tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Reply
Authors: Daniel Pineda‐Tenor, Mónica García‐Álvarez, María A. Jiménez‐Sousa, Amanda Fernández‐Rodríguez, Salvador Resino
Journal: Hepatology (2015)

Potential conflict of interest: Nothing to report. Author names in bold designate shared co‐first authorship. We appreciate the interest of Kitson et al. in our recent article.1 We found an association between the cutoff of 20 ng/mL of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and sustained virologic response in patients on pegylated interferon‐α/ribavirin therapy (odds ratio = 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.31‐0.91), which is in disagreement with the meta‐analysis published by Kitson et al. Thus, these authors suggested some issues that should be clarified. Firstly, Kitson et al. pointed out that our analysis included three different studies with the same Italian cohort.2 However, these studies were published by prestigious journals during consecutive years and provided independent and remarkable information, each of them including a different number of patients. Nevertheless, the significant association was lost if we reanalyzed it considering only one of these studies. Secondly, with regard to the studies that were not included in our meta‐analysis, we carefully selected articles from PubMed, SCOPUS, LILACS, and the Cochrane Library. When data were unclear, incomplete, or not explicitly reported, we contacted the corresponding author up to three times in order to obtain additional information. Unfortunately, some authors did not reply or refused to provide the requested data. Thirdly, we only included studies in which vitamin D was assessed as a categorical variable (the thresholds for deficiency, suboptimal, and optimal 25[OH]D levels) because we considered that it was more relevant and useful than the continuous variable. Nevertheless, we appreciate the suggestion, and we will take it into account for future analyses. Fourthly, we included a study5 with a reduced percentage of patients (35%) receiving vitamin D supplementation. When we excluded this report, the odds ratio value did not change significantly (odds ratio = 0.58, 95% CI 0.32‐0.99). Finally, it is noteworthy that the two meta‐analyses have sought the same goal from different perspectives. Kitson et al.Çs meta‐analysis included seven articles and four conference abstracts, while our meta‐analysis included 11 studies. Only two articles were analyzed in both meta‐analyses. Both studies showed differences in the inclusion/exclusion criteria and in the analysis strategy; thus, Kitson et al. compared baseline levels of 25(OH)D, but we analyzed the data considering several thresholds frequently used to define 25(OH)D status in clinical practice. For these reasons, we consider that both studies are complementary and might be useful.
Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes benefit from palliative therapy with amifostine, pentoxifylline, and ciprofloxacin with or without dexamethasone
Authors: Azra Raza, Huma Qawi, Laurie Lisak, Tanja Andric, Saleem Dar, Colleen Andrews, Paramesuaran Venugopal, Sefer Gezer, Stephanie Gregory, Jerome Loew, Erwin Robin, Shelby Rifkin, Wei-Tong Hsu, Ray-Win Huang
Journal: Blood (2000)
Abstract 16324: Framingham Offspring Cohort Genome-Wide Association Study of Gamma' Fibrinogen Levels
Authors: Rehana S Lovely, Qiong Yang, Joseph M Massaro, Jing Wang, Ralph B D'Agostino, Christopher J O'Donnell, Jackilen Shannon, David H Farrell
Journal: Circulation (2011)

γ′ fibrinogen is a newly-emerging biomarker that has been associated with CVD in small case-control studies. γ′ fibrinogen arises from an alternative splicing event in the mRNA from the γ chain gen...
Abstract 17475: High Throughput Screening and Diagnosis of Structural Heart Defects in Newborn Mice Using High Resolution Micro-Computed Tomography
Authors: Andrew J Kim, Richard Francis, Ricardo Ramirez, Xiaoqin Liu, Guozhen Chen, Kimimasa Tobita, Cecilia W Lo
Journal: Circulation (2011)

Background: We are conducting a high-throughput chemical mutagenesis screen in mice to recover mutations causing congenital heart defects (CHD) using fetal echocardiography. Mutant fetuses identified to have cardiac defects by ultrasound screening must be further examined by time-consuming necropsy and histological analysis to confirm the CHD. We hypothesize post-mortem micro-CT may be used as a high throughput secondary screening tool for phenotyping CHD in fetal/newborn mice. Methods: Formalin fixed fetuses and neonatal mice were soaked with iodine for soft tissue visualization. Micro-CT scanning was carried out at 15 or 45μ m using the Siemens Inveon with a custom 12-pup cradle. Micro-CT diagnoses of suspected CHD were validated using episcopic fluorescence image capture (EFIC), a 3D high resolution histological imaging technique that provides registered image stacks suitable for digital resectioning in any imaging plane (Figure). Results. We micro-CT scanned 938 newborn mice and 58 late term fetuses and found a spectrum of CHD. This included ventricular septal defects (VSDs; 14.7%, n=146), endocardial cushion defects (0.9%, n=9), transposition of the great arteries (TGA; 1.2%, n=12), double outlet right ventricle (DORV; 2.2%, n=22), pulmonary atresia (PA; 0.1%, n=1), tricuspid atresia (0.5%, n=5), right aortic arch (RAA; 0.3%, n=3), interrupted aortic arch (0.2%; n=2), and dextrocardia (0.5%; n=5). Subsequent necropsy/EFIC imaging of 45 pups confirmed all RAA diagnoses (100%; n=3), 91% of the VSD (n=29/32), 90% of the TGA/DORV/PA (n=9/10) and 100% of the dextrocardia (n=5/5). We had false positive rate of 6% (n=2) for VSD and 10% (n=1) for TGA/DORV, while a false negative rate of 3% (n=1) was observed for VSD. Conclusions: Our studies showed micro-CT has a low false negative CHD detection rate, thus making it a valuable secondary imaging tool for enhancing the diagnosis of structural heart defects in large-scale mutagenesis screens.
Panic attacks and the dexamethasone suppression test
Authors: D V Sheehan, J B Claycomb, O S Surman, L Baer, J Coleman, L Gelles
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1983)

Of 51 patients with panic attacks, 11.8% (7.8% with a correction factor) had a positive dexamethasone suppression test. This is significantly lower than the rate for melancholia. This difference suggests that panic attacks and major depression may be associated with different biological mechanisms.
A Survey of Industries and Colorectal Cancer Screening of Employees in the East Midlands of England
Authors: A R Hart, A C B Wicks, J F Mayberry
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1993)

The number of industries in the East Midlands of England who were prepared to enrol their employees in a scheme to detect colorectal cancer by faecal occult blood testing was investigated. Company directors were asked if they would supply a list of their employees over the age of 40 years and allow a research team to give a 15 min talk at the workplace. Forty-nine per cent of firms responded to the questionnaire and 27% of businesses were prepared to enrol. There was no difference in mean total employees between firms willing and unwilling to participate (unpaired t-test, P&gt;0.05). The commonest reason given by managers rejecting the scheme was that they did not believe the workforce would be interested.
Abstract 12718: Comparison Between 2D and 3D Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Evaluating Left Ventricular Strain of Adults
Authors: Ting-Yan Xu, Jing Ping Sun, Xiaoyan Wang, Dian Wang, Yan Li, Alex Pui-Wai Lee, Xing Sheng Yang, Ji-Guang Wang, Cheuk-Man Yu
Journal: Circulation (2013)
Abstract 9384: The Impact of Intensive Care Unit Structure on Post-operative Outcomes Following Congenital Heart Surgery: Analysis of a Multi-institutional Database
Authors: Danielle S Burstein, Shubin Sheng, Sean M O'Brien, Anthony F Rossi, Jeffrey P Jacobs, Paul A Checchia, Gil Wernovsky, Karl F Welke, Eric D Peterson, Jennifer S Li, Marshall L Jacobs, Sara K Pasquali
Journal: Circulation (2010)

Background: Recently there has been a shift toward care of congenital cardiac pts in dedicated pediatric cardiac intensive care units (CICU). The impact of this trend on pt outcomes is unclear. We ...
Varying Hemodynamics and Differences in Prognosis in Patients With Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis and Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Frank A. Flachskampf, Mohammad Kavianipour
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2012)

Management of patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) and preserved ejection fraction (EF) continues to puzzle cardiologists. The open questions begin with the very definition of the lesion. American guidelines require a valve area  40 mm Hg ([1,2][1]), but
Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis in a Patient with Dermatomyositis
Authors: G J Morris-Stiff, R J L L Williams
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1999)

A woman aged 61 was referred with a 12-month history of burning upper abdominal pain, vomiting after meals and a 12kg weight loss. Polymyositis had been diagnosed 18 months earlier and she was taking a maintenance dose of 12.5 mg prednisolone. She was obese and slightly tender in the epigastrium and right upper quadrant. Rebound tenderness and guarding were absent. No masses were palpable and bowel sounds were normal. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a 5 cm hiatus hernia and atrophic gastritis (Helicobacter pylori negative) for which omeprazole 20 mg daily was prescribed. On ultrasound scanning there was no obvious hepatobiliary or pancreatic abnormality. When reviewed after 4 weeks' treatment, she said that in the preceding week the pain had become worse, with abdominal distension. She was apyrexial and normotensive, heart rate 76 per minute. Her upper abdomen was again slightly tender, now with a resonant percussion note and high-pitched bowel sounds. Plain chest and abdominal radiographs showed free intraperitoneal gas, dilated small and large bowel, and pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis. She was managed non-operatively with intravenous fluids and antibiotics (cefotaxime 1 g and metronidazole 500mg three times daily) and her pain resolved completely within 24 hours. Radiological contrast studies did not identify any site of gastrointestinal perforation. A computed tomogram revealed a loop of small bowel in the pelvis and a soft tissue mass in the right iliac fossa (Figure 1). It also showed calcification of subcutaneous tissues posterior Figure 1 Computed tomogram of abdomen. Note a soft tissue mass in right iliac fossa together with calcification in skin overlying right side of the lumbar spine
Soundings: Environmentally friendly disposal of the dead
Authors: Imre Loefler
Journal: BMJ (2003)

Funeral practices are succumbing to environmental concerns. Most bodies are either buried or burnt. With the proliferation of our species both methods have become problematic.

In ecological terms burial is environmentally friendly because it recycles the dead on an organic level, feeding worms and arthropods. But burial needs space and is therefore expensive. There is also the environmental risk of contaminating the water table.

Cremation dispenses with the problem of space, but the body is recycled as inorganic material. Hence cremation is wasteful and the process requires a great amount of fuel; moreover, the emissions contain noxious substances.

Although burial and burning are the most common ways of disposing of the dead, some cultures use other methods. Littoral cultures have often made use of burial at sea, offering the body to marine scavengers. Pastoralists living in semideserts cast bodies to hyenas and vultures.

Cannibalism deserves a mention, notwithstanding the fact that Jonathan Swift's advice to the Irish that they should eat their children is unlikely to find worldwide acceptance.

The most rational method of recycling would be to feed the dead to animals, which are good food converters and which, when their turn comes to be recycled, are nutritious and tasty.

In Christian countries, the eel and the pig seem to be suitable candidates. The Islamic world may have to settle for poultry. In Florida the prosthetic content of corpses would have to be considered. That state could take advantage of the tolerance of large reptilian scavengers for indigestible items, and alligator farming could be made into a pillar of Florida's economy.

Western man—unsentimental, rational, utilitarian—has overcome difficulties greater than those surrounding environmentally friendly and economic body disposal. Economists and environmentalists will solve the problems, and ways will be found to retain piety.

Piety must concentrate on the personality of the deceased and not on the corpse. Funerals unburdened by the presence of troublesome remains will take on new meaning.
Screening for Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women: Recommendations and Rationale
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2002)

This statement summarizes the current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on screening for osteoporosis and the supporting scientific evidence and updates the 1996 USPSTF recommendations on this topic. The complete USPSTF recommendation and rationale statement on this topic, which includes a brief review of the supporting evidence, is available through the USPSTF Web site (www.preventiveservices.ahrq.gov), the National Guideline Clearinghouse (www.guideline.gov), and in print through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Publications Clearinghouse (telephone, 800-358-9295; e-mail, ahrqpubs@ahrq.gov). The complete information on which this statement is based, including evidence tables and references, is available in the accompanying article in this issue and in the summary of the evidence and the systematic evidence review on the Web sites already mentioned. *For a list of the members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, see the Appendix.
Abstract 5103: Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Concentrations are Associated with Coronary Heart Disease Death in Men
Authors: Sudhir Kurl, Timo Mäkikallio, Jari A Laukkanen
Journal: Circulation (2008)

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) thins the protecting fibrous cap of the atherosclerotic plaque thereby increasing its vulnerability to unexpected rupture. However, results on the association of serum MMP-8 concentrations and coronary heart disease (CHD) death are very limited. Methods: We analysed the association of serum MMP-8 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) concentrations in a population-based prospective sample of 1018 men (aged 46 – 64 years) of the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease risk factor study with the follow-up time of 10 years. Results: During the follow-up, a total 172 of acute myocardial infarction and 62 deaths due to CHD occurred. MMP-8 concentrations were higher in men with prevalent cardiovascular disease or sub-clinical atherosclerosis (intima-media thickness ≥1 mm) at baseline than those without. MMP-8 concentrations were associated with the risk of acute myocardial infarction (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.23, p=0.011), death from CHD (RR=1.19, 95 % CI 1.08 –1.31, p&lt;0.001) and all-causes (RR 1.15, 95 % CI 1.07 to 1.23, p&lt;0.001) per one standard deviation (SD) increase, after adjustment for age, history of CHD, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, smoking and serum LDL and HDL cholesterol. Serum TIMP-1 concentrations alone had no independent predictive value for CHD. Conclusions: The results indicate that serum MMP-8 concentrations are elevated in prevalent CHD or subclinical atherosclerosis and elevated MMP-8 concentrations predict the risk of CHD outcomes.
Phlegmasia cerulea dolens.
Authors: Salman Sarwar, Srilakshmi Narra, Ahmad Munir
Journal: BMJ (1967)

A 71-year-old man was admitted to the hospital for severe community-acquired pneumonia. He had a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and atrial fibrillation and was on chronic warfarin therapy. His international normalized ratio (INR) was 9.05. We started the patient on antibiotics and withheld the warfarin. Blood cultures grew Streptococcus pneumoniae. On the 2nd day of hospitalization, the patient's mental status deteriorated. Therefore, after normalization of the INR with fresh frozen plasma and vitamin K, a lumbar puncture was performed to rule out meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed nothing unusual. On day 3, the patient developed shortness of breath and painful swelling of both lower extremities with bluish discoloration of the skin (Fig. 1A). Later, he developed blisters on his feet and dark blue mottled patches on the soles of both feet (Fig. 1B). Multidetector computed tomographic (CT) pulmonary angiography showed a central filling defect in the superior segment of the right lower pulmonary lobe; delayed images of the pelvis and lower extremities without additional contrast material showed bilateral veno-occlusive disease (Fig. 2). The CT examination enabled rapid diagnosis of both pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis at 1 time. Doppler ultrasonography of the lower extremities confirmed extensive deep venous thrombosis. The diagnosis of phlegmasia cerulea dolens was made. Systemic and local tissue-plasminogen activator infusion and AngioJet® thrombectomy (AngioJet® Rheolytic™ Thrombectomy System, Possis Medical, Inc.; Minneapolis, Minn) were used to improve venous outflow. Anticoagulation was resumed, and the patient's condition improved.



Fig. 1 A) Swollen and bluish appearance of the legs. B) Patchy distribution of superficial venous gangrene on the soles of both feet.





Fig. 2 A) Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography with contrast material shows a pulmonary embolus (arrow), and B) delayed image of the pelvis shows occluded femoral veins bilaterally (arrows).
Abstract 5635: Estradiol Promotes Neural Stem Cell-based Peripheral Nerve Repair by Enhancing Angiogenesis
Authors: Haruki Sekiguchi, Masaaki Ii, Kentaro Jujo, Tina Thorne, Andy Scarpelli, Trevor Clarke, Aiko Ito, Sol Misener, Ekaterina Klyachko, Nobuhisa Hagiwara, Douglas Losordo
Journal: Circulation (2009)

Background: Neural stem cells (NSCs) have been shown to have the potential to differentiate into endothelial cells (ECs) as well as neuronal cells (NCs). Estradiol (E2) is known to exhibit pro-angiogenic effects on ischemic tissue via EC activation. Based on these prior findings, we hypothesized that E2 could promote the therapeutic potential of NSC xplant for nerve repair via NSC differentiation into ECs and neovascularization. Methods and Results : NSCs were isolated from the brains of newborn mice. After unilateral sciatic nerve crush injury, mice were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups: E2 (100 μ g administered locally in biodegradable gel), Control (C) (vehicle/gel), NSC (10 5 cells), and combined E2/NSCs. The E2/NSC group exhibited the greatest nerve functional recovery in motor nerve conduction velocity (C: 33.15±5.23, NSC: 46.97±2.62, E2: 45.32±4.75, E2/NSC: 56.02±6.26 m/s), voltage amplitude (C: 2.7±1.48, NSC: 4.42±0.28, E2: 3.23±1.00, E2/NSC: 6.86±1.48 mV) and exercise tolerance (C: 376.8±68.0; NSC: 437.6±124.9; E2: 428.6±118.2; E2/NSC: maximum duration, 600 sec, same as noninjured) and also showed significantly greater intraneural vascularity and blood perfusion (Laser Doppler) (C: 3.23±1.38, NSC: 10.08±1.15, E2: 14.57±3.31, E2/NSC: 28.14±7.03 flux) compared to the other groups (P&lt;0.05). Fluorescent immunohistology analyses showed that when E2 and DiI-labeled NSCs were locally transplanted in injured nerves, double-positive cells (DiI and EC marker CD31) were more frequently observed (E2/NSC: 6.33±1.53, NSC: 1.33±0.57/nerve, p&lt;0.01), suggesting that E2 promoted NSC differentiation into ECs. The effect of E2 on NSC differentiation into the EC-lineage was further investigated in CD31-negative cells selected by FACS; 5.69% of initially CD31-negative NSCs expressed CD31 when cultured with E2 (10 −8 M) for 10 days, and blockade of the E2 receptor with ICI blocked CD31 expression (0%) in E2-treated NSCs. Conclusions: The combination of E2 and NSC transplantation cooperatively improved the functional recovery of injured peripheral nerves, at least in part, by E2 associated NSC differentiation into ECs. These findings provide a novel mechanistic insight not only in NSC biology but also regarding the biological effect of endogenous E2.
Abstract 1877: The Transcriptome of Monocytes as a Multidimensional Cardiovascular Biomarker
Authors: Tanja Zeller, Philipp S Wild, Arne Schillert, Silke Szymczak, Maxime Rotival, Karl J Lackner, Renate B Schnabel, Joseph Loscalzo, Thomas Muenzel, Andreas Ziegler, Laurence Tiret, Stefan Blankenberg, Francois Cambien
Journal: Circulation (2009)

A growing interest has focused on the “genetics of gene expression” with the possibility of conducting large scale studies linking genome-wide variability to genome-wide expression. Investigating t...
Abstract 3383: Assessment Of The Left Ventricular Long-axis And Short-axis Function Using Strain Rate Imaging In Chronic Severe Mitral Regurgitation: A Comparative Echocardiography-catheterization Study
Authors: Min-Seok Kim, Dae-Hee Kim, Hyung-Kwan Kim, Hong-Gu Chun, Jung-Won Suh, Jin-Shik Park, Woo-Young Chung, Seil Oh, Dong-Ju Choi, Dae-Won Sohn, Byung-Hee Oh, Young-Bae Park, Yun-Shik Choi, Yong-Jin Kim
Journal: Circulation (2007)

Background Assessment of the left ventricular (LV) contractile function is critical for deciding optimal timing of surgery in patients with chronic severe mitral regurgitation (MR). We investigated the LV long-axis and short-axis function in MR. Methods We studied 30 patients (16 men, age: 51 ± 14 years) who had 3+ or 4+ MR with LV ejection fraction (EF) greater than 50%. Comprehensive 2D and Doppler echocardiography was performed. Peak systolic radial (SR R ), circumferential (SR C ), and longitudinal strain rate (SR L ) were measured using speckle tracking imaging. In all patients, peak dP/dt was measured using micromanometer-tipped catheter. Results Mean LVEF was 63.1% and regurgitation fraction was 61.8%. LV end-systolic volume was 78.3 ml. Peak dP/dt ranged from 1019 to 2049 mmHg/sec with the mean value of 1583 mmHg/sec. 16 patients (53.3%) showed latent systolic dysfunction defined by peak dP/dt less than 1300 mmHg/s. SR R and SR C correlated well with peak dP/dt (Fig. A , r=0.74, p&lt; 0.01, r=− 0.54, p&lt;0.01, respectively). However, SR L did not correlate with peak dP/dt (r=− 0.58, p=0.76). SR R &gt; 1.94 S −1 showed a sensitivity of 86 % and a specificity of 75 % for predicting latent LV systolic function (Fig. B , AUC=0.87, CI=0.732– 0.991). SR R also correlated with LV end-diastolic and end-systolic sphericity index (r=− 0.54, p&lt;0.01, r=− 0.66, p&lt; 0.01, respectively). Conclusion SR R and SR C , not SR L , correlated well with peak LV dP/dt. These results imply the importance of short-axis function in the presence of chronic severe MR, probably due to the geometrical change in response to chronic volume overload.