tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Ultrasound Characterization of Responses to Radiotherapy in Cancer Mouse Models
Authors: Roxana M. Vlad, Sebastian Brand, Anoja Giles, Michael C. Kolios, Gregory J. Czarnota
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2009)

Currently, no imaging modality is used routinely to assess tumor responses to radiotherapy within hours to days after the delivery of treatment. In this study, we show the application of quantitative ultrasound methods to characterize tumor responses to cancer radiotherapy in vivo, as early as 24 hours after treatment administration.Three mouse models of head and neck cancer were exposed to radiation doses of 0, 2, 4, and 8 Gray. Data were collected with an ultrasound scanner using frequencies of 10 to 30 MHz. Ultrasound estimates calculated from normalized power spectra and parametric images (spatial maps of local estimates of ultrasound parameters) were used as indicators of response.Two of the mouse models (FaDu and C666-1) exhibited large hyperechoic regions at 24 hours after radiotherapy. The ultrasound integrated backscatter increased by 6.5 to 8.2 dB (P < 0.001) and the spectral slopes increased from 0.77 to 0.90 dB/MHz for the C666-1 tumors and from 0.54 to 0.78 dB/MHz for the FaDu tumors (P < 0.05), in these regions compared with preirradiated tumors. The hyperechoic regions in the ultrasound images corresponded in histology to areas of cell death. Parametric images could discern the tumor regions that responded to treatment. The other cancer mouse model (Hep-2) was resistant to radiotherapy.The results indicate that cell structural changes after radiotherapy have a significant influence on ultrasound spectral parameters. This provides a foundation for future investigations regarding the use of ultrasound in cancer patients to individualize treatments noninvasively based on their responses to specific interventions.
Expanding the adipokine network in cartilage: identification and regulation of novel factors in human and murine chondrocytes
Authors: Javier Conde, Rodolfo Gomez, Giuseppe Bianco, Morena Scotece, Pamela Lear, Carlos Dieguez, Juan Gomez-Reino, Francisca Lago, Oreste Gualillo
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2011)

Background Obesity is a major risk factor for a plethora of diseases including joint disorders associated with cartilage destruction. Recently, it has been demonstrated that adipose tissue might contribute to degenerative joint diseases via the secretion of potent bioactive molecules termed adipokines. Objective To study expression of the novel adipokines chemerin, lipocalin 2 (LCN2) and serum amyloid A3 (SAA3) in murine and human chondrocytes, under basal conditions, in response to a range of biological and pharmacological treatments, and during chondrocyte differentiation. Methods Chemerin, LCN2 and SAA3 mRNA and protein expression were evaluated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR and western blot analysis, respectively, in the ATDC-5 murine chondrocyte cell line, a human immortalised chondrocyte cell line (T/C-28a2) and primary cultured human chondrocytes. Results Human and murine chondrocytes expressed chemerin, LCN2 and SAA3 mRNA; interleukin (IL)-1β was a potent inducer of these novel adipokines. Moreover, dexamethasone, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and other relevant adipokines such as leptin and adiponectin were able to modulate chemerin, LCN2 and SAA3 mRNA expression alone and when coadministered. Intracellular signal transducers involved in the IL-1β-mediated upregulation of LCN2 and SAA3 included Janus kinase (JAK) 2, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases. Finally, expression of chemerin, LCN2 and SAA3 mRNA expression were modulated throughout chondrocyte differentiation. Conclusion Chemerin, LCN2 and SAA3 are implicated in chondrocyte pathophysiology, and regulated by other relevant factors that drive inflammatory process such as IL-1β, LPS and adipokines including leptin and adiponectin. It seems likely that JAK2, PI3K and MAP kinases are involved in mediating these responses.
Platelets as Immune Cells
Authors: Philipp von Hundelshausen, Christian Weber
Journal: Circulation Research (2007)

Beyond an eminent role in hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets are characterized by expert functions in assisting and modulating inflammatory reactions and immune responses. This is achieved by the regulated expression of adhesive and immune receptors on the platelet surface and by the release of a multitude of secretory products including inflammatory mediators and cytokines, which can mediate the interaction with leukocytes and enhance their recruitment. In addition, platelets are characterized by an enormous surface area and open canalicular system, which in concert with specialized recognition receptors may contribute to the engulfment of serum components, antigens, and pathogens. Platelet-dependent increases in leukocyte adhesion may not only account for an exacerbation of atherosclerosis, for arterial repair processes, but also for lymphocyte trafficking during adaptive immunity and host defense. This review compiles a selection of platelet-derived tools for bridging inflammation and vascular disease and highlights the molecular key components governing platelet-mediated mechanisms operative in immune surveillance, vascular remodeling, and atherosclerosis.
Diagnostic Efficiency of Borderline Personality Disorder Criteria in Hospitalized Adolescents: Comparison With Hospitalized Adults
Authors: Daniel F. Becker, Carlos M. Grilo, William S. Edell, Thomas H. McGlashan
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (2002)

OBJECTIVE: The authors examined the diagnostic efficiency of borderline personality disorder criteria in adolescent inpatients. For comparison, diagnostic efficiency of borderline personality disorder criteria was also examined in a group of concurrently recruited adult inpatients. METHOD: Adolescents (N=123) and adults (N=106) were reliably assessed with the Personality Disorder Examination, a semistructured diagnostic interview for DSM-III-R personality disorders. Sixty-five adolescents and 50 adults met diagnostic criteria for borderline personality disorder. Conditional probabilities were calculated to determine which borderline personality disorder criteria were most efficient as inclusion criteria and as exclusion criteria. Adolescents and adults were analyzed separately, and the results were compared. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups with regard to the base rates of the borderline personality disorder diagnosis nor for any borderline personality disorder criterion. The best inclusion criterion for the adolescents was abandonment fears, though for the adults all symptoms were approximately equivalent in this regard. The most efficient exclusion criterion was uncontrolled anger for the adolescents and impulsiveness for the adults. CONCLUSIONS: In hospitalized patients, borderline personality disorder and its symptoms appear to be as frequent for adolescents as for adults. Despite these surface similarities between groups with respect to symptom patterns, several differences were found at the level of the diagnostic efficiency for individual borderline personality disorder criteria. These differences may shed light on the nature of borderline psychopathology during adolescence.
Caspofungin versus Liposomal Amphotericin B for Empirical Antifungal Therapy in Patients with Persistent Fever and Neutropenia
Authors: Thomas J. Walsh, Hedy Teppler, Gerald R. Donowitz, Johan A. Maertens, Lindsey R. Baden, Anna Dmoszynska, Oliver A. Cornely, Michael R. Bourque, Robert J. Lupinacci, Carole A. Sable, Ben E. dePauw
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2004)

Patients with persistent fever and neutropenia often receive empirical therapy with conventional or liposomal amphotericin B for the prevention and early treatment of invasive fungal infections. Caspofungin, a member of the new echinocandin class of compounds, may be an effective alternative that is better tolerated than amphotericin B.
Dissociation between calcium influx blockage and smooth muscle relaxation by nifedipine in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
Authors: G J Rinaldi, E Amado Cattaneo, A Mattiazzi, H E Cingolani
Journal: Circulation Research (1987)

Aortic smooth muscle isolated from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive, age-matched Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) was precontracted by potassium chloride. The relaxant effect of nifedipine (NIF) was much more pronounced in SHR than in WKY, while the relaxation produced by nitroglycerin (NTG) was similar in both tissues. EC50s were (in - log [M]) NIF:SHR 13.1 +/- 0.4 and WKY 9.4 +/- 0.2 (p less than 0.05); NTG:SHR 7.35 +/- 0.3 and WKY 7.26 +/- 0.18 (NS). Aortas from SHR were less sensitive to the contractile effect of Ca2+ than their WKY controls (EC50 was 3.18 +/- 0.03 in WKY and 2.76 +/- 0.13 in SHR, p less than 0.05). The relaxant effect of NIF was dissociated from its effect on Ca2+ influx in SHR aortas. NIF 10(-10) M relaxed the muscle by 100% without producing Ca2+ influx blockage, and NIF 10(-9) and 10(-8) M induced Ca2+ influx blockage while the muscle continued in the relaxed state. Chemically skinned aortic fibers from SHR were less sensitive to the contractile effect of Ca2+ than their normotensive (NR) controls (pCa for EC50 was 5.91 +/- 0.05 in SHR and 6.20 +/- 0.03 in NR, p less than 0.05). NIF 10(-10) M depressed the contractile response to Ca2+ significantly more in SHR than in NR skinned fibers (pCa for EC50 for 5.62 +/- 0.09 in SHR and 6.07 +/- 0.07 in NR, p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A Method for Distinguishing Consanguinity and Population Substructure Using Multilocus Genotype Data
Authors: A. D. J. Overall, R. A. Nichols
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (2001)

We use the patterns of homozygosity at multiple loci to distinguish between excess homozygosity caused by consanguineous mating and that due to undetected population subdivision (the Wahlund effect). Clarification of the underlying causes of excess homozygosity is of practical importance in explaining the occurrence of recessive genetic disorders and in forensic match probability calculations. We calculated a likelihood surface for two parameters: C, the proportion of the population practicing consanguinity, and 𝛉, the genetic correlation due population subdivision. To illustrate the method, we applied it to multilocus genotypic data of two U.K. Asian populations, one practicing a high frequency of cousin marriage, and another in which caste endogamy was suspected. The method was able to successfully distinguish the different patterns of relatedness. The method also returned accurate estimates of C and 𝛉 using simulated data sets. We show how our method can be extended to allow for degrees of inbreeding closer than cousin unions, including selfing. With closer inbreeding, the relatedness of recent ancestors beyond the parents becomes an issue.
Ligation of Esophageal Varices by the Transabdominal Route
Authors: C. Stuart Welch
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1956)

THE high mortality among patients who bleed from esophageal varices is well established. Ninety per cent of these patients have a coexisting cirrhosis of the liver as a cause of their portal hypertension and their varices. Approximately two thirds die at the time of their hemorrhage.1 Stopping the hemorrhage is essential not only because of the danger of exsanguination but also to avoid the metabolic disturbance that follows the absorption of large amounts of blood in the intestine. Many patients exhibit encephalopathies often culminating in coma during bleeding, and their deaths can often be attributed to this complication.2 Hepatic coma . . .
No action is taken against anaesthetist who confessed to falsifying patient's records
Authors: C. Dyer
Journal: BMJ (2015)

A UK fitness to practise tribunal has taken no action against an anaesthetist who panicked after a patient’s death during surgery and wrote a false account of her actions in the patient’s notes.

Era Vermani, a consultant anaesthetist at Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, also sought to involve a junior anaesthetist, her trainee, in the deception, she told a panel of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service. But after her 12 hour shift she was “plagued with guilt,” she told the hearing, thinking that she had “betrayed the patient.”

On her next day at work Vermani went to the clinical director for anaesthesia and confessed to changing the patient’s record. She also discussed the matter with colleagues. But after a month she …
Health Effects of Exposure to Diesel Exhaust Particles
Authors: R O McClellan
Journal: The Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology (1987)

Heme oxygenases (HO) catabolize free heme, that is, iron (Fe) protoporphyrin (IX), into equimolar amounts of Fe2+, carbon monoxide (CO), and biliverdin. The stress-responsive HO-1 isoenzyme affords protection against programmed cell death. The mechanism ...Read More
“Haemoxygenase-1 induction and exhaled markers of oxidative stress in lung diseases”, summary of the ERS Research Seminar in Budapest, Hungary, September, 1999
Authors: I. Horváth, W. MacNee, F.J. Kelly, P.N.R. Dekhuijzen, M. Phillips, G. Döring, A.M.K. Choi, M. Yamaya, F.H. Bach, D. Willis, L.E. Donnelly, K.F. Chung, P.J. Barnes
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2001)

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in noninvasive monitoring of airway inflammation and oxidative stress. Several volatile and nonvolatile substances can be measured in exhaled breath and have been suggested as potential biomarkers of these events. Exhaled gases, including carbon monoxide (CO), alkanes (ethane, pentane), and substances measured in breath condensate, such as hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and isoprostanes were all suggested as potential markers of oxidative stress in the lung. A European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Research Seminar entitled “Haemoxygenase-1 induction and exhaled markers of oxidative stress in lung diseases” was organized by the Airway Regulation and Provocation Group of the Clinical Allergy and Immunology Assembly in Budapest, Hungary in September, 1999 to integrate the latest knowledge on these issues and accelerate further improvement in this area. During this 2-day event several issues were raised about: the use and standardization of measurements in exhaled breath; problems of measuring expired H 2 O 2 and other mediators in breath condensate; role and regulation of haemoxygenase (HO)-1 in the lung; and conditions and factors influencing exhaled CO. This report is a summary of the main presentations at the seminar, together with the current areas of research in this rapidly expanding field.
NUCLEOTIDE THERAPY IN AGRANULOCYTOSIS
Authors: Paul Reznikoff
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1930)

In recent years many reports (1 through 14) have appeared of a condition first described by Schwarz (15) and called by Schultz (16) agranulocytic angina.This is characterized by fever, by intense prostration, by a sore throat, sometimes almost gangrenous in appear- ance, by large purpuric areas on the body which frequently become necrotic, and by a marked leukopenia, especially of the polymor- phonuclear cells.The course is usually acute and the mortality is so
IMMUNODOMINANCE IN MAJOR HISTOCOMPATIBILITY COMPLEX CLASS I–RESTRICTED T LYMPHOCYTE RESPONSES
Authors: Jonathan W. Yewdell, Jack R. Bennink
Journal: Annual Review of Immunology (1999)

▪ Abstract Of the many thousands of peptides encoded by a complex foreign antigen that can potentially be presented to CD8+ T cells (T CD8+ ), only a small fraction induce measurable responses in association with any given major histocompatibility complex class I allele. To design vaccines that elicit optimal T CD8+ responses, a thorough understanding of this phenomenon, known as immunodominance, is imperative. Here we review recent progress in unraveling the molecular and cellular basis for immunodominance. Of foremost importance is peptide binding to class I molecules; only ∼1/200 of potential determinants bind at greater than the threshold affinity (K d &gt; 500 nM) associated with immunogenicity. Limitations in the T CD8+ repertoire render approximately half of these peptides nonimmunogenic, and inefficient antigen processing further thins the ranks by approximately four fifths. As a result, only ∼1/2000 of the peptides in a foreign antigen expressed by an appropriate antigen presenting cell achieve immunodominant status with a given class I allele. A roughly equal fraction of peptides have subdominant status, i.e. they induce weak-to-nondetectable primary T CD8+ responses in the context of their natural antigen. Subdominant determinants may be expressed at or above levels of immunodominant determinants, at least on antigen presenting cells in vitro. The immunogenicity of subdominant determinants is often limited by immunodomination: suppression mediated by T CD8+ specific for immunodominant determinants. Immunodomination is a central feature of T CD8+ responses, as it even occurs among clones responding to the same immunodominant determinant. Little is known about how immunodominant and subdominant determinants are distinguished by the T CD8+ repertoire, or how (and why) immunodomination occurs, but new tools are available to address these questions.
Chemotaxis and chemiluminescence responses of synovial fluid polymorphonuclear leucocytes during acute reactive arthritis.
Authors: M Leirisalo-Repo, A Lauhio, H Repo
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1990)

The chemotaxis and chemiluminescence responses of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) of synovial fluid and peripheral blood from patients with acute reactive arthritis were studied. Rates of chemotactic and chemokinetic migration of synovial fluid PMN were significantly decreased. In addition, chemiluminescence responses tended to be depressed, suggesting that the cells were deactivated for both chemotaxis and production of oxygen derived free radicals. Such deactivation has been described previously as a characteristic of synovial fluid PMN in rheumatoid arthritis. Compared with those with a mild disease, patients with severe acute reactive arthritis had higher chemiluminescence responses of synovial fluid PMN to phorbol myristate acetate during acute disease and developed increased migration of peripheral blood PMN towards zymosan treated serum after recovery from the disease. This supports the view that hyperreactive PMN contribute to the development of severe inflammatory symptoms in acute reactive arthritis.
Tracheal schwannoma: management by endoscopic laser resection.
Authors: V W Rusch, R A Schmidt
Journal: Thorax (1994)

<h3>Objectives</h3> To assess the benefits and harms of aluminium adjuvants versus placebo or no intervention in randomised clinical trials in relation to human vaccine development. <h3>Design</h3> Systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis assessing the certainty of evidence with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). <h3>Data sources</h3> We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, BIOSIS, Science Citation Index Expanded and Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science until 29 June 2021, and Chinese databases until September 2021. <h3>Eligibility criteria</h3> Randomised clinical trials irrespective of type, status and language of publication, with trial participants of any sex, age, ethnicity, diagnosis, comorbidity and country of residence. <h3>Data extraction and synthesis</h3> Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed risk of bias with Cochrane's RoB tool 1. Dichotomous data were analysed as risk ratios (RRs) and continuous data as mean differences. We explored both fixed-effect and random-effects models, with 95% CI. Heterogeneity was quantified with I<sup>2</sup> statistic. We GRADE assessed the certainty of the evidence. <h3>Results</h3> We included 102 randomised clinical trials (26 457 participants). Aluminium adjuvants versus placebo or no intervention may have no effect on serious adverse events (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.43; very low certainty) and on all-cause mortality (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.41; very low certainty). No trial reported on quality of life. Aluminium adjuvants versus placebo or no intervention may increase adverse events (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.20; very low certainty). We found no or little evidence of a difference between aluminium adjuvants versus placebo or no intervention when assessing serology with geometric mean titres or concentrations or participants' seroprotection. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Based on evidence at very low certainty, we were unable to identify benefits of aluminium adjuvants, which may be associated with adverse events considered non-serious.
RIDE EVERY CHALLENGE: THE IMPACT OF SURFING ON 100 YOUNG PEOPLE FACING PERSONAL AND EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES: Table 1
Authors: S Colpus, J Taylor
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2014)

Introduction The Wave Project began in 2010 when a group of Cornish surfers received a grant from the Cornwall and Isles Of Scilly NHS Primary Care Trust (UK). This was used to explore the effects of surfing on a group of 20 young people with mental health conditions, during a six-week pilot. The results were very positive. Over the last 2 years the Wave Project has grown, enabled by charity funding and volunteers. Table 1 72 clients rated their wellbeing on a scale of 0–10 (bottom–top) using six measures of confidence Item Pre Course Mean Post Course Mean Pre Course Standard Deviation (SD) Post Course SD P Value How confident do I feel? 4.5 9.5 0.7 0.7 P&lt;0.001 Do I believe in myself? 5 9 1.41 0 P&lt;0.001 Do I trust other people? 6 8 1.41 1.41 P&lt;0.001 How much fun am I having? 9 10 2.82 0 P&lt;0.001 How do I feel about the future? 6.5 8.5 2.12 0.71 P&lt;0.001 How happy am I? 7 9 0 1.41 P&lt;0.001 Aim Show the many positive effects surfing has on young people with varying mental health conditions, personal and social needs. Methods During September 2011–2012 a free six-week surfing course was delivered to 100 young people aged 8–17, referred by schools, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), General Practitioners, Educational Psychologists and Bereavement Charities. They were placed on a six-week course, of 2 hours per session. Sessions were held at weekends in three Cornish locations, during the surf season April–October. The four main evaluation methods were: Attendance sheets A pre and post course rating scale Client, parent and carer feedback forms Focus Groups 87 clients completed the six-week course and 72 completed self-evaluation questionnaires. Results From self evaluation, client and professional feedback and attendance levels give a strong indication that the surfing projects are making a difference to the lives of young people. Self-evaluation revealed that after the course young people felt their confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing had improved. Formal feedback from parents and professionals showed additional improvements in motor and social skills, behaviour and re-engagement with school. Conclusions Overall it is clear from available evidence that surfing has a positive and beneficial effect on young people, however further research is needed. It has great importance as a referral service, which could be expanded.