tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Shamanism within a general theory of religious action (no cheesecake needed)
Authors: Benjamin Beit-Hallahmi
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (2018)

Singh places the understanding of shamanism within the cognitive/evolutionary psychology of religion but is then sidetracked by presenting unhelpful analogies. The concepts of "superstition" as a general term for religious rituals and of "superstitious learning" as a mechanism accounting for the creation of rituals in humans reflect an underestimation of the human imagination, which is guided by cognitive/evolutionary constraints. Mentalizing, hypervigilance in agent detection, and anthropomorphism explain the behaviors involved in religious illusions (or delusions).
NADPH oxidase activation regulates apoptotic neutrophil clearance by murine macrophages
Authors: Juhi Bagaitkar, Jing Huang, Melody Yue Zeng, Nancy K. Pech, Darlene A. Monlish, Lizet J. Perez-Zapata, Irina Miralda, Laura G. Schuettpelz, Mary C. Dinauer
Journal: Blood (2018)
Association of Hidradenitis Suppurativa With T Helper 1/T Helper 17 Phenotypes
Authors: Rahel Thomi, Simone Cazzaniga, S. Morteza Seyed Jafari, Christoph Schlapbach, Robert E. Hunger
Journal: JAMA Dermatology (2018)

In spite of progress in understanding the mechanisms underlying hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) as an inflammatory skin disease, there is still a demand for an overview on immunopathogenesis of HS.To demonstrate the importance of the type 1/type 17 immune response in lesional HS skin by drawing a semantic connectivity map.Single-center case series of 24 patients with HS. Association of HS with T helper 1/T helper 17 (TH1/TH17) phenotype was assessed using semantic map analysis.Association of HS with TH1/TH17 phenotype.The analysis was performed on 24 lesional HS biopsy samples from untreated patients with HS (16 [67%] female; median age, 36.5 years [range, 21-51 years]) with a mean (SD) Hurley stage of 2.29 (0.62) and 9 punch biopsy samples from healthy controls (6 [67%] female; median age, 43 years [range, 23-66 years]). The map shows a clustering of all TH1/TH17-associated cytokines (interleukin 17 [IL-17], interferon γ, IL-12, IL-23, IL-32, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor) around overall lesional inflammation. Tumor necrosis factor, IL-12, and IL-17 are even directly connected via interferon γ. In contrast, IL-13, a TH2-associated cytokine, was inversely correlated with the presence of TH1/TH17-associated cytokines, further highlighting the importance of the TH1/TH17 cytokines in HS pathogenesis.These findings suggest that HS may be a TH1/TH17-driven inflammatory skin disease.
Abstract 20665: Safety And Efficacy Outcomes of Cilostazol and Paclitaxel Dual-Coating Stents for Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With St-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kyounghoon Lee, Jeonggeun Moon, Pyung Chun Oh, Soon Yong Suh, Woong Chol Kang, Seung Hwan Han, Tae Hoon Ahn, Eak Kyun Shin
Journal: Circulation (2016)

Introduction:  The Cilotax stent, cilostazol and paclitaxel dual-coating stent, was created for synergy effect to increase the anti-proliferative effect of paclitaxel and the anti-thrombotic effect of cilostazol. We evaluated safety and efficacy outcomes of the cilotax stents for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).   Hypothesis:  The Cilotax stent will be safe and effect for treating myocardial infarction patients.   Methods:  A prospective, open-labeled, single-center cohort has been performed at Gil hospital Gachon university in Korea. All patients will be clinically followed-up for 12 months. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac event (MACE): the composite of cardiac death (CD), recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 12 months. Stent thromboses (ST) by ARC definition were analyzed.   Results:  From Nov. 2011 to Feb. 2013, 109 patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI and stent implantation were enrolled. 12-month MACE were three (2.8%), CD one (0.9%), recurrent MI two (1.9%). STs were three (2.8%), subacute ST two (1.9%), late ST one (0.9%).   Conclusions:  The use of cilotax stents, cilostazol and paclitaxel dual-coating stents, is relatively safe and effective in patients with evolving ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction who are undergoing primary PCI with stent implantation.
Is It Ethically Appropriate to Refuse to Compensate Participants Who Are Believed to Have Intentionally Concealed Medical Conditions?
Authors: Holly A. Taylor, Christian Morales
Journal: The American Journal of Bioethics (2018)

"Is It Ethically Appropriate to Refuse to Compensate Participants Who Are Believed to Have Intentionally Concealed Medical Conditions?." The American Journal of Bioethics, 18(4), pp. 83–84
Gold Nanoplate‐Enhanced Chemiluminescence and Macromolecular Shielding for Rapid Microbial Diagnostics
Authors: Minh‐Phuong Ngoc Bui, John Brockgreitens, Abdennour Abbas
Journal: Advanced Healthcare Materials (2018)

With the global rise of antimicrobial resistance, rapid screening and identification of low concentrations of microorganisms in less than 1 h becomes an urgent technological need for evidence-based antibiotic therapy. Although many commercially available techniques are labeled for rapid microbial detection, they often require 24-48 h of cell enrichment to reach detectable levels. Here, it is shown that the widely used reducing agent tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) can also act as a powerful oxidant on gold nanoplates and subsequently lead to a strong catalysis of luminol chemiluminescence. The catalytic reaction results in up to 100-fold signal enhancement and unprecedented stable luminescence for up to 10 min. However, when TCEP is exposed to microorganisms, it is oxidized by the microbial surface proteins and loses its catalytic properties, leading to a decrease in chemiluminescence. The competitive interaction of TCEP with Au nanoplates and microorganisms is used to introduce a homogenous rapid detection method that allows microbial screening in less than 10 min with a limit of detection down to 100 cfu mL-1 . Furthermore, the concept of microbial macromolecular shielding using antibody-conjugated polymers is introduced. The combination of TCEP redox activity and macromolecular shielding enables specific microbial identification within 1 h, without preconcentration, cell enrichment, or heavy equipment other than a hand-held luminometer. The technique is demonstrated by specific detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in environmental and urine samples containing a mixture of microorganisms.
Subgroup analysis by measurable metastatic lesion (ML) number and selected lesion locations (LL) at baseline (BL) in NAPOLI-1: A phase III study of liposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI)±5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (5-FU/LV) in patients (pts) with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) previously treated with gemcitabine-based therapy.
Authors: Jens T. Siveke, Richard Hubner, Teresa Mercade Macarulla, Andrea Wang-Gillam, Andrew Peter Dean, Jean-Frédéric Blanc, David Cunningham, Beloo Mirakhur, Bruce Belanger, Floris A de Jong, Li-Tzong Chen
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2018)

460 Background: We report a post hoc, exploratory analysis of pts with BL ML number and LL data who received nal-IRI+5-FU/LV, nal-IRI or 5-FU/LV in NAPOLI-1, a pivotal, phase 3 trial (NCT01494506). nal-IRI+5-FU/LV increased median OS (mOS) vs 5-FU/LV (6.1 vs 4.2 mo [HR=0.67; p=0.012]). Methods: ML (1, 2, 3, &gt;3) and LL were recorded (local investigator) at BL. Pts with &gt;1 LL were counted for each location. Results: 354 of 417 ITT pts had measurable BL ML and 1,080 LL were recorded. There was no clear trend in the percentage of pts with KPS ≥80 in 1- &gt;3 ML (range 87%-95%) or LL (range 89%-94%) subgroups. ML 1 (n=81), 2 (n=65) and 3 (n=24) subgroups were small. nal-IRI+5-FU/LV significantly improved mOS vs. 5-FU/LV in pts with 2/&gt;3 ML (n=184/24); nal-IRI+5-FU/LV had numerically higher mOS vs. 5-FU/LV for all LL (Table). nal-IRI+5-FU/LV had favourable median PFS (mPFS) vs. 5-FU/LV in pts with 1–&gt;3 ML (range 2.0-4.2 vs. 1.4-1.9 mo; HR range 0.35-0.88) and for all LL (range 2.8-4.2 vs. 1.4-2.0 mo; HR range 0.39-0.55). Conclusions: Low pt numbers across groups and repeat counting of pts in LL subgroups preclude firm conclusions on treatment efficacy, pending further analyses. Allowing for these limitations, we detected no clear prognostic effect on outcomes of higher BL ML number or LL in NAPOLI-1 ITT pts. nal-IRI+5-FU/LV improved mOS vs. 5-FU/LV in some ML groups and across LL groups; improvement in mPFS vs. 5-FU/LV in the ITT population was maintained in all subgroups. Clinical trial information: NCT01494506. [Table: see text]
Abstract P159: No Gender Difference in All-Cause Mortality Rates in a Cohort of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction in the US Veteran Population
Authors: Katherine E Kurgansky, David Gagnon, Kelly Cho, J M Gaziano, Jacob Joseph, Luc Djousse
Journal: Circulation (2018)

Introduction: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) affects about 5% of people 65 or older, with a higher prevalence in women. Previous studies suggest that women with HFpEF may live longer than men. Further understanding of mortality outcomes by gender could be useful in implementing gender-specific treatment strategies to improve outcomes in HFpEF patients. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that women have a lower rate of total mortality than males in a US Veteran HFpEF cohort. Methods: We used a validated algorithm to curate a HFpEF cohort using ICD9 codes, laboratory values, medications, and ejection fraction values from the national Veterans Affairs database. This algorithm had 88% sensitivity and 96% specificity. We examined crude and adjusted mortality rates by gender, beginning at the time of heart failure diagnosis with follow-up through 2016. The adjusted mortality rate was directly standardized to the population of veterans with heart failure (n= 626,179) according to distribution of age, race, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Crude and standardized rate ratios were calculated from the mortality rates. Results: Our HFpEF cohort (n= 74,937) included 72,267 men and 2,670 women. Mean age was 72.5 (11.2) in men and 69.1 (14.3) in women at the time of heart failure diagnosis. Males were 85.2% white, 33.7% had CVD, and 27.1% had CKD, whereas females were 82.5% white, 28.7% had CVD, and 20.5% had CKD. During a mean follow up of 4.8 (3.7) years, 52,703 deaths occurred in men and 1,614 deaths occurred in women.The crude mortality rate was significantly lower for females (109.7/1000 person-years) compared to males (153.5/1000 person-years). Corresponding crude incidence rate ratio (95% CI) for total mortality comparing females to males was 0.71 (0.69-0.74; p&lt;.0001). However, after standardizing, there was no significant difference in total mortality rates between men (170.0/1000 person-years) and women (173.4/1000 person-years). The standardized mortality rate ratio was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.84-1.23; p=0.8397). Conclusions: In conclusion, our data do not show any difference in total mortality rate between men and women following the diagnosis of HFpEF.
Response to: ‘Detection of myositis-specific antibodies: additional notes’ by Infantino et al
Authors: Anna Tjärnlund, Ingrid E Lundberg, Johan Rönnelid
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2018)

We have with great interest read the response letter by Dr Infantino and colleagues on testing of methodologies used for detection of myositis-specific antibodies (MSA), to be published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases .1 The authors discuss the need for validation of methodologies used for identifying MSA. The discussion stems from the publication of the new classification criteria for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) ‘ 2017 European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for adult and juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and their major subgroups’ that …
Effects of treatment of rats with 3,3′-diindolylmethane on phenobarbital-inducible hepatic CYP mRNA expression and activities and metabolism of 17β-estradiol
Authors: Yongjian Lu, Daniel Parkin, Danuta Malejka-Giganti
Journal: Cancer Research (2005)

2462   Cancer-preventive properties of the components of cruciferous vegetables including indoles have been extensively studied. 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a major product formed in acid pH of stomach after oral intake of indole-3-carbinol. DIM has been reported to inhibit activities of rat CYP1A1 and CYP2B1  in vitro  (Stresser et al  J Biochem Toxicol , 1995). Since phenobarbital (PB)-inducible CYP2B1/2 enzymes catalyze 4-, 6α- and 6β-hydroxylation of 17β-estradiol (E2) yielding putative carcinogenic metabolites of E2, we investigated whether treatment of female Sprague-Dawley rats with DIM affects the expression and activities of PB-inducible CYPs and metabolism of E2. At 50 days of age, rats were treated with PB (75 mg/kg b.wt. by intraperitoneal injection), DIM (42 mg/kg b.wt. by oral gavage), PB+DIM or the respective vehicles for four consecutive days. On day 5, rats were killed and livers were excised and processed for analyses of CYP (1A1, 1A2, 1B1, 2B1, 2B2, 3A1 and 3A2) mRNA expression by real time-PCR, CYP activities by  O -dealkylation of alkoxyresorufins and nifedipine oxidation, and [4- 14 C]-E2 metabolism by HPLC and radiometry. Treatment of rats with DIM, but not PB, increased the levels of CYP1A1 mRNA expression (20-fold) and activity (5.8-fold); however, neither agent significantly affected CYP1A2 mRNA expression or activity. CYP1B1 mRNA was detected at very low levels in the liver and was unaffected by treatment. Induction of CYP2B1 and 2B2 mRNA expression by PB (165- and 40-fold, respectively) was unchanged by co-treatment with DIM, and likewise, the large increases in the levels of CYP2B1/2 activities were due to PB with no significant effect of DIM. The PB-induced increases in CYP3A1 and 3A2 mRNA expression (6.8- and 4.7-fold, respectively) and CYP3A1/2 activity (1.5-fold) were relatively modest and unchanged by co-treatment with DIM. However, treatment with DIM alone appeared to decrease (by ∼60%) the levels of CYP3A1 and 3A2 mRNA expression relative to vehicle-treated rats. Treatment of rats with PB increased the rates of formation of 4-, 6α-, 6β-, 2-hydroxy (OH)-E2 and 2-OH-estrone (3.3-, 15-, 58-, 3.7- and 17-fold, respectively) from E2, while treatment with PB+DIM lowered the magnitudes of the above increases for 4- and 6β-OH-E2 to 2- and 35-fold, respectively. Hence, the rates of 4- and 6β-OH-E2 formation were decreased by 39% (P in vivo  might contribute to protective effects of DIM against carcinogenesis at estrogen-responsive targets.
Effects of Nutrition Intervention on Total and Cancer Mortality: 25-Year Post-trial Follow-up of the 5.25-Year Linxian Nutrition Intervention Trial
Authors: Shao-Ming Wang, Philip R Taylor, Jin-Hu Fan, Ruth M Pfeiffer, Mitchell H Gail, He Liang, Gwen A Murphy, Sanford M Dawsey, You-Lin Qiao, Christian C Abnet
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2018)

A beneficial effect of supplementation with selenium, vitamin E, and beta-carotene was observed on total and cancer mortality in a Chinese population, and it endured for 10 years postintervention, but longer durability is unknown. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in Linxian, China, from 1986 to 1991; 29 584 residents age 40 to 69 years received daily supplementations based on a factorial design: Factors A (retinol/zinc), B (riboflavin/niacin), C (vitamin C/molybdenum), and/or D (selenium/vitamin E/beta-carotene), or placebo for 5.25 years, and followed for up 25 years. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the intervention effects on mortalities were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Through 2016, the interventions showed no effect on total mortality. The previously reported protective effect of Factor D against total mortality was lost 10 years postintervention. The protective effect of Factor D for gastric cancer was attenuated (HR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.85 to 1.01), but a newly apparent protective effect against esophageal cancer was found for Factor B (HR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.85 to 1.00, two-sided P = .04). Other protective/adverse associations were observed for cause-specific mortalities. Protective effects were found in people younger than age 55 years at baseline against non–upper gastrointestinal cancer death for Factor A (HR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.69 to 0.92) and against death from stroke for Factor C (HR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.82 to 0.96). In contrast, increased risk of esophageal cancer was found when the intervention began after age 55 years for Factors C (HR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.30) and D (HR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.34). Multiyear nutrition intervention is unlikely to have a meaningful effect on mortality more than a decade after supplementation ends, even in a nutritionally deprived population. Whether sustained or repeat intervention would provide longer effects needs further investigation.
RECURRENT CONDYLOMATA ACUMINATA TREATED WITH RECOMBINANT INTERFERON ALFA-2A - A MULTICENTER DOUBLE-BLIND PLACEBO-CONTROLLED CLINICAL-TRIAL
Authors: Pg Hogan
Journal: JAMA (1991)

Systemic interferon has been advocated as an effective therapy for recurrent genital warts.  A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter international trial involving 172 patients with recurrent condylomata was conducted using systemic interferon alfa-2a in doses of 3 or 9 MIU three times per week for 4 weeks.  The treatment period was followed by a treatment-free follow-up period of 2 months.  Complete responders at month 3 were followed up to 9 months or until they had a recurrence, whichever occurred first.  The combined rates of complete response (total disappearance of all lesions without appearance of new ones) and major incomplete response (at least a 75% reduction in total lesion area) at 3 months after the  commencement of therapy were 34%, 25%, and 30%, respectively, in 166 patients receiving 3 and 9 MIU of interferon alfa-2a and placebo.  The recurrence rates at the end of 9 months were 9% in the placebo and 3-MIU groups and 36% in the 9-MIU group.  We conclude that systemic interferon alfa-2a administered three times weekly for 4 weeks at doses of 3 and 9 MIU is not effective as monotherapy for genital warts that have recurred after standard ablative therapy.
Inorganic Nanomaterials for Soft Tissue Repair and Regeneration
Authors: Russell Urie, Deepanjan Ghosh, Inam Ridha, Kaushal Rege
Journal: Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering (2018)

Inorganic nanomaterials have witnessed significant advances in areas of medicine including cancer therapy, imaging, and drug delivery, but their use in soft tissue repair and regeneration is in its infancy. Metallic, ceramic, and carbon allotrope nanoparticles have shown promise in facilitating tissue repair and regeneration. Inorganic nanomaterials have been employed to improve stem cell engraftment in cellular therapy, material mechanical stability in tissue repair, electrical conductivity in nerve and cardiac regeneration, adhesion strength in tissue approximation, and antibacterial capacity in wound dressings. These nanomaterials have also been used to improve or replace common surgical materials and restore functionality to damaged tissue. We provide a comprehensive overview of inorganic nanomaterials in tissue repair and regeneration, and discuss their promise and limitations for eventual translation to the clinic.
Impact of thiopurines on the natural history and surgical outcome of ulcerative colitis: a cohort study
Authors: Carl Eriksson, Sara Rundquist, Yang Cao, Scott Montgomery, Jonas Halfvarson
Journal: Gut (2018)

Objective Thiopurines are used as maintenance therapy in ulcerative colitis (UC), but whether these drugs influence the natural history of the disease is unknown. We aimed to assess the effect of thiopurines in terms of colectomy, hospital admission, progression in disease extent and anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy within 10 years from initiation. Design Patients diagnosed with UC within the Örebro University Hospital catchment area, during 1963–2010, who initiated thiopurines (n=253) were included. To overcome the risk of confounding by indication, we compared patients who stopped treatment within 12 months because of an adverse reaction (n=76) with patients who continued therapy or discontinued due to other reasons (n=177) and assessed long-term outcomes using Cox regression with adjustment for potential confounding factors. Results The cumulative probability of colectomy within 10 years was 19.5% in tolerant patients compared with 29.0% in intolerant (adjusted HR 0.49; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.73). The probability of hospital admission was 34.0% in tolerant versus 56.2% in intolerant patients (adjusted HR 0.36; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.56). The risk for progression in disease extent was 20.4% in tolerant patients compared with 48.8% in intolerant (adjusted HR 0.47; 95% CI 0.21 to 1.06). Within 10 years, 16.1% of tolerant and 27.5% of intolerant patients received anti-TNF therapy (adjusted HR 0.49; 95% CI 0.26 to 0.92). Conclusion Based on the novel approach of comparing patients tolerant and intolerant to thiopurines, we reveal that thiopurines have a profound beneficial impact of the natural history and long-term colectomy rates of UC.
Real-world practice patterns in community U.S. oncology practices: A quality improvement approach in HER2-positive breast cancer.
Authors: Sara A. Hurvitz, Laura C Simone, Jeffrey D Carter, James JL Mateka, Kathleen Moreo, Tamar Sapir
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2017)

e18196 Background: In breast cancer (BC), quality measures related to care coordination (CC), HER2 testing (testing) and use of HER2-targeted therapy (Tx), provide parameters for assessing care quality. We assessed the influence of quality improvement education (QIE) on alignment with BC quality indicators. Methods: 20 community oncologists participated in an IRB-approved QIE program. At baseline, 200 randomly selected charts of women with HER2+ invasive BC were retrospectively reviewed for adherence to quality measures pertaining to testing, Tx and CC. The cohort participated in accredited QIE activities for developing action plans for improvement. Follow-up chart reviews were completed 6 months after the QIE. Results: Patient and disease characteristics were generally similar across the 2 cohorts. At baseline, documentation of cancer staging was 90%, ECOG functional status assessment was 67% and cardiac testing was 33%. Treatment in the adjuvant setting was most common, followed by neoadjuvant, and metastatic. Documentation of CC varied greatly across specialties, and was highest for primary care physicians. At follow-up, randomly selected charts (n=60 to date) revealed increases in documentation of patient assessments and care coordination. A shift towards increased treatment in the neoadjuvant setting was also observed. Conclusions: QIE interventions that engaged oncology teams showed a positive impact on documentation across several parameters. A complete analysis of follow-up charts (n=200) will be presented. [Table: see text]
Response to Open Peer Commentaries on “From ‘Longshot’ to ‘Fantasy’: Obligations to Pediatric Patients and Families When Last-Ditch Medical Efforts Fail”
Authors: Elliott Mark Weiss, Autumn Fiester
Journal: The American Journal of Bioethics (2018)

"Response to Open Peer Commentaries on “From ‘Longshot’ to ‘Fantasy’: Obligations to Pediatric Patients and Families When Last-Ditch Medical Efforts Fail”." The American Journal of Bioethics, 18(4), pp. W8–W9