tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Exposure to Elemental Carbon, Organic Carbon, Nitrate, and Sulfate Fractions of Fine Particulate Matter and Risk of Preterm Birth in New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania (2000–2005)
Authors: Kristen M. Rappazzo, Julie L. Daniels, Lynne C. Messer, Charles Poole, Danelle T. Lobdell
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2015)

BackgroundParticulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) has been consistently associated with preterm birth (PTB) to varying degrees, but roles of PM2.5 species have been less studied.ObjectiveWe estimated risk differences (RD) of PTB (reported per 106 pregnancies) associated with change in ambient concentrations of elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), nitrates (NO3), and sulfates (SO4).MethodsFrom live birth certificates from three states, we constructed a cohort of singleton pregnancies at or beyond 20 weeks of gestation from 2000 through 2005 (n = 1,771,225; 8% PTB). We estimated mean species exposures for each week of gestation from monitor-corrected Community Multi-Scale Air Quality modeling data. RDs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for four PTB categories were estimated for each exposure using linear regression, adjusted for maternal race/ethnicity, marital status, education, age, smoking, maximum temperature, ozone, and season of conception. We also adjusted for other species in multi-species models.ResultsRDs varied by exposure window and outcome period. EC was positively associated with PTB after 27 and before 35 weeks of gestation. For example, for a 0.25-μg/m3 increase in EC exposure during gestational week 9, RD = 96 (95% CI: –20, 213) and RD = 145 (95% CI: –50, 341) for PTB during weeks 28–31 and 32–34, respectively. Associations with OCs were null or negative. RDs for NO3 were elevated with exposure in early weeks of gestation, and null in later weeks. RDs for SO4 exposure were positively associated with PTB, though magnitude varied across gestational weeks. We observed effect measure modification for associations between EC and PTB by race/ethnicity and smoking status.ConclusionEC and SO4 may contribute to associations between PM2.5 and PTB. Associations varied according to the timing of exposure and the timing of PTB.CitationRappazzo KM, Daniels JL, Messer LC, Poole C, Lobdell DT. 2015. Exposure to elemental carbon, organic carbon, nitrate, and sulfate fractions of fine particulate matter and risk of preterm birth in New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania (2000–2005). Environ Health Perspect 123:1059–1065; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1408953
Association of Pro12Ala Polymorphism in Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor γ With Pre-Diabetic Phenotypes
Authors: Anke Tönjes, Markus Scholz, Markus Loeffler, Michael Stumvoll
Journal: Diabetes Care (2006)

The provariant of the Pro12Ala polymorphism in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma has been identified as a risk allele for type 2 diabetes. The purpose of the present study was to reveal a significant association with pre-diabetic phenotypes in nondiabetic individuals based on a systematic meta-analysis of all available published evidence.We performed a classical meta-analysis of data from approximately 32,000 nondiabetic subjects in 57 studies to assess the effect of the Pro12Ala polymorphism on pre-diabetic traits.In the global comparison, there were no differences in BMI, glucose, insulin, or homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance between the Pro/Pro and X/Ala genotype. However, in the Caucasian subgroup, the X/Ala genotype was associated with significantly increased BMI. In the obese subgroup (BMI >30 kg/m(2)), fasting glucose (P = 0.041) and insulin resistance (by homeostasis model analysis) (P = 0.020) were significantly greater in the Pro/Pro group. In subjects with the homozygous Ala/Ala genotype, fasting insulin was significantly lower compared with the Pro/Pro genotype (P = 0.040, N(Ala/Ala) = 154).Across all studies, the Pro12Ala polymorphism had no significant effect on diabetes-related traits. Only in selected subgroups, such as Caucasians and obese subjects, did we see an association of the Ala allele with greater BMI and greater insulin sensitivity. This demonstrates the importance for appropriate stratification of analyses by environmental or other genetic factors. Meta-analysis of Ala/Ala homozygotes more clearly demonstrated the association with greater insulin sensitivity of carriers of the Ala allele.
CC Chemokine Ligand 25 Enhances Resistance to Apoptosis in CD4+ T Cells from Patients with T-Cell Lineage Acute and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia by Means of Livin Activation
Authors: Zhang Qiuping, Xiong Jei, Jin Youxin, Ju Wei, Liu Chun, Wang Jin, Wu Qun, Liu Yan, Hu Chunsong, Yang Mingzhen, Gao Qingping, Zhang Kejian, Sun Zhimin, Li Qun, Liu Junyan, Tan Jinquan
Journal: Cancer Research (2004)

Abstract We investigated CD4 and CD8 double-positive thymocytes, CD4+ T cells from typical patients with T-cell lineage acute lymphocytic leukemia (T-ALL) and T cell lineage chronic lymphocytic leukemia (T-CLL), and MOLT4 T cells in terms of CC chemokine ligand 25 (CCL25) functions of induction of resistance to tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)–mediated apoptosis. We found that CCL25 selectively enhanced resistance to TNF-α–mediated apoptosis in T-ALL and T-CLL CD4+ T cells as well as in MOLT4 T cells, but CD4 and CD8 double-positive thymocytes did not. One member protein of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, Livin, was selectively expressed in the malignant cells at higher levels, particularly in T-ALL CD4+ T cells, in comparison with the expression in CD4 and CD8 double-positive thymocytes. After stimulation with CCL25 and apoptotic induction with TNF-α, the expression levels of Livin in these malignant cells were significantly increased. CCL25/thymus-expressed chemokine (TECK), by means of CC chemokine receptor 9 (CCR9) ligation, selectively activated Livin to enhance resistance to TNF-α–mediated apoptosis in c-jun-NH2-kinase 1 (JNK1) kinase-dependent manner. These findings suggested differential functions of CCR9/CCL25 in distinct types of cells. CD4 and CD8 double-positive thymocytes used CCR9/CCL25 for migration, homing, development, maturation, selection, cell homeostasis, whereas malignant cells, particularly T-ALL CD4+ T cells, used CCR9/CCL25 for infiltration, resistance to apoptosis, and inappropriate proliferation.
Lorazepam withdrawal and seizures
Authors: JOHN T. MALTSBERGER, DAN H. BUIE, HOWARD A. CORWIN, LAWRENCE S. CHUD, JEANNETTE H. CORWIN, W. W. MEISSNER, KATHRYN KRIS, ANTON O. KRIS, JULIUS SILBERGER, PETER REICH, RALPH ENGLE
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1984)
Eleven peak flow meters: a clinical evaluation
Authors: I Gregg
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1998)

Peak flow meters are essential tools in the management of asthma. Many types are on the market. A computer-driven piston pump is normally not available for evaluation of the various meters. Comparison with values from a pneumotachograph is an accepted way of testing peak flow meters. This study aims at comparing 11 peak flow meters, for accuracy and linearity. Seven adult peak flow meters were tested: Miniwright with an equidistant scale (Clement Clarke); Personal Best (Healthscan); Wright Pocket fdE (Ferraris); Vitalograph (Vitalograph); Assess (Healthscan); Pocket Peak flow meter (Micro Medical); and Truzone (Monaghan). Furthermore, four low-range (LR) peak flow meters were tested: LR Miniwright with equidistant scale (Clement Clarke); LR Personal Best (Healthscan); LR Wright Pocket (LR Ferraris); and LR Pocket peak flow meter (LR Micro Medical). Two test series were performed: in the first one, a peak flow meter was connected downstream in series with a Fleisch #4 pneumotachograph. One subject performed 50 partial forced expiratory manoeuvres through this ensemble. In the second series, 50 adult patients and 25 healthy children performed sequential maximal forced expiratory manoeuvres on each peak flow meter, and on the pneumotachograph. A ranking system was devised for the various parameters of agreement of the meters with the pneumotachograph. Substantial differences in the quality of the adult meters were found. The adult peak flow meters with the closest agreement to the pneumotachograph were Personal Best and Micro Medical. In the low-range peak flow meters, the lowest differences were seen in the LR Personal Best and LR Micro Medical.
Phase I Trial of Pazopanib in Patients with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Herbert I. Hurwitz, Afshin Dowlati, Shermini Saini, Shawna Savage, A. Benjamin Suttle, Diana M. Gibson, Jeffrey P. Hodge, Elmar M. Merkle, Lini Pandite
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2009)

Abstract Purpose: The safety, pharmacokinetics, and clinical activity of pazopanib (GW786034), an oral angiogenesis inhibitor targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and c-Kit, were evaluated in patients with advanced-stage refractory solid tumors. Experimental Design: Patients were enrolled into sequential dose-escalating cohorts (50 mg three times weekly to 2,000 mg once daily and 300-400 mg twice daily). Escalation or deescalation was based on toxicities observed in the preceding dose cohort. Pharmacokinetic and biomarker samples were obtained. Clinical response was assessed every 9 weeks. Results: Sixty-three patients were treated (dose escalation, n = 43; dose expansion, n = 20). Hypertension, diarrhea, hair depigmentation, and nausea were the most frequent drug-related adverse events, the majority of which were of grade 1/2. Hypertension was the most frequent grade 3 adverse event. Four patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities at 50 mg, 800 mg, and 2,000 mg once daily. A plateau in steady-state exposure was observed at doses of ≥800 mg once daily. The mean elimination half-life at this dose was 31.1 hours. A mean target trough concentration (C24) ≥15 μg/mL (34 μmol/L) was achieved at 800 mg once daily. Three patients had partial responses (two confirmed, one unconfirmed), and stable disease of ≥6 months was observed in 14 patients; clinical benefit was generally observed in patients who received doses of ≥800 mg once daily or 300 mg twice daily. Conclusion: Pazopanib was generally well tolerated and showed antitumor activity across various tumor types. A monotherapy dose of 800 mg once daily was selected for phase II studies.
Early recovery of oxygen kinetics after submaximal exercise test predicts functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Serafim Nanas, John Nanas, Christos Kassiotis, Chara Nikolaou, Eleytheria Tsagalou, Demetrios Sakellariou, Ioannis Terovitis, Ourania Papazachou, Stavros Drakos, Antonios Papamichalopoulos, Charis Roussos
Journal: European Journal of Heart Failure (2001)
Lateral Phage Transfer in Obligate Intracellular Bacteria (Wolbachia): Verification from Natural Populations
Authors: M. E. Chafee, D. J. Funk, R. G. Harrison, S. R. Bordenstein
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (2009)

Lateral transfer of mobile DNA is a hallmark of bacteria with a free-living replicative stage; however, its significance in obligate intracellular bacteria and other heritable endosymbionts remains controversial. Comparative sequence analyses from laboratory stocks infected with Wolbachia pipientis provide some of the most compelling evidence that bacteriophage WO-B transfers laterally between infections of the same insect host. Lateral transfer between coinfections, however, has been evaluated neither in natural populations nor between closely related Wolbachia strains. Here, we analyze bacterial and phage genes from two pairs of natural sympatric field isolates, of Gryllus pennsylvanicus field crickets and of Neochlamisus bebbianae leaf beetles, to demonstrate WO-B transfers between supergroup B Wolbachia. N. bebbianae revealed the highest number of phage haplotypes yet recorded, hinting that lab lines could underestimate phage haplotype variation and lateral transfer. Finally, using the approximate age of insect host species as the maximum available time for phage transfer between host-associated bacteria, we very conservatively estimate phage WO-B transfer to occur at least once every 0–5.4 My within a host species. Increasing discoveries of mobile elements, intragenic recombination, and bacterial coinfections in host-switching obligate intracellular bacteria specify that mobile element transfer is common in these species.
Genetic Predictors of Fibrin D-Dimer Levels in Healthy Adults
Authors: Nicholas L. Smith, Jennifer E. Huffman, David P. Strachan, Jie Huang, Abbas Dehghan, Stella Trompet, Lorna M. Lopez, So-Youn Shin, Jens Baumert, Veronique Vitart, Joshua C. Bis, Sarah H. Wild, Ann Rumley, Qiong Yang, Andre G. Uitterlinden, David. J. Stott, Gail Davies, Angela M. Carter, Barbara Thorand, Ozren Polašek, Barbara McKnight, Harry Campbell, Alicja R. Rudnicka, Ming-Huei Chen, Brendan M. Buckley, Sarah E. Harris, Annette Peters, Drazen Pulanic, Thomas Lumley, Anton J.M. de Craen, David C. Liewald, Christian Gieger, Susan Campbell, Ian Ford, Alan J. Gow, Michelle Luciano, David J. Porteous, Xiuqing Guo, Naveed Sattar, Albert Tenesa, Mary Cushman, P. Eline Slagboom, Peter M. Visscher, Tim D. Spector, Thomas Illig, Igor Rudan, Edwin G. Bovill, Alan F. Wright, Wendy L. McArdle, Geoffrey Tofler, Albert Hofman, Rudi G.J. Westendorp, John M. Starr, Peter J. Grant, Mahir Karakas, Nicholas D. Hastie, Bruce M. Psaty, James F. Wilson, Gordon D.O. Lowe, Christopher J. O'Donnell, Jacqueline C.M. Witteman, J. Wouter Jukema, Ian J. Deary, Nicole Soranzo, Wolfgang Koenig, Caroline Hayward
Journal: Circulation (2011)

Background— Fibrin fragment D-dimer, one of several peptides produced when crosslinked fibrin is degraded by plasmin, is the most widely used clinical marker of activated blood coagulation. To identity genetic loci influencing D-dimer levels, we performed the first large-scale, genome-wide association search. Methods and Results— A genome-wide investigation of the genomic correlates of plasma D-dimer levels was conducted among 21 052 European-ancestry adults. Plasma levels of D-dimer were measured independently in each of 13 cohorts. Each study analyzed the association between ≈2.6 million genotyped and imputed variants across the 22 autosomal chromosomes and natural-log–transformed D-dimer levels using linear regression in additive genetic models adjusted for age and sex. Among all variants, 74 exceeded the genome-wide significance threshold and marked 3 regions. At 1p22, rs12029080 ( P =6.4×10 −52 ) was 46.0 kb upstream from F3 , coagulation factor III (tissue factor). At 1q24, rs6687813 ( P =2.4×10 −14 ) was 79.7 kb downstream of F5 , coagulation factor V. At 4q32, rs13109457 ( P =2.9×10 −18 ) was located between 2 fibrinogen genes: 10.4 kb downstream from FGG and 3.0 kb upstream from FGA . Variants were associated with a 0.099-, 0.096-, and 0.061-unit difference, respectively, in natural-log–transformed D-dimer and together accounted for 1.8% of the total variance. When adjusted for nonsynonymous substitutions in F5 and FGA loci known to be associated with D-dimer levels, there was no evidence of an additional association at either locus. Conclusions— Three genes were associated with fibrin D-dimer levels. Of these 3, the F3 association was the strongest, and has not been previously reported.
Imaging of Human Lymph Nodes Using Optical Coherence Tomography: Potential for Staging Cancer
Authors: Robert A. McLaughlin, Loretta Scolaro, Peter Robbins, Saud Hamza, Christobel Saunders, David D. Sampson
Journal: Cancer Research (2010)

Histologic assessment is the gold standard technique for the identification of metastatic involvement of lymph nodes in malignant disease, but can only be performed ex vivo and often results in the unnecessary excision of healthy lymph nodes, leading to complications such as lymphedema. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution, near-IR imaging modality capable of visualizing microscopic features within tissue. OCT has the potential to provide in vivo assessment of tissue involvement by cancer. In this morphologic study, we show the capability of OCT to image nodal microarchitecture through an assessment of fresh, unstained ex vivo lymph node samples. Examples include both benign human axillary lymph nodes and nodes containing metastatic breast carcinoma. Through accurate correlation with the histologic gold standard, OCT is shown to enable differentiation of lymph node tissue from surrounding adipose tissue, reveal nodal structures such as germinal centers and intranodal vessels, and show both diffuse and well circumscribed patterns of metastatic node involvement.
Impact of wound edge protection devices on surgical site infection after laparotomy: multicentre randomised controlled trial (ROSSINI Trial)
Authors: T. D. Pinkney, M. Calvert, D. C. Bartlett, A. Gheorghe, V. Redman, G. Dowswell, W. Hawkins, T. Mak, H. Youssef, C. Richardson, S. Hornby, L. Magill, R. Haslop, S. Wilson, D. Morton
Journal: BMJ (2013)

<b>Objective</b> To determine the clinical effectiveness of wound edge protection devices in reducing surgical site infection after abdominal surgery. <b>Design</b> Multicentre observer blinded randomised controlled trial. <b>Participants</b> Patients undergoing laparotomy at 21 UK hospitals. <b>Interventions</b> Standard care or the use of a wound edge protection device during surgery. <b>Main outcome measures</b> Surgical site infection within 30 days of surgery, assessed by blinded clinicians at seven and 30 days and by patient’s self report for the intervening period. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, duration of stay in hospital, and the effect of characteristics of the patient and operation on the efficacy of the device. <b>Results</b> 760 patients were enrolled with 382 patients assigned to the device group and 378 to the control group. Six patients in the device group and five in the control group did not undergo laparotomy. Fourteen patients, seven in each group, were lost to follow-up. A total of 184 patients experienced surgical site infection within 30 days of surgery, 91/369 (24.7%) in the device group and 93/366 (25.4%) in the control group (odds ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.69 to 1.36; P=0.85). This lack of benefit was consistent across wound assessments performed by clinicians and those reported by patients and across all secondary outcomes. In the secondary analyses no subgroup could be identified in which there was evidence of clinical benefit associated with use of the device. <b>Conclusions</b> Wound edge protection devices do not reduce the rate of surgical site infection in patients undergoing laparotomy, and therefore their routine use for this role cannot be recommended. <b>Trial registration</b> Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN 40402832
SALT AND HYPERTENSION
Authors: J.J. Brown, A.F. Lever, J.I.S. Robertson, P.F. Semple, R.F. Bing, A.M. Heagerty, J.D. Swales, H. Thurston, J.G.G. Ledingham, J.H. Laragh, L. Hansson, M.G. Nicholls, A.E. Espiner
Journal: The Lancet (1984)
Greater reduction of knee than hip pain in osteoarthritis treated with naproxen, as evaluated by WOMAC and SF-36
Authors: O Svensson
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2005)

To compare the improvement of hip and knee osteoarthritis during treatment with naproxen.Men and women aged 40 to 75 years with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee or hip of at least three months' duration participated in a six week placebo controlled, double blind study with naproxen 500 mg twice daily as one treatment arm. Naproxen was given to 403 patients (280 knee, 123 hip) and placebo to 108 patients (75 knee, 33 hip). WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index) 3.1 visual analogue scale and SF-36 (36 item short form health survey) were used to assess response to treatment between baseline and week 6.There were no differences at baseline between knee and hip osteoarthritis for any of the WOMAC subscales or SF-36 domains. Improvement was between 4 and 7 mm greater for knee than for hip for all WOMAC subscales (pain, delta = 4.7 mm (p = 0.03); stiffness, delta = 6.6 mm (p = 0.004); function, delta = 4.8 mm (p = 0.06)). Effect size was about 0.8 for all WOMAC subscales for the knee and between 0.5 and 0.6 for the hip. Knee patients treated with naproxen improved 4.6 (p = 0.033) more than hip patients for SF-36 bodily pain and 10.3 (p = 0.014) more for SF-36 role-physical.Patients with knee osteoarthritis improved more with naproxen treatment than patients with hip osteoarthritis, as monitored by WOMAC and the SF-36 domains bodily pain and role-physical. These findings warrant further investigation and strongly suggest that efficacy of treatment of osteoarthritis of knee and hip should be evaluated separately.
Association of Environmental Cadmium Exposure with Periodontal Disease in U.S. Adults
Authors: Manish Arora, Jennifer Weuve, Joel Schwartz, Robert O. Wright
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2009)

BackgroundPeriodontal disease is a complex, multifactorial, chronic inflammatory disease that involves degradation of periodontal structures, including alveolar bone. Cadmium adversely affects bone remodeling, and it is therefore possible that environmental Cd exposure may be a risk factor for periodontal-disease–related bone loss.ObjectiveWe examined the relationship between environmental Cd exposure and periodontal disease in U.S. adults.MethodsWe analyzed cross-sectional data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). We defined periodontal disease as clinical attachment loss of at least 4 mm in > 10% of sites examined. We used multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses to estimate the association between creatinine-corrected urinary Cd levels and periodontal disease.ResultsOf the 11,412 participants included in this study, 15.4% had periodontal disease. The age-adjusted geometric mean urine Cd concentration (micrograms per gram creatinine) was significantly higher among participants with periodontal disease [0.50; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.45–0.56] than among those without periodontal disease (0.30; 95% CI, 0.28–0.31). Multivariable-adjusted analyses, which included extensive adjustments for tobacco exposure, showed that a 3-fold increase in creatinine-corrected urinary Cd concentrations [corresponding to an increment from the 25th (0.18 μg/g) to the 75th (0.63 μg/g) percentile] was associated with 54% greater odds of prevalent periodontal disease (odds ratio = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.26–1.87). We observed similar results among the subset of participants who had limited exposure to tobacco, but only after removing six influential observations.ConclusionEnvironmental Cd exposure was associated with higher odds of periodontal disease.