tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
The cultural evolution of shamanism
Authors: Manvir Singh
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (2017)

Abstract Shamans, including medicine men, mediums, and the prophets of religious movements, recur across human societies. Shamanism also existed among nearly all documented hunter-gatherers, likely characterized the religious lives of many ancestral humans, and is often proposed by anthropologists to be the “first profession,” representing the first institutionalized division of labor beyond age and sex. In this article, I propose a cultural evolutionary theory to explain why shamanism consistently develops and, in particular, (1) why shamanic traditions exhibit recurrent features around the world; (2) why shamanism professionalizes early, often in the absence of other specialization; and (3) how shifting social conditions affect the form or existence of shamanism. According to this theory, shamanism is a set of traditions developed through cultural evolution that adapts to people's intuitions to convince observers that a practitioner can influence otherwise unpredictable, significant events. The shaman does this by ostensibly transforming during initiation and trance, violating folk intuitions of humanness to assure group members that he or she can interact with the invisible forces that control uncertain outcomes. Entry requirements for becoming a shaman persist because the practitioner's credibility depends on his or her “transforming.” This contrasts with dealing with problems that have identifiable solutions (such as building a canoe), in which credibility hinges on showing results and outsiders can invade the jurisdiction by producing the outcome. Shamanism is an ancient human institution that recurs because of the capacity of cultural evolution to produce practices adapted to innate psychological tendencies.
Perioperative chemotherapy with docetaxel, oxaliplatin, and fluorouracil/leucovorin (FLOT) versus epirubicin, cisplatin, and fluorouracil or capecitabine (ECF/ECX) for resectable gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma (FLOT4-AIO): A multicenter, randomized phase 3 trial.
Authors: Salah-Eddin Al-Batran, Nils Homann, Harald Schmalenberg, Hans-Georg Kopp, Georg Martin Haag, Kim Barbara Luley, Wolff H. Schmiegel, Gunnar Folprecht, Stephan Probst, Nicole Prasnikar, Peter C. Thuss-Patience, Wolfgang Fischbach, Jorg Trojan, Michael Koenigsmann, Claudia Pauligk, Thorsten Oliver Goetze, Elke Jaeger, Johannes Meiler, Martin H. Schuler, Ralf Hofheinz
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2017)

4004 Background: The MAGIC trial established perioperative (periop) epirubicin, cisplatin, and 5-FU (ECF) as a standard treatment for patients (pts) with operable esophagogastric cancer, but survival continues to remain poor. FLOT4 (NCT01216644) is a multicenter, randomized, investigator-initiated, phase 3 trial. It compares the docetaxel-based triplet FLOT with the anthracycline-based triplet ECF/ECX as a periop treatment for pts with resectable gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma. Methods: Eligible pts of stage ≥cT2 and/or cN+ were randomized to either 3 preoperative and 3 post-operative 3-week cycles of ECF/ECX (epirubicin 50 mg/m2, cisplatin 60 mg/m², both d1, and 5-FU 200 mg/m² as continuous infusion or capecitabine 1250 mg/m2 orally d1-21) or 4 pre-operative and 4 post-operative 2-week cycles of FLOT (docetaxel 50 mg/m2, oxaliplatin 85 mg/m², leucovorin 200 mg/m², and 5-FU 2600 mg/m² as 24-hour infusion, all d1). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS; 80% power; HR of 0.76; 2-sided log-rank test at 5% type I error). Results: Between Aug 2010 and Feb 2015, 716 pts (360 ECF/ECX; 356 FLOT) were randomly allocated. Baseline characteristics were similar between arms (overall, male 74%; median age 62; cT3/T4 81%; cN+ 80%; GEJ 56%). 91% and 37% of pts with ECF/ECX and 90% and 50% with FLOT completed planned pre-operative and post-operative cycles, respectively. Median follow-up was 43 mon. 369 pts died (203 ECF/ECX; 166 FLOT). FLOT improved OS (mOS, 35 mon with ECX/ECF vs. 50 mon with FLOT; HR 0.77 [0.63 - 0.94]; p = 0.012). 3y OS rate was 48% with ECF/ECX and 57% with FLOT. FLOT also improved PFS (mPFS, 18 mon with ECX/ECF vs. 30 mon with FLOT; HR 0.75 [0.62 - 0.91]; p = 0.004). Periop complications were 50% with ECF/ECX and 51% with FLOT. 30- and 90-day mortality was 3% and 8% with ECF/ECX and 2% and 5% with FLOT. There was more G3/4 nausea and vomiting with ECF/ECX and more G3/4 neutropenia with FLOT. Conclusion: Periop FLOT improved outcome in patients with resectable gastric and GEJ cancer compared to periop ECF/ECX. Clinical trial information: NCT01216644.
Babesiosis Surveillance — Wisconsin, 2001–2015
Authors: Elizabeth Stein, Lina I Elbadawi, James Kazmierczak, Jeffrey P. Davis
Journal: MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (2017)

Babesiosis is an emerging zoonotic disease caused primarily by Babesia microti, an intraerythocytic protozoan. Babesia microti, like the causal agents for Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, is endemic to the northeastern and upper midwestern United States where it is usually transmitted by the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis. Although babesiosis is usually a mild to moderate illness, older or immunocompromised persons can develop a serious malaria-like illness that can be fatal without prompt treatment. The most common initial clinical signs and symptoms of babesiosis (fever, fatigue, chills, and diaphoresis) are nonspecific and present diagnostic challenges that can contribute to delays in diagnosis and effective treatment with atovaquone and azithromycin (1). Results of one study revealed a mean delay of 12-14 days from symptom onset to treatment (2). Knowledge of the incidence and geographic distribution of babesiosis can raise the index of clinical suspicion and facilitate more prompt diagnosis and lifesaving treatment (1). The first known case of babesiosis in Wisconsin was detected in 1985 (3), and babesiosis became officially reportable in the state in 2001. Wisconsin babesiosis surveillance data for 2001-2015 were analyzed in 3-year intervals to compare demographic, epidemiologic, and laboratory features among patients with cases of reported babesiosis. To determine possible reasons for an increase in reported Babesia infection, trends in electronic laboratory reporting and diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction testing (PCR) were examined. Between the first and last 3-year analysis intervals, there was a 26-fold increase in the incidence of confirmed babesiosis, in addition to geographic expansion. These trends might be generalizable to other states with endemic disease, similar suburbanization and forest fragmentation patterns, and warming average temperatures (4). Accurate surveillance in states where babesiosis is endemic is necessary to estimate the increasing burden of babesiosis and other tickborne diseases and to develop appropriate public health interventions for prevention and practice.
Investigations of Asymptomatic Patients with Abnormal Liver Function Tests (LFT's) in the Outpatient Setting. Experience and Cost Analysis in the Real World
Authors: SG Veerappan, N Breslin, CA O'Morain, BM Ryan
Journal: Endoscopy (2006)

Aims: Asymptomatic patients found to have abnormal LFT's undergo a battery of tests, most of which are normal. We aimed to assess the yield of positive results in this patient population.
Effect of IMiD compounds on CD38 expression on multiple myeloma cells: MOR202, a human CD38 antibody in combination with pomalidomide.
Authors: Rainer Boxhammer, Stefan Steidl, Jan Endell
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2015)

8588 Background: MOR202 (MOR03087), a human CD38 antibody currently under evaluation in a phase I/IIa trial, mediates antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity/phagocytosis (ADCC/ADCP) of multiple myeloma (MM) patient-derived cells with high potency (EC50 ~200 pM). IMiD compounds such as lenalidomide (LEN) or pomalidomide (POM), both approved in MM, were evaluated in vitro for their ability to modulate CD38 expression and enhance the cytotoxicity of MOR202. Methods: CD38 expression +/- LEN and +/- POM on MM cell lines was analyzed by flow cytometry. The antitumor activity of POM combined with MOR202 was evaluated in vitro; analyses included the induction of direct cytotoxicity of MM cells and the activation of immune effector cells. On a functional level, the combinatorial effects of MOR202 with POM were assessed in ADCC assays. Different incubation schemes were used to separate the effect of POM on target and effector cells, as well as in the evaluation of the combined effects. The observed combination effects were analyzed for synergistic potential using the fractional product concept. Results: POM and LEN mediated a substantial CD38 upregulation on MM cell lines. POM as a single agent showed activation of effector cells and with high potency (EC50 ~150 nM), cytotoxic effects on MM cell lines. Additionally, POM dose-dependently induced an up to 3-fold CD38 upregulation (EC50 ~20 nM) on CD38-expressing MM cell lines. POM-mediated effects were time-dependent, with the most pronounced effects after 72 h incubation. Combining MOR202 with POM led to a synergistic enhancement of cytotoxic activity. The synergy benefit ranged between 1.2–3.1-fold above theoretical additivity, depending on the cell line used, and was most prominent in the case of strong CD38 upregulation. Conclusions: Upregulation of CD38 was mediated by both LEN and POM and may represent a class effect of IMiD compounds. The cytotoxic activity of MOR202 on MM cells was enhanced by POM via multiple mechanisms: direct cytotoxicity, CD38 upregulation and activation of effector cells. These results provide a mechanistic rationale for the combination of MOR202 with IMiD compounds and warrant further clinical evaluation.
Methylation signatures of circulating tumor DNA for hormone therapy response in ER+ breast cancer patients (pts).
Authors: Xiao-ran Liu, Xu Liang, Jian Tie, Bin Shao, Jia-yang Zhang, Lingbo Chen, Hui-ping Li, Jianwei Che, Hao Gong, Yuan Fu
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2017)

e12542 Background: ER+/PR+ breast cancer patients receiving hormone therapy have shown vary prognosis. To predict the effectiveness of hormone therapy in these patients, genome and transcriptome markers were attempted with very limited success. It has been shown that alterations of methylome are common and dynamic in breast cancer tissues. For instance, therapeutic intervention and disease status can modify of methylation profile of the certain genomic regions. Therefore, it offers an alternative method to identify relevant biomarkers and study the mechanism of different drug response. Methods: In this study, we utilize whole genome methylation sequencing (WGMS) method to profile the circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) of ER+ breast cancer patients. Compared with traditional tissue samples, ctDNA offers unique advantages for convenient sample collection and more importantly monitoring the changes in near real time. Total 6 consecutive pts receive exemestane treatment from 2013 to 2016 were recruited at Peking University Cancer Hospital. ctDNA samples from these 6 pts were collected at baseline and time of progression during the course of exemestane treatment. Results: 2 out of 6 pts showed initial resistance to exemestane and the rest were responding, and one pts eventually developed resistance after 18 months. Through WGMS, we identified differentially methylated regions (DMRs) by dividing the samples into sub groups based on the disease progression (67.1Mb of DMRs) and drug response (24.8Mb of DMRs). ER+/PR+ breast cancer related genes were found in the DMRs, such as human estrogen receptor alpha gene (ESR1), which showed significantly correlation with drug response. Pts resistant to exemestane were found to have high methylation level of the ESR1. In addition, genes such as TGFBR2, CDH1, GSTP1, and MLH1 were also found differentially methylated. Conclusions: In summary, our data shows that the methylation status of some gene regions is varied among pts according to exemestane response. These DMRs may contribute to exemestane sensitivity, which are being further explored in subsequent studies with expanded number of patients.
Educational video to improve CPAP use in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea at risk for poor adherence: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Amy S Guralnick, Jay S Balachandran, Shane Szutenbach, Kevin Adley, Leila Emami, Meelad Mohammadi, Jeanne M Farnan, Vineet M Arora, Babak Mokhlesi
Journal: Thorax (2017)

<h3>Background</h3> Suboptimal adherence to CPAP limits its clinical effectiveness in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Although rigorous behavioural interventions improve CPAP adherence, their labour-intensive nature has limited widespread implementation. Moreover, these interventions have not been tested in patients at risk of poor CPAP adherence. Our objective was to determine whether an educational video will improve CPAP adherence in patients at risk of poor CPAP adherence. <h3>Methods</h3> Patients referred by clinicians without sleep medicine expertise to an urban sleep laboratory that serves predominantly minority population were randomised to view an educational video about OSA and CPAP therapy before the polysomnogram, or to usual care. The primary outcome was CPAP adherence during the first 30 days of therapy. Secondary outcomes were show rates to sleep clinic (attended appointment) and 30-day CPAP adherence after the sleep clinic visit date. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 212 patients met the eligibility criteria and were randomised to video education (n=99) or to usual care (n=113). There were no differences in CPAP adherence at 30 days (3.3, 95% CI 2.8 to 3.8 hours/day video education; vs 3.5, 95% CI 3.1 to 4.0 hours/day usual care; p=0.44) or during the 30 days after sleep clinic visit. Sleep clinic show rate was 54% in the video education group and 59% in the usual care group (p=0.41). CPAP adherence, however, significantly worsened in patients who did not show up to the sleep clinic. <h3>Conclusions</h3> In patients at risk for poor CPAP adherence, an educational video did not improve CPAP adherence or show rates to sleep clinic compared with usual care. <h3>Trial registration number</h3> ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02553694.
Prognosis factors of survival of gallbladder cancer (GC) in Chile. A retrospective analysis of patients assisted in Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile
Authors: Luis Villanueva Olivares, Silvia Catalán Elgueta, Monica Ahumada Olea, Olga Barajas Barajas, Rodrigo Vasquez Morales
Journal: Annals of Oncology (2017)
Immunohistochemical (IHC) sub-classification of 105 triple negative breast cancers (TNBC).
Authors: Marion Stacoffe, Armelle Vinceneux, Flavie Arbion, Helene Vegas, Gaelle Fromont, Claude Linassier
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2017)

e12577 Background: Molecular data have shown that TNBC was a heterogeneous group of tumors. The objective was to evaluate prognosis of IHC sub-classification adapted from molecular model. Methods: We used IHC sub-classification based on positivity for androgen receptor (AR) (Roche, SP 107), cytokeratine 5/6 (CK) (Dako, D5/16B4) and Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (Biosd, 31G7). Samples with more than 10% AR nuclear immunostaining were considered positive. Threshold for CK and EGFR was 1%. We distinguished 4 groups of tumors: AR phenotype (AR+, EGFR-, CK5/6-), basal-like phenotype (AR-, EGFR+/-, CK5/6 +/-), triple-negative phenotype (AR-, EGFR-, CK5/6-) and mixed group (AR+, EGFR+/-, CK5/6 +/-). Tissue micro-array blocks were constructed with samples from a retrospective cohort treated in adjuvant setting for non metastatic TNBC in a single institution from 2003 to 2013. Survival data were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis including tumor size (T), lymph nodes status (N) and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) was performed using Cox model. Results: 105 patients were followed-up for a median period of 56.3 months [6-155]. Median age was 54 years [29-80]. 57.1% were stage pT1, 41.9% were pN+ and 37,1% presented LVI. 11 patients were classified as AR phenotype, 35 as basal-like, 46 as triple-negative phenotype and 13 as mixed group. 18 patients developed metastases: 3/11 AR, 5/35 basal-like, 6/46 triple-negative and 4/13 mixed group. No difference was observed between TNBC subgroups in terms of disease free survival DFS (p = .98) and overall survival OS (p = .86). T, N and LVI were the only prognostic factors (p = .05, p = .05 and p = .046 respectively). Conclusions: We found no impact of IHC sub-classification of TNBC. Correlation between IHC and molecular biology is in progress.
Blood constituent behavior and component transfusion requirement in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing initial intensive phase chemotherapy
Authors: Boban Joseph
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2007)

A39    Introduction : Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignancy in children.. Close monitoring of the blood picture can avoid the disastrous side effects of aggressive chemotherapy and guide supportive therapy.   Objective : To analyse blood constituent behaviour in children undergoing initial intensive phase chemotherapy. To assess component transfusion requirement in children undergoing chemotherapy.   Materials and Methods : A prospective under the department of pediatrics, at K.M.C. Mangalore and Government Wenlock Hospital over a 12 month period from June 2004 to May 2005.  Children in the age group of 0-16 years showing clinical, peripheral blood and bone marrow evidence of ALL, undergoing chemotherapy under the MCP 841 protocol for ALL   Results : Out of 30 patients 22 were males and 8 were females. As per CDC growth charts, Group 1 comprising of children with normal weight for age and and group 2 comprising of children with weight for age less than 3 rd  percentile (i.e. children with malnutrition) included 13/30 patients. 18 cases were classified as L 1 , while 12 as L 2.   17 had hemoglobin levels less than 8g/dl. Packed cell transfusion (PCT) was required in 20 cases before initiation of chemotherapy and the mean number of PCT transfused during the first four months of intensive phase of chemotherapy was 3.66 per case. Children in group 1 required 3.52 transfusions per case and in group 2 (malnourished children) this was 3.84 per case.  Thrombocytopenia was seen in more than 75% of the patients initially e. 18 (60%) were given platelet transfusion(PT) before initiation of chemotherapy and further 4.93 per case was required in the first two weeks of I 1  phase. In the I 2,  RI 1  and consolidation phases of chemotherapy the PT requirements were 0.8, 0.6 and 0.23 per case respectively. The overall mean number of PT required in the first four months of intensive phase was 8.73 per case. Children in group 2 (malnourished children).PT required was 9.76 while in group 1 this was 7.94 per case. . Rise in platelet count and monocytosis predict bone marrow recovery.  The average number of episodes of febrile neutropenia in the initial four months of chemotherapy was 1.05 in group 1 and 2.84 in group 2. In 14 children chemotherapy stretched to more than 145 days, 4 belonged to group 1 and 10 to group 2. 20 out of 30 cases (66.66%) achieved peripheral blood blast clearance within 7 days of initiation of chemotherapy. In the remaining 10 cases, with delayed blast clearance 2 were in group 1 and 8 were in group 2.   Conclusions: . Rise in platelet count and monocytosis predict bone marrow recovery. Malnutrition is associated with more episodes of febrile neutropenia, treatment delay and persistence of blast cells in day 7 peripheral smear.
Maternal intake of sugar during pregnancy and childhood respiratory and atopic outcomes
Authors: Annabelle Bédard, Kate Northstone, A. John Henderson, Seif O. Shaheen
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2017)

The possible role of maternal consumption of free sugar during pregnancy in the inception of respiratory and atopic diseases has not been studied. We aimed to study the relationship between maternal intake of free sugar during pregnancy and respiratory and atopic outcomes in the offspring in a population-based birth cohort, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. We analysed associations between maternal intake of free sugar in pregnancy (estimated by a food frequency questionnaire), and current doctor-diagnosed asthma, wheezing, hay fever, eczema, atopy, serum total IgE and lung function in children aged 7–9 years (n=8956 with information on maternal diet in pregnancy and at least one outcome of interest). After controlling for potential confounders, maternal intake of free sugar was positively associated with atopy (OR for highest versus lowest quintile of sugar intake 1.38, 95% CI 1.06–1.78; per quintile p-trend=0.006) and atopic asthma (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.23–3.29; per quintile p-trend=0.004). These associations were not confounded by intake of sugar in early childhood, which was unrelated to these outcomes. Our results suggest that a higher maternal intake of free sugar during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of atopy and atopic asthma in the offspring, independently of sugar intake in early childhood.
Role of ADP receptors on platelets in the growth of ovarian cancer
Authors: Min Soon Cho, Kyunghee Noh, Monika Haemmerle, Dan Li, Hyun Park, Qianghua Hu, Takeshi Hisamatsu, Takashi Mitamura, Sze Ling Celia Mak, Satya Kunapuli, Qing Ma, Anil K. Sood, Vahid Afshar-Kharghan
Journal: Blood (2017)
Factors Predicting Receipt of Treatment and Mortality for Patients with Cancer of the Oesophagus and Gastric Cardia: A Population-Based Study
Authors: DP Cronin, L Sharp, AE Carsin, H Comber
Journal: Endoscopy (2006)

Aims: Treatment use and factors predictive of treatment for oesophageal (OCC) or gastric-cardia cancers (GCC) in clinical practice is unclear. We investigated treatment, associated factors, and mortality.
Granulomas as a Predictor of Disease Recurrence in Crohn's Disease
Authors: G Cullen, A O'Toole, L Brennan, JM Hyland, K Sheahan, DP O'Donoghue
Journal: Endoscopy (2006)

Aims: To assess whether the presence of granulomas in surgical specimens following right hemicolectomy in Crohn's Disease (CD) predicts disease recurrence requiring repeat surgery.
Valid but invalid: suboptimal impact© baseline performance in university athletes
Authors: Samuel Walton, Donna Broshek, Jason Freeman, Munro C Cullum, Jacob E Resch
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2017)

Objective To investigate the frequency of valid yet suboptimal ImPACT© performance in college athletes. Design Descriptive. Setting Research Laboratory. Participants Division 1 University athletes (n=769) from 22 different sports. Intervention The Immediate Postconcussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT) was administered to participants per the institution’s concussion management protocol at baseline in groups &lt;2. Participants who scored &lt;16th percentile compared to ImPACT normative data on any neurocognitive index (potentially suggesting suboptimal effort) were re-administered ImPACT up to two additional times. Outcome measures Descriptive analyses were used to examine validity indicators and individual Verbal and Visual Memory, Visual Motor Speed and Reaction Time ImPACT composite scores in initial and subsequent administrations. Main results Based on ImPACT’s validity criteria, 1% (9/769) of administrations were invalid and 14.6% (112/769) had one or more composite scores &lt;16th percentile but were considered valid. After one re-administration 71.4% (80/112) achieved scores &gt;16th percentile and an additional 18/32 scored &gt;16th percentile after a third administration. Conclusions Approximately 16% of ImPACT records were flagged as invalid or had one or more composite scores &lt;16th percentile, potentially indicative of suboptimal performance. Upon readministration, 88% of those participants scored &gt;16th percentile. Clinicians must be aware of suboptimal ImPACT performance as it limits the clinical utility of the baseline assessment. Further research is needed to address factors leading to “valid” but invalid baseline performance. Competing interests None.