tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Lung accumulations of eosinophil granulocytes after exposure to cornstarch glove powder
Authors: J. Grunewald, A. Eklund, K. Katchar, A. Moshfegh, C. Lidén, L. Lundgren, L. Skare, G. Tornling
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2003)

Starch is a main component of wheat flour, which, besides being an occupational allergen can also induce irritative symptoms in the airways. A purified starch product (cornstarch glove powder) was used to investigate whether starch alone could induce airway inflammation. The aim of the study was to investigate a role for starch in wheat flour-induced airway inflammation. Ten healthy individuals were exposed to cornstarch glove powder in a whole-body exposure chamber. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed 2–3 weeks before and 1 day after exposure, and the BAL cells were counted differentially. In addition, the expression of activation, adhesion and subset markers on alveolar macrophages and BAL T-cells were investigated using flow cytometry. A three-fold increase in BAL cell concentrations was found, with a selective accumulation and activation of eosinophilic granulocytes, as well as an influx of nonactivated monocytes and polyclonal CD4+ T-cells into the airways. The results show that inhalation of cornstarch glove powder leads to the development of a subclinical inflammation in the airways, with an accumulation of eosinophilic granulocytes. The authors suggest that such exposure may be an interesting model for studying factors contributing to lung accumulations of eosinophil granulocytes in humans.
The Effects of a Multilingual Telephone Quitline for Asian Smokers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: S.-H. Zhu, S. E. Cummins, S. Wong, A. C. Gamst, G. J. Tedeschi, J. Reyes-Nocon
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2012)

Although telephone counseling services (quitlines) have become a popular behavioral intervention for smoking cessation in the United States, such services are scarce for Asian immigrants with limited English proficiency. In this study, we tested the effects of telephone counseling for smoking cessation in Chinese-, Korean-, and Vietnamese-speaking smokers. A culturally tailored counseling protocol was developed in English and translated into Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. We conducted a single randomized trial embedded in the California quitline service. Smokers who called the quitline's Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese telephone lines between August 2, 2004, and April 4, 2008, were recruited to the trial. Subjects (N = 2277) were stratified by language and randomly assigned to telephone counseling (self-help materials and up to six counseling sessions; n = 1124 subjects) or self-help (self-help materials only; n = 1153 subjects) groups: 729 Chinese subjects (counseling = 359, self-help = 370), 848 Korean subjects (counseling = 422, self-help = 426), and 700 Vietnamese subjects (counseling = 343, self-help = 357). The primary outcome was 6-month prolonged abstinence. Intention-to-treat analysis was used to estimate prolonged abstinence rates for all subjects and for each language group. All statistical tests were two-sided. In the intention-to-treat analysis, counseling increased the 6-month prolonged abstinence rate among all smokers compared with self-help (counseling vs self-help, 16.4% vs 8.0%, difference = 8.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.7% to 11.1%, P < .001). Counseling also increased the 6-month prolonged abstinence rate for each language group compared with self-help (counseling vs self-help, Chinese, 14.8% vs 6.0%, difference = 8.8%, 95% CI = 4.4% to 13.2%, P < .001; Korean, 14.9% vs 5.2%, difference = 9.7%, 95% CI = 5.8% to 13.8%, P < .001; Vietnamese, 19.8% vs 13.5%, difference = 6.3%, 95% CI = 0.9% to 11.9%, P = .023). Telephone counseling was effective for Chinese-, Korean-, and Vietnamese-speaking smokers. This protocol should be incorporated into existing quitlines, with possible extension to other Asian languages.
Induction of CRP3/MLP expression during vein arterialization is dependent on stretch rather than shear stress
Authors: Luciene Cristina Gastalho Campos, Ayumi Aurea Miyakawa, Valerio Garrone Barauna, Leandro Cardoso, Thaiz Ferraz Borin, Luis Alberto de Oliveira Dallan, Jose Eduardo Krieger
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2009)

AimsCysteine- and glycine-rich protein 3/muscle LIM-domain protein (CRP3/MLP) mediates protein–protein interaction with actin filaments in the heart and is involved in muscle differentiation and vascular remodelling. Here, we assessed the induction of CRP3/MLP expression during arterialization in human and rat veins.
Relationship between endotoxaemia and protein concentration of ascites in cirrhotic patients.
Authors: K Tarao, T Moroi, Y Nagakura, T Ikeuchi, T Suyama, O Endo, K Fukushima
Journal: Gut (1979)

Endotoxaemia was investigated by the Limulus assay in 42 cirrhotic patients with ascites and in 33 without ascites. The incidence of endotoxaemia in the former group (59.5%) was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher than in the latter (36.4%). Correlation between endotoxaemia and specific gravity and concentrations of total protein, albumin, and globulin in ascitic fluid was studied in the group with ascites. The specific gravity of ascites in 25 patients with endotoxaemia was significantly greater than that in 17 patients without endotoxaemia (P less than 0.01). The concentration of total protein in patients with endotoxaemia (13.95 +/- 7.18 milligram, mean +/- SD) was nearly twice as high (P less than 0.01) as in patients without endotoxaemia (7.49 +/- 3.60 milligram). The protein content of those who showed reactions greater or equal to 2(+) in the Limulus assay (16.78 +/- 7.14 milligram) was a significantly (P less than 0.05) higher than in those with 1(+) reaction (11.26 +/- 6.33 milligram). Moreover, the concentration of albumin in patients with endotoxaemia (7.68 +/- 4.60 milligram) was more than twice that of the patients without endotoxaemia (3.39 +/- 1.58 milligram, P less than 0.01). On the other hand, globulin concentration in patients with endotoxaemia was 1.6 times that of patients without endotoxaemia (P less than 0.01). Similar differences were noted between endotoxaemic and non-endotoxaemic patients in the ascites-to-serum ratio in protein, albumin, and globulin. These results suggest that in liver cirrhosis endotoxaemia may cause an increase in protein concentrations in ascitic fluid, and that it may be a precipitating factor in the formation of ascites.
DNA polymerase activity as an index of lymphocyte stimulation: studies in Down's syndrome
Authors: S. S. Agarwal, Baruch S. Blumberg, Betty Jane S. Gerstley, W. Thomas London, Alton I. Sutnick, Lawrence A. Loeb
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1970)

The ability of peripheral blood lymphocytes to respond to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in vitro was studied in patients with Down's syndrome. The response was measured by the increase in DNA polymerase activity and the rate of incorporation of tritiated thymidine by the cultured lymphocytes. These activities were significantly lower in PHA-stimulated lymphocytes from patients with Down's syndrome compared with age- and sex-matched, mentally retarded patients without Down's syndrome from the same institution and the normal healthy volunteers. The impairment in response to PHA does not seem to be related to the presence of Australia antigen in patients with Down's syndrome or to institutionalization itself. In contrast to DNA polymerase activity and thymidine-(3)H uptake, there was no significant difference in the percentage of blast transformation in the three groups studied. The poor response of the lymphocytes from patients with Down's syndrome to a mitogenic stimulus could reflect an impairment of cellular immune functions in these patients which may be one of the factors contributing to the vulnerability of these patients to repeated or persistent infections.
Role of <i>CHD5</i> in Human Cancers: 10 Years Later
Authors: Venkatadri Kolla, Tiangang Zhuang, Mayumi Higashi, Koumudi Naraparaju, Garrett M. Brodeur
Journal: Cancer Research (2014)

CHD5 was first identified because of its location on 1p36 in a region of frequent deletion in neuroblastomas. CHD5 (chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding-5) is the fifth member of a family of chromatin remodeling proteins, and it probably functions by forming a nucleosome remodeling and deacetylation (NuRD) complex that regulates transcription of particular genes. CHD5 is preferentially expressed in the nervous system and testis. On the basis of its position, pattern of expression, and function in neuroblastoma cells and xenografts, CHD5 was identified as a tumor suppressor gene (TSG). Evidence soon emerged that CHD5 also functioned as a TSG in gliomas and a variety of other tumor types, including breast, colon, lung, ovary, and prostate cancers. Although one copy of CHD5 is deleted frequently, inactivating mutations of the remaining allele are rare. However, DNA methylation of the CHD5 promoter is found frequently, and this epigenetic mechanism leads to biallelic inactivation. Furthermore, low CHD5 expression is strongly associated with unfavorable clinical and biologic features as well as outcome in neuroblastomas and many other tumor types. Thus, based on its likely involvement as a TSG in neuroblastomas, gliomas, and many common adult tumors, CHD5 may play an important developmental role in many other tissues besides the nervous system and testis.
Relative survival in patients with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukaemia in the tyrosine-kinase inhibitor era: analysis of patient data from six prospective clinical trials
Authors: Koji Sasaki, Sara S Strom, Susan O'Brien, Elias Jabbour, Farhad Ravandi, Marina Konopleva, Gautam Borthakur, Naveen Pemmaraju, Naval Daver, Preetesh Jain, Sherry Pierce, Hagop Kantarjian, Jorge E Cortes
Journal: The Lancet Haematology (2015)
The Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Suspected Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: A I Mushlin, A S Detsky, C E Phelps, P W O'Connor, D K Kido, W Kucharczyk, D W Giang, C Mooney, C M Tansey, W J Hall
Journal: JAMA (1993)

<h3>Objective.</h3> —To design and implement a methodologically rigorous study to examine the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a patient population clinically suspected of having multiple sclerosis (MS). <h3>Design and Setting.</h3> —Three hundred three patients, who were referred to two university medical centers because of the suspicion of MS, underwent MRI of the head and double-dose, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the head. The images were read by two observers individually and without knowledge of the clinical course or final diagnosis. Patients were followed up for at least 6 months and reevaluated clinically with subsequent neurological examination. Final diagnosis (MS or not MS) was made by a panel of neurologists on the basis of the clinical findings at presentation, those that developed during follow-up, and other diagnostic tests. The results of the imaging procedures were excluded to avoid incorporation bias. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using receiver-operating characteristic analysis and likelihood ratios. <h3>Results.</h3> —Magnetic resonance imaging of the head was considerably more accurate than CT in diagnosing MS. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for MS was 0.82 (compared with 0.52 for CT) indicating that MRI was a good but not definitively accurate test for MS. A "definite MS" reading on an MRI of the head was specific for MS (likelihood ratio, 24.9) and essentially established the diagnosis, especially in patients clinically designated as "probable MS" before testing. However, MRI of the head was negative for MS in 25% and equivocal in 40% of the patients considered to have MS by the diagnostic review committee (sensitivity, 58%). <h3>Conclusions.</h3> —Magnetic resonance imaging of the head provided assistance in the diagnosis of MS when lesions were visualized. Its ability far exceeded imaging with double-contrast CT. The sensitivity and, therefore, the predictive value of a negative MRI result for MS were, however, not sufficiently high for a normal MRI to be used to conclusively exclude the diagnosis of MS. (<i>JAMA</i>. 1993;269:3146-3151)
Flow through collapsible tubes at low Reynolds numbers. Applicability of the waterfall model.
Authors: C K Lyon, J B Scott, C Y Wang
Journal: Circulation Research (1980)

The applicability of the waterfall model was tested using the Starling resistor and different viscosities of fluids to vary the Reynolds number. The waterfall model proved adequate to describe flow in the Starling resistor model only at very low Reynolds numbers (Reynolds number less than 1). Blood flow characterized by such low Reynolds numbers occurs only in the microvasculature. Thus, it is inappropriate to apply the waterfall model indiscriminately to flow through large collapsible veins.
Targeting Cell-Impermeable Prodrug Activation to Tumor Microenvironment Eradicates Multiple Drug-Resistant Neoplasms
Authors: Wenyuan Wu, Yunping Luo, Chengzao Sun, Yuan Liu, Paul Kuo, Janos Varga, Rong Xiang, Ralph Reisfeld, Kim D. Janda, Thomas S. Edgington, Cheng Liu
Journal: Cancer Research (2006)

Abstract The tumor microenvironment is notably enriched with a broad spectrum of proteases. The proteolytic specificities of peptide substrates provide modular chemical tools for the rational design of cell-impermeable prodrugs that are specifically activated by proteases extracellularly in the tumor microenvironment. Targeting cell-impermeable prodrug activation to tumor microenvironment will significantly reduce drug toxicity to normal tissues. The activated prodrug attacks both tumor and stroma cells through a “bystander effect” without selectively deleting target-producing cells, therefore further minimizing resistance and toxicity. Here, we showed that legumain, the only asparaginyl endopeptidase of the mammalian genome, is highly expressed by neoplastic, stromal, and endothelial cells in solid tumors. Legumain is present extracellularly in the tumor microenvironment, associated with matrix as well as cell surfaces and functional locally in the reduced pH of the tumor microenvironment. A novel legumain-activated, cell-impermeable doxorubicin prodrug LEG-3 was designed to be activated exclusively in the tumor microenvironment. Upon administration, there is a profound increase of the end-product doxorubicin in nuclei of cells in tumors but little in other tissues. This tumor microenvironment–activated prodrug completely arrested growth of a variety of neoplasms, including multidrug-resistant tumor in vivo and significantly extended survival without evidence of myelosuppression or cardiac toxicity. The tumor microenvironment–activated prodrug design can be extended to other proteases and chemotherapeutic compounds and provides new potentials for the rational development of more effective functionally targeted cancer therapeutics. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(2): 970-80)
Platelet tyrosine kinases and fibrinogen receptor activation.
Authors: M I Furman, D Grigoryev, P F Bray, K R Dise, P J Goldschmidt-Clermont
Journal: Circulation Research (1994)

Platelet adhesion and aggregation during hemostasis and thrombosis are usually limited to sites where the integrity of the vessel wall is disrupted. The high concentration of platelet agonists within these sites represents a putative control mechanism for targeting platelet activation. Although much has been learned about the intracellular signaling systems controlling platelet activation, our understanding of the connection between signaling molecules and platelet aggregation remains limited. Tyrosine kinases are important signaling enzymes in cells and are abundant in platelets. Previous reports indicate that binding of glycoprotein IIb-IIIa (GPIIb-IIIa) to fibrinogen can induce the tyrosine phosphorylation of specific substrates. We show that, in turn, protein tyrosine kinase activity is necessary for agonist-induced activation of GPIIb-IIIa. Genistein and the tyrphostin AG-18 are two specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and the former has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation. We use genistein and AG-18 in the present study to demonstrate that aggregation inhibition is due to suppression of GPIIb-IIIa activation. In contrast, genistin, an isoflavone compound related to genistein, and acetylsalicylic acid do not affect the tyrosine kinase-signaling pathway, nor do they inhibit GPIIb-IIIa activation induced by strong agonists. On identifying prominent tyrosine kinase substrates in activated platelets, we confirm that several substrates correspond to proteins associated with the cytoskeleton: the 85-kD subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, the SH3-containing and actin-associating p85, pp60Src, and pp125FAK.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Traffic-related Air Pollution near Busy Roads
Authors: Janice J. Kim, Svetlana Smorodinsky, Michael Lipsett, Brett C. Singer, Alfred T. Hodgson, Bart Ostro
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2004)

Recent studies, primarily in Europe, have reported associations between respiratory symptoms and residential proximity to traffic; however, few have measured traffic pollutants or provided information about local air quality. We conducted a school-based, cross-sectional study in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2001. Information on current bronchitis symptoms and asthma, home environment, and demographics was obtained by parental questionnaire (n = 1,109). Concentrations of traffic pollutants (particulate matter, black carbon, total nitrogen oxides [NO(X)], and nitrogen dioxide [NO(2)]) were measured at 10 school sites during several seasons. Although pollutant concentrations were relatively low, we observed differences in concentrations between schools nearby versus those more distant (or upwind) from major roads. Using a two-stage multiple-logistic regression model, we found associations between respiratory symptoms and traffic-related pollutants. Among those living at their current residence for at least 1 year, the adjusted odds ratio for asthma in relationship to an interquartile difference in NO(X) was 1.07 (95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.14). Thus, we found spatial variability in traffic pollutants and associated differences in respiratory symptoms in a region with good air quality. Our findings support the hypothesis that traffic-related pollution is associated with respiratory symptoms in children.
Actinic reticuloid: an immunological investigation providing evidence of basement membrane damage
Authors: M. A. MENTER, R. A. McKERRON, H. E. AMOS
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1974)

Twelve cases of actinic reticuloid have been investigated using immunological procedures. It was shown that the patients were fully competent immunologically and no evidence was found to support a photo-allergic mechanism in the pathogenesis of the disease. The importance of the basement membrane zone as a site of tissue damage was observed by the finding of a localized band of fibrin deposition in this site using immunofluorescence techniques. Further, it was shown that, by irradiating uninvolved skin at 360 nm, an infiltrate simulating a lymphoma was produced by 24 h. It was concluded that the fibrin deposition was secondary to the infiltrate.
Adherence to guidelines for the prevention of HIV-related respiratory diseases
Authors: JS Montaner, P Phillips, C Zala, KJ Craib, MV O'Shaughnessy, MT Schechter
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1996)

In this study we characterized the pattern of use of preventive therapies for specific respiratory diseases within a cohort of homosexual men and assessed the impact of targeted feedback on the level of compliance with guidelines for these diseases. All human immunodeficiency virus seronegative (HIV-) (n=169) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-free human immunodeficiency virus seropositive (HIV+) (n=154) participants in our cohort, who completed four annual visits between October 1989 and December 1993, were identified. Information about the use of purified protein derivative (PPD) (tuberculin) testing, history of pneumococcal vaccinations, influenza vaccinations, use of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis, symptoms and CD4 counts was obtained yearly for each subject. In 1992, participating physicians were provided with feedback regarding the overall levels of compliance with contemporary guidelines for the prevention of respiratory disease. As part of this exercise, the guidelines were distributed and discussed. The percentage of HIV+ patients who underwent PPD testing increased from 43 to 65% during the study (p=0.001). Significantly more HIV+ than HIV- patients underwent PPD testing (p&lt;0.001). A total of 144 (94%) HIV+ men received at least one influenza vaccination compared to 60 (35%) HIV- men (p&lt;0.001). Utilization of influenza vaccination in the HIV+ group significantly increased from 78% in 1992 to 92% in 1993 (p&lt;0.001). A total of 104 (68%) HIV+ men received pneumococcal vaccination compared to 2 (1%) HIV- men (p&lt;0.001). Among HIV+ individuals whose absolute CD4+ count was less than 200 cells x mm(-3), the percentage of men who received primary PCP prophylaxis was 0, 86, 72 and 88 for the years 1990-1993, respectively. Among HIV+ patients whose only eligibility criterion for PCP prophylaxis was a CD4+ percentage &lt;20%, compliance was 55, 30, 37 and 50% for the years 1990-1993, respectively. Among HIV+ subjects, increases in the compliance level were noted for all preventive therapies after targeted feedback was provided during the last quarter of 1992. However, only utilization of influenza vaccine exceeded a 90% compliance in 1993. These data demonstrate that a suboptimal level of compliance with current guidelines for the prevention of respiratory disease among human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals can be significantly improved using targeted feedback. Although it is likely that similar effects could be achieved in other populations or the community at large, this remains to be demonstrated.
Inhibition of T cell activation in vivo with mixtures of monoclonal antibodies specific for I-A and I-A/E molecules.
Authors: J Sprent, E A Lerner, J Bruce, F W Symington
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1981)

(CBA x B6)F1 (Iak x Iab) T cells were activated to sheep erythrocytes in irradiated F1 mice in the presence of various monoclonal anti-Ia reagents and then tested for their capacity to collaborate with B cells from B10.BR (I-Ak, I-Ek) (kk), B10.A(4R) (kb), and B10 (bb) mice. Anti-I-Ak antibodies blocked the generation of help for B10.A(4R) B cells, but not B10.BR or B10 B cells. An anti-I-Ab antibody blocked help for B10 B cells, but not for B10.BR or B10.A(4R) B cells. An antibody (Y-17) specific for I-Ak/Ek and I-Ab/Ek molecules, but not for I-Ak or I-Ab molecules, failed to impair the generation of help for B10.BR, B10.A (4R), or B10 B cells. In marked contrast to injecting each antibody separately, a mixture of anti-I-Ak and anti-I-Ak,b/Ek (Y-17) antibodies virtually abolished the generation of help for B10.BR B cells. A mixture of anti-I-Ak and anti-I-Ab antibodies effectively blocked help for (4R x B10)F1 B cells, i.e., cells expressing hybrid I-A molecules. These two antibodies only marginally impaired help for (CBA x B6)F1 B cells. To block help for (CBA x B6)F1 B cells required selection in the presence of a cocktail of anti-I-Ak, anti-I-Ab, and anti-I-Ak,b/Ek antibodies. The implications of these findings are discussed.