tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
AB0907 Bone Status of Transplant Patients with Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: S. Butin, I. Griffoul, V. Martaillé, M. Marot, F. Lauferon, E. Salamé, D. Mulleman, P. Goupille
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2015)

<h3>Background</h3> Bone loss is an important complication for both patients with chronic liver diseases and after orthotopic transplantation. This bone fragility increases the risk of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures, morbidity and mortality [1,2]. <h3>Objectives</h3> The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of non-traumatic vertebral fractures following liver transplantation. <h3>Methods</h3> We performed a prospective, descriptive, cohort study including all the patients with severe chronic liver diseases, who were awaiting liver transplantation. Patients were seen before transplantation (pre-transplant group, visit 1) and ≥ one year after transplantation (post-transplant group, visit 2). At each visit, risk factors of osteoporosis were collected and bone mineral density was assessed. Vertebral fractures were identified using Vertebral Fracture Assessment. Biochemical tests including bone turnover markers were performed at each visit. <h3>Results</h3> 115 patients were in the pre-transplant group and 33 in the post-transplant group. In the pre-transplant group, the prevalence of vertebral fractures and non-vertebral fractures was 24.5% and 17.4%, respectively. The prevalence of osteoporosis was higher at lumbar spine as compared to femoral neck (13.5% versus 8.9%). In the post-transplant group, the prevalence of vertebral fractures at visit 1 and visit 2 was 33.3% and 60.6% respectively, with an incidence of 23.1 fractures per 100 patientyears. Bone mineral density decreased significantly after transplantation (7.97% - 0.075 g/cm<sup>2</sup>). Markers of bone turn-over suggested a high level of bone remodeling. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Bone fragility is highly prevalent in patients awaiting liver transplantation and worsens ≥ one year after transplantation. Bone status should be evaluated in all patients with severe liver disease awaiting transplantation to identify patients at high risk of fracture and help clinicians to prescribe appropriate preventive treatment. <h3>References</h3> Wibaux C, Legroux-Gerot I, Dharancy S, Boleslawski E, Declerck N, Canva V, et al. Assessing bone status in patients awaiting liver transplantation. Joint Bone Spine. 2011;78(4):387-391. Krol CG, Dekkers OM,Kroon HM, Rabelink TJ, van Hoek B, Hamdy NAT. Longitudinal changes in BMD and fracture risk in orthotopic liver transplant recipients not using bone modifying treatment. J Bone Miner Res. 2014;29(8):1763-1769. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared
Ebola is no longer a public health emergency, says WHO
Authors: Anne Gulland
Journal: BMJ (2016)

More than 18 months after it was first declared,1 the Ebola virus disease epidemic in west Africa is no longer a public health emergency of international concern, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.

WHO director general, Margaret Chan, accepted the view of the ninth meeting of the emergency committee on Ebola that transmission in Africa was no longer an extraordinary event, that the risk of international spread of the disease was low, and that countries were able to respond to any new flare-ups.

Any remaining trade …
A3.6 Two components contributing to reduced treg surface CD25 in sle patients and their unaffected relatives
Authors: N Costa, O Marques, S Godinho, C Carvalho, B Leal, C Vasconcelos, A Marinho, M F Moraes-Fontes, A Gomes da Costa, C Ponte, R Marques, T Coias, A R Martins, J F Viana, B Martins, C Fesel
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2014)

Background FOXP3+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) are in a functionally deficient state with a characteristic reduction or absence of surface CD25 (the IL-2 receptor alpha chain). Genetic variation in the CD25-encoding IL2RA locus is associated with other autoimmune disorders. Methods We have studied Treg and Treg subset CD25 by flow cytometry and typed 24 SNPs in the IL2RA locus in 47 SLE patients, 108 SLE-unaffected first-degree relatives of SLE patients, and 61 unrelated control subjects. Results In both SLE patients and unaffected relatives, surface CD25 was found strongly reduced not only in activated, but already in circulating CD4+ FOXP3+ CD45RO-CD31 + recent thymic emigrant (RTE) Tregs. In contrast, unaffected relatives clearly differed from SLE patients in properties of activated CD4+ FOXP3highCD45RO + Tregs, which showed a CD25 upregulation versus non-activated CD45RO- Tregs in these relatives similar to control subjects, while not in SLE patients. The distinction of these two components contributing to the previously described SLE-characteristic Treg CD25 reduction was corroborated by our finding that the two components were influenced by polymorphisms in different regions of the IL2RA locus. Furthermore, we found that only RTE Treg CD25, as well as the genetic variants influencing it, were significantly related to numbers and relative frequencies of circulating activated Tregs, whereas CD25 upregulation upon Treg activation was not. Conclusions Our results point to (a) an intrathymic effect present in an extended population carrying SLE susceptibility factors that is responsible for reduced surface CD25 in early Tregs and a subsequently decreased activation capacity. This effect might be compensated in unaffected relatives by (b) CD25 upregulation upon Treg activation, which seemed functionally independent and was selectively deficient in SLE patients. This second component appears of particular interest for therapeutic targeting.
DEVELOPMENT OF A CLINICAL PRACTICE PATHWAY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE CATHETER-RELATED VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM IN PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY PATIENTS: YEAR ONE EVALUATION
Authors: Whitney Petrosa, Leslie Raffini, Marilyn S. Blumenstein, Janine Pappas, Kelly Veneziale, Karen Murphy, Sichao Li, Therese Giglia
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2016)
Altered Cardiac Repolarization in Some Victims of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Authors: Dror Sadeh, Daniel C. Shannon, Shimon Abboud, J. Philip Saul, Solange Akselrod, Richard J. Cohen
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1987)

Abnormal prolongation of cardiac repolarization, as reflected by a long QT interval with respect to the RR interval on the electrocardiogram, is known to be associated with ventricular tachyarrhythmias. To test the hypothesis that prolonged cardiac repolarization may characterize some babies who die of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), we studied the dependence of the QT interval on the preceding RR interval in 10 babies with SIDS and 29 healthy control babies. We analyzed approximately 5000 pairs of QT and RR intervals in each subject over a wide range of RR intervals. We found that the QT intervals demonstrated less dependence on the preceding RR intervals in 5 of 10 babies who subsequently died of SIDS than in normal controls. No ventricular arrhythmias were observed, however, during the six-hour recording period. Our data suggest that in some babies with SIDS the ability to shorten the QT interval as the heart rate increases is impaired. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that relatively prolonged cardiac repolarization may predispose such babies to ventricular arrhythmias. (N Engl J Med 1987; 317:1501–5.)
Abstract 1923: Constitutional mismatch repair-deficiency syndrome is a rare cause of cancer even in a highly consanguineous population.
Authors: Rong Bu, Abdul K. Siraj, Prashant Bavi, Asim Belgaumi, Wael Al-Haqawi, Fouad Al-Dayel, Shahab Uddin, Fowzan S. Alkuraya, Khawla S. Al-Kuraya
Journal: Cancer Research (2013)

Abstract Background: Biallelic germline mutations in the mismatch repair genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 or PMS2 cause a recessive childhood cancer syndrome characterized by early onset malignancies and signs reminiscent of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). This syndrome is known as constitutional mismatch repair-deficiency (CMMR-D) syndrome. Because consanguinity unmasks autosomal recessive disorders, we hypothesized that the frequency of CMMR-D is inflated in the highly consanguineous population of Saudi Arabia. Methods: 372 patient samples from Saudi Arabia that cover the tumor spectrum of CMMR-D syndrome were analyzed for biallelic germline mutations in the MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2 with the use of direct genomic sequencing. Results: None of the 372 patients involved in the study was found to have biallelic pathological mutations of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 or PMS2. Conclusion: CMMR-D is exceptionally rare among pediatric cancer patients and adult early onset cancer patients, even in the highly consanguineous Saudi population. Our findings suggest that larger cohorts will be needed, particularly in outbred populations, to determine the frequency of CMMR-D and that routine screening for this syndrome among cancer patients is not warranted. Citation Format: Rong Bu, Abdul K. Siraj, Prashant Bavi, Asim Belgaumi, Wael Al-Haqawi, Fouad Al-Dayel, Shahab Uddin, Fowzan S. Alkuraya, Khawla S. Al-Kuraya. Constitutional mismatch repair-deficiency syndrome is a rare cause of cancer even in a highly consanguineous population. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1923. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1923
Symptomatic Dengue in Children in 10 Asian and Latin American Countries
Authors: Maïna L’Azou, Annick Moureau, Elsa Sarti, Joshua Nealon, Betzana Zambrano, T. Anh Wartel, Luis Villar, Maria R.Z. Capeding, R. Leon Ochiai
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2016)

The control groups in two phase 3 trials of dengue vaccine efficacy included two large regional cohorts that were followed up for dengue infection. These cohorts provided a sample for epidemiologic analyses of symptomatic dengue in children across 10 countries in Southeast Asia and Latin America in which dengue is endemic.We monitored acute febrile illness and virologically confirmed dengue (VCD) in 3424 healthy children, 2 to 16 years of age, in Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam) from June 2011 through December 2013 and in 6939 children, 9 to 18 years of age, in Latin America (Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, and Puerto Rico) from June 2011 through April 2014. Acute febrile episodes were determined to be VCD by means of a nonstructural protein 1 antigen immunoassay and reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction assays. Dengue hemorrhagic fever was defined according to 1997 World Health Organization criteria.Approximately 10% of the febrile episodes in each cohort were confirmed to be VCD, with 319 VCD episodes (4.6 episodes per 100 person-years) occurring in the Asian cohort and 389 VCD episodes (2.9 episodes per 100 person-years) occurring in the Latin American cohort; no trend according to age group was observed. The incidence of dengue hemorrhagic fever was less than 0.3 episodes per 100 person-years in each cohort. The percentage of VCD episodes requiring hospitalization was 19.1% in the Asian cohort and 11.1% in the Latin American cohort. In comparable age groups (9 to 12 years and 13 to 16 years), the burden of dengue was higher in Asia than in Latin America.The burdens of dengue were substantial in the two regions and in all age groups. Burdens varied widely according to country, but the rates were generally higher and the disease more frequently severe in Asian countries than in Latin American countries. (Funded by Sanofi Pasteur; CYD14 and CYD15 ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT01373281 and NCT01374516.).
Orofacial Fistulae Associated with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Rishi Mahendra Goel, Esther Hullah
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2015)

A 28-year-old man presented with facial lesions with discharge that had developed 6 years after a diagnosis of Crohn's disease. MRI and radiography revealed three orocutaneous fistulae arising from inflamed oral mucosa associated with dental disease.
Abstract 1367: Characterization of spontaneous metastases in Champions TumorGraft™ models
Authors: Lee D. Albee, Bin Lu, Nathan Anderson, Meredith James, Jay Friedman, Elizabeth M. Bruckheimer
Journal: Cancer Research (2012)

Abstract Oncology drug development is challenged by an absence of model systems that accurately mimic the full metastatic processes during disease progression. Methods for establishing metastases generally involve orthotopic implantation or intravenous delivery of cell line-based xenografts. These cell line-based models can capture the seeding phase of the metastatic process but do not address the processes involved in remodeling of the extracellular matrix to allow for invasion into nearby tissues or dissemination to distance sites throughout the body via the lymphatic or the circulatory system. Extensive characterization of Champions TumorGraft™ models demonstrates that spontaneous metastasis in our platform may not be a rare event as it has been verified in 8 different models and preliminary data indicates multiple additional occurrences. Further, the capacity for spontaneous metastasis is not indication specific as it has been observed in Champions TumorGrafts derived from patients with multiple cancer types (e.g. ovarian, breast, H&amp;N, and lung). The development and incidence rate of TumorGraft metastasis seems to correlate with the aggressiveness of disease and occurrence of metastases in the patient. For example, 83% of mice implanted with Champions TumorGraft breast cancer model CTG-0033 develop liver and/or spleen metastases. This Champions TumorGraft was derived from a patient with aggressive disease that failed to respond to first and second line treatments, and developed metastases in multiple organs including the liver. In this report, growth rates, metastases formation and molecular characterization in primary subcutaneous Champions TumorGraft models were compared with their corresponding metastatic lesions to identify changes that may correlate with the formation of metastases. Overall, this study further demonstrates that Champions Oncology TumorGraft platform preserves the biological properties of the original human tumor including spontaneous metastatic behavior and is therefore ideal for oncology drug development programs focused on the inhibition of metastases. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1367. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1367
Automated Intra-Operative Analysis of Breast Cancer.
Authors: D. Martin, M. Ruidiaz, C. Ta, S. Sandoval, M. Cortes-Mateos, D. Messmer, J. Wang-Rodriguez, A. Kummel, S. Blair
Journal: Cancer Research (2009)

Abstract Background: Multiple operations are a major problem for breast conservation therapy. Accurate interpretation of intra-operative tumor margins can limit multiple re-excision procedures in order to obtain negative margins while maintaining a good cosmetic result from BCT. Intra-operative touch preparations have been used in the past but can be difficult to interpret without an experienced cytopathologist.Objective: To examine the reliability of fluorescently labeled intra-operative touch preps in conjunction with automated analysis in correctly identifying cancer cells compared to final pathologic diagnosis.Methods: Touch preps were propctively performed on 38 consecutive cases of patients undergoing breast surgery. The surgical cases included 15 invasive tumors, 9 ductal carcinoma in situ, 5 prophylactic mastectomies, and 9 normal tissues from breast reduction operations. Tumors were grossly located by a surgical pathologist and a cross sectional cut was made at the suspected tumor center. Touch preps with poly-l-lysine coated slides were then taken on the tissue surfaces exposed from the cross sectional cut. Additionally, the location where the touch preps were performed was isolated in a cassette and separated for later comparison. In cases of benign disease, touch preps were performed at the center of the excised tissue. The slides were fixed in 95% ethanol and stained with a Cytokeratin, an epithelial cell marker, and Hoechst, a nuclear stain. The prepared slides were then imaged with an automated fluorescent microscope, and suspected cancer cells were detected through standard image processing and statistical techniques.Results: The overall accuracy of our automated fluorescence analysis was 95% for identifying invasive or pre-invasive cancer compared final pathologic diagnosis. The overall specificity was 100% (there were no false positives). The sensitivity for ductal carcinoma in situ was 75% and invasive cancer was 90%. Overall sensitivity was 87% which is comparable to the best reported results from manual examination of touch preparations.Conclusion: Automated analysis of fluorescently stained touch prep slides is highly accurate in identifying cancer with no false positives. The immunofluorescence stains and automated microscopy may help the pathologist to quickly identify cancer cells in fresh breast tissue during BCT operations, and, thus, limit breast re-excisions in the future. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 6016.
Trastuzumab 6 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg can be infused safely over 30 minutes.
Authors: AS Chan, S Freeswick, NT Sklarin
Journal: Cancer Research (2009)

Abstract Abstract #3150 Background: Trastuzumab (T) is a humanized monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of breast cancers which overexpress the HER2 protein. Infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) have been reported in patients receiving T. Since T became commercially available in 1998, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) guidelines recommended that 4 and 6 mg/kg doses be infused over 90 minutes, as outlined in the product monograph. Based on more recent pharmacokinetic data of T and the experience at other institutions, it was postulated that a more rapid infusion of T would be well tolerated, even at doses greater than 2 mg/kg. As a result, in June 2007, the guideline at MSKCC was revised to infuse initial loading doses (8, 6 or 4 mg/kg) over 90 minutes and, if tolerated, all subsequent maintenance doses of 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg over 30 minutes. In this review, we sought to evaluate the safety and tolerability of T administered as a 30 minutes infusion.&amp;#x2028; Methods: Our institutional adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting program was used to identify HSRs possibly related to T after implementation of the new infusion time guidelines. Computerized pharmacy records were used to retrospectively identify all patients who received T at MSKCC 1 year prior to implementation of new guideline (6/06 – 5/07), as well as the period of 10 months after the implementation of the revised guideline (7/07 - 4/08). The ADRs reported before and after implementation were reviewed and compared. Additionally, patient medication administration records were reviewed to confirm reactions reported via the ADR reporting program.&amp;#x2028; &amp;#x2028; Results: Of the 2,633 4 and 6 mg/kg maintenance doses administered over 30 minutes, 2451 were given without concurrent administration of diphenhydramine, dexamethasone, or acetaminophen. 165 doses were escalated from 2 to 4 or 6 mg/kg and the infusion rate was kept at 30 minutes. The 2 patients with loading dose-associated HSRs, that occurred after the change in the guideline, were able to tolerate subsequent doses of T (4 and 6 mg/kg) infused over 30 minutes when rechallenged.&amp;#x2028; Conclusion: Trastuzumab can be safely infused over 30 minutes for 4 and 6 mg/kg maintenance doses and this is the current practice at our institution. This change has resulted in improved efficiency and patient convenience, and decreased cost associated with the longer duration infusions. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 3150.
SAT0248 Biologic Therapy Improves the Number of Patients Who Maintain Employment and Improves Their Overall Function
Authors: R. Smith, Z. Cole, A. Coy, S. Carvalho
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2014)

<h3>Background</h3> Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that causes significant disability impacts health related quality of life and is a major economic burden. Many studies have shown RA to be associated with absenteeism, job loss, and impairment in work productivity. Biologic therapies have improved the management of RA through marked reductions in the manifestations of RA and improvement of function. <h3>Objectives</h3> A cross sectional survey was carried out using our biologics database to evaluate the impact of biologics on employment in a cohort of patients with Rheumatoid arthritis. <h3>Methods</h3> A patient-self-reported questionnaire was developed in conjuction with a patient expert group to assess the work status at the onset of their disease, onset of biological treatment and current work status. Time from diagnosis to first biologic was evaluated, as was smoking status. Patients were also asked about the current impact of RA on their life and how biologic therapy had improved their arthritis. Patients were randomly chosen to receive this questionaire. <h3>Results</h3> Of the 100 questionnaires distributed, 93 were completed and returned. 27% were male, and 22.5% were current smokers. The mean time from diagnosis to first biologic was 8 years. At diagnosis, 46% were in full-time employment, 26% part-time employment, 15% were retired, and 10% were unable to work due to rheumatoid arthritis or other medical condition. At the start of biologic therapy, 29% were in full time employment, 19% in part time employment, 28% were retired, and 21.5% were unable to work due to RA. At present, 29% remain in full time employment, 23% in part time employment, 31% retired, and only 13% were unable to work due to RA. 53% reported that their arthritis was much better since starting their biologic, and 38% said their arthritis was better. Patients in full time employment had a shorter time before first biologic (mean 6 years), patients unable to work due to their arthritis had a longer time to their first biologic (10.1 years). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Patients with RA who received biologic therapy remained in full or part time employment and the number of patients unable to work was reduced. Patient satisfaction with their health state also improved with biologic therapy. Earlier biologic therapy improves their ability to retain employment. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared <h3>DOI</h3> 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.1877
Comparative Study of Four Methods of Determining Alkaline Phosphatase
Authors: Julius J. Deren, Louis A. Williams, Hugo Muench, Thomas Chalmers, Norman Zamcheck, Priscilla Stevens
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1964)

MEASUREMENT of activity of serum alkaline phosphatase has provided the clinician with valuable aid in confirming his diagnosis of disease of the hepatobiliary and skeletal systems. After the demonstration of a serum alkaline phosphatase in 19241 , 2 several analytical methods for clinical laboratory use were proposed, including those of Bodansky,3 King–Armstrong4 and Bessey–Lowry–Brock.5 Recently, another modification, employing phenolphthalein diphosphate as a substrate, has been proposed as a rapid and sensitive method of determining serum alkaline phosphatase activity.6 The primary difference among the tests resides in the different substrates employed, although they also differ in substrate concentration, temperature, pH, buffer and incubation . . .