tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Colonization of Central Airways after Stenting
Authors: MARC NOPPEN, DENIS PIÉRARD, MARC MEYSMAN, INGEBORG CLAES, WALTER VINCKEN
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (1999)

Airway stenting (AS) is increasingly used in the management of obstructive lesions of the central airways. Although retention of secretions and infection have been reported as complications of AS, the microbiological consequences of AS have not yet been evaluated. In this study, we prospectively performed protected specimen brush (PSB) sampling of the airways, before and 3 to 4 wk after AS, in 14 consecutive patients (65 +/- 17 yr), suffering from bronchial (5), extensive esophageal (2), thyroid (1), and adenocystic (1) carcinoma, stenotic tracheal burn lesions (2), postintubation stenosis (2), and Wegener's granulomatosis (1). A cutoff value of >/= 10(2) colony-forming units (cfu). ml(-)(1) was considered diagnostic for airway colonization (AC). PSB results were related to the presence and degree of secretion retention (SR) at the level of the stent. In five of the 14 patients, AC was present prior to AS; in three of these, potentially pathogenic microorganisms (PPM) were identified. After AS, AC was found in 11 (including seven patients without prior AC) of the 14 patients. In six of these patients, one or more PPM were present (Pseudomonas aeruginosa [4], Staphylococcus aureus [3], Streptococcus pneumoniae [1], Klebsiella spp. [1]). Although AC tended to be associated with the presence of SR (PSB >/= 10(2) cfu. ml(-)(1) in 10 of 12 SR-positive and in zero SR-negative cases; PSB < 10(2) cfu. ml(-)(1) in two SR-positive and in two SR-negative cases), statistical significance was not reached (Fisher exact test, p = 0.06). We conclude that AS is frequently followed by AC, the majority of which occurs in patients without AC prior to AS, and is caused by PPM. In no case, however, AC was associated with clinical signs of infection. AC tended to be associated with SR in the stent.
EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF APIXABAN COMPARED WITH WARFARIN ACCORDING TO AGE FOR STROKE PREVENTION IN ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
Authors: Sigrun Halvorsen, Lars Wallentin, Hongqiu Yang, Raffaele De Caterina, Cetin Erol, David Garcia, Christopher B. Granger, Michael Hanna, Claes Held, Steen Husted, Elaine Hylek, Petr Jansky, Renato Lopes, Witold Ruzyllo, Laine Thomas, Dan Atar
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2013)
Facial lichen striatus: successful treatment with tacrolimus ointment
Authors: N. Fujimoto, S. Tajima, A. Ishibashi
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2003)

Summary We report a 22‐year‐old Japanese woman with facial lichen striatus (LS). The distribution of the lesions corresponded to that of Blaschko's lines. Histology of the lesional skin showed an inflammatory cell infiltrate around hair follicles and eccrine glands. Treatment of the linear lesions with tacrolimus ointment once or twice daily resulted in a dramatical improvement in a short time. LS is a T‐cell‐mediated inflammatory disease and tacrolimus ointment may be an effective alternative treatment for this disease especially when the lesions are located on the face.
Outcomes of central nervous system cryptococcosis vary with host immune function: Results from a multi-center, prospective study
Authors: M. Hong Nguyen, Shahid Husain, Cornelius J. Clancy, James E. Peacock, Chien-Ching Hung, Dimitrios P. Kontoyiannis, Arthur J. Morris, Christopher H. Heath, Marilyn Wagener, Victor L. Yu
Journal: Journal of Infection (2010)
An intragenic ERG deletion is a marker of an oncogenic subtype of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a favorable outcome despite frequent IKZF1 deletions
Authors: E Clappier, M-F Auclerc, J Rapion, M Bakkus, A Caye, A Khemiri, C Giroux, L Hernandez, E Kabongo, S Savola, T Leblanc, K Yakouben, G Plat, V Costa, A Ferster, S Girard, O Fenneteau, J-M Cayuela, F Sigaux, N Dastugue, S Suciu, Y Benoit, Y Bertrand, J Soulier, H Cavé
Journal: Leukemia (2013)
Corticosteroids increase short term mortality in patients with head injury
Authors: Susan Mayor
Journal: BMJ (2004)

Corticosteroids, which have been used to treat head injuries for more than 30 years, increase the risk of death within the first two weeks after treatment, according to a study published last week ( Lancet 2004;364: 1321-8.

The CRASH trial, a multicentre international collaboration funded by the UK Medical Research Council, was set up to establish the effects of corticosteroids in head injury after previous studies had shown inconclusive results. The study was designed to recruit 20 000 patients but was stopped in May 2004, when the data monitoring committee saw an increased risk of early …
Autoradiographic Localisation and Contractile Properties of Prostatic Endothelin Receptors in Patients with Bladder Outlet Obstruction
Authors: F.H. Mumtaz, F.H. Mumtaz, M.R. Dashwood, M.R. Dashwood, C.S. Thompson, C.S. Thompson, M.A. Khan, M.A. Khan, A.M. Naylor, A.M. Naylor, D.P. Mikhailidis, D.P. Mikhailidis, R.J. Morgan, R.J. Morgan
Journal: European Urology (2001)
<i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>and<i>Serratia marcescens</i>Contamination Associated with a Manufacturing Defect in Bronchoscopes
Authors: David L. Kirschke, Timothy F. Jones, Allen S. Craig, Patricia S. Chu, Glenda G. Mayernick, Jayesh A. Patel, William Schaffner
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2003)

Several outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens infections associated with bronchoscopy have been reported. We conducted an investigation of P. aeruginosa and S. marcescens isolates related to bronchoscopy at a community hospital.We reviewed the records of all bronchoscopic procedures at the community hospital from July to October 2001. Environmental samples were obtained. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed on isolates of P. aeruginosa.From July 1 to October 31, 2001, 66 bronchoscopic procedures were performed in 60 patients, and 43 specimens were obtained for bacterial culture; 20 of the specimens (47 percent) were positive for P. aeruginosa. Six (30 percent) of the specimens that were positive for P. aeruginosa also yielded S. marcescens. All 20 P. aeruginosa isolates were associated with procedures performed with three of four new bronchoscopes from the same manufacturer. Contrary to manufacturing specifications, the biopsy-port caps on all four bronchoscopes were easily removable, and P. aeruginosa was cultured from the biopsy ports of the three implicated bronchoscopes. The PFGE patterns of P. aeruginosa isolates from the bronchoscopes, patients, and two environmental samples were indistinguishable. One patient was hospitalized with P. aeruginosa pneumonia 11 days after bronchoscopy. The manufacturer reported a design change instituted in 1997, and production problems may have resulted in the distribution of bronchoscopes that did not meet specifications.We documented contamination of bronchoscopes with P. aeruginosa and S. marcescens and possible infection of patients at a community hospital as a result of the inadequate disinfection of bronchoscopes because of a manufacturing defect.
Targeted Induction of Apoptosis in Cancer Management: The Emerging Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor–Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand Receptor Activating Agents
Authors: Eric K. Rowinsky
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2005)

Targeted induction of programmed cell death or apoptosis via the extrinsic apoptotic pathway represents an unexploited therapeutic strategy to destroy cancer cells. The activation of cell surface receptors by the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) results in direct stimulation of apoptotic signaling pathways (extrinsic stimulation). Molecules that directly activate these receptors, such as agonistic monoclonal antibodies to the TRAIL receptors and recombinant TRAIL, are being developed as monotherapies and as part of combination therapies with existing chemotherapeutic drugs and other therapeutic modalities. This article examines the TRAIL receptors as potential targets for activating the TRAIL-mediated apoptosis pathway and presents the current status of novel therapeutics that exploit this pathway, particularly focusing on agonistic monoclonal antibodies to the TRAIL receptors. The preclinical activity, the status of ongoing evaluations, and the potential clinical impact of these novel agents are reviewed.
Deferasirox removes cardiac iron and attenuates oxidative stress in the iron‐overloaded gerbil
Authors: Rabaa M. Al‐Rousan, Satyanarayana Paturi, Joseph P. Laurino, Sunil K. Kakarla, Anil K. Gutta, Ernest M. Walker, Eric R. Blough
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (2009)

Iron-induced cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in iron-overloaded patients. Deferasirox is a novel, once daily oral iron chelator that was recently approved for the treatment of transfusional iron overload. Here, we investigate whether deferasirox is capable of removing cardiac iron and improving iron-induced pathogenesis of the heart using the iron overload gerbil model. Animals were randomly divided into three groups: control, iron overload, and iron overload + deferasirox treatment. Iron-dextran was given 100 mg/kg per 5 days i.p for 10 weeks. Deferasirox treatment was taken post iron loading and was given at 100 mg/kg/day p.o for 1 or 3 months. Cardiac iron concentration was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Compared with the untreated group, deferasirox treatment for 1 and 3 months decreased cardiac iron concentration 17.1% (P = 0.159) and 23.5% (P < 0.05), respectively. These treatment-associated reductions in cardiac iron were paralleled by decreases in tissue ferritin expression of 20% and 38% at 1 and 3 months, respectively (P < 0.05). Using oxyblot analysis and hydroethidine fluorescence, we showed that deferasirox significantly reduces cardiac protein oxidation and superoxide abundance by 36 and 47.1%, respectively (P < 0.05). Iron-induced increase in oxidative stress was also associated with increased phosphorylation of ERK-, p38-, and JNK-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Interestingly, deferasirox treatment significantly diminished the phosphorylation of all three MAPK subfamilies. These results suggest that deferasirox may confer a cardioprotective effect against iron induced injury.
Abstract 3281: Functional characterization of a fusion angioinhibitor molecule “Combostatin”
Authors: Chandra Shekhar Boosani, Venugopal Gunda, Archana Laknaur, Sudhakar Akulapalli
Journal: Cancer Research (2011)

Abstract Angiogenesis, a process of new blood vessel formation is observed during pathological and physiological conditions, can be controlled by circulating endogenous angioinhibitory molecules derived from non-collagenous domains of type IV and type XVIII collagen. In the present study we developed a fusion protein (Combostatin) from functional domains of three known endogenous angioinhibitors [α1(IV)NC1 (arresten), α3(IV)NC1 (tumstatin) and type XVIII collagen (endostatin)] using recombinant DNA technology and expressed using Baculovirus expression system. We then tested the angioinhibitory functions of Combostatin in-vitro using cellular proliferation, invasion, migration and tube formation assays. Combostatin was found to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation and invasion in a dose dependent manner, similar to its parent molecules. Interestingly, inhibition of endothelial migration and tube formation by Combostatin was significantly higher compared to its parent molecules. In addition Combostatin binds to different cell surface integrins and inhibits multiple signaling pathways. Taken together, our studies identify that Combostatin is a more potent angioinhibitor molecule compared to its parent molecules. Our results support earlier studies that showed multiple angioinhibitors which are promising candidates with clinical importance compared to single inhibitor molecules. Further pre-clinical validation of Combostatin is essential to characterize its use in the treatment of vascular diseases including cancer, diabetic retinopathy etc. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3281. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3281
Waiting in the dark: cataract surgery in older people
Authors: C S Gray, H L Crabtree, J E O'Connell, E D Allen
Journal: BMJ (1999)

Cataract extraction is the most common elective surgical procedure performed in older people, with over 105 000 NHS operations each year. Advances in surgical and anaesthetic techniques over the past 15 years have transformed it into a day case procedure using local anaesthetic. These advances, combined with an ageing population and higher patient expectations, mean that demand continues to rise, with increasing numbers waiting for cataract surgery. The effectiveness of first eye cataract surgery is well established. However, up to a third of current cataract operations in the United Kingdom are done on second eyes, and now there is evidence that the outcome is better when they are done soon after the first procedure rather than later.1 Given these demands, how are ophthalmologists to prioritorise their waiting lists?

In a randomised trial of expedited second eye surgery (within six weeks of the first) versus routine surgery (within 7-12 months of the first) Laidlaw et al in Bristol reported major benefits in terms of objective measures of visual function and reported visual symptoms and quality of life.1 This study supports the need for second eye surgery, but how may this affect patients awaiting first eye surgery? Public concern is increasing that the outcome of first eye cataract surgery may be …
Actin-activated adenosine triphosphatase activity of native and N-ethylmaleimide-modified cardiac myosin from normal and thyrotoxic rabbits.
Authors: S K Banerjee, E Morkin
Journal: Circulation Research (1977)

The Ca2+-ATPase activity of cardiac myosin is increased in thyrotoxic animals. However, the physiological significance of this observation is uncertain since, in living muscle, Mg-ATP is hydrolyzed by myosin under the stimulating influence of actin. In this study, we have compared the actin-activated ATPase activity of myosin from euthyroid (myosin-N) and thyrotoxic (myosin-T) rabbits and the derivatives of myosin-N and myosin-T formed by blocking the most rapidly reacting class of thiols (SH1) with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). Also, we have studied the activity of these myosins in the presence of a complex of troponin and tropomyosin that confers calcium sensitivity on the system. Vmax for the actin-activated ATPase of myosin-T was about 168% greater than for myosin N. The apparent dissociation constant for actin, Kapp, for myosin-T was about 42% of the normal value. After NEM modification, Vmax and Kapp for NEM-modified myosin-T and myosin-N decreased, becoming essentially the same for both myosins. In the presence of troponin-tropomyosin complex, the actin-activated ATPase of myosin-T exhibited calcium sensitivity that could be reduced by thiol modification. These results suggest that the SH1 thiols or the region near these groups are important to the actin-activated ATPase of myosin-N and are essential to the increased activity of myosin-T. Also, they suggest that the changes in the enzymatic properties of myosin induced by thyroxine may be responsible for altering the contractile properties of the heart.
Hair and Eye Color of Juvenile Diabetics
Authors: A. L. Strickland
Journal: JAMA (1980)

<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> A study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetics (JDM) more commonly have lighter pigmentation of skin, hair, and irides than nondiabetic age mates. This was prompted because of the unusual number of JDMs in the author's practice (eight of 58) who have either red or strawberry-blonde hair. The study was conducted by the responses to a questionnaire. <h3>Method.—</h3> The questionnaire was given to the children attending the 1978 and 1979 South Carolina Camp for Childrenwith Diabetes. The control population consisted of the same questionnaire given to the ninth grade class of a local high school. The age range for the JDM was 8 to 16 years and for the ninth grade was 14 to 16 years. Since the control subjects did not fill in all of the blanks, only those questionnaires that were complete were used. This group consisted of one
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 is a positive regulator of human bile salt export pump expression
Authors: Jittima Weerachayaphorn, Shi-Ying Cai, Carol J. Soroka, James L. Boyer
Journal: Hepatology (2009)

Abstract The bile salt export pump (BSEP) is the major determinant of bile salt–dependent bile secretion, and its deficiency leads to cholestatic liver injury. BSEP/Bsep gene expression is regulated by the nuclear farnesoid X receptor. However, BSEP expression, though reduced, is retained in the livers of Fxr −/− mice, indicating that additional transcriptional factors may regulate its expression. Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a major role in response to oxidative stress by binding to antioxidant-responsive elements that regulate many hepatic phase I and II enzymes as well as hepatic efflux transporters. Computer software analysis of human BSEP reveals two musculo-aponeurotic fibrosacroma (Maf) recognition elements (MAREs) from the sequence in the proximal promoter region where Nrf2 may bind. In this study, we assessed whether Nrf2 plays a role in human BSEP expression and if this might be mediated by MAREs. Oltipraz, a potent activator of Nrf2, increased BSEP messenger RNA expression by approximately seven-fold in HepG2 cells and protein by approximately 70% in human hepatocytes. Small interfering RNAs lowered NRF2 expression in HepG2 cells and prevented the up-regulation of BSEP by oltipraz. Human BSEP promoter activity was stimulated by Nrf2 in a dose-dependent manner in luciferase reporter assays. Mutations of the predicted MARE1, but not MARE2, abolished this Nrf2 transcriptional activation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays also demonstrated that Nrf2 specifically bound to MARE1, but not MARE2 regions in the BSEP promoter in HepG2 cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays further demonstrated direct binding of MARE1 in the BSEP promoter. Conclusion: Nrf2 is a positive transcriptional regulator of human BSEP expression. Pharmacological activation of Nrf2 may be beneficial for cholestatic liver injury. (Hepatology 2009.)
The Cardiovascular Effects of Mechanical Ventilation and Positive End-Expiratory Pressure
Authors: John M. Luce
Journal: JAMA (1984)

IN PATIENTS with diffuse lung disease due to the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), mechanical ventilation (MV), and positive endexpiratory pressure (PEEP) commonly are used to improve the Pao<sub>2</sub>. This is done despite the fact that MV and PEEP may depress cardiac output and thereby reduce systemic oxygen transport.<sup>1</sup>In this article, the complex and often controversial cardiovascular effects of MV and PEEP are reviewed by focusing on the determinants of cardiac output. Guidelines to minimize the cardiovascular effects of MV and PEEP in patients with ARDS are also provided. <h3>Determinants of Cardiac Output</h3> Cardiac output is the product of the ventricular stroke volume and heart rate. Heart rate is influenced by sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity that is mediated in part by the baroreceptor reflex involving receptors in the carotid sinus and aortic arch. Stroke volume is determined by three factors: (1) preload, the length of cardiac muscle
Management of patients in persistent vegetative state. Doctors should not be forced to practise euthanasia.
Authors: P Norris
Journal: BMJ (1993)

But having a motive is only one of the criteria for there being an active intention to bring about death.A second, and more compelling, criterion is that, in patients in a persistent vegetative state, death is certain since food is withdrawn.Perhaps one of the main reasons for moral unease in these cases is the inevitability of the ending of life (by withdrawal of food) when this cannot even be claimed to be in the patient's best interests since he or she is permanently insensate.The negative claim that since the patient lacks any best interests the doctor has no further duty to treat him or her does not seem a sufficient moral justification for ending life in this way.
How to tackle rising rates of liver disease in the UK
Authors: N. Bhala, G. Aithal, J. Ferguson
Journal: BMJ (2013)

<h3>Background</h3> Media guidelines for suicide reporting are available in many countries. However, to what extent the mass media comply with the guidelines is unknown. Few studies are available that investigate systematically whether the mass media reflect the epidemiological reality of suicide deaths in their articles. <h3>Methods</h3> Based on the WHO media guidelines, this study investigated the characteristics of newspaper articles of suicides in three Chinese communities, namely Hong Kong, Taiwan and Guangzhou. Epidemiological comparisons were conducted to identify the age and gender differences between the suicide victims as reported in the newspapers and the official records of suicide deaths in all three places. <h3>Results</h3> The results found that one media characteristic complied with the WHO media guidelines (ie, only about 2% of the articles were printed on the front page), but there were a number of instances of non-compliance (ie, only 4–14% provided sources for help-seeking and 27–90% printed with photos). The epidemiological comparisons revealed an over-representation of younger suicides and an under-representation of late-life suicides in the newspapers of all three places. Furthermore, female suicides were found to be under-reported in Taiwan and Guangzhou newspapers, but not in Hong Kong papers. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Non-compliant suicide articles are prevalent in the newspapers of these three Chinese settings. The observed media misrepresentations may potentially mislead the public and the policy makers about the actual risk for suicide in some demographic groups.
Organization and Administration of Health Care: Theory, Practice, Environment
Authors: Herbert B. Norton
Journal: JAMA (1969)

The medical care of but a few years ago—a rather personal service rendered by the physician and in some instances by a hospital—has changed into a gigantic health-service industry. The authors examine in great depth and with multiple professional skills the factors involved in this development. One section traces the involvement of government in the delivery of health-care services, including the Hill-Burton Program, the Coggeshall Report, the Millis Report, and Medicare. The remainder of the text is more specifically directed toward administrative functions, such as the reorganization of a hospital, industrial engineering techniques, and business and finance. Subsections include nursing, quality control, and case hospital information systems. This text is supported by approximately 50 illustrations in the form of graphs and tabulations (including samples of time-survey sheets, worksampling programs, comparisons of charged hours and actual hours by level of work, distributions of patient-contact hours by type of patient and by