tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Hematologic Toxicity of High-Dose Iodine-131–Metaiodobenzylguanidine Therapy for Advanced Neuroblastoma
Authors: Steven G. DuBois, Julia Messina, John M. Maris, John Huberty, David V. Glidden, Janet Veatch, Martin Charron, Randall Hawkins, Katherine K. Matthay
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2004)

Iodine-131-metaiodobenzylguanidine ((131)I-MIBG) has been shown to be active against refractory neuroblastoma. The primary toxicity of (131)I-MIBG is myelosuppression, which might necessitate autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (AHSCT). The goal of this study was to determine risk factors for myelosuppression and the need for AHSCT after (131)I-MIBG treatment.Fifty-three patients with refractory or relapsed neuroblastoma were treated with 18 mCi/kg (131)I-MIBG on a phase I/II protocol. The median whole-body radiation dose was 2.92 Gy.Almost all patients required at least one platelet (96%) or red cell (91%) transfusion and most patients (79%) developed neutropenia (< 0.5 x 10(3)/microL). Patients reached platelet nadir earlier than neutrophil nadir (P <.0001). Earlier platelet nadir correlated with bone marrow tumor, more extensive bone involvement, higher whole-body radiation dose, and longer time from diagnosis to (131)I-MIBG therapy (P <or=.04). In patients who did not require AHSCT, bone marrow disease predicted longer periods of neutropenia and platelet transfusion dependence (P <or=.03). Nineteen patients (36%) received AHSCT for prolonged myelosuppression. Of patients who received AHSCT, 100% recovered neutrophils, 73% recovered red cells, and 60% recovered platelets. Failure to recover red cells or platelets correlated with higher whole-body radiation dose (P <or=.04).These results demonstrate the substantial hematotoxicity associated with high-dose (131)I-MIBG therapy, with severe thrombocytopenia an early and nearly universal finding. Bone marrow tumor at time of treatment was the most useful predictor of hematotoxicity, whereas whole-body radiation dose was the most useful predictor of failure to recover platelets after AHSCT.
ADJUVANT TREATMENT OF COLORECTAL CANCER
Authors: Leonard B. Saltz, MD, David P. Kelsen, MD
Journal: Annual Review of Medicine (1997)

▪ Abstract The adjuvant therapy of colorectal cancer has seen many important advances in recent years. Chemotherapy improves long-term disease-free survival rates in high-risk patients with resected colon cancer. Combined modality therapy, using surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, improves both local control and survival in patients with stage II and III rectal cancer. We examine in detail the data on which current recommendations for adjuvant treatments are based. We also review some of the more promising experimental approaches currently under investigation.
Excision of the ulnar head in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Authors: J J Rasker, E F Veldhuis, A J Huffstadt, R L Nienhuis
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1980)

In 40 patients with rheumatoid arthritis 43 operations for excision of the ulnar head were performed. A follow-up study was performed after 35 months. In 38 patients wrist pain had disappeared completely or almost completely. The function in use, supination and pronation of the wrists, and wrist strength had all much improved. The stability of the radiocarpal joint was good after operation. Only minor complications were seen.
Nasal responsiveness to allergen and histamine in patients with perennial rhinitis with and without a late phase response
Authors: C. de Graaf-in't Veld, I. M. Garrelds, A. W. van Toorenenbergen, R. Gerth van Wijk
Journal: Thorax (1997)

BACKGROUND: In the lower airways an association has been found between early phase reaction (EPR), late phase reaction (LPR), and bronchial hyperreactivity. However, this association has not been shown for the upper airways in nasal pollen challenge studies. A study was undertaken to determine whether the EPR, LPR, and nasal hyperreactivity are related in perennial allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Twenty four patients with rhinitis who were allergic to house dust mite (HDM) were challenged with HDM extract. The nasal response was monitored by symptom scores and nasal lavages for up to 9.5 hours after challenge and concentrations of albumin, tryptase, and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in the lavage fluid were measured. Thirteen patients (defined as dual responders) had increased symptom scores between 3.5 and 9.5 hours compared with the baseline score. The other 11 patients (defined as early responders) showed an isolated EPR only. Nasal hyperreactivity was determined by nasal histamine challenge 24 hours later. RESULTS: Dual responders showed a significantly higher symptom score, albumin influx, and tryptase release during the EPR. During the late phase (3.5-9.5 hours) albumin influx was significantly increased at most time points and ECP release was significantly higher at 9.5 hours in the dual responder group. Dual responders showed a significantly stronger response to all doses of histamine. The area under the curve (AUC) of symptom scores during EPR and LPR and the AUC of the histamine dose response were significantly correlated (EPR-LPR: r = 0.49, p &lt; 0.01; EPR-histamine: r = 0.75, p &lt; 0.001; LPR-histamine: r = 0.66, p &lt; 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with perennial allergic rhinitis the nasal responses to allergen and histamine are associated. Dual responders have an increased EPR, increased levels of mediators, and increased allergen-induced hyperreactivity.
Bone marrow-derived cells contribute to infarct remodelling
Authors: H MOLLMANN, H NEF, S KOSTIN, C VONKALLE, I PILZ, M WEBER, J SCHAPER, C HAMM, A ELSASSER
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2006)

The paradigm that cardiac myocytes are non-proliferating and terminally differentiated cells has recently been challenged by several studies reporting the ability of bone marrow-derived cells (BMC) to transdifferentiate into cardiomyocytes. However, these results are controversial and could not be reproduced by others. Therefore, we studied the contribution and potential transdifferentiation of BMC into different cell types during the remodelling process in mouse hearts with experimental myocardial infarction.Mice (C57BL/6J) were sublethally irradiated, and BM from enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-transgenic mice was transplanted. Coronary artery ligation was performed 3 months later. The hearts were studied 7 days (n=13) and 21 days (n=12) after infarction. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using antibodies against titin, connexin 43, vimentin, SMemb alpha-smooth muscle actin, CD45, CD34, F4/80, BS-1, CD31, and eGFP. Sections were analyzed using fluorescence and confocal laser microscopy.Success of BM transplantation was confirmed by FACS analysis. Occlusion of the coronary artery resulted in infarct sizes of 41+/-6% of the left ventricle. CD45+/eGFP+ inflammatory cells were found frequently after 7 days and to a lesser degree after 21 days. In 25 examined hearts, only 3 eGFP-positive cardiomyocytes were found. However, numerous BMC-derived fibroblasts and myofibroblasts were found in the infarct area. BMC contributed to scar tissue neoangiogenesis but not to angiogenesis in the periinfarct and remote zones.Transdifferentiation of BMC into viable cardiomyocytes is a negligible event in normal repair processes after myocardial damage. BMC-derived fibroblasts and myofibroblasts as well as neoangiogenesis significantly contribute to post-infarction scar formation and might be important in scar tissue remodelling.
ABC of child abuse. Child sexual abuse--II.
Authors: F. Bamford, R. Roberts
Journal: BMJ (1989)

In child sexual abuse genital and anal examination should be in the context of a general clinical examination and include a search for other forms of abuse and an appraisal of growth, development, and health.The behaviour of the child in the presence of his or her parent should be noted.Why should the genitalia be examined?The genitalia should be examined in child sexual abuse for five main reasons.* To detect traumatic or infective conditions that may require treatment * To evaluate the nature of any abuse.Normal genital and anal appearances do not exclude the diagnosis, but in young children they make penetrative abuse unlikely * To provide forensic evidence that may be helpful to the future protection of children * To reassure the child, who sometimes feels that serious damage has been done * To start the process of recovery. How to examine the genitalia and anusCooperation during an examination is best achieved by telling children exactly what is happening and allowing them to feel in control by asking them to help.Let them take the swabs if they wish.The child may lie on her back for vulval inspection or on her side as for anal examination.With children up to 7 years old it is sometimes better for them to lie along the length of their mother's knee, facing forwards, with the mother gently flexing and abducting the hips.Adequate inspection requires a relaxed child.How patent is a child's vagina?The likelihood or otherwise of penetration may be inferred from the size of the hymenal orifice.Right: Examine small children on their mother's knee
Participation in Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Review
Authors: S. W. Vernon
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1997)

The purpose of this review is to evaluate the published literature on adherence to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and sigmoidoscopy. Specifically, the review addresses the following: 1) prevalence of FOBT and sigmoidoscopy; 2) interventions to increase adherence to FOBT and sigmoidoscopy; 3) correlates or predictors of adherence to FOBT and sigmoidoscopy; and 4) reasons for nonadherence. Other objectives are to put the literature on CRC screening adherence in the context of recently reported findings from experimental interventions to change prevention and early detection behaviors and to suggest directions for future research on CRC screening adherence. CRC screening offers the potential both for primary and for secondary prevention. Data from the 1992 National Health Interview Survey show that 26% of the population more than 49 years of age report FOBT within the past 3 years and 33% report ever having had sigmoidoscopy. The Year 2000 goals set forth in Healthy People 2000 are for 50% of the population more than 49 years of age to report FOBT within the past 2 years and for 40% to report that they ever had sigmoidoscopy. Thus, systematic efforts to increase CRC screening are warranted. To date, attempts to promote CRC screening have used both a public health model that targets entire communities, e.g., mass media campaigns, and a medical model that targets individuals, e.g., general practice patients. Most of these efforts, however, did not include systematic evaluation of strategies to increase adherence. The data on FOBT show that the median adherence rate to programmatic offers of FOBT is between 40% and 50%, depending on the type of population offered the test, e.g., patients or employees. Approximately, 50% of those initially offered testing in unselected populations will respond to minimal prompts or interventions. A salient issue for FOBT, however, is whether or not the behavior can be sustained over time. Fewer studies examined adherence to sigmoidoscopy. Adherence was highest in relatives of CRC cases and in employer-sponsored programs offered to workers at increased risk of CRC. At present, we know very little about the determinants of CRC screening behaviors, particularly as they relate to rescreening.
Glucosamine and chondroitin for knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating single and combination regimens
Authors: Marlene Fransen, Maria Agaliotis, Lillias Nairn, Milana Votrubec, Lisa Bridgett, Steve Su, Stephen Jan, Lyn March, John Edmonds, Robyn Norton, Mark Woodward, Richard Day
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2014)

<h3>Objective</h3> To determine if the dietary supplements, glucosamine and/or chondroitin, result in reduced joint space narrowing (JSN) and pain among people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. <h3>Methods</h3> A double-blind randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial with 2-year follow-up. 605 participants, aged 45–75 years, reporting chronic knee pain and with evidence of medial tibio-femoral compartment narrowing (but retaining &gt;2 mm medial joint space width) were randomised to once daily: glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg (n=152), chondroitin sulfate 800 mg (n=151), both dietary supplements (n=151) or matching placebo capsules (n=151). JSN (mm) over 2 years was measured from digitised knee radiographs. Maximum knee pain (0–10) was self-reported in a participant diary for 7 days every 2 months over 1 year. <h3>Results</h3> After adjusting for factors associated with structural disease progression (gender, body mass index (BMI), baseline structural disease severity and Heberden9s nodes), allocation to the dietary supplement combination (glucosamine–chondroitin) resulted in a statistically significant (p=0.046) reduction of 2-year JSN compared to placebo: mean difference 0.10 mm (95% CI 0.002 mm to 0.20 mm); no significant structural effect for the single treatment allocations was detected. All four allocation groups demonstrated reduced knee pain over the first year, but no significant between-group differences (p=0.93) were detected. 34 (6%) participants reported possibly-related adverse medical events over the 2-year follow-up period. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Allocation to the glucosamine–chondroitin combination resulted in a statistically significant reduction in JSN at 2 years. While all allocation groups demonstrated reduced knee pain over the study period, none of the treatment allocation groups demonstrated significant symptomatic benefit above placebo. <h3>Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:</h3> NCT00513422; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
An outbreak of pleural mesothelioma and chronic fibrosing pleurisy in the village of Karain/Urgup in Anatolia.
Authors: Y I Baris, A A Sahin, M Ozesmi, I Kerse, E Ozen, B Kolacan, M Altinors, A Goktepeli
Journal: Thorax (1978)

The 575 inhabitants of the remote Anatolian village of Karain suffered 11 deaths from pleural mesothelioma in 1975/76 and there were five cases of fibrosing pleurisy. In the previous five years there had been 25 cases of mesothelioma. Calcified pleural plaques were common on survey radiography. Asbestos does not occur in the local soil or rock, nor is it handled in the village, but a few fibres were found in the water. Fibres were also found in the pleural tissue of two of five cases examined. Inhabitants of the neighbouring villages are free of mesothelioma.
Cigarette smoking and radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: A Finckh, S Dehler, K H Costenbader, C Gabay
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2007)

Smoking is a well-established environmental risk factor for the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it remains unclear whether smoking influences RA disease progression and whether smokers have more radiographic damage progression than non-smokers over time.To compare the rates of radiographic damage progression in current smokers and non-smokers in a large prospective RA cohort.The SCQM-RA is a population-based registry monitoring disease activity, radiographic damage and symptoms at regular intervals. All patients in the SCQM-RA database with sequential plain radiographs were included. Joint erosions were assessed in 38 hand and foot joints with a validated scoring method. The rate of erosion progression was analysed using multivariate longitudinal regression models and adjusted for potential confounders.2004 RA patients with a mean of 3.6 sequential radiographs and 3.1 years of follow-up were included. The 545 (27%) current smokers smoked on average 16 cigarettes per day and had a mean past smoking exposure of 20.6 pack-years. Radiographic joint damage progressed at a similar rate in current smokers and non-smokers (p = 0.26). However, smoking intensity was associated with a significant inverse dose-response; heavy smokers (>1 pack-day) progressed significantly less than non-smokers or moderate smokers (p<0.001).Radiographic joint damage progressed at an equivalent rate in smokers and non-smokers. Furthermore, a significant trend was observed for reduced radiographic progression and generally more favourable functional scores among heavy smokers, suggesting that cigarette smoke does not accelerate RA disease progression.
Role of Cdk5-Mediated Phosphorylation of Prx2 in MPTP Toxicity and Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Dianbo Qu, Juliet Rashidian, Matthew P. Mount, Hossein Aleyasin, Mohammad Parsanejad, Arman Lira, Emdadul Haque, Yi Zhang, Steve Callaghan, Mireille Daigle, Maxime W.C. Rousseaux, Ruth S. Slack, Paul R. Albert, Inez Vincent, John M. Woulfe, David S. Park
Journal: Neuron (2007)
Novel Long Noncoding RNAs Are Regulated by Angiotensin II in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Amy Leung, Candi Trac, Wen Jin, Linda Lanting, Asad Akbany, Pål Sætrom, Dustin E. Schones, Rama Natarajan
Journal: Circulation Research (2013)

Misregulation of angiotensin II (Ang II) actions can lead to atherosclerosis and hypertension. Evaluating transcriptomic responses to Ang II in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is important to understand the gene networks regulated by Ang II, which might uncover previously unidentified mechanisms and new therapeutic targets.To identify all transcripts, including novel protein-coding and long noncoding RNAs, differentially expressed in response to Ang II in rat VSMCs using transcriptome and epigenome profiling.De novo assembly of transcripts from RNA-sequencing revealed novel protein-coding and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). The majority of the genomic loci of these novel transcripts are enriched for histone H3 lysine-4-trimethylation and histone H3 lysine-36-trimethylation, 2 chromatin modifications found at actively transcribed regions, providing further evidence that these are bonafide transcripts. Analysis of transcript abundance identified all protein-coding and lncRNAs regulated by Ang II. We further discovered that an Ang II-regulated lncRNA functions as the host transcript for miR-221 and miR-222, 2 microRNAs implicated in cell proliferation. Additionally, small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of Lnc-Ang362 reduced proliferation of VSMCs.These data provide novel insights into the epigenomic and transcriptomic effects of Ang II in VSMCs. They provide the first identification of Ang II-regulated lncRNAs, which suggests functional roles for these lncRNAs in mediating cellular responses to Ang II. Furthermore, we identify an Ang II-regulated lncRNA that is responsible for the production of 2 microRNAs implicated in VSMC proliferation. These newly identified noncoding transcripts could be exploited as novel therapeutic targets for Ang II-associated cardiovascular diseases.
Predictors of rehospitalization after admission for community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Eric Mortensen, Mary Jo Pugh, Marcos Restrepo, Antonio Anzueto
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

The aim of our study was to examine variations in rates of rehospitalization, and predictors of rehospitalization, for patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system.  We conducted a retrospective national cohort study over 5 years including patients >65 years of age hospitalized with CAP. Our primary outcome was all-cause rehospitalization within 90-days. Our primary analysis was a multilevel regression model, adjusting for admitting hospital, and included 38 variables encompassing demographics, pneumonia severity, antibiotics received, prior outpatient medications, pre-existing comorbid conditions, and prior outpatient utilization (e.g., emergency department, primary care) the year prior to the pneumonia admission.  We identified 50,119 patients with CAP of which 21.8% required rehospitalization within 90-days. Hospital rates ranged from 14.3% to 32.3%. In the regression model, factors significantly associated with increased rehospitalization included alcohol abuse (odds ratio 3.07, 95% confidence interval 1.23-7.61), number of prior outpatient pulmonary medications (1.10, 1.01-1.19), and number of prior emergency department visits (1.1, 1.04-1.14).  A large number of patients required rehospitalization after admission for CAP, and rates varied widely. Only a few factors were significantly associated with rehospitalization and these factors were not related to the pneumonia hospitalization. Additional research is needed to determine which rehospitalizations after pneumonia are preventable and ways to prospectively identify hospitalized CAP patients at risk for rehospitalization.
Magnetic resonance-compatible-spirometry: principle, technical evaluation and application
Authors: M. Eichinger, M. Puderbach, H-J. Smith, R. Tetzlaff, A. Kopp-Schneider, M. Bock, J. Biederer, H-U. Kauczor
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2007)

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and accuracy of a novel magnetic resonance-compatible (MRc)-spirometer. The influence of body posture, magnetic resonance (MR)-setting and image acquisition on lung function was evaluated. Dynamic MR imaging (dMRI) was compared with simultaneously measured lung function. The development of the MRc-spirometer was based on a commercial spirometer and evaluated by flow-generator measurements and forced expiratory manoeuvres in 34 healthy nonsmokers (17 females and 17 males, mean age 32.9 yrs). Mean differences between forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were calculated and a sample paired t-test and Bland–Altman plots were generated. A total of 11 subjects underwent different subsequent MRc-spirometric measurements to assess the influence of the components of the MR system on lung function. The mean (95% confidence interval) difference of FEV 1 and FVC between the two systems was 0.004 (-0.04–0.04) L and 0.018 (-0.05–0.09) L, respectively. In the subgroup analysis, an influence of the MR-system on FEV 1 was found. FEV 1 correlated well with the dMRI measurement of the apico-diaphragmatic distance-change after the first second of forced expiration (r = 0.72). In conclusion, magnetic resonance-compatible-spirometry is feasible, reliable and safe. The magnetic resonance-setting only has a small influence on simultaneously measured forced expiratory volume in one second. Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging measurements correlate well with simultaneously acquired lung function parameters.