tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Abstract P2-12-01: Is Cancer-Specific Distress Correlated with Time to Definitive Surgery in Breast Cancer Patients?
Authors: MB Daup, EL Lush, E Dedert, KM McMasters, SE Sephton, AB. Chagpar
Journal: Cancer Research (2010)

Abstract INTRODUCTION: A number of studies have investigated factors influencing delay in seeking medical care for self-detected breast symptoms. Few, however, have sought to understand factors that are correlated with the time interval between diagnostic imaging and definitive surgery. We sought to determine factors that may influence this time interval. METHODS: From May 2005 to January 2009, a prospective study of 59 breast cancer patients was performed in which patients’ cancer-related distress was evaluated using the Impact of Events Scale (IES). After patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy and those who did not have imaging or surgery were excluded, the remaining 43 patients formed the cohort of interest for this analysis. The effect of clinicopathologic and psychological factors on the time between diagnostic imaging and definitive surgery was evaluated using non-parametric statistics (SPSS, Version 18.0). RESULTS: The median time between diagnostic imaging and definitive surgery in this cohort was 43 days (range; 4-200). In 25 patients (58.1%), this interval was less than 45 days. Patient age, largest tumor size on imaging, and previous history of breast or other cancers did not appear to be related to time to surgery. Similarly, race, marital status, education, income and insurance status were not significant predictors of time to surgery. Patients who had a longer time interval between imaging and surgery scored higher on the avoidance and total distress subscales of the IES (median 19.5 vs. 12.0, p=0.016 and 37.0 vs. 29.0, p=0.028, respectively). In particular, patients with a longer time between imaging and surgery were more likely to report that they “tried not to think about it” (p= 0.040), “tried not to talk about it” (p=0.039) and “stayed away from reminders of it” (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Psychological distress associated with a diagnosis of cancer is significantly correlated with the time to definitive surgery in breast cancer patients. Avoidance behaviors tend to be associated with a delay in surgery. Early psychosocial support aimed at reducing such distress may shorten time to definitive treatment in such patients; alternatively, shorter times to surgery may reduce cancer-specific distress. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-12-01.
Abstract 1262: Simple western and NanoPro analysis of key EGF signaling cascade proteins
Authors: Uyen Nguyen, Jessica Dermody, Francisco Ramirez, Irina Kazakova, Tom Yang, Robert Gavin, Annegret Boge
Journal: Cancer Research (2012)

Abstract Aberrant expression and signaling in the EGF signaling pathway is a common occurrence in a variety of cancers including breast cancer. Understanding how EGF signaling impacts disease progression is key to the development of novel therapeutics. Detection of important protein targets in cancer samples frequently employs Western blot analysis. In-depth phosphorylation analysis often requires 2D gels which are extremely variable and labor intensive, followed by MS analysis. Each of these methods have their advantages and challenges. This study employs the use of two novel nano-scale capillary-based electrophoresis and immunodetection technologies to characterize and validate subtle changes in key protein targets involved in the regulation of disease progression. The Simon system performs size-based separation of proteins, known as Simple Western assays. Alternatively, NanoPro systems utilize charge-based separation via isoelectric focusing (IEF). Both methods utilize capillary electrophoresis (CE) to perform the separation events. Both Simon and NanoPro instruments provide automated workflow eliminating the need for manual processing of multiple steps traditionally needed to carry out either of these separation and detection processes. Proteins from a single sample preparation were analyzed on two platforms: either in a native conformation using charge-based separation (NanoPro assays) or in a denatured state followed by size-based separation (Simple Western assays). Both methods incorporate immunodetection to monitor both subtle and specific changes to key signaling protein targets. Utilizing both platforms allowed for detailed analysis of post-translational modifications (charge-based) and protein abundance (size-based) within a prepared sample. As a validation of synergy between the platforms, we investigated key members of the EGF signaling cascade in different phosphorylation states. We showed that the same cellular lysate preparation can be used for charge- or size-based separation. Advantages of Simple Western and NanoPro assays over gels (1D and 2D) and traditional Westerns include ease of use, minimal user intervention, automatic analysis and excellent reproducibility which ultimate results in better data quality to characterize key regulatory events involved with cancer progression. 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 1262. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1262
PTH-061 To Evaluate the Safety and Outcomes of Esd and Hybrid Esd for Large Sessile Colorectal Polyps Including Procedural Complications and Recurrence Rate
Authors: S M Ali, N Radhakrishnan, R Hammonds, R George
Journal: Gut (2013)

<h3>Introduction</h3> The purpose of ESD and Hybrid ESD (circumferential excision and snaring) is to obtain en bloc specimen. Margins are checked for residual tissue and APC applied if appropriate <h3>Methods</h3> Single endoscopist using ESD and Hybrid ESD (H-ESD) technique was retrospectively audited from April 2004 to August 2012. Service evaluation data of 38 patients with large sessile polyps who underwent ESD and Hybrid ESD was reviewed from a cohort of 224 colonoscopies referred for large polyp EMR. All procedures were intended as ESD. NICE recommendations for case selection were followed in 92% cases. Due to challenges in submucosal dissection of the large lesions, piecemeal resection was done after circumferential cutting. First follow-up endoscopy was performed at 3–6 months and the second at 12–14 months. <h3>Results</h3> Mean age was 70 with 16 males and 22 females. Mean size of polyp in ESD group was 26mm. Range 15–50mm. Mean size in the H-ESD group was 49mm. Range 20–100mm. Complete resections were achieved in 17 (44%) out of 38 cases. Due to piecemeal resection pathologists were not able to confirm adequacy of excision in 12 cases. In 9 cases resection was reported incomplete on index procedure. ESD performed in 13 (34%) cases. Complete resection achieved in 6. Out of 7 incomplete resections in the ESD group, 3 were reported by pathologists as lesion extending to the lateral margin hence incomplete excision. Histology did not comment on margin clearance in 3 ESD. 1 ESD was a sub mucosal lipoma on histology. This was an unintentional ESD for lipoma. Histology: ESD group: TVA with LGD 7, TVA with HGD 5. H-ESD was performed in 25 (65.7%) cases. Complete resection achieved in 11 cases, incomplete resection in 7 and lateral margin clearance not confirmed in 7 H-ESD cases due to piecemeal resection. Histology: H-ESD group: TVA with LGD 16, TVA with HGD 6 and adenocarcinoma in 2 cases-one’s lateral and deep margins were clear and the other was incomplete and referred to MDT In 4 ESD and 7 H-ESD cases there was minor bleeding controlled endoscopically at the time. 1 delayed post- H-ESD bleeding required 11 days of hospital stay and 2 units of blood transfusion. 1 retroperitoneal perforation and 1 case of serosal cut managed conservatively with clips and antibiotics. APC performed in 16 (42%) out of 38. Recurrence was identified in 6 H-ESD cases (15.7%). 5 local recurrences detected at 3 months and 1 local recurrence detected at 24 months. In 13 ESD cases no perforation or recurrence upto 14 months was noted despite 5 histologically incomplete dissections. <h3>Conclusion</h3> ESD in bowel is challenging and has a long learning curve. These procedures should be performed by trained endoscopists in accredited units and a national registry should be maintained. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None Declared.
When I use a word: Ough ough
Authors: J. Aronson
Journal: BMJ (2002)

Cough, pronounced coff, is onomatopoeic in origin, from the sound of the closure of the glottis plus the sound of air whizzing or wheezing through the trachea. Other languages have different ways of mimicking the sound of a cough. The Greek word was βηξ (bex), with its guttural stem βηχ- (bekh-). The Latin word was tussis, with its own form of onomatopoeia, giving modern words like toux (French), tosse (Italian and Portuguese), and toz (Spanish). However, more northerly languages have Husten (German), hoost (Dutch), hoste (Danish), and hosta (Swedish), which sound like a cough without the initial closure of the glottis, more like what we call huffing, as in huffing and puffing (which nowadays means objecting loudly). According to Lewis Carroll, uffish, a nonsense word that he used in Jabberwocky, reflected a state of mind in which “the voice is gruffish, the manner roughish, and the temper huffish.” And among drug users, to huff means to inhale, usually in reference to marihuana.

Coughing and huffing come together in the German word for whooping cough, Keuchhusten. And the half-cough of clearing  the throat to attract attention is called a hem, giving the interjection ahem (compare the French hein). In As You Like It (act 1, scene 3) Rosalind says that there are burs in her heart. “Hem them away,” says Celia.

Prompted by the unusual pronunciation of cough, George Bernard Shaw suggested that ghoti spelt fish—“gh” as in cough, “o” as in women, and “ti” as in nation. But, of course, ough is not always pronounced off, as the table shows.

An American friend has told me that there is a US town called Gough, pronounced “gaff,” but I suspect that this is just “goff” spoken with a strong American accent.

Notice that slough and shough can each be pronounced in three different ways. And the correct way to pronounce the title of this piece is “Oh oh.”

Enough.
Case 23-2012
Authors: Ramnik J. Xavier, Manish K. Gala, Brian K. Bronzo, Paul J. Kelly
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2012)

A 59-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of 9 months of abdominal pain, vomiting, and weight loss. He was born in a Caribbean country and had been treated for intestinal strongyloidiasis years earlier. A diagnosis of celiac disease had recently been made elsewhere.
Safety of new oral anticoagulants in high risk patients
Authors: S. Dalgleish
Journal: BMJ (2014)

Wallace and Davies are rightly worried by the lack of antidotes for new oral anticoagulants.1 

Rivaroxaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor, has been shown to be non-inferior to warfarin for the prevention of stroke and systemic emboli and is associated with comparable levels of bleeding.2 A small preliminary trial found that prothrombin complex concentrate …
A Computer Protocol to Predict Myocardial Infarction in Emergency Department Patients with Chest Pain
Authors: L Goldman, E F Cook, D A Brand, T H Lee, G W Rouan, M C Weisberg, D Acampora, C Stasiulewicz, J Walshon, G Terranova
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1988)

To achieve more appropriate triage to the coronary care unit of patients presenting with acute chest pain, we used clinical data on 1379 patients at two hospitals to construct a simple computer protocol to predict the presence of myocardial infarction. When we tested this protocol prospectively in 4770 patients at two university hospitals and four community hospitals, the computer-derived protocol had a significantly higher specificity (74 vs. 71 percent) in predicting the absence of infarction than physicians deciding whether to admit patients to the coronary care unit, and it had a similar sensitivity in detecting the presence of infarction (88.0 vs. 87.8 percent). Decisions based solely on the computer protocol would have reduced the admission of patients without infarction to the coronary care unit by 11.5 percent without adversely affecting the admission of patients in whom emergent complications developed that required intensive care. Although this protocol should not be used to override careful clinical judgment in individual cases, the computer protocol for the most part yields accurate estimates of the probability of myocardial infarction. Decisions about admission to the coronary care unit based on the protocol would have been as effective as those actually made by the unaided physicians who cared for the patients, and less costly. Whether physicians who are aided by the protocol perform better than unaided physicians cannot be determined without further study.
550 THE EFFICACY OF PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2A AFTER A BIOCHEMICAL BREAKTHROUGH INDUCED BY STOPPING LAMIVUDINE TREATMENT: A THERAPEUTIC STRATEGY FOR CHRONIC HEPATITIS B LACKING SEROLOGICAL RESPONSE
Authors: X. Zhang, Q. Zhang, H.Y. Zhang, J.P. You, J.G. Li, Q. Mao
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2012)
Coping with loss: Loss in late life
Authors: B. Pitt
Journal: BMJ (1998)

This is the ninth in a series of 10 articles dealing with the different types of loss that doctors will meet in their practice

Old age can be seen as a succession of losses, gradual or sudden.1 Stopping work means a loss of the working role, of the companionship of fellow workers, and of a full, structured day; it means a reduction in income—and, for those who live with someone, less time apart. Some people feel much diminished by retirement, hardly know what to do with themselves, and suffer a loss of status. Most developed societies do little to enhance the image of the “senior citizen,” who is liable to be patronised, marginalised, or simply ignored and is seen as a problem for an overburdened welfare state.

There is a view, though, that successful ageing means compensating for some losses by making the best of change. So, the strains of having to commute, living for the job, and struggling to keep up are also lost; some pensions are at least adequate; there are concessions that make life a little cheaper for the over 60s. Having more time to oneself, for hobbies and interests, and to spend with partner are often regarded as benefits. Though it is usually a sudden event, retirement is (unless there is unheralded redundancy) expected and there is time to prepare for it.

#### Summary points

In old age comes a succession of losses: dementia occurs in 20% of those over 80; loss of sexual enjoyment is common but not inevitable; half of octogenarians live alone

Depression in elderly people is often unrecognised; it is often caused by loss and, in turn, causes further losses

Preparation for retirement, health checks for the elderly, continued access to education, and the use of “at risk” registers can mitigate some of the …
IMPACT OF MICROVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS ON LEFT VENTRICULAR LONGITUDINAL FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS AND PRESERVED LEFT VENTRICULAR EJECTION FRACTION
Authors: Yasuhide Mochizuki, Hidekazu Tanaka, Kumiko Doukuni, Yutaka Hatani, Keiko Hatazawa, Hiroki Matsuzoe, Hiromi Toki, Hiroyuki Shimoura, Junichi Ooka, Hiroyuki Sano, Takuma Sawa, Yoshiki Motoji, Keiko Ryo, Kensuke Matsumoto, Ken-ichi Hirata
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2015)
Abstract 2953: Evaluating gene expression in FFPE breast cancer tissues using DASL®
Authors: Tom Burr, Rick Dixon, Andy Green, Ian Ellis, Cliff Murray
Journal: Cancer Research (2010)

Abstract The study of gene expression in conventionally processed tissues is hampered by degradation of mRNA. Expensive, low multiplex, quantitative PCR methods can be unreliable due to the limited template sizes. One way to overcome this problem is to use array-based methods. DASL® technology relies on random priming for production of cDNA, in concert with universal bead-arrays to allow the detection and relative quantitation of expression of specific gene subsets. Using the Illumina DASL® Cancer Panel (500 cancer-associated genes on one array), we evaluated the expression of key genes in archival FFPE tissue samples from 80 breast cancer patients with well characterised pathological and clinical features. We first assessed transcript integrity in the samples on the basis of levels of mRNA encoding RPL13A, prior to running the Cancer Panel. A subset of genes of interest was then assessed by qPCR to confirm the relative levels observed using the DASL® assay. Finally the expression of the same subset of genes was evaluated at the protein level by immunohistochemistry. We were able to predict, with good accuracy based upon RPL13A assays, those samples unsuitable for DASL® analysis. Furthermore, the results of DASL® analysis showed good correlation with protein levels, as measured by immunohistochemistry, for a number of key genes including ERBB2 (HER2) and ESR1 (ER). We conclude that DASL® represents a powerful tool for assessing expression of multiple genes in archival tissue. Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2953.
AB0134 Blood coagulation aggravates joint damage after an experimental haemorrhage in the canine knee
Authors: M.E. van Meegeren, G. Roosendaal, S.C. Mastbergen, F.P. Lafeber
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2013)

<h3>Background</h3> Joint bleeding due to trauma, major joint surgery, or haemophilia leads to joint damage. However, it is unclear if there are differences between coagulating blood and anticoagulated blood with respect to joint degeneration, especially <i>in vivo</i>. <h3>Objectives</h3> In a canine <i>in vivo</i> model we evaluated whether intra-articular blood exposure is more destructive in case of coagulating blood compared to anticoagulated blood, and whether inflammation plays a role in the cartilage damaging process. <h3>Methods</h3> In 7 dogs left knees were injected with coagulating blood 4 times a week in week 1 and 4; right knees with saline. In 7 other dogs anticoagulated, heparinized blood was injected with heparinized saline as control. Ten weeks after the last injection cartilage matrix turnover and synovial inflammation were analyzed <i>ex vivo</i>. To study cartilage damage without involvement of synovial inflammation, healthy full thickness human cartilage explants were exposed <i>in vitro</i> to coagulating and anticoagulated blood for 4 days (n=6). Cartilage matrix turnover was determined at day 16. <h3>Results</h3> Canine knees injected with coagulating blood showed an increase of both newly formed and total (resident) glycosaminoglycans of 9% and 15%, respectively (p=0.04 and p=0.01, respectively), as well as a decreased proteoglycan content of 6%. Injection with coagulating and anticoagulated blood caused an increase of proteoglycan synthesis rate of 24% and 14%, respectively (p=0.01 and p=0.04, respectively), as a characteristic of (ineffective) repair activity. Intra-articular injections with coagulating blood led to more synovial inflammation on macroscopy as well as histology (p&lt;0.001and p=0.01, respectively), in contrast to knees injected with anticoagulated blood. Coagulation of blood <i>in vitro</i> resulted in more cartilage damage compared to anticoagulated blood. This was expressed as more reduction of proteoglycan synthesis rate by coagulating blood compared to anticoagulated blood (17% difference; p=0.05), and a higher release of proteoglycans after exposure to coagulating blood compared to anticoagulated blood (94% difference; p=0.01). <h3>Conclusions</h3> This study shows that coagulating blood causes more long-lasting <i>in vivo</i> joint damage than anticoagulated blood; directly on cartilage and via inflammation. In case of joint surgery prolonged anticoagulation might limit the harmful effects of intra-articular blood. Moreover, aspiration of blood would prevent joint damage. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None Declared
Abstract 4476: Molecular typing of breast cancer cases among a Hispanic population and its association with body mass index
Authors: Mary V. Diaz-Santana, Gilberto Ramos, Cruz M. Nazario
Journal: Cancer Research (2012)

Abstract Background: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease which can be divided into distinct molecular subtypes based on patterns of gene expressions and tumor marker staining. The prevalence of breast cancer molecular subtypes (BCMS), as well as specific risk factors by subtypes varies by ethnicity, highlighting the relevance of research focused in specific populations. Although the BCMS have been studied, there is scarce evidence of the association between breast cancer risk factors and molecular subtypes and the prevalence of each subtype among Hispanics populations. In Puerto Rico, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy and the leading cause of cancer death among females. However, little is known about the breast cancer subtypes distribution and its etiologic profile among Puerto Rican women. Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence of BCMS and assess whether obesity differs according to these subtypes among a female population of breast cancer cases in Puerto Rico. Methods: A case-case analysis was conducted using all cases of invasive breast carcinoma consulted to the UPR-School of Medicine Immunoperoxidase Laboratory, from 2008-2010, for which hormonal receptors and HER2 oncoprotein analysis were performed. To determine molecular subtypes we characterized 172 tumor specimens based on immunohistochemical (IHC) surrogates for ER, PR and HER-2+ status. The molecular subtypes were defined as: luminal (ER+ and/or PR+), non-luminal (ER-, PR-). Body Mass Index (BMI) was analyzed using the following categories: normal weight (BMI &amp;lt;25.0 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (BMI α30.0 kg/m2). Logistic regression was used to estimate the associations between BMI and breast cancer molecular subtypes. Results: The luminal subtype was the most prevalent in our sample (75.0%) compared with the non-luminal (25.0%) subtype. Association with Body Mass Index, evaluated using unadjusted logistic regression model, differed by tumor subtypes. Using non-luminal subtype as the reference group we observed that overweight women were 1.87 (95% CI: 0.73, 4.77) times more likely to be diagnosed with the luminal disease compared to women with normal weight. However, obese women were 4% (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.40, 2.30) less likely to be diagnosed with the luminal subtype compared to women with normal weight. Conclusion: Even though this is a small pilot study, it is very suggestive of an important association between body mass index and luminal breast cancer subtype. Future studies that further assess the association between BMI and BCMS will add to the biologic understanding of this disease. 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 4476. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4476