tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Follow-up of 452 totally implantable vascular devices in cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: A. Munck, S. Malbezin, J. Bloch, M. Gerardin, M. Lebourgeois, J. Derelle, F. Bremont, I. Sermet, M-R. Munck, J. Navarro
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2004)

The use and complications of totally implantable vascular access devices (TIVADs) were examined during multiple courses of antibiotics in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. This retrospective study involved 36 CF centres. Risk factors for removal and septicaemia were sought by survival analysis of censored data. Multivariate Cox models were constructed with removal or septicaemia as the event and the characteristics of TIVADs as explanatory variables. TIVADs (n=452) were implanted in 315 patients. The mean functional time per device was 32±25 months. Long-term complications occurred with 188 devices (42%); they consisted mainly of occlusion (21%, requiring removal in 77%), infection (9.3%, requiring removal in 85%; septicaemia in 7.3%; rate 0.3 per 1,000 days, Candida in 66%), and vascular thrombosis (4.7%, removal in 58%). Multivariate survival analysis showed that removal, whatever the reason, was associated with polyurethane ( versus silicone) and routine use of the device for blood sampling ( versus never). No risk factors, including heparin lock, were identified for septicaemia or for removal for obstruction. Totally implantable venous access devices appear to be safe and reliable for long-term intermittent venous access. Although retrospective, this study suggests that the characteristics of the material and blood sampling are risk factors for removal.
A short daytime test using correlation dimension for respiratory movement in OSAHS
Authors: M. Miyata, N. Burioka, T. Sako, H. Suyama, Y. Fukuoka, K. Tomita, S. Higami, E. Shimizu
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2004)

In order to examine the pathology in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS), the nonlinear properties of respiratory movement and breath-to-breath variations during resting wakefulness with eyes closed was investigated. Recording of the respiratory movement using inductive plethysmography was performed on 14 patients with OSAHS and 13 control subjects for 2 h in the supine position during daytime. To calculate the correlation dimension (D2) for respiratory movement, an algorithm proposed by Grassberger and Procaccia was applied. The indices of breath-to-breath variations were estimated. To calculate D2 and breath-to-breath variations, two different segments were selected (200 s each). The value of D2 for respiratory movement in patients with OSAHS was significantly greater than that in control subjects. In the case of > or = 2.0 of D2 for respiratory movement, the sensitivity and specificity of detecting the presence of OSAHS was 85.7% and 76.9%, respectively. On the basis of breath-to-breath variations, only the coefficient of variation of expiratory time for respiratory movement in patients with OSAHS was significantly greater than that in the control subjects. In conclusion, the measurements of correlation dimensions for respiratory movement with a brief period during wakefulness may be a useful index for identifying patients with obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome.
Efficacy of chest CT in establishing the cause of primary spontaneous pneumothorax
Authors: Elite Arnon-Sheleg, Anna Chernihovski, Norman Loberant, Vladimir Sonkin, Hector Itzhak Cohen, Edward Altman
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Backround: The cause of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is thought to be a rupture of a subpleural bleb or bulla (BB). Thoracoscopy is considered the gold standard in determining the presence of BB, but this is an invasive procedure that has limitations. Recent studies have shown CT to be almost as sensitive for these findings, but, these studies were either not designed specifically to test this theory, or had a small number of subjects.  Objective: To evaluate the potential of chest CT for preoperative diagnosing of pathologies in PSP patients.  Methods: The study included 42 patients with PSP who underwent preoperative non-contrast chest CT followed by wedge pulmonary resection and pleurodesis through mini-thoracotomy. Results of CT, surgery and pathological study of resected tissue were compared.  Results: The sensitivity and specificity of CT was 96.4% and 76.5% respectively. Correlation was also found comparing the size of BB measured on CT and the pathological study. In 14 cases (30%) no BB were found on CT, during surgery or pathological examination. In all of these cases a finding known as apical lines (AL) was demonstrated on CT. The pathological examination of the resected lung specimens showed fibrosis and emphysema.  Conclusions: We found CT to be a very sensitive method of diagnosing BB in PSP patients. The study also demonstrated the presence of AL in PSP patients which were the radiological manifestation of limited fibrotic and emphysematous changes in the apex which may be the cause of PSP in our series of patients. Preoperative diagnosis of the cause of PSP helped to employ the proper surgical technique and to prevent recurrence of PSP.
GMC must recognise and deal with vexatious complaints fast
Authors: H. Marcovitch
Journal: BMJ (2002)

EDITOR—A letter in GMC News asked what the General Medical Council's strategy was for dealing with frivolous complaints.1 It generated a far from reassuring reply2 that is at odds with what the NHS ombudsman believes is needed.3 The time taken for most complaints to be dealt with is already a matter for concern, and doctors increasingly face suspension by their employer when under investigation.4

A recent ruling by the Privy Council5 is likely to exacerbate these delays further despite the best efforts of the GMC to recruit more panellists to its professional conduct committee by reducing the role of the preliminary screeners.1 In addition, since the media can make known the names of those …
Nailfold capillary microscopy in connective tissue disease: a quantitative morphological analysis.
Authors: F Lefford, J C Edwards
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1986)

Photomicrographs were taken of front line nailfold capillary loops in 18 healthy women (controls) and 42 women with established connective tissue disease (14 rheumatoid arthritis, 19 systemic lupus erythematosus, nine scleroderma). Measurements were made of apex width, maximum limb and loop widths, capillary length, interpeak distance, and frequency per linear millimetre. A numerical index for assessing capillary dilatation was derived, based on the mean of the apex plus maximum limb widths. Results show considerable overlap in subject means. Statistical analysis showed no difference between rheumatoid arthritis and control groups. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus had slightly larger loops at a lower frequency (not statistically significant); three patients with an abnormal capillary index also had high titres of ribonucleoprotein antibody. Six scleroderma patients had abnormal indices, two of whom had high titre ribonucleoprotein antibody. No relation between capillary morphology and clinical features was found.
Functional Results After the Suburethral Sling Procedure for Urinary Stress Incontinence: A Prospective Randomized Multicentre Study Comparing the Retropubic and Transobturator Routes
Authors: Emile Daraï, Jean-Luc Frobert, Maryelle Grisard-Anaf, Jean Lienhart, Hervé Fernandez, Gil Dubernard, Emmanuel David-Montefiore
Journal: European Urology (2006)
Phase I Dose-Escalation Study of LCL161, an Oral Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins Inhibitor, in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Jeffrey R. Infante, E. Claire Dees, Anthony J. Olszanski, Shyeilla V. Dhuria, Suman Sen, Scott Cameron, Roger B. Cohen
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2014)

LCL161 antagonizes the function of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), thereby promoting cancer cell death. This first-in-human dose-escalation study assessed the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of LCL161 in patients with advanced solid tumors. A second part of the study assessed the relative bioavailability of a tablet versus solution formulation.LCL161 was administered orally, once weekly, on a 21-day cycle to adult patients with advanced solid tumors by using an adaptive Bayesian logistic regression model with overdose control-guided dose escalation.Fifty-three patients received at least one dose of LCL161 (dose range, 10 to 3,000 mg). LCL161 was well tolerated at doses up to 1,800 mg. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was the only dose-limiting toxicity (in three [6%] of 53 patients) and was the most common grades 3 to 4 event (in five [9%] of 53 patients). Vomiting, nausea, asthenia/fatigue, and anorexia were common but not severe. Although the MTD was not formally determined, an 1,800-mg dose was selected in compliance with the protocol for additional study, given the dose-limiting CRS at higher doses and pharmacodynamic activity at lower doses. LCL161 was rapidly absorbed, and exposure was generally increased with dose. The tablet formulation of LCL161 was better tolerated than the solution; tablet and solution formulations had similar exposures, and the solution was discontinued. No patient had an objective response. LCL161 induced degradation of cellular IAP1 protein in the blood, skin, and tumor and increased circulating cytokine levels.The 1,800-mg dose of LCL161, administered as a single agent once weekly, in tablet formulation is the recommended dose for additional study. This combined dose and formulation was well tolerated and had significant pharmacodynamic activity, which warrants additional investigation.
Local tumor invasiveness is more predictive of survival than International Prognostic Index in stage IE/IIE extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type
Authors: Tae Min Kim, Yeon Hee Park, Sang-Yoon Lee, Ji-Hoon Kim, Dong-Wan Kim, Seock-Ah Im, Tae-You Kim, Chul Woo Kim, Dae Seog Heo, Yung-Jue Bang, Kee-Hyun Chang, Noe Kyeong Kim
Journal: Blood (2005)
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Increases Tissue Factor Expression in Circulating Monocytes and in Vascular Wall
Authors: Delphine Corseaux, Thibaud Meurice, Isabelle Six, Lucia Rugeri, Michael D. Ezekowitz, Philippe Rouvier, Régis Bordet, Christophe Bauters, Brigitte Jude
Journal: Circulation (2000)

Background —Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) promotes vascular repair and angiogenesis and can induce in vitro tissue factor (TF), a potent agent initiating thrombogenesis, which probably plays a role in angiogenesis. We investigated whether bFGF administration induced TF expression by monocytes and vascular cells. Methods and Results —We studied TF expression in normally fed (n=16) and cholesterol-fed (2% for 6 weeks, n=16) rabbits. Animals were then randomized to receive intravenous bFGF (2.5 μg twice weekly for 3 weeks) or saline injections. TF expression was evaluated in mononuclear cells from arterial blood and in aortic sections by an immunohistochemical assay using a monoclonal anti-rabbit TF antibody (activator protein 1). Monocyte TF expression was increased by bFGF administration in both normal and hypercholesterolemic rabbits (129±45 versus 19±3 mU TF/1000 monocytes, P &lt;0.05, and 31±12 versus 7±1 mU TF/1000 monocytes, P &lt;0.005, respectively) and was further increased by stimulation of monocytes by endotoxin in vitro. TF expression was lower in hypercholesterolemic rabbits than in normal rabbits. In the media of the vascular wall, bFGF induced strong TF expression in normal rabbits and only weak TF expression in hypercholesterolemic ones. Conclusions —This study demonstrates that systemic administration of bFGF induces an impressive increase of TF expression in circulating monocytes and in the vascular wall in normal and to a lower extent in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. The significance of this observation in terms of inducing thrombosis in vivo needs clarification.
Minister denies that screening and immunisation will be weakened under changes to NHS
Authors: A. O'Dowd
Journal: BMJ (2013)

The government has denied that arrangements for screening and immunisation in England will be weakened under the government’s changes to the NHS, despite concerns raised by the man who will take charge of public health services from April nationally.

The parliamentary Communities and Local Government Committee quizzed ministers and officials during an evidence session on 21 January as part of its inquiry into the role of local authorities in health issues.

MPs asked about comments made by Duncan Selbie, chief executive designate of Public Health England, the body that will lead on public health from April, who raised concerns about screening and immunisation during a previous evidence session of the inquiry.

The committee’s chairman, Clive Betts, …
A Sequence Polymorphism in <i>miR-608</i> Predicts Recurrence after Radiotherapy for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Jian Zheng, Jieqiong Deng, Mang Xiao, Lei Yang, Liyuan Zhang, Yonghe You, Min Hu, Na Li, Hongchun Wu, Wei Li, Jiachun Lu, Yifeng Zhou
Journal: Cancer Research (2013)

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is treated with radiotherapy and other modalities, but there is little information on individual genetic factors to help predict and improve patient outcomes. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in mature microRNA (miRNA) sequences have the potential to exert broad impact as miRNAs target many mRNAs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SNPs in mature miRNA sequences on clinical outcome in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma receiving radiotherapy. In particular, we analyzed associations between seven SNPs and nasopharyngeal carcinoma locoregional recurrence (LRR) in 837 patients from eastern China, validating the findings in an additional 828 patients from southern China. We found that miR-608 rs4919510C > G exhibited a consistent association with LRR in the discovery set [HR, 2.05; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.35-3.21], the validation set (HR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.45-3.38), and the combined dataset (HR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.41-3.26). Biochemical investigations showed that rs4919510C > G affects expression of miR-608 target genes along with nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell growth after irradiation in vivo and in vitro. Notably, X-ray radiation induced more chromatid breaks in lymphocyte cells from rs4919510CC carriers than in those from subjects with other genotypes (P = 0.0024). Our findings reveal rs4919510C > G in miR-608 as a simple marker to predict LRR in patients with radiotherapy-treated nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Unrecognized Hypocalcaemia Diagnosed 36 Years after Thyroidectomy
Authors: R J Bellamy, P Kendall-Taylor
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1995)

Hypoparathyroidism can present many years after thyroidectomy and symptoms may be non-specific. Hypocalcaemia may cause a variety of physical and mental symptoms and the diagnosis is easily overlooked with serious and potentially fatal consequences. Patients with vague symptoms should always be asked about previous thyroid surgery and serum calcium should be measured.
Inhibition of glycolysis in the denervated dog heart.
Authors: A J Drake, D E Papadoyannis, R G Butcher, J Stubbs, M I Noble
Journal: Circulation Research (1980)

We measured glucose metabolism in five dogs before and 3 weeks after cardiac denervation; after this time myocardial norepinephrine is depleted. The discharge by the myocardium, of 14CO2 from infused 14C-D-glucose (U), decreased following denervation (P = 0.05). The ratio of 14CO2 to total CO2 production, which measured the proportion of glucose to total substrate oxidized, also decreased following denervation (P = 0.05). The inhibition of glucose oxidation by denervation was not due to an increase in arterial lactate concentration. There was an associated increase in myocardial content of fructose-6-phosphate in an additional seven dogs (P < 0.01). We postulate that myocardial tissue norepinephrine is one of the controllers of the activity of phosphofructokinase.
Assessment of the right ventricle by magnetic resonance imaging in chronic obstructive lung disease.
Authors: L W Turnbull, J P Ridgway, W Biernacki, H McRitchie, A L Muir, J J Best, W MacNee
Journal: Thorax (1990)

Right ventricular wall and chamber volume were measured by magnetic resonance imaging in 16 patients with stable chronic obstructive lung disease who subsequently underwent measurement of pulmonary haemodynamics by right heart catheterisation. The patients had a forced expiratory volume in one second of 0.7 (SD 0.3) litres, a forced vital capacity of 2.4 (1.0) l, an arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) of 6.5 (1.3) kPa, an arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) of 6.5 (1.0) kPa, and a mean pulmonary arterial pressure 30 (10) mm Hg. The mean right ventricular free wall volume was 57.1 (22.6) cm3, compared with a mean value of 115.0 (44.3) cm3 for the left ventricle and interventricular septal volume. The right ventricular chamber volume at end systole was 44.8 (23.4) cm3, whereas the left ventricular end systolic chamber volume was 51.1 (35.1) cm3. The right ventricular free wall volume correlated with the right ventricular chamber volume (r = 0.71), systolic (r = 0.74) and mean (r = 0.72) pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance (r = 0.67), and PaCO2 (r = 0.56). There was no significant correlation between the right ventricular free wall volume and PaO2 or the right ventricular ejection fraction, measured by radionuclide ventriculography. Assessment of the right ventricle by magnetic resonance imaging may help to better define patients with cor pulmonable and assess the long term effects of treatment in such patients.
Analysis of Cases of Harm Associated With Use of Health Information on the Internet
Authors: Anthony G. Crocco
Journal: JAMA (2002)

There is concern about the potential harm associated with the use of poor quality health information on the Internet. To date, there have been no systematic attempts to examine reported cases of such harm.We conducted a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature, to evaluate the number and characteristics of reported cases of harm associated with the use of health information obtained on the Internet. Using a refined strategy, we searched MEDLINE (from 1966 to February 2001), CINAHL (from 1982 to March 2001), HealthStar (from 1975 to December 2000), PsycINFO (from 1967 to March 2001), and EMBASE (from 1980 to March 2001). This was complemented with searches of reference lists. Two authors separately reviewed the abstracts to identify articles that describe at least 1 case of harm associated with the use of health information found on the Internet. Articles of any format and in any language deemed possibly relevant by either researcher were obtained and reviewed by both researches.The search yielded 1512 abstracts. Of these 186 papers were reviewed in full text. Of these, 3 articles satisfied the selection criteria. One article described 2 cases in which improper Internet searches led to emotional harm. The second article described dogs being poisoned because of misinformation obtained on the Internet. The third article described hepatorenal failure in an oncology patient who obtained misinformation about the use of medication on the Internet.Despite the popularity of publications warning of the potential harm associated with using health information from the Internet, our search found few reported cases of harm. This may be due to an actual low risk for harm associated with the use of information available on the Internet, to underreporting of cases, or to bias.
Systemic mastocytosis and bone involvement in a cohort of 75 patients
Authors: S. Barete, N. Assous, C. de Gennes, C. Grandpeix, F. Feger, F. Palmerini, P. Dubreuil, M. Arock, C. Roux, J. M. Launay, S. Fraitag, D. Canioni, B. Billemont, F. Suarez, F. Lanternier, O. Lortholary, O. Hermine, C. Frances
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2010)

<h3>Objectives</h3> To investigate bone involvement in a large cohort of systemic mastocytosis (SM) patients, and evaluate the efficacy of bisphosphonate therapy. <h3>Patients and Methods</h3> From 2000 to 2004, 75 patients with SM according to WHO criteria underwent skeletal x-rays and bone mineral density (BMD) assessment. Sequential BMD assessments were performed in nine patients treated with bisphosphonate (mean follow-up 65 months). <h3>Results</h3> 37 patients (49%) had bone involvement according to both x-rays and BMD evaluations: osteoporosis (23 patients, 31%, mean lumbar spine T score: −3 SD), with vertebral fracture (13 patients, 17%), axial skeleton osteosclerosis (six patients, 8%), mixed patterns (three patients), osteopenia with pre-existing fractures (four patients) and focal osteolytic lesion (one patient). Blood count abnormalities were associated with osteosclerosis (p=0.005). In nine patients with osteoporosis and bisphosphonate therapy, mean lumbar spine BMD increased from 0.83 to 0.92 g/cm<sup>2</sup> (+11.1%; ie, +2.05% per year) without recurrence of vertebral fracture. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Half of adult patients with SM have bone involvement. Osteoporosis is the most prevalent bone manifestation in SM (31%). Bisphosphonate therapy seems efficient to improve lumbar spine BMD during SM-related osteoporosis. Spine x-ray and BMD should be performed in all SM patients to detect those who may benefit from anti-osteoporotic therapy.
Effects of sex on sleep-disordered breathing in adolescents
Authors: M.A. Fuentes-Pradera, Á. Sánchez-Armengol, F. Capote-Gil, E. Quintana-Gallego, C. Carmona-Bernal, J. Polo, F. Delgado-Moreno, J. Castillo-Gómez
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2004)

This study was conducted to determine the influence of puberty on features of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in adolescents. The study was performed in a general population sample of 226 adolescents of both sexes (aged 11–19 yrs) recruited from the secondary school population of the city of Seville, Spain. Subjects were divided into two groups: 1) postpubertal, i.e. females who had undergone menarche and males in whom axillary hair development or peak height velocity had occurred &gt;1 yr before the study; and 2) peripubertal, i.e. females who had not undergone menarche and males who had not developed axillary hair nor reached peak height velocity, or subjects in whom these pubertal changes had appeared &lt;1 yr before the study. All subjects answered a questionnaire on SDB and underwent overnight cardiorespiratory polygraphy. There were 50 males and 40 females (mean±sd age 13.5±1.2 yrs) in the peripubertal group, and 54 males and 82 females (age 16.3±1.7 yrs) in the postpubertal group. Males exhibited significantly higher neck circumference/height index and waist/hip index than females in both the peripubertal and postpubertal groups. In the postpubertal group, snoring and polygraphic alterations (respiratory events and oximetric parameters) were significantly more frequent in males than in females. Postpubertal adolescents showed sex differences in clinical and polygraphic parameters that were not observed at earlier pubertal stages. These findings support the influence of sex hormones on sex differences in sleep-disordered breathing.