F prausnitzii that reduces the number of high butyrate and propionate producers, including those related to the strain A2-165, a lack of which has been implicated in patients with Crohn disease.The data suggest that feedback interactions between dysbiosis in F prausnitzii and dysregulation of gut epithelial inflammation might underlie the chronic progression of AD by resulting in impairment of the gut epithelial barrier, which ultimately leads to aberrant TH2-type immune responses to allergens in the skin.
Analytic Techniques in the Separation and Identification of Specific Purine and Pyrimidine Degradation Products of tRNA: Application to Urine Samples From Cancer Patients&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="fn2"&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/xref&gt;
Authors: John E. Mrochek, Stanley R. Dinsmore, T. Phillip Waalkes
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1974)

High-resolution liquid chromatographic procedures for the separation and analysis of several nucleosides and purine bases were applied to the separation of trace urinary degradation products of tRNA in humans and their subsequent identification by means of gas chromatography (GC), mass spectrometry (MS), and combined GC-MS. Purine and pyrimidine products present in all urine samples included pseudouridine (ψrd), 1-methylinosine (m1l), N2,N2-dimethylguanosine (m22G), 1-methylguanosine (m1G), and 7-methylguanine (7-MeGua). The excretion of these compounds in the urine of normal control adults were, in mg/kg/24 hours: ψrd, 0.94; m1l, 0.06; m22, 0.06; m1G, 0.07; and 7-MeGua, 0.10. Clinically normal children from 4 to 13 years old excreted about 60% more of these compounds than did the adult controls. Adult patients with neoplastic diseases, including lung cancer, leukemia, Burkitt's lymphoma, melanoma, and ovarian cancer, showed elevated urinary excretion of ψrd, m1l, and m1l, 0.06; m22. Results of a few analyses for m1G and 7-MeGua generally seemed to parallel those of the other methylated compounds.
Autocrine Signaling by Wnt-5a Deregulates Chemotaxis of Leukemic Cells and Predicts Clinical Outcome in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Pavlina Janovska, Lucie Poppova, Karla Plevova, Hana Plesingerova, Martin Behal, Marketa Kaucka, Petra Ovesna, Michaela Hlozkova, Marek Borsky, Olga Stehlikova, Yvona Brychtova, Michael Doubek, Michaela Machalova, Sivasubramanian Baskar, Alois Kozubik, Sarka Pospisilova, Sarka Pavlova, Vitezslav Bryja
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2015)

ROR1, a receptor in the noncanonical Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway, is upregulated in malignant B cells of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. It has been shown that the Wnt/PCP pathway drives pathogenesis of CLL, but which factors activate the ROR1 and PCP pathway in CLL cells remains unclear.B lymphocytes from the peripheral blood of CLL patients were negatively separated using RosetteSep (StemCell) and gradient density centrifugation. Relative expression of WNT5A, WNT5B, and ROR1 was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Protein levels, protein interaction, and downstream signaling were analyzed by immunoprecipitation and Western blotting. Migration capacity of primary CLL cells was analyzed by the Transwell migration assay.By analyzing the expression in 137 previously untreated CLL patients, we demonstrate that WNT5A and WNT5B genes show dramatically (five orders of magnitude) varying expression in CLL cells. High WNT5A and WNT5B expression strongly associates with unmutated IGHV and shortened time to first treatment. In addition, WNT5A levels associate, independent of IGHV status, with the clinically worst CLL subgroups characterized by dysfunctional p53 and mutated SF3B1. We provide functional evidence that WNT5A-positive primary CLL cells have increased motility and attenuated chemotaxis toward CXCL12 and CCL19 that can be overcome by inhibitors of Wnt/PCP signaling.These observations identify Wnt-5a as the crucial regulator of ROR1 activity in CLL and suggest that the autocrine Wnt-5a signaling pathway allows CLL cells to overcome natural microenvironmental regulation.
The prognostic value of CD8+ and CD25+ lymphocytes blood content for asthma exacerbation
Authors: Zhanna Antanovich, Vladimir Tsarev, Natalia Goncharova
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background: The recognition of asthma as an inflammatory disease led to a search for biomarkers for assessing of airway inflammation and for the prediction of asthma exacerbation.  Objective: To evaluate the blood content of CD8+ and CD25+ lymphocytes in patients with asthma and to predict asthma exacerbation.  Methods: 48 patients with asthma exacerbation and 48 with asthma remission were randomly selected and 30 matched control subjects were included. All were submitted to detailed clinical history and examination, pulmonary function testing. Investigation of CD8+ and CD25+ lymphocytes in blood was carried out by flow cytometry.  Results: Patients with asthma exacerbation had significantly lower values of CD8+ lymphocytes than patients with asthma remission (20,41±4,52% vs 23,29±5,08%; p 0,5, the patient has exacerbation; the above Z, the above asthma exacerbation probability. The value of correct predictions is 81%.  Conclusion: Decrease of CD8+ lymphocytes blood content and increase of CD25+ lymphocytes blood content can be predictor for asthma exacerbation and allows to predict asthma exacerbation with the probability of 81%.
Keeping allergy on the agenda: integrated guidelines for respiratory disease in developing countries
Authors: R. G. English, L. R. Fairall, E. D. Bateman
Journal: Allergy (2007)

Background: Efforts to improve the care of patients with asthma and allergic conditions is in some developing countries being overwhelmed by the burden of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. Innovative approaches are required to ensure that these diseases are not neglected. Methods: The Practical Approach to Lung Health in South Africa is an example of a syndromic integrated algorithm‐based diagnostic and management tool for priority chronic respiratory diseases and tuberculosis. It was developed for the needs of nurse care practitioners in poorly‐resourced and predominantly rural clinics and includes allergic diseases and asthma. Its diagnostic accuracy and effectiveness at improving the care offered to patients with asthma and rhinitis has been confirmed in two large studies performed in primary care clinics. Discussion and conclusion: An integrated approach to the management of allergic diseases alongside other priority lung diseases may hold the key to ensuring that the needs of patients with these diseases gain and maintain recognition, and that health resources are appropriately allocated in developing countries.
Data sharing is desirable, but benefits should not be exaggerated
Authors: David M Nathan, Saul M Genuth, Bernard Zinman, John M Lachin
Journal: BMJ (2015)

On behalf of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (DCCT/EDIC) research group, we thank Henry and Fitzpatrick for their praise of how we have shared data with outside investigators over the years.1 We did so by providing DCCT/EDIC data and biosamples to the National Institute of Diabetes …
Leiomyoma of the Broad Ligament in an Obturator Hernia Presenting as a Lump in the Groin
Authors: H K Ng Lung Kit, R E C Collins
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1986)

Obturator hernia is an infrequent entity. About 550 cases have been reported in the English literature 1,2 since it was first described by Arnaud de Ronsil in 1724. The commonest structure that herniates into an obturator hernia sac is small intestine 3-5 . Cases have been reported of bladder, fallopian tube, ovary, omentum, appendix, caecum and uterus 3,5-7 . No previous report of a benign tumour of the broad ligament herniating into an obturator hernia sac, and presenting as a lump in the femoral triangle, has been traced.
Proteinase 3 on apoptotic cells disrupts immune silencing in autoimmune vasculitis
Authors: Arnaud Millet, Katherine R. Martin, Francis Bonnefoy, Philippe Saas, Julie Mocek, Manal Alkan, Benjamin Terrier, Anja Kerstein, Nicola Tamassia, Senthil Kumaran Satyanarayanan, Amiram Ariel, Jean-Antoine Ribeil, Loïc Guillevin, Marco A. Cassatella, Antje Mueller, Nathalie Thieblemont, Peter Lamprecht, Luc Mouthon, Sylvain Perruche, Véronique Witko-Sarsat
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2015)

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis that is associated with granulomatous inflammation and the presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) directed against proteinase 3 (PR3). We previously determined that PR3 on the surface of apoptotic neutrophils interferes with induction of antiinflammatory mechanisms following phagocytosis of these cells by macrophages. Here, we demonstrate that enzymatically active membrane-associated PR3 on apoptotic cells triggered secretion of inflammatory cytokines, including granulocyte CSF (G-CSF) and chemokines. This response required the IL-1R1/MyD88 signaling pathway and was dependent on the synthesis of NO, as macrophages from animals lacking these pathways did not exhibit a PR3-associated proinflammatory response. The PR3-induced microenvironment facilitated recruitment of inflammatory cells, such as macrophages, plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), and neutrophils, which were observed in close proximity within granulomatous lesions in the lungs of GPA patients. In different murine models of apoptotic cell injection, the PR3-induced microenvironment instructed pDC-driven Th9/Th2 cell generation. Concomitant injection of anti-PR3 ANCAs with PR3-expressing apoptotic cells induced a Th17 response, revealing a GPA-specific mechanism of immune polarization. Accordingly, circulating CD4+ T cells from GPA patients had a skewed distribution of Th9/Th2/Th17. These results reveal that PR3 disrupts immune silencing associated with clearance of apoptotic neutrophils and provide insight into how PR3 and PR3-targeting ANCAs promote GPA pathophysiology.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis and without dialysis: Results of the PEPPER-study
Authors: Stefan Pabst, Christoph Hammerstingl, Felix Hundt, Thomas Gerhardt, Christian Grohé, Georg Nickenig, Rainer Woitas, Dirk Skowasch
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Background:  Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common in patients with dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is an independent predictor of mortality. However, specific hemodynamics of the pulmonary circulation, changes induced by hemodialysis and prevalence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have not been evaluated in patients with CKD.   Methods and results:  We assessed consecutive patients with CKD on hemodialysis (group 1, n=31) or without dialysis (group 2, n=31), in World Health Organization functional class ≥II with dyspnea unexplained by other causes, using right heart catheterization (RHC). In group 1 RHC was performed before and after dialysis. PAH was diagnosed if mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) was ≥25 mmHg and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) ≤15 mmHg (after dialysis in group 1) and if other causes of PH were excluded. In CKD patients after dialysis, prevalence of PH was 24/31 (77%; 20/31 postcapillary PH, 4/31 precapillary PH); prevalence of PAH was 3/31 (10%). After dialysis, there were significant decreases in mPAP and PCWP; all four cases of precapillary PH were unmasked by dialysis. In group 2, postcapillary PH was diagnosed in 22 cases (71%); no cases of PAH were detected.   Conclusions:  The finding that the prevalence of PAH was 10% in CKD patients on hemodialysis who have unexplained dyspnea suggests careful screening for PH in this patient population is warranted. The possibility that dialysis might be a trigger for the development of PAH is plausible given that there were no instances of PAH in the nondialysis CKD patient group. RHC should be performed after dialysis to unmask precapillary PH.
Effects of Rubidium Chloride on the Course of Manic-Depressive Illness
Authors: C Paschalis, F A Jenner, C R Lee
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1978)

Clinical studies of the effects of rubidium ions on the course of manic-depressive illness are reported. It seems that rubidium tends to increase the length of manic phases and possibly reduces the extremes of mood. Rubidium did not seem to produce any severe side effects in the dose administered, but it has a long biological half-life and caution is still required. Some details of the CSF, RBC, saliva and plasma and urine kinetics are also reported.