tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
The effects of intranasal steroids on nasal and pulmonary responses to cat exposure.
Authors: R A Wood, P A Eggleston
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (1995)

To test the hypothesis that nasal antiinflammatory treatment can modify both upper and lower airway responses to allergen exposure, 12 cat-allergic subjects underwent 1 h cat exposure challenges at baseline, with nasal occlusion, and after 1 wk of treatment with either intranasal triamcinolone acetonide or placebo in a double-blind crossover trial. Challenges were performed in a room containing two cats with airborne Fel d I levels ranging from 35 to 37,525 ng/m3. Overall, nasal symptoms were moderately reduced by treatment (p = 0.06), with the greatest reduction occurring in the first 15 and 30 min of the challenge (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Mean lower respiratory symptoms were also diminished by treatment (p = 0.02), although those effects were most evident during the last 15 min of the challenge. Maximum changes in FEV1 were slightly reduced by the nasal therapy (p = 0.07), reaching statistical significance only at the 30-min intervals (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in nasal histamine or TAME esterase levels. When challenges were repeated with nasal occlusion, no significant differences were detected in chest symptoms or FEV1 changes. We conclude that treatment with an intranasal corticosteroid led to significant reductions in both upper and lower airway responses to intense cat exposure.
Short-term effects of nitrogen dioxide on mortality: an analysis within the APHEA project
Authors: E. Samoli, E. Aga, G. Touloumi, K. Nisiotis, B. Forsberg, A. Lefranc, J. Pekkanen, B. Wojtyniak, C. Schindler, E. Niciu, R. Brunstein, M. Dodič Fikfak, J. Schwartz, K. Katsouyanni
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2006)

The short-term effects of nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) on total, cardiovascular and respiratory mortality in 30 European cities participating in the Air Pollution on Health: a European Approach (APHEA)-2 project were investigated. The association was examined using hierarchical models implemented in two stages. In the first stage, data from each city were analysed separately, whereas in the second stage, the city-specific air pollution estimates were regressed on city-specific covariates to obtain overall estimates and to explore sources of possible heterogeneity. A significant association of NO(2) with total, cardiovascular and respiratory mortality was found, with stronger effects on cause-specific mortality. There was evidence of confounding in respiratory mortality with black smoke and sulphur dioxide. The effect of NO(2) on total and cardiovascular mortality was observed mainly in western and southern European cities, and was larger when smoking prevalence was lower and household gas consumption was higher. The effect of NO(2) on respiratory mortality was higher in cities with a larger proportion of elderly persons in the population and higher levels of particulate matter with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of 10 mum. The results of this large study are consistent with an independent effect of nitrogen dioxide on mortality, but the role of nitrogen dioxide as a surrogate of other unmeasured pollutants cannot be completely ruled out.
The Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Recombinant Soluble CD4 (rCD4) in Subjects with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-Related Complex
Authors: James O. Kahn
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1990)

Study Objective: To evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of recombinant, soluble human CD4 (rCD4) in subjects with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related complex. The protein rCD4 binds to envelope protein, gp120, of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and blocks HIV infection of CD4 lymphocytes in vitro. Design: Phase 1 trial with dose escalation. Setting: Two university-affiliated hospital clinics. Subjects: Of 42 subjects enrolled, 29 had AIDS and 13 had AIDS-related complex. Interventions: The rCD4 was administered by rapid intravenous infusion on day 1, followed by a 3-day washout, then once a day for 10 days, followed by a 7-day washout, and then three times a week for 8 weeks. Doses of 1, 10, 30, 100, and 300 µg/kg body weight per day of rCD4 were administered intravenously to 6 subjects at each dose level. Twelve additional patients received 300 µg/kg · d of rCD4: 6 by intramuscular and 6 by subcutaneous injection. AU subjects were monitored for toxicity. Immunologic and virologic variables were also monitored. Measurements and Main Results: Administration of rCD4 was not associated with important toxicity as determined by clinical monitoring or by serum chemistry, hematologic, or immunologic variables. No subjects required dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy due to rCD4-related toxicity. No consistent or sustained changes in CD4 lymphocyte populations or HIV antigen levels were observed. The volume of distribution of rCD4 was small, and clearance remained constant over the dose range studied. The bioavailability of intramuscular injection and subcutaneous injection was 51% and 45%, respectively. Conclusions: At the dose levels used in this study, rCD4 appears safe and well tolerated. Serum concentrations of rCD4 were achieved that were comparable to concentrations shown to have antiviral activity in vitro. Further studies are indicated to determine whether rCD4 or related molecules will be useful in treating HIV infection.
Attenuation of Postganglionic Sympathetic Nerve Activity by L-Dopa
Authors: THOMAS L. WHITSETT, PERRY V. HALUSHKA, LEON I. GOLDBERG
Journal: Circulation Research (1970)

In anesthetized dogs and cats, intravenous L-dopa reduced the increase in mean blood pressure in response to bilateral carotid occlusion by 77.5% ( P &lt;0.01). In the presence of a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor (Ro 4·4602), this effect was absent. Transmission across the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion in the cat was unaltered by the administration of L-dopa. Carotid artery infusion in the dog of 20% of the effective intravenous dose of L-dopa or dopamine failed to inhibit the response to bilateral carotid occlusion. The pressor response to intravenous tyramine in the dog was potentiated ( P &lt;0.05) by L-dopa. In the dog, the increase in femoral vascular resistance to lumbar sympathetic nerve stimulation was attenuated ( P &lt;0.05) by L-dopa while the response to intra-arterial norepinephrine was unchanged. Thus, inhibition of postganglionic sympathetic nerve activity is a possible mechanism by which L-dopa impaired the carotid sinus reflex.
MicroRNAs in rhabdomyosarcoma: pathogenetic implications and translational potentiality
Authors: Rossella Rota, Roberta Ciarapica, Antonio Giordano, Lucio Miele, Franco Locatelli
Journal: Molecular Cancer (2011)

There is growing evidence that interconnections among molecular pathways governing tissue differentiation are nodal points for malignant transformation. In this scenario, microRNAs appear as crucial players. This class of non-coding small regulatory RNA molecules controls developmental programs by modulating gene expression through post-transcriptional silencing of target mRNAs. During myogenesis, muscle-specific and ubiquitously-expressed microRNAs tightly control muscle tissue differentiation. In recent years, microRNAs have emerged as prominent players in cancer as well. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a pediatric skeletal muscle-derived soft-tissue sarcoma that originates from myogenic precursors arrested at different stages of differentiation and that continue to proliferate indefinitely. MicroRNAs involved in muscle cell fate determination appear down-regulated in rhabdomyosarcoma primary tumors and cell lines compared to their normal counterparts. More importantly, they behave as tumor suppressors in this malignancy, as their re-expression is sufficient to restore the differentiation capability of tumor cells and to prevent tumor growth in vivo. In addition, up-regulation of pro-oncogenic microRNAs has also been recently detected in rhabdomyosarcoma.In this review, we provide an overview of current knowledge on microRNAs de-regulation in rhabdomyosarcoma. Additionally, we examine the potential of microRNAs as prognostic and diagnostic markers in this soft-tissue sarcoma, and discuss possible therapeutic applications and challenges of a "microRNA therapy".
Alveolar nitric oxide (NO) in children born extremely preterm (EP)
Authors: Maria Vollsæter, Hege Clemm, Einar Thorsen, Knut Øymar, Ola Røksund, Trond Markestad, Thomas Halvorsen
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Introduction  It has not been settled whether lung sequelae after EP birth is an expression of active disease or stabilized structural damage. Alveolar NO has been suggested a marker of peripheral airway inflammation.   Aim  Study alveolar and bronchial NO output in children born EP.   Methods  A population based cohort of 57/61 (93%) survivors born at gestational age (GA)  NO ) in 2010/2011. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was diagnosed if supplemental oxygen was required at ≥36 weeks. Fe NO  (ppb)was measured with Exhalyzer CLD-88 ( EcoMedics, Switzerland ). Subjects exhaled at four flow rates (30, 50, 100 and 300 ml/sec) to calculate the flow-independent NO parameters; alveolar NO (Fe NO alv, ppb) and bronchial NO flux (Jaw NO , nl/sec) .    Results  Successful tests were obtained from 49/57 EP and 48/53 term-born subjects. Mean age (SD) was 11.4 (0.6) vs. 11.7 (0.6) years and mean height 147.2 (7.9) vs. 152.0 (8.0) cm for EP and term-borns, respectively. For those born EP, mean (SD) GA was 26.9 (0.2) weeks and mean (SD) BW was 857.0 (22.3) g and 28 (57%) had a neonatal history of BPD. Fe NO0.05  (SD) in the EP vs. the term-born group was 12.1 (9.5) vs. 16.4 (17.7) ppb (p=0.140); corresponding Fe NO alv were 1.17 (0.9) vs. 1.22 (1.1) ppb (p=0.839) and for Jaw NO  0.90 (1.1) vs. 0.94 (1.0) nl/sec (p=0.835). Results did not differ between the two BPD strata (data not shown).   Conclusion  Alveolar and bronchial NO output did not differ between EP and term-born groups, and neonatal BPD did not influence results, supporting that eosinophilic inflammation is not an important characteristic of the lung sequelae after EP birth.
Effects of prostaglandin inhibition on intrarenal hemodynamics in acutely saline-loaded rats.
Authors: R Düsing, B Melder, H J Kramer
Journal: Circulation Research (1977)

We studied the effect of inhibition of the prostaglandin (PG)-synthesizing enzyme system in female Sprague-Dawley rats following acute expansion of the extracellular fluid volume (ECV). In 57 conscious rats expansion of the ECV with isotonic saline corresponding to an increase in body weight of 10% was induced. Prior to ECV expansion 31 rats received indomethacin (10 mg/kg of body wt) by stomach tube. In six non-ECV-expanded rats indomethacin had no effect on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF). In ECV-expanded rats pretreated with indomethacin, GFR was unaltered but 125I-hippuran clearance decreased, and filtration fraction significantly increased. Intrarenal 86Rb distribution was similar in control and ECV-expanded rats. Indomethacin caused a slight increase in relative cortical 86 RB activity in non-ECV-expanded rats, but had no effect on intrarenal 86Rb distribution in ECV-expanded rats. No difference in intracortical glomerular perfusion was noted between control and ECV-expanded rats. In indomethacin-treated ECV-expanded rats an increase in relative inner cortical perfusion was observed. Absolute perfusion remained unaltered. Thus the decrease in total RPF was entirely due to decreased perfusion of outer cortical nephrons. Renal prostaglandins therefore may play a permissive role for physical factors to promote renal sodium excretion in acute ECV expansion via changes in intrarenal hemodynamics.
Reversal of Raynaud's Phenomenon
Authors: E. Fritz Schmerl
Journal: JAMA (1979)

<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> I am writing to report a modification of the maneuver of McIntyre (240:2760, 1978) to reverse Raynaud's phenomenon. McIntyre specifically described his technique by stating that the arm be swung around "in the direction that a softball pitcher would move the arm, ie, downward behind the body and upward in front of the body." In a letter Leavitt (241:2702, 1979) confirmed the beneficial effect of the maneuver, reporting a disagreeable transient aggravation of a lumbar discomfort. I have made a similar observation. However, I had found that, in a patient with an unstable back, one can avoid that aggravation: Alter the direction of the circular arm swing from the pitcher's quasisagittal plane to the frontal plane, upward in front of the trunk. This modification is minor but by no means trivial. It will make McIntyre's maneuver more useful.
A NEURAL NETWORK APPROACH TO PREDICTING OUTCOMES IN HEART FAILURE USING CARDIOPULMONARY EXERCISE TESTING
Authors: Ross Arena, Jonathan N. Myers, Cesar Roberto de Souza, Audrey Borghi Silva, Marco Guazzi, Paul Chase, Daniel Bensimhon, Mary Ann Peberdy, Euan Ashley, Erin West, Lawrence Cahalin, Daniel Forman
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2013)
MicroRNAs miR-221 and miR-222: a new level of regulation in aggressive breast cancer
Authors: Maitri Y Shah, George A Calin
Journal: Genome Medicine (2011)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial in the initiation and progression of tumors. A recent study has reported that the miRNAs miR-221 and miR-222 are involved in the promotion of an aggressive basal-like phenotype in breast cancer, functioning downstream of the RAS pathway and triggering epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. These new insights into the roles of miR-221/222 in breast cancer metastasis, drug resistance and RAS pathways could potentially have applications in medical practice.
Double heterozygosity polymorphisms for platelet glycoproteins Ia/IIa and IIb/IIIa increases arterial thrombosis and arteriosclerosis in patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome or with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: S Jimenez, D Tassies, G Espinosa, A Garcia-Criado, J Plaza, J Monteagudo, R Cervera, J C Reverter
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2007)

Objective: We analysed the genetic polymorphisms in platelet glycoproteins (GP) Ib-α, Ia/IIa and IIb/IIIa and their correlation with the development of arterial thrombosis and preclinical arteriosclerosis in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) or with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: We included 131 patients with APS (86 with primary APS and 45 with APS associated with SLE), 102 patients with SLE and 160 healthy controls. GP Ib-α VNTR polymorphism, GP Ia/IIa 807 C/T polymorphism and GP IIb/IIIa PlA1/2 polymorphism were determined by polymerase chain reaction. Thrombotic events were assessed clinically and confirmed by objective methods. The presence of preclinical arteriosclerosis was evaluated by a carotid ultrasound study in a subgroup of 70 patients with SLE measuring the intima-media wall thickness and the presence of arteriosclerotic plaque. Results: A total of 50 episodes of arterial thrombosis in 36 patients with APS have been registered. We found a significant correlation between the 807 T/T genotype of GP Ia/IIa and arterial thrombosis (22% vs 7%, p = 0.04; OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.20 to 10.79). The VNTR Ib-α and P1A1/2 IIb/IIIa polymorphisms were not associated with arterial thrombosis in patients with APS when individually analysed. The coexistence of both 807 T and PlA2 alleles increased the arterial thrombosis risk (28% vs 7%, p = 0.005; OR 4.84, 95% CI 1.67 to 13.96). In patients with SLE, no relationship was found between the presence of carotid arteriosclerotic plaque and separate polymorphisms of platelet GP. The coexistence of alleles 807 T of GP Ia/IIa and PlA2 of GP IIb/IIIa was associated with the presence of carotid plaque (35% vs 4%, p = 0.002; OR 12.92, 95% CI 2.39 to 69.81). Conclusions: The T/T genotype of 807 C/T polymorphism of GP Ia/IIa may be an additional risk for the development of arterial thrombosis in APS. The coexistence of both 807 T and PlA2 alleles increased the arterial thrombosis risk in patients with APS and preclinical arteriosclerosis in patients with SLE.
New Insights in Obesity
Authors: Zachary T. Bloomgarden
Journal: Diabetes Care (2002)

This is the sixth in a series of reports on the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 61st Scientific Sessions held in Philadelphia, PA, in June 2001. It covers topics related to the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

At a symposium on childhood obesity, William Dietz (Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia) gave an overview of obesity and the consequences of childhood obesity in the U.S. The prevalence of obesity showed a progressive increase in this country from 1991 to 1999, with a concordant increase in diabetes (1). Next to tobacco use, low levels of physical activity and poor dietary habits are the major factors in the U.S. leading to increases in mortality (2). Dietz reviewed epidemiological data for children from the 1960s through 1990s, which suggested that obesity has particularly increased during the past decade in both the U.S. and other countries. Complications of overweight occurring during childhood include its effects on growth, psychosocial difficulties, hyperlipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and abnormal glucose metabolism, as well as persistence into adulthood, leading to a myriad of further complications.

Over the past 20 years, fast food consumption has increased to account for >40% of income spent on food, with 25% of daily calorie intake among children being from snacks. Dietz noted that schools look to food as a “revenue generator,” which leads to more fast food and soda being consumed. Annual per capita consumption of soft drinks increased from 27 gallons in 1972 to 44 gallons in 1992. Supermarkets “may have the same impact on people as a buffet,” by exposing purchasers to a variety of foods, increasing weight gain. Another potential driver of obesity is portion size, which has shown a particular increase among older children.

In the Netherlands 30% of all trips are made by bicycle, whereas in the U.S. 1% are made …
Relationship of phytohaemagglutinin-induced lymphocyte transformation to disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Authors: P Hughes, S Holt, N R Rowell, J K Dodd
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1976)

Phytohaemagglutinin-induced lymphocyte transformation was studied in 19 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in relation to disease activity, peripheral blood lymphocyte count, serum iron and folate levels, and corticosteroid treatment. Similar studies were performed on a group of 28 age- and sex-matched controls and on 10 patients with facial palsy who were examined before and after 7 days of high-dose corticosteroid treatment. The patients with SLE were found to have an impairment of lymphocyte transformation which was most marked in active stages of the disease and associated with a lymphopenia. This depressed transformation, which improved with the development of a remission, could not be attributed to the effects of corticosteroid treatment, inhibitory serum factors, iron deficiency, or any numerical reduction in blood lymphocytes, thus indicating along with evidence from other sources that SLE patients have a defect of cell-mediated immunity. The aetiological implications of these findings are discussed.
Non–injection‐site necrotic skin lesions complicating postoperative heparin thromboprophylaxis
Authors: Twylla Tassava, Theodore E. Warkentin
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (2015)

The patient case we present is a definite case of HIT from both clinical and serological perspectives. The 4Ts score was eventually 8/8 (maximum) based upon thrombocytopenia (88% platelet count fall to nadir of 58 × 109/L), appropriate timing (onset on Day 5 post-intraoperative UFH exposure), thrombosis (right lower limb DVTs, skin necrosis, anaphylactoid reaction to IV heparin, right hallux ischemic necrosis), and no plausible alternative explanation for thrombocytopenia. In addition, the patient had a strong positive SRA and PF4-dependent ELISA. Although necrotizing skin lesions distant from heparin injection sites are not a common consequence of HIT, their occurrence in this patient—along with previous supportive literature [11-13]—indicate that these lesions should be considered rare manifestations of HIT. Moreover, the distinct localization of the unusual necrotic skin rash to the right limb suggests that a low flow state due to the arterial obstruction or perhaps even as a result of an underlying venous thrombus, both of which were present in our patient, could play a key pathophysiological role in predisposing to this unusual complication of HIT.
Brute association is not identity
Authors: Bram van Heuveln, Eric Dietrich
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (1999)

O'Brien &amp; Opie run into conceptual problems trying to equate stable patterns of neural activation with phenomenal experiences. They also seem to make a logical mistake in thinking that the brute association between stable neural patterns and phenomenal experiences implies that they are identical. In general, the authors do not provide us with a story as to why stable neural patterns constitute phenomenal experience.
Effect of a novel 5-lipoxygenase activating protein inhibitor, BAYx 1005, on asthma induced by cold dry air
Authors: A. R. Fischer, M. A. Rosenberg, M. Roth, M. Loper, S. Jungerwirth, E. Israel
Journal: Thorax (1997)

BACKGROUND: Leukotrienes have been implicated in the mediation of airway obstruction induced by hyperventilation of cold dry air in asthmatic subjects. The effect of a novel inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase activating protein, BAYx 1005, on the bronchospastic response to cold dry air hyperventilation was investigated in asthmatic patients. METHODS: After a screening cold dry air hyperventilation challenge to document cold air responsiveness, 16 asthmatic subjects (baseline forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) &gt; 60% of predicted) underwent cold air challenge three hours after receiving 750 mg of BAYx 1005 or placebo using a randomised, double blind, crossover design. Leukotriene synthesis inhibition was estimated by measuring the concentration of leukotriene B4 in whole blood stimulated with calcium ionophore A21387. RESULTS: Treatment with BAYx 1005 produced a 34% (95% CI 11 to 63) increase in the amount of cold air minute ventilation required for a 10% decrease in FEV1 (PD10VE) compared with placebo (mean (SE) 37.6 (1.12) 1/min compared with 28.0 (1.13) 1/min, p &lt; 0.006). The PD20VE increased 19% (95% CI 8 to 31) after treatment with BAYx 1005 compared with placebo (57.3(1.10)1/min versus 48.1 (1.10) 1/min, p &lt; 0.002). Treatment with BAYx 1005 produced a 15.4% decrease in ionophore-stimulated LTB4 production, while treatment with placebo produced a 7.1% increase in ex vivo LTB4 (p &lt; 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with BAYx 1005, a novel inhibitor of leukotriene synthesis, produced a significant blunting of cold dry air responsiveness consistent with the hypothesis that leukotrienes mediate part of the bronchoconstriction induced by hyperventilation of cold dry air.
Dose-dense adjuvant chemotherapy in node-positive breast cancer: docetaxel followed by epirubicin/cyclophosphamide (T/EC), or the reverse sequence (EC/T), every 2 weeks, versus docetaxel, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (TEC) every 3 weeks. AERO B03 randomized phase II study
Authors: P. Piedbois, D. Serin, F. Priou, P. Laplaige, S. Greget, E. Angellier, E. Teissier, J.-F. Berdah, M. Fabbro, B. Valenza, P. Herait, V. Jehl, M. Buyse
Journal: Annals of Oncology (2006)