tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Abstract 3870: Improved PCR amplification of DNA biomarkers with the use of chimeric oligonucleotides
Authors: John M. Millholland, Sheryl G. Patel, Anthony P. Shuber
Journal: Cancer Research (2011)

Abstract Methylation of the Twist1 gene has been linked to various cancers, including bladder cancer. We are developing a non-invasive diagnostic assay utilizing urinary protein and DNA biomarkers, including Twist1, as triage monitors in high-risk bladder cancer populations. Since final clinical assay performance is dependent on the optimal technical performance of each individual marker, we incorporated the use of chimeric PCR primers to establish PCR conditions for all DNA markers that would greatly simplify the process of optimizing PCR performance. Amplification of difficult DNA templates can involve significant optimization of PCR conditions, and is often complicated by mispriming and other non-specific amplification events. The chimeric primers we designed have a variable 3’ target-specific sequence, and a common 22 nucleotide 5’ sequence that is unrelated to any human DNA. The common 5’ sequence generates similar melting temperatures for all primers (Tm 68-72oC) that permits uniform PCR conditions regardless of the characteristics of the template specific sequence. In addition, the chimeric primers permit a higher annealing temperature, which minimizes non-specific PCR amplification. In the study described here, conventional methylation specific primers were designed against a highly methylated region of the Twist1 promoter with and without the 5’ chimeric DNA sequence, and PCR conditions were optimized for each primer pair. Performance was assessed using DNA isolated from 50 bladder cancer tissues. After bisulfite conversion, PCR amplifications were carried out using the Bio-Rad C1000 platform and subsequently analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Using traditional primers, Twist1 sensitivity was comparable to previous reports (68%, Renard et al, 2010), whereas using the chimeric primers, sensitivity increased to 90%. Incorporation of chimeric primers greatly simplifies PCR optimization and permits the use of higher annealing temperatures, resulting in higher specificity. We have applied this method to the detection of Twist1 methylation in bladder cancer tissues and demonstrate significant improvement in performance, when compared to traditional, non-chimeric oligonucleotide primers. In addition, this primer modification can be applied to multiple assay formats and DNA targets to improve sensitivity for use in non-invasive diagnostic assays, where mutant DNA is expected to be limiting. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3870. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3870
Measles on a cruise ship: links with the outbreak in the Philippines
Authors: S Mandal, M Ramsay, K Brown
Journal: Eurosurveillance (2014)

Preview this article: Measles on a cruise ship: links with the outbreak in the Philippines, Page 1 of 1 < Previous page | Next page > /docserver/preview/fulltext/eurosurveillance/19/15/art20774-en-1.gif
Chemosensitivity and survival in gastric cancer patients with microsatellite instability
Authors: E. Oki, Y. Kakeji, K. Ohgaki, K. Shibahara, S. Shiotani, N. Sadanaga, M. Morita, Y. Maehara
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2008)

4573 Background: High microsatellite instability (MSI-H) occurs in about 10% of all gastric cancers and both the clinical and pathological features differ in tumors exhibiting either low microsatellite instability (MSI-L) or microsatellite stability (MSS). Conflicting data exist regarding the relevance of MSI for predicting the prognosis and benefits of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) based chemotherapy in colon cancer patients. There have so far been no reports which describe the benefits of an MSI analysis of 5-FU treatment for gastric cancer. We therefore investigated the usefulness of MSI as a predictor of distinct clinical attributes influencing the overall survival (OS) based on the use of adjuvant chemotherapy with 5-FU and its analogue in gastric cancer. Methods: We collected data and tumor specimens from 240 consecutive gastric cancer patients from 1993 to 2002. Five Microsatellite loci were analyzed using a high intensity micorosatellite analysis we reported previously. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to compare the clinical data and survival as well as any associations for MSI and the 5-FU treatment status of patients with MSI or MSS gastric cancers. In 147 cases, the MTT assay was conducted to investigate the chemosensitivity of 5-FU. Results: We identified 25 MSI-H (10.7%), 22 MSI-L (9.4%) and 193 MSS (79.9%) tumours. Gastric cancer with MSI-L/H tended to have an increased likelihood of metastasizing to the regional lymph nodes and thereby show lymph vessel involvement (p<0.05). In an analysis that did not take into account the use of chemotherapy, univariate and multivariate analyses failed to show any difference between the MSI-H/L and MSS groups with respect to the overall survival. Furthermore, the survival after the administration of 5-FU did not correlate with the MSI status. When the chemotherapeutic sensibilities of these patients were studied in an MTT assay, MSI was not associated with the 5-FU sensitivity. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the MSI status has no clear influence on the overall survival and response to 5-FU in gastric cancer. However, MSI was observed to play an important role in either lymph node metastasis or lymph vessel involvement, in the same manner as that observed for colon cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Abstract 1362: Developing genetically flexible mouse models of sarcoma - a novel functional genomics platform
Authors: Amar Gupta, Serena Menezes, Leah Kabaroff, Brendan Dickson, Carol Swallow, Rebecca A. Gladdy
Journal: Cancer Research (2012)

Abstract Introduction: Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of malignant neoplasms that arise from connective tissues and have a disease-specific mortality of 30-50%. Existing mouse models of sarcomagenesis utilize knockout and transgenic mice but it is unclear if fixed germline mutations recapitulate sporadic human cancer. In addition, creating germline mutant mice requires substantial time and resources. We hypothesized that delivery of oncogenes into mouse skeletal muscle using a retroviral (RCAS) system would result in sarcomagenesis and could mitigate the limitations of conventional mouse models. Methods: p16/p19 null mice expressing the retroviral receptor, TVA, under nestin (N-tva) or β-actin (BKE) promoters were used. DF1 chicken fibroblasts, infected with avian-leukosis virus vectors (RCAS) carrying combinations of oncogenes (KrasG12D, c-Myc, IGF2) or GFP alone, were delivered by injection into the hindlegs of neonatal mice and tumor development was monitored. Results: GFP-positive cells were observed following in vitro infection of cultured mouse skeletal muscle with RCAS-GFP and GFP+ myoblasts were identified from mice injected with RCAS-GFP in vivo, suggesting successful cell infection and targeted gene delivery. Sarcomas formed in 30% of p16/p19−/−xN-tva mice at the injection site with a median latency of 23.5 weeks (8-42 weeks). Several subtypes of sarcoma developed in this strain based on morphologic assessment and immunohistochemistry (S100, desmin, and smooth muscle actin). Of these, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) that overexpressed EGFR consistent with human MPNST, was the predominant subtype (55%). Although a similar tumor incidence occurred in the p16/p19−/−xBKE strain (32%), the median latency was much shorter, 10.4 weeks (7-25 weeks) and the tumor spectrum shifted to predominantly fibrosarcoma (36%) or rhabdomyosarcoma (36%). No tumors were observed in mice injected with empty RCAS vector or without inactivation of the p16/p19 locus. Gene-anchored PCR revealed retroviral vector DNA integration in 89% of N-tva and 97% of BKE tumors. KrasG12D was the most frequent oncogene isolated. Conclusions: We have generated novel models of sarcomagenesis using the RCAS-TVA system to deliver known sarcoma oncogenes into mouse hind legs with a tumor incidence of ∼30%. With optimization, we will be able to use this genetically flexible system to functionally validate novel candidate sarcoma genes. 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 1362. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1362
Cigarette Smoking and Invasive Pneumococcal Disease
Authors: J. Pekka Nuorti, Jay C. Butler, Monica M. Farley, Lee H. Harrison, Allison McGeer, Margarette S. Kolczak, Robert F. Breiman
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2000)

Approximately half of otherwise healthy adults with invasive pneumococcal disease are cigarette smokers. We conducted a population-based case–control study to assess the importance of cigarette smoking and other factors as risk factors for pneumococcal infections.
Abstract P3-03-02: The metastatic rate of IMLN, when IMLN metastasis is suspected with PET CT.
Authors: J-H Lee, G-T Son, J-E Choi, S-H Kang, S-J Lee
Journal: Cancer Research (2012)

Abstract Background: Metastatic status of internal mammary lymph nodes (IMLNs) has a clinical importance in assessing stage and prognosis of breast cancer. But, when metastasis of IMLN is suspected, the management is controversial. We reviewed 29 breast cancer patients who had IMLN dissection, retrospectively, and investigated the pathologic status of IMLNs. Methods: From August 2005 to December 2011, at Yeungnam University Hospital, 43 patients underwent IMLN biopsy or dissection for suspected IMLN metastasis on lymphoscintigraphy (7 patients), breast ultrasound (1 patient) or PET CT (29 patients), when diagnosed with primary or recurred breast cancer. 6 patients who had stage IV at diagnosis or had too obscure data to identify exact location of IMLN, were excluded. Among them, we reviewed clinicopathologic features of IMLN detected on PET CT and metastatic status of IMLNs was investigated. Results: Total 29 patients were included in this study. 19 patients and 10 patients underwent IMLN dissection when diagnosed with primary or recurred breast cancer, respectively. Unlike conventional IMLN dissections, our IMLN biopsy or dissection was done during Radical mastectomy (in 2 pts.), modified radical mastectomy (in 14 pts.), using incision of breast conserving surgery (in 3 pts.) and separated incision (in 10 pts.), with or without resection of ribs. The mean number of IMLNs was 2.76±2.15 and total metastatic rate of IMLN was 72.4% (21/29). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of PET CT was following: 91.3%, 42.8%, 72.4% and 27.6%. Mean standard uptake value (SUV) of metastatic and non-metastatic IMLN were 3.6±2.9 and 3.9±2.6 and there was no statistical difference (p-value=0.821). During IMLN dissection, besides initial approach intercostals space (ICS), some metastatic IMLN was also found in upper or lower level ICS (42.9%, 6/14). Only IMLN metastasis without axillary nodes metastasis were found in 3 patients and the tumor location of these patients was all inner or central quadrant. Chest X-ray was done postoperatively as routine procedure, and there were no other specific complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Conclusion: IMLN dissection without radical mastectomy can be done safely without complications due to recent advance in diagnostic and surgical skills. If SUV on IMLN is shown on the PET-CT, IMLN dissection is needed, regardless of SUV. If breast cancer is located at inner quadrant, more aggressive dissection of IMLN is needed. Further follow-up and studies are needed to assess locoregional recurrence and to compare improvement in overall survival and disease free survival. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-03-02.
OP0016 Ultrasound and Antibodies to Citrullinated Peptide (ACPA) Usefulness for Diagnosis of Subclinical Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: R. Martínez Pérez, R. Hernandez Sanchez, M.L. Velloso Feijoo, J.L. Marenco de la Fuente
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2014)

<h3>Background</h3> The 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which include antibodies to citrullinated peptide (ACPA) have good sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing of AR in advanced stages. However, early diagnosis is a challenge not resolved. Recent studies shown the existence of a preclinical stage before development of RA, characterized by arthralgia or a few symtoms that can be detected by special techniques such as High Power Doppler resolution ultrasound (PDRUS) or the presence of these autoantibodies. <h3>Objectives</h3> To assess the usefulness of PDRUS and the presence of ACPA in subclinical stage of RA and evaluate the response to treatment with methotrexate in this phase. <h3>Methods</h3> We evaluated a cohort of patients ACPA(+) with inflamatory arthralgias who not fulfilled criteria for diagnosis of RA. We performed PDRUS and instaured treatment with methotrexate and low oral dose of prednisone (5 mgr/day) that was subsequently withdrawn. Laboratory test including rheumathoid factor, CPR, ESR and ACPA; PDRUS attending to power doppler signal (PDS) on a scale from 0 to 3 of bilateral wrists, metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal; HAQ, VAS and DAS 28 (ultrasound synovitis) were collected at months 0, 1, 3, 6 and 12. <h3>Results</h3> Twenty patients ACPA positive with inflammatory arthralgia and PDS were included, 90% women. The mean age was 42.2±12.4 years. The 30% had PDS grade 1, 55% grade 2 and 15% grade 3. Both ESR and CRP remained within normal values. After 1 month of treatment, the PDS was reduced in 55% of patients. In the patients with grade 1, no PDS was observed; the 2 patients with grade 2 improved to grade 1 and 3 with grade 3 upgraded to grade 2. After 6 months of treatment, only 6 patients showed PDS (4 of grade 1, and 2 grade 2); and one year later, only 1 patient had PDS signal grade 1. The HAQ and VAS decreased at one year from 2.325±0234 to 0550±0.250 (p&lt;0.05) and from 13.5±75.2±12.8 mm to 32 mm (p&lt;0.05) respectively; and also DAS 28 decreased from 4.2±1.54 to 2.1±0.58 (p&lt;0.05). <h3>Conclusions</h3> The patient with inflammatory arthralgia ACPA positive and the presence of ultrasound synovitis without diagnostic criteria for RA, respond satisfactorily to early treatment with methotrexate, achieving clinical remission in a high percentage after the first year. We can concluded that the presence of ACPA and PDS evaluated by PDRUS are very important tools for the diagnosis of patients with subclinical inflammatory arthralgia related to RA. The presence of synovitis evaluated by PDUS should be considered as a posible diagnostic criteria in very early stages of the disease. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared <h3>DOI</h3> 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.5667
Regulator apologises to 60 general practices for wrongly prioritising them for inspection
Authors: Z. Kmietowicz
Journal: BMJ (2014)

England’s healthcare regulator has apologised to 60 general practices that it singled out as being a high priority for inspection and has admitted that they do not need to be urgently reviewed. But the BMA said the mix-up showed that the system that ranks practices is not fit for purpose and should be scrapped.

In November the Care Quality Commission (CQC) launched its system of “intelligent monitoring” to rank general practices in one of six bands, to help it decide which surgeries should undergo its new inspection regime first.1 At the time 120 of 7661 practices in England were ranked in bands …
P75 Teaching emergency oxygen prescribing to medical students
Authors: J. Earis, P. Deegan, P. Stockton, S. McKinnell, R. Fewtrell, T. Kennedy
Journal: Thorax (2011)

<h3>Introduction</h3> In 2008 the BTS published the first National Emergency Oxygen Guidance. Subsequent national audits in 2008 and 2010 have shown poor compliance with these guidelines. In order to improve the use of emergency oxygen Liverpool Medical School has included this topic in a new Patient Safety Programme (PSP) developed to provide practical skills for the 335 fifth year students as a preparation for their Foundation Programme. <h3>Methodology</h3> (1)Computer based knowledge test (CBKT) of 60 MCQ questions, based on the BTS guidance and BNF are accessed on-line by the students. Each student has to correctly answer 80% of 10 randomly selected questions. (2) Practical oxygen management session including demonstration of oxygen delivery systems and blood gas sampling in a Clinic Skills Department. (3) Ward based supervised skills including completion of five oxygen prescriptions and blood gas samples. <h3>Results</h3> The CBKT score was low with an average of 6.2 of 10 questions answered correctly after the first attempt. After 10 attempts only 72% students passed thus 28% (94 students) were unable to reach the pass threshold. The Abstract P75 table 1 relates the pass rate to the numbers of attempts shows only a modest incremental increase in the cumulative pass rate. In contrast, all students rapidly gained the skills to undertake blood gas sampling and were able to write oxygen prescriptions based on SpO2 results. <h3>Conclusions</h3> This study confirms that medical students, like other staff, have a poor basic knowledge about the use of emergency oxygen. The Liverpool PSP is addressing this knowledge gap but in view of the results further education (eg, seminars and e-learning) will be provided prior to the CBKT. We recommend this type of programme to other Medical Schools and clinical staff.
Endomicroscopie Confocale: étude de faisabilité du système ISC-1000 (Pentax)
Authors: C Pesenti, F Caillol, E Bories, G Monges, M Giovannini
Journal: Endoscopy (2008)

Introduction: L'endomicroscopie est l'adaptation en endoscopie digestive de la microscopie optique traditionnelle, grâce à l'intégration de microscopes miniaturisés permettant l'étude de la muqueuse digestive à l'échelon cellulaire. Il s'agit d'illuminer la muqueuse digestive préalablement marquée par une molécule fluorescente (la fluorescéine) à l'aide d'un laser argon, et de sélectionner les photons provenant du même plan focal, afin de créer une section optique de la zone étudiée.
SAT0264 Efficacy and Safety of TOCILIZUMAB in Elderly Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Y.-M. Pers, R. Schaub, C. Fortunet, E. Constant, J. Lambert, M. Godfrin-Valnet, B. Pallot-Prades, D. Wendling, P. Gaudin, H. Marotte, J.-F. Maillefert, C. Jorgensen
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2014)

<h3>Objectives</h3> To assess safety and efficacy of tocilizumab (TCZ) in elderly (≥65 years) rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated in daily practice. <h3>Methods</h3> We conducted a retrospective study of TCZ use in RA patients followed in five French university hospitals from 2009 to 2012. We considered two age groups (&lt;65 and ≥65 years). TCZ efficacy was evaluated at 24 weeks by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response and remission score. We also evaluated drug maintenance and safety (adverse events discontinuation). A multivariate cumulative logit model for ordinal categories was performed to assess the relationship between age class and EULAR response (none, moderate and good) adjusted on possible confounders. TCZ retention (drug survival) over time was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Treatment retention curves were compared according to age group with the log-rank test. <h3>Results</h3> Among 222 RA patients treated by TCZ, 61 (27.5%) were ≥65 years at therapy initiation. After 6 months, elderly patients less often reached remission (27.8% versus 45.6%; p=0.02) or good EULAR response (40.7% versus 61.0%; p&lt;0.01). Multivariate analysis adjusted on baseline C-Reactive protein confirmed that elderly patients were more likely to have a lower EULAR response (none vs. moderate-good or none-moderate vs good) (OR: 3.16; 95%CI [1.68; 5.96], p&lt;0.001). Drug maintenance for TCZ and adverse events discontinuation rates were similar between age groups. <h3>Conclusions</h3> In daily practice, TCZ seems well tolerated but less efficient in elderly RA patients. Broader analyses like international register are now needed to confirm our results. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared <h3>DOI</h3> 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.1513
INDICADORES DE CALIDAD EN COLONOSCOPIA BASADOS EN LOS ÍNDICES DE EXTIRPACIÓN DE ADENOMAS
Authors: A Sánchez del Río, J Salvador Baudet Arteaga
Journal: Endoscopy (2010)

Objetivo. Seleccionar indicadores de calidad en colonoscopia en función de índices de extirpación de adenomas de colon que sean viables (sean evaluables con un tamaño muestral reducido) y detecten diferencias de calidad entre endoscopistas (presenten una variabilidad significativa).
Metastatic Ovarian Carcinoma Showing Surprisingly Widespread Subcutaneous 99mTc-MDP Soft-Tissue Uptake
Authors: Oyebola O. Sogbein, Matthieu Pelletier-Galarneau, Xuan H. Pham
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (2013)

Cutaneous involvement is generally unusual for metastases in a variety of primary malignancies including patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer. We report the rare observance of subcutaneous lesions from an aggressive ovarian primary carcinoma with unusual uptake of 99mTc-MDP on a tomographic whole-body bone scan without osseous metastatic lesions or uptake. The findings were correlated with cross-sectional imaging in addition to histological analysis.
De novo arteriovenous malformations following implantation of the HeartMate II left ventricular assist device
Authors: R. Huang, R. Wong, K. Draper, T. Winter
Journal: Endoscopy (2012)

The HeartMate II (HMII) is the most popular continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) employed worldwide. Implantation of CF-LVADs has been associated with high rates of gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly from arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) [1] [2]. Part of the increased bleeding risk relates to a reduction in circulating von Willebrand factor multimers [3]. However, it has also long been hypothesized that loss of the physiologic pulse, as occurs with CF-LVAD placement, may lead to hemodynamic changes in the gastrointestinal mucosa that are ultimately "angiodysplasia-genic" [4].