tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Recent Peritonitis Associates with Mortality among Patients Treated with Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Neil Boudville, Anna Kemp, Philip Clayton, Wai Lim, Sunil V. Badve, Carmel M. Hawley, Stephen P. McDonald, Kathryn J. Wiggins, Kym M. Bannister, Fiona G. Brown, David W. Johnson
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (2012)

Peritonitis is a major complication of peritoneal dialysis, but the relationship between peritonitis and mortality among these patients is not well understood. In this case-crossover study, we included the 1316 patients who received peritoneal dialysis in Australia and New Zealand from May 2004 through December 2009 and either died on peritoneal dialysis or within 30 days of transfer to hemodialysis. Each patient served as his or her own control. The mean age was 70 years, and the mean time receiving peritoneal dialysis was 3 years. In total, there were 1446 reported episodes of peritonitis with 27% of patients having ≥ 2 episodes. Compared with the rest of the year, there were significantly increased odds of peritonitis during the 120 days before death, although the magnitude of this association was much greater during the 30 days before death. Compared with a 30-day window 6 months before death, the odds for peritonitis was six-fold higher during the 30 days immediately before death (odds ratio, 6.2; 95% confidence interval, 4.4-8.7). In conclusion, peritonitis significantly associates with mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients. The increased odds extend up to 120 days after an episode of peritonitis but the magnitude is greater during the initial 30 days.
Targeting of c-kit+ haematopoietic progenitor cells prevents hypoxic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: N. Gambaryan, F. Perros, D. Montani, S. Cohen-Kaminsky, M. Mazmanian, J-F. Renaud, G. Simonneau, A. Lombet, M. Humbert
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2010)

Haematopoietic c-kit+ progenitor cells may contribute to pulmonary vascular remodelling and pulmonary hypertension (PH). Stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1/CXCL12) and its receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 have been shown to be critical for homing and mobilisation of haematopoietic c-kit+ progenitor cells in the perivascular niche. We administered AMD3100, a CXCR4 antagonist, and CCX771, a CXCR7 antagonist, to chronic hypoxia exposed mice in order to study the role of c-kit+ progenitor cells in PH. CXCL12, CXCR4 and CXCR7 protein expression, haemodynamic parameters, right ventricular mass, extent of vascular remodelling and perivascular progenitor cell accumulation were studied. Chronic hypoxia-exposed mice showed increased total lung tissue expression of CXCR4, CXCR7 and CXCL12 after development of PH. This was associated with significantly increased right ventricular systolic pressure and evidence of right ventricular hypertrophy, vascular remodelling and perivascular c-kit+/sca-1+ progenitor cell accumulation. CCX771 administration did not abrogate these effects. In contrast, administration of AMD3100, whether alone or combined with CCX771, prevented vascular remodelling, PH and perivascular accumulation of c-kit+/sca-1+ progenitor cells, with a synergistic effect of these agents. This study offers important pathophysiological insights into the role of haematopoietic c-kit+ progenitors in hypoxia-induced vascular remodelling and may have therapeutic implications for PH.
Circulating cell adhesion molecules in bronchial lavage and serum in COPD patients with chronic bronchitis
Authors: GC Riise, S Larsson, CG Lofdahl, BA Andersson
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1994)

The initial phase of inflammation in bronchial asthma appears to be triggered by the expression of leucocyte-endothelial adhesion molecules on endothelial cell surfaces. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) cause adhesion of leucocytes to the endothelium prior to their subsequent extravasation into inflamed tissue. We wanted to determine whether circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (cICAM-1) and circulating E-selectin (cE-selectin) could be detected in bronchial lavage fluid and serum in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis. Bronchoscopy and small volume bronchial lavage was performed in 19 patients with COPD and chronic bronchitis and in 13 control subjects. We found increased mean levels of cICAM-1 both in serum (481 micrograms.l-1) and in bronchial lavage (24 micrograms.l-1) in the COPD patients as compared to the controls (321 micrograms.l-1 in serum, 15 micrograms.l-1 in lavage). We also found higher mean levels of cE-selectin in serum from the COPD patients (86 micrograms.l-1) compared to controls (50 micrograms.l-1). The serum levels of cE-selectin correlated significantly with lung function measured as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in percentage of predicted. Patients with significant intrabronchial bacterial colonization had increased levels of serum cE-selectin. Our results indicate that cCAMs may reflect an upregulation of CAMs on endothelial and epithelial airway cells in COPD.
Treatment of reopened macular hole after vitrectomy by laser and outpatient fluid-gas exchange
Authors: Esther Ohana, Mark S Blumenkranz
Journal: Ophthalmology (1998)

This study aimed to assess a new nonsurgical treatment for patients who have previously undergone vitrectomy for macular hole with either persistent or reopened holes.A prospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series.Fifteen patients (15 eyes) were studied.Patients were treated by an outpatient method consisting of laser photocoagulation to the foveal pigment epithelium followed by fluid-gas exchange with 20% perfluoropropane gas and prone positioning. Patients without known allergy were treated with two doses of oral Diamox (250 mg) and ciprofloxacin (500 mg).Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, anatomic status of the macular hole, and cataract were the principal outcome measures studied.Thirteen of 15 macular holes were closed successfully with 1 or more procedures. All patients with macular hole closure achieved two lines or greater of vision improvement on Snellen testing. Three patients (20%) achieved 20/40 and nine (60%) achieved 20/80 or better. Three patients required more than one procedure. Four patients developed mild transient ocular hypertension.The combination of office-based outpatient fluid-gas exchange and laser appears to be a safe and cost-effective alternative to repeat surgery in selected patients with persistent or reopened macular holes after vitrectomy, in whom there are no visible epiretinal membranes, or in whom return to the operating room is undesirable for medical or personal reasons.
Illegible handwriting in medical records
Authors: F J. Rodriguez-Vera, Y Marin, A Sanchez, C Borrachero, E Pujol
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (2002)

In clinical records many items are handwritten and difficult to read.We examined clinical histories in a representative sample of case notes from a Spanish general hospital.Two independent observers assigned legibility scores, and a third adjudicated in case of disagreement.Defects of legibility such that the whole was unclear were present in 18 (15%) of 117 reports, and were particularly frequent in records from surgical departments.Through poor handwriting, much information in medical records is inaccessible to auditors, to researchers, and to other clinicians involved in the patient's care.If clinicians cannot be persuaded to write legibly, the solution must be an accelerated switch to computer-based systems.
Device for implantation of long-term transvenous cardiac pacemaker electrodes
Authors: P. K. Caves, J. S. Geddes, M. E. Scott
Journal: Thorax (1970)

General anaesthesia is usually recommended for the most painful part of long-term transvenous pacemaker implantation, <i>viz.</i>, the pulling subcutaneously of the end of the electrode from the neck incision to the site of pacemaker implantation. The ability to perform this step, and therefore the whole procedure, under local anaesthesia is an advantage. We describe a simple, inexpensive device which permits implantation of long-term transvenous cardiac pacemaker electrodes under local anaesthesia. Its use reduces operating time, pain and bleeding and avoids the dangers of general anaesthesia. The device and our implantation technique, as used in 58 patients, are described in detail. The device consists of a solid steel rod introducer and a slightly modified Mousseau Barbin tube (Porges 5870).
Impact of Age on the Feasibility and Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Locally Advanced Gastroesophageal Cancer: A Retrospective Pooled Analysis of Individual Patient Data
Authors: Lorenzen Sylvie, Spörl Silvia, Al-Batran Salah-Eddin, Novotny Alexander, Lordick Florian, Thuss-Patience Peter, Haller Bernhard, Feith Markus
Journal: Annals of Oncology (2014)
Insulin sensitivity in African-American children with and without family history of type 2 diabetes.
Authors: K Danadian, G Balasekaran, V Lewy, M P Meza, R Robertson, S A Arslanian
Journal: Diabetes Care (1999)

OBJECTIVE: African-Americans are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes. We have previously demonstrated that African-American children are hyperinsulinemic and insulin resistant compared with their white American peers. The aim of the present investigation was to assess the impact of family history of type 2 diabetes on insulin sensitivity in African-American children. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 13 prepubertal healthy children with negative family history (FH-) and 9 with positive family history (FH+) of type 2 diabetes underwent a 3-h hyperinsulinemic (40 mU x m(-2) x min(-1))-euglycemic clamp study to assess insulin sensitivity. The groups were comparable for age, pubertal status, total body adiposity determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, abdominal adiposity assessed by computed tomography scan at the level of L4-5 lumbar vertebra, and physical fitness measured by maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). RESULTS: The FH+, compared with the FH-, group had lower insulin-stimulated glucose disposal (10.9+/-1.2 vs. 14.2+/-0.9 mg x kg(-1) x min(-1), P = 0.035) and lower nonoxidative glucose disposal (5.7+/-0.8 vs. 8.3+/-0.6 mg x kg(-1) x min(-1), P = 0.015), with no differences in rates of glucose oxidation, fat oxidation, or insulin-mediated free fatty acid suppression. Fasting hepatic glucose production assessed with [6,6-2H2]glucose and basal rates of glucose and fat oxidation were not different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that in African-American children, family history of type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for insulin resistance. These children manifest important metabolic alterations, including impaired insulin-stimulated total and nonoxidative glucose disposal early in the first decade of life. We propose that this familial tendency, combined with environmental influences, could lead to type 2 diabetes decades later.
A monochrome view of colour
Authors: I. C. McManus
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (1997)

Saunders & van Brakel's criticism of Berlin & Kay's methodology misunderstands the fact that scientific hypotheses are tested by generating new, replicable data with novel explanatory power. Thus, although Berlin and Kay studied differences in colour words between languages, the same patterns are also present in colour word usage within languages, in a range of literary and other textual databases.
Assessing Risks, Costs, and Benefits of Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
Authors: Muhammed Ashraf Memon, Robert J. Fitzgibbons
Journal: Annual Review of Medicine (1998)

Laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy (LIHR) was introduced with the following potential advantages: less postoperative discomfort and pain, reduced recovery time that allows earlier return to full activity, easier repair of a recurrent hernia, the ability to treat bilateral hernias concurrently, the performance of a simultaneous diagnostic laparoscopy, ligation of the hernia sac at the highest possible site, improved cosmesis, and decreased incidence of recurrence. Potential disadvantages include complications, such as bowel, bladder, and vascular injuries; potential adhesive complications at sites where the peritoneum has been breached or prosthetic material has been placed; the apparent need, at least at the present, for a general anesthetic; and the increased cost because of expensive equipment needs. Most surgeons agree that LIHR has a role in the management of patients with a recurrent hernia after a conventional inguinal herniorrhaphy (CIHR), bilateral inguinal hernia, or a need for laparoscopy for another procedure, such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The routine use of LIHR for the unilateral, uncomplicated hernia is a more contentious issue.
Transcriptome analysis shows activation of circulating CD8+ T cells in patients with severe asthma
Authors: Eleni Tsitsiou, Andrew E. Williams, Sterghios A. Moschos, Ketan Patel, Christos Rossios, Xiaoying Jiang, Oona-Delpuech Adams, Patricia Macedo, Richard Booton, David Gibeon, Kian Fan Chung, Mark A. Lindsay
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2011)
Piece of mind; a full systems approach is required
Authors: Caroline Rae
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (2007)

Abstract Intelligence studies are confounded by an inability to image the mind, as well as by heterogeneity in intelligence constructs, gender, and age. The ghost (of future, not past) sitting at the table is a molecular one. Biochemistry and molecular biology factors can contribute to or take away from intelligence to a great and not yet fully explored extent.
Changes in Dutch opinions on active euthanasia, 1966 through 1991
Authors: P J van der Maas, L Pijnenborg, J J van Delden
Journal: JAMA (1995)

THE NETHERLANDS appears to have a worldwide reputation for tolerant policies on controversial issues such as abortion, drug abuse, and euthanasia. In a comparative survey of 15 countries, including the United States and Canada, the Dutch had by far the most permissive orientation.<sup>1</sup>"Tolerant" in this context has positive connotations for some and negative for others, who interpret this tolerance as a loss of fundamental values that inevitably leads to a disintegration of society. Policies must have at least some basis in public opinion and in opinions of the relevant professional groups, especially in an extremely value-laden topic such as active euthanasia. Euthanasia involves such values as the sanctity of life and human self-determination, as well as medical-professional ethics that may be seen as more or less derived from such values. In this article, we examine the development of public opinion on the issue of active euthanasia and the
Use of Highly Purified Synthetic Calcium Sulfate Impregnated With Antibiotics for the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers Complicated by Osteomyelitis
Authors: Rajesh M. Jogia, Deborah E. Modha, Kaustubh Nisal, Rachel Berrington, Marie-France Kong
Journal: Diabetes Care (2015)

Diabetic foot osteomyelitis can be managed medically with systemic antibiotics alone or surgically by removing infected bone (1,2). Localized delivery of antibiotics directly to the bone offers a way to achieve an optimal concentration of chosen antibiotics at the site of infection. Antibiotics have been delivered directly into wounds using various vehicles, such as methyl methacrylate and absorbable antibiotic-impregnated gauze, in other clinical settings (3). Highly purified synthetic (HPS) calcium sulfate–based antibiotic therapy offers advantages of being biodegradable, having predictable elution characteristics to deliver antibiotics in concentrations far exceeding the minimum inhibitory concentration of the infecting organism, and having an ability to fill dead space (4,5). We report our experience of using HPS calcium sulfate impregnated with vancomycin and gentamicin in the management of …
Malignant mesothelioma in south east England: clinicopathological experience of 272 cases [published erratum appears in Thorax 1997 Nov;52(11):1018]
Authors: D. H. Yates, B. Corrin, P. N. Stidolph, K. Browne
Journal: Thorax (1997)

BACKGROUND: Malignant mesothelioma is a rare pleural tumour associated with asbestos exposure. The proportion of malignant mesothelioma unrelated to asbestos exposure, and any differentiating features between exposed and unexposed cases, are not well described. This study describes occupational, clinical, and pathological features in a large cohort of cases of malignant mesothelioma from south east England. METHODS: All 272 cases from this region were studied, either in life or after death when necropsy examination suggested malignant mesothelioma. Detailed information was gathered regarding the occupational history, clinical course, and mode of death. Necropsies were performed in 98% of cases. Lung tissue was examined histologically to confirm the diagnosis, subtype of tumour, presence or absence of asbestosis and asbestos bodies. RESULTS: Exposure to asbestos was documented in 87% of cases, while in the remainder, no asbestos exposure was found nor were asbestos bodies seen; 94.5% were pleural, 5.1% peritoneal, and 0.4% pericardial. Right sided tumours were more common than left sided tumours (ratio 1.6:1). Patients usually presented with breathlessness and chest pain, but 33% presented with pleural effusion in the absence of chest pain. The mean (SD) time from first exposure to asbestos to symptoms was 40 (12) years with a median (interquartile range (IQR) survival of 14 (12.5) months. The median (IQR) survival time in sarcomatous, epithelial, and mixed cell type malignant mesothelioma was 9.4 (10) months, 12.5 (18) months, and 11 (14) months, respectively, and was significantly greater in cases detected by chance. Clinical features were similar in asbestos related and non-asbestos related malignant mesothelioma. CONCLUSIONS: In south east England most cases of malignant mesothelioma are associated with asbestos exposure. Clinical features do not differentiate between asbestos related and non-asbestos related disease.
Role of Muscle Mass and Muscle Quality in the Association Between Diabetes and Gait Speed
Authors: Stefano Volpato, Lara Bianchi, Fulvio Lauretani, Fabrizio Lauretani, Stefania Bandinelli, Jack M. Guralnik, Giovanni Zuliani, Luigi Ferrucci
Journal: Diabetes Care (2012)

Older people with type 2 diabetes are at high risk of mobility disability. We investigated the association of diabetes with lower-limb muscle mass and muscle quality to verify whether diabetes-related muscle impairments mediate the association between diabetes and low walking speed.We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 835 participants (65 years old and older) enrolled in the InCHIANTI (Invecchiare in Chianti, aging in the Chianti area) population-based study. Total, muscular, and fat cross-sectional areas of the calf and relative muscle density were measured using peripheral quantitative computerized tomography. Indicators of muscle performance included knee-extension torque, ankle plantar flexion and dorsiflexion strength, lower-extremity muscle power, and ankle muscle quality (ratio of ankle strength to the muscle area [kilograms per centimeters squared]). Gait performance was assessed by 4- and 400-m walking speed. Diabetes was ascertained by standard American Diabetes Association criteria.Prevalence of diabetes was 11.4%. After adjustment for age and sex, participants with diabetes had lower muscle density, knee and ankle strength, and muscle power and worse muscle quality (all P < 0.05). Diabetic participants were also slower on both 4-m (β: -0.115 ± 0.024 m/s, P < 0.001) and 400-m (β:-0.053 ± 0.023 m/s, P < 0.05) walking tests. In multivariable linear regression models, lower-limb muscle characteristics accounted for 24.3 and 15.1% of walking speed difference comparing diabetic and nondiabetic subjects in the 4- and 400-m walks, respectively.In older persons, diabetes is associated with reduced muscle strength and worse muscle quality. These impairments are important contributors of walking limitations related to diabetes.
Rehabilitation for Irreversible Deafness
Authors: S. Richard Silverman
Journal: JAMA (1966)

In the past three decades, many factors, not wholly unrelated, have stimulated interest in education and rehabilitation of persons with impaired hearing. They include development of refined electroacoustic instruments, particularly audiometers, to measure hearing loss; improvement of hearing aids; evolution of surgery for otosclerosis and of reconstructive surgical procedures for the middle ear<sup>1</sup>; development of promising investigative techniques in psychoacoustics, auditory biophysics, physiology, and microanatomy<sup>2-5</sup>; recognition of the problem of noise-induced hearing loss in industry and the armed forces<sup>6</sup>; awareness of hazards to hearing such as heredity, unfavorable prenatal conditions or perinatal stress or injury; and a growing public appreciation of the rehabilitative needs and the economic and social potential of handicapped persons. Forward looking management of persons with impaired hearing requires (1) dissemination of information about hearing impairment and acoustic hygiene, (2) early identification through a "high-risk register," screening programs in clinics for babies and in
Sudden-onset asthma exacerbations: clinical features, response to therapy, and 2-week follow-up
Authors: R.G Barr, P.G Woodruff, S Clark, C.A Camargo Jr., None on behalf of the Multicenter Airway Research Collaboration (marc) investigators
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2000)

Sudden-onset asthma exacerbations may have different triggers and responses to treatment than slower-onset exacerbations. The authors studied this hypothesis among patients with severe asthma exacerbations. The Multicenter Airway Research Collaboration prospectively enrolled patients presenting to 64 North American emergency departments with asthma exacerbations. Of 1,847 patients aged 18-54 yrs, 900 had severe exacerbations (peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) &lt;50% predicted or hospitalized without PEFR). These patients were divided into sudden-onset (&lt; or =3 h of symptoms) and slower-onset (&gt;3 h of symptoms) groups. Fourteen per cent (95% confidence interval, 11-16%) of patients with severe asthma exacerbations had sudden-onset exacerbations. Sudden-onset patients were similar to slower-onset patients, except triggers of their exacerbations were more often respiratory allergens, exercise or psychosocial stress and less often respiratory infections. Sudden-onset patients were more likely to have used oral beta-agonists and salmeterol in the preceding 4 weeks. Although initial PEFRs and management were similar, sudden-onset patients had a greater improvement in PEFR (35 versus 28% p&lt;0.001). Sudden-onset patients were less often discharged on systemic corticosteroids, but had similar 2-week relapse rates compared with slower-onset patients. Among patients presenting with severe asthma exacerbations, sudden-onset exacerbations had a different pattern of triggers and greater improvement with treatment than slower-onset exacerbations.