HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Newsgroups: sci.med
Subject: Re: War on cancer a failure???
Date: 10 Nov 92 17:11:33 GMT
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science

I'm not an oncologist, but I have quite a few patients who
have been cured of their cancers.  That includes women who
have had breast cancer 20 or more years ago.  I assure you
that if they had waited until it metastasized to their brain,
they would certainly be dead now.  It is true that little
progress has been made on lung cancer treatment.  Much progress
has been made, however, on identifying the main cause (smoking)
and proving it to people enough that the majority of Americans
have stopped smoking and lung cancer rates are going down.
Early detection is very important in malignant melanoma, also.
Even the slightest delay there can be fatal.  I have also
had patients (and even been the one to discovet the tumor)
with myosarcomas cured by radiation and surgery.  Prostate
cancer is well controlled in most patients by medicine and
radiation.  Leukemias and lymphomas have much longer life
expectancy now than they did even when I went to med school.
Many of them are even being cured.  

In contrast to Ken, I have seen instances where I thought
oncologists were too aggressive and treated a cancer case
that was hopeless.  Some of them are trying out new drugs 
and will try a new protocol even when the odds are extremely
remote of a cure and the odds of making people miserable for
their remaining time are great.  THis is something I am opposed
to, but I wouldn't forbid patients from choosing this route
if they really wanted it.

Prevention can do a great deal in helping the "war on
cancer", but until we find a "fountain of youth" drug,
with an ever aging population, cancer is going to be
an increasing problem that lifestyle changes alone aren't
going to be able to end.

-- 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "I have given you an argument; I am not obliged
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  to supply you with an understanding." -S.Johnson
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer)
Newsgroups: sci.med
Subject: Re: Those darn antihistamine/decongestants
Date: 13 Nov 92 03:29:51 GMT
Article-I.D.: spdcc.1992Nov13.032951.27347
Organization: S.P. Dyer Computer Consulting, Cambridge MA

In article <1992Nov12.184538.29353@athena.cs.uga.edu> mcovingt@aisun3.ai.uga.edu (Michael Covington) writes:
>I recall reading somewhere that Vitamin C has a weak antihistamine effect.

Yeah, here.

>Is that true?

No.

>If so, could it explain the 'cold cures' that
>are attributed to large doses of Vitamin C?

Megadoses of Vitamin C are without effect in an established cold.

-- 
Steve Dyer
dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
From: cam@castle.ed.ac.uk (Chris Malcolm)
Newsgroups: sci.med
Subject: Re: Seasonal Affective Disorder - Light Treatments
Date: 6 Nov 92 20:26:23 GMT
Organization: Edinburgh University

In article <hank.720988194@well.sf.ca.us> hank@well.sf.ca.us (Hank Roberts) writes:
>In <27739@castle.ed.ac.uk> cam@castle.ed.ac.uk (Chris Malcolm) writes:

>>In article <hank.720731904@well.sf.ca.us> hank@well.sf.ca.us (Hank Roberts) writes:

>>>halogen lights contain enough UV to cause eye damage.

>>3) For the treatment of SAD is it necessary for the eyes to be exposed

>Be careful.  Being depressed is better than being blind and depressed,
>according to friends of mine who've been blind from birth and also have
>SAD.  Don't put your eyesight at any risk.

Aha! So if one can be blind, and suffer from SAD, then it is clearly
not necessary to _look_ at the light! -- which makes it quite easy to
be safe.
-- 
Chris Malcolm    cam@uk.ac.ed.aifh          +44 (0)31 650 3085
Department of Artificial Intelligence,    Edinburgh University
5 Forrest Hill, Edinburgh, EH1 2QL, UK                DoD #205
From: patm@homer.ds.boeing.com
Newsgroups: sci.med
Subject: Information on Imbone
Date: 9 Nov 92 15:22:00 GMT
Organization: Boeing Defense & Space Group

I am looking for information on a drug called IMBONE.(usure of spelling)
	I heard of this drug from a naturalpathic doctor, he said that it is
used in Europe succesfully as treatment for curing Leukemia.

Any information would be appreciated.
Pat Mitchell

Please E-mail to
(mitchell@atc.boeing.com)  or (patm@homer.ds.boeing.com)
From: mcovingt@aisun3.ai.uga.edu (Michael Covington)
Newsgroups: sci.med
Subject: Re: Visiting Res Fellowship
Summary: Oxford trivia
Date: 12 Nov 92 04:55:18 GMT
Article-I.D.: athena.1992Nov12.045518.5912
Organization: AI Programs, University of Georgia, Athens

For the non-Oxonians among us, one might add what is not at all clear
in the original message, namely that Christ Church is a college
(which happens to have a cathedral in it) and not a church.

Oxford is a fascinating place.

-- Michael Covington, M.Phil. (Cantab.)
                          
-- 
:-  Michael A. Covington     internet mcovingt@uga.cc.uga.edu 
:-  Artificial Intelligence Programs       phone 706 542-0358
:-  The University of Georgia                fax 706 542-0349
:-  Athens, Georgia 30602-7415 U.S.A.     amateur radio N4TMI
From: sll@aries.bellcore.com 
Subject: Tourette's Syndrome
Reply-To: sll@aries.bellcore.com
Organization: Bellcore
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 92 20:23:31 GMT

I am looking for some insight, info, on Tourette's Syndrome.
My 11 year old nephew has just been diagnosed with the condition.

I would like to know what we might expect as far as symptoms go,
or even are there "standard" type symptoms to expect.

Are there different treatments, different medications.  What about side effects.
Any good "lay" books on the subject.

Ideas on special education, or staying in current public school - pros & cons.

This is new to us, except for the made for tv movies and 20/20 episode which
featured adults.

Thanks for any info-
Sharon
From: ab@csd4.csd.uwm.edu
Newsgroups: sci.med
Subject: query about HYTRIN
Date: 13 Nov 1992 14:41:05 GMT
Organization: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: ab@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

I am interested in comments on the pharmacological properties of HYTRIN
(terazosin hydrochloride) used to treat hypertension, particularly
possible risks and side effects. According to the package insert, 
one side effect is "blurred vision." Can this effect be limited to one
eye or must it be bilateral? If it occurs, is it likely at the lowest
doses (e.g., 1-2 mg). Is the mechanism for visual problems known?
Please send replies to ab@csd4.csd.uwm.edu. Thanks.
Newsgroups: sci.med
From: kja@cbnewsf.cb.att.com (krista.j.anderson)
Subject: Allergens in Breastmilk
Organization: AT&T
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1992 15:42:07 GMT

Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, just a layperson, and I'm only using
            one source here.

When I posted about cow's milk "allergy", I was remiss in not
mentioning allergens in human breastmilk.  While I don't totally
understand the mechanism by which whole proteins from the digestive
system can end up in breastmilk, apparently they sometimes can get
past digestive enzymes, past antibodies and through the liver and
into the general bloodstream.

This fact is inferred because some infants who have consumed
nothing but breastmilk have positive tests for IgE antibodies to
certain proteins ingested by the mothers.  Also, the babies
show allergic symptoms that disappear when the mother changes her
diet. 

A special note about cow's milk "allergy" is that, while in general
the problem is more of a Type III intolerance without much IgE
showing up in tests, when the allergen is introduced in human
breastmilk, then there *is* a high level of IgE antibody to cow's
milk proteins in the infant.  In this case, allergic symptoms tend
to be more severe than in a child that has developed an intolerance
to cow's milk later in life via direct ingestion and the infants
showing such early symptoms turn out to be highly allergic individuals.

Please note that most people have no allergies to anything, so it's
not as if all breast-feeding mothers need to alter their diets.

Most Common Symptoms of Breast-Fed Babies Sensitive to Foods Eaten
by the Mother (n=81)

Colic                    40%
Rhinorrhea               23%
Vomiting                 21%
Diarrhea                 21%
Bronchitis               20%
Eczema (dermatitis)      16%
Urticaria (hives)         2%

Food Antigens that Ended Up in Breastmilk (n=81)

Cow's milk               81%
Egg                      15%
Wheat                    11%
Citrus fruit             10%
Chocolate                 2%

Reference
1. Brostoff, Jonathan and Challacombe, Stephen J., _Food Allergy
and Intolerance_, London: Bailiere Tindall, 1987.
-- 
Krista Anderson
krista@ihlpf.att.com  or  ihlpf!krista@att.att.com  or  att!ihlpf!krista
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: sci.med
Subject: Re: Ingesting urine <urp.>
From: RGINZBERG@eagle.wesleyan.edu (Ruth Ginzberg)
Date: 5 Nov 92 20:55:38 EDT
Distribution: world
Organization: Philosophy Dept., Wesleyan University
X-News-Reader: VMS NEWS 1.20In-Reply-To: carl.camurca@travel.com's message of 31 Oct 92 13:33:00 GMTLines: 15

Tell you what:

How 'bout if we do some empirical research here.  Let's all go slurp down a
tall cold one, & then report back whether we've come to feel like fetuses
afterwards.   OK?  If nobody posts that s/he died in utero during the trial,
then I think we can assume its safe, effective, non-toxic, and recommended for
everyone over the age of 0. Scientific Method, right?  ;-) ;-) ;-)

Bottoms Up!

PS: I'm leaking out on the rest of this thread...

------------------------
Ruth Ginzberg <rginzberg@eagle.wesleyan.edu>
Philosophy Department;Wesleyan University;USA
From: jbright@vega.wrc.Xerox.COM (James Bright)
Newsgroups: sci.med
Subject: HIV research
Summary: sugar mimics
Date: 10 Nov 92 20:14:17 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Xerox


Well after about 2+ weeks without posting, I'm hoping that it's finally back on line [Steve sorry about the mail...]

Recently on the Learning Channel I watched a documentary of sorts on HIV. It was very informative, and even went so far as to describe its structure, and the way AZT temporarily inhibits replication of HIV (until it mutates and gets around AZT). Now this program was a couple of years old (I'm guessing late 80s -- hard to say) so it may be a little outdated. Some of the exciting research they showed were on sugar "mimics". 

Apparently these sugar mimics (I remember the term DNJ and I think DMJ) interefere with the sugar branches on the membrane surrounding HIV. In some way the sugars were altered by the sugar mimics so that (let's see, I think this is the correct terminology) receptor induced phagocytosis of HIV wouldn't occur, thus making a cell impervious to HIV. Unfortunately, some minor problems with sugar mimics had to be worked out.

Now they program didn't give the exact structure of the sugar mimics, or any significant details on the mimics. I was wondering if anyone out there could give a more scientific name for the sugar mimics. Is there any more research pursuing this avenue? Or did it turn up a dead end? 

James
-- 
Disclaimer: These views are strictly my own, are not meant to
represent Xerox, its accociates, my parents, nor any pets that
I have had in the past of will have in the future.
From: dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer)
Newsgroups: sci.med
Subject: Re: Weight Loss with Dexfenfluramine
Date: 13 Nov 92 00:45:33 GMT
Organization: S.P. Dyer Computer Consulting, Cambridge MA

In article <1992Nov12.134825.28770@omen.UUCP> caf@omen.UUCP (Chuck Forsberg) writes:
>At this point I must trust that Weintraub, Sundarsean, Madan, Schuster,
>Balder, Lasagna, and Cox are competent researchers who are aware of the
>issues they cover in their paper.

Argument from authority.  You do them a disservice.

>The paper does mention that the lipid
>profiles showed the subjects were not starting to cheat on the diet.

Get real.  Lipid profiles indicate whether or not someone is cheating?
Snort.

>Fact?  More like somebody's "mind is made up, don't confuse me with facts."

You're joking, aren't you?  I wouldn't try that argument if I were you,
given your track record on this subject.

-- 
Steve Dyer
dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
Xref: sparky sci.med:20910 misc.kids:28376
From: jac@whatizit.East.Sun.COM (Jim Chmura)
Newsgroups: sci.med,misc.kids
Subject: HELP - Hydrocele (sp?) surgery for 16 mo. old
Date: 12 Nov 1992 21:13:50 GMT
Organization: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Distribution: world
Reply-To: jac@whatizit.East.Sun.COM
NNTP-Posting-Host: whatizit.east.sun.com

 
	Our son Christopher recently developed a swelling in one of his 
testicles which was just diagnosed as a hydrocele (sp?).  Apparently it's
a condition related to or directly involving a hernia.  Our pediatrician 
has referred us to a pediatric surgeon, so we're 99% sure that surgery 
will be recommended.  The pediatrician indicated that with a child less 
than 1, the condition is usually left to correct itself.

	As you might expect, we are not wild about putting our son through 
the trauma of surgery.  This is usually done under general anaesthesia 
and may or may not require an overnight stay.

	Our questions:

	- has anyone experienced this surgery with their child?

	- what are the implications of choosing not to have surgery?

	- are the dangers of general anaesthesia greater/less than for adults?

	- is our son likely to need a blood transfusion for this surgery?

	- what kind of incision/scarring can we expect?

Thanks in advance for your help and advice,


Jim Chmura
Sun Microsystems
Atlanta, GA



Newsgroups: sci.med
From: fulk@cs.rochester.edu (Mark Fulk)
Subject: Info wanted: Islet cell transplant therapy for i-d diabetes
Organization: Computer Science Department University of Rochester
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1992 18:54:17 GMT

There has been a news report recently of progress in transplanting islet
cells for diabetes.  It cropped up on TV a few days ago.  I've dug through
our archives of recent Clarinet news looking for a report, with no luck;
there hasn't been any mention here on sci.med either.  I do know that this
has been a topic of research for some time, and that there have been
proposals to use fetal tissue for this purpose.

Can someone send me some pointers on this research, particularly to the
recent announcement?

This has become important to me recently because two little girls of my
acquaintance have insulin-dependent diabetes; one is in my son's nursery
school, the other is in his Sunday school.  Their parents are anxious to
learn of any new developments; both sets are smart people who are capable
of distinguishing research from clinical application.

After Bush stopped funding for fetal tissue research, one of the mothers
sent a picture of her daughter, surrounded by needles, to the White House.

Mark
-- 
Mark A. Fulk			University of Rochester
Computer Science Department	fulk@cs.rochester.edu
Newsgroups: sci.med
From: jod@equator.com (John Setel O'Donnell)
Subject: Re: Filtration systems
Organization: Equator Technologies, Inc., Seattle, WA
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 1992 07:06:19 GMT

In article <1992Nov10.052039.18382@noose.ecn.purdue.edu> ts@chainsaw.ecn.purdue.edu (Thomas Ruschak) writes:
>	My girlfriend has bad allergies...
>	Are there any easily-constructable ways of filtering air? 
>she sleeps in is small (8'x5' or less) Are there any not-terribly-expensive
>ways of filtering that miuch air? 


There are a number of excellent filtration systems on the market, 
including room-sized units which make a big difference for my
daughter, who has allergies and asthma.  There are far more
useless ones on the market, however; beware.

There are two basic types of worthwhile units, HEPA and electrostatic.
To a first approximation, no other filters take out small enough
particles to make a difference in allergies.  HEPA uses filters
originally developed for clean rooms and disk drives; the filters must
be changed from time to time.  Electrostatic units precipitate onto
plates in a unit that must be washed clean from time to time.
Electrostatic units can generate small amounts of ozone, which can be
a problem in cities with already-high ozone levels; however, if
working properly this shouldn't be a concern.

One big issue, though.  Many people's worst allergy is to dust mites.
(Actually, it's to dust mite shit.)  The microscopic bugs live on skin
flakes and other organic materials we shed.  The allergen is on the
surfaces you're sleeping on, and a room air filter can't do that much
about it.  Frequent washing of blankets, pillows, and all fabrics in
the bedroom is very helpful.  Actually, regular washing isn't as
important as putting them in the dryer regularly; the heat and dryness
wipe out the population.  We put all our daughter's stuffed animals in
the dryer once a week and it makes it no problem for her to have them
around.

I believe Sears, among others, sells the cleaners.  

-- 
- - -
John Setel O'Donnell                      jod@equator.com
Equator Technologies, Inc.                206-328-6544 voice/fax
Seattle, WA                               Read everything by Alice Miller.
Newsgroups: sci.med
From: dougb@comm.mot.com (Doug Bank)
Subject: Re: War on cancer a failure???
Reply-To: dougb@ecs.comm.mot.com
Organization: Motorola Land Mobile Products Sector
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1992 17:30:22 GMT

In article <BSIMON.92Nov10073801@elvis.stsci.edu>, bsimon@elvis.stsci.edu (Bernie Simon) writes:
|> To me, the War on Cancer is more than the Nixon administration's
|> effort. It is the continuing expenditure of large sums of research
|> dollars on cancer by such organizations as the National Cancer
|> Institute. Although this research has increased our basic knowledge of
|> the biology of cancer, it has not shown fruit in improved rates of
|> cure for most types of cancer. 

Perhaps this is true, however, it pleases me greatly to know that they
HAVE made progress in treating some cancers.  Especially testicular
cancer, for which I had surgery two weeks ago.  Sure, it may be
a minor cancer to you, but it isn't to the more than 6000 men that
are diagnosed with it every year.  Going from a 10% survival rate in
1970 to a greater than 90% survival rate today is fantastic progress.

More power to them!

-- 
Doug Bank                       Private Systems Division
dougb@ecs.comm.mot.com          Motorola Communications Sector
dougb@nwu.edu                   Schaumburg, Illinois
dougb@casbah.acns.nwu.edu       708-576-8207
From: bj368@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mike E. Romano)
Newsgroups: sci.med
Subject: Re: Ingesting urine
Date: 11 Nov 1992 09:00:41 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (USA)
NNTP-Posting-Host: hela.ins.cwru.edu


  I have decided to embark upon a preparatory training schedule
with the eventual goal of sipping this newly rediscovered
fountain of youth.

I am starting with generic beer.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

-- 
Capt. Kirk: let's head for that planet, third from the sun, it
            looks promising.... |-)
Newsgroups: sci.med
From: caf@omen.UUCP (Chuck Forsberg)
Subject: Re: Weight loss and ambiant temperature
Organization: Omen Technology INC, Portland Rain Forest
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 00:56:36 GMT

In article <1992Nov12.071026.429@news.wesleyan.edu> RGINZBERG@eagle.wesleyan.edu (Ruth Ginzberg) writes:
>In <1dsgm3INNqm2@fido.asd.sgi.com> schreiber@schreiber.asd.sgi.com writes:
>
>> 
>> When does the body lose the greater amount of energy:
>> -when the ambiant temperature is too hot therefore causing sweating?
>> -when the ambiant temperature is too cold?
>
>I believe the U.S. Army once did a study & found that Army personnel stationed
>in Alaska during the winter consumed 1.5x as many calories of food rations as
>did Army personnel stationed in tropical climates during warm weather.

I've also read that caloric consumption goes up considerably.

Unfortunately, this does not necessarily translate into an effective weight
loss mechanism as Pearson & Shaw recommend in their weight loss book,
as discussed in Adiposity 101.
-- 
Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX          ...!tektronix!reed!omen!caf 
Author of YMODEM, ZMODEM, Professional-YAM, ZCOMM, and DSZ
  Omen Technology Inc    "The High Reliability Software"
17505-V NW Sauvie IS RD   Portland OR 97231   503-621-3406
Organization: Psychology, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA
From: dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer)
Subject: Re: Legality/availability of l-tryptophan through import
Organization: S.P. Dyer Computer Consulting, Cambridge MA
Distribution: na
Date: Sat, 7 Nov 1992 20:04:08 GMT

Why not buy l-tryptophan thru the Sigma or other chemical supply
catalogues?

-- 
Steve Dyer
dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
Xref: sparky sci.med:20946 alt.psychoactives:1481
From: nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu (David Nye)
Newsgroups: sci.med,alt.psychoactives
Subject: Re: Zoloft (antidepressant) -- cost compared to Prozac?
Date: 13 Nov 92 05:28:28 -0600
Organization: University of Wisconsin Eau Claire

In article <1992Nov12.041908.29768@u.washington.edu>, hhll@stein.u.washington.edu (Steven Hodas) writes:
> Prozac does _not_ tend to ultimately reduce the frequency or severity of
> headache but exacerbates them. Zoloft, on the other hand, is fairly widely
> prescribed for migraine relief, although, unfortunately. it didn't help
> me. 

Prozac was tried for migraines too when it first came out and found to be of
little use.  I suspect the interest in Zoloft as an antimigraine medication
will dissipate as well.  There are many subclasses of serotonin receptors now
known, some with opposite effects.

David Nye
nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu
From: dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer)
Newsgroups: sci.med
Subject: Re: Codeine and Headaches: Question !
Date: 11 Nov 92 08:50:30 GMT
Article-I.D.: spdcc.1992Nov11.085030.18129
Organization: S.P. Dyer Computer Consulting, Cambridge MA

8mg of codeine can safely be called a "homeopathic" amount, as far
as any effect on pain in a normal adult is concerned.  Perhaps that
is why you are finding it gives you such relief. :-\

4 of these tablets would give you much too much acetaminophen,
and just barely enough codeine to begin to measure a pain relief
score.  8-32mg might be enough to suppress cough or cause
constipation, however.

Perhaps you should see a neurologist instead of an osteopath.
S/he may be able to select a treatment which may prevent these
headaches from developing and/or minimize their severity when they
do occur.

-- 
Steve Dyer
dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
From: paj@uk.co.gec-mrc (Paul Johnson)
Newsgroups: sci.med
Subject: Re: Ingesting urine
Date: 12 Nov 92 16:17:05 GMT
Reply-To: paj@uk.co.gec-mrc (Paul Johnson)
Organization: GEC-Marconi Research Centre, Great Baddow, UK

I recall a few months ago there was a thing about urine being a
jet-lag preventative.  Apparently it contains the hormone seratonin,
especially in the morning.  Drinking this will reset your body clock.

No I'm NOT going to try it!

Paul.

-- 
Paul Johnson (paj@gec-mrc.co.uk).	    | Tel: +44 245 73331 ext 3245
--------------------------------------------+----------------------------------
These ideas and others like them can be had | GEC-Marconi Research is not
for $0.02 each from any reputable idealist. | responsible for my opinions