tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Fungi and pollen exposure in the first months of life and risk of early childhood wheezing
Authors: K G Harley, J M Macher, M Lipsett, P Duramad, N T Holland, S S Prager, J Ferber, A Bradman, B Eskenazi, I B Tager
Journal: Thorax (2009)

<h3>Background:</h3> Many studies have found that the risk of childhood asthma varies by month of birth, but few have examined ambient aeroallergens as an explanatory factor. A study was undertaken to examine whether birth during seasons of elevated ambient fungal spore or pollen concentrations is associated with risk of early wheezing or blood levels of Th1 and Th2 type cells at 24 months of age. <h3>Methods:</h3> 514 children were enrolled before birth and followed to 24 months of age. Early wheezing was determined from medical records, and Th1 and Th2 type cells were measured in peripheral blood using flow cytometry. Ambient aeroallergen concentrations were measured throughout the study period and discrete seasons of high spore and pollen concentrations were defined. <h3>Results:</h3> A seasonal pattern was observed, with birth in autumn to winter (the spore season) associated with increased odds of early wheezing (adjusted odds ratio 3.1; 95% confidence interval 1.3 to 7.4). Increasing mean daily concentrations of basidiospores and ascospores in the first 3 months of life were associated with increased odds of wheeze, as were increasing mean daily concentrations of total and specific pollen types. Levels of Th1 cells at age 24 months were positively associated with mean spore concentrations and negatively associated with mean pollen concentrations in the first 3 months of life. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Children with higher exposure to spores and pollen in the first 3 months of life are at increased risk of early wheezing. This association is independent of other seasonal factors including ambient levels of particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter ⩽2.5 μm and lower respiratory infections.
USING INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASES NINTH REVISION CODES OVERESTIMATES THE FREQUENCY OF TRUE STROKE
Authors: Jonathan Thigpen, Chrisly S. Dillon, Kristen Forster, Lori Henault, Emily K. Quinn, Georgios Tripodis, Peter Berger, Elaine Hylek, Nita A. Limdi
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2013)
Radiographic improvement of damaged large joints in children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis following tocilizumab treatment
Authors: Y. Inaba, R. Ozawa, T. Imagawa, M. Mori, Y. Hara, T. Miyamae, C. Aoki, T. Saito, S. Yokota
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2011)

<b>An electronic nose does not simply detect the concentrations of selected VOCs in the exhaled air, but verifies the cumulative signature, reflecting the overall VOC concentration. This technology is novel but promising.</b>http://ow.ly/IPCt30mbIBV
Flow-dependent effect of formoterol dry-powder inhaled from the Aerolizer
Authors: KG Nielsen, M Skov, B Klug, M Ifversen, H Bisgaard
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1997)

The output and size distribution of aerosols from dry powder inhalers are dependent on the flow rate through the device. Therefore, in an in vivo study, we examined the flow-dependency of the effect of formoterol when delivered from a dry powder inhaler, the Aerolizer, in a flow range relevant to schoolchildren. In a preliminary study comprising 126 asthmatic children aged 3-10 yrs, the relationship between age and peak inspiratory flow (PIF) rate through the Aerolizer was determined. Mean PIF was 104 L.min-1 and all children aged &gt; 5 yrs performed a PIF &gt; 60 L.min-1. Sixteen children aged 8-15 yrs with exercise-induced asthma (EIA) took part in the main trial comparing the protective effect of 12 micrograms formoterol inhaled at 60 and 120 L.min-1. The effect from high and low inspiratory flow was judged from the protective effect against EIA 12 h after drug administration. The decrease in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) after exercise was 34% on the placebo day, but only 15% when formoterol was inhaled at the high flow rate. This difference was statistically significant. The decrease in FEV1 was 23% after treatment with formoterol inhaled at the low flow rate, that was not significantly different from placebo or from high-flow formoterol treatment. These clinical findings correspond with the in vitro findings of flow-dependent fine particle mass from the Aerolizer, and corroborate the relationship between fine particle mass of aerosol and clinical effect. The results indicate a flow-dependent effect of formoterol dry powder inhaled from the Aerolizer, within the range of inspiratory flow rate obtainable by school-children. This questions its applicability in children with asthma.
Nuclear Imaging in Benign Diseases of the Brain
Authors: C. Douglas Maynard
Journal: JAMA (1977)

FOR some time now, radionuclide imaging of the brain has been a valuable diagnostic tool in the clinical examination of the patient with suspected benign or malignant diseases of the brain. Because of its simplicity, low morbidity, and accuracy, the study can be used both as a screening procedure and as a means to monitor the course of disease following therapy. The ease with which the procedure can be accomplished allows it to be performed as part of an outpatient workup. This report will confine itself to the value of the procedure in benign diseases and hopefully will be of assistance to clinicians in their everyday practice. Radionuclide examination is useful in the study of patients with a history of head trauma, cerebrovascular disease, suspected inflammatory processes, or arteriovenous malformations. They may also be helpful in the detection of other nonneoplastic brain disorders. <h3>Brain Imaging Technique</h3> At our institution, all
BONE MARROW ORIGIN OF IMMUNOLOGICALLY COMPETENT LYMPHOCYTES IN THE RAT
Authors: Douglas D. McGregor
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1968)

Rat bone marrow is deficient in immunologically competent cells when compared with the peripheral pool of circulating small lymphocytes. However, circulating lymphocytes capable of initiating a lethal graft vs. host reaction can develop from myeloid precursors. In adult rats inoculated at birth with parental strain bone marrow cells, the thoracic duct lymph contains cells having the immunological capability of the marrow donor. The evidence suggests that immunologically competent lymphocytes derive from cells normally resident in bone marrow and probably not from precursors in the peripheral lymphocyte pool.
Molecular adsorbent recirculating system is ineffective in the management of type 1 hepatorenal syndrome in patients with cirrhosis with ascites who have failed vasoconstrictor treatment
Authors: F. Wong, N. Raina, R. Richardson
Journal: Gut (2009)

<h3>Background</h3> The pathogenetic mechanism of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is paradoxical renal vasoconstriction consequent upon systemic and splanchnic arterial vasodilatation. Molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) is a specialised form of dialysis that clears albumin-bound substances, including vasodilators, and therefore can potentially reduce systemic vasodilatation in cirrhosis. <h3>Objective</h3> To assess the efficacy of MARS in improving systemic and renal haemodynamics in patients with cirrhosis with refractory ascites and type 1 HRS not responding to vasoconstrictor therapy. <h3>Methods</h3> A pilot study was carried out in an academic teaching hospital. The study group comprised six patients with cirrhosis, refractory ascites and type 1 HRS not responding to vasoconstrictor treatment. All patients received 5 days of 6–8 h of MARS dialysis. The main outcome measures were pre-MARS and post-MARS measurements of glomerular filtration rate, renal blood flow, neurohormones, cytokines and nitric oxide (NO), as well as daily biochemistry, haematology and urinary volume. <h3>Results</h3> There were no significant changes in systemic haemodynamics and GFR following MARS treatments, despite a significant reduction in NO concentrations (111.5±18.8 μmol/l pre-MARS, to 65.1±8.2 μmol/l post-MARS, p=0.05). There was a transient reduction in serum creatinine (p&lt;0.05), Child–Pugh and MELD (Model End-Stage Liver Disease) scores with MARS, but no significant difference was observed in neurohormone and cytokine levels. Four of six patients died following MARS treatments. <h3>Conclusions</h3> In patients with cirrhosis, refractory ascites and type 1 HRS not responding to vasoconstrictor treatment, MARS is ineffective in improving systemic haemodynamics and renal function despite reduction in NO levels, suggesting that vasodilatation in advanced cirrhosis is not due to excess systemic vasodilators alone. Transient reduction in serum creatinine indicates direct removal by MARS, and may not represent improved renal function.
Dendritic cells with a potent accessory activity are present in human exudative malignant pleural effusions
Authors: M Gjomarkaj, E Pace, M Melis, M Spatafora, D D'Amico, GB Toews
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1997)

Dendritic cells are human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DR positive accessory cells, that play a critical role in the development of cell-mediated immune reactions. Since the pleural space is frequently involved in cell-mediated immune reactions, we sought to isolate dendritic cells from pleural fluid. Pleural effusion mononuclear cells (PEMCs) were obtained by Ficoll centrifugation of exudative pleural effusions recovered from 19 patients with malignant pleurisy. After double-step adherence, firmly-adherent mononuclear cells (FAMs) and loosely-adherent mononuclear cells (LAMs) were recovered. The latter cells were centrifuged on a bovine plasma albumin gradient to obtain a loosely-adherent low density fraction. Nonadherent cells were rosetted with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) to obtain a nonadherent nonrosetting (NANR) cell fraction. Mitomycin C-treated PEMCs, NANRs, FAMs, and LAMs served as stimulatory cells in mixed leucocyte reaction experiments. 3H-thymidine incorporation by purified normal allogeneic blood T-lymphocytes was assessed as an index of accessory cell function. The phenotype of NANR, FAM and LAM cells was characterized using single and double stainings with a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). Accessory cell (AC) activity (counts per minute (cpm) x 10(3)(+/-SE); 2.5 x 10(4) AC x well(-1) of LAM (148+/-24) and NANR (108.4+/-11.2) was greater than that observed for FAM (59.3+/-9.4) and for unfractioned PEMC (13.8+/-4.9). The FAM fraction was virtually entirely composed of CD68+ HLA-DR+ mononuclear phagocytes. NANR and LAM contained 51+/-12% and 65+/-6% HLA-DR+ cells, respectively, and most HLA-DR positive cells were negative for CD3, CD19, and CD68, markers for T-, B-lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes. Moreover, both NANR and LAM fractions contained significant numbers of cells bearing the RFD1 surface marker, expressed on dendritic cells. These results suggest that dendritic cells are present in exudative pleural effusions, and that they may be involved in the development of cell-mediated immune reactions in the pleural space.
Ability of Minor Elevations of Troponins I and T to Predict Benefit From an Early Invasive Strategy in Patients With Unstable Angina and Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction&lt;SUBTITLE&gt;Results From a Randomized Trial&lt;/SUBTITLE&gt;
Authors: David A. Morrow
Journal: JAMA (2001)

ContextCardiac troponins I (cTnI) and T (cTnT) are useful for assessing prognosis in patients with unstable angina and non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (UA/NSTEMI). However, the use of cardiac troponins for predicting benefit of an invasive vs conservative strategy in this patient population is not clear.ObjectiveTo prospectively test whether an early invasive strategy provides greater benefit than a conservative strategy in acute coronary syndrome patients with elevated baseline troponin levels.DesignProspective, randomized trial conducted from December 1997 to June 2000.SettingOne hundred sixty-nine community and tertiary care hospitals in 9 countries.ParticipantsA total of 2220 patients with acute coronary syndrome were enrolled. Baseline troponin level data were available for analysis in 1821, and 1780 completed the 6-month follow-up.InterventionsPatients were randomly assigned to receive (1) an early invasive strategy of coronary angiography between 4 and 48 hours after randomization and revascularization when feasible based on coronary anatomy (n = 1114) or (2) a conservative strategy of medical treatment and, if stable, predischarge exercise tolerance testing (n = 1106). Conservative strategy patients underwent coronary angiography and revascularization only if they manifested recurrent ischemia at rest or on provocative testing.Main Outcome MeasureComposite end point of death, MI, or rehospitalization for acute coronary syndrome at 6 months.ResultsPatients with a cTnI level of 0.1 ng/mL or more (n = 1087) experienced a significant reduction in the primary end point with the invasive vs conservative strategy (15.3% vs 25.0%; odds ratio [OR], 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40-0.73). Patients with cTnI levels of less than 0.1 ng/mL had no detectable benefit from early invasive management (16.0% vs 12.4%; OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.89-2.05; P&lt;.001 for interaction). The benefit of invasive vs conservative management through 30 days was evident even among patients with low-level (0.1-0.4 ng/mL) cTnI elevation (4.4% vs 16.5%; OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.08-0.69). Directionally similar results were observed with cTnT.ConclusionIn patients with clinically documented acute coronary syndrome who are treated with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, even small elevations in cTnI and cTnT identify high-risk patients who derive a large clinical benefit from an early invasive strategy.
Investigation of molluscan phylogeny on the basis of 18S rRNA sequences
Authors: B. Winnepenninckx, T. Backeljau, R. De Wachter
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (1996)

The 18S rRNA sequences of 12 molluscs, representing the extant classes Gastropoda, Bivalvia, Polyplacophora, Scaphopoda, and Caudofoveata, were determined and compared with selected known 18S rRNA sequences of Metazoa, including other Mollusca. These data do not provide support for a close relationship between Platyhelminthes (Turbellaria) and Mollusca, but rather suggest that the latter group belongs to a clade of eutrochozoan coelomates. The 18S rRNA data fail to recover molluscan, bivalve, or gastropod monophyly. However, the branching pattern of the eutrochozoan phyla and classes is unstable, probably due to the explosive Cambrian radiation during which these groups arose. Similarly, the 18S rRNA data do not provide a reliable signal for the molluscan interclass relationships. Nevertheless, we obtained strong preliminary support for phylogenetic inferences at more restricted taxonomic levels, such as the monophyly of Polyplacophora, Caenogastropoda, Euthyneura, Heterodonta, and Arcoida.
Antiviral resistance and hepatitis B therapy
Authors: Marc G. Ghany, Edward C. Doo
Journal: Hepatology (2009)

The management of chronic hepatitis B currently rests with long-term therapy using oral nucleoside analogs. The major limitation of long-term therapy is antiviral resistance. Antiviral resistance is due to the high rate of mutations that can occur during hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and the selection of these mutants due to a replication advantage in the presence of the antiviral agent. Indeed, high rates of antiviral resistance have been found with long-term use of lamivudine, in up to 76% of patients treated for 5 years or more. Rates of antiviral resistance are lower with adefovir therapy, approximately 30% at 5 years. Newer more potent nucleoside analogs (tenofovir and entecavir) have proven to have much lower rates of antiviral resistance (<1% after 2 years in treatment-naïve subjects), but the long-term rates of resistance have yet to be fully defined. The appearance of these viral mutations (genotypic resistance) is usually followed by rises in HBV DNA levels (virological breakthrough) and then by rises in serum aminotransferase levels (biochemical breakthrough). The appearance of antiviral resistance can be accompanied by a transient but occasionally severe exacerbation of the underlying liver disease which in some instances has led to acute liver failure. Combinations of nucleoside analogs may offer an approach to preventing antiviral resistance, but the efficacy and safety of this approach have yet to be shown. A future research priority is to identify new agents active against HBV that target different steps in the viral life-cycle and might provide effective means to circumvent the antiviral resistance of nucleoside analogs.
Effects of acetaldehyde on the systemic, pulmonary, and regional circulations
Authors: R. B. MCCLOY, A. V. PRANCAN, J. NAKANO
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (1974)

The acute haemodynamic effects of acetaldehyde were studied in anaesthetized dogs. Acetaldehyde increased heart rate, systemic arterial pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, cardiac output, systemic venous return, and myocardial contractile force. Acetaldehyde constricts the peripheral vascular beds in the brachial, femoral, renal, and common carotid arteries and dilates those of the coronary, hepatic, and superior mesenteric arteries. Alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade not only abolished the cardiovascular effects of acetaldehyde, but also reversed its pressor effect. It is concluded that most of the haemodynamic effects of acetaldehyde result from the release of catecholamines from sympathetic nerve endings and the adrenal medulla.
Randomized Trial of the Effect of the Low Molecular Weight Heparin Nadroparin on Survival in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Frederiek F. van Doormaal, Marcello Di Nisio, Hans-Martin Otten, Dick J. Richel, Martin Prins, Harry R. Buller
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2011)

Earlier studies showed that low molecular weight heparin significantly prolongs the survival of a wide variety of patients with cancer without venous thromboembolism. This study was designed to confirm these findings in a more homogeneous group of patients with cancer.In this multicenter, randomized, open-label study, patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (stage IIIB), hormone-refractory prostate cancer, or locally advanced pancreatic cancer were randomly assigned to nadroparin or to no nadroparin in addition to their standard anticancer treatment. In the nadroparin arm, subcutaneous nadroparin was administered for 6 weeks (2 weeks at therapeutic dose, and 4 weeks at half therapeutic dose). The patients were eligible to receive additional cycles of nadroparin (2 weeks at therapeutic dose, and 4 weeks of washout period). Outcomes were overall survival, time to progression, and major bleeding. All study outcomes were adjudicated by an independent, blinded committee.A total of 244 patients were allocated to nadroparin, and 259 were allocated to the control group. A median survival of 13.1 months was observed in the nadroparin recipients compared with 11.9 months in the no-treatment arm (hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.75 to 1.18, adjusted for cancer type). No difference in time to progression was observed. The number of major bleedings was comparable at 4.1% in the nadroparin set and 3.5% in the control set.This study did not show a survival benefit of nadroparin in patients with advanced prostate, lung, or pancreatic cancer. Given the ongoing studies in this area and the previous data, the role of low molecular weight heparins in cancer survival remains undefined.
Safety and Efficacy of Aerobic Training in Patients With Cancer Who Have Heart Failure: An Analysis of the HF-ACTION Randomized Trial
Authors: Lee W. Jones, Pamela S. Douglas, Michel G. Khouri, John R. Mackey, Daniel Wojdyla, William E. Kraus, David J. Whellan, Christopher M. O'Connor
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2014)

To investigate the efficacy and safety of aerobic training (AT) in patients with cancer with medically stable heart failure (HF).A retrospective analysis of 90 patients with cancer who have HF and who were randomly assigned to AT (n = 47) or guideline-based usual care (UC; n = 43) was performed. AT consisted of three supervised sessions per week at 20 to 45 minutes per session at 60% to 70% of heart rate reserve for 12 weeks followed by home-based sessions for 4 to 12 months. The primary end point was all-cause mortality and hospitalization. Secondary end points were other clinical events, safety, and change in exercise capacity (VO(2peak)) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).Median follow-up was 35 months. In intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses, all-cause mortality or hospitalization at 2 years was 74% in the AT group compared with 67% in the UC group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.11; 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.77; P = .676). The incidence of cardiovascular mortality or cardiovascular hospitalization was significantly higher in the AT group compared with the UC group (41% v 67%; adjusted HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.12 to 3.16; P = .017). There were no differences in any VO(2peak) or HRQOL end points. In post hoc analyses based on adherence to AT, all-cause mortality and hospitalization was 66% in adherent patients (≥ 90 minutes per week) compared with 84% in nonadherent patients (< 90 minutes per week).In ITT analyses, AT did not improve clinical outcomes in patients with cancer who had HF. Post hoc analyses suggested that patients not capable of adhering to the planned AT prescription may be at increased risk of clinical events.
Faecal alpha 1 antitrypsin as a marker of gastrointestinal disease in HIV antibody positive individuals.
Authors: D Sharpstone, A Rowbottom, M Nelson, B Gazzard
Journal: Gut (1996)

Hypoalbuminaemia and diarrhoea are common complications of HIV infection and substantial causes of morbidity, but the specific intestinal pathologies that cause enteric protein loss have not been clearly defined. Two hundred and twenty stool samples from patients with a variety of HIV related conditions were analysed for faecal alpha 1 antitrypsin. Patients with intestinal Kaposi's sarcoma had a significantly raised faecal alpha 1 antitrypsin value and hypoalbuminaemia. A faecal alpha 1 antitrypsin value of greater than 0.3 mg/g wet stool has a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 76% for the diagnosis of intestinal Kaposi's sarcoma in HIV positive individuals. Patients with cytomegalovirus and bacterial enteritis had raised faecal alpha 1 antitrypsin values but levels were normal for all other intestinal pathologies compared with pathogen negative stool. The combination of faecal alpha 1 antitrypsin concentration greater than 0.2 mg/g, a negative stool culture for enteric bacteria, and the absence of palatal Kaposi's sarcoma has a sensitivity of 55% and specificity of 88% for the diagnosis of enteric cytomegalovirus infection.