tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
High and low intensity interventions for smoking cessation during pregnancy, an RCT
Authors: Andriani Loukopoulou, Constandine Vardavas, Marios Kougias, Nektarios Anagnostopoulos, George Farmakides, Manolis Tzatzarakis, Aristidis Tsatsakis, Vassiliki Evangelopoulou, Panagiotis Behrakis
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Introduction: The highest smoking rates in the world among female smokers are recorded in Greece, where 39% of women smoke (WHO 2009); in this context some women continue smoking during pregnancy.

Aims and objectives: The aim of this RCT is to test whether offering pregnant smokers a high intensity intervention for smoking cessation increases the rate of smoking cessation, in comparison to a usual care low intensity intervention.

Methods: The high intensity intervention (n=24) included: 30 minutes of cognitive-behavioural intervention and a self-help manual. The control group (n=30) received 5 minutes of low intensity intervention. Smoking cessation was biochemically validated by urine cotinine samples both at the baseline and around the 32nd week of gestation among both groups (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: [NCT01210118][1]).

Results: The preliminary results indicate a significantly higher percentage of pregnant smokers quit smoking in the experimental group (20.8%) than in the control group (6.7%). Urine cotinine levels ranges were similar in both groups before the intervention. A significant decrease in urine cotinine concentrations after the intervention, were noted among both groups with the participants of the experimental group found to have a larger decrease in cotinine concentrations (control by 326±63 ng/ml vs. experimental group 402,± 119 ng/ml).

Conclusions: These preliminary results indicate that a high intensity intervention was found more effective than a low intensity intervention for smoking cessation during pregnancy, indicating its possible usefulness within clinical practice.

 [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT01210118&atom=%2Ferj%2F38%2FSuppl_55%2Fp1795.atom
Atopic prurigo nodularis responds to intravenous immunoglobulins
Authors: L. Feldmeyer, S. Werner, J. Kamarashev, L.E. French, G.F.L. Hofbauer
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2011)

Journal Article Atopic prurigo nodularis responds to intravenous immunoglobulins Get access L. Feldmeyer, L. Feldmeyer Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Gloriastrasse 31, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar S. Werner, S. Werner Private Practice, Via dal Bagn 16, 7500 St Moritz, Switzerland E‐mail: laurence.feldmeyer@usz.ch Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar J. Kamarashev, J. Kamarashev Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Gloriastrasse 31, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar L.E. French, L.E. French Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Gloriastrasse 31, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar G.F.L. Hofbauer G.F.L. Hofbauer Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Gloriastrasse 31, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 166, Issue 2, 1 February 2012, Pages 461–462, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10587.x Published: 01 February 2012
Use of a genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism array-based chromosomal analysis to evaluate uniparental disomy (UPD) in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).
Authors: N. Lourenço, J. Emile, S. Brahimi, J. Bachet, F. Jardin, J. Tran van Nhieu, J. Coindre, C. Penna
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2010)

10044 Background: Gain or loss of chromosome arms are frequently detected in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and have been correlated with outcome in some series. However, neither metaphase cytogenetics nor comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) can detect uniparental disomy (UPD), that have recently been shown to have important clinical impact in leukemias. To complement cytogenetic studies and to identify cryptic DNA alterations, we analyzed GIST samples with high density arrays. Methods: We performed genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and copy number variant (CNV) analysis of tumor DNA obtained from 22 patients with GIST using high density arrays (HAD) containing 370,000 markers. All cases were KIT positive and had a KIT exon 11 mutation. Acquired copy number alterations (CNAs) were confirmed using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) arrays in 12 patients. High and low CNAs were define as tumors with more >5 and 1 to 4 chromosome arm involved respectively. CDKN2A/2B locus was analyzed by quantitative multiplex PCR (QMPSF). Results: Quantitative or qualitative chromosome alterations were detected in all cases, and mainly involved a whole chromosome arm. As expected, frequent loss of 1p, 22q, 14q and 15q were present, however the most frequent alterations were polysomy and UPD which were present in 18/22 and 15/22 of GISTs respectively. Five patients had high UPD, all of which also had high polysomy. The 10 patients with low UPD, had either high (n=2), low (n=6) or no (n=2) polysomy, and high (n=5), low (n=4) and no (n=1) loss. UPD was detected in 29/39 different chromosome arms, and 11p, 11q and 4q were the most frequently involved. CNAs did not correlate with localization, KIT mutation and clinical outcome of GISTs. SNP analysis also revealed more than 1,500 homo- heterozygoty breakpoint loci, of which 74 and 45 involved the same gene locus in 3 tumors and >3 tumors respectively. Breakpoints in the CDKN2A/2B locus were confirmed by QM-PSF. Conclusions: This genome-wide array analysis reveals that UPD is a frequent genetic alteration in GIST. Larger series are necessary to evaluate the prognostic impact of UPD in GIST. Author Disclosure Employment or Leadership Position Consultant or Advisory Role Stock Ownership Honoraria Research Funding Expert Testimony Other Remuneration Novartis Novartis
Phase III intermittent MAB vs continuous MAB
Authors: F. M. Calais Da Silva, F. Calais Da Silva, A. Bono, M. Brausi, P. Whelan, A. Queimadelos, J. Portillo, J. Portillo, Z. Kirkali, C. Robertson
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2006)

4513 Background: Patients with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer cannot be cured with any of the therapeutic tools available today. Methods: After an initial induction treatment of three months, with CPA 200 mg for two week’s and then monthly depot injections of LHRH analogue (decaptyl) plus 200 mg of CPA daily in 766 patients with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, 626 patients whose PSA decreased below 4 or to 80% below their initial value, were randomised to intermittent or continuous therapy. Results: Among the 314 patients on Intermittent therapy, 50% have been off therapy for at least 52 weeks following the initial LHRH therapy, 29% have been off therapy for over 36 months. For the 197 patients whose PSA went down to ≤ 2 ng/ml, the median time off therapy was 74 weeks. When these patients returned to therapy they had a median of 14 weeks of treatment, followed by a second period off therapy, median 70 weeks. Patients with PSA &lt; 2 ng/ml have spent a median of 82% of their time receiving no therapy.After a median follow up of 51 months, 321 patients have died: 162 in the Intermittent arm compared to 159 in the Continuous arm (HR = 1.03 [95% confidence interval 0.83, 1.28; p = 0.79]). Estimated survival at 5 years was 53.8% in the Intermittent Group and 51.0% in the Continuous Group.Subjective or Objective progression was noted in 224 patients, 113 on the intermittent arm and 111 on the continuous arm with a hazard ratio of 1.09 (95% CI 0.84, 1.42), p=0.52. The main differences in quality of life between the two arms of the study were confined to sexual function.Sexual activity was significantly greater (p&lt;0.01) in the intermittent arm with 41% of men reporting sexual activity at 9 months, 40% at 15 months and 35% at 21 months.The most commonly reported side effects were hot flushes, were more frequently among those on Continuous Therapy, 30% of continuous patients compared to 20% of intermittent patients, p &lt; 0.01. Conclusions: There is no evidence that Intermittent therapy leads to a significantly elevated hazard of dying (p = 0.79) or to a greater subjective or objective progression (p = 0.52) and with less impact on quality of live and less medication, patients with PSA &lt; 2 ng/ml on randomisation have spent a median of 82% of their time receiving no therapy. We think that intermittent therapy is an option to use in regular clinic. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Late-breaking abstract: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, asbestosis and mesothelioma, trends for England and Wales: Is asbestos exposure associated with IPF?
Authors: Carl Reynolds, Christopher Barber, Paul Cullinan
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Background: We hypothesised that a proportion of cases of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) are due to occult environmental or occupational exposures to asbestos.

Aims and objectives: To investigate the ecological associations between IPF, asbestosis and mesothelioma mortality in England and Wales from 1974-2102.

Results:

![Figure][1] 



IPF mortality continues to rise; the male:female ratio is approximately 1.6:1.

![Figure][1] 



IPF, asbestosis and mesothelioma mortality data show a strong positive correlation in men and death rates from each were highest in the North West and South East of England.

Conclusion: These data are consistent with the hypothesis that a proportion of IPF is due to occult asbestos exposure, probably incurred in the workplace. The high rates of IPF mortality in the North West and South East of England may be due to historically high levels of asbestos dust exposure from shipyard work.

 [1]: pending:yes
Abstract 19873: Prognostic Value of Thermodilution-derived Coronary Blood Flow Patterns After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Mid-term Left Ventricular Dilation in Patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Akinori Sumiyoshi, Kenichi Fujii, Masashi Fukunaga, Machiko Nishimura, Ten Saita, Tetsuo Horimatsu, Hiroto Tamaru, Kojiro Miki, Takahiro Imanaka, Tohru Masuyama
Journal: Circulation (2014)

Background: We had reported the thermodilution-derived coronary blood flow pattern (CBFP) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) associated with cardiac events in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. It was not well known whether the CBFP associated with the left ventricular (LV) dilation after successful PCI in STEMI patients. Methods: Seventy-five patients with STEMI after PCI were enrolled prospectively in this study. Using a pressure sensor/thermistor-tipped guidewire, CBFP was assessed from the thermodilution-curves after PCI. CBFP was classified into 3 groups according to the shape of thermodilution-curve: a normal CBFP (n=39), a distal-embolization CBFP (n=26), or severe microvascular damage CBFP (n=10). Wall-motion score index (WMSI) and left ventricular diameter assessed by cardiac echo were analyzed within 2 weeks and 6 months after PCI serially. Percent change LV diastolic diameter (LVDd) was defined as (LVDd at 6monthes - LVDd at acute phase) / LVDd at acute pha...
Pharmacokinetic, bioavailability, and feasibility study of oral vinorelbine in patients with solid tumors.
Authors: E K Rowinsky, D A Noe, D L Trump, E P Winer, V S Lucas, W A Wargin, J A Hohneker, B Lubejko, S E Sartorius, D S Ettinger
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1994)

PURPOSE The feasibility of administering vinorelbine (Navelbine, Burroughs Wellcome Co, Research Triangle Park, NC), a semisynthetic vinca alkaloid with broad activity, as a liquid-filled gelatin capsule was evaluated in a bioavailability (F) and pharmacokinetic study. PATIENTS AND METHODS Each of 17 cancer patients had pharmacokinetic studies performed after receiving vinorelbine 30 mg/m2 intravenously (IV), which is the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) for weekly IV administration, and twice after receiving the oral formulation at a nominal dose of 100 mg/m2. Subsequently, these patients and 10 other subjects received the oral formulation at a dose of 100 mg/m2/wk to evaluate the feasibility of chronic oral administration. RESULTS Plasma drug disposition was well described by a triphasic model. Mean central volume of distribution and steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) were large (0.66 +/- 0.46 L/kg and 20.02 +/- 8.55 L/kg, respectively); the mean harmonic terminal half-life (t1/2) was long (18 hours); and the high mean clearance (CI) rate (0.80 +/- 0.68 L/h/kg) approached hepatic blood flow. F was low (0.27 +/- 12), and absorption was rapid (mean time of maximum plasma concentration [Tmax], 0.91 +/- 0.22 hours). Absorption parameters after the first and second oral doses were similar, with mean F values of 0.27 +/- 0.14 and 0.25 +/- 0.11, respectively. Coefficients of variability (CVs) for F, maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), and Tmax were 32%, 42%, and 78%, respectively, indicating moderate intraindividual variability. The pharmacologic profile of this oral formulation indicates that there is a large first-pass effect. Neutropenia was the principal toxicity of oral vinorelbine. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in 63% of patients, but only 11% developed neutropenia and infection. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were also common with oral administration, but these effects were rarely severe and could be ameliorated by using a divided-dose schedule and/or prophylactic antiemetic and antidiarrheal agents. The mean nominal oral dose was 82 mg/m2, and the mean percentage of intended dose that was received was 92%. Although dose escalations were permitted for negligible toxicity, doses were not escalated to greater than 100 mg/m2/wk in any patient. Vinorelbine given as a liquid-filled gelatin capsule at 100 mg/m2 provided equivalent pharmacologic exposure as 30 mg/m2 IV. CONCLUSION The oral administration of vinorelbine, specifically as a liquid-filled, soft gelatin capsule, is a feasible route of administration. Weekly oral dosing at 100 mg/m2 induces a consistent degree of myelosuppression, but the high frequency of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, albeit brief and uncomplicated, warrants the recommendation of a slightly lower starting dose, ie, 80 mg/m2/d, for subsequent phase II evaluations, especially in heavily pretreated patients.
Childhood tuberculosis in Iasi County, Romania: 10 years review
Authors: Violeta Cojocariu, Adriana Sorete Arbore, Rodica Sorete Arbore
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

TB represents a major healthcare problem in Romania.  The incidence of TB in children registered, in Iasi County, significant annual changes (47.4%ooo in 2001 to 26%ooo in 2010).  Aim: analysis of TB characteristics in children in a high incidence TB County.  Method: retrospective study of TB cases in persons 0-14 years old, registered and treated 2001- 2010. WHO recommendations were used.  Demographic data, TB contact, site of TB, bacteriological status, co morbidities and treatment results were followed up.  Results: 763 children were notified in 10 years, males -52%; 70.2% from rural area,  TB contact – 47.5%.  TB meningitis – 4.8%(37), disseminated TB - 0.9% (7).  HIV positive were 5.5%.  88.3% cases were extra pulmonary TB, 11.6% pulmonary TB.  Bacteriological status: 132 Mt culture positive (19.2%). Out of 63 Mt strains with DST, 84.1% were susceptible.  Treatment results: successful 9.9%, died 2.6%.  Treatment results in 10 MDRTB cases: 70% success, 10% default and 20% in treatment.  Out of 42 HIV positive TB cases: 71.4% were successfully treated, 21.4% died, 2.3% failed, 2.3% defaulted.  Conclusions:  1. High TB incidence in childhood, important percent of bacteriological confirmation and severe TB forms point out the gravity of TB endemic in this area;  2. Death rate – 2.6% in this cohort was registered mainly in HIV co infected cases and TB meningitis;  3. Despite of co infection and MDRTB, the success rate was high: 92.9%;  4. TB in child hood is an important marker for TB endemic in Iasi area and pulmonologists need to focus on accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Asthma: Basic Mechanisms and Clinical Management
Journal: Thorax (1993)

Book notices ally thousands of exercise tests on normal subjects and patients, especially humbling.The book also highlights how far respiratory physiologists are willing to risk their lives and personal comfort in the interest of science.In particular, a new species has been named-the CARP (completely apnoeic respiratory physiologist).The book needs a chapter that brings together all the ideas into a general overview.The symposium seems to have highlighted not only how far we have advanced in our understanding of breathlessness, but also how far we were away from the answer 25 years ago.This book is certainly not for the casual reader, and does not make easy bedtime reading.However, for anybody who is intending to work in respiratory failure, respiratory muscles, or measurement of sensations and functional capacity in breathless patients, it is essential reading and an excellent source of references.All in all, this book makes a fitting tribute to the illustrious career of Moran Campbell.
FeNO measurements in pregnant asthmatic women
Authors: Marita Nittner-Marszalska, Anna Dor-Wojnarowska, Hanna Marszalska, Robert Pawlowicz, Maria Kraus-Filarska, Bernard Panaszek
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

BACKGROUND: The measurement of severity and control of asthma can be based on subjective or objective measures. It has been advocated that fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) can be used to monitor airway inflammation as it correlates with some markers of asthma.  The aim of our study was to assess the clinical usefulness of the assessment of FeNO for monitoring asthma during pregnancy.  METHODS: It was a prospective cross-sectional study. We evaluated the medical data of 72 pregnant asthmatic women: FeNo results, atopic status, spirometry and ACT (asthma control test) (monthly, 257 visits in all; first visit between 8-22 Hbd). We assessed asthma severity on the basis of anamnesis considering mean doses of inhaled glucocorticosteroids taken by the patients and a management approach based on control according to the newest guidelines of Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) throughout the last three months before pregnacy.  RESULTS: We did not find correlation between FeNO levels at visit one (pregnancy) and asthma severity before pregnancy (p=0.97). In 22 women with worsening asthma during pregnancy, the mean FeNO during visits without asthma symptoms and with asthma worsening did not differ. A comparison of FeNO levels in the groups of women with well controlled asthma during pregnancy and FeNO with visits without asthma symptoms in the group of women with at least one asthma exacerbation did not differ. There was a statistically significant but low correlation between FeNO levels and ACT total scores results, and FeNO levels and FEV1 (r=0,21 and r=0,25 respectivelly).  CONCLUSIONS: FeNO does not seem to be clinically applicable to predict asthma prognosis during pregnancy, esspecialy beacouse of its high coefficient variation.
Impact of triplicate testing on HIV genotypic tropism prediction in routine clinical practice
Authors: J. Symons, L. Vandekerckhove, R. Paredes, C. Verhofstede, R. Bellido, E. Demecheleer, P.M. van Ham, S.F.L. van Lelyveld, A.J. Stam, D. van Versendaal, M. Nijhuis, A.M.J. Wensing
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection (2011)
Challenges and opportunities of the Internet for medical oncology.
Authors: L M Glodé
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1996)

PURPOSE The internet, and in particular the world wide web (www), has a rapidly increasing potential to provide information for oncologists and their patients about cancer biology and treatment. A brief overview of this environment is given along with examples of how easily the information is accessed as a means of introducing the web page of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), ASCO OnLine. METHODS Oncology information sources on the www were accessed from the author's home using a 14.4 kbs modem, Netscape browser (Netscape communications Corp, Mountain View, CA), and the locations recorded for tabulation and discussion. RESULTS Overwhelming amounts of oncology-related information are now available via the Internet. CONCLUSION Oncology as a subspecialty is ideally suited to apply the newest information technology to traditional needs in areas of education, research, and patient care. Oncologists will increasingly act as information guides rather than information resources for patients and their families with cancer.
Haemophilus influenzae meningitis in Catalonia, Spain: epidemiology and bacteriologic characteristics
Authors: C. Latorre, V. Pineda, T. Juncosa, C. Muñoz, Ă. Domínguez, R. Bou, D. Fontanals, I. Sanfeliu, I. Pons, N. Margall, F. Sánchez, R. Pericas, E. Lobera
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection (2000)
Detection of patients with lung cancer out of a risk group by breath sample presentation to sniffer dogs
Authors: Rainer Ehmann, Enole Boedeker, Uwe Friedrich, Jutta Sagert, Thorsten Walles, Godehard Friedel
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Objective:  Prognosis of patients with lung cancer (LC) largely depends on early diagnosis. Previous studies reported successful detection of LC in exhaled breath samples using sniffer dogs. However, questions remain concerning the discrimination potential of these approaches regarding LC and chronic inflammatory lung conditions, such as COPD.   Methods:  In a prospective study we tested exhaled breath samples of patients with LC (group A), patients with COPD (group B) and healthy individuals (group C). Four sniffer dogs were trained to identify LC in human exhaled breath samples with each breath sample used only once. For analysing the diagnostic accuracy of LC detection, each dog performed the following tests in a standardized fashion: I) group A (n=10) vs group C (n=40), II) group A (n=5) vs group B+C (n=20), III) group A (n=10) vs group B (n=40).   Results:  Sensitivity and specificity were in test I) LC vs healthy individuals 50% and 88% resp., in test II) LC vs mixed collective of COPD patients and healthy individuals 95% and 95% resp., and in test III) LC vs COPD 80% and 95% resp. Overall test sensitivity was 90% (CI 0,78-0,97), specificity 72% (CI 0,51-0,88), PPV 86% (CI 0,74-0,94) and NPV 78% (CI 0,56-0,93), inter-rater variability k=0,436 given the experimental conditions. Tests were analyzed for confounders (study population, smoking habits, nutrition, medication).   Conclusions:  Exhaled breath analysis is a promising approach towards future non-invasive LC screening methods. By using sniffer dogs as a “detection device”, our results set a benchmark for the identification of LC in exhaled breath samples and the discrimination of LC and COPD.