tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
PTH-118 Quality of Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy: can we Learn anything from Patients’ Perspectives?
Authors: J Alexander, S Moore, P Neild
Journal: Gut (2013)

<h3>Introduction</h3> Good quality bowel preparation (prep) with oral laxative agents is vital for accurate and safe colonoscopy. Previous work has studied associations between specific patient characteristics and inadequate bowel prep<sup>1</sup>. We analysed patients’ perspectives of bowel prep to see if information could be gleaned to advise future patients. <h3>Methods</h3> The study comprised 100 patients having outpatient colonoscopy at St George’s Hospital in August to September 2012. In advance of the procedure, patients received two sachets of Citrafleet (to be taken 6 hours apart) and a booklet on colonoscopy &amp; bowel prep by post. On arrival patients were asked to complete a questionnaire, including information on usual bowel habit, fluid intake, perceived efficacy of the prep and whether the first or second sachet of prep worked better. Patient demographics and medical history were collected by nursing staff at admission clerking. The Endoscopist assessed the quality of bowel prep at colonoscopy using a standard four point score (0 = good, 1 = satisfactory, 2 = poor, 3 = very poor). <h3>Results</h3> Complete data were collected on 89 patients (age range 21–100; mean age 64): One procedure was abandoned due to failed intubation; in 10 cases the endoscopist did not comment on quality of prep. Endoscopists reported 23 cases where preparation was suboptimal, in contrast to only 5 patients (fifty seven patients felt the laxative worked very well and 38 quite well). There was a tendency towards those who thought the prep worked very well having better prep at colonoscopy, but this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.24). Patients with depression had poorer preparation at colonoscopy (p &lt; 0.01). Fifty seven patients felt their bowels opened most after the first sachet, 43 after the second. Those who thought the second sachet was more effective than the first had poorer bowel prep at colonoscopy (p = 0.03). Patients who reported their usual bowel habit as hard, and those with diabetes, had a tendency towards having their bowels open most after the second sachet, but neither relationship was statistically significant (p = 0.15 &amp; 0.18 respectively). No correlations were found between patient gender, age or drinking habits and perceived quality of prep or efficacy of each sachet. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Our results show that patients reporting more effective results after the second sachet of laxative have objectively poorer preparation at colonoscopy. We suggest that this information could be used to advise such patients that an increased fluid intake may be necessary before and after the second dose of laxative to optimise preparation. A larger study may help to identify further correlates with which we can advise our patients. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None Declared. <h3>Reference</h3> Ness RM, Manam R, Hoen H, Chalasani N. Predictors of inadequate bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Am J Gastroenterol. 2001 Jun; 96(6):1797–802.
Clinical grade stem cells are created by scientists in London
Authors: N. Hawkes
Journal: BMJ (2011)

What is thought to be the world’s first clinical grade stem cells free of animal derived products have been created by scientists at King’s College London and submitted to the UK Stem Cell Bank.

The success marks an important step in the development of human embryonic stem cells for medical use, said Peter Braude, emeritus professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at King’s College. But he cautioned that the research had already taken almost 10 years and that more work lay ahead before clinical trials could begin.

The news will provide a fillip to stem cell researchers, still shocked by the withdrawal last month of the US company Geron from stem cell research. Geron had launched one of the first clinical trials of stem cell treatment, aiming to repair severe spinal cord injury. …
Interferon Alfa Subtypes and Levels of Type I Interferons in the Liver and Peripheral Mononuclear Cells in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C and Controls
Authors: Yurdana Castelruiz, Esther Larrea, Patricia Boya, María-Pilar Civeira, Jesús Prieto
Journal: Hepatology (1999)

Viral infections stimulate the transcription of interferon type I, which includes IFN–alfa (IFN–α) (13 subtypes) and IFN–β (a single substance). Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is remarkable by its ability to evade host antiviral defenses; however, there is little information as to whether endogenous IFN is activated or not in this disease. Additionally, despite the fact that the various IFN–α subtypes may differ in biological activity, there are no data concerning the IFN–α subtypes specifically expressed in normal and diseased liver tissue. Thus, we have analyzed the IFN–α subtypes and the mRNA levels of type I IFNs in samples of normal liver tissue and in liver from patients with chronic hepatitis C. Similar studies were performed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients and controls. After amplification and cloning of IFN–α cDNA, we observed that 98 of the 100 clones from normal liver tissue corresponded to the IFN–α5 subtype. However, in livers with chronic hepatitis C and in PBMC from controls and patients, a variety of subtypes, in addition to IFN–α5, were detected, suggesting a participation of infiltrating leukocytes in the production of IFN–α in livers with chronic hepatitis C. As compared with controls, patients with chronic hepatitis C showed a significant increase in IFN–β mRNA in both the liver and PBMC, while IFN–α mRNA was significantly increased in PBMC but markedly reduced in liver tissue. In conclusion, IFN–α5 is the sole IFN–α subtype expressed in normal liver tissue. The hepatic levels of IFN–α are reduced in chronic hepatitis C, an event that may favor viral persistence.
Harelip and Dentition
Authors: J. A. Salzmann
Journal: JAMA (1962)

<h3>To the Editor:—</h3> A query on "Harelip and Dentition" (<i>JAMA</i><b>180</b>:94 [April 7] 1962) was answered by Dr. Wayne B. Slaughter. I wish to point out that the description of the case would indicate that there was a collapse of the palate and the maxillary dental arch. This is common, and is to be expected in these cases. To allow the condition to continue until the permanent teeth have erupted would be adding insult to injury. There are many other orthodontic appliances which would tend to correct the condition, without placing any pressure on the deciduous teeth themselves, so that they would not be in any danger of being prematurely shed.
Chronic Hemolysis Following Mitral Valve Replacement
Authors: R. J. DONNELLY, A. N. RAHMAN, S. M. MANOHITHARAJAH, P. B. DEVERALL, D. A. WATSON
Journal: Circulation (1973)

The incidence and severity of chronic intravascular hemolysis was evaluated in a total of 41 patients following mitral valve replacement. Valve replacement was with a gamma-radiated frame-mounted aortic homograft in 21 patients and with a composite seat Starr-Edwards prosthesis, model 6310 or 6320, in 20 patients. The parameters used to assess hemolysis were hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocyte count, red cell fragment count, serum haptoglobin, LDH and HBD, hemosiderin in the urine and red cell survival. The degree of hemolysis was classified as mild, moderate or severe. In the prosthetic valve group 85% showed evidence of chronic intravascular hemolysis, of which a third were mild and the rest moderate. The homograft patients did not show any comparable evidence of hemolysis. Statistical analysis of the comparative figures of the parameters used to assess hemolysis in the two groups of patients revealed a significant difference ( P &lt; 0.01) in hemoglobin and hematocrit and a highly significant difference ( P &lt; .001) in serum haptoglobins, hemosiderin in the urine, LDH, reticulocyte count, red cell fragment count and red cell survivals.
Recent progress in conventional and biologic therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: David Wofsy
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2012)

The recent approval of belimumab for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) ended a decade in which there was mounting optimism about the prospect for developing biologically based therapies for SLE. During this same period, steady progress had been made in understanding and applying conventional therapies for SLE. These advances in the use of conventional therapies provide an important frame of reference for evaluating the novel biologic therapies that are expected to emerge in the near future.
The BH3-only protein Bim plays a critical role in leukemia cell death triggered by concomitant inhibition of the PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK1/2 pathways
Authors: Mohamed Rahmani, Anh Anderson, Joseph Reza Habibi, Timothy Ryan Crabtree, Mandy Mayo, Hisashi Harada, Andrea Ferreira-Gonzalez, Paul Dent, Steven Grant
Journal: Blood (2009)
Lung Function and Exercise Capacity in Young Adults Born Prematurely
Authors: Elianne J. L. E. Vrijlandt, Jorrit Gerritsen, H. Marike Boezen, René G. Grevink, Eric J. Duiverman
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2006)

Limited information is available about the long-term outcome of lung function and exercise capacity in young adults born prematurely.To determine long-term effects of prematurity on lung function (volumes, diffusing capacity) and exercise capacity in ex-preterms compared with healthy peers.In a prospective cohort study, children born with a gestational age of less than 32 wk and/or a birth weight under 1,500 g were followed up for 19 yr. Participants (n=42; mean gestational age, 30 wk, and mean birth weight, 1,246 g) and healthy term control subjects (n=48) were recruited for lung function and exercise tests.Spirometry, bodybox (TLC(box)), diffusing capacity (Dl(CO)), bicycle ergometer test.Preterm birth was associated with lower FEV(1) (preterms, 95% predicted, vs. controls, 110% predicted; p<0.001), DL(CO)sb (88% predicted vs. 96% predicted, p=0.003), and exercise capacity (load, 185 vs. 216 W; p<0.001; anaerobic threshold: mean, 1,546 vs. 1,839 ml/min; p<0.001) compared with control subjects at follow-up. No differences between the groups were found in TLC(box), peak oxygen consumption (Vo(2)), and breathing reserve. No significant differences in lung function and exercise parameters were found between preterms with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia.Long-term effects of prematurity were airway obstruction and a lower CO diffusing capacity compared with control subjects, although mean lung function parameters were within the normal range. Ex-preterms had a lower exercise level, which could not be explained by impaired lung function or smoking habits, but might be due to impaired physical fitness.
A8.38 MMF treatment differentially regulates immune responses to vaccination by PNEUMOVAX but not prevnar in MRL/LPR mice
Authors: Victor Gazivoda, Shikha Mehta, Luhan Wang, Kirk Sperber, Ioannis Tassiulas
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2014)

<h3>Background and Objectives</h3> Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treated with immunosuppressive therapy. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) blocks the proliferation of activated B and T lymphocytes and is a common immunosuppressive used in the treatment of SLE. PneumoVax is a 23valent unconjugated pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine and Prevnar is a 13valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine conjugated to a protein carrier (a nontoxic recombinant variant of Diphtheria toxin). Currently it is not known if the conjugated polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine is more effective in eliciting stronger antibody responses in patients that are treated with immunosuppressive treatments and more specifically MMF. We evaluated immune responses elicited by the two pneumococcal vaccines in the MRL/lpr mouse model of SLE and the effect of MMF treatment. <h3>Materials and Methods</h3> Eight week old MRL/lpr mice were purchased from Jackson +Laboratories (Bar Harbor, ME). Six groups of mice (5 in each group) were studied, 3 groups received MMF (100 mg/kg of body weight) in standard mouse chow while 3 groups were left untreated. The mice were then vaccinated with PneumoVax and/or Prevnar (0.05ml, intra-peritoneal) or left unvaccinated. Eight weeks later the mice were sacrificed. The serum was collected and analysed in a custom made ELISA for the presence of specific pneumococcal polysaccharide antibodies. T and B lymphocytes were stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 and TLR ligands respectively and cytokine production was analysed with specific ELISA assays. <h3>Results</h3> MMF treated and untreated MRL/lpr mice vaccinated with Pneumovax and Prevnar developed comparable levels of specific IgM pneumococcal polysaccharide antibody titers. Anti-polysaccharide IgG antibody titers decreased significantly in the MMF-treated group that received Pneumovax (p&lt;0.0278), while it was not affected in the MMF-treated group that received Prevnar. The effect of MMF treatment on T cell production of IL-4 and IFN-g differed between the mice that received Pneumovax vs Prevnar. Mice that received Pneumovax and MMF produced increased amounts of IFN-g after T cell stimulation while IL-4 production was inhibited. Prevnar vaccinated and MMF-treated mice showed no significant difference in T cell cytokine production. <h3>Conclusions</h3> MMF treatment inhibited IgG antibody responses directed against pneumococcal polysaccharides in MRL/lpr mice vaccinated with Pneumovax but not Prevnar. Moreover, the effect of MMF treatment on the T cell cytokine responses in mice vaccinated with Pneumovax vs Prevnar differed in the production of IL-4 and IFN-g, major cytokines for the regulation of specific antibody responses by B cells.
Effects of Permanent Pacemaker and Oral Theophylline in Sick Sinus Syndrome
Authors: Paolo Alboni, Carlo Menozzi, Michele Brignole, Nelly Paparella, Germano Gaggioli, Gino Lolli, Riccardo Cappato
Journal: Circulation (1997)

Background Pacemakers and theophylline are currently being used to relieve symptoms in patients with sick sinus syndrome (SSS). However, the impact of either therapy on the natural course of the disease is unknown. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to prospectively assess the effects of pacemakers and theophylline in patients with SSS. Methods and Results One hundred seven patients with symptomatic SSS (age, 73±11 years) were randomized to no treatment (control group, n=35), oral theophylline (n=36), or dual-chamber rate-responsive pacemaker therapy (n=36). They were followed for up to 48 months (mean, 19±14 months). During follow-up, the occurrence of syncope was lower in the pacemaker group than in the control group ( P =.02) and tended to be lower than in the theophylline group ( P =.07). Heart failure occurred less often in patients assigned to pacemaker therapy and theophylline than in control patients (both, P =.05), whereas the incidence of sustained paroxysmal tachyarrhythmias, permanent atrial fibrillation, and thromboembolic events did not show any apparent difference among the three groups. Heart rate was higher in the theophylline group than in the control group. Both pacemaker therapy and theophylline improved symptom scores after 3 months of treatment; however, a similar improvement was observed in the control group. Conclusions In patients with symptomatic SSS, therapy with theophylline or dual-chamber pacemaker is associated with a lower incidence of heart failure; pacemaker therapy is also associated with a lower incidence of syncope. The therapeutic benefits of pacemakers and theophylline on symptoms are partly a result of spontaneous improvement of the disease.
271 EXTENDED TREATMENT OF TREATMENT-NAIVE PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV) GENOTYPE 1-INFECTION AND SLOW RESPONSE TO PEGYLATED INTERFERON-ALFA AND RIBAVIRIN: A META-ANALYSIS
Authors: C.M. Lange, H. Farnik, C. Sarrazin, B. Kronenberger, S. Zeuzem, E. Herrmann
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2010)
Assisted Reproductive Technologies Are Associated With Cardiovascular Remodeling In Utero That Persists Postnatally
Authors: Brenda Valenzuela-Alcaraz, Fàtima Crispi, Bart Bijnens, Monica Cruz-Lemini, Montserrat Creus, Marta Sitges, Joaquim Bartrons, Salvadora Civico, Juan Balasch, Eduard Gratacós
Journal: Circulation (2013)

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have been shown to be associated with general vascular dysfunction in late childhood. However, it is unknown whether cardiac remodeling is also present and if these changes already manifest in prenatal life. Our aim was to assess fetal and infant (6 months of age) cardiovascular function in ART pregnancies.This prospective cohort study included 100 fetuses conceived by ART and 100 control pregnancies. ART fetuses showed signs of cardiovascular remodeling, including a more globular heart with thicker myocardial walls, decreased longitudinal function (tricuspid ring displacement in controls: median, 6.5 mm [interquartile range, 6.1-7.1 mm]; tricuspid ring displacement in ART: 5.5 mm [interquartile range, 5.1-6.1]; P<0.001), impaired relaxation, and dilated atria (atrial area in controls, 1.46 cm(2) [interquartile range, 1.2-1.5 cm(2)]; atrial area in ART, 1.6 cm(2) [interquartile range, 1.3-1.8 cm(2)]; P<0.001). Additionally, ART infants showed persistence of most cardiac changes and a significant increase in blood pressure and aortic intima-media thickness (systolic blood pressure in controls, 74 mm Hg [interquartile range, 67-83 mm Hg]; systolic blood pressure in ART, 83 mm Hg [interquartile range, 75-94 mm Hg]; P<0.001; aortic intima-media thickness in controls, 0.52 mm [interquartile range, 0.45-0.56 mm]; aortic intima-media thickness in ART, 0.64 mm [interquartile range, 0.62-0.67]; P<0.001). We could not demonstrate that our findings were directly caused by ART because of their association with various confounding factors, including intrauterine growth restriction or factors related to the cause of infertility.Children conceived by ART manifest cardiac and vascular remodeling that is present in fetal life and persists in postnatal life, suggesting opportunities for early detection and potential intervention. The underlying mechanisms and the effect of potential confounders such as growth restriction or prematurity remain to be elucidated.
Correction for preload in assessment of myocardial contractility in aortic and mitral valve disease. Application of the concept of systolic myocardial stiffness.
Authors: I Mirsky, W J Corin, T Murakami, J Grimm, O M Hess, H P Krayenbuehl
Journal: Circulation (1988)

With single-beat analysis, the new concept of systolic myocardial stiffness is applied to provide a new approach for the assessment of myocardial contractility in aortic and mitral valve disease. Seventy patients underwent diagnostic right and left heart catheterization. Twenty-six patients had aortic stenosis, 18 had aortic insufficiency, and 26 had mitral regurgitation. Patients with aortic stenosis were divided into two groups on the basis of left ventricular mass index less than 172 g/m2 (AS1) and mass index greater than or equal to 172 g/m2 (AS2). The mitral regurgitation patients were divided into those in normal sinus rhythm (MR1) and those in atrial fibrillation (MR2). Nine patients without significant coronary or cardiovascular disease served as controls. Thirteen patients with aortic stenosis and eight with aortic insufficiency were evaluated (average, approximately 18 months) after successful aortic valve replacement. With simultaneous left ventricular pressure and cineangiographic methods, myocardial contractility was assessed by the conventional ejection fraction-afterload relation (uncorrected for preload) and by two new methods that permit the correction of the ejection fraction for preload. Assessments of the contractile state by these two new methods differed from those by the conventional method in 20-40% of the cases studied. Contractile state improved postoperatively in aortic stenosis and aortic insufficiency even in patients with preoperative depressed contractile states. In patients with mitral regurgitation, there was considerable heterogeneity of contractile function preoperatively. Severe left ventricular hypertrophy in aortic stenosis was not a marker for postoperative outcome since contractility was normal postoperatively in AS1 and AS2 in equal numbers. This study demonstrates that preload correction is important in a preoperative assessment of contractility in aortic and mitral valve disease but that it is less important postoperatively, presumably because of reductions in the preload.
Caring for the burden of COPD
Authors: P M A Calverley
Journal: Thorax (2006)

<h3>Background</h3> First Safety forum for social and health services was organised in 2005. It brought together safety authorities and professionals in social and health services to discuss safety issues. The forum awoke need for national safety training for social and health services. The Finnish Association of Fire Officers started developing Safety card training for social and health services immediately and first trainings were held in 2006. Board for safety in social and health services develops the training material constantly. President of the board is safety manager Anna Tamminen from the Joint Municipal Authority of the Pirkanmaa Hospital District. The board also has members from: The Finnish Association of Fire Officers The Finnish National Rescue Association SPEK Ministry of Social Affairs and Health National Institute for Health and Welfare rescue departments The Finnish Union of Practical Nurses SuPer Tehy - The Union of Health and Social Care Professionals in Finland the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities <h3>Methods</h3> The Safety card training for social and health services is meant for all employees and students in social and health services. It gives the employee tools for accident prevention and how to act in a case of an emergency. Duration of the training is one day and people who have completed the course receive a certificate card that is valid for five years. The training emphasises role of employee in risk prevention and includes theory, group work and optional practical exercise. <h3>Results</h3> Safety card training for social and health services has been regarded very good training and you can emphasise different things depending on the target group. It is a basic safety training which guarantees employers certain basic level of safety training. There are nearly 30.000 people who have taken the safety card training. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Safety of the social and health services should still be developed and the training material should be updated according to needs from the field. National safety training should be adopted even more widely and it should be a mandatory part of education in social and health services. There could also be international potential in safety card concept.
TWISTING MOTION ESTIMATED BY 3D SPECKLE-TRACKING STRAIN ACUTELY ONSET AFTER STEMI PREDICTS INFARCT SIZE AND LV REMODELING
Authors: Noriaki Iwahashi, Masaomi Gohbara, Kozo Okada, Nobuhiko Maejima, Mitsuaki Endo, Kengo Tsukahara, Yoshio Tahara, Kiyoshi Hibi, Masami Kosuge, Toshiaki Ebina, Satoshi Umemura, Kazuo Kimura
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2013)