tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Some technical factors influencing the induction of sputum for cell analysis
Authors: TA Popov, MM Pizzichini, E Pizzichini, R Kolendowicz, Z Punthakee, J Dolovich, FE Hargreave
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1995)

Inhalation of hypertonic saline aerosol is a relatively noninvasive method to obtain sputum for examination of inflammatory processes in the airways. We investigated some technical factors which might influence the success of induction and sputum cell counts. In total, twenty six asthmatic and 13 healthy subjects, unable to raise sputum spontaneously, inhaled nebulized saline for three 7 min intervals. In three randomized, cross-over studies we repeated sputum induction on separate days with two ultrasonic nebulizers (De Vilbiss Ultraneb 99 and Fisoneb) and one jet nebulizer (Pari LL with Master Compressor) (Study 1, n = 15), with different saline concentrations (normal saline 0.9%; hypertonic saline 3% on 2 days; and hypertonic saline 3, 4 and 5%, sequentially) (Study 2, n = 14) and with pretreatment with either salbutamol or placebo (Study 3, n = 10). The latter two studies were double-blind. Sputum cells were dispersed with dithiothreitol, and the cell suspension was used to perform total cell counts and to prepare cytospins for differential cell counts. We compared success rate, cell counts, subject discomfort and percentage fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) during the procedures. All sputum examinations were performed blind to the clinical procedures. The success rates and the cell counts of the specimens obtained with the two ultrasonic nebulizers were not different, whilst general discomfort was proportional to the saline output of the nebulizer. Induction of sputum by hypertonic saline was more successful than normal saline, but more disagreeable to the subjects. Induction with saline 3% on two days was only successful in 6 of 14 subjects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Appropriateness of the use of clinical and radiologic examinations and laboratory tests in the follow-up of surgically-treated breast cancer patients
Authors: F Boccardo, P Bruzzi, L Cionini, C Confalonieri, R Fossati, M Gion, G M Giuseppetti, A Paradiso, E Parma, A Racanelli
Journal: Annals of Oncology (1995)
OC-142 Hemospray for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: results of the seal dataset (survey to evaluate the application of hemospray in the luminal tract)
Authors: L A Smith, A Stanley, J Morris
Journal: Gut (2012)

<h3>Introduction</h3> Hemospray is an endoscopic haemostatic agent licensed for use in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). It has been shown to be effective in achieving haemostasis in bleeding peptic ulcers in a pilot study from Hong Kong.<sup>1</sup> <h3>Methods</h3> From June until September 2011 several European hospitals participated in the SEAL dataset. Data on the use of Hemospray, lesions treated and other endoscopic modalities employed were prospectively collected. Rockall score and treatment outcomes were obtained retrospectively. The type of lesion treated and the use of Hemospray as monotherapy or combination therapy was at discretion of the endoscopist. <h3>Results</h3> Eighty two patients (57M:25F) were treated across 10 hospitals. Median age was 70 years. Aetiology of UGIB was gastroduodenal ulceration in 52% (n=43), post EMR 9% (n=7), tumour 6% (n=5), oesophageal ulceration 4% (n=3), dieulafoy lesion 4% (n=3), GAVE 2% (n=2), post-polypectomy 2% (n=2) and other causes totalling 21% (n=17). The gastroduodenal ulcers were classified as Forrest 1a (n=19), Forrest 1b (n=21) and unclassified (n=3). Hemospray was used as monotherapy in the majority of patients (57% n=47). In 8 (10%) it was used as first modality followed by additional endoscopic treatment and in 27 (33%) it was used as an adjuvant (rescue) therapy. Primary haemostasis was achieved in 71 patients (87%). Results of therapy for each of the three subgroups are shown in the Abstract OC-142 table 1. There were five deaths none of which were due to bleeding. Cause of death was liver disease in two patients, myocardial infarction, aspiration pneumonia and perforation in the remaining three patients respectively. There were eight technical complications: four blockages of the application catheter, one blockage of the endoscope working channel, on two occasions the endoscope became adherent to the oesophageal mucosa after use in retroflexion and on one occasion the CO<sub>2</sub> propellant cartridge failed to operate. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Hemospray provides an effective endoscopic modality for achieving primary haemostasis of non variceal UGIB as monotherapy or as first line combination treatment as well as a rescue modality after failed conventional endoscopic treatment. <h3>Competing interests</h3> None declared. <h3>Reference</h3> 1. <b>Sung JJ</b>, <i>et al.</i> Early clinical experience of the safety and effectiveness of hemospray in achieving hemostasis in patients with acute peptic ulcer bleeding. <i>Endoscopy</i> 2011;<b>43</b>:291–5.
Serious neck injuries in U19 rugby union players: an audit of admissions to spinal injury units in Great Britain and Ireland
Authors: James GB MacLean, James D Hutchison
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2011)

To obtain data regarding admissions of U19 rugby players to spinal injury units in Great Britain and Ireland and to compare this with a recent peak in presentation in Scotland. To assess the current state of data collection and subsequent analysis of serious neck injuries. To analyse the mechanism of injury in this group of at-risk players.Retrospective case series.Spinal injury units in Great Britain and Ireland.Annual frequency of serious neck injuries. Analysis of injury types, neurological deficit and mechanism of injury.36 Injuries were recorded. 10 Of these occurred in Scotland since 1996 of which six have occurred in the past 4 years. This compared with 14 in Ireland over the same period. 12 Cases were traced in England and Wales since 2000; records were not available before this date. No prospective collation of data is performed by the home unions and inconsistency of data collection exists. The mean age was 16.2 years. 16 Of the 36 admissions had complete neurological loss, 9 had incomplete neurological injury and 11 had cervical column injury without spinal cord damage. The mechanism of injury was tackle in 17 (47%), scrum in 13 (36%), two each due to the maul and collision, and one each due to a kick and a ruck. Some degree of spinal cord injury occurred in 92% of scrum injuries (61% complete) and 53% of tackle injuries (29% complete).U19 rugby players continue to sustain serious neck injuries necessitating admission to spinal injury units with a low but persistent frequency. The recent rate of admission in Scotland is disproportionately high when the respective estimated playing populations are considered. While more injuries were sustained in the tackle, spinal cord injury was significantly more common in neck injury sustained in the scrum (p<0.001). No register of catastrophic neck injuries exists despite repeated calls over the past three decades, and a study such as this has not been reported before. Data collection of this serious category of injury is incomplete and very variable across the home unions, as a consequence a large proportion of the serious neck injuries that have occurred in U19 players over the past 14 years have not been analysed. Rigorous data collection and analysis have to be established so that problem areas of the game such as scrum engagement and the tackle can be made safer.
Systemic lupus erythematosus. II. Observations on the occurrence of exacerbations in the disease course: Dutch experience with 110 patients studied prospectively.
Authors: A J Swaak, J C Nossent, W Bronsveld, A van Rooyen, E J Nieuwenhuys, L Theuns, R J Smeenk
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1989)

The incidence of exacerbations in the disease course was investigated in 110 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who were studied prospectively at our institute for lupus research. At the time of disease onset and diagnosis the male patients were much older than the female patients (about 10 years); exacerbation frequency during follow up was increased in the male patients. The follow up data showed that if a patient with SLE was prone to develop an exacerbation this mostly took place within the first five years of follow up. It could be calculated that after fulfilling the American Rheumatism Association criteria only 56% (62/110) of the patients developed a subsequent exacerbation. Features at the time of diagnosis, distinguishing those patients who developed a subsequent exacerbation from those who did not, were haemolytic anaemia, the presence of anti-Sm antibodies, and a falsely positive serological test for syphilis. At the time of diagnosis, however, the prevalences of these features were low; for haemolytic anaemia, anti-Sm antibodies, and a falsely positive serological test for syphilis they amounted to 40%, 5%, and 12% respectively.
RE: Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening Trials and Prostate Cancer Deaths: The Androgen Deprivation Connection
Authors: Sigrid Carlsson, Monique J. Roobol, Fritz H. Schröder, Jonas Hugosson, Anssi Auvinen
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2014)

We were intrigued to read the article by Haines and Miklos (1) in which they reviewed published data from the three large randomized prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening trials: Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer screening trial, European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC), and the Goteborg trial. The authors note “that in both European trials far more patients received hormonal treatment in the control than the screening arm”, with a concomitant “increase in prostate cancer deaths in control patients” (1). The authors thus claim that, instead of PSA screening effectively reducing prostate cancer deaths in the screening arm, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) given to patients in the control arm increased prostate cancer deaths, calling their hypothesis an “androgen deprivation connection.”
Detection of chimerism and early engraftment after allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell or bone marrow transplantation by short tandem repeats
Authors: W. Frankel, A. Chan, R.E. T. Corringham, S. Shepherd, A. Rearden, J. Wang-Rodriguez
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (1996)

Chimerism can be monitored after HLA-matched allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) or allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) by detecting polymorphisms in short tandem repeats (STR). The purpose of our study was to document early complete chimerism in BMT and PBSCT recipients using STR, and to determine whether the initial WBC recovery correlated with the days required to attain complete chimerism. A total of 5 patients (2 PBSCT and 3 BMT) were followed by STR after transplantation. Peripheral blood obtained prior to transplantation was used to determine the 2 most informative STR probes for each donor/recipient pair. STR were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with 8 commercial probes, and PCR products were visualized with silver staining. Peripheral blood was evaluated daily post-transplantation for WBC counts and to identify the presence of mixed or full chimerism by STR. The sensitivity of the STR technique varied from 0.05 to 1%, depending on the probe. Full chimerism was documented between day 9 and 14 in PBSCT recipients and on day 14 and 16 in BMT recipients. The initial rise in WBC occurred within 3 days of the onset of full chimerism, indicating that full chimerism is a more sensitive indicator of early engraftment. Periodic recipient monitoring using STR after complete chimerism identifies those patients who revert to mixed chimeras. The STR method may be useful in future studies to determine the significance of early engraftment and the clinical implications of sustained complete chimerism or mixed chimerism.
Thymus-specific serine protease contributes to the diversification of the functional endogenous CD4 T cell receptor repertoire
Authors: Christophe Viret, Camille Lamare, Martine Guiraud, Nicolas Fazilleau, Agathe Bour, Bernard Malissen, Alice Carrier, Sylvie Guerder
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2010)

Thymus-specific serine protease (TSSP) is a novel protease that may contribute to the generation of the peptide repertoire presented by MHC class II molecules in the thymus. Although TSSP deficiency has no quantitative impact on the development of CD4 T cells expressing a polyclonal T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, the development of CD4 T cells expressing the OTII and Marilyn transgenic TCRs is impaired in TSSP-deficient mice. In this study, we assess the role of TSSP in shaping the functional endogenous polyclonal CD4 T cell repertoire by analyzing the response of TSSP-deficient mice to several protein antigens (Ags). Although TSSP-deficient mice responded normally to most of the Ags tested, they responded poorly to hen egg lysozyme (HEL). The impaired CD4 T cell response of TSSP-deficient mice to HEL correlated with significant alteration of the dominant TCR-β chain repertoire expressed by HEL-specific CD4 T cells, suggesting that TSSP is necessary for the intrathymic development of cells expressing these TCRs. Thus, TSSP contributes to the diversification of the functional endogenous CD4 T cell TCR repertoire in the thymus.
Diagnostic performance of [ 18 F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography in cyst infection in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: M. Bobot, C. Ghez, B. Gondouin, M. Sallée, P.E. Fournier, S. Burtey, T. Legris, B. Dussol, Y. Berland, P. Souteyrand, L. Tessonnier, S. Cammilleri, N. Jourde-Chiche
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection (2015)
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy as an early indicator of response to anti-angiogenic therapy in patients with recurrent glioblastoma: RTOG 0625/ACRIN 6677
Authors: E.-M. Ratai, Z. Zhang, B. S. Snyder, J. L. Boxerman, Y. Safriel, R. C. McKinstry, F. Bokstein, M. R. Gilbert, A. G. Sorensen, D. P. Barboriak
Journal: Neuro-Oncology (2013)

The prognosis for patients with recurrent glioblastoma remains poor. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential role of MR spectroscopy as an early indicator of response to anti-angiogenic therapy. Thirteen patients with recurrent glioblastoma were enrolled in RTOG 0625/ACRIN 6677, a prospective multicenter trial in which bevacizumab was used in combination with either temozolomide or irinotecan. Patients were scanned prior to treatment and at specific timepoints during the treatment regimen. Postcontrast T1-weighted MRI was used to assess 6-month progression-free survival. Spectra from the enhancing tumor and peritumoral regions were defined on the postcontrast T1-weighted images. Changes in the concentration ratios of n-acetylaspartate/creatine (NAA/Cr), choline-containing compounds (Cho)/Cr, and NAA/Cho were quantified in comparison with pretreatment values. NAA/Cho levels increased and Cho/Cr levels decreased within enhancing tumor at 2 weeks relative to pretreatment levels (P = .048 and P = .016, respectively), suggesting a possible antitumor effect of bevacizumab with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Nine of the 13 patients were alive and progression free at 6 months. Analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves for NAA/Cho changes in tumor at 8 weeks revealed higher levels in patients progression free at 6 months (area under the curve = 0.85), suggesting that NAA/Cho is associated with treatment response. Similar results were observed for receiver operating characteristic curve analyses against 1-year survival. In addition, decreased Cho/Cr and increased NAA/Cr and NAA/Cho in tumor periphery at 16 weeks posttreatment were associated with both 6-month progression-free survival and 1-year survival. Changes in NAA and Cho by MR spectroscopy may potentially be useful as imaging biomarkers in assessing response to anti-angiogenic treatment.
Phase II, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Recombinant Human Intestinal Trefoil Factor Oral Spray for Prevention of Oral Mucositis in Patients With Colorectal Cancer Who Are Receiving Fluorouracil-Based Chemotherapy
Authors: Douglas E. Peterson, Nicholas P. Barker, Lilia I. Akhmadullina, Irina Rodionova, Nailya Z. Sherman, Irina S. Davidenko, Galina N. Rakovskaya, Eugeny A. Gotovkin, Sergey A. Shinkarev, Mikhail V. Kopp, Eugeny P. Kulikov, Vladimir M. Moiseyenko, Joseph M. Gertner, Igor Firsov, Tamara Tuleneva, Alexander Yarosh, Chee-Wai Woon
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2009)

This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of recombinant human intestinal trefoil factor (rhITF) administered as topical oral spray for prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (OM).Ninety-nine patients with colorectal cancer who had moderate to severe OM (WHO grade >or= 2) in the first cycle of chemotherapy were randomly assigned to receive either placebo, rhITF 10 mg/mL (ie, low dose), or rhITF 80 mg/mL (ie, high dose) by oral spray (300 microL, eight times each day) for 14 consecutive days in the second chemotherapy cycle. Patients were assessed on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, and 21 (+/- 2 days for the last assessment) for safety and for OM incidence and severity.Treatment of patients at high risk for developing OM with low- or high-dose rhITF significantly reduced the amount of incidence (75% to 81%; low-dose rhITF P < .001; high-dose rhITF P = .002). Frequencies of WHO grade >or= 2 OM in the placebo, low-dose rhITF, and high-dose rhITF groups were 48.5%, 9.1%, and 12.1%, respectively. Assessment of the area under the curve revealed statistically significant reductions in OM severity in the rhITF-treated groups versus placebo. Only a minority of patients (6.1%) reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), all of which were mild to moderate in intensity and resolved without sequelae. The incidence of TEAEs was not significantly different among treatment groups.rhITF oral spray formulation was safe and effective when used for the reduction of chemotherapy-associated OM in patients with colorectal cancer. Patients exhibited high compliance in dosing administration. Future clinical study is planned to develop this drug for use in OM management in patients with cancer.
Underdiagnosis of hereditary haemochromatosis: reflects lack of clinical not biochemical penetrance
Authors: D Thorburn
Journal: Gut (2003)

In their paper, Ryan et al ( Gut2002;51:108–12 [OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] ) reported that 78% of men (mean age 42 years) and 36% of women (mean age 39 years) who were identified to be C282Y homozygotes by family screening had evidence of biochemical iron overload. They concluded that underdiagnosis of hereditary haemochromatosis may be the result of failure to diagnose the phenotype in patients with iron overload. In Glasgow, the prevalence of the C282Y homozygous state is high at approximately 1 in 180 of the population, of whom only 5.1% had been diagnosed by August 2001.1 Of these known cases we identified … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DGut%26rft.stitle%253DGut%26rft.issn%253D0017-5749%26rft.aulast%253DRyan%26rft.auinit1%253DE%26rft.volume%253D51%26rft.issue%253D1%26rft.spage%253D108%26rft.epage%253D112%26rft.atitle%253DUnderdiagnosis%2Bof%2Bhereditary%2Bhaemochromatosis%253A%2Black%2Bof%2Bpresentation%2Bor%2Bpenetration%253F%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1136%252Fgut.51.1.108%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F12077102%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/ijlink?linkType=ABST&journalCode=gutjnl&resid=51/1/108&atom=%2Fgutjnl%2F52%2F3%2F455.1.atom
Do Patients With Localized Prostate Cancer Treatment Really Want More Aggressive Treatment?
Authors: Julia J. van Tol-Geerdink, Peep F.M. Stalmeier, Emile N.J.T. van Lin, Eric C. Schimmel, Henk Huizenga, Wim A.J. van Daal, Jan-Willem Leer
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2006)

Examine whether patients with prostate cancer choose the more aggressive of two radiotherapeutic options, whether this choice is reasoned, and what the determinants of the choice are.One hundred fifty patients with primary prostate cancer (T(1-3)N(0)M(0)) were informed by means of a decision aid of two treatment options: radiotherapy with 70 Gy versus 74 Gy. The latter treatment is associated with more cure and more toxicity. The patients were asked whether they wanted to choose, and if so which treatment they preferred. They also assigned importance weights to the probability of various outcomes, such as survival, cure and adverse effects. Patients who wanted to choose their own treatment (n = 119) are described here.The majority of these patients (75%) chose the lower radiation dose. Their choice was highly consistent (P < or = .001), with the importance weights assigned to the probability of survival, cure (odds ratio [OR] = 6.7 and 6.9) and late GI and genitourinary adverse effects (OR = 0.1 and 0.2). The lower dose was chosen more often by the older patients, low-risk patients, patients without hormone treatment, and patients with a low anxiety or depression score.Most patients with localized prostate cancer prefer the lower radiation dose. Our findings indicate that many patients attach more weight to specific quality-of-life aspects (eg, GI toxicity) than to improving survival. Treatment preferences of patients with localized prostate cancer can and should be involved in radiotherapy decision making.
Associations between postnatal weight gain, change in postnatal pulmonary function, formula feeding and early asthma
Authors: S Turner, G Zhang, S Young, M Cox, J Goldblatt, L Landau, P Le Souef
Journal: Thorax (2007)

A study was undertaken to examine factors that might influence lung function during infancy and to test the hypothesis that change in weight during infancy is negatively associated with change in lung function.Weight, length and maximal flow at functional residual capacity (V'maxFRC) were measured at ages 1 and 12 months. V'maxFRC was adjusted for length. Asthma symptoms and age at introduction of formula feeds were identified from questionnaires. Groups were dichotomised by V'maxFRC at 1 month and change in V'maxFRC.154 infants were assessed at ages 1 and 12 months. The change in V'maxFRC was inversely associated with change in weight (r = -0.18, r2 = 0.13, p<0.001). The group with lower V'maxFRC at 1 month and reduced change in V'maxFRC over infancy had the greatest weight gain (p = 0.003) and increased risk for asthma symptoms by 3 years (p = 0.017) but not afterwards. Exclusive breast feeding to 6 months was associated with a mean reduction in weight gain at age 12 months in comparison with earlier introduction of formula milk (mean difference 0.65 kg, p = 0.001), and was also associated with reduced asthma symptoms at 3 years (odds ratio 0.44, p = 0.043) but not at 6 or 11 years of age.Weight gain in infancy is inversely associated with change in lung function during infancy. Postnatal weight gain may be indirectly associated with early transient asthma symptoms via an influence on lung growth during infancy, and this is potentially modifiable by breast feeding. These associations could be relevant to the clinically recognised syndrome of the "fat happy wheezer".