tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Bone resorption is affected by follicular phase length in female rotating shift workers.
Authors: Pete N Lohstroh, Jiangang Chen, Jianming Ba, Louise M Ryan, Xiping Xu, James W Overstreet, Bill L Lasley
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2002)

Stressors as subtle as night work or shift work can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, and changes in reproductive hormone profiles can adversely affect bone health. This study was conducted to determine if stresses associated with the disruption of regular work schedule can induce alterations in ovarian function which, in turn, are associated with transient bone resorption. Urine samples from 12 rotating shift workers from a textile mill in Anqing, China, were collected in 1996-1998 during pairs of sequential menstrual cycles, of which one was longer than the other (28.4 vs. 37.4 days). Longer cycles were characterized by a prolonged follicular phase. Work schedules during the luteal-follicular phase transition (LFPT) preceding each of the two cycles were evaluated. All but one of the shorter cycles were associated with regular, forward phase work shift progression during the preceding LFPT. In contrast, five longer cycles were preceded by a work shift interrupted either by an irregular shift or a number of "off days." Urinary follicle-stimulating hormone levels were reduced in the LFPT preceding longer cycles compared with those in the LFPT preceding shorter cycles. There was greater bone resorption in the follicular phase of longer cycles than in that of shorter cycles, as measured by urinary deoxypyridinoline. These data confirm reports that changes in work shift can lead to irregularity in menstrual cycle length. In addition, these data indicate that there may be an association between accelerated bone resorption in menstrual cycles and changes of regularity in work schedule during the preceding LFPT.
Effects of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Eating Plan on Cardiovascular Risks Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Leila Azadbakht, Nafiseh Rashidi Pour Fard, Majid Karimi, Mohammad Hassan Baghaei, Pamela J. Surkan, Majid Rahimi, Ahmad Esmaillzadeh, Walter C. Willett
Journal: Diabetes Care (2010)

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating pattern on cardiometabolic risks in type 2 diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A randomized crossover clinical trial was undertaken in 31 type 2 diabetic patients. For 8 weeks, participants were randomly assigned to a control diet or the DASH eating pattern. RESULTS After following the DASH eating pattern, body weight (P = 0.007) and waist circumference (P = 0.002) reduced significantly. Fasting blood glucose levels and A1C decreased after adoption of the DASH diet (−29.4 ± 6.3 mg/dl; P = 0.04 and −1.7 ± 0.1%; P = 0.04, respectively). After the DASH diet, the mean change for HDL cholesterol levels was higher (4.3 ± 0.9 mg/dl; P = 0.001) and LDL cholesterol was reduced (−17.2 ± 3.5 mg/dl; P = 0.02). Additionally, DASH had beneficial effects on systolic (−13.6 ± 3.5 vs. −3.1 ± 2.7 mmHg; P = 0.02) and diastolic blood pressure (−9.5 ± 2.6 vs. −0.7 ± 3.3 mmHg; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Among diabetic patients, the DASH diet had beneficial effects on cardiometabolic risks.
Overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase-8 and -9 in bronchiectatic airways in vivo
Authors: L. Zheng, W.K. Lam, G.L. Tipoe, I.H. Shum, C. Yan, R. Leung, J. Sun, G.C. Ooi, K.W. Tsang
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2002)

The progressive bronchial dilatation in bronchiectasis is likely to be the result of continued airway matrix destruction, although little is known about the role of neutrophil matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in this process. Immunohistochemistry has been used to investigate the expression and cellular localisation of MMP‐8 and MMP‐9 in bronchiectatic airways in vivo . Endobronchial biopsies were taken from 25 bronchiectatic patients, and from the right lower lobe in 14 control subjects. MMP‐8, MMP‐9, neutrophils and macrophages were stained with monoclonal antibodies and quantified as positive cell·mm −2 of the lamina propria by using an image analysis system. There were significantly higher densities of MMP‐8 and MMP‐9 positive cells in the lamina propria of bronchiectatic than control airways. In bronchiectatic airways, the densities of MMP‐8 and MMP‐9 positive cells correlated with each other and with neutrophil density, but not with macrophage density. In control airways, a significant correlation was found between MMP‐8 with neutrophil and MMP‐9 with macrophage densities. An overexpression of neutrophil matrix metalloproteinases in bronchiectatic airways could help explain the continuation of airway destruction in bronchiectasis. In view of the clinical availability of matrix metalloproteinase antagonists, the results presented here could have a significant impact on the development of novel therapies of this untreatable disease.
Reflectance confocal microscopy as a second‐level examination in skin oncology improves diagnostic accuracy and saves unnecessary excisions: a longitudinal prospective study
Authors: G. Pellacani, P. Pepe, A. Casari, C. Longo
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2014)

Background Dermatoscopy increases both the sensitivity and specificity of melanoma diagnosis. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a noninvasive technique that complements dermatoscopy in the evaluation of equivocal lesions at cellular resolution. Objectives To determine prospectively the potential impact of confocal microscopy when implemented in a routine melanoma diagnosis workflow. Methods Patients referred to a single melanoma clinic were consecutively enrolled. At dermatoscopy, patients were referred to one of the following pathways: (i) no further examination or (ii) RCM examination. On examination atypical lesion(s) were referred for either (a) RCM documentation (lesions with consistent suspicious clinical/dermatoscopic criteria, already qualified and scheduled for surgical excision) or (b) RCM consultation for equivocal lesions, where RCM diagnosis would determine lesion definite outcome (excision or digital follow-up). Results Reflectance confocal microscopy examination was performed for 41% of 1005 patients enrolled. In two-thirds of these cases RCM influenced the lesion outcome. The systematic application of RCM for equivocal lesions saved over 50% of benign lesions from unnecessary excision. The number needed to excise a melanoma was 6·8 with RCM examination, compared with a hypothetical 14·6 without RCM evaluation. Conclusions Reflectance confocal microscopy as a second-level examination to dermatoscopy proved to be highly accurate in diagnosis and reduced the number of unnecessary excisions. Improved accuracy, considering that RCM enabled the detection of the six melanomas (2%) in the group of 308 lesions eligible for follow-up, also minimizes the risk of referring a melanoma to digital dermatoscopy monitoring, and potentially losing the patient to follow-up.
Endothelial regrowth after arterial injury: from vascular repair to therapeutics
Authors: E Van Belle
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (1998)

Interventional strategies for patients with coronary artery disease such as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or coronary stent implantation invariably result in a Ž marked degree of vascular injury deendothelialization, .mechanical damage to the medial and adventitial layers w x 1-3 .The loss of the endothelial monolayer is associated with a variety of deleterious consequences such as thrombus formation, neointimal thickening, and abnormal responses w x to endothelium-dependent agonists 3-5 .These effects may contribute to each of the known limitations of these Ž .techniques vessel occlusion, restenosis, coronary spasm .The objective of the present review will be to present applied reendothelialization as a possible treatment for patients with coronary artery disease undergoing mechanical revascularization.Our aim will be twofold: first, to summarize current knowledge on the beneficial effect of endothelial regrowth after arterial injury; second, to discuss the potential role of growth factors or other compounds to accelerate reendothelialization. The 'normal' endothelial layerOccupying a strategically important location between circulating blood and tissues and having the ability to respond to changes in its physical, chemical, and humoral environment by the production of bioactive substances, the normal endothelium controls the tone and the proliferative state of the underlying vascular smooth muscle cells Ž .VSMCs and maintains a non-adhesive luminal surface.
Correlation between Exhaled Nitric Oxide (eNO) and Symptoms, Medication Use and Quality of Life in Patients Diagnosed with Mild to Moderate Persistent Asthma
Authors: J. Kaczmarek, M. Bocheńska-Marciniak, M. Kupczyk, P. Górski, P. Kuna
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2006)
Opiate receptor-mediated decrease in renal nerve activity during hypotensive hemorrhage in conscious rabbits.
Authors: H Morita, Y Nishida, H Motochigawa, N Uemura, H Hosomi, S F Vatner
Journal: Circulation Research (1988)

Effects of hemorrhage on renal nerve activity and of subsequent opiate receptor blockade with naloxone were studied in conscious rabbits. Mean arterial pressure remained constant at 77 +/- 2 mm Hg through 17 +/- 2 ml/kg hemorrhage, while renal nerve activity increased by 159 +/- 16%. After 25 +/- 1 ml/kg hemorrhage, mean arterial pressure fell by 42 +/- 3 mm Hg, and renal nerve activity decreased below the prehemorrhagic control level by 41 +/- 15%. Bolus injection of naloxone (3 mg/kg i.v.) increased mean arterial pressure to 79 +/- 2 mm Hg, not significantly different from the prehemorrhagic control level. Renal nerve activity increased by 171 +/- 28%, comparable to the peak increase during nonhypotensive hemorrhage. On a different day, hemorrhage was repeated, and phenylephrine was infused during the subsequent hypotension. Phenylephrine increased mean arterial pressure to the prehemorrhagic control level. With increasing mean arterial pressure, renal nerve activity increased from its level during hypotensive hemorrhage and recovered toward the prehemorrhagic control level (-26 +/- 11%), but it did not return to the peak value reached during nonhypotensive hemorrhage. To further examine the blocking effects of naloxone on changes in mean arterial pressure and renal nerve activity induced by exogenous opiate peptides, methionine-enkephalin was injected both in the control state and after treatment with naloxone. A bolus injection of methionine-enkephalin (10 micrograms/kg) decreased mean arterial pressure (-8.1 +/- 2.0 mm Hg) and renal nerve activity (-95 +/- 1%). Pretreatment with naloxone (0.5 mg/kg) effectively blocked this depressor effect and reduction in renal nerve activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Randomized Comparison of Coronary Stent Implantation Under Ultrasound or Angiographic Guidance to Reduce Stent Restenosis (OPTICUS Study)
Authors: Harald Mudra, Carlo di Mario, Peter de Jaegere, Hans Reiner Figulla, Carlos Macaya, Ralf Zahn, Bertil Wennerblom, Wolfgang Rutsch, Vasilj Voudris, Evelyn Regar, Karl-Heinz Henneke, Volker Schächinger, Andreas Zeiher
Journal: Circulation (2001)

Background — Observational studies in selected patients have shown remarkably low restenosis rates after ultrasound-guided stent implantation. However, it is unknown whether this implantation strategy improves long-term angiographic and clinical outcome in routine clinical practice. Methods and Results — A total of 550 patients with a symptomatic coronary lesion or silent ischemia were randomly assigned to either ultrasound-guided or angiography-guided implantation of ≤2 tubular stents. The primary end points were angiographic dichotomous restenosis rate, minimal lumen diameter, and percent diameter stenosis after 6 months as determined by quantitative coronary angiography. Secondary end points were the occurrence rates of major adverse cardiac events (death, myocardial infarction, coronary bypass surgery, and repeat percutaneous intervention) after 6 and 12 months of follow-up. At 6 months, repeat angiography revealed no significant differences between the groups with ultrasound- or angiography-guided stent implantation with respect to dichotomous restenosis rate (24.5% versus 22.8%, P =0.68), minimal lumen diameter (1.95±0.72 mm versus 1.91±0.68 mm, P =0.52), and percent diameter stenosis (34.8±20.6% versus 36.8±19.6%, P =0.29), respectively. At 12 months, neither major adverse cardiac events (relative risk, 1.07; 95% CI 0.75 to 1.52; P =0.71) nor repeat percutaneous interventions (relative risk 1.04; 95% CI 0.64 to 1.67; P =0.87) were reduced in the ultrasound-guided group. Conclusions — This study does not support the routine use of ultrasound guidance for coronary stenting. Angiography-guided optimization of tubular stents can be performed with comparable angiographic and clinical long-term results.
The temporal program of peripheral blood gene expression in the response of nonhuman primates to Ebola hemorrhagic fever
Authors: K. H Kathleen H Rubins, Lisa E. Hensley, Victoria Wahl-Jensen, Kathleen M. Daddario DiCaprio, Howard A. Young, Douglas S. Reed, Peter B. Jahrling, Patrick O. Brown, David A. Relman, Thomas Geisbert
Journal: Genome biology (2007)

Abstract Background Infection with Ebola virus (EBOV) causes a fulminant and often fatal hemorrhagic fever. In order to improve our understanding of EBOV pathogenesis and EBOV-host interactions, we examined the molecular features of EBOV infection in vivo . Results Using high-density cDNA microarrays, we analyzed genome-wide host expression patterns in sequential blood samples from nonhuman primates infected with EBOV. The temporal program of gene expression was strikingly similar between animals. Of particular interest were features of the data that reflect the interferon response, cytokine signaling, and apoptosis. Transcript levels for tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme (TACE)/α-disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)-17 increased during days 4 to 6 after infection. In addition, the serum concentration of cleaved Ebola glycoprotein (GP 2 delta ) was elevated in late-stage EBOV infected animals. Of note, we were able to detect changes in gene expression of more than 300 genes before symptoms appeared. Conclusion These results provide the first genome-wide ex vivo analysis of the host response to systemic filovirus infection and disease. These data may elucidate mechanisms of viral pathogenesis and host defense, and may suggest targets for diagnostic and therapeutic development.
Unfair to Baboons
Authors: A. E. Stuart
Journal: BMJ (1972)

<h3>Objective.</h3> To describe the natural course of radiographic progression and to differentiate rates of progression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). <h3>Methods.</h3> Overall, 146 patients with AS who had never received anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy were analyzed in this retrospective cohort study. The main inclusion criterion was the availability of complete sets of cervical and lumbar radiographs from at least 2 timepoints within 6 years. Using the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS), we quantified the structural changes and assessed different rates of radiographic progression based on development of new syndesmophytes/year. <h3>Results.</h3> The mean followup time was 3.8 ± 1.7 years (range 1–6) and the mean number of consecutive radiographs was 2.7 (range 2–6) per patient. The mean mSASSS change/year was 1.3 ± 2.5 units. Radiographic progression showed much variability, since 43% of patients showed a 4-fold greater rate of progression than the mean, and 23% had no progression. The data-based definition for “fast progression” was calculated as a change &gt; 5 mSASSS units or &gt; 2 new syndesmophytes; for “moderate progression” as change of 2.0–5.0 mSASSS units or &lt; 2 new syndesmophytes; and for “slow progression” as change of &lt; 2 mSASSS units or no more than 1 new syndesmophyte within 2 years. The only factor to predict future radiographic progression was the number of syndesmophytes at baseline. <h3>Conclusion.</h3> Radiographic progression in AS is rather variable and many patients show high rates of progression. On the basis of this retrospective dataset we propose to differentiate patients on an individual level according to their progression rates: patients with fast, moderate, and slow radiographic progression, assessed by counting new syndesmophytes. Predicting radiographic progression remains difficult; only the prevalence of syndesmophytes at baseline is predictive of future damage.
P292 Validation Of The Stop-bang Questionnaire As A Screening Tool For Sleep Apnoea In Patients Undergoing Ablation For Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: M. Pittman, M. Mason, D. Packer, R. Chadwick, A. Clutterbuck-James, S. Fynn, T. Quinnell
Journal: Thorax (2014)

<h3>Background</h3> Patients with treated obstructive sleep apnoea have a greater chance of treatment success compared to those untreated, when undergoing ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) (Patel <i>et al</i> 2010). The STOP-BANG questionnaire has previously been validated as a screening tool for detecting sleep apnoea in surgical patients (Chung <i>et al</i> 2008), but has not been validated for use in AF patients. We present the results from a study investigating its predictive value in AF patients. <h3>Methods</h3> Patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing ablation were approached. Those with previously diagnosed sleep apnoea were excluded. Participants completed the STOP-BANG questionnaire and underwent overnight oximetry. Of 228 patients approached, 101 participated. Sleep apnoea was defined as a 4% desaturation index of &gt;5 per hour, and participants were reviewed by an experienced sleep physician to determine if treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was necessary. <h3>Results</h3> Of the 101 patients screened, 36 had sleep apnoea, and 13 were offered treatment with CPAP. The STOP-BANG questionnaire (with a cut off of 3 or more out of 8 questions answered positively considered ‘high risk’) had a sensitivity of 97.2% and a specificity of 43.1% for detecting sleep apnoea in this group. The STOP questions alone (with a cut off of 2 or more out of 4 considered ‘high risk’) had a sensitivity of 75.0% and a specificity of 63.1%, however the sensitivity was 100% and specificity 56.8% for predicting the need for CPAP. <h3>Conclusion</h3> There is a high prevalence of undiagnosed sleep apnoea in this patient group. The STOP-BANG questionnaire has a high sensitivity for detecting sleep apnoea in AF patients. The STOP questions alone have a high sensitivity for detecting sleep apnoea requiring treatment. <h3>References</h3> Patel D, Mohanty P, Di Biase L, <i>et al</i>. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2010 Oct;3(5):445-51 Chung F, Yegneswaran B, Liao P, <i>et al</i>. Anesthesiology. 2008 May;108(5):812-21
Meta-analysis of parenteral nutrition versus enteral nutrition in patients with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Paul E Marik, Gary P Zaloga
Journal: BMJ (2004)

To compare the safety and clinical outcomes of enteral and parenteral nutrition in patients with acute pancreatitis.Medline, Embase, Cochrane controlled trials register, and citation review of relevant primary and review articles.Randomised controlled studies that compared enteral nutrition with parenteral nutrition in patients with acute pancreatitis. From 117 articles screened, six were identified as randomised controlled trials and were included for data extraction.Six studies with 263 participants were analysed. Descriptive and outcome data were extracted. Main outcome measures were infections, complications other than infections, operative interventions, length of hospital stay, and mortality. The meta-analysis was performed with the random effects model.Enteral nutrition was associated with a significantly lower incidence of infections (relative risk 0.45; 95% confidence interval 0.26 to 0.78, P = 0.004), reduced surgical interventions to control pancreatitis (0.48, 0.22 to 1.0, P = 0.05), and a reduced length of hospital stay (mean reduction 2.9 days, 1.6 days to 4.3 days, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in mortality (relative risk 0.66, 0.32 to 1.37, P = 0.3) or non-infectious complications (0.61, 0.31 to 1.22, P = 0.16) between the two groups of patients.Enteral nutrition should be the preferred route of nutritional support in patients with acute pancreatitis.
Activating transcription factor 3 is a negative regulator of allergic pulmonary inflammation
Authors: Mark Gilchrist, William R. Henderson, April E. Clark, Randi M. Simmons, Xin Ye, Kelly D. Smith, Alan Aderem
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2008)

We recently demonstrated the pivotal role of the transcription factor (TF) activating TF 3 (ATF3) in dampening inflammation. We demonstrate that ATF3 also ameliorates allergen-induced airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in a mouse model of human asthma. ATF3 expression was increased in the lungs of mice challenged with ovalbumin allergen, and this was associated with its recruitment to the promoters of genes encoding Th2-associated cytokines. ATF3-deficient mice developed significantly increased airway hyperresponsiveness, pulmonary eosinophilia, and enhanced chemokine and Th2 cytokine responses in lung tissue and in lung-derived CD4+ lymphocytes. Although several TFs have been associated with enhanced inflammatory responses in the lung, ATF3 attenuates the inflammatory responses associated with allergic airway disease.
Does spontaneous respiration alter pulmonary artery input impedance?
Authors: P Castiglioni, M Di Rienzo, M Grossoni, R Tommasini, M Morpurgo
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1996)

The aim of this study was to determine whether spontaneous respiration influences pulmonary artery input impedance, a question that has received little attention in the literature. Impedance values were assessed during three different phases of the respiratory cycle, namely inspiration, expiration and postexpiration (i.e. the null respiratory flow period between expiration and the next inspiration) in five anaesthetized spontaneously breathing dogs. Firstly, impedance values during postexpiration were taken as the reference baseline, and compared with values obtained during inspiration and expiration. Then, differences between values in inspiration and in expiration were tested, taking impedance during inspiration as the baseline. Differences with respect to postexpiration were found for three parameters of input impedance: input resistance, characteristic impedance, and the frequency at the first zero-crossing of the impedance phase from negative to positive values (f(cross)). Input resistance was significantly lower in inspiration (85% of the baseline), characteristic impedance was significantly greater in inspiration and in expiration (112 and 119% respectively), and f(cross) was significantly lower in expiration (89%). By contrast, only input resistance differed significantly when inspiration was compared to expiration. Therefore, spontaneous respiration was shown to influence input impedance significantly. The observed changes in characteristic impedance and f(cross) might be explained by a stiffening of the pulmonary artery wall, due to neural and/or mechanical factors, during inspiration and expiration.