tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Relief of sleep apnoea after treatment of acromegaly: report of three cases and review of the literature
Authors: B Buyse, E Michiels, R Bouillon, H Bobbaers, M Demedts
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1997)

Sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS) is common in acromegalic patients. Occasionally, the relief of apnoeas after treatment of the acromegaly has been documented. We report the cases of three patients with acromegaly and severe obstructive sleep apnoea, who demonstrated a manifest improvement (respiratory disturbance index (RDI) &lt;20) after treatment with octreotide, indicating that this drug may be effective in this disturbance. In one case, SAS disappeared although the growth hormone level was not fully normalized. This raises the intriguing hypothesis that octreotide has an effect on respiratory control or on the upper airway, that is not directly related to its action on production of growth hormone.
First Responders: Mental Health Consequences of Natural and Human-Made Disasters for Public Health and Public Safety Workers
Authors: David M. Benedek, Carol Fullerton, Robert J. Ursano
Journal: Annual Review of Public Health (2007)

First responders, including military health care workers, public health service workers, and state, local, and volunteer first responders serve an important role in protecting our nation's citizenry in the aftermath of disaster. Protecting our nation's health is a vital part of preserving national security and the continuity of critical national functions. However, public health and public safety workers experience a broad range of health and mental health consequences as a result of work-related exposures to natural or man-made disasters. This chapter reviews recent epidemiologic studies that broaden our understanding of the range of health and mental health consequences for first responders. Evidence-based psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions for posttraumatic distress reactions and psychiatric disorders are outlined. Finally, the application of public health intervention models for the assessment and management of distress responses and mental disorders in first-responder communities is discussed.
Reuse or re-function?
Authors: Daniela Aisenberg, Avishai Henik
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (2010)

Abstract Simple specialization cannot account for brain functioning. Yet, we believe Anderson's reuse can be better explained by re-function. We suggest that functional demands shape brain changes and are the driving force behind reuse. For example, we suggest that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is built as an infrastructure for multi-functions rather than as a module for reuse.
THE ROUTE OF ENTERIC INFECTION IN NORMAL MICE
Authors: Philip B. Carter, Frank M. Collins
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1974)

This study followed the early pathogenesis of orally induced murine typhoid fever. Intragastrically administered Salmonella enteritidis moves quickly through the normal undisturbed gut so that only a small residuum remains in the cecum and large intestine after the first few hours. Dye injection of the gut wall was used to show that lymph from discrete portions of the gastrointestinal tract drains to separate lymph nodes, probably via the regional Peyer's patches. Plating techniques capable of detecting a single colony-forming unit of S. enteritidis within the different Peyer's patches and draining lymph nodes indicate that, although the cecum and large intestine are exposed to large numbers of Salmonella for longer time periods than the small intestine, the primary site of bacterial penetration involves the distal ileum. This area of the small intestine as well as the cecum are both drained by the distal mesenteric lymph nodes, and were the only nodes which contained detectable numbers of viable Salmonella over the first 24 h of infection. Neither the pyloric nor the proximal mesenteric lymph nodes (which drain the stomach and duodenum) nor the pancreatic and caudal lymph nodes (which drain the transverse and descending colon) contained viable Salmonella. Salmonella were observed to infect the ileal mucosa and its Peyer's patches. With time, this infection progresses to the draining lymph node and ultimately reaches the liver and spleen. Some of the implications of these findings relative to the development of acquired resistance to enteric disease are discussed.
VERNAKALANT FACILITATED ELECTRICAL CARDIOVERSION: A RANDOMIZED, OPEN LABEL PILOT STUDY COMPARING INTRAVENOUS VERNAKALANT AND AMIODARONE FOR DRUG-ENHANCED ELECTRICAL CARDIOVERSION OF CARDIOVERSION-RESISTANT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
Authors: Andreas Bollmann, Silke John, Andreas Muessigbrodt, Borislav Dinov, Sergio Richter, Gerhard Hindricks
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2013)
Marked Increase of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Patients with Incipient Primary Chronic Renal Disease
Authors: Jan T. Kielstein, Rainer H. Bo[Combining Diaeresis]ger, Stefanie M. Bode-Bo[Combining Diaeresis]ger, Ju[Combining Diaeresis]rgen C. Fro[Combining Diaeresis]lich, Hermann Haller, Eberhard Ritz, Danilo Fliser
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (2002)

ABSTRACT. In patients with uremia, increased blood concentrations of the endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) have been linked to the severity of atherosclerosis and to excess cardiovascular mortality. The ADMA levels and several traditional cardiovascular risk factors were assessed in 44 untreated nonsmoking patients with confirmed primary chronic renal disease at different stages of renal disease. True GFR was assessed by means of the inulin-clearance technique. For comparison, nonsmoking subjects matched with respect to age, gender, and body-mass index were examined. Mean plasma ADMA concentration was markedly higher (P < 0.0001) in all patients combined (4.2 ± 0.9 μmol/L) than in control subjects (n = 16; age 45 ± 10 yr; serum creatinine 1.0 ± 0.1 mg/dl; ADMA 1.4 ± 0.7 μmol/L). However, mean ADMA levels were similar in patients with normal renal function (n = 16; age 41 ± 9 yr; serum creatinine 1.1 ± 0.1 mg/dl; GFR 120 ± 14 ml·min−1·1.73 m2; ADMA 4.0 ± 0.7 μmol/L), in patients with moderate renal failure (n = 15; 47 ± 7 yr; 1.8 ± 0.3 mg/dl; 65 ± 10 ml·min−1·1.73 m2; 3.8 ± 0.6 μmol/L) and in patients with advanced renal failure (n = 13; 46 ± 9 yr; 4.2 ± 0.9 mg/dl; 25 ± 4 ml·min−1·1.73 m2; 4.7 ± 1.2 μmol/L). Furthermore, ADMA levels were increased to the same extent in normotensive (n = 17; 4.0 ± 0.8 μmol/L) and in hypertensive (n = 27; 4.2 ± 0.9 μmol/L) patients. In contrast to ADMA, mean total plasma homocysteine concentration were similar in control subjects (10.6 ± 2.9 μmol/L) and in patients with normal GFR (11.0 ± 2.9 μmol/L), but were significantly higher in patients with moderate renal failure (17.7 ± 4.1 μmol/L) and particularly in patients with advanced renal failure (28.2 ± 10.6 μmol/L). Finally, mean total serum cholesterol concentrations were comparable in the control group and in the three groups of patients with renal disease. In contrast to several traditional cardiovascular risk factors, markedly increased blood concentrations of ADMA, a putative biochemical marker of atherosclerosis, are present even in nonsmoking patients without diabetes with incipient primary renal disease. Thus, the early increase of ADMA levels may be of relevance for the excess cardiovascular morbidity and mortality due to arterio- and atherosclerotic complications in patients with renal disease.
The Infliximab Multinational Psoriatic Arthritis Controlled Trial (IMPACT): results of radiographic analyses after 1 year
Authors: A Kavanaugh
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2006)

<b>Objective:</b> Infliximab is effective in improving signs and symptoms of joint/skin involvement, functional status, and quality of life in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Using IMPACT trial data, we assessed the effect of infliximab (IFX) on structural damage in PsA. <b>Methods:</b> Patients with active PsA were randomly assigned to receive placebo (PBO/IFX) or infliximab 5 mg/kg (IFX/IFX) at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 14, with the primary endpoint at week 16. The PBO group received infliximab loading doses at weeks 16, 18, and 22. Thereafter, all patients received infliximab 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks through week 50. Hand/feet radiographs were obtained at weeks 0 and 50. Total radiographic scores were determined using the PsA modified van der Heijde-Sharp (vdH-S) score. Projected annual rate of progression was calculated by dividing x ray score by disease duration (years). <b>Results:</b> As reported previously, 65% of infliximab treated patients versus 10% of PBO treated patients achieved an ACR20 response at week 16 (p&lt;0.001). At week 50, 69% of patients achieved an ACR20 response. Radiographs (baseline and week 50) were available for 72/104 patients. At baseline, estimated mean annual rate of progression was 5.8 modified vdH-S points/year. Mean (median) changes from baseline to week 50 in the total modified vdH-S score were −1.95 (−0.50) for PBO/IFX and −1.52 (−0.50) for IFX/IFX patients (p = NS). At week 50, 85% and 84% of patients in the PBO/IFX and IFX/IFX groups had no worsening in the total modified vdH-S score. <b>Conclusion:</b> Infliximab inhibits radiographic progression in patients with PsA through week 50.
Scotland's free personal care for elderly people runs into trouble
Authors: Bryan Christie
Journal: BMJ (2006)

Waiting lists have emerged in Scotland to control the demand among elderly people for free personal care, a service that has been controversial since it was instituted more than four years ago.

A statistical snapshot taken on a single day in February showed that 4005 people were waiting to be assessed and a further 709 people had been assessed but were still waiting to receive a service.

A report published last week by the Scottish parliament's health committee found that 20 of Scotland's 32 local authorities did not have enough money to implement the policy fully. The councils estimate they need …
Rheology of mucus and transepithelial potential difference: small airways versus trachea
Authors: EM App, JG Zayas, M King
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1993)

The transfer of water across the airway epithelium is closely related to the transepithelial potential difference (PD). Thus, PD should be directly involved in the regulation of airway intraluminal water content and, by extension, mucus rheology. Experiments by Boucher and co-workers (J Appl Physiol, 1980; 48: 169; and 1981; 51: 706) indicated that the values of PD in the small airways of dogs were considerably lower than in the trachea or mainstem bronchus. This fact suggests that water is increasingly removed from the airway lumen in the cephalad direction, and provides a possible mechanism whereby airway flooding is avoided as the total airway cross-section diminishes mouthward. We investigated this possibility by collecting and analysing mucus from the small airways and trachea of anaesthetized dogs and comparing our findings with measurements of PD. Mucus was collected on a cytology brush placed against the wall of the airway. Tracheal samples were taken from the lower lateral or anterior trachea, while small airway samples were taken from a 6th or 7th generation bronchus, chosen at random from either side. Measurements of PD were made at comparable sites. The mucus was analysed for its viscoelastic properties using the magnetic microrheometer technique. PD in the 6th-7th generation bronchus was significantly less than in the lower trachea (4.1 +/- 1.3 vs 17.2 +/- 7.1 mV). The rigidity of mucus collected from the small airways (log mechanical impedance (G*) at 100 rad.s-1) was significantly less than in the trachea (2.81 +/- 0.22 vs 3.01 +/- 0.29).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce atrial vulnerability in a novel canine pacing model
Authors: G. Laurent, G. Moe, X. Hu, B. Holub, H. Leong-Poi, J. Trogadis, K. Connelly, D. Courtman, B. H. Strauss, P. Dorian
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2007)

AimOur objective was to assess the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on atrial fibrillation (AF) vulnerability and atrial structure in a new model of atrial cardiomyopathy.
What is the respiratory retention of inhaled hexamethylene di-isocyanate?
Authors: E. Monso, Y. Cloutier, J Lesage, G Perreault, J-L Malo
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2000)

Isocyanates are a frequent cause of occupational asthma. Specific inhalation challenges are often required to confirm the diagnosis. The inhaled concentration has to be assessed during this procedure. However, the respiratory retention of di-isocyanate has not, to the authors knowledge, been evaluated in humans. The existence of a closed-circuit apparatus, designed to carry out these challenges, makes it possible to assess the dose. The respiratory retention of hexamethylene di-isocyanate (HDI) generated in vapour form, in both normal subjects (n=4) and subjects referred for the investigation of occupational asthma due to HDI in whom the diagnosis was excluded (n=5), was assessed. The latter group included four subjects with nonoccupational asthma. The HDI was generated at concentrations varying 5.1-15.2 ppb. The expired concentrations of HDI during such challenges varied 1.4-5.3 ppb. Therefore, the respiratory retention was 61-90%. To conclude, the majority of inhaled hexamethylene di-isocyanate vapour is retained within the airways and/on lung parenchyma.
Racial Disparity in Consultation, Treatment, and the Impact on Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Daniel R. Simpson, María Elena Martínez, Samir Gupta, Jona Hattangadi-Gluth, Loren K. Mell, Gregory Heestand, Paul Fanta, Sonia Ramamoorthy, Quynh-Thu Le, James D. Murphy
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2013)

Black patients with metastatic colorectal cancer have inferior survival compared to white patients. The purpose of this study was to examine disparity in specialist consultation and multimodality treatment and the impact that treatment inequality has on survival. We identified 9935 non-Hispanic white and 1281 black patients with stage IV colorectal cancer aged 66 years and older from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)–Medicare linked database. Logistic regression models identified race-based differences in consultation rates and subsequent treatment with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Multivariable Cox regression models identified potential factors that explain race-based survival differences. All statistical tests were two-sided. Black patients had lower rates of consultation with surgery, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. Among patients seen in consultation, black patients received less surgery directed at the primary tumor, liver- or lung-directed surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Unadjusted survival analysis found a 15% higher chance of dying for black patients compared with white patients (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.15; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08 to 1.22; P < .001). Adjustment for patient, tumor, and demographic variables marginally reduced the risk of death (HR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.15; P = .03). After adjustment for differences in treatment, the increased risk of death for black patients disappeared. Our study shows racial disparity in specialist consultation as well as subsequent treatment with multimodality therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer, and it suggests that inferior survival for black patients may stem from this treatment disparity. Further research into the underlying causes of this inequality will improve access to treatment and survival in metastatic colorectal cancer.
Adult pancreatic acinar cells dedifferentiate to an embryonic progenitor phenotype with concomitant activation of a senescence programme that is present in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: A. V. Pinho, I. Rooman, M. Reichert, N. De Medts, L. Bouwens, A. K. Rustgi, F. X. Real
Journal: Gut (2010)

<h3>Objective</h3> Acinar cells display plasticity in vitro and in vivo and can activate a variety of differentiation programmes that may contribute to pancreatic diseases. The aims were to determine: (1) the differentiation potential of acinar cells under conditions which favour stem cell survival, and (2) its relationship to the phenotypes acquired by pancreatic epithelial cells in chronic pancreatitis. <h3>Design</h3> Murine acinar cells were cultured in suspension and their molecular phenotype was characterised by qRT-PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation, immunocytochemistry and global transcriptome analysis. These findings were compared to the changes occurring in experimental chronic pancreatitis induced by pancreatic duct ligation and chronic caerulein administration. <h3>Results</h3> Acinar cells in suspension culture acquired a dedifferentiated phenotype characteristic of pancreatic embryonic progenitors, consisting of the co-expression of Ptf1a and Pdx1, presence of an embryonic-type PTF1 transcriptional complex, activation of the Notch pathway, and expression of additional pancreatic progenitor cell markers such as CpA1, Sox9 and Hnf1b. A senescence programme, associated with activation of Ras and ERK signalling, limited the proliferative capacity of the cells. A similar progenitor-like phenotype with activation of a senescence programme was observed in experimental chronic pancreatitis induced by pancreatic duct ligation or repeated caerulein administration, with the concomitant and differential activation of proliferation and senescence in distinct cell populations. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Acinar cells dedifferentiate into an embryonic progenitor-like phenotype upon suspension culture. This is associated with the activation of a senescence programme. Both processes take place in experimental chronic pancreatitis where senescence may contribute to limit tumour progression.
Non-canonical alternatives: What a macrophage is 4
Authors: Christopher L. Karp, Peter J. Murray
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2012)

Macrophages play pleiotropic, niche-specific roles in all tissues and organs. As immune sentinels, tissue macrophages regulate immune activation and inflammation; in turn, their function is modulated by inflammatory mediators deriving from such activation. Recent papers have established unanticipated roles for interleukin 4 and the alternative activation of tissue macrophages in the organismal response to diverse environmental stressors.
Novel Action of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Attenuating Acute Lung Allograft Injury
Authors: Hanzhong Liu, Li Liu, Bradley S. Fletcher, Gary A. Visner
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2005)

Lung allografts are prone to reperfusion injury and acute rejection, which, in addition to infiltrating lymphocytes, are accompanied by neutrophil infiltration and neutrophil-associated oxidative stress. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a unique cytosolic enzyme that possesses T-cell-suppressive and antioxidant properties.The purpose of this study was to determine if genetic up-regulation of IDO could ameliorate acute lung allograft injury.Lung orthotopic transplants were performed using Lewis donors and Sprague-Dawley rat recipients (allografts) or the same strain (isografts). Plasmid-encoding human IDO was delivered to donor lungs in vivo using a nonviral gene-transfer vector, polyethylenimine. Transplanted lungs were evaluated at 6 d post-transplantation based on pulmonary function, histology, inflammatory responses, and their associated oxidative stress. Basic biology of the IDO-overexpressing lung cells was evaluated in vitro in response to external oxidant.This gene delivery method led to uniform transgene expression in lung tissue distributed in airway, alveolar epithelial, and endothelial cells. IDO overexpression in lung allografts resulted in a significant protective effect with improvement in functional properties (peak airway pressure and oxygenation) and histologic appearance. Although IDO was able to block local T-cell responses, it failed to abrogate neutrophilic infiltration and the inflammation-associated oxidative stress. IDO-enhanced lung cells were resistance to oxidant-induced necrosis and apoptosis by limiting intracellular reactive oxygen species formation.These results demonstrate that IDO prevents acute lung allograft injury through augmenting the local antioxidant defense system and inhibiting alloreactive T-cell responses.
Daily or Intermittent Budesonide in Preschool Children with Recurrent Wheezing
Authors: Robert S. Zeiger, David Mauger, Leonard B. Bacharier, Theresa W. Guilbert, Fernando D. Martinez, Robert F. Lemanske, Robert C. Strunk, Ronina Covar, Stanley J. Szefler, Susan Boehmer, Daniel J. Jackson, Christine A. Sorkness, James E. Gern, H. William Kelly, Noah J. Friedman, Michael H. Mellon, Michael Schatz, Wayne J. Morgan, Vernon M. Chinchilli, Hengameh H. Raissy, Elizabeth Bade, Jonathan Malka-Rais, Avraham Beigelman, Lynn M. Taussig
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2011)

Daily inhaled glucocorticoids are recommended for young children at risk for asthma exacerbations, as indicated by a positive value on the modified asthma predictive index (API) and an exacerbation in the preceding year, but concern remains about daily adherence and effects on growth. We compared daily therapy with intermittent therapy.
Organ-specific autoantibodies but not anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides are a feature of autoimmunity in Down's syndrome
Authors: B. A. Fisher, P. Charles, K. Lundberg, K. M. Gillespie, R. W. Newton, P. J. Venables
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2010)

There is a well-recognised association of Down's syndrome with certain autoimmune diseases, in particular, thyroid autoimmunity, type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease. Recent publications have also reported an unexpectedly high prevalence of rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies.1 2 The recent identification of a potential susceptibility locus for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at 21q22 in a genome-wide study3 further suggests the possibility of RA also being associated with trisomy 21.

Sera from 104 subjects with Down's syndrome, mean age 14.4 years (range 10–20), the Hester Adrian Research Centre population-based cohort, were obtained with informed consent and ethical …
Severe lung fibrosis requires an invasive fibroblast phenotype regulated by hyaluronan and CD44
Authors: Yuejuan Li, Dianhua Jiang, Jiurong Liang, Eric B. Meltzer, Alice Gray, Riu Miura, Lise Wogensen, Yu Yamaguchi, Paul W. Noble
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2011)

Tissue fibrosis is a major cause of morbidity, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a terminal illness characterized by unremitting matrix deposition in the lung. The mechanisms that control progressive fibrosis are unknown. Myofibroblasts accumulate at sites of tissue remodeling and produce extracellular matrix components such as collagen and hyaluronan (HA) that ultimately compromise organ function. We found that targeted overexpression of HAS2 (HA synthase 2) by myofibroblasts produced an aggressive phenotype leading to severe lung fibrosis and death after bleomycin-induced injury. Fibroblasts isolated from transgenic mice overexpressing HAS2 showed a greater capacity to invade matrix. Conditional deletion of HAS2 in mesenchymal cells abrogated the invasive fibroblast phenotype, impeded myofibroblast accumulation, and inhibited the development of lung fibrosis. Both the invasive phenotype and the progressive fibrosis were inhibited in the absence of CD44. Treatment with a blocking antibody to CD44 reduced lung fibrosis in mice in vivo. Finally, fibroblasts isolated from patients with IPF exhibited an invasive phenotype that was also dependent on HAS2 and CD44. Understanding the mechanisms leading to an invasive fibroblast phenotype could lead to novel approaches to the treatment of disorders characterized by severe tissue fibrosis.