tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
The Generation and Regulation of Functional Diversity of Malignant Plasma Cells
Authors: Liat Nadav, Ben-Zion Katz, Shoshana Baron, Nir Cohen, Elizabeth Naparstek, Benjamin Geiger
Journal: Cancer Research (2006)

Abstract Cellular diversity, which is a hallmark of malignancy, can be generated by both genetic and nongenetic mechanisms. We describe here variability in the adhesive and migratory behavior of malignant plasma cell populations, including multiple myeloma–derived lines and primary patient samples. Examination of the plasma cell lines ARH-77, CAG, and AKR revealed two distinct subpopulations of cells, one displaying highly adhesive properties (type A) and the other consisting of poorly adhesive, floating cells (type F). In the ARH-77 cell line, type A cells attach better to fibronectin and to human bone fragments and form paxillin-rich focal adhesions, whereas type F cells are highly motile and exert integrin-dependent bone marrow homing capacity in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice. Flow cytometry indicated that type A cells express significantly higher levels of CD45 and CD56 and lower levels of CD138 compared with type F cells. Interestingly, culturing of either type A or type F cells under nonselective conditions resulted in the development of mixed cell population similar to the parental ARH-77 cells. Analysis of bone marrow aspirates of multiple myeloma patients revealed that spicules within the aspirates are enriched with type A–like cells. Nonadherent cells within the aspirate fluids express a marker profile similar to type F cells. This study indicates that multiple myeloma patients contain heterogeneous populations of malignant plasma cells that display distinct properties. Diverse subpopulations of malignant plasma cells may play distinct roles in the different biological and clinical manifestations of plasma cell dyscrasias, including bone dissemination and selective adhesion to bone marrow compartments. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(17): 8608-16)
Differential Effects of Mechanical and Biological Stimuli on Matrix Metalloproteinase Promoter Activation in the Thoracic Aorta
Authors: Jean Marie Ruddy, Jeffrey A. Jones, Robert E. Stroud, Rupak Mukherjee, Francis G. Spinale, John S. Ikonomidis
Journal: Circulation (2009)

The effect of multiple integrated stimuli on vascular wall expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) remains unknown. Accordingly, this study examined the influence of the vasoactive peptide angiotensin II (Ang II) on wall tension-induced promoter activation of MMP-2, MMP-9, and membrane type-1 MMP (MT1-MMP).Thoracic aortic rings harvested from transgenic reporter mice containing the MMP-2, MMP-9, or MT1-MMP promoter sequence fused to a reporter gene were subjected to 3 hours of wall tension at 70, 85, or 100 mm Hg, with or without 100 nM Ang II. Total RNA was harvested from the aortic rings, and reporter gene transcripts were quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to measure MMP promoter activity. MT1-MMP promoter activity was increased at both 85 and 100 mm Hg, compared with baseline tension of 70 mm Hg, whereas treatment with Ang II stimulated MT1-MMP promoter activity to the same degree at all tension levels (P<0.05). Elevated tension and Ang II displayed a potential synergistic enhancement of MMP-2 promoter activation at 85 and 100 mm Hg, whereas the same stimuli caused a decrease in MMP-9 promoter activity (P<0.05) at 100 mm Hg.This study demonstrated that exposure to a relevant biological stimulus (Ang II) in the presence of elevated tension modulated MMP promoter activation. Furthermore, these data suggest that a mechanical-molecular set point exists for the induction of MMP promoter activation and that this set point can be adjusted up or down by a secondary biological stimulus. Together, these results may have significant clinical implications toward the regulation of hypertensive vascular remodeling.
First-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer with irinotecan, oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (FOLFOXIRI): results of a phase II study with a simplified biweekly schedule
Authors: G. Masi, G. Allegrini, S. Cupini, L. Marcucci, E. Cerri, I. Brunetti, E. Fontana, S. Ricci, M. Andreuccetti, A. Falcone
Journal: Annals of Oncology (2004)
Biochemical and histological effects of 26 weeks of glycyrrhizin treatment in chronic hepatitis C: A randomized phase II trial
Authors: Hans Orlent, Bettina E. Hansen, Marc Willems, Johannes T. Brouwer, Roman Huber, Gerd A. Kullak-Ublick, Guido Gerken, Stefan Zeuzem, Frederik Nevens, Wanda C.M. Tielemans, Pieter E. Zondervan, Martin Lagging, Johan Westin, Solko W. Schalm
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2006)
The Lambeth Early Onset (LEO) Team: randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of specialised care for early psychosis
Authors: Tom K J Craig, Philippa Garety, Paddy Power, Nikola Rahaman, Susannah Colbert, Miriam Fornells-Ambrojo, Graham Dunn
Journal: BMJ (2004)

<h3>Abstract</h3> <b>Objective</b> To evaluate the effectiveness of a service for early psychosis. <b>Design</b> Randomised controlled clinical trial. <b>Setting</b> Community mental health teams in one London borough. <b>Participants</b> 144 people aged 16-40 years presenting to mental health services for the first or second time with non-organic, non-affective psychosis. <b>Interventions</b> Assertive outreach with evidence based biopsychosocial interventions (specialised care group) and standard care (control group) delivered by community mental health teams. <b>Primary outcome measures</b> Rates of relapse and readmission to hospital. <b>Results</b> Compared with patients in the standard care group, those in the specialised care group were less likely to relapse (odds ratio 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.22 to 0.97), were readmitted fewer times (β 0.39, 0.10 to 0.68), and were less likely to drop out of the study (odds ratio 0.35, 0.15 to 0.81). When rates were adjusted for sex, previous psychotic episode, and ethnicity, the difference in relapse was no longer significant (odds ratio 0.55, 0.24 to 1.26); only total number of readmissions (β 0.36, 0.04 to 0.66) and dropout rates (β 0.28, 0.12 to 0.73) remained significant. <b>Conclusions</b> Limited evidence shows that a team delivering specialised care for patients with early psychosis is superior to standard care for maintaining contact with professionals and for reducing readmissions to hospital. No firm conclusions can, however, be drawn owing to the modest sample size.
Factors Associated With Psychological Insulin Resistance in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Soohyun Nam, Catherine Chesla, Nancy A. Stotts, Lisa Kroon, Susan L. Janson
Journal: Diabetes Care (2010)

OBJECTIVE To describe the predictive relationships of selected sociodemographic, biomedical, and psychosocial variables to reluctance to use insulin among patients with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 178 patients with type 2 diabetes participated in this cross-sectional, observational study. Data were obtained by patient interview using validated measures of diabetes attitude, knowledge, self-efficacy, care communication, and perceived barriers to treatment, as well as sociodemographic and biomedical data. RESULTS Women and ethnic minorities with type 2 diabetes have more psychological barriers to insulin treatment (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The final regression model showed that individuals who believed in the value of tight glucose control, had strong self-efficacy, and had better interpersonal processes with their healthcare providers were less reluctant to use insulin treatment (R2 = 0.403; P &amp;lt; 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Diabetes self-efficacy and better interaction with clinicians were important in decreasing patients' reluctance to use insulin, known as psychological insulin resistance.
Comparison of endoscopic variceal injection sclerotherapy and ligation for the treatment of esophageal variceal hemorrhage: A prospective randomized trial
Authors: Ming-Chih Hou, Han-Chieh Lin, Benjamin Ing-Tiau Kuo, Chen-Hsiang Chen, Fa-Yauh Lee, Shou-Dong Lee
Journal: Hepatology (1995)

To determine the efficacy of endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy (EVS) and ligation (EVL) in the management of esophageal variceal bleeding, 134 cirrhotic patients were randomized to receive either treatment. The clinical and endoscopic characteristics were similar in both groups. Active bleeding was controlled with ligation (20 of 20) as efficiently as with sclerotherapy (14 of 16). Elective sclerotherapy consumed less time than ligation (7.9 +/- 1.8 minutes vs. 11.5 +/- 2.7 minutes, P < .001), but there was no difference between emergent sclerotherapy (14.5 +/- 5.8 minutes) and ligation (14.9 +/- 4.1 minutes). Ligation reduced one grade of variceal size more quickly than sclerotherapy (1.1 +/- 0.4 vs. 2.0 +/- 1.7 session, P < .001). The rebleeding rate was lower with ligation (13 of 67 vs. 28 of 67, P < .01). Esophageal ulcer was the most common source of rebleeding. Recurrence of varices appears more probable with ligation (P = .079). The complication rate was higher with sclerotherapy (15 of 67 vs. 3 of 67, P < .01), with esophageal stricture being the most common cause. Survival rate was the same in both groups even after stratifying patients into good and poor hepatic reserve groups. Hepatic failure was the major cause of death, followed by exsanguination. In summary, EVL was superior to EVS regarding rebleeding and complications but not in other aspects such as time consumption in elective treatment and recurrence of varices. Substantial results for long-term follow-up are required before conclusion of the treatment of choice.
1140 PHASE I TRIAL OF A HIGHLY IMMUNOGENIC AND DURABLE T-CELL VACCINE FOR HEPATITIS C VIRUS BASED ON NOVEL, RARE, ADENOVIRAL VECTORS
Authors: E. Barnes, A. Folgori, S. Capone, S. Aston, J. Meyer, K. Gantlett, K.E. Smith, R. Huddart, A.C. Brown, A. Kurioka, I. Humphreys, G.L.A. Harrison, C. Kelly, V. Ammendola, S. Colloca, M. Naddeo, L. Siani, C. Traboni, R. Córtese, A. Nicosia, P. Klenerman
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2011)
Exposure to combustion of solid fuel and tuberculosis: a matched case-control study
Authors: M. Gninafon, G. Ade, N. Ait-Khaled, D. A. Enarson, C.-Y. Chiang
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2010)

The present study was conducted in Benin to ascertain the association between exposure to combustion of solid fuel (coal and biomass) and tuberculosis. Cases were consecutive, sputum smear-positive tuberculosis patients never previously treated for tuberculosis for as long as 1 month. Two controls were selected from the neighbourhood of each case, matched by age and sex by a predefined procedure. A total of 200 new smear-positive cases and 400 neighbourhood controls were enrolled. In univariate analysis, using solid fuel for cooking (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.8), ever smoking (OR 5.5, 95% CI 3.1-9.8), male sex (OR 10.5, 95% CI 1.6-71.1), daily use of alcoholic beverages (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2-4.2) and having a family member with tuberculosis in the previous 5 yrs (OR 30.5, 95% CI 10.8-85.8) were all significantly associated with tuberculosis cases. When all significant variables were entered into a multivariate conditional logistic regression model, the association between using solid fuel for cooking and tuberculosis cases was no longer statistically significant (adjusted OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.7-2.7). In conclusion, the association between exposure to combustion of solid fuel and tuberculosis was relatively weak and not statistically significant.
Clinical and dermoscopic characteristics of Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: C. Jalilian, A.J. Chamberlain, M. Haskett, C. Rosendahl, M. Goh, H. Beck, J. Keir, P. Varghese, A. Mar, S. Hosking, I. Hussain, M. Rich, C. McLean, J.W. Kelly
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2013)

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous malignancy with a high mortality rate. Diagnosis is often delayed.To characterize the dermoscopic features of MCC.Clinical and dermoscopic images of 12 biopsy-proven MCCs were analysed in a retrospective manner, with existing dermoscopic criteria being scored independently by three dermatologists.The four most frequent clinical features were cherry red colour, shiny surface, sharp circumscription and nodular morphology. Significant dermoscopic features included linear irregular and polymorphous vessels, poorly focused vessels, milky pink areas, white areas, structureless areas and architectural disorder. Pigmented structures were absent from all lesions.The dermoscopic features described herein help the clinician to distinguish MCC from other benign and malignant red nodules. Increasing recognition of the presenting features will facilitate earlier diagnosis of MCC and reduced mortality.
Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-II in experimental liver fibrosis in rats
Authors: Terumi Takahara, Kei Furui, Jun Funaki, Yoshihide Nakayama, Hiroyuki Itoh, Chiharu Miyabayashi, Hiroshi Sato, Motoharu Seiki, Akira Ooshima, Akiharu Watanabe
Journal: Hepatology (1995)

Matrix metalloproteinase-II (MMP-II, 72-kd type IV collagenase, or gelatinase) is one of the gene families of zinc enzymes capable of degrading extracellular matrix molecules, and specifically of degrading type IV and V collagens, gelatin, fibronectin, and elastin. In this study, we used both the liver fibrosis model and the reversibility model of experimental cirrhosis to clarify how MMP-II participates in liver fibrosis of rats. To produce fibrosis model, rats received subcutaneous injections of CCl4 twice weekly for 7, 9, or 14 weeks. For the reversibility model, rats were treated with CCl4 three times a week for 8 weeks and killed at 3, 7, 14, 28, or 42 days after discontinuation of treatment. MMP-II gene expression was studied by Northern hybridization technique, and gelatinase activity of MMP-II was examined by zymography using gelatin substrate. At the same time, an immunohistochemical study using anti-type IV collagen antibody was carried out. In liver fibrosis model, nodule formation was established at 14 weeks. Immunodeposit of type IV collagen was increased in wide fibrous septa and was clearly observed along sinusoidal wall. Gene expression of MMP-II increased up to 7 to 12 times compared with that of controls, with the expression rate being maximum at an intermediate stage of fibrosis. Zymography showed the expressions of both 65-kd latent MMP-II, which is confirmed to be activated by adding p-aminophenylmercuric acetate, and 62-kd active MMP-II during fibrosis. The expression of both forms increased 13 to 28 times as the fibrosis progressed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Short- and long-term reproducibility of time and frequency domain heart rate variability measurements in normal subjects
Authors: Maria Vittoria Pitzalis, Filippo Mastropasqua, Francesco Massari, Cinzia Forleo, Marinella Di Maggio, Andrea Passantino, Roberto Colombo, Matteo Di Biase, Paolo Rizzon
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (1996)

To obtain data relating to the reproducibility of the time and frequency domain measurements obtained from 10-min ECG recordings.Eighteen normal volunteers underwent evaluations of time and frequency domain heart rate variability 2 weeks and 7 months after baseline analysis. The time domain parameters were mean NN, the standard deviation of NN intervals, the percentage of successive NN intervals > 50 ms and the root mean square successive difference of NN intervals. The frequency domain evaluations (total power, low frequency, and high frequency) were made by means of both the Fast Fourier Transform algorithm (FFT) and the autoregressive method (AR) from 10-min ECG recordings made under three different conditions: rest, controlled respiration, and after a passive head-up tilt test. Reproducibility was evaluated by means of the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), comparing baseline values with the results obtained at the second week and the seventh month. Time domain evaluation were also made from 10-min ECG.All of the time domain measurements had an ICC > or = 0.75, except for the standard deviation of NN intervals, which had an ICC of 0.57. The frequency domain parameters obtained by means of either FFT or AR showed similar reproducibility. Low frequency was reproducible under all three conditions, total power only at rest, and high frequency only during controlled respiration.The reproducibility of frequency domain parameters depends on the analysed condition. These results are of primary importance when the effects of drugs or other interventions on heart rate variability are under investigation.
Effects of infliximab on markers of inflammation and bone turnover and associations with bone mineral density in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: S Visvanathan, D van der Heijde, A Deodhar, C Wagner, D G Baker, J Han, J Braun
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2008)

To evaluate the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and biomarkers of bone turnover and inflammation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) treated with infliximab.Patients (n = 279) were randomly assigned (3:8) to receive placebo or 5 mg/kg infliximab every 6 weeks through week 96. At week 24, placebo-treated patients crossed over to infliximab 5 mg/kg. Starting at week 36, patients treated with infliximab received dose escalations to 7.5 mg/kg. Hip and spine BMD were measured (baseline, week 24, week 102) using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Sera were analysed (baseline, week 24, week 102) for levels of bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin, C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-beta.Patients treated with infliximab showed significantly greater median increases in BMD of the spine (2.5%, p<0.001) and hip (0.5%, p = 0.033) at week 24 than those who received placebo (0.5% and 0.2% respectively). Baseline levels of IL-6, VEGF, osteocalcin, BAP and CTX were significantly correlated with increases in spinal BMD at weeks 24 and 102 in the infliximab group. In a multiple regression analysis, high baseline osteocalcin levels and early increases in BAP at week 2 were significantly associated with increases in BMD scores of the spine (week 102) and hip (weeks 24 and 102) in the infliximab group.Patients with AS who received infliximab showed significant increases in BMD scores over 2 years. While many significant correlations were observed between BMD scores of the hip and spine and biomarker levels, high baseline osteocalcin levels and early increases in BAP were consistently associated with increases in BMD scores.
B1 B Lymphocytes Play a Critical Role in Host Protection against Lymphatic Filarial Parasites
Authors: Natalia Paciorkowski, Patricia Porte, Leonard D. Shultz, T.V. Rajan
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2000)

Host defense against multicellular, extracellular pathogens such as nematode parasites is believed to be mediated largely, if not exclusively, by T lymphocytes. During our investigations into the course of Brugia malayi and Brugia pahangi infections in immunodeficient mouse models, we found that mice lacking B lymphocytes were permissive for Brugian infections, whereas immunocompetent mice were uniformly resistant. Mice bearing the Btkxid mutation were as permissive as those lacking all B cells, suggesting that the B1 subset may be responsible for host protection. Reconstitution of immunodeficient recombination activating gene (Rag)-1−/− mice with B1 B cells conferred resistance, even in the absence of conventional B2 lymphocytes and most T cells. These results suggest that B1 B cells are necessary to mediate host resistance to Brugian infection. Our data are consistent with a model wherein early resistance to B. malayi is mediated by humoral immune response, with a significant attrition of the incoming infectious larval load. Sterile clearance of the remaining parasite burden appears to require cell-mediated immunity. These data raise the possibility that the identification of molecule(s) recognized by humoral immune mechanisms might help generate prophylactic vaccines.
Screening for Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Dorit Stahl, Chee Fang Sum, Shin Si Lum, Pei Hsiang Liow, Yiong Huak Chan, Swapna Verma, Hong Choon Chua, Siow Ann Chong
Journal: Diabetes Care (2008)

We determined the reliability and validity of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) against the DSM-IV-based diagnostic inventory, Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN), in a multiethnic sample of adult subjects with diabetes attending a diabetes center in Singapore.A total of 522 subjects (74.7% Chinese, 11.1% Malay, and 14.2% Indian) completed culturally adapted versions of the CES-D; 291 subjects were administered the SCAN inventory.The CES-D (cutoff score 16) showed high negative predictive values of more than 90% in all three ethnic groups. The prevalence of depressive symptoms (CES-D) and depression (SCAN) was significantly different between the Chinese and Indian subjects (CES-D 27.4 vs. 43.2%, P = 0.006); (SCAN 15.0 vs. 31.1%, P = 0.01).The CES-D proved to be a reliable instrument for identifying patients with depressive symptoms in the multiethnic setting of this study.
Persistent Increase of Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Among U.S. Adults: NHANES III to NHANES 1999–2006
Authors: Arupendra Mozumdar, Gary Liguori
Journal: Diabetes Care (2010)

To compare the prevalence in metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) between 1988-1994 and 1999-2006 among U.S. adults of different races or ethnicities.Analysis of data on 6,423 adult men and nonpregnant women aged ≥20 years from Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) and 6,962 participants from the combined NHANES 1999-2006 were done. The revised National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III definition was used to calculate MetSyn.Both the unadjusted prevalence (27.9 ± 1.1% to 34.1 ± 0.8%, P < 0.001) and age-adjusted prevalence (29.2 ± 1.0% to 34.2 ± 0.7%, P < 0.001) increased from NHANES III to NHANES 1999-2006, respectively. Although MetSyn prevalence was highest in Mexican Americans, significant increases in prevalence occurred among non-Hispanic whites and non-Hispanic blacks, especially among younger women.The persistent increase of MetSyn among U.S. adults is a serious public health concern because it raises the likelihood of increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes.