tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Platelets count in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Ernesto Crisafulli, Marco Marietta, Elena Venturelli, Mihai Roca, Bianca Beghè, Monica Bortolotti, Alessia Verduri, Mario Malerba, Michele Malagola, Leonardo Fabbri, Enrico Clini
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Platelets count (PTL) and activity in complex COPD is still a matter of debate in recent years. We have therefore undertaken a preliminary retrospective analysis in 196 stable patients (age 73±7 yrs, FEV 1  47±16% pred.), to investigate PTL across the patient9s characteristics and functions (including lung volumes and exercise tolerance by the six-minute walk test-6MWT). Patients with chronic liver disease were excluded.  PTL (n*10 -3 /µL) increased according to the GOLD classes of airway obstruction (see figure). When adjusted for potential confounders (age, inflammation index, comorbidities, and use of anti-thrombotic agents) PTL correlated with FEV 1  %pred. (r= -0.19, p=0.008) and meters performed at the 6MWT (r= -0.22, p=0.002).  Circulating platelets increase in COPD patients with progressive lung severity and physical disability, possibly related to the parallel increase of systemic inflammation. The study warrants future prospective investigations to test this hypothesis.
Randomised controlled trial of health promotion in general practice for patients at high cardiovascular risk
Authors: M E Cupples, A McKnight
Journal: BMJ (1994)

<h3>Abstract</h3> <b>Objective</b>: To assess the value of health education for patients with angina in reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease and lessening the effect of angina on everyday activities. <b>Design</b>: Randomised controlled trial of personal health education given every four months. <b>Setting</b>: 18 general practices in the greater Belfast area. <b>Subjects</b>: 688 patients aged less than 75 years and known to have had angina for at least six months; 342 randomised to receive education and 346 to no education. <b>Main outcome measures</b>: Restriction of everyday activities, dietary habit, smoking habit, frequency of physical exercise; blood pressure, body mass index, and serum total cholesterol concentration at entry to trial and after two years. <b>Results</b>: 317 in the intervention group and 300 in the control group completed the trial. At the two year review more of the intervention group (140, 44%) reported taking daily physical exercise than the control group (70, 24%). The intervention group also reported eating a healthier diet than the control group and less restriction by angina in any everyday activity. No significant differences were found between the groups in smoking habit, systolic or diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol concentration, or body mass index. <b>Conclusion</b>: Despite having no significant effect on objective cardiovascular risk factors, personal health education of patients with angina seems to increase exercise and improve dietary habits and is effective in lessening the restriction of everyday activities.
Omalizumab inhibits allergen challenge-induced nasal response
Authors: G. Hanf, O. Noga, A. O'Connor, G. Kunkel
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2004)

Elevated serum levels of antigen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E are often associated with allergic respiratory diseases. This parallel-group, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed to study the influence of omalizumab on the early nasal response to allergen challenge reflected by symptom score and inflammatory marker levels in nasal lavage fluid (NAL). A total of 23 patients with allergic rhinitis took part in the study, 11 were given placebo and omalizumab was administered subcutaneously in 12. Omalizumab or placebo were given at 2‐ or 4‐week intervals based on a patient's body weight and IgE levels to a total dose of 0.016 mg·kg −1 ·IgE −1 (IU·mL −1 ) every 4 weeks. Compared to placebo, 16 weeks of treatment with omalizumab significantly inhibited allergen challenge-induced nasal symptoms (median symptom score 7.0–0.5 versus 7.0–7.0) and inhibited the increase of human serum albumin (median 15.3–0.12 mg·mL −1 versus 8.2–19.7 mg·mL −1 ) in the NAL after allergen challenge. Treatment with omalizumab induced a significant decrease in tumour necrosis factor‐α levels in basal NAL, but no change was seen for histamine. These results indicate that subcutaneously administered monoclonal anti-immunoglobulin‐E antibody, omalizumab, inhibits the nasal responses to allergen challenge of patients with allergic rhinitis. Omalizumab may provide a new strategy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
Validation of a patient-specific hemodynamic computational model for surgical planning of vascular access in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Anna Caroli, Simone Manini, Luca Antiga, Katia Passera, Bogdan Ene-Iordache, Stefano Rota, Giuseppe Remuzzi, Aron Bode, Jaap Leermakers, Frans N. van de Vosse, Raymond Vanholder, Marko Malovrh, Jan Tordoir, Andrea Remuzzi, None on behalf of the ARCH project Consortium
Journal: Kidney International (2013)
Alleviation of rheumatoid arthritis by cell-transducible methotrexate upon transcutaneous delivery
Authors: Sang-Won Lee, Ji-Hye Kim, Min-Chan Park, Yong-Beom Park, Wook Jin Chae, Tomohiro Morio, Dong-Ho Lee, Sang-Hwa Yang, Seung-Kyou Lee, Soo-Kon Lee, Sang-Kyou Lee
Journal: Biomaterials (2011)
Angiographic-Morphologic Correlation in Patients with Severe Mitral Regurgitation Due to Prolapse of the Posterior Mitral Valve Leaflet
Authors: N. RANGANATHAN, M. D. SILVER, T. I. ROBINSON, W. J. KOSTUK, C. H. FELDERHOF, N. L. PATT, J. K. WILSON, E. D. WIGLE
Journal: Circulation (1973)

Angiographic-morphologic correlation was done on findings in 16 patients with proven prolapse of the posterior mitral leaflet and severe mitral regurgitation. A triscalloped bulge into the left atrium in the left ventriculogram taken in the right anterior oblique projection is caused by prolapse of all three scallops of the posterior mitral leaflet. The prolapsed middle scallop produces a central bulge, the prolapsed posteromedial commissural scallop a posteroinferior bulge ih tne area of the posteromedial commissure, and the prolapsed anterolateral commissural scallop an anterosuperior bulge in the anterolateral commissural area. The latter is often overlapped by the aortic root but if prominent, juts beyond it. Correlation proved that the diagnosis of individual scallop prolapse in this syndrome can be made accurately despite gross mitral regurgitation.
Early decrease of serum Clara cell protein in silica-exposed workers
Authors: AM Bernard, JM Gonzalez-Lorenzo, E Siles, G Trujillano, R Lauwerys
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1994)

Clara cell protein (CC16) is a 16 kDa protein secreted by nonciliated cells of the tracheobronchial tree; it has recently been proposed as a peripheral marker of respiratory epithelial injury. The concentration of CC16 was measured in the serum and, when available, in the sputum of 86 miners exposed to silica and of 86 control subjects matched for age, body mass index and smoking status (26 lifelong nonsmokers and 60 current smokers in both groups). Workers were exposed to silica-rich dust in a quarry for 15.2 months on average. No difference between exposed and control workers could be detected with regard to respiratory symptoms, chest radiographs or lung function tests. By contrast, the concentration of CC16 in serum was decreased in silica-exposed workers (geometric mean 12.3 micrograms.l-1) compared to controls (16.3 micrograms.l-1). The decrease was found both in lifelong nonsmokers (14.7 vs 21.9) and current smokers (11.3 vs 14.5). In the latter, tobacco smoking caused a decrease of serum CC16 that was additional to that associated with silica exposure. The determination of CC16 in sputum samples, judged to be reliable on the basis of the CC16/alpha-amylase concentration ratio (mostly from smokers), also revealed a reduction of CC16 following silica exposure (46.2 vs 106 mg.l-1). We conclude that alterations in the serum concentrations of CC16 probably reflect very early toxic effects of silica particles on the respiratory epithelium. This reinforces the view that serum CC16 is a sensitive marker, which might improve our ability to detect exposure to chemicals potentially harmful to the respiratory tract.
A worldwide survey of chronic cough: a manifestation of enhanced somatosensory response
Authors: Alyn H. Morice, Adam D. Jakes, Shoaib Faruqi, Surinder S. Birring, Lorcan McGarvey, Brendan Canning, Jaclyn A. Smith, Sean M. Parker, Kian Fan Chung, Kefang Lai, Ian D. Pavord, Jan van den Berg, Woo-Jung Song, Eva Millqvist, Michael J. Farrell, Stuart B. Mazzone, Peter Dicpinigaitis
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Reports from individual centres suggest a preponderance of females with chronic cough. Females also have heightened cough reflex sensitivity. Here we have reviewed the age and sex of unselected referrals to 11 cough clinics. To investigate the cause of any observed sex dimorphism, functional magnetic resonance imaging of putative cough centres was analysed in normal volunteers. The demographic profile of consecutive patients presenting with chronic cough was evaluated. Cough challenge with capsaicin was undertaken in normal volunteers to construct a concentration-response curve. Subsequent functional magnetic resonance imaging during repeated inhalation of sub-tussive concentrations of capsaicin observed areas of activation within the brain and differences in the sexes identified. Of the 10,032 patients presenting with chronic cough, two-thirds (6591) were female (mean age 55 years). The patient profile was largely uniform across centres. The most common age for presentation was 60-69 years. The maximum tolerable dose of inhaled capsaicin was lower in females; however, a significantly greater activation of the somatosensory cortex was observed. Patients presenting with chronic cough from diverse racial and geographic backgrounds have a strikingly homogeneous demographic profile, suggesting a distinct clinical entity. The preponderance of females may be explained by sex-related differences in the central processing of cough sensation.
Use of NSAIDs in triathletes: prevalence, level of awareness and reasons for use
Authors: T Gorski, E Lusa Cadore, S Santana Pinto, E Marczwski da Silva, C Silva Correa, F Gabe Beltrami, L F Martins Kruel
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2009)

Objective To determine the level of awareness regarding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the prevalence and reasons for their consumption among athletes competing at the 2008 Brazil Ironman Triathlon (3.8 km swim, 180 km cycle and 42.2 km run). Design Survey study. Setting 2008 Brazil Ironman Triathlon, Florianópolis, Brazil, May 2008. Participants 327 Of the 1250 athletes competing at the 2008 Brazil Ironman Triathlon were enrolled in the study. Main Outcome Measures Athletes answered a questionnaire about NSAID effects, side effects and consumption at the bike checkout or awards lunch. Results 196 (59.9%) Athletes reported using NSAIDs in the previous 3 months; of these, 25.5% (n=50), 17.9% (n=35) and 47.4% (n=93) consumed NSAIDs the day before, immediately before and during the race, respectively. Among NSAID users, 48.5% (n=95) consumed them without medical prescription. The main reason given for NSAID consumption in the previous 3 months was the treatment of injuries, while the main reason given for consuming NSAIDs during the race was pain prevention. Despite anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, most athletes were unaware of the effects of NSAIDs, and the only adverse effects known by most athletes were the gastrointestinal complications. Conclusions This study found a high prevalence of NSAID consumption, limited awareness of the effects and side effects of them and a high rate of nonprescribed use. It is suggested that long-distance triathlon events include in their programmes educational devices such as talks or folders about NSAID use, effects and side effects.
A compiled and systematic reference map of nucleosome positions across the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome
Authors: Cizhong Jiang, B Franklin Pugh
Journal: Genome biology (2009)

Abstract Nucleosomes have position-specific functions in controlling gene expression. A complete systematic genome-wide reference map of absolute and relative nucleosome positions is needed to minimize potential confusion when referring to the function of individual nucleosomes (or nucleosome-free regions) across datasets. We compiled six high-resolution genome-wide maps of Saccharomyces cerevisiae nucleosome positions from multiple labs and detection platforms, and report new insights. Data downloads, reference position assignment software, queries, and a visualization browser are available online http://atlas.bx.psu.edu/ .
Lack of Clinical Significance of Early Ischemic Changes on Computed Tomography in Acute Stroke
Authors: Suresh C. Patel, Steven R. Levine, Barbara C. Tilley, James C. Grotta, Mei Lu, Michael Frankel, E. Clarke Haley, Thomas G. Brott, Joseph P. Broderick, Steven Horowitz, Patrick D. Lyden, Christopher A. Lewandowski, John R. Marler, K. M. A. Welch
Journal: JAMA (2001)

ContextThe prevalence and clinical significance of early ischemic changes (EICs) on baseline computed tomography (CT) scan of the head obtained within 3 hours of ischemic stroke are not established.ObjectiveTo determine the frequency and significance of EIC on baseline head CT scans in the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) rt-PA (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator) Stroke Trial.Design and SettingThe original study, a randomized controlled trial, took place from January 1991 through October 1994 at 43 sites, during which CT images were obtained within 3 hours of symptom onset and prior to the initiation of rt-PA or placebo. For the current analysis, detailed reevaluation was undertaken after October 1994 of all baseline head CT scans with clinical data available pretreatment (blinded to treatment arm).PatientsOf 624 patients enrolled in the trial, baseline CT scans were retrieved and reviewed for 616 (99%).Main Outcome MeasuresFrequency of EICs on baseline CT scans; association of EIC with other baseline variables; effect of EICs on deterioration at 24 hours (≥4 points increase from the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score); clinical outcome (measured by 4 clinical scales) at 3 months, CT lesion volume at 3 months, death at 90 days; and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) within 36 hours of treatment.ResultsThe prevalence of EIC on baseline CT in the combined rt-PA and placebo groups was 31% (n = 194). The EIC was significantly associated with baseline NIHSS score (ρ = 0.23; P&lt;.001) and time from stroke onset to baseline CT scan (ρ = 0.11; P = .007). After adjusting for baseline variables, there was no EIC × treatment interaction detected for any clinical outcome, including deterioration at 24 hours, 4 clinical scales, lesion volume, and death at 90 days (P≥.25), implying that EIC is unlikely to affect response to rt-PA treatment. After adjusting for NIHSS score (an independent predictor of ICH), no EIC association with symptomatic ICH at 36 hours was detected in the group treated with rt-PA (P≥.22).ConclusionsOur analysis suggests that EICs are prevalent within 3 hours of stroke onset and correlate with stroke severity. However, EICs are not independently associated with increased risk of adverse outcome after rt-PA treatment. Patients treated with rt-PA did better whether or not they had EICs, suggesting that EICs on CT scan are not critical to the decision to treat otherwise eligible patients with rt-PA within 3 hours of stroke onset.
Adenosine Kinase: Exploitation for Therapeutic Gain
Authors: Detlev Boison
Journal: Pharmacological Reviews (2013)

Adenosine kinase (ADK; EC 2.7.1.20) is an evolutionarily conserved phosphotransferase that converts the purine ribonucleoside adenosine into 5′-adenosine-monophosphate. This enzymatic reaction plays a fundamental role in determining the tone of adenosine, which fulfills essential functions as a homeostatic and metabolic regulator in all living systems. Adenosine not only activates specific signaling pathways by activation of four types of adenosine receptors but it is also a primordial metabolite and regulator of biochemical enzyme reactions that couple to bioenergetic and epigenetic functions. By regulating adenosine, ADK can thus be identified as an upstream regulator of complex homeostatic and metabolic networks. Not surprisingly, ADK dysfunction is involved in several pathologies, including diabetes, epilepsy, and cancer. Consequently, ADK emerges as a rational therapeutic target, and adenosine-regulating drugs have been tested extensively. In recent attempts to improve specificity of treatment, localized therapies have been developed to augment adenosine signaling at sites of injury or pathology; those approaches include transplantation of stem cells with deletions of ADK or the use of gene therapy vectors to downregulate ADK expression. More recently, the first human mutations in ADK have been described, and novel findings suggest an unexpected role of ADK in a wider range of pathologies. ADK-regulating strategies thus represent innovative therapeutic opportunities to reconstruct network homeostasis in a multitude of conditions. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of the genetics, biochemistry, and pharmacology of ADK and will then focus on pathologies and therapeutic interventions. Challenges to translate ADK-based therapies into clinical use will be discussed critically.
Amyloidosis induced, end stage renal disease in patients with familial Mediterranean fever is highly associated with point mutations in the MEFV gene
Authors: E Ben-Chetrit
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2001)

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterised by recurrent attacks of fever and serositis. Amyloidosis is the most significant complication of FMF, leading to end stage renal disease (ESRD). Recently the gene (MEFV) causing this disease was cloned and more than 18 mutations have been identified. The hypothesis that the development of amyloidosis is associated with one of these mutations was tested.23 patients with FMF and ESRD were analysed for their MEFV mutations and correlated with their corresponding rectal and renal biopsies. As case controls 23 patients with FMF free of renal disease, but with similar origin, sex, age, and age at onset of FMF, were chosen.All the patients with ESRD induced by amyloidosis were homozygous for the M694V or M694I mutations. This finding was significantly different from that seen in the control group.Amyloidosis is highly associated with the 694 substitution in the MEFV gene causing FMF. It seems that genetic predisposition plays a part in the development of this complication of FMF.
Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease in Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Andreas Festa, Steven M. Haffner
Journal: Circulation (2005)

ardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes; in type 1 diabetes, CVD typically is related to diabetic nephropathy. 1 In both type 1 (DCCT, the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial) and type 2 diabetes (UKPDS, the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study), intensive glucose control affects macrovascular disease less than microvascular disease. 2,3The pathophysiology of CVD in patients with diabetes is complex.Insulin-resistance syndrome risk factors rather than hyperglycemia per se seem to affect the risk of CVD in patients with both type 1 4 and type 2 diabetes.
Long Perfect Dinucleotide Repeats Are Typical of Vertebrates, Show Motif Preferences and Size Convergence
Authors: P. Almeida
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (2004)

Microsatellites are simple sequence repeats (SSRs) showing complex patterns of length, motif sizes, motif sequences, and repeat perfection. We studied the structure of the dinucleotide SSR population at the genome level by analyzing assembled DNA sequence across species. Three dinucleotide populations were distinguished when SSR genome frequency was analyzed as a function of repeat length and repeat perfection. A population of low-perfection SSRs was identified, which is constituted by short repeats and represents the vast majority of genomic dinucleotide SSRs across eukaryotic genomes. In turn, the highly perfect repeats are 30 to 50 times less frequent and, in addition to short repeats, also contain a long repeat population that is uniquely represented in vertebrate species. Distinctive features of this population include the modal peak in the frequency distribution of repeat length and the strong preferential usage of the repeat motifs AC and AG. These results raise the hypothesis that the ability of carrying a distinct population of long, highly perfect dinucleotide repeats in the genome is a late acquisition in chordate evolution. Our analysis also suggests that different dinucleotide repeat populations have different dynamics and are likely to be underlined by different molecular mechanisms of generation and maintenance in the genome. Thus, these observations imply that caution should be taken in extrapolating results from studies on SSR mutability and on SSR phylogenetic comparisons that do not take into account the stratification of dinucelotide populations in the eukaryotic genome.
BMA agrees to re-enter talks over new consultant contract
Authors: Gareth Iacobucci
Journal: BMJ (2015)

The BMA has agreed to re-enter negotiations with NHS Employers on the consultant contract in England after the association’s Consultants Committee voted on the issue.

The announcement came at the end of the six week deadline imposed by the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, for the BMA to either return to negotiations or face having a new contract imposed.1

Talks over a new deal will now continue over the next few months, with any new offer to be put before consultants in a vote in early …
Collagen synthesis by mesenchymal stem cells and aortic valve interstitial cells in response to mechanical stretch
Authors: C KU, P JOHNSON, P BATTEN, P SARATHCHANDRA, R CHAMBERS, P TAYLOR, M YACOUB, A CHESTER
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2006)

Objective: The synthesis of appropriate extracellular matrix by cells in tissue engineered heart valve constructs will be important for the maintenance of valve cusp integrity and function. We have examined and compared the capacity of mesenchymal stem cells to synthesise collagen in response to stretch in comparison with native aortic valve interstitial cells.
Game performance and intermittent hypoxic training
Authors: E A Hinckson, M J Hamlin, M R Wood, W G Hopkins
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2007)

Live high-train low altitude exposure simulated by hypoxic devices may improve athletic performance. In this study, intermittent normobaric hypoxia was achieved with the GO 2 altitude® hypoxicator to determine its effects on sea level performance in rugby players. Ten players were randomly assigned to two groups. Players in each group received 14 sessions of either hypoxic (10–15% O 2 ) or normoxic (21% O 2 ) exposure at rest over 14 consecutive days in a single blind fashion. Various performance measures were obtained consecutively in a single testing session pre- and post-exposure. Effects of hypoxic exposure on maximum speed and sprint times were trivial (&lt;1.0%) but unclear (90% likely range, ±5% to ±9%). In rugby simulation, hypoxic exposure produced impairments of peak power in two scrums (15%, ±8%; 9%, ±7%) and impairments of time in offensive sprints (7%, ±8%) and tackle sprints (11%, ±9%). Pending further research, rugby players would be unwise to use normobaric intermittent hypoxic exposure to prepare for games at sea level.