tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Abstract 811: Long-term Patency of a Small-diameter Vascular Graft Made of Fibroin, a Silk-based Biodegradable Material
Authors: Soichiro Enomoto, Masataka Sata, Makoto Sumi, Tetsuo Asakura, Ryozo Nagai
Journal: Circulation (2007)

Background: There is an increasing need for vascular grafts in the field of surgical revascularization. However, smaller vascular grafts made from synthetic biomaterials, particularly smaller than 5 mm in diameter, are associated with high incidence of thrombosis. Fibroin is a biodegradable protein derived from silk. Fibroin provides anti-thrombotic surface and serves as a scaffold for various cell types in tissue-engineering. In this study, we evaluate the potential of fibroin to generate artificial vascular prosthesis for small arteries. Methods and Results: A small artificial vessel with three layers was woven from fibroin thread. Fibroin-based grafts (1.5 mm in diameter, 10 mm in length) were implanted into the abdominal aorta of male 10 to 14-week-old Sprague Dawley rats by end-to-end anastomosis. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based grafts were used as control. Patency of fibroin grafts at 1 year after implantation was significantly higher than that of PTFE grafts (85.1% vs. 30%, p&lt;0.01). Endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells migrated into the fibroin graft early after implantation and organized endothelial and medial layers, as determined by anti-CD31 or anti-α-smooth muscle actin immunostaining. Vasa vasorum was also formed in adventitia. Sirius-red staining revealed that the content of collagen in fibroin grafts significantly increased at 3 months after implantation (1613.5 ± 246.3%, p&lt;0.01) with decrease in fibroin fiber content (70.6 ± 4.6%, p&lt;0.05). To investigate the origin of the cells of neointima and media, we performed bone marrow transplantation from GFP rats to wild-type rats. GFP-positive cells substantially contributed to organization of endothelium and smooth muscle layers in the fibroin grafts that had been implanted into the bone marrow chimeric rats. Conclusion: A small-diameter fibroin-based vascular graft has significantly higher patency than a PTFE-based graft. Bone marrow-derived cells contribute to vascular remodeling after graft implantation. Fibroin might be a promising material to engineer vascular prosthesis for small arteries.
A measles outbreak in Croatia, 2008
Authors: B Kaic, I Gjenero-Margan, S Kurečić-Filipović, M Muscat
Journal: Eurosurveillance (2009)

We report an outbreak of measles in Croatia, involving 49 cases with onset of symptoms between end of April and June 2008. Cases occurred in Zagreb and Slavonski Brod but investigations indicated a common epidemiological link between these two geographically separate regions.
The inhibition by methylmalonic acid of malate transport by the dicarboxylate carrier in rat liver mitochondria
Authors: M. L. Halperin, C. M. Schiller, I. B. Fritz
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (1971)

We report the effects of methylmalonic acid (MMA) on the mitochondrial transport systems for malate, alpha-oxoglutarate, and isocitrate. MMA is shown to be a substrate for all three carrier systems, and an inhibitor of the malate-phosphate exchange carrier. The effects of MMA on the metabolism of malate, oxoglutarate, and isocitrate by rat liver mitochondria are demonstrated to be mediated by the influence of MMA on the transport step. A hypothesis regarding the metabolic impairments responsible for hypoglycemia and ketonemia in methylmalonic aciduria is formulated in relation to these findings.
Palliative Care
Authors: Michael H. Levy, Anthony Back, Sadaf Bazargan, Costantino Benedetti, J. Andrew Billings, Susan Block, Eduardo Bruera, Michael A. Carducci, Sydney Dy, Catherine Eberle, Kathleen M. Foley, Juan Diego Harris, Sara J. Knight, Robert Milch, Michelle Rhiner, Neal E. Slatkin, David Spiegel, Linda Sutton, Susan Urba, Jamie H. Von Roenn, Sharon M. Weinstein
Journal: Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2006)

Over the past 20 years, increasing attention has been paid to quality-of-life issues in oncology. As the hospice movement has grown in this country, palliative care has developed into an integral part (rather than the antithesis) of comprehensive cancer care. Palliative care must be integrated earlier into the continuum of cancer care, and palliative, symptom-modifying therapy should be provided simultaneously with disease-modifying therapy from diagnosis. The goal of the NCCN palliative care guidelines is to help assure that each patient with cancer experiences the best possible quality of life throughout the illness trajectory. These guidelines are intended to help oncology teams provide the best care possible for their patients with incurable cancer. For the most recent version of the guidelines, please visit NCCN.org
Why doctors' outcomes should be published in the press
Authors: Ben Bridgewater
Journal: BMJ (2005)

I recently gave a talk in a debate at a UK regional meeting of vascular surgeons, proposing the motion that “vascular surgeons' mortality data should be published in the press.” The initial request came through for a “light hearted” presentation for five to 10 minutes at the end of the day.

Before the meeting I suggested that the publication of named clinician outcome data was one of the biggest things to happen to cardiac surgery over the past 20 years and that it would inevitably happen to vascular surgery. I also said that the subject was not light hearted and would merit more time in the programme. The debate went ahead as initially planned, and an eminent vascular surgeon was invited to the meeting to oppose the motion.

I based my talk around the fictitious premise that my 78 year old father had recently been diagnosed as having an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and now required urgent surgery. I used the example to demonstrate the paucity of data available to patients and their carers undergoing this type of major surgery.

There is insufficient data available from hospital websites, professional organisations, or the Healthcare Commission to demonstrate that there is satisfactory clinical …
Effect of aerobic exercise training on cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life in postsurgical non-small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: L. Jones, J. Garst, N. Eves, M. West, S. Mabe, J. Crawford
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2008)

7577 Background: The effects of standard NSCLC adjuvant therapy (i.e., pulmonary resection, adjuvant chemotherapy) together with deconditioning secondary to treatment has a profound negative impact on patients functional capacity leading to increased susceptibility to other common age-related diseases, poor quality of life, and likely premature death. Accordingly, we conducted a feasibility study examining the effects of an aerobic exercise training program on cardiorespiratory fitness and QOL among newly diagnosed postsurgical NSCLC patients. Methods: Using a single-group design, 20 patients with newly diagnosed, histologically confirmed stage I-IIIA NSCLC who had undergone complete surgical resection were recruited. Exercise training consisted of three endurance cycle ergometry sessions per week at 60% to 100% of baseline peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) for 14 weeks. VO2peak was assessed using a maximal, incremental, cardiopulmonary exercise test with expired gas analysis. Overall QOL and fatigue was assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L) scale. Results: Nineteen patients completed the study and overall adherence rate was 82% (range: 28% - 100%). Intention-to-treat analysis indicated that VO2peak increased 1.1 mL.kg.min-1 (95% CI, -0.2 to 2.5; p=0.095) whereas FACT-L increased 10.6 points (95% CI, -1.0 to 22.2; p=0.071) and fatigue decreased 6.9 points (95% CI, 1.0 to 12.8; p=0.026) from baseline to postintervention. Per protocol analysis indicated that patients who attended ≥80% exercise sessions (n=13) increased 1.7 mL.kg.min-1 (95% CI, 0.2 to 3.1; p=0.028) whereas FACT-L increased 13 points (95% CI, -1.9 to 28.2; p=0.081) and fatigue decreased 7.7 points (95% CI, 0.3 to 15.1; p=0.042). Linear regression analysis indicated that change in VO2peak was associated with total exercise volume (r=0.54, p=0.016) but not exercise adherence (r=0.38, p=0.105). Conclusions: Postoperative aerobic exercise training is feasible and associated with significant improvements in VO2peak, QOL, and fatigue in NSCLC patients, particularly if acceptable adherence is achieved. This benefit may have important implications for post-operative recovery and survivorship in operable NSCLC patients. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Abstract P107: Association of Longitudinal Change and Fluctuation in QT Interval with Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Cohort Study in a Managed Care Setting
Authors: Carlos Iribarren, Alfred D Round, Liisa L Lyon, Joseph F Terdiman, Jonathan G Zaroff, Arthur L Klatsky, Taylor Holve, Paul Stang
Journal: Circulation (2012)

Purpose. Both long and short QT intervals are associated with life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and adverse cardiovascular (CV) events, but prior studies have typically relied on a single baseline measure of the QT interval. We examined the prospective association of within-person change and fluctuation in QT length over time with subsequent CV outcomes and all-cause mortality in a managed care setting. Methods. We assembled a cohort of 187,901 Northern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program (KPMCP) members who underwent three or more standard 12-lead ECGs as part of regular care between 1995 and 2008. Cohort-specific log-linear models stratified by gender, age and race/ethnicity were used to correct raw QT measurements for heart rate (QTc). Non-fatal and fatal CV outcomes and all-cause mortality were identified between the last ECG and right censoring event (CV event, death, termination of health plan membership or 12/31/2009; the median [SD] follow-up time was 4.1 [3.7] years). Cox regression models adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking status and average QTc were used to simultaneously generate hazard ratios and 95% CI for tertiles 1 and 3 (versus tertile 2) of the linear slope of QTc (change in ms per year) and for tertiles 2 and 3 (versus tertile 1) of the root mean square error of QTc (RMSE, variability about the linear slope in ms). Results. The mean QTc slope and RMSE were +2.2 ms/year and 15.3 ms in men and +1.4 ms/year and 14.3 ms in women, respectively. In fully-adjusted models, the sex-specific tertile 3 of the QTc slope was associated with increased hazard of acute coronary syndrome (Number of events; Hazard Ratio; 95% Confidence Interval) (17,920; 1.34; 1.30-1.39), ischemic stroke (11,716; 1.30; 1.25-1.36), heart failure (42,909; 1.47; 1.44-1.51), cardiac arrest (4,700; 1.67; 1.55-1.79) and all-cause mortality (72,392; 1.43;1.40-1.45). In turn, the sex-specific tertile 3 of the RMSE was associated with increased hazard of heart failure (1.34;1.31-1.37), cardiac arrest (1.19;1,11-1.28) and all-cause mortality (1.06;1.04-1.08). Conclusions. In an insured population that underwent multiple ECGs, both linear increase and fluctuation of QTc over time were significantly and independently associated with adverse CV outcomes. Whether these associations are causal or represent confounding effects of medications warrant further research.
Photodynamic Therapy of Esophageal Varices: Experimental Studies in Animal Veins, and First Clinical Cases
Authors: C.-Z. Li, L.-F. Cheng, Z.-Q. Wang, Y. Gu
Journal: Endoscopy (2003)

Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy and endoscopic variceal ligation have been found to have shortcomings in the treatment of esophageal varices. In this study the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the obliteration of veins was investigated to evaluate its potential in the treatment of esophageal varices.Auricular margin veins of rabbits were irradiated by copper vapor laser after intravenous injection of 10 mg/kg of hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (which is a hematoporphyrin derivative) into the rabbits. Control groups included rabbits that received irradiation only, that received injection of photosensitizer only, and that received injection sclerotherapy (using sodium morrhuate). The treated areas were observed macroscopically and also identified using with ultrasonic miniprobe. Biopsies were performed and the specimens were examined microscopically after hematoxylin-eosin staining and Victoria blue staining. In addition, two patients with newly visible veins within the esophageal wall after endoscopic injection sclerotherapy underwent PDT. Intravenous injection of 5 mg/kg of hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether was given, and the newly visible veins were endoscopically irradiated by copper vapor laser. Endoscopic re-examination was performed 1 month later to evaluate the therapeutic effect.Thrombi of the auricular margin vein were formed and blood flow was obstructed after PDT. Thrombus formation and diffused necrosis of adjacent tissue was found after injection of sodium morrhuate. On ultrasonic examination, the lumina of the veins showed a slightly higher echo after PDT compared with a lower echo before treatment, which was another sign of thrombus formation. The rabbit ears showed a diffused low echo after injection of sodium morrhuate, indicating diffuse necrosis. On microscopic observation, destruction of the endothelium and formation of thrombus was seen after PDT. Further observation of specimens stained with Victoria blue showed that the layer of elastic fiber was intact. After injection of sodium morrhuate, extensive necrosis of tissue was seen microscopically. No macroscopic, ultrasonic, or microscopic change was found in the rabbits that received irradiation only or injection of photosensitizer only. The rate of thrombus formation in rabbits that received PDT was significantly higher than that in the rabbits that received irradiation only or injection of photosensitizor only ( P = 0.015, P = 0.015), and comparable to that in the rabbits that received sclerotherapy ( P = 0.467). In the clinical study, at endoscopy 1 month after PDT both the number and the "red sign" of newly visible veins were found to have decreased. No adverse effect was found.PDT can destroy the endothelium of the vein, result in thrombus formation, and eventually obliterate the vein. It is potentially a new method for the treatment of esophageal varices.
Abstract 1911: eNOS is a Binding Partner for the Gap Junction Protein Cx37 in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Anna Pfenniger, Jean-Paul Derouette, Vandana Verma, Bernard Foglia, Wanda Coombs, Isabelle Roth, Paul Sorgen, Steve Taffet, Brenda R Kwak, Mario Delmar
Journal: Circulation (2008)
Smoking and Hormone-Related Disorders
Authors: Nicholas J. Wald, John Baron
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1991)

RESULTS FROM THREE PROSPECTIVE STUDIES: Smoking and oestrogen-related sites - data from American cancer studies Smoking and hormone-related disorders in the Nurses' Health Study Effects of cigarette smoking on 'hormone-related' diseases in a Southern Californian retirement community SMOKING, THE MENOPAUSE, AND THE BENIGN REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS: Cigarette smoking and age at natural menopause Hyperemesis gravidarum, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis: effects of cigarette smoking on risk Cigarette smoking and benign breast cancer SMOKING AND OSTEOPOROSIS: Smoking and osteoporosis Cigarette smoking and skin atrophy in women - a possible connection? Smoking and prostatic hypertrophy Smoking and inflammatory bowel disease Smoking and PArkinson's disease SMOKING AND HORMONE-RELATED CANCERS: Cigarette smoking and the incidence of endometrial cancer Cigarette smoking and cancer of the breast Cigarette smoking and cancer of the large bowel MECHANISMS: HORMONAL DIFFERENCES IN SMOKERS AND NON-SMOKERS: Smoking and endogenous sex hormones in men and women Increased oxidative metabolism of oestrogens in male and female smokers The effect of smoking on hormone levels in vivo and steroid hormone biosynthesis in vitro. MECHANISMS: HORMONES OF POSSIBLE RELEVANCE TO SMOKING-RELATED DISEASES: Oestrogens and smoking-related disease: theoretical considerations Hormonal factors and cancers of the endometrium and breast MECHANISMS: THE ROLE OF NICOTINE AND OTHER AGENTS IN TOBACCO SMOKE: Influence of nicotine and other components of tobacco smoke on oestradiol metabolism Oestrogen 2-hydroxylation in rat and human liver SUMMARY AND IMPLICATIONS: Smoking and hormone-related disorders: a summary of the evidence with implications for public health policy and future research.
Plasma testosterone in homosexual and heterosexual women
Authors: N K Gartrell, D L Loriaux, T N Chase
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1977)

The authors measured plasma testosterone levels in 21 homosexual women and 19 age-matched heterosexual women. Although values for the two groups overlapped considerably, testosterone concentrations averaged 38% higher in homosexual than in heterosexual subjects. A statistically significant inverse correlation between age and testosterone level was found for heterosexual but not for homosexual women.
Functioning and well-being of patients with panic disorder
Authors: C D Sherbourne, K B Wells, L L Judd
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1996)

The authors compared the health-related quality of life of patients with panic disorder to that of patients with other major chronic medical and psychiatric conditions.The physical and mental health of a group of 433 patients with current panic disorder and 9,839 outpatients with psychiatric or medical disorders were assessed with the 20- and 36-item short-form surveys of the Medical Outcomes Study. After controlling for other disease conditions, demographics, and study site, the authors used multiple regression methods to estimate health-related quality of life levels for panic disorder patients and patients with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, chronic lung problems, and major depression.Patients with panic disorder had levels of mental health and role functioning that were substantially lower than those of patients with other major chronic medical illnesses but were higher than or comparable to those of patients with depression. However, their physical functioning levels and perceptions of current health were more like those of patients with hypertension and were similar to general population norms.Panic disorder is a serious societal health problem with large consequences, and it affects primarily psychological and role domains.
Abstract 1684: Toll-like Receptor 4 Deficiency Attenuates Angiotensin II-induced Atherosclerosis and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms via a MyD88-dependent Mechanism
Authors: A. Phillip Owens, Deborah A Howatt, Alan Daugherty
Journal: Circulation (2008)

Objective: We previously demonstrated that angiotensin II (AngII) infusion into myeloid differentiation factor 88 deficient mice (MyD88−/−) resulted in a profound reduction of atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in apoE−/− mice. Furthermore, AngII directly regulated toll-like receptor (TLR) mRNA in cell types associated with these diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the specific TLR responsible for the MyD88 mediated reduction in vascular pathology. Methods and Results: MyD88 mice were bred onto an LDLr−/− background. Deficiency in this hyperlipidemic strain caused similar decreases in AngII-induced atherosclerosis and aneurysm to those we previously noted in apoE−/− mice. Male TLR4+/+ (n = 14) or −/− (n = 19), on an LDLr−/− background, were fed a fat-enriched diet (21% milk fat, 0.15% cholesterol) and infused with AngII (1,000ng/kg/min) for 28 days. TLR4−/− mice had significantly attenuated systolic blood pressure from TLR4+/+ mice both prior to and during AngII infusion (P &lt; .01). However, AngII did increase systolic blood pressure similarly in both groups (+/+: pre-infusion 142 ± 2, post-infusion 169 ± 3 mmHg; −/−: pre-infusion 130 ± 1, post-infusion 158 ± 3 mmHg; P &lt; .001). Neither TLR4 genotype nor AngII infusions had significantly different effects on total plasma cholesterol concentrations or lipoprotein-cholesterol distributions. TLR4 deficiency dramatically decreased AngII-induced atherosclerotic lesion areas in both the aortic arch (50% decrease, P &lt; .004), and thoracic aorta (66% decrease, P &lt; .001). TLR4 deficiency decreased the diameter of the suprarenal abdominal aortic region from 2.31 ± 0.3 to 1.2 ± 0.06 mm (P &lt; 0.001) and the incidence of AAAs from 93% to 26% (P &lt; 0.001), versus control animals. Conversely, TLR2 deficiency reduced AngII-induced atherosclerosis in LDLr−/− mice, but had no significant effect on AAA formation. Conclusion: TLR4 deficiency attenuated both AngII-induced atherosclerosis and AAAs, in LDLr−/− mice, in a manner similar to the effects of MyD88 deficiency. TLR2 deficiency decreased AngII-induced atherosclerosis, but had no effect on AAAs. These data are consistent with TLR4 being the major receptor for MyD88-induced effects on AngII-induced AAAs. This research has received full or partial funding support from the American Heart Association, AHA Great Rivers Affiliate (Delaware, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania &amp; West Virginia).
Efficacy of a 1-day 3-drug antiemetic regimen for prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting induced by moderately emetogenic chemotherapy
Authors: S. M. Grunberg, M. Dugan, H. B. Muss, M. Wood, S. Burdette-Radoux, T. Weisberg
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2007)

9111 Background: Serotonin antagonists, NK-1 antagonists (NKA) and corticosteroids (C) have all shown efficacy against chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. However these agents are commonly used in cumbersome and inconvenient multiple day regimens that can also raise questions of compliance. Palonosetron is a serotonin antagonist with a 40 hour half-life, requiring only one dose for several days of exposure. Single high doses of NKA and C can also be used to simulate drug exposures achieved with a multiple day regimen. We have therefore evaluated a 1-day 3-drug antiemetic regimen for 5 day efficacy against moderately emetogenic chemotherapy. Methods: Patients with solid tumors receiving their first cycle of cyclophosphamide and/or doxorubicin were eligible to receive a single pre-treatment dose of palonosetron 0.25 mg IV/dexamethasone 20 mg PO/aprepitant 285 mg PO. Nausea and vomiting were evaluated over the following 5 days with a patient diary including vomiting episodes, use of rescue medication, and daily nausea visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients were urged to begin rescue medication for nausea, vomiting, or related discomfort. Endpoints included Complete Response (CR) (no emesis or rescue), No Emesis (NE), and No Significant Nausea (NSN) (VAS&lt;25) during the acute period (A) (Day 1), the delayed period (D) (Days 2–5), and the overall period (O) (Days 1–5). Adverse events were recorded and tabulated for at least 14 days. Results: 32 of 40 planned patients have been entered on study. 31 women and 1 man with breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy with median age 52 years (range 34–74) have been treated and all are evaluable. CR for A/D/O was 78%/59%/50%. However NE for A/D/O was 100%/97%/97%, and NSN for A/D/O was 75%/62%/56%. Only 8 patients had more than one day of Significant Nausea. The most common treatment-related adverse events were fatigue and mild headache. Conclusions: A 1-day 3-drug antiemetic regimen is feasible and effective, and should be tested against a multiple day standard antiemetic regimen. [Table: see text]
早期の心臓再同期療法が有効であったLamin A/C遺伝子関連心筋症の1家系
Authors: 牧山武, 赤尾昌治, 静田聡, 土井孝浩, 大野聖子, 西尾由貴子, 西山慶, 木村剛, 北徹, 堀江稔
Journal: Circulation (2008)