tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
S61 Clinical Outcomes and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Current Smokers and Ex-Smokers with Severe Asthma
Authors: NC Thomson, R Chaudhuri, LG Heaney, C Bucknall, RM Niven, CE Brightling, AN Menzies-Gow, AH Mansur, C McSharry
Journal: Thorax (2012)

<h3>Rationale</h3> Some clinical outcomes are worse in current smokers and ex-smokers with mild to moderate asthma compared to never smokers, but little is known about the influence of smoking status in severe asthma. <h3>Objectives</h3> The objectives of the analysis were to examine the association of current or previous cigarette smoking with clinical and inflammatory variables in severe asthma. <h3>Methods</h3> We compared patient demographics, disease characteristics and biomarkers of inflammation in never smokers (n=461, 62.3%), ex-smokers (n=210, 28.4%) and current smokers (n=69, 9.3%) with refractory asthma (n=760) recruited to the British Thoracic Society Severe Asthma Registry. <h3>Results</h3> Current smokers had poorer asthma control, more unscheduled health care visits, more rescue courses of oral steroids and higher anxiety and depression scale scores than ex-smokers or never smokers. Compared to never smokers, current smokers had a reduced proportion of sputum eosinophils (3.75% and 1.25% respectively) and lower fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO50) values (35 ppb versus 14 ppb), whereas ex-smokers had an increased proportion of sputum neutrophils (43.8% versus 56.9%), but similar proportion of sputum eosinophils (2.8%) and FeNO50 values (35 ppb). Both current and ex-smokers had reduced serum specific IgE levels to some common environmental allergens. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Current smokers with severe asthma exhibit worse outcomes for a range of clinical and health care variables compared to ex-smokers and never smokers with severe asthma. Inflammatory profiles in sputum and blood differ between current smokers, ex-smokers and never smokers, possibly constituting separate phenotypes of severe asthma, which may influence responses to targeted therapies.
A Case of Secondary Syphilis Involving Tonsil, Pulmonary, and Multiple Lymph Nodes
Authors: Zhanli Fu, Jin Zhang, Qian Li, Meng Liu, Lei Kang
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (2014)

A 50-year-old man with general fatigue and weight loss underwent FDG PET/CT scan to detect possible occult malignancy. The images revealed abnormal FDG activity in the tonsils, right lung, and in the cervical, axillary, and inguinal lymph nodes. Lymphoma was initially suspected. However, pathologic examination after cervical lymph node biopsy revealed only reactive hyperplasia. Further examinations including serologic tests led to a diagnosis of secondary syphilis. A follow-up PET/CT scan after a 6-month benzylpenicillin therapy showed significant interval improvement.
THU0053 Reduced endothelium-independent vascular reactivity is indicative of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis without overt cardiovascular disease
Authors: E. Myasoedova, S. Myasoedova, S. Obzherina, N. Svyatova, N. Shostak
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2012)

<h3>Background</h3> Brachial artery reactivity is one of the early surrogate markers of atherosclerosis. The association of impaired endothelium-dependent (EDVD) and endothelium-independent vasodilatation (EIVD) with structural measures of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is uncertain. <h3>Objectives</h3> To assess associations of EDVD and EIVD measures with carotid atherosclerosis in patients with RA free from overt cardiovascular disease. <h3>Methods</h3> This study included young and middle-aged patients (age 18-60 years) with RA who did not have symptoms of cardiovascular disease. All patients underwent carotid ultrasound examination. EDVD and nitroglycerin-induced EIVD of the brachial artery were assessed using high-resolution vascular ultrasound. Logistic regression models were used to study associations between carotid atherosclerosis and measures of vascular reactivity adjusting for age and sex. <h3>Results</h3> 124 patients with RA (35% with early RA) were enrolled in the study. Mean age was 45.7±9.26 years (14% males); 74% rheumatoid factor (RF) positive, DAS28 6,04±1,1, HAQ-DI 1,6±0,6. Atherosclerotic plaques were found in 38 (30,56%) of RA patients including 7 of 43 (16%) patients with early RA. EDVD in RA patients with atherosclerotic plaques (13.4±11.7%) was similar to that in patients without plaques (14±10.9%, p=0.79). However, RA patients with plaques showed significantly reduced EIVD (25.7±11.9%) than those without plaques (32.4±11.4%, p=0.01). Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.28) and reduced EIVD (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-0.99) but not EDVD (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.95-1.08) were associated with the presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques. In fact, RA patients with EIVD less than twenty five percent and those older than fifty years were about 3-times more likely to have carotid atherosclerotic plaques than patients with EIVD over twenty five percent and those below fifty years of age (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.03-8.8 and OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.01-7.44, respectively). The presence of both factors (EIVD of less than twenty five percent and age over fifty years) further increased the likelihood of having carotid plaques (OR 6.6, 95% CI 2.2-19.9). These associations remained significant after adjusting for RA disease activity, RA disease duration and cardiovascular risk factors. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Reduced EIVD and older age are associated with the presence of carotid plaques in RA patients independently of RA duration, disease activity and cardiovascular risk factors, and may be considered as indicators for evaluating atherosclerotic burden in patients with RA who do not have overt cardiovascular disease. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None Declared
Long-Term Outcome of Fulminant Myocarditis as Compared with Acute (Nonfulminant) Myocarditis
Authors: Robert E. McCarthy, John P. Boehmer, Ralph H. Hruban, Grover M. Hutchins, Edward K. Kasper, Joshua M. Hare, Kenneth L. Baughman
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2000)

Lymphocytic myocarditis causes left ventricular dysfunction that may be persistent or reversible. There are no clinical criteria that predict which patients will recover ventricular function and which cases will progress to dilated cardiomyopathy. We hypothesized that patients with fulminant myocarditis may have a better long-term prognosis than those with acute (nonfulminant) myocarditis.
Food-Borne Epidemic of Streptococcal Pharyngitis at the United States Air Force Academy
Authors: Harry R. Hill, Robert A. Zimmerman, Gordon V. K. Reid, Elizabeth Wilson, Roger M. Kilton
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1969)

An explosive epidemic of pharyngitis due to Group A streptococci occurred among the cadets at the United States Air Force Academy during a seven-day period in the spring of 1968. Symptoms of streptococcal pharyngitis developed in over 1000 cadets during the course of the epidemic. Prompt institution of control measures probably confined the outbreak to the cadet wing and prevented extensive secondary spread. The epidemic strain was identified as a Group A, T-Type 12 streptococcus that could not be M-typed with available typing serums and may represent a new M-Type. An epidemiologic investigation incriminated a single food item as the vehicle of transmission. Nonsuppurative sequelae were not detected despite intensive surveillance.
Abstract 5291: A preclinical model for investigation of nuclear factor-kappa B inhibitors in ovarian cancer
Authors: Andrew J. Wilson, Hye-Jeong Lee, Halina Oshinko, Fiona Yull, Dineo Khabele
Journal: Cancer Research (2011)

Abstract Most women diagnosed with ovarian cancer initially present with metastatic disease characterized by peritoneal implants and ascites. Critical to the distinct clinical pattern of spread of ovarian tumors is activation of a pro-inflammatory process mediated by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). However, NF-κB inhibitors such as bortezomib have been disappointing in the clinic. Alternative NF-κB inhibitors such as thymoquinone (TQ) and curcumin, both derived from natural products, exhibit promise as potential treatments for ovarian cancer and are well tolerated. Therefore, our goals were to validate a newly developed preclinical model system for NF-κB activity in ovarian cancer cells and test the efficacy of TQ and curcumin in combination with cisplatin, standard therapy for ovarian cancer. Mouse ovarian epithelial cancer cells (ID8) derived from C57BL/6 mice were stably transfected with a fusion reporter that expresses a green fluorescent protein (GFP)/luciferase fusion product under the control of a synthetic NF-κB dependent promoter (ID8-NGL). Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) stimulated NGL reporter activity approximately 2.5-fold in luciferase assays in ID8-NGL cells, an effect confirmed by bioluminescence imaging of cell monolayers. The specificity of this effect was demonstrated by the ability of the NF-κB inhibitor, TQ, to abrogate TNF-α-stimulation of NF-κB reporter activity. These effects in ID8-NGL cells were confirmed by parallel Western Blot analysis of IκBα phosphorylation (p-IκBα), with TQ markedly inhibiting TNF-α-induction of p-IκBα. Treatment of ID8-NGL cells with TQ and curcumin inhibited NGL reporter activity and inhibited growth in MTT assays in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the combination of TQ or curcumin with cisplatin induced greater inhibitory effects on growth of ID8-NGL cells than either drug alone, indicative of synergistic effects. Finally, we have confirmed ID8-NGL cells transplanted intraperitoneally into C57BL/6 mice form peritoneal tumors and ascites in a similar manner to parental ID8 cells in vivo. This syngeneic model of ovarian cancer progression will allow us to examine in more detail the effects of promising NF-κB inhibitors in combination with platinum therapy in ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in immunocompetent mice in vivo, providing a powerful platform for future preclinical investigation of novel therapeutic agents that target NF-κB in ovarian cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5291. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5291
Abstract LB-391: The modified effect of obesity on the association between height and cancer incidence
Authors: Sang-Ah Lee, Jong-Hoon Kim, Joohon Sung
Journal: Cancer Research (2010)

Abstract Height has been regarded as anthropometric marker of early-life environments and reported the association with the risk of cancer incidence and mortality although the results were not consistent for some site-specific cancers. This study was aimed to evaluate the association between height and cancer incidence among Korean and the modification effects at BMI on the association. In addition, the association between height and the mortality of 5 major cancer sites was analyzed. The study participants of 1,067,923 Koreans (609,560 men and 458,363 women) aged 30-65 years was included in the follow-up or cancer incidence and mortality between 1993 and 2005. Study participants were divided into quartile according to their height. The lower quartile served as the reference group. Hazards ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) associated with height included in the model were age, weight, cigarette smoking habits, alcohol drinking habits, physical activity, economic status, age at menarche, and menopause status. After adjustment for all the covariates, each 5 cm increment in height was associated with 5% and 7% higher risk of overall cancer incidence in men and women, respectively. In case of site-specific cancers, a positive association was BMI (under vs. over 25 kg/m2), the effect of height on the risk of lung and prostate cancer incidence was predominantly observed among obese women only. These results suggest the association between height and cancer incidence might be modified by BMI status. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-391.
SAT0160 IL-2 deprivation of FOXP3+ TREG in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: C. von Spee, N. Wassermann, J.Y. Humrich, G. Riemekasten
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2013)

<h3>Background</h3> Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by loss of tolerance towards nuclear antigens and uncontrolled activation of self-reactive T and B cells. Several studies have shown phenotypic and quantitative abnormalities of regulatory T cells (Treg) in SLE patients. In addition, impaired IL-2 production by T cells has been connected with SLE. Recently we have demonstrated that an acquired and therapeutically reversible IL-2 deficiency is responsible for the disruption of Treg homeostasis in a lupus mouse model. <h3>Objectives</h3> In order to substantiate the rationale for an IL-2-based immunotherapy of human SLE we investigated whether CD4+Foxp3+CD127lo Treg of SLE patients display phenotypic and homeostatic abnormalities that are associated with IL-2 deficiency in analogy to murine lupus. <h3>Methods</h3> Phenotype, frequency and proliferative status of CD4+Foxp3+CD127lo Treg and CD4+Foxp3- conventional T cell (Tcon) subsets in peripheral blood from 30 SLE patients and age-matched healthy controls were analyzed by 8-10 colour flow-cytometry. Two-tailed Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis between the SLE and the control group (p&lt;0.05 is regarded as statistically significant). <h3>Results</h3> The overall frequency of Foxp3+CD127lo Treg is significantly increased in SLE patients compared to healthy controls (p=0.003). In contrast, the percentage of CD25 expressing cells among Foxp3+CD127lo Treg is significantly reduced in SLE (p=0.003). The distribution of Treg subsets in SLE patients is shifted towards a memory phenotype with a significantly lower percentage of CD45RA+CCR7+ naive (p=0.001) and higher frequencies of CD45RA-CCR7- effector (p=0.022) and CD45RA-CCR7+ central memory (p=0.025) Treg. The percentage of proliferation, as determined by Ki67 expression, is increased in Treg from SLE patients in contrast to healthy controls (p=0.024). A significantly higher increase in Tcon proliferation however, results in a strongly reduced ratio of Treg proliferation versus Tcon proliferation in SLE patients (P=0.0004). Most proliferating Treg and Tcon belong to the memory/effector subset. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Although an increased frequency of Foxp3+CD127lo Treg can be observed in SLE patients, the loss of CD25 expression and the predominance of Treg with a memory/effector phenotype suggest a profound disorder in Treg biology. In parallel, the decreased ratio between proliferating Foxp3+CD127lo Treg and Foxp3- Tcon indicates that the homeostatic balance between Treg and effector T cells is disturbed in SLE patients. Together, Foxp3+CD127lo Treg from SLE patients display phenotypic and homeostatic abnormalities that are very similar to those observed in lupus and IL-2<sup>-/-</sup> mice, suggesting an IL-2 deprivation of Treg also in human SLE. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None Declared
Complications and pathological changes of pancreas tumor after EUS-FNA
Authors: Shunpei Hashigo
Journal: Endoscopy (2011)

Objective: Recently EUS-FNA is increasingly performed in preoperative cases to acquire the pathological evidence in our center. However EUS-FNA is a safe technique, some problems remain such as hemorrhage, pancreatitis, and tumor dissemination. Also histological changes after EUS-FNA are still uncertain. The aim of this study is to assess the intraoperative and pathological changes after EUS-FNA.
IMPAIRMENT IN LEFT VENTRICULAR STRAIN IN PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY HYPERTENSION AND PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION EVALUATED BY THREE DIMENSIONAL SPECKLE TRACKING ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
Authors: Akiko Goda, Keiko Ryo, Antonia Delgado-Montero, Bhupendar Tayal, Marc Simon, Michael Mathier, John Gorcsan
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2015)
Management of aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal symptoms: A systematic review.
Authors: Kate Roberts, Kirsty Rickett, Natasha E. Woodward
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2016)

157 Background: Aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal symptoms (AIMSS) are experienced by a significant number of women on adjuvant aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer. These symptoms can result in therapy noncompliance and there is no accepted standardised treatment. We believe that this is the first systematic review to consider the evidence for all pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in the treatment of AIMSS. Methods: We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and CENTRAL. Clinical trials and observational studies for all potential pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions were included. Two reviewers screened the results and extracted the relevant data. Risk of bias for the full papers were assessed using JADAD or a modified Newcastle Ottawa score, with conference abstracts and letters to the editor excluded from this process. Results: Of 1260 records being identified, 887 unique citations were screened with 93 full text papers retrieved for assessment, and 37 selected for inclusion. We identified 9 pharmacological interventions (RCT = 3, pre-post = 4, cohort = 2) and 28 non-pharmacological interventions (RCT/CCT = 16, pre-post = 8, cohort = 3). The largest number of studies were for various exercise interventions (n = 7) with the largest trial showing a 29% decrease in worst joint pain scores compared to the control (2%, p &lt; 0.001). The highest number of RCTs was for acupuncture (n = 5), the majority of which showed a significant benefit with both real and sham acupuncture. Other single RCTs showing benefit include the use of testosterone, calcitonin and etoricoxib. No study adequately controlled for contamination bias from extraneous variables of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Conclusions: Given that pharmacological treatment is often recommended for AIMSS, it is surprising that there is limited published evidence for its use. Although the interventions being used appear tolerable with minimal adverse effects, the current level of evidence is low, and additional large RCTs with more rigorous controlling for contamination from other interventions are required to confirm some of the reported promising results.