tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Abstract 910: Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia: Genetics, Natural History and Response to Therapy
Authors: Tom Rossenbacker, Raffaela Bloise, Luciana De Giuli, Emilia V Raytcheva-Buono, Juliane Theilade, Roberto Keegan, Fabrizio Drago, Maurizio Gasparini, Carlo Napolitano, Silvia G Priori
Journal: Circulation (2007)

Background: Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is an arrhythmo-genic cardiac disease predisposing affected individuals to sudden cardiac death (SCD). Methods and Results: Here we provide data on the largest CPVT population thus far described. The study population consisted of 177 patients (64% female) of 93 families. All 93 probands (pbs) were screened for RYR2 mutations: 54 (58%) pbs carried a heterozygous RYR2 mutation, 1 pb a compound heterozygous RYR2 mutation and 3 pbs a homozygous (1), compound heterozygous (1) or heterozygous (1) CASQ2 mutation. One KCNJ2 mutation (T305I) was detected in a total of 15 pbs. In family members, another 40 RYR2 mutation carriers were identified. Only 29 of 95 gene carriers were phenotypically silent, therefore the penetrance of a RYR2 mutation was 69%. Of note, female sex was predominant among CPVT probands without a RYR2 mutation. Before the initiation of any treatment related to CPVT, 77 of 93 (83%) pbs experienced a cardiac e vent. Mean age of first event was 12±9 years. Neither sex nor the presence/absence of a RYR2 mutation was associated with a higher risk of developing events or with a younger age at onset of symptoms. Before therapy, 70% and 40% of 177 patients remained free of cardiac arrest and SCD before therapy by age 20 and 40 years, respectively. A history of juvenile SCD (&lt;40 yrs) was present in 36% of families: the mean age of the lethal event was 18±9 yrs. One-hundred CPVT patients were initiated on β-blockers. On top, 41 patients were implanted with an ICD. During a mean follow-up time of 4.5±3 years, 28% of patients experienced a syncope (n=11), cardiac arrest (n=5) or appropriate ICD shock (n=12). Neither sex nor genotype was associated with a worse response to therapy. Conclusions: In this largest CPVT population reported so far, the presence/absence of a RYR2 mutation wasn’t associated with different clinical characteristics or response to therapy as compared to non-mutation carriers. CPVT remains a highly malignant disease with only a moderate response to β-blockers.
Prostate Cancer
Authors: James Mohler, Robert R. Bahnson, Barry Boston, J. Erik Busby, Anthony D'Amico, James A. Eastham, Charles A. Enke, Daniel George, Eric Mark Horwitz, Robert P. Huben, Philip Kantoff, Mark Kawachi, Michael Kuettel, Paul H. Lange, Gary MacVicar, Elizabeth R. Plimack, Julio M. Pow-Sang, Mack Roach, Eric Rohren, Bruce J. Roth, Dennis C. Shrieve, Matthew R. Smith, Sandy Srinivas, Przemyslaw Twardowski, Patrick C. Walsh
Journal: Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2010)

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the number of newly diagnosed prostate cancers in the United States increased dramatically, surpassing lung cancer as the most common cancer in men. 1 Experts generally believe that these changes resulted from prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening that detected many earlystage prostate cancers.For example, the percentage of patients with low-risk disease has increased (45.3% in 1999-2001 vs. 29.8% in 1989-1992; P < .0001). 2 The incidence of prostate cancer increased 2.0% annually from 1995 to 2001 and has since declined.In 2009, an estimated 192,280 new cases were diagnosed and prostate cancer was expected to account for 25% of new cancer cases in men. 1 Fortunately, the age-adjusted death rates from prostate cancer have also declined (-4.1% annually from 1994 to 2001).
Abstract 13136: Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Into Lymphatic Endothelial Cells
Authors: Changwon Park, Ji Yoon Lee, Shin-Jeong Lee, Eugine Lee, Young-sup Yoon
Journal: Circulation (2010)

Backgrounds: Lymphatic vessels play a crucial role in fluid homeostasis and cancer metastasis. Therefore, understanding the process of lymphatic vessel formation is essential for investigating the ...
Abstract 9313: Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging of Carotid Plaque Neovascularization is Useful for Identification of High-Risk Patients for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Juntaro Deyama, Isao Takishima, Takamitsu Nakamura, Manabu Uematsu, Wataru Sugamata, Daisuke Fujioka, Keita Sano, Yukio Saito, Yoshinobu Kitta, Ken-ichi Kawabata, Jun-ei Obata, Kiyotaka Kugiyama
Journal: Circulation (2011)

Increased neovascularization in atherosclerotic plaques represents a feature of unstable plaques. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEU) could be a potential technique for imaging plaque neovascularization in the carotid artery. This study examined whether CEU of the carotid artery may provide information of risk of cardiovascular diseases. Methods and Results: A total of 117 patients with CAD and a carotid plaque (IMT &gt; 1.1 mm) underwent CEU study of the carotid artery. The carotid CEU was performed using perfluorobutane microbubbles as an ultrasound contrast agent and harmonic imaging software. The intra-plaque neovascularization was identified based on the rapid movement of the echogenic reflectors of microbubbles within the plaque. The plaque neovascularization was graded: Grade (G) 0, no visible microbubbles within the plaque; G1, moderate microbubbles confined to plaque adventitial side and/or shoulder; G2, extensive microbubbles throughout the plaque. In a total of 252 plaques from the study patients, the G1 plaque neovascularization was noted in 51 plaques (20%) and G2 in 27 plaques (11%). Patients with higher grade of the plaque neovascularization had higher prevalence of smoking, older age, higher levels of LDL-C and HbA1c, higher systolic blood pressure, greater PWV and carotid IMT (p &lt; 0.05 in all). In logistic regression analysis, the G1/G2 plaque neovascularization was associated with acute coronary syndromes, multi-vessel coronary disease, chronic total coronary occlusions, ASO and previous stroke (OR 1.5, 2.0, 1.8, 2.2 and 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.5, 1.5-2.8, 1.1-3.1, 1.4-3.4 and 1.2-2.9, respectively, p &lt; 0.01 in all), that was independent of carotid IMT. The change in plaque neovascularization during 6 months was examined in a subgroup of 30 patients. Plaque neovascularization regressed in 16 ( 80%) of 20 plaques graded as G1/G2 of 16 patients taking statin, while the regression did not occur in any plaques in 14 patients taking no statin. The carotid IMT did not change in either patients with or without statin treatment. Conclusions: The contrast-enhanced ultrasound study of the carotid artery may provide valuable information for risk status of systemic atherosclerosis and for efficacy of anti-atherosclerotic treatment beyond carotid IMT.
Abstract 590: Atherosclerotic Plaque Characterization Using Iodinated Nanoparticles Contrast and Gadolinium in Two Layers Dual Energy MDCT
Authors: David Planer, Galit Kafri, Raz Carmi, Jacob Sosna
Journal: Circulation (2009)

Purpose:  To demonstrate the feasibility of Dual Energy MDCT to characterize rabbit’s atherosclerotic plaque components with iodine based nanoparticulate contrast agent (NPC) and gadolinium.   Materials and Methods:  Advanced atherosclerotic plaques were induced in 12 NZW rabbits using high cholesterol diet and repeated aortic endothelial denudation. Four non-atherosclerotic rabbits served as negative controls. Rabbits were scanned in Dual Energy MDCT (Brilliance, Philips Healthcare, Cleveland, OH) after 6 months. N1177 NPC (NanoScan Imaging, Landsdale, PA) was injected to the marginal ear vein. Dual energy scans were performed precontrast, immediately after injection and 2 hours after the injection. In addition, another scan was performed 3 hours after NPC injection, during IV injection of gadolinium. Aortic lumen narrowing and late vessel wall NPC accumulation were analyzed. Spectral analysis was performed on late scans with and without gadolinium. The rabbits were sacrificed after the scan and the aorta was microscopically evaluated for atherosclerosis and macrophage content.   Results:  CT angiography of the atherosclerotic rabbits demonstrated irregular vessel wall with non-calcified plaques and mild (up to 25%) narrowing. Normal aortas were demonstrated in the control rabbits. Late scanning demonstrated localized NPC accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions with improved visualization using spectral analysis in comparison to regular CT images. No delayed enhancement of the vessel wall was demonstrated in control animals. Late gadolinium injection resulted in luminal density of 134 +/−24 HU, similar to vessel wall enhancement of NPC. Spectral analysis successfully differentiated between intra-luminal gadolinium and vessel wall accumulation of NPC. Microscopic evaluation of atherosclerotic plaques demonstrated correlation between plaque’s macrophages content and aortic NPC accumulation.   Conclusion:  NPC accumulated in atherosclerotic plaques identified macrophages’ rich lesions. Spectral analysis of double contrast Dual Energy scan successfully differentiated between intra-luminal gadolinium and extra-luminal iodine stained macrophages.
Abstract 4693: Osteoporosis Treatment Associated with Decreased Progression of Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Adam H Skolnick, Martin Osranek, Phillip Formica, Itzhak Kronzon
Journal: Circulation (2008)

A decline in bone mineral density has been reported to be associated with progression of aortic stenosis (AS). We hypothesized that osteoporosis treatment (OT) is associated with decreased progression of AS. We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with mild and moderate aortic stenosis from our echocardiographic database comparing 18 patients on OT (bisphosphonates, calcitonin or estrogen receptor modulators) to 37 patients not on OT. All patients had serial echocardiograms. Patients with mitral stenosis, aortic valve replacement, renal failure, calcium disorders, or LVEF&lt;40% were excluded. Aortic valve area (AVA) was calculated using the continuity equation. There was no significant difference in age (mean of 82 years), gender (76% female), renal function, hypertension, statin use, diabetes or calcium level between the two groups. The mean baseline aortic valve area was 1.33 cm 2 and was not significantly different between the two groups. After a mean of 2.4 ± 1.0 years, the mean annual change in AVA was −0.10 ± 0.18 cm 2 in patients receiving OT and −0.22 ± 0.22 cm 2 in those not on OT (p=0.025). There was a graded association between AS progression rate and OT (Figure ). Age, gender, hypertension, renal function and statin use were not significantly associated with change in AVA. In a relatively small population of patients, osteoporosis treatment is strongly associated with decreased progression of aortic stenosis. This association warrants investigation in a larger, prospective study.
Abstract 9598: Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery is Associated with Worse Arterial and Saphenous Vein Graft Patency and Less Effective Revascularization in All Coronary Territories: Results From the Veterans Affairs Randomized On/Off Bypass Trial
Authors: Brack Hattler, John C Messenger, A. L Shroyer, Joseph F Collins, Scott J Haugen, Joel A Garcia, Janet H Baltz, Joseph C Cleveland, Frederick L Grover
Journal: Circulation (2011)

Background: From February 2002 to May 2007, the Randomized On/Off Bypass (ROOBY) Trial randomized 2,203 patients to off-pump vs. on-pump CABG. ROOBY hypothesized that there would be no difference between treatments in 1-year arterial conduit patency, SVG patency, and/or effective revascularization (ER). Methods: Angiography was obtained in 685 (62%) off-pump and 685 (62%) on-pump patients. A blinded angiographic core lab assessed angiograms for FitzGibbon's patency class (A = widely patent, B = flow limiting, O = occluded) and ER (defined as the major diseased coronary artery within each major coronary territory was revascularized by a FitzGibbon class A graft with no new stenosis distal to the graft anastamosis). Angiographic findings were compared for off-pump versus on-pump using appropriate statistical tests. Results: There were no differences in baseline patient characteristics between arms. FitzGibbon class A patency rates were significantly worse off-pump than on-pump for arterial conduits (85.8% vs. 91.4%, p = 0.003) and SVGs (72.7 vs. 80.4%, p &lt; 0.001). Fewer off-pump patients had ER to all diseased territories (50.1% vs. 63.9% on-pump, p &lt; 0.001). Each major coronary territory had worse ER off-pump than on-pump (see table). The 1-year composite adverse event rate (death, non-fatal MI or repeat revascularization) was 16.4% in patients with ineffective revascularization vs. 5.9% in patients with ER to all 3 coronary territories (p &lt;0.01). Conclusion: Off-pump CABG resulted in significantly worse FitzGibbon patency for arterial and SVG conduits and less effective revascularization than on-pump CABG. Overall, patients with less effective revascularization had more 1-year adverse events.
Selective Inhibition of the Leukemia Fusion Protein CBFβ-SMMHC By Small Molecule AI-10-49 in the Treatment of Inv(16) AML
Authors: John Anto Pulikkan, Anuradha Illendula, Jolanta Grembecka, Liting Xue, Roger Rajewski, Monica L. Guzman, John H. Bushweller, Lucio H. Castilla
Journal: Blood (2014)
Abstract 19482: Integrated Non-Invasive Imaging Approach for Assessment of Tissue Perfusion, Oxygenation, and Collateralization in a Porcine Model of Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Mitchel R Stacy, Smita Sampath, Da Yu Yu, Mark W Maxfield, Bartosz P Jozwik, Christi L Hawley, Donald P Dione, Andrew R Kolodziej, Ben A Lin, Zhen W Zhuang, Prasanta Pal, Albert J Sinusas
Journal: Circulation (2012)

Objectives: Currently, there is no standard quantitative imaging approach to evaluate peripheral artery disease (PAD).In this study, we use hybrid SPECT/CT and MR imaging to relate post-occlusion collateral formation to serial in vivo changes in lower extremity perfusion and tissue oxygenation before and during vasodilation. Methods: Serial hybrid 64-slice CT/SPECT imaging and BOLD MRI were performed in pigs (n=8) at baseline, immediately post unilateral femoral artery occlusion, and 1 and 4 weeks post occlusion. Contrast X-ray CT angiography was performed to define the occlusion site and to visualize collateral vessels. Non-contrast CT images were used to identify individual muscle groups in the ischemic (I) and non-ischemic (NI) hind limb for quantification of changes in relative regional muscle perfusion with 201 Tl SPECT. At 4 weeks post occlusion, muscle 201 Tl activity was measured postmortem by gamma well counting. MR images were acquired on a 3T magnet and T2* maps were generated for multiple transverse images. BOLD images used to quantify tissue oxygenation were acquired for 5 minutes at rest and for 10 minutes during vasodilation by IV administration of nitroglycerin (5 mg/kg/min NTG). Results: SPECT/CT imaging showed a significant decrease in regional 201 Tl activity (I/NI) (Fig. 1A) in ischemic calf muscle groups (Fig. 1B), which normalized over time. Relative 201 Tl activity at 4 weeks (0.91±.0.06) matched gamma well counting (0.99±0.08, p=ns). These changes were not observed in other muscle groups. The T2* signal intensity in the ischemic leg decreased acutely post occlusion in response to NTG, probably reflecting diminished vascular reserve, although this response normalized at 4 weeks in association with collateral vessel formation. Conclusions: Physiological changes in tissue perfusion and oxygenation following peripheral ischemia were tracked non-invasively using multimodality imaging, and can be attributed to collateral formation.
People are "participants" in research
Authors: I. Chalmers, W. Jackson, D. Carvel
Journal: BMJ (1999)

Editor—Congratulations to Boynton for suggesting that the word “subject” should be banned from reports of research on humans.1 It was Curt Meinert, formerly editor of Controlled Clinical Trials, who first pointed out to me that the word “subject” is demeaning. Although I changed my terminology from that moment on, I found it difficult to persuade others. I was particularly disappointed that I failed in 1989 to persuade a lay group—Consumers for Ethics in Research—to purge the organisation’s literature of the word.

In an article published in 19953 I suggested that medical researchers would do well to follow the example set by the British Psychological Society.4 After noting that psychologists owe a debt to those who agree to take part in their studies, who therefore deserve to be treated with the highest standards of consideration and respect, the society recommended that the term “subject” should be abandoned and replaced by “participant.”

I applaud the BMJ’s prompt and positive response to Boynton’s suggestion. The journal will find that the term “participants” works well for those types of research (such as controlled trials) in which active involvement of the people being studied is required, although some may prefer the word “volunteers” to describe participants in non-therapeutic research. Choosing appropriate terms to describe people who were not actively involved in the research being reported (for example, because they were dead) presents a greater challenge. “Patients” may be appropriate in some circumstances, but not all. Maybe organisations like Consumers for Ethics in Research could help researchers and medical journals by suggesting appropriate terminology across the whole spectrum of research designs.
New BMA book highlights human rights abuses.
Authors: Linda Beecham
Journal: BMJ (2001)

The BMA has criticised the hardening attitude to asylum seekers in Britain in its new handbook on human rights for doctors.

In The Medical Profession and Human Rights: Handbook for a Changing Agenda the association criticises the way that the dispersal system has been managed, arguing this cuts asylum seekers off from support and advice from existing refugee groups. Many primary care doctors are struggling to cope with vulnerable people who arrive without warning, planning, or language support, it says. And they are confronted with people claiming to have …
Abstract 3442: Phosphorylated Heat Shock Protein 27 is Downregulated in Ascending Aortic Aneurysm associated with Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Authors: Peter Matt, Thomas Grussenmeyer, Anne Von Orelli, Stephan Dirnhofer, Martin Grapow, Franziska Bernet, Ivan Lefkovits, Hans-Reinhard Zerkowski
Journal: Circulation (2006)

Background: Bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) are often associated with acquired lesions of the ascending aorta. Recent studies have demonstrated increased smooth muscle cell (SMC) apoptosis and decreas...
Abstract 17373: Decreased Levels of Inorganic Polyphosphates Prevent Opening of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore in Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Lea K Seidlmayer, Lothar A Blatter, Evgeny Pavlov, Elena N Dedkova
Journal: Circulation (2010)

Introduction: Minimizing reperfusion injury (RI) is a principal clinical strategy to reduce myocardial damage following myocardial infarction. At the molecular level opening of the mitochondrial pe...
Abstract P304: Asthma-Obesity Association Impact on Children’s Physical Activities
Authors: Abdulraouf Lamoshi
Journal: Circulation (2013)

Background: children attending hospital clinics for asthma are more likely to be obese and are significantly less active than children with other medical conditions. Asthma is identified as a barrier to exercise by children and parents. Plans to encourage exercise within children asthma community are needed to protect children’s physical health. Objective: The aim of the study is to explore the nature of the relationship between asthma and obesity and the impact of that association on children’s physical activities. Methods: This is a cross sectional observational study of children (7-12 years) who were recruited from outpatient physician clinics. Body mass index percentile (BMI %) is used to assess children’s weight, parent report of their child’s asthma diagnosis and severity of symptoms is used to assess asthma. Asthma severity is defined by the FEV1 value from a pulmonary function test during the visit and parent report. Children’s level of physical activity is assessed with assigned Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) scores for reported weekly activities. Participants are divided into four groups: asthmatics and overweight or obese, non-asthmatics and overweight or obese, non-asthmatics and non-overweight or non-obese, and asthmatics and non-overweight or non-obese. Results: A total of 132 children have been recruited into the study; 40 children have complete physical activity data at this time. 59% of the sample is males. The majority of the sample is Caucasian (84%). 45% (59) of participants are asthmatic; 22 of this group presented with moderate to severe asthma. 28 (21%) children are overweight or obese; 79% are of healthy weight. Out of the 40 children, 5 are asthmatics and overweight or obese, 10 are non-asthmatics and overweight or obese, 14 are non-asthmatics and non-overweight or non-obese, and 11 are asthmatics and non-overweight or non-obese. Severe and moderate asthmatic participants tend to have lower MET scores (X = 33 and 38, respectively) compared to mild asthmatic MET scores (X = 86). Overweight and obese children also tend to have lower MET scores (x = 55) than healthy weight (x = 63). When combined, obese, non-asthmatic children have the lowest MET score (x = 55) while non-obese, asthmatics have the highest MET score (x = 64). Conclusion: Obesity has more profound impact on children’s activities than asthma alone. Effective ways to control children’s asthma and weight risks may help children exercise more and improve their quality of life.
Epibulbar Granular Cell Tumor
Authors: Norman C. Charles, Donald M. Fox, Sidney S. Glasberg, Janusz Sawicki
Journal: Ophthalmology (1997)

Background: The granular cell tumor (GCT) is a common, usually benign, neoplasm of uncertain histogenesis that may affect any organ in the body. It occurs rarely in ophthalmic sites, where orbital location is most frequent. The purpose of this report is to describe a unique case of an epibulbar, subconjunctival GCT in a child. Method: Histopathologic examination of the excised tumor included standard and immunohistochemical staining of formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. Results: Histopathologic study showed the characteristic morphology of GCT. Immunohistochemistry was strongly positive for vimentin, weakly and partly positive for neuron-specific enolase, and negative for S-100 and HAM-56. Conclusions: Granular cell tumor must be added to the differential diagnosis of epibulbar masses. Immunohistochemistry of the tumor in this case suggests an uncommitted mesenchymal cell origin. Background: The granular cell tumor (GCT) is a common, usually benign, neoplasm of uncertain histogenesis that may affect any organ in the body. It occurs rarely in ophthalmic sites, where orbital location is most frequent. The purpose of this report is to describe a unique case of an epibulbar, subconjunctival GCT in a child. Method: Histopathologic examination of the excised tumor included standard and immunohistochemical staining of formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. Results: Histopathologic study showed the characteristic morphology of GCT. Immunohistochemistry was strongly positive for vimentin, weakly and partly positive for neuron-specific enolase, and negative for S-100 and HAM-56. Conclusions: Granular cell tumor must be added to the differential diagnosis of epibulbar masses. Immunohistochemistry of the tumor in this case suggests an uncommitted mesenchymal cell origin.