tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Device–Based Methods of Managing and Treating Heart Failure
Authors: Donna Mancini, Daniel Burkhoff
Journal: Circulation (2005)

Despite advances in pharmacological treatments aimed at neurohormonal blockade for heart failure in the setting of left ventricular pump dysfunction, there is still a growing number of patients with advanced symptoms who suffer significant morbidity and mortality. Mechanical stresses and chronic neurohormonal activation conspire to propagate maladaptive ventricular remodeling responsible for the insidious nature of this disease. Recent studies suggest that further pharmacological neurohormonal blockade may not be safe or effective, which has driven development of devices for this patient population. Furthermore, such devices may target fundamental pathophysiological abnormalities that are largely hemodynamic and mechanical in nature that are not addressed by available pharmacological agents. The profound reverse remodeling routinely associated with left ventricular assist device use, reviewed in detail, further validates device-based approaches and should inspire research to find ways to make this recovery more complete and permanent. Accordingly, this review focuses on the multitude of mechanical device–based approaches currently being investigated to manage and treat this population. From devices for monitoring patient status to anticipate congestive heart failure exacerbations and preemptively adjust therapy to devices to support preterminal patients with end-stage disease, it is recognized that these device-based approaches will assume an increasingly important role in treating the growing number of patients with advanced heart failure.
Racial Variations in Treatment and Outcomes of Black and White Patients With High-Risk Non–ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Ali F. Sonel, Chester B. Good, Jyotsna Mulgund, Matthew T. Roe, W. Brian Gibler, Sidney C. Smith, Mauricio G. Cohen, Charles V. Pollack, E. Magnus Ohman, Eric D. Peterson
Journal: Circulation (2005)

Background— Black patients with acute myocardial infarction are less likely than whites to receive coronary interventions. It is unknown whether racial disparities exist for other treatments for non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE ACS) and how different treatments affect outcomes. Methods and Results— Using data from 400 US hospitals participating in the CRUSADE (Can Rapid Risk Stratification of Unstable Angina Patients Suppress Adverse Outcomes with Early Implementation of the ACC/AHA Guidelines?) National Quality Improvement Initiative, we identified black and white patients with high-risk NSTE ACS (positive cardiac markers and/or ischemic ST-segment changes). After adjustment for demographics and medical comorbidity, we compared the use of therapies recommended by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines for NSTE ACS and outcomes by race. Our study included 37 813 (87.3%) white and 5504 (12.7%) black patients. Black patients were younger; were more likely to have hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, and renal insufficiency; and were less likely to have insurance coverage or primary cardiology care. Black patients had a similar or higher likelihood than whites of receiving older ACS treatments such as aspirin, β-blockers, or ACE inhibitors but were significantly less likely to receive newer ACS therapies, including acute glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, acute and discharge clopidogrel, and statin therapy at discharge. Blacks were also less likely to receive cardiac catheterization, revascularization procedures, or smoking cessation counseling. Acute risk-adjusted outcomes were similar between black and white patients. Conclusions— Black patients with NSTE ACS were less likely than whites to receive many evidence-based treatments, particularly those that are costly or newer. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess the long-term impact of these treatment disparities on clinical outcomes.
Asialo GM1+ CD8+ T cells play a critical role in costimulation blockade–resistant allograft rejection
Authors: Joel Trambley, Adam W. Bingaman, Angello Lin, Eric T. Elwood, Seung-Yeun Waitze, Jongwon Ha, Megan M. Durham, Matthias Corbascio, Shannon R. Cowan, Thomas C. Pearson, Christian P. Larsen
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1999)

Simultaneous blockade of the CD40 and CD28 costimulatory pathways is an effective treatment strategy to promote allograft acceptance but does not lead to indefinite allograft survival. The immune mechanisms responsible for costimulation-independent rejection are not defined. Here we have studied the rejection responses of murine C57BL/6 recipients, which we show to be relatively resistant to inhibition by combined CD40/CD28 blockade. We demonstrate that asialo GM1+ CD8+ cells play a critical role in this costimulation blockade–resistant rejection. These results provide new insights into the costimulatory requirements for T-cell subsets and demonstrate for the first time that combined blockade of the CD40 and CD28 pathways does not adequately inhibit CD8-mediated skin allograft rejection. Furthermore, we provide evidence that asialo GM1 is a potentially important therapeutic target for CD8-dependent immune responses.
Clinical and electrophysiological aspects of acute paralytic disease of children and young adults in northern China
Authors: G.M. McKhann, D.R. Cornblath, T. Ho, J.W. Griffin, C.Y. Li, A.Y. Bai, H.S. Wu, Q.F. Yei, W.C. Zhang, Z. Zhaori, Z. Jiang, A.K. Asbury
Journal: The Lancet (1991)

Acute peripheral nervous system diseases leading to paralysis in children are rare in Europe and the USA, whereas epidemics of a Guillain-Barré-like syndrome occur annually among children in rural parts of northern China. To clarify the features of this disorder 36 patients, aged 15 months to 37 years (median 7) with this syndrome were investigated; 91% were from rural areas. In 47%, a prodromal illness was reported in the preceding 4 weeks. Leg weakness and resistance to neck flexion were the earliest symptoms. The weakness ascended rapidly and symmetrically to affect the arms and respiratory muscles, with maximum weakness occurring a mean of 6 days after onset of weakness. Bulbar weakness occurred in 61% of patients, but only 1 had extraocular paresis. Respiratory assistance was needed by 31 % of patients. Tendon reflexes were lost as weakness developed. 42% of patients had raised concentrations of protein in the cerebrospinal fluid, and the mean cell count was 3 cells/μl (range 0-12/μl). Electrodiagnostic studies in 22 patients showed severe reductions in motor evoked amplitudes from distal stimulation. Sensory action potentials were normal. Electromyography revealed denervation potentials in limb muscles. The distinctive epidemiological, clinical, and neurophysiological characteristics of this illness suggest that the disorder is different from both Guillain-Barré syndrome and poliomyelitis. The neurophysiological findings support the hypothesis that the disorder is a reversible distal motor nerve terminal or anterior horn cell lesion.
Multiple putative oncogenes at the chromosome 20q amplicon contribute to colorectal adenoma to carcinoma progression
Authors: B Carvalho, C Postma, S Mongera, E Hopmans, S Diskin, M A van de Wiel, W van Criekinge, O Thas, A Matthai, M A Cuesta, J S Terhaar sive Droste, M Craanen, E Schrock, B Ylstra, G A Meijer
Journal: Gut (2008)

<h3>Objective:</h3> This study aimed to identify the oncogenes at 20q involved in colorectal adenoma to carcinoma progression by measuring the effect of 20q gain on mRNA expression of genes in this amplicon. <h3>Methods:</h3> Segmentation of DNA copy number changes on 20q was performed by array CGH (comparative genomic hybridisation) in 34 non-progressed colorectal adenomas, 41 progressed adenomas (ie, adenomas that present a focus of cancer) and 33 adenocarcinomas. Moreover, a robust analysis of altered expression of genes in these segments was performed by microarray analysis in 37 adenomas and 31 adenocarcinomas. Protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays. <h3>Results:</h3> The genes <i>C20orf24</i>, <i>AURKA</i>, <i>RNPC1</i>, <i>TH1L</i>, <i>ADRM1</i>, <i>C20orf20</i> and <i>TCFL5</i>, mapping at 20q, were significantly overexpressed in carcinomas compared with adenomas as a consequence of copy number gain of 20q. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> This approach revealed <i>C20orf24</i>, <i>AURKA</i>, <i>RNPC1</i>, <i>TH1L</i>, <i>ADRM1</i>, <i>C20orf20</i> and <i>TCFL5</i> genes to be important in chromosomal instability-related adenoma to carcinoma progression. These genes therefore may serve as highly specific biomarkers for colorectal cancer with potential clinical applications.
Comparison of the Ocular Hypotensive Efficacy of Adjunctive Brimonidine 0.15% or Brinzolamide 1% in Combination with Travoprost 0.004%
Authors: Robert M. Feldman, Angelo P. Tanna, Ronald L. Gross, Alice Z. Chuang, Laura Baker, Adam Reynolds, Thomas C. Prager
Journal: Ophthalmology (2007)
Cystic fibrosis in children and adults
Authors: Tj David
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (2011)

This supplement arises out of the 25th one-day meeting on cystic fibrosis (CF) organized by the Section of Paediatrics of the Royal Society of Medicine. The proceedings of the first 24 meetings, held between 1985 and 2010, have all been published as Supplements to the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. This most recent meeting, organized by Dr Ian Balfour-Lynn, was held at the Royal Society of Medicine in London on 22 November 2011. We are grateful to Forest Laboratories Europe for their support.

As in the past, the programme was designed to cover topical practical issues that face those who care for children and adults with CF. The audience comprised a mixture of paediatricians, adult chest physicians, physiotherapists, dietitians, CF specialist nurses, pharmacists, and community and primary care medical staff, reflecting the multidisciplinary approach to the modern management of CF.

Topics covered included an update on inhaled antibiotics (Simon Langton-Hewer), diagnosis and treatment of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (Charles Haworth), highlights from the North American CF conference (Jane Davies), CFTR dysfunction and its treatment (Jeremy Hull), selected CF papers published in 2011 (David Honeybourne), shared care for CF (Iolo Doull), bowel cancer causing intussusception in CF (Francis Gilchrist), recurrent lobar atelectasis (Prasad Nagakumar), pneumodiastinum as a presenting feature of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (Harish Sutrave), and progressive unilateral lung collapse (William Flight).

It is hoped that these papers will be of immediate practical interest to all professionals who care for patients with CF. A further RSM CF meeting will be held on 20 November 2012.
Extra intestinal influences on exhaled breath hydrogen measurements during the investigation of gastrointestinal disease.
Authors: D G Thompson, P Binfield, A De Belder, J O'Brien, S Warren, M Wilson
Journal: Gut (1985)

During the clinical investigation of patients with gastrointestinal disease by exhaled breath hydrogen measurement, the occurrence of inexplicable variations in recorded hydrogen values led to a search for extra intestinal factors which were capable of adversely influencing breath hydrogen concentration and impairing the diagnostic accuracy of the test. Serial breath samples were collected from normal subjects under a variety of conditions which might occur during routine clinical study, including, hyperventilation, exercise, cigarette smoking, and carbohydrate ingestion. Breath hydrogen concentrations were consistently reduced by hyperventilation (p less than 0.01) and exercise (p less than 0.05). Cigarette smoking, in contrast, caused a marked rise in measured breath hydrogen (p less than 0.01), as did oral carbohydrate (p less than 0.05). Prior bactericidal mouthwash abolished this carbohydrate associated rise, suggesting that the hydrogen was the result of fermentation by oropharyngeal bacteria. Because, in all instances, the changes in breath hydrogen were of sufficient magnitude to interfere with data interpretation, it is recommended that these factors are eliminated, whenever possible, from conditions of study.
Molecular Imaging of Stem Cells: Tracking Survival, Biodistribution, Tumorigenicity, and Immunogenicity
Authors: Eugene Gu, Wen-Yi Chen, Jay Gu, Paul Burridge, Joseph C. Wu
Journal: Theranostics (2012)

Being able to self-renew and differentiate into virtually all cell types, both human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have exciting therapeutic implications for myocardial infarction, neurodegenerative disease, diabetes, and other disorders involving irreversible cell loss.However, stem cell biology remains incompletely understood despite significant advances in the field.Inefficient stem cell differentiation, difficulty in verifying successful delivery to the target organ, and problems with engraftment all hamper the transition from laboratory animal studies to human clinical trials.Although traditional histopathological techniques have been the primary approach for ex vivo analysis of stem cell behavior, these postmortem examinations are unable to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms in real time and in vivo.Fortunately, the advent of molecular imaging has led to unprecedented progress in understanding the fundamental behavior of stem cells, including their survival, biodistribution, immunogenicity, and tumorigenicity in the targeted tissues of interest.This review summarizes various molecular imaging technologies and how they have advanced the current understanding of stem cell survival, biodistribution, immunogenicity, and tumorigenicity.
Evaluation of the correlation of complete metabolic response with 18-FDG PET scan and complete pathologic response induced by neoadjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases
Authors: A. Covas, L. Amininejad, V. Lucidi, G. Liberale, A. Hendlisz, P. Demetter, N. Nagy, S. Goldman, V. Donckier, J. Van Laethem
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2008)

4070 Background: In the setting of neoadjuvant chemotherapy before colorectal liver metastases resection, treatment efficacy can be evaluated by 18-FDG-PET scan. So far, it remains unclear how much this so-called metabolic response is indicative of the tumor destruction and correlates to pathologic response. Methods: Patients with liver metastases from CRC receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy and undergoing hepatectomy in two academic hospitals were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were: (1) a metabolic (by FDG-PET scan) and radiologic (by CT scan) evaluation of the hepatic metastases before the initiation and at the end of chemotherapy just preceding surgery; (2) histopathologic examination of hepatic lesions. The metabolic (by visual assessment and SUV) and radiologic (RECIST criteria) response were classified as complete, partial, no change and progression and compared to the histological findings on surgical specimens. Results: A total of seventy patients were evaluated. Fifteen patients fit the inclusion criteria. A total number of 39 hepatic metastases (both synchronous and metachronous) were recorded and analyzed. Chemotherapy consisted in folfox or folfiri ± biologicals (median number of cycles: 6; range 3–15). Complete metabolic response was observed in 20 metastases (51%) (associated with a complete radiological response in 10);five of which (5/20=25%) disclosed the persistence of viable tumoral cells at histopathologic examination. Partial metabolic response was observed in 10 metastases, all corresponding to radiological partial response, but five of which (50%) showing complete pathological response.In the other hand, complete pathologic response was observed in 20 metastases, 5 of which showing persistence of metabolic activity at preoperative PET scan.Overall, there was a concordance between metabolic and histologic responses in 19 / 39 metastases (48.7%). Conclusion: FDG-PET evaluation can be useful to evaluate early response to therapy but cannot be used to predict complete pathologic response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Consequently, curative resection of liver metastases in these selected patients should not be deferred on the basis of FDG-PET results. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Immunolocalisation studies on six matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, in synovia from patients with osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis.
Authors: R M Hembry, M R Bagga, J J Reynolds, D L Hamblen
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1995)

OBJECTIVE--To assess the likely importance of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) in the arthritic process. METHODS--Synovial samples from seven joints with rheumatoid arthritis and three osteoarthritic joints were analysed by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. Using specific human antisera, we documented the frequencies and distributions of collagenase, stromelysins 1 and 2, matrilysin, gelatinases A and B, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2. RESULTS--Stromelysin 1 was found in all synovia, bound to extracellular matrix, within cells, or both, indicating stromelysin synthesis. Matrilysin was present in only one active inflammatory synovium, and focal synthesis of collagenase and gelatinase A was seen in four synovia. Stromelysin 2 and TIMP-2 were not observed, but TIMP-1 synthesis was seen in five synovia, and in two active synovia the distribution of TIMP-1 positive cells was more widespread than that of MMPs. CONCLUSIONS--The presence of stromelysin 1 in all synovia clearly implicates this enzyme in joint damage. Collagenase, gelatinase A and matrilysin may also have a role in rheumatoid arthritis, but are not significant in osteoarthritis. However, marked regional variations were found in the synthesis of these MMPs, indicating not only that these diseases are episodic but that control of enzyme synthesis is focal. Only TIMP-1 may be considered an inhibitory factor.
Intracardiac Phonocardiography in Ventricular Septal Defect
Authors: GEORGE A. FERUGLIO, RAMSAY W. GUNTON
Journal: Circulation (1960)

It has been demonstrated that intracardiac phonocardiography provides precise localization of the source of cardiovascular sounds. Can this technic be of practical help in the diagnosis of small or complicated ventricular septal defects? Is a ventricular septal defect ever silent? What mechanisms are responsible for the diastolic murmurs in ventricular septal defect? In an attempt to answer these problems, intracardiac phonocardiograms have been studied in 47 cases.
Transit-time analysis of the forced expiratory spirogram during clinical remission in juvenile asthma.
Authors: A Liang, A E Macfie, E A Harris, R M Whitlock
Journal: Thorax (1979)

The mean transit time (MTT), coefficient of variation (CoV), and index of skewness (IoS) of transit times of the forced expiratory flow/time curve have been compared with maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF), flow at 75, 50, and 25% of vital capacity (V75, V50, and V25), and the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) to vital capacity (VC) in 51 asthmatic children judged on clinical grounds to be in remission. In 19 children all eight indices were normal. Of the remaining 32, MTT was normal in 5, V50 in 11, V75 in 12, and FEV1/VC and MMEF in 13 each. MTT was significantly more sensitive in detecting abnormality when other indices were normal, and abnormalities in MTT were of significantly greater magnitude when present. In 12 patients with at least one abnormal index given salbutamol aerosol, MTT was not more sensitive than MMEF, V25, FEV1/VC, or V50 in detecting change.
The Behavioral Genetics of Personality Disorder
Authors: W. John Livesley, Kerry L. Jang
Journal: Annual Review of Clinical Psychology (2008)

Behavioral genetics research has opened a new window on understanding personality disorder. The earliest studies were focused on establishing the relative contributions of genes and the environment in these disorders. Although these studies provided solid evidence of the importance of genetic and environmental influences on personality disorder and showed that all aspects of personality disorder are subject to genetic influence, heritability studies are limited because they are not helpful in explicating causal mechanisms. More recent research has focused on the relative contributions of the covariation of personality disorder diagnoses and traits, which allows one to examine etiological relationships. These developments are leading to major changes in ideas about what constitutes the environment and nature of the interplay between genes and environment. The present review examines major themes in this growing body of research in the context of current issues in the personality disorders.
Novel treatment of chronic severe hand dermatitis with bexarotene gel
Authors: J.M. Hanifin, V. Stevens, P. Sheth, D. Breneman
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2004)

Background Hand dermatitis is an eczematous inflammation of the hands that is related to occupation or to routine activities. It often becomes chronic, and in some patients may become severe and disabling. Topical corticosteroids are effective treatment, particularly for milder forms, but they often lose effectiveness with time and can produce skin atrophy. Objectives To evaluate bexarotene gel topical therapy for safety, tolerability and efficacy in patients with chronic hand dermatitis. Methods A phase I–II open‐label randomized clinical study of bexarotene gel, alone and in combination with a low‐ and a mid‐potency steroid, was conducted in 55 patients with chronic severe hand dermatitis at two academic clinics. Results Patients using bexarotene gel monotherapy reached a 79% response rate for ≥ 50% clinical improvement and a 39% response rate for ≥ 90% clearance of hands. Adverse events possibly related to treatment in all patients were stinging or burning (15%), flare of dermatitis (16%) and irritation (29%). Thirteen patients (24%) withdrew early, including two for related adverse events and five for inadequate response. Conclusions Bexarotene gel appears to be safe, tolerated by most patients, with useful therapeutic activity in chronic severe hand dermatitis.
Decreasing landing forces: effect of instruction
Authors: Peter J McNair, Harry Prapavessis, Karen Callender
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2000)

Objective —To examine the effects of instructions related to joint kinematics, auditory stimuli, and imagery on lowering the vertical ground reaction forces associated with landing from a jump. Study Design —Randomised controlled trial. Setting —A laboratory in an educational institution. Subjects —Eighty asymptomatic subjects (27 men) with a mean age of 24 years. Intervention —Subjects were randomly assigned to the following groups: (1) instruction (limb position instructions); (2) auditory cue (listen to impact sounds); (3) imagery (metaphorical); (4) control. Subjects were required to jump from a box 300 mm in height and land on a force plate. Measures of the ground reaction force were recorded before and after the intervention. Main Outcome Measure —The peak vertical ground reaction force recorded at footstrike. Results —The peak vertical ground reaction forces in the technical instruction and auditory groups were significantly less than those of the control group. There was no significant difference between the auditory and technical instruction groups. There was no significant difference between the imagery and control groups. Conclusions —When an aim of a rehabilitation programme is to minimise forces on the lower limb during landing type activities, the findings support the use of instructions related to kinematics as well as instructions that draw the patient's attention to the sound at impact.