tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Treatment of rosacea with intense pulsed light: significant improvement and long-lasting results
Authors: P. Papageorgiou, W. Clayton, S. Norwood, S. Chopra, M. Rustin
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2008)

Rosacea is a common skin condition but the treatments currently available are not satisfactory.To assess the efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) for treatment of stage I rosacea (flushing, erythema and telangiectasia).Thirty-four patients were treated, 25 women and nine men, mean age 47 years. The treatment employed was IPL 515-1200 nm, with a 560 nm cut-off filter. The fluence range was 24-32 J cm(-2). Four treatments were administered on the face at 3-week intervals. Erythema values were measured at baseline and at the end of the treatment period on the cheeks and chin. Digital photographs were assessed by a consultant dermatologist on a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients' assessments were also made using a 10-point VAS. Outcome measures were repeated 6 months after treatment.After four treatments the mean reduction of the erythema values was 39% on the cheeks (P < 0.001) and 22% on the chin (P < 0.001). This was confirmed by photographic assessment where erythema improved by 46% and telangiectasia by 55% (P < 0.001). The severity of rosacea was reduced on average by 3.5 points on the 10-point VAS. Patients' and physicians' assessments of the overall improvement of rosacea were similar: more than 50% improvement was noticed in 73% and 83% of patients, respectively (P < 0.001). The results were sustained at 6 months. Side-effects were minimal and self-limiting.IPL significantly reduces erythema and telangiectasia of rosacea and this is sustained for at least 6 months.
Superior Cardiovascular Effect of Aerobic Interval Training Versus Moderate Continuous Training in Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Ulrik Wisløff, Asbjørn Støylen, Jan P. Loennechen, Morten Bruvold, Øivind Rognmo, Per Magnus Haram, Arnt Erik Tjønna, Jan Helgerud, Stig A. Slørdahl, Sang Jun Lee, Vibeke Videm, Anja Bye, Godfrey L. Smith, Sonia M. Najjar, Øyvind Ellingsen, Terje Skjærpe
Journal: Circulation (2007)

Background— Exercise training reduces the symptoms of chronic heart failure. Which exercise intensity yields maximal beneficial adaptations is controversial. Furthermore, the incidence of chronic heart failure increases with advanced age; it has been reported that 88% and 49% of patients with a first diagnosis of chronic heart failure are &gt;65 and &gt;80 years old, respectively. Despite this, most previous studies have excluded patients with an age &gt;70 years. Our objective was to compare training programs with moderate versus high exercise intensity with regard to variables associated with cardiovascular function and prognosis in patients with postinfarction heart failure. Methods and Results— Twenty-seven patients with stable postinfarction heart failure who were undergoing optimal medical treatment, including β-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (aged 75.5±11.1 years; left ventricular [LV] ejection fraction 29%; V̇ o 2peak 13 mL · kg −1 · min −1 ) were randomized to either moderate continuous training (70% of highest measured heart rate, ie, peak heart rate) or aerobic interval training (95% of peak heart rate) 3 times per week for 12 weeks or to a control group that received standard advice regarding physical activity. V̇ o 2peak increased more with aerobic interval training than moderate continuous training (46% versus 14%, P &lt;0.001) and was associated with reverse LV remodeling. LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes declined with aerobic interval training only, by 18% and 25%, respectively; LV ejection fraction increased 35%, and pro-brain natriuretic peptide decreased 40%. Improvement in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (endothelial function) was greater with aerobic interval training, and mitochondrial function in lateral vastus muscle increased with aerobic interval training only. The MacNew global score for quality of life in cardiovascular disease increased in both exercise groups. No changes occurred in the control group. Conclusions— Exercise intensity was an important factor for reversing LV remodeling and improving aerobic capacity, endothelial function, and quality of life in patients with postinfarction heart failure. These findings may have important implications for exercise training in rehabilitation programs and future studies.
Accuracy evaluation of a new three-dimensional reproduction method of edentulous dental casts, and wax occlusion rims with jaw relation
Authors: Fu-Song Yuan, Yu-Chun Sun, Yong Wang, Pei-Jun Lü
Journal: International Journal of Oral Science (2013)

The article introduces a new method for three-dimensional reproduction of edentulous dental casts, and wax occlusion rims with jaw relation by using a commercial high-speed line laser scanner and reverse engineering software and evaluates the method's accuracy in vitro. The method comprises three main steps: (i) acquisition of the three-dimensional stereolithography data of maxillary and mandibular edentulous dental casts and wax occlusion rims; (ii) acquisition of the three-dimensional stereolithography data of jaw relations; and (iii) registration of these data with the reverse engineering software and completing reconstruction. To evaluate the accuracy of this method, dental casts and wax occlusion rims of 10 edentulous patients were used. The lengths of eight lines between common anatomic landmarks were measured directly on the casts and occlusion rims by using a vernier caliper and on the three-dimensional computerized images by using the software measurement tool. The direct data were considered as the true values. The paired-samples t-test was used for statistical analysis. The mean differences between the direct and the computerized measurements were mostly less than 0.04 mm and were not significant (P>0.05). Statistical significance among 10 patients was assessed using one-way analysis of variance (P<0.05). The result showed that the 10 patients were considered statistically no significant. Therefore, accurate three-dimensional reproduction of the edentulous dental casts, wax occlusion rims, and jaw relations was achieved. The proposed method enables the visualization of occlusion from different views and would help to meet the demand for the computer-aided design of removable complete dentures. A new method for creating three-dimensional images of dental casts, bite blocks and jaw alignments could pave the way for better-fitting dentures. Pei-Jun Lü and his colleagues at Peking University's Center of Digital Dentistry in China fabricated standard dental restoration molds from 10 people who had previously had all their teeth extracted. They then used a laser scanner and reverse-engineering software to make computerized renderings of the restoration molds. To test the accuracy of the method, the researchers measured the lengths of eight lines between common anatomical landmarks on the casts and so-called 'occlusion rims'. They found that the digital drawings were generally within 0.04 millimeters of their true values, as measured with calipers. Notably, the images could be analyzed in three dimensions and visualized from different angles, allowing for computer-aided design of denture prosthetics.
Chronic respiratory care for neuromuscular diseases in adults
Authors: A. J. Hon, J. R. Bach
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2010)

Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) may affect respiratory muscles, leading to respiratory failure. Studies show that long-term noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) improves symptoms, gas exchange, quality of life and survival. NIV improved these parameters in muscular dystrophies and also in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis without severe bulbar dysfunction. NIV should be started at the onset of nocturnal hypoventilation. In selected cases, NIV may be simpler, better accepted by patients and cheaper than invasive mechanical ventilation, but it cannot be used as an alternative. Tracheostomy may be preferred by patients unable to protect their airways and wishing to survive as long as possible, or by ventilator-dependent patients. Glossopharyngeal breathing consists of taking air and propelling it into the lungs. Chest percussions and vibrations can help to mobilise airway secretions but they cannot substitute coughing. Manually assisted coughing requires substantial lung inflation through air stacking or deep lung insufflation, followed by an abdominal thrust with open glottis. The combination of mechanical in-exsufflation with an abdominal thrust is a mechanically assisted cough. In conclusion, recent advances in respiratory care of NMD have improved prognosis and many caregivers have changed from a traditional noninterventional to a more aggressive, supportive approach.
Coming to Grips With an Urban Heroin Addiction Epidemic
Authors: Robert L. DuPont
Journal: JAMA (1973)

Early in 1970, the District of Columbia began a major program aimed at treating all the city's heroin addicts within three years. As a result of these efforts, 4,200 of the city's 18,000 addicts are now in treatment in 21 centers. The heroin addiction epidemic in Washington may have been stabilized but it has not ended. Seven lessons have been learned which temper some of the initial optimism and suggest future directions.
Toll-like receptors as targets in chronic liver diseases
Authors: A Mencin, J Kluwe, R F Schwabe
Journal: Gut (2009)

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognise pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) to detect the presence of pathogens. In addition to their role in innate immunity, TLRs also play a major role in the regulation of inflammation, even under sterile conditions such as injury and wound healing. This involvement has been suggested to depend, at least in part, on the ability of TLRs to recognise several endogenous TLR ligands termed damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). The liver not only represents a major target of bacterial PAMPs in many disease states but also upregulates several DAMPs following injury. Accordingly, TLR-mediated signals have been implicated in a number of chronic liver diseases. Here, we will summarise recent findings on the role TLRs and TLR ligands in the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma, and highlight the potential role of TLR agonists, antagonists and probiotics for the treatment of chronic liver disease.
Effects of 5,6-Dimethylxanthenone-4-Acetic Acid on Human Tumor Microcirculation Assessed by Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Susan M. Galbraith, Gordon J.S. Rustin, Martin A. Lodge, N. Jane Taylor, J. James Stirling, Michael Jameson, Paul Thompson, David Hough, Lindsey Gumbrell, Anwar R. Padhani
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2002)

5,6-Dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA) causes vascular shutdown in preclinical models. Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were performed in the phase I trials to examine changes related to blood flow and permeability in tumor and muscle.Sixteen patients treated with DMXAA from 500 to 4,900 mg/m(2) had DCE-MRI examinations before and after treatment. The maximum gradient, the maximum enhancement, and the area under the signal-intensity-time curve (AUC) over the first 90 seconds were calculated for each pixel in regions of interest (ROIs) in muscle and tumor, and the median value for each ROI was obtained. Changes after treatment were compared with 95% limits of agreement for an individual and for groups using data from our reproducibility study.Nine of 16 patients had significant reductions in AUC 24 hours after the first dose of DMXAA, and eight of 11 patients had reductions of up to 66% in AUC 24 hours after the last dose. Mean reductions in gradient, enhancement, and AUC were 25%, 18%, and 31%, respectively, 24 hours after the last dose, significantly greater than the 95% limits of change for a group of 11 patients. Enhancement and AUC in muscle 24 hours after the first dose were significantly reduced, but no significant changes were seen 24 hours after the last dose.DMXAA significantly reduces DCE-MRI parameters related to tumor blood flow, over a wide dose range, consistent with the reported tumor vascular targeting activity. Further clinical evaluation of DMXAA is warranted.
The central nervous system is a target of acute graft versus host disease in mice
Authors: Steffen Hartrampf, Jarrod A. Dudakov, Linda K. Johnson, Odette M. Smith, Jennifer Tsai, Natalie V. Singer, Mallory L. West, Alan M. Hanash, Michael H. Albert, Bingfang Liu, Miklos Toth, Marcel R. M. van den Brink
Journal: Blood (2013)
Side Effects of Mandibular Advancement Devices for Sleep Apnea Treatment
Authors: KARSTEN M. FRITSCH, ANGELO ISELI, ERICH W. RUSSI, KONRAD E. BLOCH
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2001)

Our purpose was to investigate side effects of sleep apnea treatment by removable oral appliances (OA) that advance the mandible. In 22 patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), questionnaire evaluations, polysomnographies, cephalographies, and dental plaster casts were obtained before initiation of treatment with OA that fully covered both dental arches. Patients were reevaluated after 3 to 12 mo (questionnaires, polysomnographies) and 12 to 30 mo (questionnaires, cephalographies, plaster casts) during continuous treatment. Polysomnographies confirmed improved breathing by OA. All patients experienced persistent alleviation of symptoms after 12 to 30 mo and wished to continue treatment. Side effects were common but only mildly disturbing: mucosal dryness (86% of patients), tooth discomfort (59%), and hypersalivation (55%). Cephalographies revealed a decrease in the mean (+/- SE) upper incisors to maxillary plane angle from 102 +/- 2 degrees at baseline, to 101 +/- 2 degrees after 12 to 30 mo (p < 0.05). Overbite and overjet were also slightly (mean reduction < 1 mm) but significantly reduced. None of these side effects required discontinuation of treatment. OA are an effective therapy of obstructive sleep apnea. Mild side effects are common but rarely require intervention. Nevertheless, close follow-up during long-term therapy by OA is advisable in order to timely detect potentially relevant orthodontic changes.
miR-200b and miR-200c as Prognostic Factors and Mediators of Gastric Cancer Cell Progression
Authors: Hailin Tang, Min Deng, Yunyun Tang, Xinhua Xie, Jiaoli Guo, Yanan Kong, Feng Ye, Qi Su, Xiaoming Xie
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2013)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinicopathologic significance and potential role of miR-200b and miR-200c in the development and progression of gastric cancer.We examined miR-200b and miR-200c expression in 36 paired normal and stomach tumor specimens, as well as gastric cancer cell lines, by quantitative real-time PCR. In addition, miR-200b and miR-200c were detected by ISH using gastric cancer tissue microarrays, and the association between miR-200b and miR-200c levels and clinicopathologic factors and prognosis were analyzed. A luciferase assay was conducted for target evaluation. The functional effects of miR-200b and miR-200c on gastric cancer cells were validated by a cell proliferation assay and cell invasion and migration assays.miR-200b and miR-200c were downregulated in the gastric cancer specimens and cell lines tested. miR-200b and miR-200c levels were significantly correlated with the clinical stage, T stage, lymph node metastasis, and survival of patients. Ectopic expression of miR-200b and miR-200c impaired cell growth and invasion. In addition, when overexpressed, miR-200b and miR-200c commonly directly targeted DNMT3A, DNMT3B, and SP1 (a transactivator of the DNMT1 gene), which resulted in marked reduction of the expression of DNA methyltransferases DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B at the protein level. This effect, in turn, led to a decrease in global DNA methylation and reexpression of p16, RASS1A1, and E-cadherin via promoter DNA hypomethylation.Our findings suggest that miR-200b and miR-200c, as valuable markers of gastric cancer prognosis, may be a promising approach to human gastric cancer treatment.
Assessment of stunned myocardium by dobutamine echocardiography: Relation between myocardial contractility and distal coronary flow
Authors: Ramon Castello, Morton J. Kem, Melda S. Dolan, Thomas J. Donohue, Richard D. Bach, George A. Vogler, Jeanette A. St. Vrain, Frederick A. Dressler, Carol J. Mechem, Arthur J. Labovitz
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (1996)
Treatment of whistleblowers is "stain on reputation of NHS," say MPs
Authors: A. O'Dowd
Journal: BMJ (2015)

Staff members who blow the whistle on poor practice in the NHS are still treated badly, with some being disciplined, victimised, or dismissed as a result, MPs have said.

The plight of staff who blow the whistle was highlighted in a report published by the parliamentary select committee on health on 21 January, in which MPs said that the treatment of whistleblowers remained a “stain on the reputation of the NHS.”1

Overall, complaint handling in the NHS was still too complex, said the MPs, who recommended that there be a single gateway for raising complaints and concerns. Their report said that the safety of patients and the treatment of complaints and concerns had become high profile issues …
Lipid levels, adherence to medication, baseline characteristics in the cholesterol and recurrent events (CARE) study
Authors: J.M.O. Arnold, B.R. Davis, D.T. Nash, W. Insul, S. Lewis, R.M. Kohn, S.P. Glasser, K.M. Belew, B. Kimmet, F.M. Sacks
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (1998)
Breast-Feeding and Cancer: The Boyd Orr Cohort and a Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Authors: Richard M. Martin, Nicos Middleton, David Gunnell, Christopher G. Owen, George Davey Smith
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2005)

Having been breast-fed has been suggested to influence cancer risk in adulthood. We investigated associations between breast-feeding during infancy and adult cancer incidence and mortality in a cohort study and meta-analyses of published studies.The Boyd Orr cohort consisted of 4999 subjects who were originally surveyed in 1937-39, when they were 0-19 years of age. Cancer outcomes from 1948 through 2003 were available for 4379 (88%) subjects, and 3844 had complete data on all covariates. Associations of breast-feeding with cancer were investigated using proportional hazards models. We also identified 14 studies on infant feeding and cancer published from 1966 through July 2005, of which 10 could be combined with the Boyd Orr cohort results in a meta-analysis of breast cancer using random-effect models.In the Boyd Orr cohort, ever having been breast-fed, compared with never having been breast-fed, was not associated with the incidence of all cancers (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.89 to 1.28) or of any individual cancer type examined (prostate HR = 1.43, 95% CI = 0.58 to 3.52; breast HR = 1.62, 95% CI = 0.89 to 2.94; colorectal HR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.45 to 1.63; gastric HR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.47 to 3.15). In the meta-analysis, there was also no association between breast-feeding and breast cancer (regardless of menopausal status) (relative risk [RR] = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.85 to 1.04). However, breast-fed women had a reduced risk of premenopausal breast cancer (RR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.79 to 0.98) but not of postmenopausal breast cancer (RR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.86 to 1.16).Ever having been breast-fed was not associated with overall breast cancer risk, although the meta-analysis revealed a reduced risk of premenopausal breast cancer in women who had been breast-fed.
Hypoxic exposure after smoke cessation restores alveolar surface area in mice
Authors: Christian Reinke, Robert A. Wise, Alan R. Schwartz, Shyam Biswal, Wayne Mitzner, Vsevolod Y. Polotsky
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Introduction:  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which mainly results from chronic exposure to tobacco smoke, is a major public health burden with no effective treatment. We have previously shown that hypoxia can induce lung growth in adult mice [1]. The aim of this study is to investigate if sustained hypoxia can restore the loss of alveolar surface area caused by tobacco smoke.   Methods:  We exposed C57BL/6J mice to 6 months of tobacco smoke (250 mg/m 3  suspended particles in 2.5 h/day) followed by 3 months of sustained hypoxia (SH) with an FiO 2  of 10% and appropriate control groups (no smoke/normoxia (N)). Pulmonary function was measured in anesthetized mice. Following euthanasia lungs were processed for morphometry, mean airspace chord length (Lm) was measured and alveolar surface area was calculated.   Results:  Mice exposed to tobacco smoke had a trend towards a lower alveolar surface area compared to control mice even 3 months after smoke cessation (p=0.10). SH increased total lung capacity, whereas Lm was unchanged. SH significantly increased the alveolar surface area in mice previously exposed to smoke (p=0.008, Fig. 1), but not in control mice.   Conclusions:  Sustained hypoxia after cessation of tobacco smoking restores alveolar surface area in mice. Future studies of the underlying mechanisms might lead to potential therapies.   Reference:   1Reinke et al, Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2011, 300(2):L266-73.
Kinematic invariances and body schema
Authors: Pietro Morasso, Vittorio Sanguineti
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (1995)

Abstract Generalizing the notion that muscles are positional frames of reference, a high-dimensional muscle space is defined for multi-muscle systems with an embedded low-dimensional motor manifold of functional articulators. A central representation of such a manifold is proposed as computational body schema. The example of the jaw-tongue system is presented, discussing the relation of functional articulators with kinematic invariances and control problems.