tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
NI-14 * THE DIFFUSION WEIGHTED IMAGING DERIVED INFLECTION B-VALUE AS A POTENTIAL MARKER FOR BRAIN TUMOR HETEROGENEITY
Authors: A. Cohen, K. Pechman, K. Schmainda
Journal: Neuro-Oncology (2014)

BACKGROUND: Diffusion-weighted MR (DWI) images are collected at different diffusion weightings (b-values) and the corresponding signal decreases as b-value increases. Typically, images are collected at two b-values to calculate an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Calculating ADC in this way involves the underlying assumption that the diffusion-related signal decay is monoexponential. However, studies have shown this is often not the case at higher b-values (b > 1000 s/mm2). In this study, a biexponential model is used to model the DWI signal in a rat U87 brain tumor model. The inflection b-value (binf) is also introduced. This parameter is the b-value where the signal begins to deviate from monoexponential. METHODS: Eight male Athymic nude rats were inoculated with U87 brain tumor cells and imaged on day 18 post-inoculation without any treatment. Pre and post contrast T1-weighted images were collected. DWI images were acquired prior to contrast injection with b = 0,50,100,150,200,400,600,800,1000,2000,3000 s/mm2. Tumor ROIs were determined from the contrast-enhancing region on the T1 + C images. Contralateral normal ROIs were also drawn. The DWI signal was fit with a biexponential model: S/S0 = ffast*exp(-b*Dfast) + (1-ffast)*exp(-b*Dslow). The inflection b-value was computed as the minimum of the third derivative of the natural log of the biexponential fit. Biexponential parameters and binf were compared between tumor and normal tissue with a paired two-sample t-test. RESULTS: No differences were seen between tumor and normal tissue for any of the biexponential parameters. The inflection b-value (binf) was significantly lower in tumor compared to normal tissue (1920(160) vs. 3280(340) respectively, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The inflection b-value (i.e. the b-value where the DWI signal deviates from monoexponential) was lower in tumor tissue compared to normal tissue. Deviation from monoexponential behavior is thought to occur due to the presence of multiple diffusion pools and restrictions to water movement. Therefore, binf is a potential marker of tumor heterogeneity and/or invasion.
Gender differences in cerebellar metabolism: test-retest reproducibility
Authors: N D Volkow, G J Wang, J S Fowler, R Hitzemann, N Pappas, K Pascani, C Wong
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1997)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate gender differences in baseline measures of regional brain metabolism and to assess their reproducibility.Fifteen male and 13 female healthy subjects, whose mean age was 44 years, were tested with positron emission tomography and [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) under resting conditions; eight of the men and 11 of the women underwent a second FDG scan under the same conditions 4-6 weeks later to assess the reproducibility of the previous results.There were no differences in whole brain metabolism between the women and the men. In the first evaluation the female subjects showed significantly higher metabolism in the temporal poles and cerebellum than the male subjects. During the second evaluation the female subjects had significantly higher metabolism only in the cerebellum.This study documents significant and reproducible gender differences in cerebellar metabolism; their functional significance merits further evaluation.
Abstract 5518: Clinicopathologic associations with colorectal cancer molecular pathways in a cohort study of older women
Authors: N Jewel Sammader, Robert A. Vierkant, Lori S. Tillmans, Alice H. Wang, Daniel J. Weisenberger, Peter W. Laird, Charles F. Lynch, Kristin E. Anderson, Amy J. French, Robert W. Haile, Lisa J. Harnack, John D. Potter, Susan L. Slager, Thomas C. Smyrk, Stephen N. Thibodeau, James R. Cerhan, Paul J. Limburg
Journal: Cancer Research (2012)

Abstract Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a molecularly heterogeneous disease. Three molecular pathways (traditional, serrated and alternate) have been recently proposed based on integrated combinations of microsatellite instability (MSI), CpG island methylation phenotype (CIMP), BRAF mutation, and KRAS mutation status (Gastroenterol 2010;138:2088-2100). To our knowledge, clinicopathologic associations with these CRC pathways have not been previously described. Methods: Data and tissue resources were obtained from the population-based Iowa Women's Health Study, which recruited 41,836 randomly selected women, ages 55-69 years, at study entry (1986). Incident CRC cases were ascertained by annual linkage with the Iowa Cancer Registry. Archived, paraffin-embedded tissue specimens were collected from 732 CRC cases diagnosed through 12/31/2002. Established laboratory methods were used to characterize CRC cases by MSI (MSS/MSI-L or MSI-H), CIMP (neg, low, or high), BRAF mutation (wt or mut), and KRAS mutation (wt or mut) status. Molecular pathways were defined as: traditional (MSS/MSI-L, CIMP-neg, BRAF wt, and KRAS wt); serrated (any MSI, CIMP-high, BRAF mut, and KRAS wt), alternate (MSS/MSI-L, CIMP-low, BRAF wt, and KRAS mut), or other pathway. Chi-square tests and analyses of variance were used to compare clinicopathologic features at CRC presentation (age, anatomic subsite, tumor grade, and SEER stage) across the molecular pathways. Results: Comlete and informative MSI, CIMP, BRAF and KRAS data were obtained for 491/732 (67%) CRC cases. Clinicopathologic associations are shown in the Table. Conclusions: These data suggest that distributions of age at diagnosis, subsite, and tumor grade, but not SEER stage, differ across the traditional, serrated, and alternate carcinogenic pathways, which may have implications for molecularly-targeted CRC prevention and/or therapy strategies. 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 5518. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5518
DISTRIBUTION AND PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF CORONARY ARTERY CALCIFICATION IN A HIGH RISK DIABETIC POPULATION: A SUB-ANALYSIS OF THE FACTOR64 STUDY
Authors: Viet T. Le, Stacey Knight, Heidi May, Tami Bair, J. Muhlestein, Donald Lappe, Joao Lima, Boaz Rosen, David Bluemke, Jeffrey Anderson
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2015)
Abstract B39: Molecular diagnostics strategy to identify hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Olga Kostina, Egle Rebane, Wally Anderson, Martin Kask, Andres Valkna
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2010)

Abstract Introduction: Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also called Lynch syndrome, is an autosomal dominantly inherited syndrome predisposing to the early development of cancers of colon, rectum, endometrial, small bowel and urinary tract and accounts for ∼5% of all colon cancer cases. Molecular investigations have shown that most HNPCC families are associated with constitutional mutations in a class of genes (called MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 and probably others) involved in DNA mismatch repair. MLH1 and MSH2 genes account for approximately 90% of HNPCC families identified germline mutations. Most of these mutations are point mutations and small insertions or deletions. The large genomic deletions in MMR genes and germline epimutations in MLH1 explain a proportion of point mutation-negative families suspected of Lynch syndrome. At the same time the methylation in promoter of MLH1 gene in colon tissue frequently causes MLH1 protein loss in sporadic tumors. The aim of the study is to characterize the mismatch repair gene mutations of Estonian hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer families and to improve the screening strategy. Methods: A systematic analysis of 75 unrelated patients from suspected HNPCC families in Estonia was performed by immunohistochemistry, microsatellite instability, and gene mutation and methylation detection. Results. The study is still continuing. Systematic and comprehensive analysis of samples from 75 HNPCC-suspected patients is proceeding using various methods. Conclusion: Based on traditional molecular genetics, combined with epigenetics, multiple detection methods can accurately diagnose HNPCC. As the results of the study, the precise molecular diagnostic scheme for diagnosing HNPCC will be worked out for clinical use in Estonia. Citation Information: Clin Cancer Res 2010;16(7 Suppl):B39
French government cracks down on abortion protests
Authors: A. Dorozynski
Journal: BMJ (1995)

Four members of an anti-abortion group were fined and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment by a court in Roanne France last week the first time that a French court had jailed antiabortion protestors.  During the same week the National Assembly stated that antiabortion protestors were not eligible for the traditional amnesty granted to other minor offenders during presidential elections.  Abortion has been legal since 1975 and an act passed in 1993 made it a criminal offense to obstruct a legal abortion.  More than 100 antiabortion protests have been held in France in the past 5 years and the pace has increased in recent months.  Socialist deputy Veronique Neiertz who proposed the amendment excluding antiabortion activists from amnesty calls the raids which have included the chaining of protestors to hospital equipment and furniture terrorism against women and the medical community.  The American antiabortion groups  Life International and Operation Rescue are trying to attract European support.  Vernon Kirby of  Life International states his group provides publicity material advice and speakers but does not advocate violence.  He cites the Popes endorsement (in the encyclical Human Life) of civil disobedience against unjust laws.  Groups supporting abortion rights occasionally retaliate with similar tactics; a pro-abortion group recently threw paint and tear gas into a church in Lyons during Mass.
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria — Hemolysis before and after Eculizumab
Authors: Antonio M. Risitano, Rosario Notaro, Lucio Luzzatto, Anita Hill, Richard Kelly, Peter Hillmen
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2010)

To the Editor: The letter to the Editor by Berzuini et al. (Sept. 2 issue)1 shows in a single example that in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) who are receiving eculizumab, i...
Frequency Of NOTCH1 Mutations In Brazilian Patients With CLL
Authors: Paulo Vidal Campregher, Roberta Cardoso Petroni, Nair Muto, Juliana Nogueira M. Rodrigues, Roberta Sitnik, Nydia Bacal, Gislaine Borba Oliveira, Rubia Santana, Irene L Metze, Carlos S Chiattone, Nelson Hamerschlak
Journal: Blood (2013)
M16 Staff-Patient perception of discomfort with fibre-optic bronchoscopy-Is there a correlation?
Authors: LO Idris, V Richardson, I Johnson, G Sobrany, KS Babu
Journal: Thorax (2013)

<h3>Introduction</h3> Patient comfort and safety are crucial aspects of fiberoptic bronchoscopy. This is usually performed under sedation and at times it is tricky to judge the degree of sedation and patient comfort during the procedure. <h3>Methods</h3> We conducted a prospective survey to assess patients’ satisfaction with sedation and the overall experience during flexible bronchoscopy. This was a questionnaire based survey, wherein the patients’ completed a questionnaire within 48 hours after the procedure. We advised them not to complete the questionnaire on the same day of the procedure to avoid bias due to the effects of sedatives used during procedure. The questions were scored on a 5-point Likert scale. The questionnaire included satisfaction regarding the procedure, staff professionalism, the endoscopy suite, perception of adequacy of sedation, technical ability of the interventionalist, and post procedure care. Nursing staff were requested to record their perception of the degree of sedation and patient discomfort. Correlation between patients perception of discomfort/pain were compared with the staff perception. <h3>Results</h3> 52 patients completed the questionnaire over a 3 month period. 33/52 (63.7%) experienced pain/discomfort during the procedure. 73.1% felt sufficient steps were taken to reduce the pain/discomfort. 46 (88.4%) of patients’ disclosed that they did not mind to have a repeat procedure if needed. While there was poor correlation between the protocol of sedation used and patient comfort, there was a significant correlation between the staff perception of adequacy of sedation with the patients perception (p = 0.0007). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Regular patient surveys would give us an idea about the sedation practices we employ for bronchoscopy. As staffs perception significantly correlates with patients’ pain/discomfort this can be a valuable tool in judging the sedation requirements especially in a partly sedated patient.
The Unanticipated Consequences of Postponing the Employer Mandate
Authors: Mark V. Pauly, Adam A. Leive
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2013)

Interview with Prof. Mark Pauly on the consequences of postponing the ACA's employer mandate. (08:47)Download The Obama administration's delay in implementing the employer mandate affects other provisions of the ACA, particularly subsidies for purchasing insurance, and creates distorted incentives that may leave the government paying significantly more than planned.
Comparison of 68Ga DOTATATE to 18F-FDG Uptake Is Useful in the Differentiation of Residual or Recurrent Pituitary Adenoma From the Remaining Pituitary Tissue After Transsphenoidal Adenomectomy
Authors: Xiaobin Zhao, Jianqi Xiao, Bing Xing, Renzhi Wang, Zhaohui Zhu, Fang Li
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (2014)

The evaluation of the remaining pituitary tissue and recurrent or residual tumor after the pituitary adenoma resection is difficult. However, it is essential to assess the size of the recurrent tumor and remaining pituitary reserve before resurgery. This study aimed to distinguish the remaining pituitary tissue from pituitary adenoma with Ga 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N″,N″'-tetraacetic acid-D-Phe,Tyr3-octreotate (DOTATATE) and F-FDG PET imaging in patients status post transsphenoidal adenomectomy.Thirty-five patients with suspected recurrent/residual pituitary tumors were retrospectively evaluated. All of these patients underwent DOTATATE and FDG PET/CT within 1 week before additional surgery. The DOTATATE and FDG uptake levels were compared. The image findings were then compared with pathology results after the additional surgery.Residual or recurrent pituitary adenoma were confirmed pathologically in all 35 patients. One recurrent pituitary adenoma did not have either DOTATATE or FDG uptake. In the remaining 34 adenomas, 33 had higher FDG uptake than DOTATATE uptake. In comparison, DOTATATE had significant higher uptake than FDG in the remaining pituitary tissues in all cases.Different degree of uptake of Ga DOTATATE and F-FDG PET/CT in the remaining pituitary tissue and recurrent/residual pituitary tumor indicated that combined analysis of Ga DOTATATE and F-FDG PET/CT might be of clinical value in differentiating recurrent/residual pituitary adenoma from the remaining pituitary tissue.
AB0418 Differences between clinical and laboratory findings in patients with recent diagnosis of sle according to the presence or absence of anti-dna antibodies by crithidia luciliae
Authors: M. I. Sarbu, P. Rubio Muñoz, T. C. Salman Monte, J. G. Lopéz Velandia, J. Pérez-Ruiz, A. P. Cacheda, J. Carbonell Abelló
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2013)

<h3>Objectives</h3> To evaluate if the existence of anti-dsDNA antibodies detected by Crithidia luciliae indirect immunofluorescence (CLIF) method is associated with clinical and laboratory differences in patients with recent diagnosis of SLE. <h3>Methods</h3> Retrospective descriptive study of a group of 104 SLE patients (who fulfilled the ACR 1982 revised criteria) with diagnostic and follow-up in our center. After consulting the clinical histories of the patients we recorded and analyzed: demographic data (age, sex and race), clinical manifestations (articular and extra-articular like malar rash, photosensitivity, discoid lupus, oral ulcers, diffuse alopecia, serositis, neurological, hematological and renal involvement) and laboratory parameters (ESR-mm/h, PCR-mg/dl, C3-mg/dl, C4-mg/dl, DNA-UI/mL, ANA titer, leukocyte, lymphocyte and neutrophil count-x10^3/ul, 24 hour proteinuria-mg/24h). We divided the patients in 3 groups based on the presence of anti-dsDNA by CLIF as follows: Group 1-CLIF always negative, Group 2-positive for CLIF at baseline, Group 3-positive for CLIF sometime during follow-up. <h3>Results</h3> Of the 104 patients analyzed 97.1% were women with a mean age at the time of the diagnosis of 42,1±15,4 years. Twenty-nine patients (27.9%) were positive for anti-dsDNA CLIF at baseline (group 2) and 12 (11.5%) during follow-up (group 3). The patients who were positive for anti-dsDNA by CLIF at baseline showed higher titers of anti-dsDNA by ELISA and ANA antibodies, more lymphopenia and complement consumption, statistically significant when compared with the other two groups (p&lt; 0.05). Regarding the clinical manifestations, the patients positive for anti-dsDNA by CLIF (groups 2 and 3) presented with more arthritis at baseline (p = 0.005). (see table). <h3>Conclusions</h3> The results of this study suggest that the patients with SLE with positive anti-dsDNA by CLIF have more active disease presenting more lymphopenia and complement consumption. In our study population the baseline and follow-up positivity for anti-dsDNA by CLIF was associated to more arthritis at the beginning of the disease. <h3>Acknowledgements</h3> Sergi Mojal <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None Declared
PAPEL DE LA ECOENDOSCOPIA PARA DRENAJE DE PSEUDOQUISTES PANCREÁTICOS MEDIANTE INSERCIÓN DE STENTS A LARGO PLAZO
Authors: E Redondo Cerezo, JG Martínez Cara, C Alegria-Motte, V Martos Ruiz, C González-Artacho, P De La Torre Rubio, M López De Hierro, J De Teresa Galván
Journal: Endoscopy (2013)

Introducción: Los grandes pseudoquistes pancreáticos suponen un problema clínico de resolución quirúrgica compleja. En este contexto, la fenestración a tubo digestivo por vía endoscópica ha supuesto un avance importante, con excelentes Resultados: Existe controversia sobre el tiempo durante el que deben dejarse las prótesis. Objetivo: Analizar el resultado de una serie de 15 pacientes realizados en nuestra unidad desde Junio/2009 hasta Febrero/2013. Pacientes y Métodos: Entre Junio de 2009 y Febrero de 2013, realizamos 16 procedimientos. Todos pacientes varones, edad media 57 años. Diámetro medio de los pseudoquistes: 20 cm. Mediante ecoendoscopia lineal, localizamos el área de menor espesor de la pared gástrica (< 1 cm). Pase de guía de 0,35” a través de aguja de 19G, consiguiéndose en el 100%. La dilatación de la fístula requirió empleo de esfinterotomo de aguja en 1 paciente, siendo necesario el empleo de un extractor de prótesis tipo Soehendra en este caso. En el resto fue suficiente con un balón de dilatación intrabiliar de punta cónica. Posteriormente se insertaron entre 1 y 4 prótesis plásticas tipo pig-tail. Se consiguió un drenaje adecuado en el 100% de los pacientes. En uno repetimos el procedimiento por obstrucción de la fístula, retiramos las prótesis obstruidas, redilatamos con balón e insertamos otras nuevas, drenando material purulento, con buena resolución en el seguimiento. Como única complicación cabe destacar una hemorragia a chorro en el caso en el que se empleó el esfinterotomo de aguja. La hemorragia se resolvió con un clip hemostático. Retiramos los stents tras 9 – 12 meses de su inserción. Tres pacientes aún no han cumplido ese plazo, con una buena evolución. Conclusiones: El drenaje de colecciones pancreáticas mediante cistogastrostomía endoscópica guiada por ecoendoscopia es eficaz y seguro. El empleo de prótesis plásticas tipo doble pig-tail durante 1 año minimizan las recidivas y hacen innecesarios otros dispositivos como prótesis autoexpandibles.
P159 Weaning And Long Term Ventilation Outcomes In Spinal Injury Patients After Referral To A Regional Spinal Injury Centre
Authors: A. Pocock, M. Nasher, T. Ward, T. Bongers
Journal: Thorax (2014)

<h3>Introduction</h3> Difficult and slow weaning of ventilated patient will have been observed by staff in many critical care units<sup>1</sup>. A National Association for Medical Direction of Respiratory Care (NAMDRC) Consensus Conference suggested that 20% of such patients had neurological disease<sup>2</sup>. The incidence of respiratory failure following acute cervical spinal cord injury (ASCI) ranges between 22.6% and 57% and the average time to wean from ventilator support was found to be 36 days. Weaning for such patients should therefore take place in an intermediate care facility and be slow paced<sup>2</sup>. Previous data from our unit did suggest a successful wean in about 70% of patients admitted to this regional spinal injury unit<sup>1</sup>. We therefore wanted to review our recent results (Nov 2009 – Nov 2012) with previous standards. <h3>Methods</h3> We performed a retrospective review of all patients admitted from November 2009 to November 2012 for respiratory weans following spinal cord insult. <h3>Results</h3> 43 patients (35 male and 8 female) were admitted to the spinal critical care unit for weaning (14.33 patients per year). Average age was 54.7 years for male and 55.4 years for females. The level of injury is illustrated in the table below: Of the 43 patients, 35 were successfully weaned; the rest were either partially weaned or not weaned. 7 of the 10 Level C1–3 injury patients were not weaned or were only partially weaned. The remaining 3 patients of Level C1–3 injury (incomplete) were weaned. 1 patient with Level C6 injury was only partially weaned but was 77 years of age. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Review of the period from 2009–2012 is very encouraging, suggesting weaning success in line with national and international centres. Further reviews will focus on duration of wean and the effect of co-morbidities and age on the weaning outcome. Further attention needs to focus on quality of life in the weaned and not weaned patient group. <h3>References</h3> Watt J <i>et al</i>. <i>Brit J Intensive Care AUTUMN/ </i> 2008;95–102 MacIntyre NR <i>et al</i>. <i>Chest</i> 2005;128:3937–3954