tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Towards a quantitative description of asthmatic cough sounds
Authors: CW Thorpe, LJ Toop, KP Dawson
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1992)

This study describes a method of quantitatively characterizing cough sounds using digital signal processing techniques. Differences between asthmatic and non-asthmatic cough sounds are presented. Coughs from 12 asthmatic and 5 non-asthmatic subjects were analysed. Cough sounds and flows were digitized, at a sampling rate of 5 kHz, before and after a free-running exercise test. Individual coughs were divided into two or three phases, corresponding to the initial glottal opening burst, the quieter middle phase, and (sometimes) the final closing burst. Standard signal processing techniques were then invoked to characterize the spectral and temporal shapes of the first two phases. Factor analysis indicated that the spectral shapes of the two phases are independent, with each being largely described by the degree of "peakedness" in the spectrum, and by the balance of energy between low and high frequencies. Both the duration of the initial burst and zero-crossing rates of the cough waveform (which indicates the "spectral balance") during each of the first two phases were smaller for asthmatic than for non-asthmatic coughs. Fewer asthmatic coughs contained a final burst. Discriminant analysis between the two groups gave classification error rates of 20-30%. The peak flow recorded during the cough was significantly smaller for asthmatics, and correlated very well with the peak flow recorded during forced expiration. Thus, significant differences exist between asthmatic and non-asthmatic cough sounds. An effective representation of the temporal structure of the cough sound is required to successfully characterize the cough.
Efficacy of Sibutramine for the Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder: A Randomized Multicenter Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Study
Authors: Denise E Wilfley, Scott J Crow, James I Hudson, James E Mitchell, Robert I Berkowitz, Vicky Blakesley, B Timothy Walsh
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (2007)

Objective: Preliminary evidence suggests that the antiobesity agent sibutramine is effective in the treatment of binge eating disorder, impacting both binge eating and weight. This study is the first large-scale, multisite, placebo-controlled trial to test the efficacy of sibutramine in binge eating disorder. Method: Participants (N=304) who met DSM-IV criteria for binge eating disorder were randomly assigned to 24 weeks of double-blind sibutramine (15 mg) or placebo treatment. The outcome measures included the frequency of eating binges (primary outcome), binge day frequency, body mass index, body weight, global improvement, response categories, associated eating pathology, and quality of life. The primary analysis for continuous measures was the difference between groups in the change from baseline to endpoint using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the last observation carried forward. Results: Compared with subjects receiving placebo, participants who received sibutramine had a significantly greater reduction in weekly binge frequency (sibutramine group mean=2.7 [SD=1.7], placebo group mean=2.0 [SD=2.3]); weight loss (sibutramine group mean=4.3 kg [SD=4.8], placebo group mean=0.8 kg [SD=3.5]); reduction in frequency of binge days; reduction in body mass index; global improvement; level of response, including the percentage of abstinence from binge eating (sibutramine group: 58.7%; placebo group: 42.8%); and reduction in eating pathology (cognitive restraint, disinhibition, and hunger). The change in quality of life scores was not significant. Sibutramine was associated with significantly higher incidence of headache, dry mouth, constipation, insomnia, and dizziness. Conclusions: This trial demonstrated the efficacy of sibutramine in reducing binge eating, weight, and associated psychopathology.
Dendritic Cells Strongly Boost the Antitumor Activity of Adoptively Transferred T Cells <b> <i>In vivo</i> </b>
Authors: Yanyan Lou, Gang Wang, Gregory Lizée, Grace J. Kim, Steven E. Finkelstein, Chiguang Feng, Nicholas P. Restifo, Patrick Hwu
Journal: Cancer Research (2004)

Dendritic cells (DCs) have been well characterized for their ability to initiate cell-mediated immune responses by stimulating naive T cells. However, the use of DCs to stimulate antigen-activated T cells in vivo has not been investigated. In this study, we determined whether DC vaccination could improve the efficacy of activated, adoptively transferred T cells to induce an enhanced antitumor immune response. Mice bearing B16 melanoma tumors expressing the gp100 tumor antigen were treated with cultured, activated T cells transgenic for a T-cell receptor specifically recognizing gp100, with or without concurrent peptide-pulsed DC vaccination. In this model, antigen-specific DC vaccination induced cytokine production, enhanced proliferation, and increased tumor infiltration of adoptively transferred T cells. Furthermore, the combination of DC vaccination and adoptive T-cell transfer led to a more robust antitumor response than the use of each treatment individually. Collectively, these findings illuminate a new potential application for DCs in the in vivo stimulation of adoptively transferred T cells and may be a useful approach for the immunotherapy of cancer.
Messenger RNA expression and immunological quantification of phospholamban and SR-Ca2+-ATPase in failing and nonfailing human hearts
Authors: B Linck
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2000)

Human heart failure is associated with prolonged relaxation and prolonged Ca2+ transients which indicates an impaired function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and may be detrimental for cardiac function. Controversy exists whether the altered SR function is accompanied by changes in the expression of phospholamban (PLB) and cardiac SR-Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA2) on mRNA and/or protein levels.We determined mRNA and/or protein levels for PLB and SERCA2 in the same left ventricular tissue of patients undergoing heart transplantation due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) or ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) in comparison to left ventricular tissue from nonfailing human hearts (NF). Total protein extracts were prepared and subjected to SDS gel electrophoresis. PLB and SERCA2 were identified with specific antibodies. Total RNA was isolated and hybridized with 32P-labeled cDNAs for human PLB and rat SERCA2.Hybridization revealed the three expected mRNAs with the PLB probe (3.3 kb, 1.9 kb and 0.6 kb) and a single band with the SERCA2 probe (4.5 kb). Determination of respective proteins by immunoblotting revealed unchanged protein levels for PLB and SERCA2, whereas the mRNA levels for PLB and SERCA2 were reduced by about 30% and 50%, respectively.These data show the level of SERCA2 and PLB protein and mRNA in the same hearts. The reduced mRNA level of SERCA2 and PLB is in accordance with previous data. However, the unchanged protein levels may indicate that the diminished RNA expression is not accompanied by a corresponding decrease for these proteins in human heart failure. These data also show that the altered SR function in human heart failure cannot be explained by altered protein levels of PLB and SERCA2. Furthermore, it is suggested that extrapolations from cardiac mRNA levels to protein expression may be misleading.
Individuals With an Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer: Perceived Benefits and Psychological Aspects of Surveillance by Means of Regular Colonoscopies
Authors: A. Liljegren, G. Lindgren, Y. Brandberg, S. Rotstein, B. Nilsson, T. Hatschek, E. Jaramillo, A. Lindblom
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2004)

Purpose To evaluate the psychological consequences of genetic counseling followed by a surveillance program using colonoscopy among individuals with increased risk of colorectal cancer. Patients and Methods Two hundred sixty-five individuals, participating in a surveillance program with colonoscopy, were mailed a survey questionnaire that assessed their experience of the surveillance program and their perception of the risk of colorectal cancer. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale and the Swedish Short Form-36 Health Survey was also included. Results Two hundred forty individuals completed the questionnaire and were divided into the following risk groups: risk group 1, an individual with a mutation in hMLH1 or hMSH2 and a lifetime colorectal cancer risk of 80% (n = 28); risk group 2, a lifetime colorectal cancer risk of 40% (n = 129); and risk group 3, a lifetime colorectal cancer risk of 20% (n = 83). Among all individuals, the mean for perceived benefit was 8.0, and the perception of discomfort was 3.3 on the visual analog scale (1-10). In risk group 1, 61% underestimated personal risks as being 40% or less. Approximately 50% of the subjects in risk groups 2 and 3 either under- or overestimated their lifetime risk. According to the Swedish Short Form-36 Health Survey and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, the study sample resembled the reference population. Conclusion A majority of the study sample understood why they were under surveillance, and regular colonoscopies were well-tolerated. The wide range of risk perception as well as low-risk perception in mutation positive subjects is acceptable, as long as these individuals adhere to surveillance programs and do not demonstrate increased levels of anxiety or depression.
Dendritic cells: microbial clearance via autophagy and potential immunobiological consequences for periodontal disease
Authors: Ahmed R. El‐Awady, Roger M. Arce, Christopher W. Cutler
Journal: Periodontology 2000 (2015)

Abstract Dendritic cells are potent antigen‐capture and antigen‐presenting cells that play a key role in the initiation and regulation of the adaptive immune response. This process of immune homeostasis, as maintained by dendritic cells, is susceptible to dysregulation by certain pathogens during chronic infections. Such dysregulation may lead to disease perpetuation with potentially severe systemic consequences. Here we discuss in detail how intracellular pathogens exploit dendritic cells and escape degradation by altering or evading autophagy. This novel mechanism explains, in part, the chronic, persistent nature observed in several immuno‐inflammatory diseases, including periodontal disease. We also propose a hypothetical model of the plausible role of autophagy in the context of periodontal disease. Promotion of autophagy may open new therapeutic strategies in the search of a ‘cure’ for periodontal disease in humans.
The Great Escape; the Hallmarks of Resistance to Antiangiogenic Therapy
Authors: Judy R. van Beijnum, Patrycja Nowak-Sliwinska, Elisabeth J. M. Huijbers, Victor L. Thijssen, Arjan W. Griffioen
Journal: Pharmacological Reviews (2015)

The concept of antiangiogenic therapy in cancer treatment has led to the approval of different agents, most of them targeting the well known vascular endothelial growth factor pathway. Despite promising results in preclinical studies, the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy in the clinical setting remains limited. Recently, awareness has emerged on resistance to antiangiogenic therapies. It has become apparent that the intricate complex interplay between tumors and stromal cells, including endothelial cells and associated mural cells, allows for escape mechanisms to arise that counteract the effects of these targeted therapeutics. Here, we review and discuss known and novel mechanisms that contribute to resistance against antiangiogenic therapy and provide an outlook to possible improvements in therapeutic approaches.
Impact of static cold storage VS hypothermic machine preservation on ischemic kidney graft: inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules as markers of ischemia/reperfusion tissue damage. Our preliminary results
Authors: Matteo Tozzi, Marco Franchin, Gabriele Soldini, Giuseppe Ietto, Corrado Chiappa, Emanuele Maritan, Francesca Villa, Giulio Carcano, Renzo Dionigi
Journal: International Journal of Surgery (2013)
HOXB7 as a Prognostic Factor and Mediator of Colorectal Cancer Progression
Authors: Wen-Ting Liao, Dan Jiang, Jian Yuan, Yan-Mei Cui, Xi-Wen Shi, Cui-Min Chen, Xiu-Wu Bian, Yong-Jian Deng, Yan-Qing Ding
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2011)

This study was to investigate the clinicopathologic significance and potential role of HOXB7 in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC).The relationship between HOXB7 expression and clinical characteristics of CRC was analyzed in 224 paraffin-embedded archived CRC specimens by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The effects of HOXB7 on cell growth and proliferation, as well as on tumorigenesis, were examined both in vitro and in vivo, using MTT assay, colony formation assay, cell cycle analysis, soft agar assay, and tumorigenesis in nude mice. Western blotting and real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR were performed to examine the impact of HOXB7 on the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways.HOXB7 protein level was significantly correlated with advanced Dukes stage (P < 0.001), T stage (P = 0.012), distant metastasis (P = 0.042), higher proliferation index (P = 0.007) and poor survival of patients (P = 0.005). Enforced expression of HOXB7 in CRC cell lines significantly enhanced cell growth, proliferation and tumorigenesis. Conversely, knockdown of HOXB7 caused an inhibition of cell growth, proliferation, and tumorigenesis. We also showed that HOXB7 accelerated G(0)-G(1) to S-phase transition concomitantly with upregulation of cyclin D1 and downregulation of p27Kip1. On the contrary, knockdown of HOXB7 caused G(1)-S-phase arrest, downregulation of cyclin D1 and upregulation of p27Kip1. Enforced expression of HOXB7 could enhance PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathway activity.Our findings suggest that HOXB7 protein, as a valuable marker of CRC prognosis, plays an important role in the development and progression of human CRC.
Retroviral-Mediated Transfer of the Green Fluorescent Protein Gene Into Murine Hematopoietic Cells Facilitates Scoring and Selection of Transduced Progenitors In Vitro and Identification of Genetically Modified Cells In Vivo
Authors: Derek A. Persons, James A. Allay, Esther R. Allay, Richard J. Smeyne, Richard A. Ashmun, Brian P. Sorrentino, Arthur W. Nienhuis
Journal: Blood (1997)
Phonation takes precedence over articulation in development as well as evolution of language
Authors: D. Kimbrough Oller
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (2014)

Abstract Early human vocal development is characterized first by emerging control of phonation and later by prosodic and supraglottal articulation. The target article has missed the opportunity to use these facts in the characterization of evolution in language-specific brain mechanisms. Phonation appears to be the initial human-specific brain change for language, and it was presumably a key target of selection in early hominin evolution.
Colony-stimulating factors regulate the development of multinucleated osteoclasts from recently replicated cells in vitro.
Authors: J A Lorenzo, S L Sousa, J M Fonseca, J M Hock, E S Medlock
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1987)

Osteoclasts mediate the process of bone resorption. However, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate the formation of either osteoclasts or osteoclast precursors. In contrast, colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) are well-known to regulate the formation of myeloid cells and their precursors. Because osteoclasts and myeloid cells may originate from a common stem cell, we examined the effects of two CSFs, granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF) and interleukin 3 (IL-3), on bone resorption, osteoclast formation, and the incorporation of recently replicated nuclei into the osteoclasts of mouse bone cultures. CSFs had little effect on the formation rate of osteoclasts or their resorptive activity but significantly decreased the percentage of recently replicated osteoclast progenitor cell nuclei present in the osteoclasts of bones treated with parathyroid hormone. GM-CSF also increased the number of myeloid cells in the marrow space of the cultures and the percentage of these cells derived from recently replicated progenitors. These results demonstrate that GM-CSF and IL-3 can regulate the development of osteoclasts from recently replicated precursor cells in cultured fetal mouse long bones. However, the mechanisms by which CSFs influence osteoclast formation are difficult to determine from these studies because markers for the osteoclast progenitor and precursor do not exist. These data also provide evidence that the differentiation of osteoclast progenitors is regulated by different factors at different points in their ontogeny.
Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy in the Treatment of Pleural Disseminated NSCLC: Preclinical Experience
Authors: Kazuhide Sato, Tadanobu Nagaya, Peter L. Choyke, Hisataka Kobayashi
Journal: Theranostics (2015)

Pleural metastases are common in patients with advanced thoracic cancers and are a cause of considerable morbidity and mortality yet is difficult to treat.Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a cancer treatment that combines the specificity of intravenously injected antibodies for targeting tumors with the toxicity induced by photosensitizers after exposure to NIR-light.Herein, we evaluate the efficacy of NIR-PIT in a mouse model of pleural disseminated non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted with a HER2, luciferase and GFP expressing NSCLC cell line (Calu3-luc-GFP).An antibody-photosensitizer conjugate (APC) consisting of trastuzumab and a phthalocyanine dye, IRDye-700DX, was synthesized.In vitro NIR-PIT cytotoxicity was assessed with dead staining, luciferase activity, and GFP fluorescence intensity.In vivo NIR-PIT was performed in mice with tumors implanted intrathoracic cavity or in the flank, and assessed by tumor volume and/or bioluminescence and fluorescence thoracoscopy.In vitro NIR-PIT-induced cytotoxicity was light dose dependent.In vivo NIR-PIT led significant reductions in both tumor volume (p = 0.002 vs. APC) and luciferase activity (p = 0.0004 vs. APC) in a flank model, and prolonged survival (p < 0.0001).Bioluminescence indicated that NIR-PIT lead to significant reduction in pleural dissemination (1 day after PIT; p = 0.0180).Fluorescence thoracoscopy confirmed the NIR-PIT effect on disseminated pleural disease.In conclusion, NIR-PIT has the ability to effectively treat pleural metastases caused by NSCLC in mice.Thus, NIR-PIT is a promising therapy for pleural disseminated tumors.
Abnormal plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid pattern in non-active inflammatory bowel disease.
Authors: M Esteve-Comas, M C Nunez, F Fernandez-Banares, A Abad-Lacruz, A Gil, E Cabre, F Gonzalez-Huix, X Bertran, M A Gassull
Journal: Gut (1993)

An abnormal plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid pattern (PUFA) (increased n3 and decreased n6 PUFA) has been reported in active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The possibility of a primary defect in the PUFA metabolism in IBD was hypothesised. The aim of this study was to assess plasma PUFA pattern in inactive inflammatory bowel disease and to ascertain whether patients who had had a colectomy and who were suffering from ulcerative colitis have a similar PUFA pattern than those patients with non-active ulcerative colitis and who had not had a colectomy. Plasma fatty acids were analysed by semi-capillary column gas-liquid chromatography in three groups of patients with inactive IBD (24 patients with inactive ulcerative colitis who had not had a colectomy, 15 patients with ulcerative colitis who had had a colectomy, and 27 patients with Crohn9s disease). Plasma concentration and percentage of C22:6n3 and unsaturation index were significantly higher in patients with inactive ulcerative colitis without a colectomy and the Crohn9s disease group (p &lt; 0.0001) than in controls. Plasma concentration and percentage of C22:6n3 and the unsaturation index remained significantly higher, in both the operated and non-operated ulcerative colitis patients when compared with controls (p &lt; 0.0001). These results suggest that in inactive IBD, an increased PUFA biosynthesis might be the cause of the high values of n3 compounds. These findings although seen in active disease, are more noticeable in remission because of the lack of artefactual factors (malnutrition, steroids, inflammation). In addition, persistence of high values in both groups of ulcerative colitis patients--that is, those who had had a colectomy and those who had not suggests the existence of a primary abnormality in the PUFA metabolism in IBD.
ANTIBODY FORMATION IN VOLUNTEERS FOLLOWING INJECTION OF PNEUMOCOCCI OR THEIR TYPE-SPECIFIC POLYSACCHARIDES
Authors: Michael Heidelberger, Colin M. MacLeod, Samuel J. Kaiser, Betty Robinson
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1946)

1. A modification of the microanalytical quantitative precipitin method, five to ten times as sensitive as the older procedure, has been used to measure the type-specific antibody response in human beings. Injections of type-specific pneumococci or equivalent amounts of their type-specific polysaccharides led to comparable antibody production. In general, the few hundredths of a milligram of polysaccharides injected functioned as extraordinarily powerful antigens. 2. Subcutaneous injections of the polysaccharides were as effective as intracutaneous, and the resulting antibody levels, which were highly variable individually, remained relatively constant for 5 to 8 months, gradually tapering off during periods of observation that exceeded 2 years in some instances. 3. After the injection of several type-specific polysaccharides widely diverse combinations of selective and non-selective responses were observed. 4. Booster doses had little or no effect in increasing circulating antibody, even after 2 years. A tentative explanation is given of this unexpected result. 5. Possibly because they frequently harbor pneumococci, normal human beings appear to be in serological equilibrium with the C-antigen of pneumococcus, since in most instances the quite appreciable anti-C content of their sera remained relatively constant during periods of a year or longer. Many of the sera also contained antibody to S VII.