tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Life-sustaining treatment preferences of hemodialysis patients
Authors: P A Singer, E C Thiel, C D Naylor, R M Richardson, H Llewellyn-Thomas, M Goldstein, C Saiphoo, P R Uldall, D Kim, D C Mendelssohn
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (1995)

The purpose of this study was to describe the life-sustaining treatment preferences of dialysis patients and to compare the acceptability of two generic and a disease-specific advance directive (AD). Of 532 potentially eligible hemodialysis patients, 95 (17.9%) participated in the study. These patients completed two generic (the Centre for Bioethics Living Will and the Medical Directive) and one disease-specific (the Dialysis Living Will) AD in a randomized cross-over trial. Treatment preferences were measured by using the Centre for Bioethics Living Will. Acceptability of the AD was measured by using a 13-item advance directive acceptability questionnaire (ADAQ) for each AD, and the advance directive choice questionnaire (ADCQ) to elicit participants' preferred AD. Twenty-five percent of the participants wanted to continue dialysis in case of severe stroke, 19% in severe dementia, and 14% in permanent coma. Averaged across treatments, proportions of participants wanting treatment in various health states were: current health (86%), mild stroke (84%), moderate stroke (60%), severe stroke (21%), mild dementia (78%), moderate dementia (51%), severe dementia (14%), terminal illness (41%), and permanent coma (10%). Averaged across health states, proportions of participants wanting various types of treatment were: dialysis (58%), antibiotics (53%), transfusion (53%), surgery (48%), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (48%), respirator (47%), and tube feeding (41%). Mean ADAQ scores were: Dialysis Living Will, 71%; Centre for Bioethics Living Will, 70%; and Medical Directive, 60% (F = 8.27, P < 0.001 (repeat measures analysis of variance); the Dialysis Living Will and Centre for Bioethics Living Will scored significantly higher than the Medical Directive). The proportion of participants who said they would choose to complete each AD was: Dialysis Living Will, 28%; Centre for Bioethics Living Will, 38%; Medical Directive, 31%; and unsure, 3% (chi 2 = 1.465, df = 2, P = 0.48). In conclusion, twenty-five percent or less of hemodialysis patients want to continue dialysis in three specific health states: severe stroke, severe dementia, and permanent coma. Health states and illness severity, far more than treatment descriptions, influence preferences. Dialysis patients should be offered a generic AD, and some generic AD are more acceptable than others. Only a minority of dialysis patients will complete any AD, but the completion of written AD forms is only one element in the process of advance care planning.
Cooperation of Factor VII–Activating Protease and Serum DNase I in the Release of Nucleosomes From Necrotic Cells
Authors: Femke Stephan, Gerben Marsman, Liza M. Bakker, Ingrid Bulder, Fabian Stavenuiter, Lucien A. Aarden, Sacha Zeerleder
Journal: Arthritis & Rheumatology (2013)

Removal of dead cells is essential in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, and efficient removal prevents exposure of intracellular content to the immune system, which could lead to autoimmunity. The plasma protease factor VII-activating protease (FSAP) can release nucleosomes from late apoptotic cells. FSAP circulates as an inactive single-chain protein, which is activated upon contact with either apoptotic cells or necrotic cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of FSAP in the release of nucleosomes from necrotic cells.Necrotic Jurkat cells were incubated with serum, purified 2-chain FSAP, and/or DNase I. Nucleosome release was analyzed by flow cytometry, and agarose gel electrophoresis was performed to detect DNA breakdown.Incubation with serum released nucleosomes from necrotic cells. Incubation with FSAP-deficient serum or serum in which FSAP was inhibited by a blocking antibody was unable to release nucleosomes from necrotic cells, confirming that FSAP is indeed the essential serum factor in this process. Together with serum DNase I, FSAP induced the release of DNA from the cells, the appearance of nucleosomes in the supernatant, and the fragmentation of chromatin into eventually mononucleosomes.FSAP and DNase I are the essential serum factors that cooperate in necrotic cell DNA degradation and nucleosome release. We propose that this mechanism may be important in the removal of potential autoantigens.
Bvr-1, a restriction locus of a type C RNA virus in the feline cellular genome: pleiotropic restriction of endogenous BALB virus in cat X mouse somatic cell hybrids.
Authors: S J O'Brien, J M Simonson
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1978)

Bvr-1 is a dominant X-linked feline gene which restricts the replication of B-tropic murineleukemia virus (B-MuLV) in somatic cell hybrids between murine BALB/c-RAG cells and FL-74 feline cells. Since the hybrids were originally derived by the hypoxanthine aminopterin thymidine selection scheme, counter selection experiments on 6-thioguanine result in preferential survival of hybrid cells which have spontaneously lost the feline X-chromosome on which is located the structural gene for hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (IMP: pyrophosphate phosphoribosyl transferase, E.C. 2.4.2.8) and Bvr-1. Back selected Bvr-1- cells express high parental levels of B-MuLV. Bvr-1 effectively restricts the IdU-mediated induction of the endogenous xenotropic BALB virus (BALB: virus 2) but not the endogenous N-tropic virus (BALB: virus 1). Pleiotropic restriction of B-MuLV and X-MuLV, but not N-MuLV suggests that the viral targets of Bvr-1 (either viral components or functions in viral assembly) of the B-tropic and X-tropic endogenous BALB viruses are similar to each other but distinct from the target in the N-tropic virus. Very low levels of B-MuLV are detected in restricted cells, but this residual virus is not infectious in either NIH-3T3 or BALB-3T3 mouse cells which are genotypically Fv-1N/Fv-1N and Fv-1B/Fv-1B, respectively. Passage of residual virus through host cells without Fv-1 related restriction (SC-1) results in production of infectious B-MuLV indistinguishable from that produced by RAG parent cells.
Increase in Work Productivity of Depressed Individuals With Improvement in Depressive Symptom Severity
Authors: Madhukar H. Trivedi, David W. Morris, Stephen R. Wisniewski, Ira Lesser, Andrew A. Nierenberg, Ella Daly, Benji T. Kurian, Bradley N. Gaynes, G.K. Balasubramani, A. John Rush
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (2013)

Reducing symptom severity in individuals with major depression can significantly improve occupational functioning, but it does not guarantee a complete return to premorbid functioning. A few sociodemographic and clinical features may be important factors in a patient’s full return to productivity.
RG7212 Anti-TWEAK mAb Inhibits Tumor Growth through Inhibition of Tumor Cell Proliferation and Survival Signaling and by Enhancing the Host Antitumor Immune Response
Authors: Xuefeng Yin, Leopoldo Luistro, Hua Zhong, Melissa Smith, Tom Nevins, Kathleen Schostack, Holly Hilton, Tai-An Lin, Theresa Truitt, Denise Biondi, Xiaoqian Wang, Kathryn Packman, Jim Rosinski, Windy Berkofsky-Fessler, Jian-Ping Tang, Saumya Pant, David Geho, Suzana Vega-Harring, Mark DeMario, Hy Levitsky, Mary Simcox
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2013)

Abstract Purpose: To explore the role of TWEAK in tumor growth and antitumor immune response and the activity and mechanism of RG7212, an antagonistic anti-TWEAK antibody, in tumor models. Experimental Design: TWEAK-induced signaling and gene expression were explored in tumor cell lines and inhibition of these effects and antitumor efficacy with RG7212 treatment was assessed in human tumor xenograft-, patient-derived xenograft, and syngeneic tumor models and phase I patients. Genetic features correlated with antitumor activity were characterized. Results: In tumor cell lines, TWEAK induces proliferation, survival, and NF-κB signaling and gene expression that promote tumor growth and suppress antitumor immune responses. TWEAK-inducible CD274, CCL2, CXCL-10 and -11 modulate T-cell and monocyte recruitment, T-cell activation, and macrophage differentiation. These factors and TWEAK-induced signaling were decreased, and tumor, blood, and spleen immune cell composition was altered with RG7212 treatment in mice. RG7212 inhibits tumor growth in vivo in models with TWEAK receptor, Fn14, expression, and markers of pathway activation. In phase I testing, signs of tumor shrinkage and stable disease were observed without dose-limiting toxicity. In a patient with advanced, Fn14-positive, malignant melanoma with evidence of tumor regression, proliferation markers were dramatically reduced, tumor T-cell infiltration increased, and tumor macrophage content decreased. Antitumor activity, a lack of toxicity in humans and animals and no evidence of antagonism with standard of care or targeted agents in mice, suggests that RG7212 is a promising agent for use in combination therapies in patients with Fn14-positive tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 19(20); 5686–98. ©2013 AACR.
Teflon strip pneumostasis for excision of giant emphysematous bullae.
Authors: J M Parmar, W G Hubbard, H R Matthews
Journal: Thorax (1987)

Excision of giant emphysematous bullae commonly results in a persistent air leak that requires prolonged intercostal drainage and delays recovery. To minimise this we have used Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) strips to buttress the suture line and secure pneumostasis. During 1976-84 eight bullae were excised in seven patients. One patient had bilateral staged thoracotomies. All chest drains were removed within eight days (mean 4.5 days) and no patient developed pulmonary complications. At long term follow up (1-9 years, mean 5.5 years) no complications attributable to the Teflon felt have been identified.
Role of Osmotic Diuresis in Impairment of Concentrating Ability in Renal Disease
Authors: E. J. D. Mees
Journal: BMJ (1959)

RED-CELL APLASIA AND BENIGN -THYMOMA B, the use of corticotrophin after thymectomy in one and splenectomy and thymectomy in the other.The patho- genesis of this condition remains obscure, but these various results of treatment are compatible with the concept that thymectomy may result in the removal of an inhibiting humoral factor, so allowing normal erythropoiesis to take place either spontaneously or under the influence of steroids.Summary A case of benign thymoma and red-cell aplasia is described.Thymectomy did not produce a haematological remission, but normal erythropoiesis occurred later during treatment with prednisone.The patient's plasma did not inhibit erythropoiesis when injected into normal rats.We are indebted to Dr. W. Phillips, under whose care this patient was admitted; to Dr. J. D. P.
Performance of a Novel Algorithm Using Automated Digital Microscopy for Diagnosing Tuberculosis
Authors: Nazir A. Ismail, Shaheed V. Omar, James J. Lewis, David W. Dowdy, Andries W. Dreyer, Hermina van der Meulen, George Nconjana, David A. Clark, Gavin J. Churchyard
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2015)

TBDx automated microscopy is a novel technology that processes digital microscopic images to identify acid-fast bacilli (AFB). Use of TBDx as part of a diagnostic algorithm could improve the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), but its performance characteristics have not yet been formally tested.To evaluate the performance of the TBDx automated microscopy system in algorithms for diagnosis of TB.Prospective samples from patients with presumed TB were processed in parallel with conventional smear microscopy, TBDx microscopy, and liquid culture. All TBDx-positive specimens were also tested with the Xpert MTB/RIF (GXP) assay. We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of two algorithms-(1) TBDx-GXP (TBDx with positive specimens tested by Xpert MTB/RIF) and (2) TBDx alone-against the gold standard liquid media culture.Of 1,210 samples, 1,009 were eligible for evaluation, of which 109 were culture positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The TBDx system identified 70 specimens (68 culture positive) as having 10 or more putative AFB (high positive) and 207 (19 culture positive) as having 1-9 putative AFB (low positive). An algorithm in which "low-positive" results on TBDx were confirmed by GXP had 78% sensitivity (85 of 109) and 99.8% specificity (889 of 900), requiring 21% (207 of 1,009) specimens to be processed by GXP. As a stand-alone test, a "high-positive" result on TBDx had 62% sensitivity and 99.7% specificity.TBDx used in diagnostic algorithms with GXP provided reasonable sensitivity and high specificity for active TB while dramatically reducing the number GXP tests performed. As a stand-alone microscopy system, its performance was equivalent to that of a highly experienced TB microscopist.
Modulation of Cystathionine β-Synthase Level Regulates Total Serum Homocysteine in Mice
Authors: Liqun Wang, Kwang-Hwan Jhee, Xiang Hua, Patricia M. DiBello, Donald W. Jacobsen, Warren D. Kruger
Journal: Circulation Research (2004)

Elevated total plasma homocysteine is an independent risk factor in the development of vascular disease in humans. Cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) is an enzyme that condenses homocysteine with serine to form cystathionine. In this article, we describe the effects of modulating CBS activity using a transgenic mouse that contains the human CBS cDNA under control of the zinc-inducible metallothionein promoter (Tg-CBS). In the presence of zinc, Tg-CBS mice have a 2- to 4-fold increase in liver and kidney CBS activity compared with nontransgenic littermates. Transgenic mice on standard mouse chow had a 45% decrease in their serum homocysteine (12.1 to 7.2 micromol/L; P<0.0001) when zinc was added to drinking water, although zinc had minimal effect on their nontransgenic siblings (13.2 micromol/L versus 13.0 micromol/L; P=NS). Tg-CBS mice maintained on a high-methionine, low-folate diet also had significantly lower serum homocysteine compared with control animals (179 micromol/L versus 242 micromol/L; P<0.02). CBS overexpression also significantly lowered serum cysteinylglycine (3.6 versus 2.8 micromol/L; P<0.003) levels and reduced the levels of many amino acids in the liver. We also found that expression of Tg-CBS rescued the severe hyperhomocysteinemia and neonatal lethality of Cbs deletion animals. Our results show that elevating CBS activity is an effective method to lower plasma homocysteine levels. In addition, the creation of an inducible mouse system to modulate plasma homocysteine will also be useful in the study of homocysteine-related vascular disease.
Genetic heterogeneity and exclusion of a modifying locus at 2q in a family with autosomal dominant primary erythermalgia
Authors: T.M. Burns, R.H.M. Te Morsche, J.B.M.J. Jansen, J.P. H. Drenth
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2005)

Primary erythermalgia is a rare disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of red, warm and painful hands and/or feet. In a previous study we reported localization of a gene for primary erythermalgia to a 7.94-cM region on chromosome 2q. A recent study reported voltage-gated sodium channel gene SCN9a sequence variants in a family and a single individual with primary erythermalgia.To describe the clinical characteristics of a large three-generation family with primary erythermalgia and to test for genetic linkage to chromosome 2q.We collected clinical data of a 10-member three-generation family with autosomal dominant primary erythermalgia. In addition, we performed linkage analysis and searched for SCN9a variants using a restriction fragment length polymorphism assay.We established the diagnosis of autosomal dominant primary erythermalgia in six of 10 family members. We excluded linkage to chromosome 2q and could not detect SCN9A variants in this family.In this family with autosomal dominant primary erythermalgia, exclusion of linkage to chromosome 2q is strongly suggestive for genetic heterogeneity.
Perforation of the pulmonary artery requiring pneumonectomy after the use of a flow-directed (Swan-Ganz) catheter
Authors: M. M Deren, P. G Barash, G. L Hammond, T. Saieh
Journal: Thorax (1979)

A case of pulmonary artery perforation by a flow-directed balloon-tipped catheter necessitated pneumonectomy. Predisposing conditions are discussed and conclusions made on the basis of this case and previous reports.
Deletions of IKZF1 and SPRED1 are associated with poor prognosis in a population-based series of pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnosed between 1992 and 2011
Authors: L Olsson, A Castor, M Behrendtz, A Biloglav, E Forestier, K Paulsson, B Johansson
Journal: Leukemia (2013)
Epidemiological surveillance of leishmaniasis in the European Union: operational and research challenges
Authors: L Gradoni
Journal: Eurosurveillance (2013)

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ASCERTAINING GENETIC CARRIERS OF HEREDITARY SPHEROCYTOSIS BY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF MULTIPLE LABORATORY TESTS*
Authors: Archie A. MacKinney, Newton E. Morton, Nechama S. Kosower, Robert F. Schilling
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1962)

Spleen 0 indicates spleen not examined.Spherocyte scores are rated 0-3 according to the number of examiners who found spherocytes.MCV = mean corpuscular volume; MCH = mean corpuscular hemoglobin; MCHC = mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration.OF 1% and OF 50%7o are interpolated values of osmotic fragility correspond- ing to the saline tonicities listed.MF = mechanical fragility; AH = autohemolysis; AH + G = autohemolysis with glucose added; AH + Ad = autohemolysis with adenosine added; Dc and D4 are discriminants (see text); -= normal.families, using Fisher's discriminant function.sis of multiple laboratory tests would give better We have tested the value of combinations of he-genetic data than was previously possible by de- matologic measurements for diagnosis.We have creasing the overlap between normal and affected also considered the possibility that statistical analyand consequently increasing the number of mildly 555
Doxorubicin in combination with fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide (i.v. FAC regimen, day 1, 21) versus methotrexate in combination with fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide (i.v. CMF regimen, day 1, 21) as adjuvant chemotherapy for operable breast cancer: a study by the GEICAM group
Authors: M. Martin, A. Villar, A. Sole-Calvo, R. Gonzalez, B. Massuti, J. Lizon, C. Camps, A. Carrato, A. Casado, M.T. Candel, J. Albanell, J. Aranda, B. Munarriz, J. Campbell, E. Diaz-Rubio
Journal: Annals of Oncology (2003)
Michael Heidelberger and the demystification of antibodies
Authors: Heather L. Van Epps
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2006)

Having defined the protein nature of antibodies under the tutelage of Oswald Avery, Michael Heidelberger was the first to apply mathematics to the reaction of antibodies and their antigens (the “precipitin reaction”). Heidelberger's calculations launched decades of research that helped reveal the specificity, function, and origin of antibodies.
CARD15 gene mutations in sarcoidosis
Authors: M. Schürmann, R. Valentonyte, J. Hampe, J. Müller-Quernheim, E. Schwinger, S. Schreiber
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2003)

Sarcoidosis, Blau syndrome and Crohn's disease are complex disorders, characterised by granulomatous inflammation affecting a variety of organs. Mutations of the CARD15 gene, on chromosome 16, have been shown to contribute significantly to Crohn's disease and to cause Blau syndrome. These factors prompted the current authors to study CARD15 mutations in sarcoidosis. A total of 138 families were genotyped, including 302 patients with sarcoidosis and 127 patients without a family history of sarcoidosis (together with their parents), for four main coding CARD15 polymorphisms associated with increased risk of Crohn's disease. Furthermore, the gene segment that harbours Blau syndrome mutations was sequenced in 39 selected patients from 39 families with affected siblings identical for one or two parental chromosomes 16s and in eight patients from multi-case families. None of the reported Blau syndrome mutations and no new sequence alterations were found. There was an increased frequency of transmission of the rare allele of the polymorphic sites 802C&gt;T (SNP5) and 2722G&gt;C (SNP12) in at least one of the two study groups. In conclusion, CARD15 mutations, which are important in Crohn's disease and Blau syndrome, play no major role in sarcoidosis in this study population. However, these mutations could be of limited importance, especially in patients without a family history of sarcoidosis.
Significance of connective tissue disease features in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia
Authors: T.J. Corte, S.J. Copley, S.R. Desai, C.J. Zappala, D.M. Hansell, A.G. Nicholson, T.V. Colby, E. Renzoni, T.M. Maher, A.U. Wells
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

In idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP), the significance of connective tissue disease (CTD) features in the absence of a specific CTD diagnosis remains unclear. We studied the clinical and prognostic utility of a diagnosis of undifferentiated CTD (UCTD) in patients with biopsy-proven IIP. IIP patients undergoing surgical lung biopsy (1979-2005) were studied (nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), n = 45; idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, n = 56). UCTD was considered present when serum autoantibodies were present and symptoms or signs suggested CTD. The relationship between UCTD and NSIP histology was evaluated. A clinical algorithm that best predicted NSIP histology was constructed using a priori variables. The prognostic utility of UCTD, and of this algorithm, was evaluated. UCTD was present in 14 (31%) NSIP and seven (13%) IPF patients. UCTD was not associated with a survival benefit. The algorithm predictive of NSIP (OR 10.4, 95% CI 3.21-33.67; p<0.0001) consisted of the absence of typical high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) features for IPF and 1) a compatible demographic profile (females aged <50 yrs) or 2) Raynaud's phenomenon. In patients with an HRCT scan not typical for IPF, this algorithm predicted improved survival (hazard ratio 0.35, 95% CI 0.14-0.85; p = 0.02) independent of IIP severity. UCTD is associated with NSIP histology. However, the diagnostic and prognostic significance of UCTD in IIP patients remains unclear.