tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Comparison of treatment of TB lymphadenitis with daily vs. intermittent chemotherapy
Authors: Tushar Sahasrabudhe, Sandeep Garg
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Relatively better cure rates are noted with use of daily TB chemotherapy regimens compared to intermittent regimens for TB lymphadenitis in our clinical experience. We therefore did a randomized comparative prospective study of daily vs. intermittent chemotherapy for cases with TB lymphadenitis. A total of 170 cases were randomly put on daily or intermittent regimen. Any cases of proven or suspected drug resistance were excluded. The regimens were selected as per the standard DOTS categories. 81 on daily and 73 on intermittent regimens completed their treatment and were available for analysis. 73/81 (90.12%) on daily regimen and 52/73 (71.23%) on intermittent regimens were cured. 17/81 (20.98%) and 23/73 (31.5%) respectively needed extension of treatment. 26/81 (32.09%) and 18/73 (24.65%) had adverse effects of chemotherapy on daily vs. intermittent treatment respectively. Daily TB chemotherapy seems to be superior to intermittent chemotherapy in terms of treatment outcome at the cost of slightly more adverse effects, in our study of TB lymphadenitis.
Host-Induced Changes in Infectivity of Friend Spleen Focus-Forming Virus&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN2"&gt;2&lt;/xref&gt;
Authors: Richard A. Steeves, Robert J. Eckner
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1970)

To study the nature of murine leukemia virus “adaptation” to a different host strain, the infective properties of a member of the Friend virus complex, spleen focus-forming virus (SFFV), were examined in terms of: 1) host range, 2) neutralization kinetics, and 3) titration dose-response curves for “hitness.” SFFV-S, virus maintained in Swiss mice, was passaged through newborn BALB/c mice. After 3 serial passages, the recovered virus, called SFFV-B, differed in host range from SFFV-S as measured by the spleen focus assay method. Despite increased infectivity of SFFV-B in BALB/c and A mice, there was no detectable antigenic difference between SFFV-B and SFFV-S when compared by their neutralization kinetics with rabbit antisera directed against normal Swiss or BALB/c tissue. However, titration of SFFV-S in BALB/c mice yielded a multiple-hit, dose-response curve, whereas titration of SFFV-B in BALB/c mice and of SFFV-S in Swiss mice gave one-hit, dose-response relationships. In addition, SFFV-S gave a one-hit dose-response curve in BALB/c mice coinfected with a lymphatic leukemia virus (LLV-S) isolated in Swiss mice from Friend virus complex and free of detectable SFFV. Passage of LLV-S through newborn BALB/c mice yielded virus (LLV-B), with significantly increased helper activity. The data provide strong evidence that SFFV, as expressed in BALB/c mice, is defective, in that an associated virus particle, LLV, is required in addition to SFFV for spleen focus formation. Thus “adaptation” of SFFV in BALB/c mice results from an increased titer of SFFV associated with LLV that can express its helper activity in the BALB/c strain.
Unexpected Diversity and Differential Success of DNA Transposons in Four Species of Entamoeba Protozoans
Authors: Ellen J. Pritham, Cédric Feschotte, Susan R. Wessler
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (2005)

We report the first comprehensive analysis of transposable element content in the compact genomes (∼20 Mb) of four species of Entamoeba unicellular protozoans for which draft sequences are now available. Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar, two human parasites, have many retrotransposons, but few DNA transposons. In contrast, the reptile parasite Entamoeba invadens and the free-living Entamoeba moshkovskii contain few long interspersed elements but harbor diverse and recently amplified populations of DNA transposons. Representatives of three DNA transposase superfamilies (hobo/Activator/Tam3, Mutator, and piggyBac) were identified for the first time in a protozoan species in addition to a variety of members of a fourth superfamily (Tc1/mariner), previously reported only from ciliates and Trichomonas vaginalis among protozoans. The diversity of DNA transposons and their differential amplification among closely related species with similar compact genomes are discussed in the context of the biology of Entamoeba protozoans.
Identification of a Unique Transgenic Mouse Line That Develops Megabladder, Obstructive Uropathy, and Renal Dysfunction
Authors: Sunita Singh, Melissa Robinson, Fatin Nahi, Brian Coley, Michael L. Robinson, Carlton M. Bates, Karl Kornacker, Kirk M. McHugh
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (2007)

Urinary tract malformations, obstructive uropathy, and hypoplasia/dysplasia are extremely important in terms of pediatric health care costs, with end-stage renal failure in children estimated to cost &gt;$15 billion annually in the United States alone. Even so, little is known regarding the mechanisms that control these processes. Identified was a unique mutant mouse model that develops <i>in utero</i> megabladder, resulting in variable hydroureteronephrosis and chronic renal failure secondary to obstructive uropathy. These animals, designated <i>mgb</i> for megabladder, possess a primary defect in bladder smooth muscle development that is apparent by embryonic day 15. The <i>mgb</i> mouse represents an excellent model for the study of normal and pathogenic bladder development, including the postnatal progression of chronic renal failure that results from the development of <i>in utero</i> obstructive uropathy.
Kappa-chain constant-region gene sequences in genus Rattus: coding regions are diverging more rapidly than noncoding regions.
Authors: M B Frank, R M Besta, P R Baverstock, G A Gutman
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (1984)

We have determined the nucleotide sequence of a 1,200-base pair (bp) genomic fragment that includes the kappa-chain constant-region gene (C kappa) from two species of native Australian rodents, Rattus leucopus cooktownensis and Rattus colletti. Comparison of these sequences with each other and with other rodent C kappa genes shows three surprising features. First, the coding regions are diverging at a rate severalfold higher than that of the nearby noncoding regions. Second, replacement changes within the coding region are accumulating at a rate at least as great as that of silent changes. Third, most of the amino acid replacements are localized in one region of the C kappa domain--namely, the carboxy-terminal "bends" in the alpha-carbon backbone. These three features have previously been described from comparisons of the two allelic forms of C kappa genes in R. norvegicus. These data imply the existence of considerable evolutionary constraints on the noncoding regions (based on as yet undetermined functions) or powerful positive selection to diversify a portion of the constant-region domain (whose physiological significance is not known). These surprising features of C kappa evolution appear to be characteristic only of closely related C kappa genes, since comparison of rodent with human sequences shows the expected greater conservation of coding regions, as well as a predominance of silent nucleotide substitutions within the coding regions.
<i>Isl1</i> Expression at the Venous Pole Identifies a Novel Role for the Second Heart Field in Cardiac Development
Authors: Brian S. Snarr, Jessica L. O’Neal, Mastan R. Chintalapudi, Elaine E. Wirrig, Aimee L. Phelps, Steven W. Kubalak, Andy Wessels
Journal: Circulation Research (2007)

The right ventricle and outflow tract of the developing heart are derived from mesodermal progenitor cells from the second heart field (SHF). SHF cells have been characterized by expression of the transcription factor Islet-1 ( Isl1 ). Although Isl1 expression has also been reported in the venous pole, the specific contribution of the SHF to this part of the heart is unknown. Here we show that Isl1 is strongly expressed in the dorsal mesenchymal protrusion (DMP), a non–endocardially-derived mesenchymal structure involved in atrioventricular septation. We further demonstrate that abnormal development of the SHF-derived DMP is associated with the pathogenesis of atrioventricular septal defects. These results identify a novel role for the SHF.
Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration of lymph nodes in the radiologically normal mediastinum
Authors: F. J. F. Herth, A. Ernst, R. Eberhardt, P. Vilmann, H. Dienemann, M. Krasnik
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2006)

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) can sample enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To date, EBUS-TBNA has only been used to sample nodes visible on computed tomography (CT). The aim of the present study was to determine the accuracy of EBUS-TBNA in sampling nodes ≤1 cm in diameter. NSCLC patients with CT scans showing no enlarged lymph nodes (no node &gt;1 cm) in the mediastinum underwent EBUS-TBNA. Identifiable lymph nodes at locations 2r, 2l, 4r, 4l, 7, 10r, 10l, 11r and 11l were aspirated. All patients underwent subsequent surgical staging. Diagnoses based on aspiration results were compared with those based on surgical results. In 100 patients (mean age 58.9 yrs; 68 males), 119 lymph nodes ranging 5–10 mm in size were detected and sampled. Malignancy was detected in 19 patients but missed in two; all diagnoses were confirmed by surgical findings. The mean diameter of the punctured lymph nodes was 8.1 mm. The sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA for detecting malignancy was 92.3%, specificity was 100%, and the negative predictive value was 96.3%. No complications occurred. In conclusion, endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration can accurately sample even small mediastinal nodes, therefore avoiding unnecessary surgical exploration in one out of six patients who have no computed tomography evidence of mediastinal disease. Potentially operable patients with no signs of mediastinal involvement on computed tomography may benefit from pre-surgical endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration and staging.
The effects of sildenafil on lung function in COPD
Authors: Andrew Goudie, Pippa Hopkinson, William Anderson, Brian Lipworth, Allan Struthers
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background 

Sildenafil is a pulmonary vasodilator drug used to treat pulmonary hypertension (PH) via PDE5 inhibition. Zaprinast, the precursor to Sildenafil, has moderate bronchodilator effects in exercise induced asthma. A recent study investigating the haemodynamic effects of sildenafil in COPD associated PH (COPD-PH) noted small but significant improvements in FEV1 and FVC.

Aims 

To study the effects of sildenafil on bronchodilation and gas trapping in those with COPD-PH.

Methods 

COPD patients were invited for echo. RVSP>30mmHg and/or a pulmonary acceleration time of <120ms defined PH. Subjects with COPD-PH were given 50mg of sildenafil(PO). Spirometry was recorded at 0.5, 1(Cmax) and 3 hours (t½).

Results 

A total of 33 patients were studied, 61% male. Baseline spirometry: FEV1(l) 1.13(SD 0.41), FEV1% 45%(14.7), FVC(l) 2.75(0.76), FVC% 86.3%(17.2), slow VC(l) 2.77(0.85), slow VC% 84.9(18.3). Slow VC significantly increased by 163ml [95%CI 29-297] p=0.01 and 149ml [95%CI 19-280] p=0.018 at 0.5 and 1 hours respectively. FEV1 significantly increased by 51 ml [95%CI 16–86] p=0.002 and 78 ml [95%CI 40-116] p=0.000 at 0.5 and 1 hours respectively. No significant changes were noted for slow VC/FEV1 at 3 hours.

![Figure][1] 



Conclusion 

Acute sildenafil use resulted in transient airways dilatation and reduced gas trapping. In the absence of placebo control, spirometric changes due to natural variability cannot be ruled out, although the return to normal at 3 hours suggests a real effect.

 [1]: pending:yes
T-cell Responses to Oncogenic Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Proteins Distinguish Patients with Merkel Cell Carcinoma from Healthy Donors
Authors: Rikke Lyngaa, Natasja Wulff Pedersen, David Schrama, Charlotte Albæk Thrue, Dafina Ibrani, Özcan Met, Per thor Straten, Paul Nghiem, Jürgen C. Becker, Sine Reker Hadrup
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2014)

Abstract Purpose: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive skin cancer with strong evidence of viral carcinogenesis. The association of MCC with the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) may explain the explicit immunogenicity of MCC. Indeed, MCPyV-encoded proteins are likely targets for cytotoxic immune responses to MCC as they are both foreign to the host and necessary to maintain the oncogenic phenotype. However, to date only a single MCPyV-derived CD8 T-cell epitope has been described, thus impeding specific monitoring of T-cell responses to MCC. Method: To overcome this limitation, we scanned the MCPyV oncoprotein large T and small T antigens and the virus capsid protein VP1 for potential T-cell epitopes, and tested for MHC class I affinity. We confirmed the relevance of these epitopes using a high-throughput platform for T-cell enrichment and combinatorial encoding of MHC class I multimers. Results: In peripheral blood from 38 patients with MCC and 30 healthy donors, we identified 53 MCPyV-directed CD8 T-cell responses against 35 different peptide sequences. Strikingly, T-cell responses against oncoproteins were exclusively present in patients with MCC, but not in healthy donors. We further demonstrate both the processing and presentation of the oncoprotein-derived epitopes, as well as the lytic activity of oncoprotein-specific T cells toward MHC-matched MCC cells. Demonstrating the presence of oncoprotein-specific T cells among tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes further substantiated the relevance of the identified epitopes. Conclusion: These T-cell epitopes represent ideal targets for antigen-specific immune therapy of MCC, and enable tracking and characterization of MCPyV-specific immune responses. Clin Cancer Res; 20(7); 1768–78. ©2014 AACR.
Immediate or Deferred Androgen Deprivation for Patients With Prostate Cancer Not Suitable for Local Treatment With Curative Intent: European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Trial 30891
Authors: Urs E. Studer, Peter Whelan, Walter Albrecht, Jacques Casselman, Theo de Reijke, Dieter Hauri, Wolfgang Loidl, Santiago Isorna, Subramanian K. Sundaram, Muriel Debois, Laurence Collette
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2006)

This study (EORTC 30891) attempted to demonstrate equivalent overall survival in patients with localized prostate cancer not suitable for local curative treatment treated with immediate or deferred androgen ablation.We randomly assigned 985 patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer T0-4 N0-2 M0 to receive androgen deprivation either immediately (n = 493) or on symptomatic disease progression or occurrence of serious complications (n = 492).Baseline characteristics were well balanced in the two groups. Median age was 73 years (range, 52 to 81). At a median follow-up of 7.8 years, 541 of 985 patients had died, mostly of prostate cancer (n = 193) or cardiovascular disease (n = 185). The overall survival hazard ratio was 1.25 (95% CI, 1.05 to 1.48; noninferiority P > .1) favoring immediate treatment, seemingly due to fewer deaths of nonprostatic cancer causes (P = .06). The time from randomization to progression of hormone refractory disease did not differ significantly, nor did prostate-cancer specific survival. The median time to the start of deferred treatment after study entry was 7 years. In this group 126 patients (25.6%) died without ever needing treatment (44% of the deaths in this arm).Immediate androgen deprivation resulted in a modest but statistically significant increase in overall survival but no significant difference in prostate cancer mortality or symptom-free survival. This must be weighed on an individual basis against the adverse effects of life-long androgen deprivation, which may be avoided in a substantial number of patients with a deferred treatment policy.
Late-systolic pumping properties of the left ventricle. Deviation from elastance-resistance behavior.
Authors: K B Campbell, R D Kirkpatrick, G G Knowlen, J A Ringo
Journal: Circulation Research (1990)

Elastance-resistance [E(t)-R] representations of the left ventricle (LV) were evaluated for their ability to reproduce instantaneous pressure [P(t)] and outflow [Q(t)]. Experiments were performed in open-chest rats. P(t) and Q(t) were measured during steady-state ejecting beats and during a beat in which the aorta was suddenly clamped. The degree of clamping varied from partial to total occlusion. The total occlusion beat was considered an isovolumic beat that generated an isovolumic pressure [Piso(t)] with a characteristic time to maximal Piso(t) [Tpisomax]. In ejecting beats, 34% of stroke volume was delivered after Tpisomax. P(t) and Q(t) from the steady-state ejecting beats and Piso(t) from the clamped beat were then used to estimate parameters of an E(t)-R model. Components of P(t) and Q(t) not accounted for by E(t)-R were identified and termed extra-pressure [Pext(t)] and extra-outflow [Qext(t)]. Pext(t) and Qext(t) were near-zero valued until Tpisomax; then they became systematically positive and finally negative valued after end ejection. During partial aortic occlusion, P(t) was elevated and Q(t) was reduced. However, the time of ejection was extended, and the fraction of stroke volume delivered after Tpisomax increased as P(t) was made higher. Partial occlusion also prolonged the positive phase of Pext(t) and Qext(t). Elements possessing "active" and "deactive" properties were added to the E(t)-R model in an attempt to account for Pext(t) and Qext(t) during partial occlusion. Optional forms of these elements were considered. These expanded E(t)-R models were fitted to basal ejecting data and then asked to predict data from a partial occlusion beat. All expanded models failed to adequately predict the partial occlusion pressure and/or outflow. It was concluded that 1) late ejection was quantitatively important to LV pumping, 2) behavior during late ejection was inconsistent with E(t)-R, and 3) ad hoc modification of E(t)-R models was not likely to yield LV pumping models that could satisfactorily reproduce instantaneous P(t) and Q(t) behavior over the entire ejection period.
Insulin degludec, an ultra-longacting basal insulin, versus insulin glargine in basal-bolus treatment with mealtime insulin aspart in type 1 diabetes (BEGIN Basal-Bolus Type 1): a phase 3, randomised, open-label, treat-to-target non-inferiority trial
Authors: Simon Heller, John Buse, Miles Fisher, Satish Garg, Michel Marre, Ludwig Merker, Eric Renard, David Russell-Jones, Areti Philotheou, Ann Marie Ocampo Francisco, Huiling Pei, Bruce Bode
Journal: The Lancet (2012)
Effect of pranayama on mental stress and job satisfaction of teachers of Banaras Hindu University
Authors: Santosh Yaduvanshi, D K Dureha, Moradhvaj Singh, Pooja Mishra
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2010)

Introduction Breath is life and life is breath. Breath is the key to the mystery of life. A human life is measured from the first to the last breath. Breathing is not only an instinctive relax to satisfy the need of body for oxygen but it has been considered that controlled breathing can be used as a technique for enhancing physical and mental power. Background The purpose of the study was to find the effect of pranayama on mental stress and job satisfaction of teachers from Banaras Hindu University. Thirty teachers were selected for the study. In this study two separate questionnaires were used for assessing the mental stress and job satisfaction. Method The t test was applied to find out the effect of effect of 12 week training of pranayama on mental stress and job satisfaction of teachers from Banaras Hindu University. For testing the difference between the mean gain of initial test and final test the level of significance was set at 0.05 level of confidence. Result On the basis of findings, it can be concluded from the study that the pranayama practice among teachers was significantly improved from the 12 week training of pranayama on mental stress and job satisfaction of teachers from Banaras Hindu University.
Quantitative Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection on Tuberculosis Dynamics
Authors: Kathryn DeRiemer, L. Masae Kawamura, Philip C. Hopewell, Charles L. Daley
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2007)

Rationale: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has a major but unquantified impact on the risk of tuberculosis.Objectives: To quantify the impact of HIV infection on the number of tuberculosis cases in San Francisco.Methods: We studied all patients reported with tuberculosis in San Francisco from 1991 to 2002. The initial isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis were genotyped using IS6110 restriction fragment-length polymorphism genotyping as the primary method, and clustered cases (identical genotype patterns) were identified.Measurements and Main Results: We determined the case number, case rate, and the fraction of tuberculosis attributable to HIV infection. Of 2,991 reported tuberculosis cases, 2,193 (73.3%) had a genotype pattern of M. tuberculosis available. Genotypic clusters with at least one HIV-positive person were larger, lasted longer, and had a shorter time between successive cases relative to clusters with only HIV-uninfected persons (P < 0.00005, P = 0.0009, P = 0.018, respectively). Overall, 13.7% of the tuberculosis cases were attributable to HIV infection and an estimated 405 excess tuberculosis cases occurred.Conclusions: During a period encompassing the resurgence and decline of tuberculosis in San Francisco, a substantial number of the tuberculosis cases were attributable to HIV infection. Coinfection with HIV amplified the local tuberculosis epidemic.
Genetic variants associated with severe pneumonia in A/H1N1 influenza infection
Authors: J. Zúñiga, I. Buendía-Roldán, Y. Zhao, L. Jiménez, D. Torres, J. Romo, G. Ramírez, A. Cruz, G. Vargas-Alarcon, C-C. Sheu, F. Chen, L. Su, A.M. Tager, A. Pardo, M. Selman, D.C. Christiani
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

The A/H1N1 influenza strain isolated in Mexico in 2009 caused severe pulmonary illness in a small number of exposed individuals. Our objective was to determine the influence of genetic factors on their susceptibility. We carried out a case–control association study genotyping 91 patients with confirmed severe pneumonia from A/H1N1 infection and 98 exposed but asymptomatic household contacts, using the HumanCVD BeadChip (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). Four risk single-nucleotide polymorphisms were significantly (p&lt;0.0001) associated with severe pneumonia: rs1801274 (Fc fragment of immunoglobulin G, low-affinity IIA, receptor ( FCGR2A ) gene, chromosome 1; OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.69–4.25); rs9856661 (gene unknown, chromosome 3; OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.64–4.18); rs8070740 (RPA interacting protein ( RPAIN ) gene, chromosome 17; OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.63–4.39); and rs3786054 (complement component 1, q subcomponent binding protein ( C1QBP ) gene, chromosome 17; OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.89–5.17). All SNP associations remained significant after adjustment for sex and comorbidities. The SNPs on chromosome 17 were in linkage disequilibrium. These findings revealed that gene polymorphisms located in chromosomes 1 and 17 might influence susceptibility to development of severe pneumonia in A/H1N1 infection. Two of these SNPs are mapped within genes ( FCGR2A , C1QBP ) involved in the handling of immune complexes and complement activation, respectively, suggesting that these genes may confer risk due to increased activation of host immunity.