tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Trading trash: why the U.S. won't sign on to the Basel convention.
Authors: C W Schmidt
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (1999)

Environmentalists worry that hazardous wastes produced in industrialized nations are being dumped in cash-starved developing countries--the countries with the least political or economic clout to resist and the fewest resources for managing these toxic imports. Imported waste can pose a serious threat to the health of human populations and ecosystems if not managed appropriately. In 1989, the international community initiated efforts to reduce the flow of hazardous wastes from industrialized countries to developing countries by drafting a treaty known as the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Wastes and their Disposal. The convention's mission is to strictly regulate the international transfer of hazardous wastes and to ensure that wastes are managed and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner. Although the United States supports the convention in theory, it remains the only industrialized country within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development yet to ratify it. However, legislation drafted by the Clinton administration that is soon to go before the 106th Congress could make the United States a party to the convention.
AB1401 Early rehabilitation after total elbow arthroplasty improves outcome in patients with rheumatic diseases
Authors: M. Votavova, H. Jarosova, K. Pavelka, P. Vavrík, S. Popelka
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2013)

<h3>Background</h3> Usual indications for elbow total joint replacement in rheumatology are rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis and posttraumatic arthritis. There is not much evidence of efficiency of early specialised rehabilitation on the functional outcome of patients with rheumatoid disease after this type of arthroplasty. <h3>Objectives</h3> To evaluate the effects of surgical treatment and effect of physiotherapy in early postoperative period, on functional activity and quality of life (daily living activity). <h3>Methods</h3> A population of 25 patients (a set of patients operated by the teams from the Orthopaedic clinic) has been monitored after total elbow replacement. We developed methodology of comprehensive rehabilitation. Patients were educated in physiotherapeutic procedures. We monitored general patient's condition assessment using the VAS, international self-sufficiency and independence FIM test and goniometry. Physiotherapy was initiated during the pre-operation period. After operation we tested and trained routine activities of daily living, including occupation therapy. We used individual training and consulted the surgeon in all cases. <h3>Results</h3> The rehabilitation started in the inpatient department with supervision and continued after education at home. Mean flexion of the operated joint with early physiotherapy improved by 24.2±15,2°, degrees, extension deficit improved by 11.6±7,2° in 8 weeks. Self - sufficiency results were also satisfactory (improved by 7.5 points during two weeks). Further improvement was observed after 1 year of therapy. Patients have evaluated results of operation as very good in 10/25, as good in 12/25 and 3 patients evaluated results of operation as not satisfactory. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Early specialised physiotherapy, followed by instructed home-base exercise, improves long-term functional outcomes of after elbow joint arthroplasty in rheumatic patients. <h3>Acknowledgements</h3> Supported by Grant MT12437-5 <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None Declared
Elevated Serum Prolactin Levels after Pituitary-Stalk Section in Man
Authors: Roger W. Turkington, Louis E. Underwood, Judson J. Van Wyk
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1971)

Prolactin activity, measured by a highly sensitive and specific assay procedure in the serums of 15 patients subjected to surgical section of the pituitary stalk for metastatic breast cancer or for diabetic retinopathy, was undetectable before operation; 11 showed marked elevations of serum prolactin (42 to 508 ng per milliliter) after operation. Normal volunteers, patients with diabetes mellitus or metastatic breast carcinoma not subjected to stalk section and patients subjected to hypophysectomy did not secrete detectable amounts of prolactin. Secretion of prolactin was not an essential feature of either remission or progression of breast carcinoma after pituitary-stalk section. Since immunoreactive growth hormone levels were less than 6 ng per milliliter in these patients, these observations constitute further evidence for the existence of a molecular species of human prolactin distinct from the growth-hormone molecule. The results demonstrate that stalk section usually converts the human pituitary gland into a primarily prolactin-secreting organ.
Abstract 2627: Polymorphisms of retinol transporter genes and risk of head and neck cancer
Authors: Jeffrey S. Chang, Jenn-Ren Hsiao, Tung-Yiu Wong, Sen-Tien Tsai, Chun-Yen Ou, Hung-I Lo, Cheng-Chih Huang, Wei-Ting Lee, Ken-Chung Chen, Jehn-Shyun Huang, Yi-Hui Wang, Ya-Ling Weng, Han-Chien Yang
Journal: Cancer Research (2012)

Abstract Background: Retinoic acid is important for cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis, which when dysregulated may predispose the development of cancer. Retinoic acid metabolism can be influenced by ethanol, cigarette smoking, and areca nut, the three major risk factors of head and neck cancer (HNC). A previous genome-wide association study reported an association between serum retinol level and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in two retinol transporter genes (TTR rs1667255 and RBP4 rs10882272) (1). The current study assesses the association between these two SNPs and HNC risk. Methods: 133 incident cases of HNC and 128 sex- and age- matched controls were recruited from the department of otolaryngology and department of stomatology. Data on the use of alcohol, cigarette, and areca nut were ascertained through in-person interview. Genotyping of TTR rs1667255 and RBP4 rs10882272 was performed using the Taqman-based real-time PCR method. Unconditional logistic regression was performed to estimate HNC risk associated with the two SNPs. Results: No association between HNC risk and TTR rs1667255 or RBP4 rs10882272 was observed. However, the two SNPs appeared to modify the relationship between alcohol consumption and HNC risk. There was an increased risk of HNC associated with daily alcohol drinking only among subjects with the “high serum retinol genotypes” (CC for TTR rs1667255: odds ratio (OR) = 4.6, 95 confidence interval (CI): 1.3-16.3; TT for RBP4 rs10882272: OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2-4.4). While daily alcohol drinking was not associated with an increased risk of HNC among subjects with the “low serum retinol genotypes” (AA or AC for TTR rs1667255: OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 0.7-2.9; TC or CC for RBP4: OR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.1-3.6). Conclusion: The association between alcohol consumption and HNC risk is modified by the polymorphisms of retinol transporter genes. Reference: 1. Mondul AM, Yu K, Wheeler W, et al. Genome-wide association study of circulating retinol levels. Human molecular genetics 2011;20:4724-31. 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 2627. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2627
Abstract P5-14-10: Risk Factors Associated with Surgical Site Infection after Breast Operations
Authors: JS Scow, AD Throckmorton, TL Hoskin, JC Boughey, SY Boostrom, AC Holifield, LM Baddour, AC. Degnim
Journal: Cancer Research (2010)

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a problematic cause of morbidity following breast/axillary surgery. The breast/axilla has a higher rate of SSI than expected for clean wounds. We evaluated risk factors associated with SSI after breast/axillary operations. Methods: A retrospective review of breast/axillary procedures from July 2004 to July 2006 was performed. SSI was defined using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria, including cases with cellulitis as the only criterion of infection. Data collected included patient demographics, BMI, surgical procedure, ASA class, antibiotic use, drains, and prior radiation (RT). RESULTS: We identified 389 patients who underwent 678 procedures. Thirty-seven SSI (5.5% of procedures) were identified, of which 24 (65%) had only cellulitis. Median time from surgery to SSI diagnosis was 9 days (range 2-112), with 81% occurring in the first 30 days. Univariate analysis identified prior RT, BMI, type of procedure, operative time, use of drain, and postoperative seroma to be associated with SSI (all P&amp;lt;0.05). With multivariate analysis, procedure type remained significant overall (p=0.04). Specifically, mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and modified radical mastectomy remained significantly associated with higher risk of SSI, with hazard ratios (HR) of 6.3 and 13.5 fold respectively compared to SLNB alone. Seroma (HR 9.0, 95% CI 2.7-29.3), prior RT (HR 3.4, 1.2-9.9), and BMI &amp;gt;=30 (HR 3.1, 1.6-6.2) also remained significantly associated with SSI. CONCLUSION(S): SSI are more frequent after breast/axillary operations than other clean wounds and are associated with prior RT, obesity, more extensive and longer procedures, and postoperative seroma. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-14-10.
PTU-254 What do general practitioners want from gastroenterology services in secondary care, and what are they happy managing in primary care?
Authors: R Basuroy, J Ramage, M Reynolds
Journal: Gut (2012)

<h3>Introduction</h3> Recent changes in the NHS have focussed on moving more services into primary care. General Practitioners (GPs) are rarely consulted over planning of secondary care services, nor are they asked on their own comfort in managing gastroenterological conditions. The results of a GP survey of confidence and service development are presented. <h3>Methods</h3> An online survey (created on Google Docs) was emailed to 102 GP practices. GPs were asked to rate their confidence in managing gastroenterological conditions as well as rate service developments using a 5-point Likert scale (1—very low, 5—very high). Free text boxes allowed GPs to provide additional comments for qualitative analysis. Responses (n=52) within 28 days were analysed in Microsoft Excel. <h3>Results</h3> Abstract PTU-254 table 1 outlines GPs9 confidence in managing gastroenterological conditions while Abstract PTU-254 table 2 outlines their rating of service developments in chronic disease management, referral pathways and other services. GPs commented on the need for “<i>clear referral pathways</i>” and “<i>rapid access clinics</i>” outside of the 2-Week Rule remit. They wanted “<i>clear plans</i>” for shared care with “<i>rapid access if problems</i>” as well as “<i>support from nurse specialists</i>” and “<i>access to telephone advice</i>” for both patients and themselves. GPs wanted “<i>workload implications to be recognised</i>” and “<i>money to follow the patient</i>” if more patients are managed in primary care. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The survey has identified which conditions GPs are confident managing in primary care and those which need additional support from secondary care. Future service development is needed in areas of chronic disease management, referrals pathways and allied services. GPs value rapid access to secondary care as well as patient access to SOS appointments and nurse specialists. Developing local pathways, such as with Map of Medicine, can help with referrals and managing chronic conditions in primary care. Online surveys are an easy way to ask GPs about their own confidence in managing gastroenterological conditions as well as their opinion on service developments. <h3>Competing interests</h3> None declared.
Long-term outcome of patients with spinal myxopapillary ependymoma: treatment results from the MD Anderson Cancer Center and institutions from the Rare Cancer Network
Authors: Damien C Weber, Yucai Wang, Robert Miller, Salvador Villà, Renata Zaucha, Alessia Pica, Philip Poortmans, Yavuz Anacak, Gokhan Ozygit, Birgitta Baumert, Guy Haller, Matthias Preusser, Jing Li
Journal: Neuro-Oncology (2014)

Spinal myxopapillary ependymomas (MPEs) are slowly growing ependymal gliomas with preferential manifestation in young adults. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of patients with MPE treated with surgery, radiotherapy (RT), and/or chemotherapy. The medical records of 183 MPE patients (male: 59%) treated at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and 11 institutions from the Rare Cancer Network were retrospectively reviewed. Mean patient' age at diagnosis was 35.5 ± 15.8 years. Ninety-seven (53.0%) patients underwent surgery without RT, and 86 (47.0%) were treated with surgery and/or RT. Median RT dose was 50.4 Gy. Median follow-up was 83.9 months. Fifteen (8.2%) patients died, 7 of unrelated cause. The estimated 10-year overall survival was 92.4% (95% CI: 87.7–97.1). Treatment failure was observed in 58 (31.7%) patients. Local failure, distant spinal relapse, and brain failure were observed in 49 (26.8%), 17 (9.3%), and 11 (6.0%) patients, respectively. The estimated 10-year progression-free survival was 61.2% (95% CI: 52.8–69.6). Age (<36 vs ≥36 y), treatment modality (surgery alone vs surgery and RT), and extent of surgery were prognostic factors for local control and progression-free survival on univariate and multivariate analysis. In this series, treatment failure of MPE occurred in approximately one third of patients. The observed recurrence pattern of primary spinal MPE was mainly local, but a substantial number of patients failed nonlocally. Younger patients and those not treated initially with adjuvant RT or not undergoing gross total resection were significantly more likely to present with tumor recurrence/progression.
Abstract 3886: Development of a new DNA aptamer against primary cultured tumor endothelial cells by a cell-based SELEX method to discover a new drug delivery system
Authors: Mst. Naznin Ara, Mamoru Hyodo, Noritaka Ohga, Kyoko Hida, Hideyoshi Harashima
Journal: Cancer Research (2012)

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to develop DNA aptamers through a spontaneous cell-based SELEX method (systemic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) that specifically binding to cell surface proteins or biomarkers produced by primary cultured tumor endothelial cells (TECs). In solid tumors, new blood vessels are formed through an angiogenesis process, and this plays a critical role in cancer development as well as the development of metastasis. To combat angiogenesis, an appropriate diagnosis and understanding at the molecular level of different cancer types is now a high priority. Our initial study explored the use of the cell-based SELEX method, which has been applied in TECs to generate high affinity DNA aptamers. Our selected DNA aptamer AraHH001 bound specifically and with a high affinity to TECs in the nanomolar range but did not bind to normal skin endothelial cells (skin-ECs) and tumor parenchymal OSRC-II cells. The selected DNA aptamers also bounded to primary cultured human tumor endothelial cells (hTECs) isolated from a clinical patient with a renal carcinoma. Therefore, the development of specific DNA aptamers that bind to TECs is reported here for the first time. We conclude that such new DNA aptamers promise to hold great promise as targeted molecular probes that appear to play a major role in angiogenesis, drug delivery, identification of biomarker as well as in cancer therapy. 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 3886. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3886
OP0257 IL-6 in scleroderma; potential implications for targeted therapy: A systematic analysis
Authors: C. Muangchant, J. Pope
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2013)

<h3>Background</h3> The pathogenesis of Systemic sclerosis (SSc) involves fibrosis, vascular changes and autoimmunity. Some research has postulated that interleukin-6 (IL-6) a pleitropic cytokine is important in SSc. However, not all studies agree. <h3>Objectives</h3> This analysis reviewed the potential importance of IL-6 in SSc making a framework for IL-6 effects in SSc. <h3>Methods</h3> PubMed &amp; Scopus databases and ACR (2009-10) &amp; EULAR abstracts (2009-11) were searched using keywords “scleroderma; cytokines; interleukins and IL- 6”. A cell cytokine interactions model of IL-6 effects in SSc was constructed. <h3>Results</h3> 416 reports were found (Pub Med N=82; Scopus N=331; 3 abstracts); 372 were excluded (irrelevant); leaving 41 publications and 3 abstracts (39 from Pub Med, 18 from Scopus but 16 were repeated from Pub Med search); where 40 suggested IL-6 was important in SSc and 4 did not. IL-6 is elevated in serum &amp; skin from SSc patients, especially early dcSSc and is related to disease activity, higher skin scores, ESR and CRP and is negatively associated with FVC and digital ulcer healing. SSc serum have anti-IL-6 Abs which bind to IL-6 receptors. Figure shows model of IL-6 in SSc. There are interactions with macrophages, neutrophils, T and B cells, endothelial effects and fibroblasts. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Forty of 44 citations suggested that IL-6 may be important in SSc allowing for a conceptual framework within SSc. This review is timely as a RCT is underway studying IL-6 inhibition in SSc. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> C. Muangchant Grant/Research support from: Research Fellow at University of Western Ontario, J. Pope Grant/Research support from: Dr. Muangchant is a Research Fellow at UWO.
Abstract 3955: Overexpression of the 58-kDa microspherule protein (MSP58) triggers cellular senescence via the p53-p21 signaling axis
Authors: Che-Chia Hsu
Journal: Cancer Research (2012)

Abstract The nucleolar protein 58-kDa microspherule protein (MSP58) is a candidate oncogene implicated in modulating cellular proliferation. In our studies, acute depletion of MSP58 expression using short hairpin (sh)RNA synthesis led to aneuploidy and apoptosis, whereas ectopic expression of MSP58 regulated cell proliferation in a context-dependent manner. Remarkably, ectopic expression of MSP58 in HT1080, NIH3T3, normal human fibroblasts, and mammary epithelial cell lines resulted in induction of premature senescence, caused large and flattened cell morphology, and increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity. This phenotype was accompanied by hypophosphorylated Rb, elevation of p53 and p21 protein expressions, activation of p53-mediated transcription, accumulation of phosphorylated forms of ATM/ATR and Chk1/Chk2 kinases, and formation of γH2AX and RPA70 foci, indicating that MSP58 activates the DNA damage response (DDR) and p53/p21 signaling pathways. Furthermore, we identified the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling subunit, BRG1, as a critical mediator of MSP58-induced senescence. MSP58, BRG1, and p53 form a ternary complex on the p21 promoter, and collaborate to activate p21. This study revealed novel links among MSP58, p53, and cellular senescence in human tumors and normal cells. 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 3955. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3955
IMPACT OF FINAL STENT DIMENSIONS ON ANGIOGRAPHIC RESTENOSIS FOLLOWING SELF-EXPANDING NITINOL STENT IMPLANTATION IN THE SUPERFICIAL FEMORAL ARTERY LESION
Authors: Kojiro Miki, Kenichi Fujii, Takumi Kimura, Kozo Okada, Tohru Masuyama, Masaharu Ishihara, Peter Fitzgerald, Yasuhiro Honda
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2016)
AB0550 Vitamin d level in ankylosing spondoylitis and its relation to disease activity
Authors: M. I. Abdelkareem, H. M. Bassiouni, M. M. Rayan, M. S. Allam
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2013)

<h3>Background</h3> Vitamin D is widely recognized as a hormone that is important for calcium homeostasis and maintenance of skeletal health. Vitamin D also plays a role in the function of the immune system. The effect of vitamin D on the immune system is an enhancement of innate immunity coupled with multifaceted regulation of adaptive immunity <b>(Adorini, 2008</b>). In recent years, the discovery of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the cells of the immune system and the fact that several of these cells produce vitamin D hormone suggested that it could have immunoregulatory properties. Therefore, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] the biologically active exerts immunomodulation via the nuclear VDR expressed in antigen-presenting cells and activated T/B cells <b>(Sigmundsdottir et al., 2007).</b> <h3>Objectives</h3> We evaluated whether there are changes in the serum Vitamin D level in ankylosing spondylitis patients and We related these changes in the level of Vitamin D to the disease activity. <h3>Methods</h3> In the current study the whole study population was 40 volunteers divided into two groups; "Target population" and "Control group". The target population included, 20 ankylosing spondylitis patients from those attending the outpatient clinic and inpatients of rheumatology department, Al-Azhar university hospital. The regional ethical committee of Al-Azhar university Hospitals approved this study. All subjects gave their informed consent for participation. The Control group included 20 healthy volunters. The target population and Control group were subjected to the following evaluation, Routine laboratory investigations, E.S.R., Serum vitamin D (1, 25) level during rest and activity stat serum was measured by radioimmunoassay. Serum calcium (total and ionized), HLA B27. phosphorus, Parathormone,. Plain X-ray of spine, Sacroiliac and hip joints were done. The disease activity was assessed using BASDAI. <h3>Results</h3> Level of vitamin D in ankylosing spondylitis patients was statistically significantly lower than those in control group (P&gt;0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between the Levels of vitamin D and disease activity (P&gt;0.001). <h3>Conclusions</h3> This study provides further support that Vitamin D is an important immunomodulatory factor involved in autoimmune rheumatic diseases. vitamin D deficiency occurs at a higher rate in patients with autoimmune disorders such as A.S. Routine screening for vitamin D level must be done early in rheumatic diseases and adequate vitamin D intake is recommended. <h3>References</h3> Adorini A., Penna G. (2008): control of autoimmune diseases by the vitamin D endocrine system. Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol. 4: 404-12. Sigmundsdottir H, pan J, Debes GF, et al (2007): DCs metalolize sunlight vitamin D<sub>3</sub> to "program" T cell attraction to the epidermal chmokine CCL 27. Nat Immunol. 8: 285-93 <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None Declared
Raltitrexed/gemcitabine in patients with advanced biliary tract adenocarcinoma: a phase II study
Authors: Marc Peeters, A Demols, E Van Cutsem, P Caenepeel, A Verslype, A Tagnon, P Van Maele, K Daems, R Vermaut, J Van Laethem
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2003)