tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Cough hypersensitivity syndrome: clinical measurement is the key to progress
Authors: Alyn H. Morice, Eva Millqvist, Maria G. Belvisi, Kristina Bieksiene, Surinder S. Birring, Kian Fan Chung, Roberto W. Dal Negro, Peter Dicpinigaitis, Ahmad Kantar, Lorcan P. McGarvey, Adalberto Pacheco, Raimundas Sakalauskas, Jaclyn A. Smith
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2015)

We thank R.D. Turner and G.H. Bothamley for their supportive comments concerning our task force report on chronic cough [1]. There is much to agree with in their remarks. But perhaps we would differ with respect to their emphasis and reliance on clinical measurement as the cornerstone of diagnosis and management. Understanding a patient's illness requires a careful synthesis of history, examination, and finally, specific investigations. Dependence on a single strand or even several strands decreases the physician's perception of the true nature of the illness. Cough hypersensitivity syndrome can aid the understanding of patients with chronic cough. It is not merely a symptom <http://ow.ly/JXCaN>
A mild treatment strategy for in-vitro fertilisation: a randomised non-inferiority trial
Authors: Esther MEW Heijnen, Marinus JC Eijkemans, Cora De Klerk, Suzanne Polinder, Nicole GM Beckers, Ellen R Klinkert, Frank J Broekmans, Jan Passchier, Egbert R Te Velde, Nick S Macklon, Bart CJM Fauser
Journal: The Lancet (2007)
Diffuse progressive pulmonary interstitial and intra-alveolar cholesterol granulomas in childhood
Authors: K Sato, H Takahashi, H Amano, T Uekusa, T Dambara, S Kira
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1996)

We describe an 18 year old male with pulmonary interstitial and intra-alveolar cholesterol granulomas (PICG), which developed to severe respiratory failure over 15 yrs. The histological diagnosis was made on the basis of open lung biopsy findings at the age of 3 yrs and autopsy at 18 yrs of age. Although the pathological features of the lung were similar to that of paediatric patients with lipoid pneumonia coexisting with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP), gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) and a diverse group of severe primary diseases, the patient lacked evidence for any of these. We believe the present case provides a new example of a diffuse-type of lipoid pneumonia coexisting with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, which we call cholesterol granulomas.
Particulate matter: short-term but high-impact exposure at public gathering in Germany
Authors: Alexander Gerber, Maja Krause, David Groneberg
Journal: Thorax (2014)

Dear editor,

Particulate matter (PM) air pollution is increasingly regarded as a global health threat1 and China in particular is frequently criticised for having problems with haze and air pollution.2 A systematic analysis of the global burden of disease in 2010 described a shift of risk factors away from communicable diseases in children towards non-communicable diseases in adults. Ambient PM air pollution was specified as a key, new risk factor in the global disease burden.3

While the effects of long-term exposure to PM …
Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Dhanwada S. Rao, Boy Frame, Melvin A. Block, Alwyn M. Parfitt
Journal: JAMA (1977)

Three patients with nephrolithiasis were found to have both medullary sponge kidney (MSK) and primary hyperparathyroidism. In all cases, urine calcium excretion returned to normal after parathyroidectomy. The passage of stones was abolished for more than 20 years in one case and for more than 12 years in another. The available data suggest that many patients with MSK are asymptomatic and that the risk of stone formation is increased by an associated metabolic abnormality such as hypercalciuria or hyperparathyroidism.
The First Heart Sound in Normal and Ectopic Ventricular Contractions
Authors: ROBERT C. LITTLE, JAMES G. HILTON, ROY D. SCHAEFER
Journal: Circulation Research (1954)

Phasic right atrial and ventricular pressures and heart sounds were simultaneously recorded from dogs with normal and ectopic ventricular contractions. Heart sounds and electrocardiograms were recorded from humans. The first heart sound is significantly delayed in the absence of atrial systole. The time between onset of the ventricular pressure rise due to ventricular contraction and the beginning of the first heart sound is minimal at normal A S -V S intervals. These findings support the view that normally the A-V valves are closed or nearly closed before ventricular systole. In ectopic ventricular beats the A-V valves are closed from an open position by ventricular contraction.
Pigmented follicular cyst
Authors: R. SANDOVAL, F. URBINA
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1994)

Summary A pigmented follicular cyst is an infrequent variant of an epithelial cyst which has rarely been reported since it was first described about 10 years ago. The condition consists of a single pigmented lesion which occurs predominantly in adult men, and is usually located on the head and neck region. We report an example of a pigmented follicular cyst, which was located in the axilla.
De Novo Induction of Endothelial L-Selectin Ligands during Kidney Allograft Rejection
Authors: JUHA KIRVESKARI, TIMO PAAVONEN, PEKKA HA[Combining Diaeresis]YRY, RISTO RENKONEN
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (2000)

Abstract. Acute kidney allograft rejection is characterized by a lymphocyte infiltration. L-selectin on lymphocytes and its endothelial glycosylated ligands are instrumental in the initiation of lymphocyte extravasation to sites of inflammation. From more than 500 core biopsy specimens taken from kidneys after transplantation, 250 biopsies were graded to have signs of acute rejection. Of these, 52 biopsies with various grades of histologic signs of acute rejection were selected for the study. Controls were 15 biopsies taken within 30 min after revascularization and 10 specimens from well-functioning allografts showing no clinical or histologic evidence of rejection. Immunochemical stainings with monoclonal antibodies against functionally active decorated L-selectin ligands. i.e., sialyl-Lewis x (sLex, 2F3 and HECA-452) or sulfated lactosamine (MECA-79) were performed. Although no endothelial 2F3 and MECA-79 epitopes were detected in nonrejecting control specimens, the expression was induced at the onset and during acute allograft rejections. The level of expression (in semi-quantitative score) of 2F3 reactivity correlated with the severity of rejection (P < 0.0001, grade I versus grade IIB), and the level of expression decreased as the rejection resolved. Kidney biopsies taken shortly after revascularization and thus undergoing reperfusion injury showed endothelial staining with another anti sLex antibody, HECA-452. This staining disappeared from well-functioning grafts and reappeared at the onset of an acute allograft rejection. These results suggest that expression of functionally active, properly glycosylated L-selectin ligands might have a role in reperfusion injury and in the initiation of acute rejections after human kidney allograft transplantation.
Advice about sexual health for young people
Authors: Caroline Free
Journal: BMJ (2005)

Local service needs to provide confidentiality, support, time, and information 

T he Department of Health has recently updated guidance that clarifies the duty of confidentiality, care, and good practice in providing advice to young people under the age of 16.1 What are the implications of the new guidance for your sexually active 15 year old daughter or son and for your local general practice, contraceptive service, or sexual health service?

According to the new guidance, if your daughter or son is sexually active he or she can be reassured that any healthcare professional seen for sexual health advice or treatment will maintain confidentiality. They should be aware of this through prominent advertising of confidentiality policies in clinics. All staff at the clinic will receive training regarding confidentiality, and action will be taken regarding any breaches.

If a doctor or service is not prepared to offer services to people who are younger than 16 this will be prominently advertised in the clinic, with information outlining where and how advice on contraceptives and sexual …
Trainee concerns regarding the Specialty Certificate Examination: results of a British Thoracic Society national survey: MRCP (UK) response
Authors: John Mucklow, Andrew Elder, Louise Wheaton, Jim MacFarlane, Adam Hill
Journal: Thorax (2014)

We read with interest the results of the British Thoracic Society's national survey related to the specialty certificate examination (SCE) in respiratory medicine.1 We are pleased that trainees felt the SCE to be appropriate in difficulty, content and duration, and that our test centres were fit for purpose. This correlates with the results of the routine surveys we run after each examination, which also ask about quality of examination material and administration. We regularly monitor this important feedback …
Outcomes of Patients With Chronic Renal Insufficiency in the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation
Authors: L.A. Szczech, P.J. Best, E. Crowley, M.M. Brooks, P.B. Berger, V. Bittner, B.J. Gersh, R. Jones, R.M. Califf, H.H. Ting, P.J. Whitlow, K.M. Detre, D. Holmes
Journal: Circulation (2002)

Background — Although severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent predictor of mortality among patients with coronary artery disease, the impact of mild CKD on morbidity and mortality has not been fully defined. Methods and Results — Morbidity and mortality for the 3608 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease enrolled in the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation randomized trial and registry were compared on the basis of the presence and absence of CKD, defined as a preprocedure serum creatinine level of &gt;1.5 mg/dL. Seventy-six patients had CKD. Patients with renal insufficiency were older and more likely to have a history of diabetes, hypertension, and other comorbidities. Among patients undergoing PTCA, patients with CKD had a greater frequency of in-hospital death and cardiogenic shock ( P &lt;0.05 and 0.01, respectively). There was a trend toward a larger proportion of patients with CKD experiencing angina at 5 years ( P =0.079). Patients with CKD had more cardiac admissions ( P =0.003 and &lt;0.0001 for patients undergoing PTCA and CABG, respectively) and a shorter time to subsequent CABG after initial revascularization than patients without CKD ( P =0.01). CKD was associated with a higher risk of death at 7 years, both of all causes (relative risk 2.2, P &lt;0.001) and of cardiac causes (relative risk 2.8, P &lt;0.001). Conclusions — CKD is associated with an increased risk of recurrent hospitalization, subsequent CABG, and mortality. This increased risk of death is independent of and additive to the risk associated with diabetes.
A Common PCSK9Haplotype, Encompassing the E670G Coding Single Nucleotide Polymorphism, Is a Novel Genetic Marker for Plasma Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels and Severity of Coronary Atherosclerosis
Authors: Suet N. Chen, Christie M. Ballantyne, Antonio M. Gotto, Yanli Tan, James T. Willerson, Ali J. Marian
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2005)
Expression of tumor necrosis factor by different tumor cell lines results either in tumor suppression or augmented metastasis.
Authors: Z Qin, S Krüger-Krasagakes, U Kunzendorf, H Hock, T Diamantstein, T Blankenstein
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1993)

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) produced by tumor cells after gene transfer can effectively suppress the growth of locally growing tumors. We wanted to test the effects of "local" TNF on the growth of a highly metastatic cell line. Therefore, a recombinant retrovirus allowing expression of the TNF gene by the beta-actin promotor has been constructed and used to infect the two tumor cell lines EB and ESB, which grow as solid tumor or metastasize, respectively. Expression of TNF by EB cells resulted in their rapid and dose-dependent rejection. In sharp contrast, mice injected with ESB cells producing similar amounts of TNF showed no signs of tumor suppression, but rather had reduced survival rates that correlated with enhanced hepatic metastases. The accelerated formation of liver metastases by ESB TNF cells could be reversed by an anti-TNF mAb. These results demonstrate the opposite effects TNF may have on tumor growth: suppression of a locally growing tumor and promotion of metastasis formation.
Nucleotide Excision Repair Factor XPC Enhances DNA Damage–Induced Apoptosis by Downregulating the Antiapoptotic Short Isoform of Caspase-2
Authors: Qi-En Wang, Chunhua Han, Bo Zhang, Kanaga Sabapathy, Altaf A. Wani
Journal: Cancer Research (2011)

XPC protein is a critical DNA damage recognition factor in nucleotide excision repair for which genetic deficiency confers a predisposition to cancer. In this study, we show that XPC has a function that is independent of its canonical function in DNA repair, potentially altering the interpretation of how XPC deficiency leads to heightened cancer susceptibility. XPC enhances apoptosis induced by DNA damage in a p53 nullizygous background, acting downstream of mitochondrial permeabilization and upstream of caspase-9 activation in the DNA damage-induced apoptosis cascade. We found that deficiency in XPC upregulated production of the short isoform of caspase-2 (casp-2S). This upregulation occurred at both protein and mRNA levels through repression of the caspase-2 promoter by XPC protein. Targeted RNAi-mediated downregulation of casp-2S-enhanced UV-induced apoptosis as well as activation of caspase-9 and caspase-6 in XPC-deficient cells, but not in XPC-proficient cells. In addition, XPC overexpression in various p53-deficient cancer cells resistant to cisplatin improved their sensitivity to cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Given that casp-2S functions as an antiapoptotic protein, our findings suggest that XPC enhances DNA damage-induced apoptosis through inhibition of casp-2S transcription. Together, these findings offer a mechanistic foundation to overcome the resistance of highly prevalent p53-deficient tumors to cell death induced by DNA-damaging therapeutic agents, by targeting strategies that inhibit the expression or function of casp-2S.
Protein Kinase C Activation Contributes to Microvascular Barrier Dysfunction in the Heart at Early Stages of Diabetes
Authors: Sarah Y. Yuan, Elena E. Ustinova, Mack H. Wu, John H. Tinsley, Wenjuan Xu, Ferenc L. Korompai, Amy C. Taulman
Journal: Circulation Research (2000)

Abstract —The functional disturbance of microvasculature is recognized as an initiating mechanism that underlies the development of various diabetic complications. Although a causal relationship between microvascular leakage and tissue damage has been well documented in diabetic kidneys and eyes, there is a lack of information regarding the barrier function of coronary exchange vessels in the disease state. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the permeability property of coronary microvessels during the early development of experimental diabetes with a focus on the protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent signaling mechanism. The apparent permeability coefficient of albumin (Pa) was measured in isolated and perfused porcine coronary venules. The administration of high concentrations of d -glucose induced a dose-dependent increase in the Pa value, which was prevented by blockage of PKC with its selective inhibitors bisindolylmaleimide and Goe 6976. More importantly, an elevated basal permeability to albumin was observed in coronary venules at the early onset of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The hyperpermeability was corrected with bisindolylmaleimide and the selective PKCβ inhibitor hispidin. Concomitantly, protein kinase assay showed a high PKC activity in isolated diabetic venules. Immunoblot analysis of the diabetic heart revealed a significant subcellular translocation of PKCβII and PKCε from the cytosol to the membrane, indicating that the specific activity of these isoforms was preferentially elevated. The results suggest that endothelial barrier dysfunction attributed to the activation of PKC occurs at the coronary exchange vessels in early diabetes.
Mutation in the Tyrosine Kinase Domain of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Is a Predictive and Prognostic Factor for Gefitinib Treatment in Patients with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Teh-Ying Chou, Chao-Hua Chiu, Ling-Hui Li, Chun-Yen Hsiao, Chin-Yuan Tzen, Kuo-Ting Chang, Yuh-Min Chen, Reury-Perng Perng, Shih-Feng Tsai, Chun-Ming Tsai
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2005)

Abstract Purpose: Mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) can be used to predict the tumor response of patients receiving gefitinib for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We investigated the association between mutations in EGFR tyrosine kinase domain and tumor response and survival in gefitinib-treated NSCLC patients. Experimental Design: EGFR mutations in exons 18 to 21 were analyzed by DNA sequencing of paraffin-embedded tumor tissues from gefitinib-treated NSCLC patients. The results were correlated with clinical variables. Results: EGFR mutations were found in 61.1% (33 of 54) of cases; response rate and disease control rate were 56.8% and 68.5%, respectively. There was no significant difference in mutation rates between adenocarcinoma (29 of 43) and nonadenocarcinoma (4 of 11; P = 0.085). However, all four nonadenocarcinomas with EGFR mutations had no response to gefitinib. Presence of EGFR mutations was the only independent predictor for disease control (P = 0.003) and tumor response (P = 0.017) in multivariate analysis; positive predictive values were 87.9% and 70.8% and negative predictive values were 61.9% and 69.2%, respectively. In comparison with patients whose tumor was negative for EGFR mutations, patients with EGFR mutations had better progression-free survival (median, 7.6 versus 1.7 months; P = 0.011) and overall survival (median, 14.7 versus 4.7 months; P = 0.046). Conclusions: Mutations in EGFR tyrosine kinase correlate with treatment response and survival in gefitinib-treated NSCLC patients and can be used as a predictive and prognostic factor. Thus, analysis of EGFR tyrosine kinase mutations in lung adenocarcinoma is of clinical significance, as it can permit the customization of treatment with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Parental self-efficacy and the management of childhood atopic eczema: development and testing of a new clinical outcome measure
Authors: S.J. Ersser, H. Farasat, K. Jackson, E. Gardiner, Z.A. Sheppard, F. Cowdell
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2015)

Effective parental management of childhood eczema requires education and support to reduce disease severity and improve the child's quality of life. Self-efficacy is a key factor influencing effective chronic disease management, yet there are no published scales to measure parental self-efficacy in managing childhood eczema. The Parental Self-Efficacy with Eczema Care Index (PASECI) was designed to measure parental self-efficacy in managing childhood eczema as a pre- and postintervention tool in the evaluation of a structured Eczema Education Programme (EEP).To develop and test the validity, reliability and sensitivity of a new outcome measure (PASECI) designed to assess parental self-efficacy in managing their child's eczema to determine pre- vs. postintervention changes in educational intervention evaluation studies.PASECI was developed from the literature, expert consultation and piloting of a 40-item prototype. The final 29-item scale is arranged in four subscales. Parents of children with eczema aged 0-16 years (n = 242) attending the EEP were assessed at 1 week pre-EEP and 4 weeks postintervention. Cronbach's α and factor analyses were undertaken.PASECI has face, content and construct validity. It is reliable, with high item internal consistency (α > 0·87 in all domains). Factor analysis revealed four viable domains. It was sensitive to change for postintervention measures using sign tests (P < 0·001).PASECI is a useful, valid, reliable and sensitive evaluative outcome measure of self-efficacy in parents managing childhood eczema.
Perception and awareness about tobacco industry among policy makers
Authors: Elif Dagli, Tanzer Gezer, Efza Evrengil, Murat Güner, Sunay Akyildiz
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Tobacco control policies must be protected from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry according to Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The perception of the policy makers about the tobacco industry determines the level of tobacco control. In order to achieve best tobacco control practice, the policy makers must not perceive tobacco industry as a normal industry and be aware that health is above trade interests.  AIM: The aim of the study is to investigate the perception of tobacco industry among members of parliament in Turkey and their attitudes about relations between the civil servants and industry members.  METHOD: Quantitative study using face-to-face questionnaire survey to 60 members of parliament was carried out.  FINDINGS: 14% believed that tobacco control was a group of pricing and production strategies that protected Turkish tobacco leaf from rivals. 46% thought tobacco use was an individual choice. 43% agreed that tobacco industry must be protected. 73% believed that high prices and taxation increased smuggling. 35 % knew that tobacco control was the responsibility of TAPDK, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture. 14% thought relations of civil servants and the industry must be regarded under trade secrecy. 70% told tobacco control must be carried out in collaboration with the industry. 3 % did not believe that interference of the industry should be monitored and disclosed. While 65% did not believe in the public benefit of tobacco industry social responsibility projects.  CONCLUSION: The positive perception of policy makers about the industry may be an impediment to successful tobacco control.
Effects of Age at Onset of First Lifetime Episode of Recurrent Major Depression on Treatment Response and Illness Course in Elderly Patients
Authors: Charles F. Reynolds, Mary Amanda Dew, Ellen Frank, Amy E. Begley, Mark D. Miller, Cleon Cornes, Sati Mazumdar, James M. Perel, David J. Kupfer
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1998)

The goal of this study was to examine treatment outcome differences in relation to age at onset of first lifetime episode of recurrent major depression in elderly patients.Patients were grouped as having early-onset (N = 129) or late-onset (N = 58) depression. Early onset was defined as having a first lifetime episode of major depression at age 59 or earlier; late onset was defined as age 60 or later. The two groups of patients were compared with respect to demographic and clinical characteristics, types of treatment given (nortriptyline and interpersonal psychotherapy), and treatment outcomes.The groups did not differ in the percentage of patients who remitted, recovered, or relapsed during continuation treatment or in the percentage who experienced a recurrence of major depression during the first year of maintenance treatment. However, early-onset patients took 5-6 weeks longer to achieve remission than did late-onset patients, and a higher proportion had a history of suicide attempts.These data suggest that age at lifetime onset of recurrent major depression does not influence short- or long-term treatment response in elderly patients treated with combined interpersonal psychotherapy and nortriptyline, with the exception of slowing the speed of remission in early-onset cases. Difference in remission speed may reflect the greater number of previous episodes in the early-onset patients. Nevertheless, the likelihood of a longer time to remission, together with a higher rate of past suicide attempts, suggests that elderly depressed patients with a history of early-onset illness need particularly careful management.