tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Erythema action spectrum of topical 8‐methoxypsoralen‐sensitized skin re‐evaluated: implications for routine clinical practice
Authors: D. Al‐Ismail, C. Edwards, A.V. Anstey
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2015)

Published methodology used to determine psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) erythemal action spectrum does not reflect current clinical practice for psoralen sensitization. We re‐evaluated the PUVA action spectrum using aqueous 8‐methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP) 2·6 mg L−1 as used routinely in current clinical practice. To determine the UVA erythema action spectrum of topical 8‐MOP‐sensitized normal skin. Twenty healthy volunteers with skin phototypes I–V were recruited. Forearms were psoralen‐sensitized at 37 °C for 10 min. Six UVA irradiations at 10‐nm intervals between 325 and 375 nm were randomly allocated to forearm sites and were applied using a 10‐nm bandwidth irradiation monochromator. The visual minimal phototoxic dose (MPD) was recorded on each site at 96 h. Volunteer Boston phototypes were: I, n =2; II, n =6; III, n =6; IV, n =5 and V, n =1. The mean MPD (J cm−2) for all subjects at each wavelength was as follows: 325 nm, 0·64 (SD 0·37); 335 nm, 0·80 (SD 0·58); 345 nm, 0·96 (SD 0·55); 355 nm, 1·50 (SD 0·85); 365 nm, 2·19 (SD 0·90); and 375 nm, 2·89 (SD 1·06). Therefore, the relative sensitization at each wavelength (erythemal action spectrum) was: 1, 0·83, 0·67, 0·43, 0·29 and 0·22. There were significant differences between the PUVA erythemal effectiveness at different wavelengths but none between skin types. This study has established the erythemal action spectrum for bath/soak PUVA therapy as is currently performed. In all volunteers, the peak sensitivity was at 325 nm. All volunteers showed a similar trend across the wavelengths studied irrespective of skin type. The determination of the action spectrum for PUVA‐induced erythema is important as it permits reliable estimates of erythemal efficacy of any UVA source where the emission spectrum of the lamp is known or can be measured.
HUMAN IMMUNITY TO THE MENINGOCOCCUS
Authors: Emil C. Gotschlich, Irving Goldschneider, Malcolm S. Artenstein
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1969)

High molecular weight group A and group C meningococcal polysaccharides had no significant toxicity for mice or guinea pigs. Furthermore, these polysaccharide preparations contained negligible amounts of biologically active endotoxin. The high molecular weight group A and group C meningococcal polysaccharides were excellent immunogens in six human volunteers. Antibodies belonging to the immunoglobulin classes IgG, IgM, and IgA were produced. These antibodies were highly meningococcocidal in the presence of complement.
Quality assurance for radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer: the view of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer—Gynecological Cancer Group (EORTC-GCG)
Authors: L. Verleye, I. Vergote, N. Reed, P.B. Ottevanger
Journal: Annals of Oncology (2009)

Radical hysterectomy combined with a pelvic lymphadenectomy or chemoradiation are traditionally the mainstays of treatment of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages Ia2-IIa cervical cancer. The quality of radical surgery for cervical cancer influences local tumor control and survival. Hence, it is important to optimize and ensure the quality of surgical care for cervical cancer patients. In this paper, we discuss factors that are related to outcome after radical hysterectomy and propose a set of quality indicators that can be used to audit and improve the quality of surgical care for cervical cancer patients.
Porphyrins as Theranostic Agents from Prehistoric to Modern Times
Authors: Yumiao Zhang, Jonathan F. Lovell
Journal: Theranostics (2012)

Long before humans roamed the planet, porphyrins in blood were serving not only as indispensable oxygen carriers, but also as the bright red contrast agent that unmistakably indicates injury sites. They have proven valuable as whole body imaging modalities have emerged, with endogenous hemoglobin porphyrins being used for new approaches such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and photoacoustic imaging. With the capability for both near infrared fluorescence imaging and phototherapy, porphyrins were the first exogenous agents that were employed with intrinsic multimodal theranostic character. Porphyrins have been used as tumor-specific diagnostic fluorescence imaging agents since 1924, as positron emission agents since 1951, and as magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents since 1987. Exogenous porphyrins remain in clinical use for photodynamic therapy. Because they can chelate a wide range of metals, exogenous porphyrins have demonstrated potential for use in radiotherapy and multimodal imaging modalities. Going forward, intrinsic porphyrin biocompatibility and multimodality will keep new applications of this class of molecules at the forefront of theranostic research.
Ambient air pollution and low birthweight: a European cohort study (ESCAPE)
Authors: Marie Pedersen, Lise Giorgis-Allemand, Claire Bernard, Inmaculada Aguilera, Anne-Marie Nybo Andersen, Ferran Ballester, Rob M J Beelen, Leda Chatzi, Marta Cirach, Asta Danileviciute, Audrius Dedele, Manon van Eijsden, Marisa Estarlich, Ana Fernández-Somoano, Mariana F Fernández, Francesco Forastiere, Ulrike Gehring, Regina Grazuleviciene, Olena Gruzieva, Barbara Heude, Gerard Hoek, Kees de Hoogh, Edith H van den Hooven, Siri E Håberg, Vincent W V Jaddoe, Claudia Klümper, Michal Korek, Ursula Krämer, Aitana Lerchundi, Johanna Lepeule, Per Nafstad, Wenche Nystad, Evridiki Patelarou, Daniela Porta, Dirkje Postma, Ole Raaschou-Nielsen, Peter Rudnai, Jordi Sunyer, Euripides Stephanou, Mette Sørensen, Elisabeth Thiering, Derek Tuffnell, Mihály J Varró, Tanja G M Vrijkotte, Alet Wijga, Michael Wilhelm, John Wright, Mark J Nieuwenhuijsen, Göran Pershagen, Bert Brunekreef, Manolis Kogevinas, Rémy Slama
Journal: The Lancet Respiratory Medicine (2013)
Tracheo-oesophageal fistula and total voice prosthesis placement using the Provox Puncture Kit Set® with flexible bronchoscopy guidance
Authors: Zoran Stojanovic, Jose Sanz-Santos, Felipe Andreo, Juan Vergues, Carlos Pollan, Mar Palau, Constanza Viña, Josep Roca, Juan Ruiz-Manzano
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Aim: One of the treatments of the voice loss after laryngectomy is the insertion of voice prosthesis. This treatment, that requires the creation of a tracheo-oesophageal fistula is usually performed in an operating room, under general anesthesia through the use of rigid esophagoscopy and is associated with serious complications.We present a new method for tracheo-oesophageal fistula and voice prosthesis placement using the Provox Puncture Kit Set ® with flexible bronchoscopy guidance. Patients&Method: 6 patients were included. An endotracheal tube was inserted through the esophagus with fiberbronchoscope guidance. The puncture site was located in the the trachea using transillumination.The trocar was punctured under direct visualization with the bronchoscope. The guide was inserted through the trocar and the bronchoscope was removed. Once the craneal extreme of the guide was visualized emerging from the endotracheal tube the trocar and the tube were removed. In the caudal extreme of the guide the dilator-prosthesis system was introduced. By pulling the guide the prosthesis was placed in the fistula and the guide was removed. Results: The tracheo-oesophageal fistula creation and prosthesis placement was performed successfully in all cases with obtanion of voice immediately after the procedure. All procedures were performed in the bronchoscopy unit, in an outpatient setting, under conscious sedation with no complications. Conclusions: The tracheo-oesophageal fistula creation and voice prosthesis placement using the Provox Puncture Kit Set ® with flexible bronchoscopy guidance is an easy procedure that avoids hospitalization and general anesthesia.
Endothelial Activation in Patients With Cardiac Syndrome X
Authors: Giovambattista Desideri, Achille Gaspardone, Marco Gentile, Anna Santucci, Pier Agostino Gioffrè, Claudio Ferri
Journal: Circulation (2000)

The presence of endothelial dysfunction with increased endothelin-1 plasma concentrations in patients with cardiac syndrome X is still under debate. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of endothelial dysfunction in patients with cardiac syndrome X.++Endothelin-1 levels were evaluated with a sensitive radioimmunoassay with previous purification through reverse phase HPLC in 24 patients (3 men and 21 women, mean age 54+/-7 years) with typical angina, instrumental evidence of ischemia, and normal coronary angiograms both under baseline conditions and after oral glucose load (75 g D-glucose). We also measured plasma nitrite-plus-nitrate levels, a sharp index of endothelial nitric oxide production, and circulating concentrations of the soluble fraction of the endothelial adhesion molecule vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, a well-recognized marker of early endothelial dysfunction. Fourteen healthy subjects (1 man and 13 women, mean age 47+/-15 years) served as controls. There were no significant differences in baseline plasma endothelin-1 concentrations between patients and control subjects (0.55+/-0.34 versus 0.48+/-0.22 pg/mL, P=0.503). Plasma nitrite-plus-nitrate and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 concentrations were also similar between the 2 groups. After glucose ingestion, circulating endothelin-1 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with cardiac syndrome X than in control subjects (P<0.03 at 60, 90, and 120 minutes).Our findings show that no basal endothelial damage is present in patients with cardiac syndrome X. Nevertheless, increased responsiveness of endothelin-1 to glucose loading suggests that patients with cardiac syndrome X present an increased susceptibility to releasing endothelin-1 under stressful circumstances.
Unaltered perception of dyspnoea during treatment with long-acting β<sub>2</sub>-agonists
Authors: H.J. van der Woude, R. Aalbers
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2001)

There is the possibility that during treatment with inhaled long-acting β 2 -agonists that a loss of perception of dyspnoea might occur and that the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ) might fall precipitously during bronchial provocation. This study investigated these possibilities during methacholine provocation, continued until there was ≥30% fall in FEV 1 , mimicking a moderate asthma attack. Nineteen asthmatic patients were asked to score their dyspnoea as a Borg score during provocation with methacholine. One hour prior to this provocation, the patients used the last morning dose of 14 days treatment with either formoterol (twice daily 24 µg by Turbuhaler®), salmeterol (twice daily 100 µg by Diskhaler TM ) and placebo in a double-blind, randomized, double-dummy, cross-over design. The perception of dyspnoea, expressed as the Borg score divided by the change in FEV 1 at ≥30% fall in FEV 1 , was similar on the three test days at 0.067, 0.076 and 0.074% −1 after formoterol, salmeterol and placebo treatment, respectively (p=0.16). The slope of the methacholine dose response curve did not differ (p=0.52). In conclusion, no suggestion was found for an abnormal perception of dyspnoea or an exaggerated fall in forced expiratory volume in one second during provocation with methacholine under long-acting β 2 -agonist treatment.
Cytotoxicity of, and innate immune response to, size-controlled polypyrrole nanoparticles in mammalian cells
Authors: Sojin Kim, Wan-Kyu Oh, Yoon Seon Jeong, Jin-Yong Hong, Bo-Ram Cho, Ji-Sook Hahn, Jyongsik Jang
Journal: Biomaterials (2010)
Sensitive diagnosis of cardiac allograft rejection by detection of cytokine transcription in situ
Authors: J Suzuki
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (1998)

Objective: In situ transcription of cytokines which are important in the development of cardiac rejection has not been evaluated for diagnosing rejection. The objective was to evaluate the usefulness of in situ reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for sensitive detection of acute cardiac rejection. Methods: We studied interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-2 expression using immunohistochemistry and in situ RT-PCR in murine cardiac transplant models. Hearts were heterotopically transplanted (BALB/c to C3H/He) and some mice were not treated (n=23); others were treated with anti-intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and anti-lymphocyte function associated antigen (LFA)-1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) (n=23). Allografts were removed at days 1 to 7. For control, isografts were harvested at day 7 (n=2). Results: Mice without treatment rejected allografts within 7 days, while all mAb-treated recipients accepted allografts for the same period. At day 1, allografts of both groups showed scattered myocardial cell infiltration which increased in non-treated allografts, but remained stable in mAb-treated grafts thereafter. In situ RT-PCR showed that IL-2 and IFN-γ mRNA positive cells were present in non-treated allografts, while few mRNA positive cells were expressed in infiltrating cells in the mAb-treated allografts (IL-2, day 3: 88.8±28.3 vs. 7.2±6.4, p<0.05, positive cells within 10 fields per section). However, immunohistochemistry could not reveal the difference at day 3. Conclusion: In situ RT-PCR is a sensitive method for diagnosing acute rejection, and it reveals the characteristics of myocardial infiltrate cells to determine their role in the process of rejection.
Regulation of Renal Laminin in Mice with Type II Diabetes
Authors: TAE-SUN HA, JEFFREY L. BARNES, JENNIFER L. STEWART, CHEOL W. KO, JEFFREY H. MINER, DALE R. ABRAHAMSON, JOSHUA R. SANES, BALAKUNTALAM S. KASINATH
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (1999)

Abstract. This study examines the regulation of renal laminin in the db/db mouse, a model of type II diabetes characterized by extensive remodeling of extracellular matrix. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated an increase in the contents of laminin chains including β1 chain in the mesangium and tubular basement membranes at 1,2,3, and 4 mo of diabetes. Immunofluorescence with an antibody against the recently discovered laminin α5 chain showed that in the normal mouse, the protein had a restricted distribution to the glomerular and tubular basement membranes with scant expression in the mesangium of older mice. In the diabetic mouse, the laminin α5 chain content of the glomerular and tubular basement membranes was increased, with marked expression in the mesangium. Northern analysis revealed a significant decrease in the renal cortical contents of α5, β1, and γ1 chain mRNA in the diabetic mice compared to control, at each of the time points. In situ hybridization showed decreased abundance of α5 transcripts in the glomeruli of diabetic mice compared to nondiabetic controls. Analysis of mRNA changes by Northern and in situ hybridization studies demonstrated that the reduction in laminin transcripts involved both glomerular and tubular elements. These observations demonstrate that laminin accumulation in the db/db mice with type II diabetes is due to nontranscriptional mechanisms. Because previous investigations in rodents with type I diabetes have shown that the increase in renal laminin content was associated with a corresponding increment in laminin chain transcript levels, it appears that the mechanisms underlying augmentation in renal matrix laminin content may be distinct in the two types of diabetes.
Phase I Trial of a Novel Anti-GD2 Monoclonal Antibody, Hu14.18K322A, Designed to Decrease Toxicity in Children With Refractory or Recurrent Neuroblastoma
Authors: Fariba Navid, Paul M. Sondel, Raymond Barfield, Barry L. Shulkin, Robert A. Kaufman, Jim A. Allay, Jacek Gan, Paul Hutson, Songwon Seo, KyungMann Kim, Jacob Goldberg, Jacquelyn A. Hank, Catherine A. Billups, Jianrong Wu, Wayne L. Furman, Lisa M. McGregor, Mario Otto, Stephen D. Gillies, Rupert Handgretinger, Victor M. Santana
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2014)

The addition of immunotherapy, including a combination of anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody (mAb), ch14.18, and cytokines, improves outcome for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. However, this therapy is limited by ch14.18-related toxicities that may be partially mediated by complement activation. We report the results of a phase I trial to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), safety profile, and pharmacokinetics of hu14.18K322A, a humanized anti-GD2 mAb with a single point mutation (K322A) that reduces complement-dependent lysis.Eligible patients with refractory or recurrent neuroblastoma received escalating doses of hu14.18K322A ranging from 2 to 70 mg/m(2) per day for 4 consecutive days every 28 days (one course).Thirty-eight patients (23 males; median age, 7.2 years) received a median of two courses (range, one to 15). Dose-limiting grade 3 or 4 toxicities occurred in four of 36 evaluable patients and were characterized by cough, asthenia, sensory neuropathy, anorexia, serum sickness, and hypertensive encephalopathy. The most common non-dose-limiting grade 3 or 4 toxicities during course one were pain (68%) and fever (21%). Six of 31 patients evaluable for response by iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine score had objective responses (four complete responses; two partial responses). The first-course pharmacokinetics of hu14.18K322A were best described by a two-compartment linear model. Median hu14.18K322A α (initial phase) and β (terminal phase) half-lives were 1.74 and 21.1 days, respectively.The MTD, and recommended phase II dose, of hu14.18K322A is 60 mg/m(2) per day for 4 days. Adverse effects, predominately pain, were manageable and improved with subsequent courses.
The Ottawa Statement on the Ethical Design and Conduct of Cluster Randomized Trials
Authors: Charles Weijer, Jeremy M. Grimshaw, Martin P. Eccles, Andrew D. McRae, Angela White, Jamie C. Brehaut, Monica Taljaard
Journal: PLoS Medicine (2012)

The Ottawa Ethics of Cluster Trials Consensus Group sets out 15 recommendations for the ethical design and conduct of cluster randomized trials.
Dietary nitrate: poison or panacea?
Authors: P Vallance
Journal: Gut (1997)

Dietary nitrate: poison or panacea?William Heberden wrote of poisons 'use and observation have taught us to make remedies of many of these substances and still more of them will be improved into such by posterity'.' Until recently, nitric oxide fell firmly into the poisons camp, considered as an environmental pollutant or a toxic contaminant of cylinders of nitrous oxide that could cause cardiovascular collapse and death.However, with the discovery of the endogenous formation of nitric oxide from L-arginine' and the identification of
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Guiding Pacemaker Implantation for Severe Sinus Node Dysfunction Due to Cardiac Involvement in Erdheim-Chester Disease
Authors: Thomas Elgeti, Michael Schlegl, Aischa Nitardy, Dietmar E. Kivelitz, Martin Stockburger
Journal: Circulation (2007)

A 64-year-old woman was referred to the arrhythmia outpatient clinic after she had experienced syncope without preceding symptoms and frequent paroxysmal, near syncopal episodes over the last 8 months.The ECG revealed alternation of sinus bradycardia and frequent ectopic atrial beats, normal PR interval and right bundle branch block with consecutive repolarization abnormalities.Holter ECG showed frequent periods of asystole up to 4.3 seconds.Laboratory findings were normal.Pacemaker therapy for symptomatic sinus node dysfunction was clearly indicated.The patient's past history revealed the diagnosis of Erdheim-Chester disease with osseous, cutaneous, mesenteric, and right atrial involvement 22 years ago.This disease belongs to a rare group of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis of unknown origin.Tissue is infiltrated by foamy histiocytes. 1 The patient showed nearly pathognomonic radiographic changes in both tibiae and femora with bilateral symmetrical osteosclerosis of metaphyseal and diaphyseal regions with sparing of the epiphyses (Figure 1A). 2 Over the last 5 years the patient has been stable through daily oral administration of 5 mg prednisolone.Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed to guide placement of the pacemaker electrodes and visualize the overall and local extent of tumor due to the known right atrial involvement by Erdheim-Chester disease.Echocardiographic findings are shown in Figure 1B.Nearly complete and extensive involvement of the right atrial myocardium with thickening, septal bulge, and typical perivascular tumor spread 3 along the right coronary artery could be demonstrated (Figures 2A and2B).Only a small area anterolateral of the right atrial wall was found to be less thickened, and showed no delayed hyperenhancement (Figures 2C and2D).This area was chosen for atrial lead placement.Excellent pacing and sensing properties could be found.
Is the in situ inflammatory reaction an important tool to understand the cellular immune response in American tegumentary leishmaniasis?
Authors: F.N. Morgado, A. Schubach, C.M.V. Rosalino, L.P. Quintella, G. Santos, M. Salgueiro, F. Conceição-Silva
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2007)

Background The study of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) lesions might contribute to the understanding of the dynamics of the infection. Objectives To examine the cellular infiltrate of cutaneous ATL lesions and to compare these results with the detection of the parasites and clinical data. Methods Lesions of 19 patients with ATL were evaluated through immunohistochemical analysis. Results The lesions presented an inflammatory reaction mainly consisting of T cells and macrophages. Analysis of the expression of nitric oxide synthase type 2 (NOS2) showed that its intensity was directly correlated with the number of CD3+ T cells. We also observed an association between high NOS2 expression and low quantity of parasites, highlighting the importance of NOS2 in the elimination of parasites. Conclusions The present results suggest that (i) the inflammatory process is intense in cutaneous ATL lesions and maintains a similar activity for several months; (ii) the dynamics of cell infiltration change during this period, with a gradual decrease in CD8+ T cells, probably correlated with a reduction in the parasite number; (iii) neutrophils may participate in the inflammatory process even during later stages of infection; (iv) the relative increase in the number of CD4+ T cells associated with the onset of fibrosis may suggest a participation of these cells in the control of the inflammatory process; and (v) late lesions with tendency for healing usually show focal inflammation. The study of healing lesions might contribute to the understanding of the late steps of the control of the inflammatory process in ATL lesions.