tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Receipt of Chemotherapy Among Medicare Patients With Cancer by Type of Supplemental Insurance
Authors: Joan L. Warren, Eboneé N. Butler, Jennifer Stevens, Christopher S. Lathan, Anne-Michelle Noone, Kevin C. Ward, Linda C. Harlan
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2014)

Medicare beneficiaries with cancer bear a greater portion of their health care costs, because cancer treatment costs have increased. Beneficiaries have supplemental insurance to reduce out-of-pocket costs; those without supplemental insurance may face barriers to care. This study examines the association between type of supplemental insurance coverage and receipt of chemotherapy among Medicare patients with cancer who, per National Comprehensive Cancer Network treatment guidelines, should generally receive chemotherapy.This retrospective, observational study included 1,200 Medicare patients diagnosed with incident cancer of the breast (stage IIB to III), colon (stage III), rectum (stage II to III), lung (stage II to IV), or ovary (stage II to IV) from 2000 to 2005. Using the National Cancer Institute Patterns of Care Studies and linked SEER-Medicare data, we determined each Medicare patient's supplemental insurance status (private insurance, dual eligible [ie, Medicare with Medicaid], or no supplemental insurance), consultation with an oncologist, and receipt of chemotherapy. Using adjusted logistic regression, we evaluated the association of type of supplemental insurance with oncologist consultation and receipt of chemotherapy.Dual-eligible patients were significantly less likely to receive chemotherapy than were Medicare patients with private insurance. Patients with Medicare only who saw an oncologist had comparable rates of chemotherapy compared with Medicare patients with private insurance.Dual-eligible Medicare beneficiaries received recommended cancer chemotherapy less frequently than other Medicare beneficiaries. With the increasing number of Medicaid patients under the Affordable Care Act, there will be a need for patient navigators and sufficient physician reimbursement so that low-income patients with cancer will have access to oncologists and needed treatment.
Contributing and Protective Risk Factors for Asthma Exacerbation in Latinos (GALA-II Study)
Authors: Ulysses Burley, Joy Hsu, Elizabeth Nguyen, Lindsey Roth, Joshua Galanter, Sam Oh, Celeste Eng, Fred Lurmann, Rajesh Kumar, Harold J. Farber, Denise Serebrisky, Luisa Borrell, Saunak Sen, William Rodriguez-Cintron, Jose Rodriguez-Santana, Esteban Gonza Burchard, Pedro C. Avila
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2013)
Predictive value of intraoperative biopsies and liver function tests for preservation injury in orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: M. J. Gaffey, J. C. Boyd, S. T. Traweek, M. A. Ali, M. Rezeig, S. H. Caldwell, J. C. Iezzoni, C. McCullough, W. C. Stevenson, S. Khuroo, N. Nezamuddin, M. B. Ishitani, T. L. Pruett
Journal: Hepatology (1997)

Eighty liver allografts were studied to determine the predictive value of intraoperative biopsies and postoperative liver function tests for the development of preservation injury (PI). Peak transaminase (aspartate transaminase [AST] and alanine transaminase [ALT]) and prothrombin time (PT) values achieved by each patient during postoperative days (POD) 1 through 7 were determined. PI in day 0 preperfusion biopsies (0Pre) (obtained immediately before implantation) and postperfusion biopsies (0Post) (obtained immediately after revascularization) was categorized by histological criteria as present or absent. PI in biopsies taken during POD 2 through 14 was histologically graded as either moderate-to-severe, mild, or absent. Of the 80 allografts, 8 were omitted because of primary nonfunction or postoperative complications. 0Pre and 0Post biopsies were available on 25 of 72 (35%) and 69 of 72 (96%) allografts, respectively. Only 2 (8%) of the 0Pre biopsies showed histological PI compared with 48 (70%) of the 0Post biopsies. Fifty-nine patients were biopsied between POD 2 through 14. Of these, 15, 28, and 16 patients developed moderate-to-severe, mild, or no evidence of PI, respectively. The presence of PI in the 0Post biopsy strongly correlated with the development of PI during POD 2 through 14 (P < .0005). Peak AST and ALT values in patients with moderate-to-severe PI on POD 2 through 14 were significantly elevated compared with those patients with either mild (P = .01 and .03) or no PI (P = .02 and .006). Because of extensive overlap in AST and ALT values between the three groups, however, transaminase values were not useful in predicting the presence or absence of PI in the individual case. The development of PI during POD 2 through 14 correlated with advanced donor age (P = .06) but was unassociated with 0Pre biopsy findings, cold ischemia time, or peak PT values. We conclude that the 0Post biopsy is a valuable tool for the prediction of subsequent PI in the early postoperative period. In contrast, 0Pre biopsy findings and peak AST and ALT values are not useful in the assessment of PI.
Effects of infliximab therapy on biological markers of synovium activity and cartilage breakdown in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: H Marotte, E Gineyts, P Miossec, P D Delmas
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2008)

<h3>Background:</h3> Defining the remission criteria of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains a critical issue. Markers of synovium activity, urinary glucosyl-galactosyl-pyridinoline (Glc-Gal-PYD) and of cartilage destruction, urinary C-terminal crosslinking telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II) have been shown to reflect disease activity and joint damage progression in RA. <h3>Methods:</h3> The prospective study cohort comprised 66 RA patients treated with infliximab and methotrexate and 76 healthy controls. Measurements of urinary Glc-Gal-PYD and CTX-II were performed at baseline and at 1 year of infliximab therapy. <h3>Results:</h3> At baseline, urinary Glc-Gal-PYD and CTX-II levels were increased in patients with RA and correlated with modified Sharp scores and progression of joint damage. Patients with more progressive joint destruction had higher Glc-Gly-PYD and CTX-II baseline levels. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> These markers reflected bone erosion evolution and might be useful for treatment monitoring and evaluation of RA. Markers remained high even in clinical responders after infliximab, suggesting persistence of synovitis.
Commentary: bronchiectasis and inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: R A Stockley
Journal: Thorax (1998)

A 48 year old woman presented with a history of fatigue, regular sputum production, and wheeze.High resolution computed tomographic scanning of the thorax demonstrated widespread bronchiectasis.Coeliac disease was diagnosed on the basis of an iron deficiency anaemia, subtotal villous atrophy on small bowel biopsy, and raised anti-gliadin and antiendomysial antibodies.The temporal relationship of her bronchiectasis and coeliac disease, and the subsequent stabilisation of her clinical symptoms and improvement in pulmonary physiology following treatment with inhaled corticosteroids, suggests a relationship between the two conditions which may be due to immunological mechanisms.
A New Role for Charge of the Glomerular Capillary Membrane
Authors: Scott C. Thomson, Roland C. Blantz
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (2010)

<h3>Objectives:</h3> To describe interactions between men who have sex with men (MSM) and healthcare workers (HCW) in peri-urban township communities in South Africa. <h3>Method:</h3> Qualitative study using semistructured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions in the Gauteng province townships of Soweto and Mamelodi. 32 MSM were purposively sampled for in-depth interviews and 15 for focus group discussions. Topics explored included identity, sexuality, community life, use of health services and experiences of stigma and discrimination. <h3>Results:</h3> MSM felt their options for non-stigmatising sexual healthcare services were limited by homophobic verbal harassment by HCW. Gay-identified men sought out clinics with reputations for employing HCW who respected their privacy and their sexuality and challenged those HCW who mistreated them. Non-gay-identified MSM presented masculine, heterosexual identities when presenting for sexual health problems and avoided discussing their sexuality with HCW. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> The strategies MSM employ to confront or avoid homophobia from HCW may not be conducive to sexual health promotion in this population. Interventions that increase the capacity of public sector HCW to provide appropriate sexual health services to MSM are urgently needed.
T cell receptor (TCR) usage determines disease susceptibility in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: studies with TCR V beta 8.2 transgenic mice.
Authors: V K Kuchroo, M Collins, A al-Sabbagh, R A Sobel, M J Whitters, S S Zamvil, M E Dorf, D A Hafler, J G Seidman, H L Weiner
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1994)

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an autoimmune disease that can be induced in laboratory animals by immunization with the major myelin proteins, myelin basic protein (MBP) and proteolipid protein (PLP). We analyzed the role of the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire in susceptibility to EAE induced by these two autoantigens. Autoreactive T cells induced after immunization with MBP use a limited set of TCR. In contrast, we demonstrate that T cell clones that recognize the encephalitogenic PLP epitope (PLP 139-151) use diverse TCR genes. When the TCR repertoire is limited by introduction of a novel rearranged TCR V beta 8.2 chain in transgenic SJL mice, EAE could be induced in the transgenic mice by immunization with the encephalitogenic epitopes of PLP, but not with the encephalitogenic epitope of MBP. Thus, skewing the TCR repertoire affects the susceptibility to EAE by immunization with MBP but not with PLP. These data demonstrate the biological consequences of the usage of a more diverse T cell repertoire in the development of an autoimmune disease.
Acute urinary retention associated with sublingual buprenorphine.
Authors: K Murray
Journal: BMJ (1983)

Prevalence and treatment of gall stones after gastric bypass surgery for morbid obesity Obesity and rapid weight loss predispose to the formation of gall stones.'We have documented the prevalence of gall stones before and after gastric bypass surgery for morbid obesity. Subjects, methods, and resultsSeventy three obese patients underwent gastric bypass operations between March 1980 and January 1982.Their median age was 34 years (range 18-51), median weight 118 kg (range 93-165), and 71 were women.Patients were fasted for 12 hours before operation.At operation a proximal gastric pouch of between 50 and 100 ml in volume was constructed, which was drained through a narrow stoma (10-12 mm) into a 40 cm Roux-en-Y segment of jejunum.Fourteen of the patients had already had their gall bladders removed, and 19 underwent cholecystectomy for gall stones at the time of the gastric bvpass.The remaining 40 patients wNere found to have normal gall bladders both on oral cholecystography and on palpation at operation.Gall bladder bile samples were takeni from 13 of the 19 patients who had 'Papapoulos SE, Clemens TL,
Genetically Induced Moderate Inhibition of the Proteasome in Cardiomyocytes Exacerbates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Mice
Authors: Zongwen Tian, Hanqiao Zheng, Jie Li, Yifan Li, Huabo Su, Xuejun Wang
Journal: Circulation Research (2012)

Both cardiomyocyte-restricted proteasome functional enhancement and pharmacological proteasome inhibition (PSMI) were shown to attenuate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The role of cardiac proteasome dysfunction during I/R and the perspective to diminish I/R injury by manipulating proteasome function remain unclear.We sought to determine proteasome adequacy in I/R hearts, create a mouse model of cardiomyocyte-restricted PSMI (CR-PSMI), and test CR-PSMI impact on I/R injury.Myocardial I/R were modeled by ligation (30 minutes) and subsequent release of the left anterior descending artery in mice overexpressing GFPdgn, a validated surrogate proteasome substrate. At 24 hours of reperfusion, myocardial proteasome activities were significantly lower whereas total ubiquitin conjugates and GFPdgn protein levels were markedly higher in all regions of the I/R hearts than the sham controls, indicative of proteasome functional insufficiency. CR-PSMI in intact mice was achieved by transgenic (tg) overexpression of a peptidase-disabled mouse β5 subunit (T60A-β5) driven by an attenuated mouse mhc6 promoter. Overexpressed T60A-β5 can replace endogenous β5 and inhibits proteasome chymotrypsin-like activities in the heart. Mice with moderate CR-PSMI showed no abnormalities at the baseline but displayed markedly more pronounced structural and functional damage during I/R, compared with non-tg littermates. The exacerbation of I/R injury by moderate CR-PSMI was associated with significant increases in the protein level of PTEN and protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ), decreased Akt activation, and reduced PKCε.Myocardial I/R causes proteasome functional insufficiency in cardiomyocytes and moderate CR-PSMI augments PTEN and PKCδ, suppresses Akt and PKCε, increases cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and aggravates I/R injury in mice.
A STUDY OF EXPERIMENTAL REDUCTION OF KIDNEY TISSUE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE CHANGES IN THAT REMAINING
Authors: John A. Sampson, Richard M. Pearce
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1908)

The immediate effect of the operation on the portion of the kidney remaining is an infarcation of the tissue compressed by the sutures. This area of necrosis extends but a short distance into the adjacent kidney tissue. The infarcated tissue gradually becomes replaced by fibrous tissue and in three to four week's time the necrotic tissue entirely disappears. The amount of fibrous tissue in time becomes so slight and the healing so perfect that it is difficult to detect the site of the operation. The renal elements sometimes persist in the infarcated area and the glomeruli apparently are more resistant than the tubules. The tubules in the infarcated area sometimes become calcified and bone formation beneath the epithelium of the pelvis is of very frequent occurrence. The pelvic epithelium usually shows marked proliferation and may invade the field of operation in alveolar masses. Calculi may form in the pelvis of the kidney. Sutures penetrating the pelvis as well as the necrotic tissue resulting from the compression of the sutures probably furnish the nuclei for the calculi. Removal of approximately half of one kidney did not alter either the remaining portion of that kidney or the size of the opposite kidney in two animals of this series. These experiments were terminated on the thirty-fourth and forty-seventh days. In a similar experiment of twenty-one day's duration there was slight but definite atrophy of the remaining tissue of the kidney operated upon. Removal of approximately half of each kidney at one operation did not alter the remaining kidney tissue in two animals of the second group. The longest period of observtaion was fifty-four days. On the other hand in a similar experiment where 164 days elapsed, the remaining portions of each kidney had increased markedly in size. Removal of one kidney and approximately half of the other did not alter the remaining kidney tissue in six animals in which from five to fifty-six days elapsed before termination of the experiment. In six experiments in which one kidney was removed and approximately half of the other, three of the animals died as a result of the operation on the sixth, seventh and tenth days. The probable cause of death was renal insufficiency: the animals refused food, vomited persistently and lost strength and weight. The other three animals recovered and were killed at periods varying from five to eight weeks. The reduction of the kidney tissue to one quarter of its original amount at one operation was attained with danger but was not necessarily fatal. In every experiment there was a loss of weight varying from four to twenty-four per cent. To what extent this loss in weight is due to the reduction of kidney substance and to what extent it is due to diet and confinement it is impossible to say, as we made no control experiments to elucidate these points.
Estrogen Receptor α Regulates ATM Expression through miRNAs in Breast Cancer
Authors: Xiaojing Guo, Chunying Yang, Xiaolong Qian, Ting Lei, Yaqing Li, Haifa Shen, Li Fu, Bo Xu
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2013)

Abstract Purpose: Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is an essential element regulating mammary gland development and it contributes to breast cancer development and progression. Most of the ER-negative breast cancers display more aggressive clinical behaviors and are resistant to antiestrogen therapies. In addition, many ER-negative tumors show insensitivity to many chemotherapeutic drugs and radiotherapy, although mechanisms underlying this phenotype are less clear. Experimental Design: We conducted immunohistochemistry on 296 cases of breast cancer tissues using a variety of antibodies. On the basis of the clinical data, we conducted siRNA knockdown to study the role of ERα on ATM expression in breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, we used antisense oligonucleotides against micro RNAs (miRNA) or miRNA overexpression plasmids to study the role of miR-18a and -106a on ATM expression. Finally we used in situ hybridization to assess miR-18a and -106a expression in breast cancer tissues. Results: We found that in ER-negative breast cancer tissues, expression of the ATM kinase, a critical DNA damage-response protein, is aberrantly upregulated. We also found that the locoregional recurrence rate after radiotherapy positively correlates with ATM expression. On the cellular level, we showed that ERα, but not ERβ, negatively regulates ATM expression. Furthermore, we identified that ERα activates miR-18a and -106a to downregulate ATM expression. We also showed that miR-18a and -106a were significantly underexpressed in ER-negative breast cancer tissues. Conclusions: We reveal a novel mechanism involving ERα and miR-18a and -106a regulation of ATM in breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 19(18); 4994–5002. ©2013 AACR.
Inhibition of immune functions by antiviral drugs.
Authors: W Heagy, C Crumpacker, P A Lopez, R W Finberg
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1991)

Immune functions were evaluated in vitro for PBMC isolated from healthy donors and cultured with the antiviral agents, 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT), ribavirin, ganciclovir, 2'3'-dideoxyinosine (ddI), or acyclovir. To identify methods for assessing the effects of antiviral drugs on immune cells, the PBMC response to mitogens, Con A, or phytohemagglutinin was evaluated from measurements of [3H]thymidine and [14C]-leucine incorporation, cell growth, cellular RNA, DNA, and protein levels, and the PBMC proliferative cycle (i.e., progression from G0----G1----S----G2 + M). At clinically relevant concentrations, AZT, ribavirin, or ganciclovir diminished PBMC responsiveness to mitogen. The numbers of proliferating cells in G1, S, and G2 + M phases of the cell cycle, DNA content, and [3H]thymidine uptake were decreased in cultures treated with AZT, ribavirin, or ganciclovir. AZT or ribavirin but not ganciclovir reduced RNA and protein in the cultures and inhibited cell growth. Whereas AZT, ribavirin, or ganciclovir were antiproliferative, ddI or acyclovir had little, if any, effect on PBMC mitogenesis. The inhibitory effects of antivirals on immune cells may contribute to the immune deterioration observed in patients following prolonged use of the drugs.
Effect of Granulocyte/Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor on Vaccination with an Allogeneic Whole-Cell Melanoma Vaccine
Authors: Mark B. Faries, Eddy C. Hsueh, Xing Ye, Mary Hoban, Donald L. Morton
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2009)

Abstract Purpose: The availability of a variety of immune response modifiers creates an opportunity for improved efficacy of immunotherapy, but it also leads to uncertainty in how to combine agents and how to assess those combinations. We sought to assess the effect of the addition of granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) to vaccination with a melanoma vaccine. Experimental Design: Ninety-seven patients with resected melanoma (stage II-IV) were enrolled, stratified by stage, and randomized to receive a cellular melanoma vaccine with or without GM-CSF. The primary endpoint was delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to melanoma cells. Antibody responses, peripheral leukocyte counts, and survival were also examined. Results: The GM-CSF arm showed enhanced antibody responses with an increase in IgM titer against the TA90 antigen and increased TA90 immune complexes. This arm also had diminished antimelanoma cell delayed-type hypersensitivity response. Peripheral blood leukocyte profiles showed increases in eosinophils and basophils with decreased monocytes in the GM-CSF arm. These immune changes were accompanied by an increase in early melanoma deaths and a trend toward worse survival with GM-CSF. Conclusion: These data suggest that GM-CSF is not helpful as an immune adjuvant in this dose and schedule and raise concern that it may be harmful. Based on the discordant findings of an immune endpoint and clinical outcome, the use of such surrogate endpoints in selecting treatments for further evaluation must be done with a great deal of caution. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(22):702935)
Genome sequencing of the important oilseed crop Sesamum indicumL
Authors: Haiyang Zhang, Hongmei Miao, Lei Wang, Lingbo Qu, Hongyan Liu, Qiang Wang, Meiwang Yue
Journal: Genome biology (2013)

The Sesame Genome Working Group (SGWG) has been formed to sequence and assemble the sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genome. The status of this project and our planned analyses are described.
Randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of a respiratory health worker in reducing impairment, disability, and handicap due to chronic airflow limitation.
Authors: P Littlejohns, C M Baveystock, H Parnell, P W Jones
Journal: Thorax (1991)

A randomised controlled trial was undertaken to determine whether a respiratory health worker was effective in reducing the respiratory impairment, disability, and handicap experienced by patients with chronic airflow limitation attending a respiratory outpatient department. The 152 adults (aged 30-75 years) who participated had a prebronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) below 60% predicted and no other disease. They were randomised to receive the care of a respiratory health worker or the normal services provided by the outpatient department. The respiratory health worker provided health education and symptom and treatment monitoring in liaison with primary care services. After one year there was little difference between the two groups in spirometric values (FEV1 and forced vital capacity before and after salbutamol 200 micrograms), disability (six minute walking distance and paced step test), and handicap (sickness impact profile, hospital anxiety and depression scale). Patients not looked after by the respiratory health worker were more likely to die (relative risk 2.9 (95% confidence limits 0.8, 10.2); when age and FEV1 were controlled for this risk increased to 5.5 (95% confidence limits 1.2, 24.5). Patients looked after by the respiratory health worker attended their general practitioner more frequently and were prescribed a greater range of drugs. This is the third study to have found limited measurable benefit in terms of morbidity from the intervention of a respiratory health worker. This may be due to the ability of such workers to keep frail patients alive.