tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Bronchial endoscopic ultrasound elastography: preliminary feasibility data
Authors: Valery Trosini-Désert, Florence Jeny, Laurent Taillade, Stephane Vignot, Hedi Zribi, Frédérique Capron, Thomas Similowski
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

To the Editor: 

Medical elastography consists of biomechanically characterising a zone of tissue on the basis of its response to the application of mechanical stress. This stress can be quasistatic (local compression) or vibratory (propagation of shear waves). In the various medical applications of elastography, the response to the stress is described by mapping the tensile modulus, or Young’s modulus. Young’s modulus corresponds to the slope of the stress–strain relationship measured during a series of tensile tests [1]. The elasticity of a tissue depends on its nature, its state (fat infiltration or fibrosis) and its homogeneity. A tumour situated in a zone of healthy tissue can, therefore, be detected by its decreased elasticity. The tumour can also be described in space, based on the principle that within anisotropic materials (typically represented by heterogeneous tissues), the value of Young’s modulus varies as a function of the direction of the force applied to the material tested. Simple colour coding of the tensile response provides mapping of the elasticity of the zone examined. Very hard tissues are generally coded as blue, while soft tissues are coded as red and intermediate tissues are coded as green.

Elastography is now used in various fields of medicine, often in combination with ultrasound (ultrasound elastography, sometimes called computer-assisted palpation). It has been applied to the diagnosis of …
Abbreviated or not abbreviated? Is it the right question?
Authors: F. Series
Journal: Thorax (2007)

The use of abbreviated recording techniques in the diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) disturbances are very prevalent in developed countries. Since it was estimated over 10 years ago, the prevalence of SDB is probably higher now because of the dramatic increase in body weight in the populations of these countries.1 Given the large increase in mortality and morbidity outcomes associated with the diagnosis of SDB, the diagnosis of a nocturnal breathing disorder should no longer be confirmed solely by conventional in-laboratory polysomnographic recordings. This justifies the need for abbreviated monitoring during sleep to be part of the assessment of SDB and the tremendous effort developed by the sleep research community to evaluate the diagnostic value of abbreviated recordings.

The study by Jobin et al 2 reported in this issue of Thorax ( see p 422 ) is the first comparative study that does not use in-laboratory polysomnographic recordings as the gold standard, and is thus an important step towards evaluating the merits of abbreviated recording techniques. This is a major upheaval in the field of sleep medicine, and opens the way to realistic assessments of abbreviated recording techniques in real-life conditions that avoid costly, time-consuming in-laboratory polysomnographic recordings. It is, however, reasonable to wonder whether the authors should have proceeded more cautiously by starting with level 2 monitoring techniques (ie, an unattended complete polysomnographic study) as a reference, which would allow the influence of home monitoring on cardiorespiratory variables to …
HIV-1 Drug Resistance in Newly Infected Individuals
Authors: Daniel Boden
Journal: JAMA (1999)

ContextThere is concern that the widespread use of antiretroviral drugs to treat human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) infection may result in the increased transmission of drug-resistant virus.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of drug resistance–conferring mutations and phenotypic resistance to antiretroviral agents in a cohort of individuals newly infected with HIV-1.DesignCase series with genetic analyses of the HIV-1 plasma-derived pol gene using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction followed by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products. Phenotypic analysis was performed with a recombinant virus assay.Setting and PatientsEighty individuals referred, on average, 1.7 months after infection with HIV-1 to the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center between July 1995 and April 1999. Subjects were from large urban areas (65 from New York, NY; 11 from Los Angeles, Calif); 60 (75%) were white, and 75 (93.8%) were homosexual men.Main Outcome MeasuresPrevalence of known resistance-conferring genotypes and reduced susceptibility to individual antiviral agents by phenotype.ResultsThirteen individuals (16.3%) had genotypes associated with drug resistance to any antiretroviral agent. Virus with known resistance-conferring mutations to any nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors was found in 10 individuals, to any nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors in 6 subjects, and to any protease inhibitors in 2 cases. Multidrug-resistant virus was identified in 3 individuals (3.8%). Extensive polymorphism in the protease gene was identified. Interpretation of genotypes and phenotypes was concordant in 57 (85%) of the 67 cases in which both studies were performed.ConclusionThe prevalence of HIV-1 variants with known resistance-conferring genotypes to any antiretroviral agent in this cohort of 80 newly infected individuals is 16.3%. These data support expanded use of resistance testing in the setting of primary HIV-1 infection. Clinical trials should be initiated to establish whether therapy guided by resistance testing, compared with the use of empirical triple combination antiretroviral therapy, provides additional virological and immunological benefit when treating primary HIV-1 infection. Further efforts to expand the study of transmission of drug-resistant HIV-1 variants, particularly in cohorts with different epidemiological profiles, are indicated.
The impact of photosensitivity disorders on aspects of lifestyle
Authors: R. Stafford, M.D. Farrar, R. Kift, M.T. Durkin, J.L. Berry, A.R. Webb, L.E. Rhodes
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2010)

Photosensitivity disorders involve an abnormal skin reaction to sunlight exposure and affect a substantial percentage of the population. No previous studies have directly compared lifestyle attributes between photosensitive and healthy individuals.To assess the impact of photosensitivity on time spent outdoors in the U.K., holiday behaviour, use of sunscreens and vitamin D supplements, and employment status.Questionnaires were completed by ambulant photosensitive and healthy adults aged 18-60 years residing in Greater Manchester.Forty-five adults with moderate-severe photosensitivity and 124 healthy adults completed the questionnaire. This revealed that photosensitive subjects spent significantly less time outdoors in the U.K. on both summer weekdays (P < 0·01) and summer weekends (P < 0·0001) than healthy subjects, took fewer holidays per year (P < 0·05), and spent less time outdoors on a sunny holiday (P < 0·0001). They wore clothing that covered a wider skin area (P < 0·0001), and use of sunscreen was greater (both frequency of application and area covered) in the photosensitive group outside of holiday time (P < 0·0001), but not when on a sunny holiday, as healthy people increased their sunscreen use at this time. Despite the reduced sun exposure, photosensitive subjects were no more likely to take vitamin D supplements than healthy subjects were; they also exhibited a significantly higher rate of unemployment (P < 0·05).Photosensitivity disorders negatively influence lifestyle including employment status; more attention is required to the socioeconomic impact of these conditions.
Peptic ulcer disease: absence of antibodies stimulating the histamine sensitive adenylate cyclase of gastric mucosal cells.
Authors: P Burman, S Mardh, L Loof, J Naesdal, F A Karlsson
Journal: Gut (1991)

The possible presence of parietal cell stimulating antibodies was examined in sera from 57 patients with relapsing ulcer disease. The sera were obtained at the time of symptomatic relapse and all patients had ulcers confirmed by endoscopy. A sensitive assay based on adenosine 39:59 cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) production in isolated porcine gastric mucosal cells was used as a measure. cAMP production increased up to four hours of incubation and was histamine responsive; an approximately 20-fold increase was found with histamine 10(-4) mol/l. Sera from both patients and healthy control subjects showed some inhibitory effect on basal cAMP production compared with incubation in medium only, whereas immunoglobulin preparations had a weaker non-specific effect. No stimulation was found when the patients9 sera and immunoglobulins (up to a concentration of 6 mg/ml) were examined. These results suggest that gastric acid hypersecretion in duodenal ulcer disease is not an effect of histamine receptor stimulating antibodies. The data thus argue against a recent hypothesis that severe chronic ulcer disease in some patients has an autoimmune origin.
Local effector failure in mesothelioma is not mediated by CD4+ CD25+ T-regulator cells
Authors: C. Jackaman, S. Cornwall, A. M. Lew, Y. Zhan, B. W. S. Robinson, D. J. Nelson
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2009)

The aim of the present study was to define the point at which mesothelioma T-cell responses fail in order to design better immunotherapies. A murine model of mesothelioma was used which was established with asbestos. Inoculation of tumour cells into syngeneic mice results in progressing tumours with similar histopathology to human mesothelioma. The tumour cells secrete a marker tumour antigen similar to secreted tumour-associated products, such as mesothelin. The mesothelioma microenvironment contains stromal elements including dendritic cells, effector CD8 + and CD4 + T-cells, and CD4 + T-regulatory (Tregs) cells, all of which are activated in situ , implying chronic inflammation. Tumour antigens are rapidly transported to draining lymph nodes wherein tumour-specific T-cell responses are generated. Despite the generation of potent CD8 + cytotoxic lymphocyte in lymphoid organs, those that infiltrate tumours cannot restrain tumour growth suggesting local suppression. Splenic Tregs did not suppress protective responses in adoptive transfer experiments suggesting that systemic Tregs play little role in regulating anti-mesothelioma immune responses. Finally, removal of CD25 + Tregs from the tumour site and lymphoid organs did not alter tumour growth with or without interleukin (IL)-2 or IL-21 immunotherapy. Tregs are not potent regulators of anti-mesothelioma immunity and targeting these cells may not improve results.
The Avian Transcriptome Response to Malaria Infection
Authors: Elin Videvall, Charlie K. Cornwallis, Vaidas Palinauskas, Gediminas Valkiūnas, Olof Hellgren
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (2015)

Malaria parasites are highly virulent pathogens which infect a wide range of vertebrates. Despite their importance, the way different hosts control and suppress malaria infections remains poorly understood. With recent developments in next-generation sequencing techniques, however, it is now possible to quantify the response of the entire transcriptome to infections. We experimentally infected Eurasian siskins (Carduelis spinus) with avian malaria parasites (Plasmodium ashfordi), and used high-throughput RNA-sequencing to measure the avian transcriptome in blood collected before infection (day 0), during peak parasitemia (day 21 postinfection), and when parasitemia was decreasing (day 31). We found considerable differences in the transcriptomes of infected and uninfected individuals, with a large number of genes differentially expressed during both peak and decreasing parasitemia stages. These genes were overrepresented among functions involved in the immune system, stress response, cell death regulation, metabolism, and telomerase activity. Comparative analyses of the differentially expressed genes in our study to those found in other hosts of malaria (human and mouse) revealed a set of genes that are potentially involved in highly conserved evolutionary responses to malaria infection. By using RNA-sequencing we gained a more complete view of the host response, and were able to pinpoint not only well-documented host genes but also unannotated genes with clear significance during infection, such as microRNAs. This study shows how the avian blood transcriptome shifts in response to malaria infection, and we believe that it will facilitate further research into the diversity of molecular mechanisms that hosts utilize to fight malaria infections.
An Integrated Clinico-Metabolomic Model Improves Prediction of Death in Sepsis
Authors: Raymond J. Langley, Ephraim L. Tsalik, Jennifer C. van Velkinburgh, Seth W. Glickman, Brandon J. Rice, Chunping Wang, Bo Chen, Lawrence Carin, Arturo Suarez, Robert P. Mohney, Debra H. Freeman, Mu Wang, Jinsam You, Jacob Wulff, J. Will Thompson, M. Arthur Moseley, Stephanie Reisinger, Brian T. Edmonds, Brian Grinnell, David R. Nelson, Darrell L. Dinwiddie, Neil A. Miller, Carol J. Saunders, Sarah S. Soden, Angela J. Rogers, Lee Gazourian, Laura E. Fredenburgh, Anthony F. Massaro, Rebecca M. Baron, Augustine M. K. Choi, G. Ralph Corey, Geoffrey S. Ginsburg, Charles B. Cairns, Ronny M. Otero, Vance G. Fowler, Emanuel P. Rivers, Christopher W. Woods, Stephen F. Kingsmore
Journal: Science Translational Medicine (2013)

A molecular signature, derived from integrated analysis of clinical data, the metabolome, and the proteome in prospective human studies, improved the prediction of death in patients with sepsis, potentially identifying a subset of patients who merit intensive treatment.
Impaired vascular distensibility prior to intimal proliferation in transplant vasculopathy
Authors: Y. Honda, J.D. Perlroth, M. Hayase, N.P. Briffa, T.S. Ikonen, J.F. Gummert, Y. Kobayashi, C. Barlow, B. Hausen, P.J. Fitzgerald, R.C. Robbins, P.G. Yock, R.E. Morris
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (1998)
Haemodynamic effects of a new anti-arrhythmic agent, mexiletine (Ko 1173) in ischaemic heart disease
Authors: K. I. SAUNAMAKI
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (1975)

The haemodynamic effects of mexiletine (Kö 1173) were studied in six patients. Heart rate and cardiac output remained unchanged. The systemic arterial pressure was reduced in two patients owing to a fall in the peripheral resistance. Cardiac function, assessed by means of the stroke work and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, was depressed in three patients, who all had a current or past history of severe heart failure.
A comparison of the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of the first and second anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (CCP1 and CCP2) autoantibody tests for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: F A van Gaalen
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2005)

<b>Objectives:</b> To compare the diagnostic performance and prognostic value of the anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP1) and anti-CCP2 autoantibody tests in a clinical setting. <b>Methods:</b> Anti-CCP1 and anti-CCP2 antibody tests were performed on the same serum samples obtained from 467 patients with early arthritis from the Leiden Arthritis Cohort. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for discriminating between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and non-RA at 1 year's follow up were calculated for both tests. Results were graphically presented using receiver operating characteristic curves. Progression of radiological joint damage was assessed over 4 years in patients with RA and used to assess the prognostics values of the CCP tests. <b>Results:</b> At a similar specificity the CCP2 test had a higher sensitivity than the CCP1 test. Both tests identified a subgroup of patients with RA with an increased rate of joint damage progression. The anti-CCP2 test identified more patients with an increased rate of joint damage progression than the anti-CCP1 test, and in multiple regression analysis CCP2 was the better predictor of joint damage. <b>Conclusions:</b> The CCP2 test had better diagnostic and prognostic ability than the CCP1 test.
Low Birth Weight May Not Predict Diabetes in Pregnancy
Authors: Lauren A. Plante
Journal: Diabetes Care (2004)

The Barker hypothesis (1) relates small size at birth to adult health outcomes, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and diabetes, although the distinction has not always been made between prematurity and intrauterine growth restriction as causes of low birth weight. Previous work (2–4) has shown a correlation between a mother’s own growth restriction (weighing less than the 10th percentile for gestational age at her own birth) and the probability of being diagnosed with diabetes during her pregnancy. This study was designed to further evaluate that hypothesis.

A data file was created by the Vital Statistics Branch of the Department of Health, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This linked all females born at term in Pennsylvania in 1974 (the first year in which birth certificates requested an assessment of gestational age) who delivered singleton full-term live-born infants in the state between January 1 1999 and 31 December 2000. Members of the 1974 birth cohort were classified as small for gestational age (SGA) or appropriate for gestational age (AGA), using the 10th percentile of a contemporaneous U.S. population as the cutoff (5). The 10th percentile varies by race; as such, this distinction was preserved. Gestational age was assigned by the physician or midwife completing the birth certificate, either by clinical, menstrual, …
Prenatal Exposure to Lead, δ-Aminolevulinic Acid, and Schizophrenia: Further Evidence
Authors: Mark G.A. Opler, Stephen L. Buka, Justina Groeger, Ian McKeague, Catherine Wei, Pam Factor-Litvak, Michaeline Bresnahan, Joseph Graziano, Jill M. Goldstein, Larry J. Seidman, Alan S. Brown, Ezra S. Susser
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2008)

A previously conducted study of prenatal lead exposure and schizophrenia using delta-aminolevulinic acid, a biologic marker of Pb exposure, in archived maternal serum samples collected from subjects enrolled in the Childhood Health and Development Study (1959-1966) based in Oakland, California, suggested a possible association between prenatal Pb exposure and the development of schizophrenia in later life. In the present study we extend these findings using samples collected from the New England cohort of the National Collaborative Perinatal Project (1959-1966). Using similar methods, in this study we found results that suggest a comparable association in this cohort. We pooled matched sets of cases and controls from both the California and New England sites using a multilevel random-intercept logistic regression model, accounting for matching and site structure as well as adjusting for maternal age at delivery and maternal education. The estimated odds ratio for schizophrenia associated with exposure corresponding to 15 microg/dL of blood Pb was 1.92 (95% confidence interval, 1.05-3.87; p = 0.03). Although several limitations constrain generalizability, these results are consistent with previous findings and provide further evidence for the role of early environmental exposures in the development of adult-onset psychiatric disorders.
The Sphingosine-1-Phosphate (S1P) Lysophospholipid Receptor S1P3 Regulates MAdCAM-1+ Endothelial Cells in Splenic Marginal Sinus Organization
Authors: Irute Girkontaite, Vadim Sakk, Martin Wagner, Tilman Borggrefe, Kerry Tedford, Jerold Chun, Klaus-Dieter Fischer
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2004)

Marginal zones (MZs) are microdomains in the spleen that contain various types of immune cells, including MZ B cells, MOMA1+ metallophilic macrophages, and mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 (MAdCAM-1)+ endothelial cells. MAdCAM-1+ and MOMA1+ cells line the sinus, that separates MZs from splenic follicles. Here we show that a receptor for the lysophospholipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), S1P3, is required for normal numbers of splenic immature and MZ B cells, and for S1P-induced chemotaxis of MZ B cells. S1P3 is also essential for proper alignment of MOMA1+ macrophages and MAdCAM-1+ endothelial cells along the marginal sinus. The lack of cohesion of the marginal sinus in S1P3−/− mice affects MZ B cell functions, as wild-type (WT) MZ B cells migrate more into S1P3−/− follicles than into WT follicles after treatment with lipopolysaccharide. Additionally, short-term homing experiments demonstrate that WT MZ B cells home to the S1P3−/− spleen in increased numbers, suggesting a role for the marginal sinus in regulating MZ B cells numbers. Moreover, S1P3−/− mice are defective in mounting immune responses to thymus-independent antigen type 2 due to defects in radiation-resistant cells in the spleen. These data identify lysophospholipids and the S1P3 receptor as essential regulators of the MZ sinus and its role as a barrier to the follicle.
Daily versus weekly azithromycin in cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: J. McCormack, S. Bell, S. Senini, K. Walmsley, K. Patel, C. Wainwright, D. Serisier, M. Harris, S. Bowler
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2007)

Four randomised, placebo-controlled trials have previously documented the clinical benefits of azithromycin (AZM) in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The present study examined whether the beneficial effect of AZM is equivalent when administered daily or weekly. A double-blind, randomised study was carried out in 208 CF patients aged 6-58 yrs who were assigned to AZM either 250 mg daily (n = 103) or 1,200 mg weekly (n = 105) for 6 months, with assessments at baseline and at 1, 3, 6 and 7 months. Patients were taken from five adult and children CF centres in South-east Queensland, Australia. Equivalence was demonstrated between the two groups (daily versus weekly) with respect to improvements in lung function (forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity), C-reactive protein, days spent in hospital, admission rates and nutrition (body mass index, z-scores) using 95% confidence intervals with a tolerance interval of +/-10%. In patients aged <18 yrs the daily group had significantly better improvements in z-scores for height and weight after 6 months. In children, a nutritional advantage for daily administration was found. Gastro-intestinal adverse effects were more common with weekly therapy. Apart from these findings, daily and weekly administered azithromycin demonstrated similar outcomes for cystic fibrosis patients.
Relation Between Lung Volume and Pulmonary Vascular Resistance
Authors: DANIEL H. SIMMONS, LEONARD M. LINDE, JOSEPH H. MILLER, RONALD J. O'REILLY
Journal: Circulation Research (1961)

Ten experiments were conducted on anesthetized dogs ventilated with a Starling pump and breathing oxygen. While tidal volume, respiratory rate, and arterial pH and pCO 2 were kept constant, lung volume was varied by using either a negative, zero, or positive end-expiratory pressure, leading to average changes in lung volume of -32, 0, and +75 per cent. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) increased with either decreased or increased lung volume, indicating that the relationship between resistance and lung volume is a U-shaped curve. Since the transmural distending pressures of large pulmonary vessels either increased or remained unchanged during these procedures, changes in PVR cannot be ascribed to changes in systemic circulatory dynamics, such as cardiac output. It was noted that cardiac output increased with negative end-expiratory pressure (effectively, negative-pressure breathing) and decreased with positive end-expiratory pressures (effective, positive-pressure breathing), as previously reported. A hypothesis is presented for explaining the U-shaped curve relating resistance and lung volume.