tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Chest CT findings and the long-term effects of exposure to poisonous gases among former workers at a poison gas factory
Authors: Yoshifumi Nishimura, Nobuhisa Ishikawa, Kenichi Mukaida, Masaya Taniwaki, Keiichi Kondo, Noboru Hattori, Nobuoki Kohno
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Introduction: Previous studies in our laboratory revealed a high incidence of respiratory tract cancer and chronic bronchitis among workers who had worked in a factory producing poisonous gases. However, computed tomography (CT) findings for such workers have not been adequately evaluated to date, and the long-term effects of these poisonous gases are unclear.  Objectives: We aimed to assess chest CT findings in workers who had worked in a poison gas factory and elucidate the long-term effects of poisonous gases that cause respiratory diseases.  Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study among 325 former poison gas workers who underwent both chest CT scans and pulmonary function tests between 2009 and 2012. All the patients had worked at a poison gas factory in Okuno-jima, which produced gases such as sulfur mustard, lewisite, and diphenyl cyanoarsine from 1929 to 1945.  Results: Among the 325 patients included in this study, 180 (55%) showed abnormal findings in chest CT. The prevalence of specific CT findings was as follows: emphysema, 21%; micro-nodules, 16%; bronchiectasis, 13%; subpleural line, 10%; bronchial wall thickening, 9%; and ground glass opacity, 6%. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of CT findings between smokers and non-smokers, except for emphysema (p   Conclusions: Our long-term follow-up data demonstrated that occupational exposure to poison gas is associated with various chest CT abnormal findings even in workers with no history of smoking.
Mechanism of Reoxygenation after Antiangiogenic Therapy Using SU5416 and Its Importance for Guiding Combined Antitumor Therapy
Authors: Réginald Ansiaux, Christine Baudelet, Bénédicte F. Jordan, Nathalie Crokart, Philippe Martinive, Julie DeWever, Vincent Grégoire, Olivier Feron, Bernard Gallez
Journal: Cancer Research (2006)

Abstract Emerging preclinical studies support the concept of a transient “normalization” of tumor vasculature during the early stage of antiangiogenic treatment, with possible beneficial effects on associated radiotherapy or chemotherapy. One key issue in this area of research is to determine whether this feature is common to all antiangiogenic drugs and whether the phenomenon occurs in all types of tumors. In the present study, we characterized the evolution of the tumor oxygenation (in transplantable liver tumor and FSAII tumor models) after administration of SU5416, an antagonist of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor. SU5416 induced an early increase in tumor oxygenation [measured by electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR)], which did not correlate with remodeling of the tumor vasculature (assessed by CD31 labeling using immunohistochemistry) or with tumor perfusion (measured by dynamic contrast enhanced-magnetic resonance imaging). Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration (measured by EPR) was responsible for this early reoxygenation. Consistent with these unique findings in the tumor microenvironment, we found that SU5416 potentiated tumor response to radiotherapy but not to chemotherapy. In addition to the fact that the characterization of the tumor oxygenation is essential to enable correct application of combined therapies, our results show that the long-term inhibition of oxygen consumption is a potential novel target in this class of compounds. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(19): 9698-704)
Polyploidization of Murine Mesenchymal Cells Is Associated with Suppression of the Long Noncoding RNA H19 and Reduced Tumorigenicity
Authors: Ofer Shoshani, Hassan Massalha, Nir Shani, Sivan Kagan, Orly Ravid, Shalom Madar, Luba Trakhtenbrot, Dena Leshkowitz, Gideon Rechavi, Dov Zipori
Journal: Cancer Research (2012)

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are used extensively in clinical trials; however, the possibility that MSCs have a potential for malignant transformation was raised. We examined the genomic stability versus the tumor-forming capacity of multiple mouse MSCs. Murine MSCs have been shown to be less stable and more prone to malignant transformation than their human counterparts. A large series of independently isolated MSC populations exhibited low tumorigenic potential under syngeneic conditions, which increased in immunocompromised animals. Unexpectedly, higher ploidy correlated with reduced tumor-forming capacity. Furthermore, in both cultured MSCs and primary hepatocytes, polyploidization was associated with a dramatic decrease in the expression of the long noncoding RNA H19. Direct knockdown of H19 expression in diploid cells resulted in acquisition of polyploid cell traits. Moreover, artificial tetraploidization of diploid cancer cells led to a reduction of H19 levels, as well as to an attenuation of the tumorigenic potential. Polyploidy might therefore serve as a protective mechanism aimed at reducing malignant transformation through the involvement of the H19 regulatory long noncoding RNA.
Rituximab-Induced Hepatitis C Virus Reactivation After Spontaneous Remission in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Ching-Yun Hsieh, Hsin-Hui Huang, Chen-Yuan Lin, Lo Woei Chung, Yu-Mine Liao, Li-Yuan Bai, Chang-Fang Chiu
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2008)

of in vitro and animal experiments, to our knowledge, this is the first report of this adverse effect in humans.Because the numbers of patients treated with erlotinib and other EGFR inhibitors is expected to increase significantly worldwide and a significant number of patients may remain on long-term treatment, TM perforation owing to EGFR inhibition is a differential diagnosis to consider if these patients present with sudden hearing loss.Physicians and patients should be aware of this possible adverse effect and take it into consideration when prescribing the drug.
Combination chemotherapy for thrombocytopenia with bone marrow metastases from breast cancer.
Authors: P J Dady, J C Gazet, H T Ford, T J Powles
Journal: BMJ (1977)

DiscussionVarying phosphate concentrations in hyperparathyroidism could perhaps be part of the explanation as to why the level of the raised blood pressure in this disease is not related to the degree of hyper- calcaemia.1The finding of a correlation between serum phosphate and blood pressure is also in accordance with reported associations between blood pressure and idiopathic calcium stone formation,3 a condition in which low serum phosphate is common.The serum concentration of inorganic phosphate could possibly be important in the regulation of peripheral resistance,4 but we should like to suggest the following events as being a more likely explanation of our findings.A rise of blood pressure causes an increased excretion of ions (exaggerated natriuresis),5 similar to that obtained during saline diuresis.The loss of calcium stimulates the secretion of parathyroid hormone with a return of the serum calcium concentrations to normal, whereas serum phosphate will only tend to be further reset inversely to the blood pressure.
Cardiomyogenesis in the Developing Heart Is Regulated by C-Kit–Positive Cardiac Stem Cells
Authors: João Ferreira-Martins, Barbara Ogórek, Donato Cappetta, Alex Matsuda, Sergio Signore, Domenico D'Amario, James Kostyla, Elisabeth Steadman, Noriko Ide-Iwata, Fumihiro Sanada, Grazia Iaffaldano, Sergio Ottolenghi, Toru Hosoda, Annarosa Leri, Jan Kajstura, Piero Anversa, Marcello Rota
Journal: Circulation Research (2012)

Embryonic and fetal myocardial growth is characterized by a dramatic increase in myocyte number, but whether the expansion of the myocyte compartment is dictated by activation and commitment of resident cardiac stem cells (CSCs), division of immature myocytes or both is currently unknown.In this study, we tested whether prenatal cardiac development is controlled by activation and differentiation of CSCs and whether division of c-kit-positive CSCs in the mouse heart is triggered by spontaneous Ca(2+) oscillations.We report that embryonic-fetal c-kit-positive CSCs are self-renewing, clonogenic and multipotent in vitro and in vivo. The growth and commitment of c-kit-positive CSCs is responsible for the generation of the myocyte progeny of the developing heart. The close correspondence between values computed by mathematical modeling and direct measurements of myocyte number at E9, E14, E19 and 1 day after birth strongly suggests that the organogenesis of the embryonic heart is dependent on a hierarchical model of cell differentiation regulated by resident CSCs. The growth promoting effects of c-kit-positive CSCs are triggered by spontaneous oscillations in intracellular Ca(2+), mediated by IP3 receptor activation, which condition asymmetrical stem cell division and myocyte lineage specification.Myocyte formation derived from CSC differentiation is the major determinant of cardiac growth during development. Division of c-kit-positive CSCs in the mouse is promoted by spontaneous Ca(2+) spikes, which dictate the pattern of stem cell replication and the generation of a myocyte progeny at all phases of prenatal life and up to one day after birth.
Mechanisms for increased myocardial fatty acid utilization following short-term high-fat feeding
Authors: Jordan J. Wright, Jaetaek Kim, Jonathan Buchanan, Sihem Boudina, Sandra Sena, Kyriaki Bakirtzi, Olesya Ilkun, Heather A. Theobald, Robert C. Cooksey, Kostantin V. Kandror, E. Dale Abel
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2009)

AimsDiet-induced obesity is associated with increased myocardial fatty acid (FA) utilization, insulin resistance, and cardiac dysfunction. The study was designed to test the hypothesis that impaired glucose utilization accounts for initial changes in FA metabolism.
Relationship Between Occurrence of Surgical Complications and Hospital Finances
Authors: Sunil Eappen, Bennett H. Lane, Barry Rosenberg, Stuart A. Lipsitz, David Sadoff, Dave Matheson, William R. Berry, Mark Lester, Atul A. Gawande
Journal: JAMA (2013)

The effect of surgical complications on hospital finances is unclear.To determine the relationship between major surgical complications and per-encounter hospital costs and revenues by payer type.Retrospective analysis of administrative data for all inpatient surgical discharges during 2010 from a nonprofit 12-hospital system in the southern United States. Discharges were categorized by principal procedure and occurrence of 1 or more postsurgical complications, using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, diagnosis and procedure codes. Nine common surgical procedures and 10 major complications across 4 payer types were analyzed. Hospital costs and revenue at discharge were obtained from hospital accounting systems and classified by payer type.Hospital costs, revenues, and contribution margin (defined as revenue minus variable expenses) were compared for patients with and without surgical complications according to payer type.Of 34,256 surgical discharges, 1820 patients (5.3%; 95% CI, 4.4%-6.4%) experienced 1 or more postsurgical complications. Compared with absence of complications, complications were associated with a $39,017 (95% CI, $20,069-$50,394; P < .001) higher contribution margin per patient with private insurance ($55,953 vs $16,936) and a $1749 (95% CI, $976-$3287; P < .001) higher contribution margin per patient with Medicare ($3629 vs $1880). For this hospital system in which private insurers covered 40% of patients (13,544), Medicare covered 45% (15,406), Medicaid covered 4% (1336), and self-payment covered 6% (2202), occurrence of complications was associated with an $8084 (95% CI, $4903-$9740; P < .001) higher contribution margin per patient ($15,726 vs $7642) and with a $7435 lower per-patient total margin (95% CI, $5103-$10,507; P < .001) ($1013 vs -$6422).In this hospital system, the occurrence of postsurgical complications was associated with a higher per-encounter hospital contribution margin for patients covered by Medicare and private insurance but a lower one for patients covered by Medicaid and who self-paid. Depending on payer mix, many hospitals have the potential for adverse near-term financial consequences for decreasing postsurgical complications.
Outcome at Age 4 Years in Offspring of Women With Maternal Phenylketonuria
Authors: Susan E. Waisbren, William Hanley, Harvey L. Levy, Harvey Shifrin, Elizabeth Allred, Colleen Azen, Pi-Nian Chang, Sanja Cipcic-Schmidt, Felix de la Cruz, Ramona Hall, Reuben Matalon, Jo Nanson, Bobbye Rouse, Fritz Trefz, Richard Koch
Journal: JAMA (2000)

ContextUntreated maternal phenylketonuria (PKU) increases risk for developmental problems in offspring. The extent to which this risk is reduced by maternal dietary therapy at various stages of pregnancy is not known.ObjectiveTo determine whether dietary treatment during pregnancy of women with PKU affects developmental outcomes of offspring.DesignThe Maternal PKU Collaborative Study, an ongoing, longitudinal prospective study begun in 1984.SettingA total of 78 metabolic clinics and obstetrical offices in the United States, Canada, and Germany.ParticipantsA total of 253 children of women with PKU (n=149), with untreated mild hyperphenylalaninemia (n=33), or without known metabolic problems (comparison group; n=71) were followed up to age 4 years.InterventionWomen with PKU were offered a low-phenylalanine diet prior to or during pregnancy with the aim of maintaining metabolic control (plasma phenylalanine ≤10 mg/dL [≤605 µmol/L]). Women with mild hyperphenylalaninemia, who had plasma phenylalanine levels of no more than 10 mg/dL (605 µmol/L) on a normal diet, were not treated.Main Outcome MeasuresChildren's scores on cognitive and behavioral assessments (McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities, Test of Language Development, Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, and Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment), compared by maternal metabolic status at 0 to 10 weeks', 10 to 20 weeks', and after 20 weeks' gestation.ResultsScores on the McCarthy General Cognitive Index decreased as weeks to metabolic control increased (r = −0.58; P<.001). Offspring of women who had metabolic control prior to pregnancy had a mean (SD) score of 99 (13). Forty-seven percent of offspring whose mothers did not have metabolic control by 20 weeks' gestation had a General Cognitive Index score 2 SDs below the norm. Overall, 30% of children born to mothers with PKU had social and behavioral problems.ConclusionsOur data suggest that delayed development in offspring of women with PKU is associated with lack of maternal metabolic control prior to or early in pregnancy. Treatment at any time during pregnancy may reduce the severity of delay.
Disruption of SIRPα signaling in macrophages eliminates human acute myeloid leukemia stem cells in xenografts
Authors: Alexandre P.A. Theocharides, Liqing Jin, Po-Yan Cheng, Tatiana K. Prasolava, Andrei V. Malko, Jenny M. Ho, Armando G. Poeppl, Nico van Rooijen, Mark D. Minden, Jayne S. Danska, John E. Dick, Jean C.Y. Wang
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2012)

Although tumor surveillance by T and B lymphocytes is well studied, the role of innate immune cells, in particular macrophages, is less clear. Moreover, the existence of subclonal genetic and functional diversity in some human cancers such as leukemia underscores the importance of defining tumor surveillance mechanisms that effectively target the disease-sustaining cancer stem cells in addition to bulk cells. In this study, we report that leukemia stem cell function in xenotransplant models of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) depends on SIRPα-mediated inhibition of macrophages through engagement with its ligand CD47. We generated mice expressing SIRPα variants with differential ability to bind human CD47 and demonstrated that macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and clearance of AML stem cells depend on absent SIRPα signaling. We obtained independent confirmation of the genetic restriction observed in our mouse models by using SIRPα-Fc fusion protein to disrupt SIRPα–CD47 engagement. Treatment with SIRPα-Fc enhanced phagocytosis of AML cells by both mouse and human macrophages and impaired leukemic engraftment in mice. Importantly, SIRPα-Fc treatment did not significantly enhance phagocytosis of normal hematopoietic targets. These findings support the development of therapeutics that antagonize SIRPα signaling to enhance macrophage-mediated elimination of AML.
Radiologic Appearance of the Azygos Vein in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: E. ROBERT HEITZMAN
Journal: Circulation (1973)

Although the usual appearances of the azygos arch on plain chest radiographs are well known, there are less common radiographic presentations which may be misconstrued as mediastinal nodes or masses. The size of the anterior azygos arch measured perpendicular to the right main bronchus should not exceed 7 mm. In the rare case of congenital aneurysmal dilatation of the azygos arch, its size may be much greater and can be confused with a mediastinal mass. Enlargement of the azygos vein can also result from increased pressure in the right ventricle or as the result of increased flow through the azygos system. Increased flow can result from congenital abnormalities or from caval obstruction.
SURFACE TENSION OF SERUM
Authors: P. Lecomte du Noüy
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1925)

A technique is described for the study of the adsorption in function of the time of molecules of colloidal substances in the surface layer of water. This technique eliminates previous causes of error, in particular the individual coefficient. The curves obtained by plotting the data for serum at various dilutions give a clear picture of the phenomenon, and show that the low values of the initial surface tension of pure serum and serum at low dilutions are due to the extreme rapidity of adsorption of the molecules in the surface layer, owing to their high concentration. Evidence is given that colloidal substances in solution substantially lower the surface tension of the solvent, even when they are in too small a number to form an homogeneous monolayer.
High flow oxygen therapy for pneumatosis coli.
Authors: S Holt, H M Gilmour, T A Buist, K Marwick, R C Heading
Journal: Gut (1979)

Symptomatic and radiological resolution of pneumatosis coli was achieved by intermittent high flow oxygen therapy in five patients. In each case the extent of the disease was defined by colonoscopy and contrast radiography before treatment. Despite the confirmation of pneumocyst resolution, recurrence of colonic gas cysts was noted in two patients at six months and one year after treatment. Bacteriological studies indicated that resolution of the disease, induced by oxygen therapy, was not associated with eradication of anerobic bacteria from stool and colonic mucosa. The clinical features and response to treatment of this group of patients are discussed, with particular reference to previously reported methods of oxygen administration.
A meta-analysis of alcohol consumption and the risk of brain tumours
Authors: C. Galeone, S. Malerba, M. Rota, V. Bagnardi, E. Negri, L. Scotti, R. Bellocco, G. Corrao, P. Boffetta, C. La Vecchia, C. Pelucchi
Journal: Annals of Oncology (2012)
FURTHER OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING GROWTH REQUIREMENTS OF HEMOPHILIC BACILLI
Authors: Francis C. O. Valentine, Thomas M. Rivers
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1927)

1. 19 strains of non-hemolytic hemophilic bacilli were studied. 17 required the addition of V and X growth accessory factors to their media, 2 required the addition of only V. 2. Of 15 strains of hemolytic hemophilic bacilli examined, 10 were found to require the addition of only V to their media, 3 the addition of V and X in the form of yeast extract and hematin, and 2 the addition of accessory growth factors in the form of blood. 3. In media to which neither V nor X had been added true symbiosis was found to occur on growing B. hemoglobinophilus canis, requiring the addition of X, with B. parainfluenzae, requiring the addition of V, or with hemolytic strains of bacilli, requiring the addition of only V.
Reduced Prevalence of Limited Joint Mobility in Type 1 Diabetes in a U.K. Clinic Population Over a 20-Year Period
Authors: John R. Lindsay, Laurence Kennedy, A. Brew Atkinson, Patrick M. Bell, Dennis J. Carson, David R. McCance, Steven J. Hunter
Journal: Diabetes Care (2005)

OBJECTIVE—Limited joint mobility (LJM), one of the earliest clinically apparent long-term complications of type 1 diabetes, is a risk marker for subsequent microvascular complications. We hypothesize that the prevalence of LJM may have decreased during the past two decades due to improved standards of glycemic control. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A single observer performed a survey in 204 consecutive patients with type 1 diabetes (106 men and 98 women, age 27 ± 1 years, HbA1c 8.3 ± 0.1%, duration of diabetes 14.5 ± 0.8 years, insulin dose 63 ± 2 units/day). We used the same examination method and criteria for assessment of LJM as used by us in an earlier study in 1981–1982. RESULTS—The prevalence of LJM has fallen from 43 to 23% between the 1980s and 2002 (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). The relative risk for LJM in 2002 compared with the 1981–1982 cohort was 0.53 (0.40 &amp;lt; RR &amp;lt; 0.72, P &amp;lt; 0.0001). The prevalence of LJM was increased with longer duration of diabetes (&amp;lt;10 years, 13%; 10–20 years, 19%; 20–29 years, 30%; &amp;gt;30 years, 65%; P &amp;lt; 0.001). The relative risk for those with a mean HbA1c &amp;lt;7% in 2002 was 0.3 (0.1 &amp;lt; RR &amp;lt; 1.2, P = 0.05) when compared with those with mean HbA1c &amp;gt;7%. CONCLUSIONS—The present study confirms the hypothesis that the prevalence of LJM is lower than 20 years ago and that improved standards of glycemic control and diabetes care may have contributed to this occurrence. Joint limitation in type 1 diabetes is strongly associated with duration of diabetes. The presence of LJM remains a common and important clinical marker for subsequent microvascular disease and can be a useful clinical tool for identification of patients at increased risk.
Chest drain safety checklist
Authors: Burhan Khan, Hamid Aminy Raouf
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background: Intercostal chest drains are amongst the most invasive procedure a medic will undertake; not infrequently by a junior trainee. Adverse events unfortunately are well reported with chest drains, the UK's National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) reported 12 deaths and 768 events of harm all related to chest drains occuring between Jan '05 and Mar '08.

A never event is “a serious, largely preventable patient safety incident that should not occur if the available preventative measures have been implemented by healthcare providers”. Never Events are preventable because: there is guidance that explains what the care or treatment should be; there is guidance to explain how risks and harm can be prevented; and there has been adequate notice and support to put systems in place to prevent them from happening. The NPSA Never Events  includes wrong site surgery, and in the respiratory arena this encompasses the infrequent but always regrettable insertion of a chest drain on the wrong side

Aim: To devise a chest drain proforma to improve patient safety and prevent adverse and never events.

Methodology: We used an iterative model building upon the WHO surgical safety checklist.

Results: We devised and piloted a Chest drain safety check list utilising a 2-person stepwise approach.

![Figure][1] 



Conclusion: This checklist represents a process that should lead to a systematic and safe approach to inserting chest drains.

 [1]: pending:yes