tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Bilateral radiation therapy followed by methotrexate‐based chemotherapy for primary vitreoretinal lymphoma
Authors: Macarena I. de la Fuente, Juan Pablo Alderuccio, Isildinha M. Reis, Antonio Omuro, Arnold Markoe, Jose J. Echegaray, Janet L. Davis, J. William Harbour, Izidore S. Lossos
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (2019)

Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL) is a subset of primary CNS lymphoma that presents as isolated ocular disease without brain involvement. Although ocular radiotherapy (RT) is an effective treatment for PVRL, the optimal treatment is uncertain. PVRL may later involve the brain in 56%-85% of patients. We report on 12 PVRL patients treated with a combination of bilateral RT and a systemic chemotherapy (CT) regimen containing high-dose methotrexate (M). Ten received RT (30-40 Gy) followed by CT, one received RT, and one was treated with intravitreal M; all achieved a complete response (CR). Three patients had tumor recurrence in the brain and received CT and one patient relapsed in the eye with a second recurrence in the brain. Three patients achieved CR-2 remain alive and one died of dementia. One died from recurrent CNS disease. With a median follow of 68 months (range, 17-154 months), median progression-free and overall survival have not been reached. Bilateral RT followed by M-based CT is an effective treatment for reducing CNS progression and prolonging survival.
Effect of a Nurse-Led Preventive Psychological Intervention on Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Dorothy M. Wade, Paul R. Mouncey, Alvin Richards-Belle, Jerome Wulff, David A. Harrison, M. Zia Sadique, Richard D. Grieve, Lydia M. Emerson, Alexina J. Mason, David Aaronovitch, Nicole Als, Chris R. Brewin, Sheila E. Harvey, David C. J. Howell, Nicholas Hudson, Monty G. Mythen, Deborah Smyth, John Weinman, John Welch, Chris Whitman, Kathryn M. Rowan
Journal: JAMA (2019)

A meta-analysis of outcomes during the 6 months after intensive care unit (ICU) discharge indicate a prevalence for clinically important posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms of 25%.To determine whether a nurse-led preventive, complex psychological intervention, initiated in the ICU, reduces patient-reported PTSD symptom severity at 6 months.A multicenter, parallel-group, cluster-randomized clinical trial with integrated economic and process evaluations conducted in 24 ICUs in the United Kingdom. Participants were critically ill patients who regained mental capacity following receipt of level 3 (intensive) care. A total of 2961 eligible patients were identified from September 2015 to January 2017. A total of 2048 were approached for participation in the ICU, of which 1458 provided informed consent. Follow-up was completed December 2017.Twenty four ICUs were randomized 1:1 to the intervention or control group. Intervention ICUs (n = 12; 669 participants) delivered usual care during a baseline period followed by an intervention period. The preventive, complex psychological intervention comprised promotion of a therapeutic ICU environment plus 3 stress support sessions and a relaxation and recovery program delivered by trained ICU nurses to high-risk (acutely stressed) patients. Control ICUs (n = 12; 789 participants) delivered usual care in both baseline and intervention periods.The primary clinical outcome was PTSD symptom severity among survivors at 6 months measured using the PTSD Symptom Scale-Self-Report questionnaire (score range, 0-51, with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity; the minimal clinically important difference was considered to be 4.2 points).Among 1458 enrolled patients (mean [SD] age, 58 [16] years; 599 women [41%]), 1353 (93%) completed the study and were included in the final analysis. At 6 months, the mean PTSD Symptom Scale-Self-Report questionnaire score in intervention ICUs was 11.8 (baseline period) compared with 11.5 (intervention period) (difference, -0.40 [95% CI, -2.46 to 1.67]) and in control ICUs, 10.1 (baseline period) compared with 10.2 (intervention period) (difference, 0.06 [95% CI, -1.74 to 1.85]) between periods. There was no significant difference in PTSD symptom severity at 6 months (treatment effect estimate [difference in differences] of -0.03 [95% CI, -2.58 to 2.52]; P = .98).Among critically ill patients in the ICU, a nurse-led preventive, complex psychological intervention did not significantly reduce patient-reported PTSD symptom severity at 6 months. These findings do not support the use of this psychological intervention.ISRCTN53448131.
Abstract 19706: Cardiomyocyte-Specific Telomere Shortening is a Distinct Signature of Heart Failure in Human
Authors: Maryam Sharifi-Sanjani, Nicholas Oyster, Kenneth Bedi, Kenneth B. Margulies, Foteini Mourkioti
Journal: Circulation (2016)

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a clinically heterogeneous disorder with serious adverse outcomes. Despite efforts, current treatments entail only supportive strategies as detailed...
Why the rules should not be relaxed for e-cigarettes to encourage people to stop smoking
Authors: Michael Craig Watson, John Lloyd
Journal: BMJ (2019)

The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee report on e-cigarettes is well worth reading.12 The 98 pieces of published written evidence have been produced by a range of people and organisations, including multinational tobacco companies, vaping organisations, and public health groups.

We are concerned that the report repeats Public Health England’s claim that e-cigarettes are 95% less …
Multimodal Action of Mas Activation for Systemic Cancer Cachexia Therapy
Authors: Joseph E. Rupert, Leonidas G. Koniaris, Teresa A. Zimmers
Journal: Cancer Research (2019)

Abstract Cancer cachexia remains a largely intractable, deadly condition for patients with no approved, effective therapies. However, research progress over the past few decades demonstrates that cachexia is a disease with specific, targetable mechanisms. New work by Murphy and colleagues in this issue of Cancer Research suggests that activation of the alternative renin–angiotensin system with the nonpeptide Mas receptor agonist AVE 0991 holds promise for reducing muscle wasting in cancer. Their cell studies demonstrate on-target activity in skeletal muscle cells, whereas their mouse results suggest potentially more important systemic effects. See related article by Murphy et al., p. 706
Abstract 11156: Very High Engraftment, Proliferation, and Therapeutic Potential of IPSC-Derived Cardiomycytes
Authors: shunsuke funakoshi, Kenji Miki, Takeshi Kimura, Shinya Yamanaka, Yoshinori Yoshida
Journal: Circulation (2014)

Human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) are one of the promising sources for cardiac cell therapy. Although several investigators reported the positive effect of the ...
‘What is Anaphylaxis’: A Critical Appraisal of the Quality of Anaphylaxis Information on YouTube
Authors: Ismael Carrillo-Martin, Lakshmi Kallur, Lyda Cuervo-Pardo, J. Chavez, Shayan Sinha Mahapatra, Jaime Mendiola-Jimenez, Keerthi Reddy, Rajmohan Rammoha, Kaushik Mohan, Alexei Gonzalez-Estrada
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2019)
The Scope of Allo-HLA Cross-Reactivity By (Third Party) Virus Specific T Cells Is Surprisingly Affected By HLA Restriction Rather Than Virus Specificity
Authors: Wesley Huisman, Didier A.T. Leboux, Lieve E. van der Maarel, Lois Hageman, Derk Amsen, J.H. Frederik Falkenburg, Inge Jedema
Journal: Blood (2018)
Severe Chronic Neutropenia: Primary Immunodeficiency Mutations Are Frequent Causative Agents
Authors: Francesca Fioredda, Filomena Pierri, Elena Palmisani, Andrea Finocchi, Gigliola Di Matteo, Giuseppe Palumbo, Enrico Cappelli, Andrea Rotulo, Isabella Ceccherini, Alice Grossi, Marina Lanciotti, Paola Terranova, Tiziana Lanza, Maurizio Miano, Carlo Dufour
Journal: Blood (2018)
Comparative Fracture Risks Among United States Medicaid Enrollees With and Those Without Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Sara K. Tedeschi, Seoyoung C. Kim, Hongshu Guan, Jennifer M. Grossman, Karen H. Costenbader
Journal: Arthritis & Rheumatology (2019)

Poor bone health is common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. This study was undertaken to evaluate fracture risks among low-income SLE and lupus nephritis patients compared to those without SLE.We performed a cohort study among SLE patients for whom there were Medicaid claims in 2007-2010, and age- and sex-matched non-SLE comparators. SLE was defined by the presence of ≥3 International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for SLE. Patients with lupus nephritis additionally had ≥2 codes for renal disease. The primary outcome measure was fracture of the pelvis, wrist, hip, or humerus. Demographics, prescriptions, and comorbidities were assessed during the 180-day baseline period. We calculated fracture incidence rates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) in SLE, lupus nephritis, and non-SLE comparator cohorts, and estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for fractures. Sensitivity analyses evaluated the impact of glucocorticoids and comorbidities. We compared subsets of SLE patients with and those without lupus nephritis.Among 47,709 SLE patients (19.8% with lupus nephritis) matched to 190,836 non-SLE comparators, the mean age was 41.4 years and 92.6% were female. The fracture incidence rate was highest among SLE patients with lupus nephritis (4.60 per 1,000 person-years). SLE patients had 2-fold higher fracture risks than matched comparators (HR 2.09 [95% CI 1.85-2.37]; P < 0.01). Lupus nephritis patients had the greatest fracture risks versus matched comparators (HR 3.06 [95% CI 2.24-4.17]; P < 0.01), and had a 1.6 times higher fracture risk than SLE patients without nephritis (HR 1.58 [95% CI 1.20-2.07]; P < 0.01). Adjustment for glucocorticoid use and comorbidities slightly attenuated risks.Fracture risks were increased in SLE patients, particularly those with lupus nephritis, compared to matched non-SLE Medicaid recipients. Increased risks persisted after adjustment for baseline glucocorticoid treatment and comorbidities.
Childhood vaccinations: knowledge, attitudes and practices of paediatricians and factors associated with their confidence in addressing parental concerns, Italy, 2016
Authors: Antonietta Filia, Antonino Bella, Fortunato D’Ancona, Massimo Fabiani, Cristina Giambi, Caterina Rizzo, Lorenza Ferrara, Maria Grazia Pascucci, Maria Cristina Rota
Journal: Eurosurveillance (2019)

Background Paediatrician recommendations are known to influence parental vaccine decisions. Aim Our aim was to examine vaccination knowledge, attitudes and practices among paediatricians in Italy and identify factors associated with their confidence in addressing parental questions. Methods An electronic questionnaire survey was conducted from February to March 2016, among a sample of Italian paediatricians. Results The survey was completed by 903 paediatricians (mean age: 56 years). Of 885 who responded to the specific question, 843 (95.3%) were completely favourable to vaccinations. Sixty-six per cent (570/862) felt sufficiently knowledgeable about vaccinations and vaccine-preventable diseases to confidently discuss them with parents. Paediatricians who were male, who were 55 years or older, who had participated in training courses in the last 5 years, who reported that taking courses and reading the scientific literature had contributed to their knowledge, or who had implemented vaccination promotion activities, felt more knowledgeable than other paediatricians. When asked to rate their level of agreement with statements about vaccine safety and effectiveness, only 8.9% (80/903) responded fully as expected. One third (294/878) did not systematically verify that their patients are up to date with the immunisation schedule. Only 5.4% (48/892) correctly identified all true and false contraindications. Conclusions The majority of paediatricians in Italy are favourable to vaccination but gaps were identified between their overall positive attitudes and their knowledge, beliefs and practices. Targeted interventions are needed aimed at increasing paediatricians’ confidence in addressing parents’ concerns, strengthening trust towards health authorities and improving systems barriers.
Tumor-secreted dickkopf2 accelerates aerobic glycolysis and promotes angiogenesis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Fengliu Deng, Rui Zhou, Chuang Lin, Shibin Yang, Hui Wang, Weidong Li, Kehong Zheng, Wandie Lin, Xin Li, Xueqing Yao, Mingxin Pan, Liang Zhao
Journal: Theranostics (2019)

Angiogenesis is a fundamental process that involves in tumor progression and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family and their receptors are identified as the most prominent regulators of angiogenesis. However, the clinical efficacy of anti-VEGF/VEGFR therapy is not ideal, prompting the needs to further understand mechanisms behind tumor angiogenesis. Here, we found that Dickkopf associated protein 2 (DKK2), a secretory protein highly expressed in metastatic colorectal cancer tissues, could stimulate angiogenesis via a classic VEGF/VEGFR independent pathway. Methods: DKK2 was screened out from microarray data analyzing gene expression profiles of eight pairs of non-metastatic and metastatic human colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues. Immunofluorescence histochemical staining (IHC) was used to detect the expression of DKK2 and angiogenesis in CRC tissues. Chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) tubule formation assay was used for in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis study, respectively. Lactate and glucose concentration in the culture medium was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the interaction between miR-493-5p and the 3'UTR of DKK2. Results: DKK2 could stimulate angiogenesis via accelerating the aerobic glycolysis of CRC cells, through which lactate is produced from glucose and accumulated in tumor microenvironment. Lactate functions as the final executor of DDK2 to stimulate tube formation of endothelial cells, and blockage of lactate secretion by lactate transporter (MCT) inhibitors dramatically neutralize the progression and metastasis of CRC both in vitro and in vivo. DKK2 could cooperate with lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6, which is required for glucose uptake, and activated the downstream mTOR signal pathway to accelerate lactate secretion. In addition, the expression of DKK2 is switched on via the demethylation of miR-493-5p, which allows the dissociated of miR-493-5p from the 3'-UTRs of DKK2 and initiates its stimulatory role on CRC progression in an autocrine or paracrine manner. Conclusion: DKK2 promotes tumor metastasis and angiogenesis through a novel VEGF-independent, but energy metabolism related pathway. DKK2 might be a potential anti-angiogenic target in clinical treatment for the advanced CRC patients.
Abstract MP89: Effectiveness of School Procurement Policies for Improving Dietary Behaviors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Renata Micha, Ioanna Bakogianni, Dimitra Karageorgou, Eirini Trichia, Masha L Shulkin, Siyi Shangguan, Michael Kashaf, Dariush Mozaffarian
Journal: Circulation (2016)

Background: School procurement policies - e.g., free/reduced price provision of healthful foods/beverages, quality standards for competitive foods/beverages, or quality standards for school meals - are increasingly being used to promote healthy diets in kids. However, their effectiveness has not been systematically evaluated. Methods: We used MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines to systematically search multiple online databases for original interventions (randomized, quasi-experimental) assessing influence of school procurement policies, alone or as part of multi-component strategies, on dietary intakes in children. Data were extracted independently and in duplicate. Inverse variance-weighted meta-analysis was used to pool estimates. Pre-specified sources of heterogeneity (study design, location; intervention duration, coverage, components; outcome type, ascertainment) were analyzed using meta-regression and subgroup analysis. Funnel plots, Begg’s, and Egger’s tests evaluated potential publication bias. Results: From 6,193 abstracts, 76 interventional studies met inclusion criteria. Many were multicomponent. Thirty-two assessed free/reduced price provision of healthful foods/beverages, mostly in cafeterias or classrooms, with average duration 18 mo. In pooled analysis, free/reduced price provision of fruits and vegetables increased fruit intake by 0.22 servings/d (n=14 studies; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.34) and total fruit and vegetable intake by 0.28 servings/d (n=12; 0.07, 0.49), but not vegetable intake alone (n=8; 0.01 servings/d [-0.03, 0.05]). Twenty-seven interventions evaluated policies on competitive foods/beverages (most often sugar-sweetened beverages), with average duration 23 mo. Strategies included restrictions/bans, quality standards, or both. These interventions reduced sugar-sweetened beverage intake by 0.11 (12-oz) servings/d (n=7; -0.16, -0.05). Thirty-two interventions assessed quality standards for school meals (lunch and/or breakfast), with average follow-up 28 mo. Standards were typically based on types of foods, nutrient content, and/or portion size. Dietary targets varied appreciably, and results were generally inconsistent across studies, with no significant overall pooled effect. Findings for secondary outcomes of food content, food availability, and adiposity will be presented. Statistical heterogeneity in these analyses was variable; meta-regression did not identify significant sources. Little evidence for publication bias was seen. Conclusions: These findings support efficacy of school procurement policies that provide free/reduced price healthful choices or target competitive foods/beverages. Efficacy of quality standards for school meals appears heterogeneous with less consistent benefits. These findings inform policy priorities for improving diets in children.
<i>Notes from the Field:</i> Outbreak of Listeriosis Likely Associated with Prepackaged Caramel Apples — United States, 2017
Authors: Jessica R. Marus, Sally Bidol, Shana M. Altman, Oluwakemi Oni, Nicole Parker-Strobe, Mark Otto, Evelyn Pereira, Annemarie Buchholz, Jasmine Huffman, Amanda R. Conrad, Matthew E. Wise
Journal: MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (2019)

On December 1, 2017, PulseNet, CDCâs molecular subtyping network for foodborne disease surveillance, identified a cluster of three Listeria monocytogenes clinical isolates. Review of reported exposures indicated that all three patients had consumed prepackaged caramel apples purchased from retail establishments in the month preceding illness onset.
Identification and evaluation of the microbiome in the female and male reproductive tracts
Authors: Rivka Koedooder, Shari Mackens, Andries Budding, Damiat Fares, Christophe Blockeel, Joop Laven, Sam Schoenmakers
Journal: Human Reproduction Update (2018)

The existence of an extensive microbiome in and on the human body has increasingly dominated the scientific literature during the last decade. A shift from culture-dependent to culture-independent identification of microbes has occurred since the emergence of next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, whole genome shotgun and metagenomic sequencing. These sequencing analyses have revealed the presence of a rich diversity of microbes in most exposed surfaces of the human body, such as throughout the reproductive tract. The results of microbiota analyses are influenced by the technical specifications of the applied methods of analyses. Therefore, it is difficult to correctly compare and interpret the results of different studies of the same anatomical niche. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the currently used techniques and the reported microbiota compositions in the different anatomical parts of the female and male reproductive tracts since the introduction of NGS in 2005. This is crucial to understand and determine the interactions and roles of the different microbes necessary for successful reproduction. A search in Embase, Medline Ovid, Web of science, Cochrane and Google scholar was conducted. The search was limited to English language and studies published between January 2005 and April 2018. Included articles needed to be original microbiome research related to the reproductive tracts. The review provides an extensive up-to-date overview of current microbiome research in the field of human reproductive medicine. The possibility of drawing general conclusions is limited due to diversity in the execution of analytical steps in microbiome research, such as local protocols, sampling methods, primers used, sequencing techniques and bioinformatic pipelines, making it difficult to compare and interpret results of the available studies. Although some microbiota are associated with reproductive success and a good pregnancy outcome, it is still unknown whether a causal link exists. More research is needed to further explore the possible clinical implications and therapeutic interventions. For the field of reproductive medicine, determination of what is a favourable reproductive tract microbiome will provide insight into the mechanisms of both unsuccessful and successful human reproduction. To increase pregnancy chances with live birth and to reduce reproduction-related health costs, future research could focus on postponing treatment or conception in case of the presence of unfavourable microbiota and on the development of therapeutic interventions, such as microbial therapeutics and lifestyle adaptations.
Abstract 19239: Trajectories of Change in Total Cholesterol in Early Adulthood and Coronary Artery Calcium in Middle Age: The CARDIA Study
Authors: John T Wilkins, Eric Cantey, Victor Zhong, Juned Siddique, Cora E Lewis, James Shikany, Jeff Carr, James G Terry, Jamal S Rana, Norina Allen
Journal: Circulation (2017)

Introduction: High total cholesterol (TC) is a risk factor for the development of coronary artery calcium (CAC); however, long-term trajectories of change in TC and their associations with CAC are ...
Annual Variation Among Tree Pollen In Las Vegas From 2015-2018
Authors: Asma Tahir, Tanviben Patel, Joseph Jean, Mark Buttner, Dennis Bazylinski, Joram S. Seggev
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2019)

Tree pollens are significant allergens that predominantly occur between February and May. Data are lacking in annual variations of tree pollen in Las Vegas. The objective of this study is to compare airborne tree pollen concentrations in Las Vegas from 2015-2018. Air samples were collected using a Burkard 7-day recording volumetric spore sampler located at a National Allergy Bureau certified sampling site in Las Vegas. Samples were analyzed with a compound light microscope at 400x magnification. Data were compared with a one-way ANOVA. From 2015-2018, mulberry had the greatest annual mean (1,349 grains/m3 ± 143) when compared to all other tree pollen, peaking at 16,218 grains/m3 in March 2018. Cedar pollen reached higher concentrations in 2015 in comparison to all of the other years (P = 0.000). Oak pollen was higher in 2015 when compared to 2016 and 2018 (P = 0.001). Olive concentrations reached a maximum of 855 grains/m3 in 2015. Ash concentrations reached a maximum of 610 grains/m3 in 2018. The mean concentrations of olive and ash were not significantly different between years (P =1.00). An increasing trend in annual total tree pollen since 2016 was observed. Mulberry was by far the predominant tree pollen from 2015-2018. Variations were observed in all airborne tree pollens monitored from year to year. The total tree pollen concentrations have shown a steady increase, possibly due to shorter winters and warmer springs. Further monitoring is needed to determine seasonal trends in tree pollen concentrations and provide timely forecasts for the community.