tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Abstract 13065: Comparison of the Cardiovascular Health Status of the American and French Populations Using Connected Devices
Authors: Benoît Brouard, Matthieu Vegreville, Angela Chieh, Nicolas Schmidt, Marie-emmanuelle Sirieix, Alain Simon
Journal: Circulation (2016)

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of mortality in both the United States (US) and France (FR). However, while it causes 1 out of every 3 deaths in the US, the rate is just 1 out of every 5 deaths in FR. The aim of this study was to use connected devices and metrics from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from the American Heart Association to determine the difference in cardiovascular risk factors between the two countries. Methods: A questionnaire based on the BRFSS was sent through the Withings Health Mate mobile application to a cohort of 7932 users of Withings devices living in the US and FR. Each user had at least 1 value of weight in the last month and 3 days of steps per day of the week in the last 6 months. For each of the 7 metrics in the BRFSS, we assigned users an optimal, intermediate, or poor status. Body Mass Index (BMI) and Physical Activity (PA) levels were automatically populated using data from Withings devices and database. Results: Of the total users, 4342 were from the US, and 3590 were from FR. The study cohort is characterized by a mean age of 43.6 ± 26.7 years old and is composed of 68% of men and 32% of women. The mean scores were 9.5 (US) and 10.0 (FR) ( p&lt;10 -5 ). The percentage of each population with an overall optimal score was 56% (US) and 64% (FR) ( p&lt;10 -5 ). Differences between the US &amp; FR in the prevalence of poor &amp; optimal status of each risk factor are disclosed below. Poor status of BMI, PA, hypertension, hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia are significantly higher in the US. However, poor status of smoking is significantly higher in FR. Conclusion: This study suggests that except for smoking, which is 3 times less frequent in the US than in FR, all other risk factors have more frequent poor status in the US. Such data gives new insights into goals to set to improve cardiovascular health in the US and FR.
Abstract 19160: Prevention of Strokes in Patients With Mechanical Aortic Prostheses: Use of Clopidrogel or Prasugrel and Aspirin as Sole Anticoagulants
Authors: Raul Garcia-Rinaldi, Juan Rodriguez-Acosta, David Bermudez, Shaira Quinones, Jeannette Quinones
Journal: Circulation (2013)

Objective: Embolization from mechanical aortic- prostheses is due to platelet activation and aggregation secondary to shear forces and the release of ADP from RBC. Anti-thrombotic therapy should be directed to the prevention of platelet activation instead of the suppression of coagulation factors. We summarize the long terms results of patients with mechanical aortic prostheses treated exclusively with antiplatelet agents. Methods: Starting in 2001 two hundred three (203) patients average age 63.8 ± 11.8 years received mechanical aortic prostheses alone or with other cardiac or thoracic procedures received a loading dose of clopidogel (300mg) or prasugrel (60mg) and aspirin (325mg) one hour after extubation. The maintenance dose was 75mg clopidrogel or 10mg prasugrel and 81mg ASA daily. Beginning 2006 we measured platelet reactivity with Accumetrics® and Thromboelectrography (TEG). Platelet inhibition was measured 6 hours after loading. Patients not responsive to clopidogrel were changed to prasugrel. Follow up was at 1 and every 6 months by echocardiography and platelet reactivity. Results: Total months at risk were 9016.7(751.5 pt-yr) average follow up is 44.4 ± 37.8 months. 34 (16.7%) patients died. Seven patients had strokes (0.93% patient-years). Five strokes occurred in patients who discontinued the antiplatelet medication, one in a patient non responsive to clopidrogel and one in a compliant patient prior to 2006. We have not observed strokes since 2007 (5½ years). 9 patients bled (4%)(1.2% pt-yr), 8 from the GI tract and 1 from a cerebral aneurysm. One non-compliant patient formed a clot in the prosthesis. Conclusions: Embolism from aortic prostheses is platelet mediated and should be treated with antiplatelet agents. We employed an antiplatelet regimen of clopidrogrel or prasugrel and aspirin as sole anticoagulants in patients with aortic mechanical prostheses. It is mandatory that the patient respond to the antiplatelet agent employed. In patients non responsive to clopidrogel, prasugrel is utilized. With this protocol the incidence of bleeding is 1.2% pt-yr, and the incidence of stroke 0.93%/ pt-yr. Our date is suggestive that dual antiplatelet therapy medications can prevent strokes in patients with aortic mechanical prostheses.
Abstract 19982: Patients With Heart Failure With Normal Ejection Fraction Develop Significant Diastolic Ventricular Interaction During Exercise
Authors: Sathish Kumar Parasuraman, Satnam Singh, Konstantin Schwarz, Jim Phillips, Fergus Mckiddie, Dana Dawson, Crystal Lowery, Michael P Frenneaux
Journal: Circulation (2016)

Introduction: Diastolic ventricular interaction (DVI) is the phenomenon in which raised diastolic pressure in the right ventricle impedes the filling of the left ventricle via the interventricular ...
Nanodisk-based glioma-targeted drug delivery enabled by a stable glycopeptide
Authors: Huan Wang, Xiaoyi Wang, Cao Xie, Mingfei Zhang, Huitong Ruan, Songli Wang, Kuan Jiang, Fei Wang, Changyou Zhan, Weiyue Lu, Hao Wang
Journal: Journal of Controlled Release (2018)
David Oliver: “Ghost wards” and rota gaps show the need for official safe staffing levels
Authors: David Oliver
Journal: BMJ (2018)

In April the Guardian reported NHS England figures showing that hospitals were “mothballing” at least 82 wards containing 1400 empty beds.1 There simply weren’t the staff to keep them viable, so they became “ghost wards.”

In March the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine had reported that most intensive care units are regularly forced to transfer patients to other facilities, partly because they can’t safely provide the nurses needed to staff their full bed base and keep beds open.2 And the BBC reported in February that hospital corridors are increasingly used in effect as emergency wards.3 …
Breast cancer survival: Is the Asian population homogenous?
Authors: Vincent Caggiano, Carol Parise
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2012)

1606 Background: Study of the ER-/PR-/HER2- (TN) subtype has generated interest in race/ethnicity with respect to breast cancer. Poor survival of African-American (AA) women with breast cancer has been reported. Less is known about the Asian population. This study examines survival of four ER/PR/HER2 subtypes among 10 self-reported race/ethnicity categories Methods: Using the California Cancer Registry 2000-2010, we examined 136,175 cases first primary female invasive breast cancer. For stages 1 and 2, Kaplan-Meier survival and the Log-Rank test were computed by stage and race for the ER+/PR+/HER2-, ER-/PR-/HER2+, ER+/PR+/HER2+ (TP) and TN subtypes. Results: When the Asian population is combined into the category Asian/Pacific Islander (API): ER+/PR+/HER2-: AAs had worse 5-year survival than whites in stages 1 and 2 but Hispanics and APIs had better survival in both stages; ER-/PR-/HER2+: AAs and Hispanics were no different from whites in stage 1 but APIs had better 5-year survival (0.96 vs 0.89, p&lt;0.001). For stage 2, there were no differences in survival among the races. ER+/PR+/HER2+: AAs had worse and APIs had better survival in both stages; Hispanics had better survival only in stage 1 (0.93 vs 0.92, p&lt;0.03) and were no different from whites in stage 2. ER-/PR-HER2-: AAs and Hispanics were no different from whites in stage 1 but APIs had better survival (0.93 vs 0.88, p&lt; .003); AAs had worse survival than whites in stage 2 (0.71 vs 0.75, p&lt; 0.04) Hispanics were no different, and APIs had better survival (0.81, p &lt; 0.001). When the Asian population was expanded into 7 categories, Pacific Islanders and Koreans were no different than whites in stages 1 or 2 for all four subtypes examined. For Stage 1, Southeast Asians had better survival for all subtypes except for the TN whereas Filipinos had better survival for all subtypes except for TP. For the ER+/PR+/HER2- subtype, women from the Indian Continent had better survival in stage 1 (0.98 vs 0.92, p&lt;0.003) and in stage 2 (0.94 vs 0.88, p&lt;.001) and better survival for stage 1 of the TN subtype (1.00, vs 0.88, p &lt;0.04). Conclusions: There is heterogeneity among the Asian population, but regardless of how categorized, Asians have either the same or better 5-year survival than whites for all subtypes in stages 1 and 2.
Abstract 11921: Altered Cardiomyocyte Functional Response to Vasopressin in Heart Failure
Authors: Tiankai Li, Xiaowei Zhang, Heng-Jie Cheng, Wei-Min Li, Che Ping Cheng
Journal: Circulation (2015)

Background . In heart failure (HF), circulating levels of arginine vasopressin (AVP) are elevated and there is direct relationship between a rise in AVP levels and increased morbidity and mortality. Recent observations further demonstrated the increased AVP 1A receptor (V1AR) expression in failing human hearts and suggested that these alterations may alter cardiac contractile behavior in HF. However, the direct cardiac effects of V1AR in normal and HF remain undetermined. The cellular basis for AVP-associated adverse clinical consequences in HF is unclear. We assessed the hypothesis that in HF, AVP may produce negative modulation on [Ca 2+ ] i regulation and cause direct depression in cardiomyocyte contractile performance. Methods . We assessed LV myocyte functional and calcium transient ([Ca 2+ ] iT ) responses to AVP (10 -7 M) in 8 control and 12 SD rats with isoproterenol (ISO) induced HF (2 months after 170 mg/kg sq for 2 days) in the absence and presence of selective V1AR blockade ([Pmp1, Tyr (OMe) 2, Arg 8 ] AVP, 10 -6 M), or pretreatment of myocytes with G i inhibitor (PTX, 2 μg/ml, 6 hrs). Results . Compared with controls, ISO-treated rats had established HF after ISO at 2 months with significant LV dilatation and decreased ejection fraction (EF, 31% vs 61%). In normal myocytes, versus baselines, AVP superfusion caused no significant changes in myocyte contraction (dL/dt max ) (130.6 vs 136.8 μm/s), relaxation (dR/dt max ) (99.5 vs 103.5 μm/s) and [Ca 2+ ] iT (0.24 vs 0.24). In contrast, in HF, myocyte function was impaired and further depressed by AVP. Versus HF baselines, AVP resulted significantly decreases in dL/dt max (24%, 57.2 vs 75.4 μm/s) and dR/dt max (20%, 39.3 vs 49.0 μm/s) accompanied by reduced [Ca 2+ ] iT (17%, 0.14 vs 0.17). In HF myocytes, these AVP mediated effects were abolished by prior exposure of myocytes to V1AR blockade or PTX. Conclusions . HF alters AVP cardiac effects. In HF, AVP exacerbates the dysfunctional [Ca 2+ ] i homeostasis, producing decreased the peak systolic [Ca 2+ ] iT . AVP causes direct inhibitions of LV myocyte contraction and relaxation, These effects are coupled with the activation of V1AR and are likely to be mediated through the PTX-sensitive G protein pathway and may thus play an important role in promoting functional impairment in HF.
SAT0114 Pulmonary embolism after bilateral total knee arthroplasty
Authors: N Masahiko, M Kouno, H Kawata, M Murata, H Koseki, A Taguchi
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2001)

<h3>Background</h3> Bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for bilateral knee repair has many advantages. It is cost effective and allows for rehabilitation under a single admission. However, bilateral TKA is a more aggressive procedure than unilateral TKA. Furthermore, complications of pulmonary embolism (PE) occur at a greater frequency than with unilateral TKA, and blood transfusion is often necessary. We retrospectively studied a series of patients and prospectively investigated the prevention of PE. <h3>Objectives</h3> <h3>Methods</h3> Between 1997 and 2000,113 patients underwent primary bilateral TKA via a cementless procedure at our hospital. From May 2000, all patients underwent bilateral TKA without a tourniquet. Patients were categorised into four groups, and the incidence of PE was determined. In Group1 and 2, respectively, RA patients underwent TKA with or without a tourniquet. In Group3 and 4, respectively, OA patients underwent TKA with or without a tourniquet. The diagnosis of PE was made by lung perfusion scintigraphy as respiratory failure, and blood loss was assessed after TKA according to the decline in haemoglobin (HB). Blood loss = Total Blood Volume (TBV) = (1-HB postope/HB preope). We analysed all patient-related variables using a chi-squared test. <h3>Results</h3> The incidence of PE was 21.1% in Group1 (8/38), 0.0% in Group 2 (0/3), 23.6% in Group 3 (13/55), and 0% in Group 4 (0/17). The incidence of PE did not differ significantly between RA and OA. For surgery without a tourniquet, the incidence of PE in Group 2 and Group 4 was significantly lower than for surgery with a tourniquet (p = 0.0185). Mean calculated blood loss was 988 ml in Group 1, 1091 ml in Group 2, 1421 ml in Group 3, and 1412 ml in Group 4. However, the amount of blood loss did not differ significantly between surgery with a tourniquet and surgery without (p = 0.3083), but was significantly different between RA and OA (p &lt; 0.0001). <h3>Discussion</h3> We performed bilateral TKA without a tourniquet to reduce the risk of PE. Reported causes of PE in TKA include the use of a tourniquet and an intramedullary alignment system. When TKA was performed without a tourniquet, thrombosis and fat emboli did not flow into pulmonary arteries, and all emboli were expelled with extracorporeal bleeding. The major problem associated with TKA without a tourniquet is blood loss, and few studies have examined the benefits of using a tourniquet. We estimated blood loss by calculating the decline of haemoglobin. The results suggested that blood loss did not differ significantly between tourniquet procedures and no tourniquet procedures. <h3>Conclusion</h3> In conclusion, the possibility was suggested of preventing PE in TKA without the use of a tourniquet.
Somatic GNAQ mutation in different structures of port-wine macrocheilia
Authors: G. Ma, Z. Yu, F. Liu, L. Wang, W. Yu, J. Zhu, H. Gu, Y. Liu, R. Cai, X. Lin
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2018)

Port‐wine macrocheilia (PWM) involves a congenital, progressive capillary malformation that results in soft‐tissue hypertrophy in the lips. Its aetiology has not yet been fully elucidated. To investigate frequencies of GNAQ mutation in different tissues from patients with PWM, including skin, mucosa, gland and muscle, using samples obtained during cheiloplasty. Targeted next‐generation sequencing of GNAQ was designed and performed to assess DNA extracted from 80 different affected tissues from 20 patients with PWM. The GNAQ R183Q mutation was not detected in gland samples but was found in 90%, 95% and 95% of the skin, mucosal and muscle samples, respectively. The lowest levels of mutations were found in the glands (P < 0·001 vs. skin, mucosa and muscle), and levels were second lowest in the skin (P = 0·023 vs. mucosa; P = 0·012 vs. muscle). The mutation frequencies in mucosa and muscle were the highest and showed no statistically significant difference (P = 0·92). In patients with PWM, GNAQ was mutated in all tissues except for glands. PWM is congenital, and all tissue layers exhibit primary hypertrophy rather than acquired or partially related hypertrophy. Given the advantages of mucosal biopsy, including practicality, lack of scarring and rapid healing, GNAQ mutation in the lip mucosa may be a useful predictor for early‐stage PWM in patients with port‐wine stains affecting the lips.
PET avidity and tumor clinical and pathological features in breast cancer.
Authors: Ahmed Gamal Elsayed, Emnet Wassie, Heather Katz, Roma Srivastava, Maria R. B. Tria Tirona
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2018)

e12623 Background: Breast cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women. The management and prognosis of breast cancer depend on the size and histologic grade of the tumor, hormonal receptor status and status of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The clinical role of positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) using F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) has increased. It is mainly used in the setting of metastatic disease, as well as locally advanced tumors. There is paucity of studies that correlates pathological features to radiological findings. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis to investigate the correlation of primary tumor FDG uptake with clinicopathological features of the tumor. 37 patients were enrolled so far. Data about the pathological features of the tumors was collected along with the maximum standard uptake value (SUV) on the PET/CT scan. Results: Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test showed a correlation between nottingham score of the tumor sample and the maximum SUV read on PET/CT scan. Coefficient value was 3.33 ( 95% CI 1.38 to 5.29). P-value = 0.0001. There was also a correlation between the nottingham score and the SUV of the biopsy site as well. The data collected so far doesn't show correlation between the maximum SUV on the PET/CT Scan and hormone receptor status or tumor size. Conclusions: PET avidity is positively correlated with tumor pathologic features, but not tumor size or hormone receptor status
An optimized library for reference-based deconvolution of whole-blood biospecimens assayed using the Illumina HumanMethylationEPIC BeadArray
Authors: Lucas A. Salas, Devin C. Koestler, Rondi A. Butler, Helen M. Hansen, John K. Wiencke, Karl T. Kelsey, Brock C. Christensen
Journal: Genome biology (2018)

Genome-wide methylation arrays are powerful tools for assessing cell composition of complex mixtures. We compare three approaches to select reference libraries for deconvoluting neutrophil, monocyte, B-lymphocyte, natural killer, and CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell fractions based on blood-derived DNA methylation signatures assayed using the Illumina HumanMethylationEPIC array. The IDOL algorithm identifies a library of 450 CpGs, resulting in an average R2 = 99.2 across cell types when applied to EPIC methylation data collected on artificial mixtures constructed from the above cell types. Of the 450 CpGs, 69% are unique to EPIC. This library has the potential to reduce unintended technical differences across array platforms.
SP0055 Polymyalgia rheumatica new treatment (new steroid sparing agents)
Authors: GG Hunder
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2001)

<h3></h3> Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) responds well to glucocorticoids such as prednisone when given in small to medium-sized doses. But because the condition tends to persist for months or even years, adverse effects develop in most patients (Gabriel, <i>et al</i>. <i>Arthritis Rheum</i> 1997;40:1873). A variety of steroid sparing drugs have been tried. One NSAID, Tenidap, showed steroid sparing efficacy but also relatively frequent adverse effects. The new Cox-2 inhibitor drugs have not been studied adequately in PMR to determine if they have a role in certain cases. Experience with cytotoxic drugs has been mainly in cases of giant cell arteritis (GCA), some of whom also had PMR. Even in GCA, cytotoxic investigations have been limited. Because of the close link between GCA and PMR it would be presumed that drugs useful for GCA would also be effective in PMR. Methotrexate has been studied most. Two recent randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies using methotrexate as a steroid sparing agent are the best work on this question to date, but gave different results. In one (Jover, <i>et al</i>. <i>Ann Intern Med</i> 2001;134:106), 33 patients completed the trial. 18 patients were given prednisone plus placebo, and 15 were given daily prednisone plus 10 mg methotrexate per week. All were followed for 24 months. The group receiving methotrexate with prednisone experienced fewer relapses (p = 0.02) and used significantly less prednisone (p = 0.004) over the study period. The second study (Hoffman, <i>et al</i>. In press) was also a prospective randomised double-blind study. 98 patients were enrolled. 51 received methotrexate (mean dose 15 mg per wk) plus prednisone, and 47 received placebo and prednisone. The results showed that the methotrexate group was not different from the placebo group regarding outcome and prednisone dose. The reasons for the differences between these studies is not completely clear but will be discussed. Thus, at this time there are no steroid sparing drugs that can be relied on for PMR. At this time in the practice setting we would recommend a trial of methotrexate only in patients who at very high risk of developing steroid side effects. Additional investigations with this drug and others is needed.
An assessment of supplement use in breast cancer patients from a single unit in South Africa.
Authors: Inge Kriel, Kyara Bergstrom, Carol Benn
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2018)

89 Background: Breast cancer patients are particularly susceptible to marketing strategies employed to encourage the use of natural supplements and natural therapies. Supplements/natural therapies are freely available from various sources, including online commercial sites, therefore making them readily accessible and poorly regulated. Methods: An anonymous questionnaire on supplement use was distributed to patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Fifty-one questionnaires were completed and data was collected into a REDCapTM based database and subsequently analysed. Results: Thirty-two patients (62.7%) were using supplements prior to their diagnosis. Thirty-two (62.7%) patients did not think supplements had harmful side effects and thirty (58.8%) patients did not think they could interfere with their cancer treatment. Thirty-five patients (68.6%) would however stop their supplements if they were informed of possible interactions. Thirty-eight (74.5%) patients would prefer if their doctor informed them of potential interactions and side effects. Conclusions: Supplement use is common in breast cancer patients. The majority of patients did not believe that supplements could interfere with conventional breast cancer treatments, but the majority of patients are willing to stop the supplements if they are informed of potential interactions. Patients would prefer their doctor to inform them on supplement use. A further study is warranted to assess doctors’ knowledge around supplement side-effects and interactions.
Non-canonical Wnt Signaling through Ryk Regulates the Generation of Somatostatin- and Parvalbumin-Expressing Cortical Interneurons
Authors: Melissa G. McKenzie, Lucy V. Cobbs, Patrick D. Dummer, Timothy J. Petros, Michael M. Halford, Steven A. Stacker, Yimin Zou, Gord J. Fishell, Edmund Au
Journal: Neuron (2019)