tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Reliability and validity of the chronic respiratory questionnaire (CRQ).
Authors: P J Wijkstra, E M TenVergert, R Van Altena, V Otten, D S Postma, J Kraan, G H Koeter
Journal: Thorax (1994)

BACKGROUND--The Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) is frequently applied to assess quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the reliability and validity of this questionnaire have not yet been determined. This study investigates the reliability and validity of the four separate dimensions of the CRQ. METHODS--The CRQ was administered on two consecutive days to 40 patients with COPD (mean FEV1 44% predicted, FEV1/IVC 37% predicted). Internal consistency reliability of each dimension was investigated by Cronbach9s alpha reliability coefficient, test retest reliability by the Spearman-Brown reliability coefficient (p), and content validity by Pearson9s correlation coefficient between the CRQ and the symptom checklist (SCL-90). RESULTS--Items of the fatigue, emotion, and mastery dimensions showed a high internal consistency reliability (alpha = 0.71-0.88) as well as a high test retest reliability (p above 0.90). These three dimensions correlated with comparable dimensions of the SCL-90. Items of the dyspnoea dimension showed a low internal consistency reliability (alpha = 0.53) and a test retest reliability of p = 0.73. CONCLUSIONS--Items of the dimensions fatigue, emotion, and mastery of the CRQ are reliable and valid and can be used to assess quality of life in patients with severe airways obstruction. Items of the dyspnoea dimension are less reliable and should not be included in the overall score of the CRQ in comparative research. However, by scoring the items of dyspnoea separately they may be useful for the evaluation of the effects of intervention in a specific patient.
A Randomized Trial of Dietary Intervention for Breast Cancer Prevention
Authors: Lisa J. Martin, Qing Li, Olga Melnichouk, Cary Greenberg, Salomon Minkin, Greg Hislop, Norman F. Boyd
Journal: Cancer Research (2011)

Abstract Epidemiologic data and animal experiments suggest that dietary fat may influence risk of breast cancer. To determine whether intervention with a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet would reduce breast cancer incidence in women at increased risk of the disease, we carried out a randomized controlled trial in Canada. We recruited 4,690 women with extensive mammographic density and randomized them to an intervention group or a comparison group. The intervention group received intensive dietary counseling to reduce fat intake to a target of 15% of calories and increase carbohydrate to 65% of calories. Dietary intakes were assessed throughout using food records. Subjects were followed for at least 7 years and for an average of 10 years. The main outcome was invasive breast cancer. Percentage of calories from fat in the intervention group decreased from 30% at baseline to 20% after randomization and remained 9% to 10% lower than the comparison group throughout. There were 118 invasive breast cancers in the intervention group and 102 in the comparison group [adjusted hazard ratio = 1.19 (95% CI: 0.91–1.55)]. Analysis of food records showed that fat intake at baseline and after randomization was not associated with total breast cancer incidence. Greater weight and lower carbohydrate intake at baseline and after randomization were associated with an increased risk of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. Our findings suggest that a sustained reduction in dietary fat intake did not reduce risk of breast cancer in women with extensive mammographic density. Weight and carbohydrate intakes were associated with risk of ER-positive breast cancer. Cancer Res; 71(1); 123–33. ©2011 AACR.
The good slut
Authors: Liam Farrell
Journal: BMJ (2004)

Call me Ishmael; I wander in the desert, eating locusts, eluding hostile nomads, and sucking on spit. I am a general practitioner, I prowl in the night, perilous and alone. I meet the old and the lost, the desperate and the hopeless. But in my darkest and most dreadful hours I may call for help, for I know there is one friend who will always answer my call.

A few months ago I was trying to organise an …
Genome-Wide Copy Number Analysis in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Using High-Density Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Arrays
Authors: Derek J. Nancarrow, Herlina Y. Handoko, B. Mark Smithers, David C. Gotley, Paul A. Drew, David I. Watson, Andrew D. Clouston, Nicholas K. Hayward, David C. Whiteman
Journal: Cancer Research (2008)

Abstract We applied whole-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays to define a comprehensive genetic profile of 23 esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) primary tumor biopsies based on loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and DNA copy number changes. Alterations were common, averaging 97 (range, 23–208) per tumor. LOH and gains averaged 33 (range, 3–83) and 31 (range, 11–73) per tumor, respectively. Copy neutral LOH events averaged 27 (range, 7–57) per EAC. We noted 126 homozygous deletions (HD) across the EAC panel (range, 0–11 in individual tumors). Frequent HDs within FHIT (17 of 23), WWOX (8 of 23), and DMD (6 of 23) suggest a role for common fragile sites or genomic instability in EAC etiology. HDs were also noted for known tumor suppressor genes (TSG), including CDKN2A, CDKN2B, SMAD4, and GALR1, and identified PDE4D and MGC48628 as potentially novel TSGs. All tumors showed LOH for most of chromosome 17p, suggesting that TSGs other than TP53 may be targeted. Frequent gains were noted around MYC (13 of 23), BCL9 (12 of 23), CTAGE1 (14 of 23), and ZNF217 (12 of 23). Thus, we have confirmed previous reports indicating frequent changes to FHIT, CDKN2A, TP53, and MYC in EAC and identified additional genes of interest. Meta-analysis of previous genome-wide EAC studies together with the data presented here highlighted consistent regions of gain on 8q, 18q, and 20q and multiple LOH regions on 4q, 5q, 17p, and 18q, suggesting that more than one gene may be targeted on each of these chromosome arms. The focal gains and deletions documented here are a step toward identifying the key genes involved in EAC development. [Cancer Res 2008;68(11):4163–72]
RENAL COMPLICATIONS OF SULFADIAZINE
Authors: WALTER A. KEITZER
Journal: JAMA (1942)

The recent literature concerning sulfapyridine and sulfathiazole renal calculi, causing anuria with at least six deaths reported in a summary of the literature out of 29 cases by Kawaichi and Rogers,<sup>1</sup>and 2 deaths reported by Lindner and Atcheson,<sup>2</sup>testifies to the lethal qualities of these drugs. That the new drug sulfadiazine should be devoid of these serious complications, as was suggested by experimental and clinical reports, was optimistic to say the least. Trevett, Nelson and Long<sup>3</sup>found only 4 instances of hematuria, with renal colic in only 2 of 125 patients given sulfadiazine. Billings and Wood<sup>4</sup>treated 105 patients with pneumonia using sulfadiazine intravenously and orally without a single renal complication, i. e. hematuria, renal colic, oliguria or anuria. Borst<sup>5</sup>states that the crystals of the acetylated and active free forms of sulfadiazine are extremely soluble, so that renal damage is nil. Finland, Strauss
Formal Design Methods for Reliable Computer-Aided Diagnosis: A Review
Authors: O. Faust, U. R. Acharya, T. Tamura
Journal: IEEE Reviews in Biomedical Engineering (2012)

Physiological signals, medical images, and biosystems can be used to access the health of a subject and they can support clinicians by improving the diagnosis for treatment purposes. Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) in healthcare applications can help in automated decision making, visualization and extraction of hidden complex features to aid in the clinical diagnosis. These CAD systems focus on improving the quality of patient care with a minimum of fault due to device failures. In this paper, we argue that a formal and model driven design methodology can lead to systems which meet this requirement. Modeling is not new to CAD, but modeling for systems design is less explored. Therefore, we discuss selected systems design techniques and provide a more concrete design example on computer-aided diagnosis and automated decision making.
WW Domain–Containing Proteins, WWOX and YAP, Compete for Interaction with ErbB-4 and Modulate Its Transcriptional Function
Authors: Rami I. Aqeilan, Valentina Donati, Alexey Palamarchuk, Francesco Trapasso, Mohamed Kaou, Yuri Pekarsky, Marius Sudol, Carlo M. Croce
Journal: Cancer Research (2005)

Abstract The WW domain–containing oxidoreductase, WWOX, is a tumor suppressor that is deleted or altered in several cancer types. We recently showed that WWOX interacts with p73 and AP-2γ and suppresses their transcriptional activity. Yes-associated protein (YAP), also containing WW domains, was shown to associate with p73 and enhance its transcriptional activity. In addition, YAP interacts with ErbB-4 receptor tyrosine kinase and acts as transcriptional coactivator of the COOH-terminal fragment (CTF) of ErbB-4. Stimulation of ErbB-4–expressing cells with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) results in the proteolytic cleavage of its cytoplasmic domain and translocation of this domain to the nucleus. Here we report that WWOX physically associates with the full-length ErbB-4 via its first WW domain. Coexpression of WWOX and ErbB-4 in HeLa cells followed by treatment with TPA results in the retention of ErbB-4 in the cytoplasm. Moreover, in MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells, expressing high levels of endogenous WWOX, endogenous ErbB-4 is also retained in the cytoplasm. In addition, our results show that interaction of WWOX and ErbB-4 suppresses transcriptional coactivation of CTF by YAP in a dose-dependent manner. A mutant form of WWOX lacking interaction with ErbB-4 has no effect on this coactivation of ErbB-4. Furthermore, WWOX is able to inhibit coactivation of p73 by YAP. In summary, our data indicate that WWOX antagonizes the function of YAP by competing for interaction with ErbB-4 and other targets and thus affect its transcriptional activity.
More Causes of Red Urine
Authors: Joseph H. Boutwell
Journal: JAMA (1977)

<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> "When the Urine is Red" (237:2753, 1977) is an extremely interesting and useful brief. It does, however, omit one class of "red urine" that I have observed. To simulate hematuria, some psychopathic or malingering patients have added not blood but other red substances to urine. Several whom I have observed have added ketchup or tomato juice, and this gave the urine a typical tomato odor. Isolation and identification of the red pigment of the tomato (lycopene, also found in watermelons) confirmed that ketchup or tomato juice had been added.
A persistent challenge: the diagnosis of respiratory disease in the non-AIDS immunocompromised host
Authors: C. Mayaud
Journal: Thorax (2000)

The diagnostic and therapeutic approach to respiratory disease in the immunocompromised host remains a challenge for several reasons: (1) the current increase in both the number of immunocompromised hosts and their length of survival; (2) the high frequency of lung disease in these patients,1-3 and (3) the severity of these lung diseases.3-5 A good example is given in a recent review by Paterson et al of the epidemiology of invasive aspergillosis in transplant recipients.5 The incidence of this opportunistic infection, which mainly affects the lung, varies from 1% in kidney recipients to 9% in lung recipients (with 2% in liver recipients and 7% in bone marrow recipients). In this population it has a mortality rate of 55–92% and accounts for 10–15% of deaths of all transplant recipients.

In fact, the diagnostic challenge is continuously evolving in the immunocompromised host and the following three questions need to be considered: (1) What new data are available on the diagnostic and therapeutic approach? (2) What current changes are there in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in neutropenic patients? (3) What current changes are there in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in the immunocompromised host without neutropenia?

### IS THERE AN EVOLUTION IN THE TYPE AND SEVERITY OF THE UNDERLYING IMMUNODEFICIENCIES?

The data from the literature clearly show the continuous changes both in the indications for immunosuppressive treatment and in the nature and dosages of the immunosuppressive drugs used. For example, steroids are increasingly used in patients with chronic lung disease such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or sarcoidosis6; the use of combined treatment for solid tumours—for example, chemotherapy and thoracic radiotherapy for lung cancer7 or intensive chemotherapy combined with total body irradiation, transplantation of autologous bone marrow, and 13-cis-retinoic acid for neuroblastoma8; and the performance of solid organ transplantations for lung, liver, cardiac or …
DNA Fusion Vaccines Induce Epitope-Specific Cytotoxic CD8+ T Cells against Human Leukemia-Associated Minor Histocompatibility Antigens
Authors: Jason Rice, Stuart Dunn, Karen Piper, Sarah L. Buchan, Paul A. Moss, Freda K. Stevenson
Journal: Cancer Research (2006)

Abstract The graft-versus-leukemia effect of allogeneic stem-cell transplantation is believed to be mediated by T-cell recognition of minor histocompatibility antigens on recipient cells. For minor histocompatibility antigens HA-1 and HA-2, normal cell expression is restricted to hemopoietic cells, and boosting the immune response to these antigens may potentiate graft-versus-leukemia effect without accompanying graft-versus-host disease. To increase efficacy, expansion of HA-1- or HA-2-specific CTL before transplantation is desirable. However, primary HA-1- or HA-2-specific CTL expanded in vitro are often of low avidity. An alternative approach is to prime specific CTL responses in vivo by vaccination. Clearly, donor vaccination must be safe and specific. We have developed DNA fusion vaccines able to induce high levels of epitope-specific CTL using linked CD4+ T-cell help. The vaccines incorporate a domain of tetanus toxin (DOM) fused to a sequence encoding a candidate MHC class I binding peptide. This design generates antitumor CD8+ T-cell responses and protective immunity in preclinical models. For clinical application, we constructed vaccines encoding HLA-A*0201-restricted peptides from human HA-1 and HA-2, which were fused to DOM, and tested their performance in HLA-A*0201-transgenic mice. Priming induced epitope-specific, IFNγ-producing CD8+ T cells with cytotoxic function boosted to high levels with electroporation. Strikingly, these mouse T cells efficiently killed human lymphoblastoid cell lines expressing endogenous HA-1 or HA-2. High avidity is indicated by the independence of cytolysis from CD8/MHC class I interaction. These safe epitope-specific vaccines offer a potential strategy to prime HA-1- or HA-2-specific CTL in transplant donors before adoptive transfer. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(10): 5436-42)
Clinical significance of Koebner phenomenon in vitiligo
Authors: N. van Geel, R. Speeckaert, J. De Wolf, S. Bracke, I. Chevolet, L. Brochez, J. Lambert
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2012)

The clinical significance of Koebner phenomenon (KP) in vitiligo with respect to disease activity and course is still debatable. Recently, a new classification was introduced for the assessment of KP.To evaluate the new assessment method for KP in clinical practice and to determine its clinical significance, both with respect to the clinical profile, course of vitiligo and treatment response.Seven hundred patients with generalized vitiligo were included in this observational cohort study. KP was classified according to the new classification system into different subtypes [KP1, by history; KP2A and KP2B, by clinical examination (A, lesions on friction areas; B, linear, artefactual lesions)].KP1 was positive in 34·1% of the patients, 66·3% were KP2A positive and 15·1% showed KP2B. The body surface area (BSA) was significantly (P < 0·001) higher in the presence of any KP subtype and more disease activity was found in KP1-positive and KP2B-positive patients. An earlier age at onset and elevated risk of further depigmentation despite treatment were observed in all KP-positive groups. In KP2A- and KP2B-positive patients, depigmentation of wrists/ankles was more common. In the KP2A-positive group, a significantly higher prevalence of thyroid disease was found while autoimmune diseases were less prevalent in KP2B-positive patients.The new assessment method for KP, taking into account both history and clinical examination, seems to be a useful and valuable tool for assessing KP in daily practice. Our results support the hypothesis that KP may function as a clinical parameter to assess and predict the clinical profile and course of vitiligo.
Altering Physicians' Practice Patterns—A Nationwide Educational Experiment: Evaluation of the Clinical Education Program of the American Diabetes Association
Authors: R Mazze, L Deeb, P J Palumbo
Journal: Diabetes Care (1986)

A comprehensive evaluation of the Clinical Education Program (CEP) of the American Diabetes Association on type II diabetes was undertaken in a cohort of 5640 primary-care physicians to determine whether practice patterns are affected by such continuing medical education programs. The educational and behavioral objectives were defined and the extent to which these objectives were met was evaluated by use of questionnaires completed by conference attendees both before and after they participated in the program and by in-office interviews 2 mo later with 288 of the primary-care physicians who had attended the conference. Prior to participation, approximately half of the primary-care physicians described diabetes practice patterns consistent with excellent care. The proportion who stated that they intended to improve their practice patterns increased significantly after the conference. Similarly, the majority of these same physicians knew the basic educational objectives before the conference, with a significant increase in the proportion of physicians knowing these objectives after the conference. The office interviews indicated that the changes noted in the proportion of physicians intending to carry out a practice at the end of the conference were sustained or actually increased in this cohort. Exceptions to this trend occurred in the area of use of glucosylated hemoglobin and perhaps in the area of periodic assessment of macrovascular circulation. Two interesting additional findings from the in-office interviews were that physicians prefer the conference format for learning and that distribution of printed material alone is not very effective in influencing knowledge and behavior in primary-care physicians. The CEP met its educational and behavioral objectives. Health care by primary-care physicians can be affected by the conference format, but impediments still exist in the translation of knowledge into behavior. These impediments must be explored further. A model for planning educational programs and assessing the need of the program, its implementation, and its impact is described. This model is applicable to all levels of learning experience.
Disruption of NF- B signalling by ancient microbial molecules: novel therapies of the future?
Authors: F. Yan, D B. Polk
Journal: Gut (2010)

Phophodiesterase (PDE) isoenzyme profiles of human cell preparations and tissues have been analysed by a semiquantitative method using selective PDE inhibitors and activators. Neutrophils, eosinophils and monocytes contain PDE IV exclusively. Lymphocytes, alveolar macrophages and endothelial cells contain PDE IV and PDE III, and in addition, PDE I is measured in macrophages and PDE II in endothelial cells. These basal cell-specific PDE isoenzyme profiles appear to be modified by: 1) substrate concentration; 2) kinase-dependent phosphorylation; and 3) regulated rate of synthesis. Therefore, PDE isoenzyme profiles represent dynamic patterns, which apparently adapt to pathological and environmental conditions. In parallel functional studies, the influence of mono-selective (rolipram, PDE IV; motapizone, PDE III), dual-selective (zardaverine) and non-selective (theophylline) PDE inhibitors were compared. Corresponding to isoenzyme analysis, it was demonstrated that both PDE III and PDE IV have to be inhibited for complete suppression of either tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) release from macrophages, or lymphocyte proliferation (PDE III/IV cells). In eosinophils (PDE IV cells) platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced chemotaxis or C5a-stimulated degranulation are only weakly inhibited by rolipram alone. After addition of a beta 2-agonist, however, the efficacy of rolipram is enhanced due to concomitant influence of synthesis and breakdown of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Theophylline inhibits PDE isoenzyme activities and functions of inflammatory cells with similar potency, and exhibits higher functional efficacy as compared to rolipram.
Mitochondrial function and structure in experimental canine congestive heart failure
Authors: J. G. Walker, S. P. Bishop
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (1971)

Journal Article Mitochondrial function and structure in experimental canine congestive heart failure Get access Joanne G. Walker, Joanne G. Walker 2 From the Department of Veterinary Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210 U.S.A. 2Present address, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, 370 West Ninth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Sanford P. Bishop Sanford P. Bishop From the Department of Veterinary Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210 U.S.A. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Cardiovascular Research, Volume 5, Issue 4, October 1971, Pages 444–450, https://doi.org/10.1093/cvr/5.4.444 Published: 01 October 1971
Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure measurement in tracheotomised patients
Authors: M. Vitacca, M. Paneroni, L. Bianchi, E. Clini, A. Vianello, P. Ceriana, L. Barbano, B. Balbi, S. Nava
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2006)

The present study compared four different sites and conditions for the measurement of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) in 38 spontaneous breathing tracheotomised patients. Of the patients, 28 had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The four different conditions were: 1) through a cuff inflated cannula (condition A); 2) through the mouth with a deflated cannula (condition B); 3) through the mouth with a phonetic uncuffed cannula (condition C); and 4) through the mouth after stoma closure (condition D). Five trials in each condition were performed using a standardised method. The measurement of both MIP and MEP differed significantly depending on the condition of measurement. MIP taken in condition A was significantly higher when compared with conditions B, C and D. MEP in condition A was significantly higher when compared with condition B and D. In condition A the highest frequency of the best measurement of MIP and MEP was observed at the fourth and fifth effort, respectively. The same results were obtained after the selection of only COPD patients. In conclusion, respiratory muscle assessment differs significantly depending on measurement condition. Measurement through inflated cannula tracheotomy yields higher values of both maximal inspiratory and maximal expiratory pressure.