tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
A controlled assessment of an asthma self-management plan involving a budesonide dose regimen. OPTIONS Research Group
Authors: JG Ayres, LM Campbell
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1996)

Our aim was to assess the efficacy of budesonide (Pulmicort Turbohaler Astra) used as part of a self-management plan in a group of patients with chronic asthma. One hundred and twenty five patients with nocturnal asthma symptoms, despite the use of inhaled prophylactic and beta 2-agonist therapy, were randomized to inhaled budesonide 200, 400 or 800 micrograms b.i.d. either with dose adjustments made by the physician, i.e. doctor-managed (DM; n = 64), or as part of a self-management plan (SM; n = 61). The SM group were allowed to adjust their dose according to written guidelines based on morning peak flow. At the end of the 6 month treatment period, there were no significant differences detected between the DM and the SM groups either from the clinic or diary card data. Both groups demonstrated a significant reduction in the number of sleep-disturbed nights, by 75% in the DM group and 77% in the SM group, at the end of the study. In conclusion, for patients with mild-to-moderate asthma, either a doctor-adjusted dose regimen or a peak flow based self-management plan involving budesonide is equally efficacious. For some patients, a simple regimen, adjusted by the physician at clinic visits, may be easier to follow.
Management of Malignant Dysphagia by Intubation at Endoscopy
Authors: Michael Atkinson, Roger Ferguson, A L Ogilvie
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1979)

A method of relieving dysphagia in inoperable oesophagogastric neoplasms by per oral intubation using the Nottingham tube introducer was attempted in 63 patients with 3 failures. Twelve patients died within 10days of intubation, including 4 from a perforation of the growth sustained during the procedure, and 51 patients left hospital swallowing satisfactorily. The average period of survival was 3 months and 10patients survived for a year or more, including 2 in whom the tube was removed after regression of a squamous carcinoma following radiotherapy. Endoscopic per oral intubation is a simple and relatively safe procedure which when used in patients with oesophagogastric neoplasms gives adequate symptomatic relief and allows home management in the terminal stages of the illness.
Abstract 1261: Plasma Metabolomic Profiles Predict Future Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Svati H Shah, Jie-Lena Sun, Karen Pieper, David R Crosslin, Carol Haynes, James R Bain, Michael Muehlbauer, Robert D Stevens, Elizabeth R Hauser, William E Kraus, Christopher B Newgard, Christopher B Granger, Robert M Califf, L. K Newby
Journal: Circulation (2009)
Distinct Requirements for Optimal Growth and In Vitro Expansion of Human CD34+CD38− Bone Marrow Long-Term Culture-Initiating Cells (LTC-IC), Extended LTC-IC, and Murine In Vivo Long-Term Reconstituting Stem Cells
Authors: Veslemøy Ramsfjell, David Bryder, Helga Björgvinsdóttir, Sten Kornfält, Lars Nilsson, Ole J. Borge, Sten E.W. Jacobsen
Journal: Blood (1999)
Smoking habits among students of the Medical University of Tunisia
Authors: Mouna Berraies, Besma Ourari, Jihen Ben Amar, Leila El Gharbi, Saloua Azzabi, Med Ali Baccar, Hichem Aouina, Hend Bouacha
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

The addiction to tobacco remains a significant problem in the context of healthcare staff. We conducted this study aiming to assess the smoking habits among medical students and their knowledge about smoking.  A prospective study was undertaken between October and November 2012 in which a standardised, anonymous, self-completion questionnaire in French was administered to 100 medical students at the Charles Nicolle hospital.  A total number of 100 medical students were included in this study. Mean age was 25 years. The majority was female (58%). The prevalence of smoking among medical students was found to be 38%. Nicotine-dependency was low. All medical students smoke in hospital. The knowledge about tabacco composition and adverse effects was average.  The smoking behaviour of patients was seen to be an important concern for the doctor and this opinion, uninfluenced by their own smoking behaviour, grew stronger as students progressed through their course.  There is a high prevalence of smoking and a mean knowledge about its impact on health among medical students. More attention is needed to focus on medical education in this regard.
Umeclidinium (GSK573719) dose response and dosing interval in COPD
Authors: Alison Church, Misba Beerahee, Jean Brooks, Rashmi Mehta, Palvi Shah
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Introduction:  Dose differentiation is important in selecting COPD treatments.   Objective:  Characterize umeclidinium (UMEC), a long-acting muscarinic antagonist, dose response in COPD patients.   Methods:  Randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover study. Subjects were randomized to a sequence of 3 treatments for 7 days separated by a 10–14 day washout. Four once-daily (OD) UMEC doses (15.6, 31.25, 62.5, 125mcg) or 2 twice-daily (BID) doses (15.6, 31.25mcg) were administered via dry powder inhaler. Tiotropium (18mcg) was an active control. Primary endpoint was morning trough FEV 1  on Day 8; population model analysis was applied with ANCOVA. Serial FEV 1 , pharmacokinetics and safety were examined.  Post hoc  analysis of the primary endpoint was performed without one investigative site due to poor study practices.   Results:  163 subjects (mean age 59.5yrs, 52% female) were randomized. Emax dose response in trough FEV 1  was characterized with OD dose ordering of UMEC 125>62.5>31.25=15.6mcg. A high potency ED50 (37mcg, 95% CI: 18–57, OD regimen) was estimated.  Post hoc  results were similar. 125mcg OD had more consistent increases in FEV 1  from baseline across serial timepoints over 24h compared with other UMEC doses and tiotropium. No advantage of BID over OD dosing was observed. Drug absorption and elimination were rapid. AEs were highest with UMEC 125mcg OD (18%), placebo (8%), tiotropium (4%), other UMEC doses (5–12%). Two non-drug related, non-fatal SAEs (acute respiratory failure, 15.6mcg OD; myocardial infarction, 31.25mcg OD) were reported.   Conclusions:  Dose response for umeclidinium was in the order 125>62.5>31.25=15.6mcg; a once-daily dosing interval was confirmed.  GlaxoSmithKline funded (AC4115321; NCT01372410).
Deficiency of 11 beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Reduces Systemic Inflammation and Inflammatory Cell Infiltration in Atherosclerotic Lesions of ApoE-/- Mice
Authors: T. M. J. Kipari, P. W. F. Hadoke, T. Man, C. White, B. R. Walker, J. S. Savill, K. E. Chapman, J. R. Seckl
Journal: Endocrine Reviews (2010)
PWE-006 Does premedication with hyoscine in routine colonoscopy affect caecal intubation rate and time? A randomised trial: Abstract PWE-006
Authors: R P Arasaradnam, C Nwokolo
Journal: Gut (2010)

<h3>Introduction</h3> The routine use of hyoscine as premedication in colonoscopy has been much debated with varying practice throughout the UK. Earlier studies reported quicker intubation times and even improved ileal intubation rates with others, showing no effect.12 The aim of this study was to determine the effect on caecal intubation rate and time with use of hyoscine as premedication during diagnostic colonoscopy. <h3>Methods</h3> 115 consecutive patients undergoing routine diagnostic colonoscopy performed by a single endoscopist were recruited in a teaching hospital setting. Age and sex matched patients (67 male and 68 female) were randomised to receive either intravenous 20 mg hyoscine (n=59) or 5 ml normal saline (n=56) as part of their premedication. <h3>Result</h3> Although median time to caecum was shorter in the hyoscine group, this was not statistically significant (p=0.25); (adjusted for age, sex, number of operations and type of instrument used (standard Olympus CF240L vs variable stiffness CF 240DL)). Similarly, adjusted caecal intubation rates were not significantly different between the two groups. In the hyoscine group, there were three failed completion colonoscopy due to impassable sigmoid stricture (one malignant). Withdrawal times were similar in both groups (9.2±2.0) min. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Premedication with hyoscine does not appear to affect caecal intubation times or rates in diagnostic colonoscopy. There was a trend towards improved ileal intubation rate in the placebo group but this was not statistically significant.
Phase II study of combination chemotherapy using irinotecan and nedaplatin for patients with primary advanced or recurrent cervical cancer
Authors: M. Ohwada, S. Machida, H. Fujiwara, R. Konno, M. Takano, T. Kita, Y. Kikuchi, S. Komiyama, M. Mikami, M. Suzuki
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2004)

5088 Background: Cisplatin and bleomycin are key drugs for the chemotherapy of cervical cancer, and pulmonary toxicity due to bleomycin is a serious problem. We performed a phase II study to evaluate combination chemotherapy consisting of irinotecan(CPT) and nedaplatin(N) for patients with primary advanced or recurrent cervical cancer aimed at avoiding pulmonary toxicity caused by bleomycin and improving the prognosis. Methods: This study included 41 patients with cervical cancer, having measurable diseases. 21 patients were primary advanced cases and 20 patients were recurrent cases who received radiotherapy in previous therapy. The regimen of CPT/N chemotherapy established by our phase I study (Oncology 2003:65;102–7) consisted of 50 mg/m2 of CPT administered three times over two weeks (day 1, 8, 15) and 60 mg/m2 of N intravenously infused as a single dose (day 1). This course was repeated at 4-week intervals. The response rates and adverse events were investigated. Results: The response rates (CR+PR) in primary advanced and recurrent diseases were 81% and 40%, respectively. Concerning grade 3/4 adverse events, the incidences of leukopenia, neutropenia, nausea, and diarrhea were 40%, 38%, 8%, and 8%, respectively. No serious adverse events including pulmonary toxicity were observed. Conclusions: This regimen was effective and tolerable for patients with primary advanced and recurrent cervical cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Effective initial therapy of advanced breast cancer with fluorouracil and high-dose, continuous infusion calcium leucovorin.
Authors: K A Margolin, J H Doroshow, S A Akman, L A Leong, R J Morgan, J W Raschko, G Somlo, C Blevins
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1992)

The use of leucovorin (LV) to modulate fluorouracil (FU)-mediated inhibition of thymidylate synthase has been shown both in vitro and in vivo to improve the antitumor activity of this drug. Based on our previous demonstration that this combination was active in heavily pretreated patients with prior FU exposure, we performed a phase II study of FU and high-dose intravenous calcium LV in patients with advanced breast cancer who had been exposed to no more than one prior chemotherapy regimen.Fifty-one female patients with metastatic breast cancer were entered onto this trial. Patients with metastatic disease limited to soft tissue, lymph nodes, skin, and pulmonary nodules were allowed no prior chemotherapy for advanced disease. Those with metastases in the liver or a lymphangitic pattern on chest x-ray were allowed either a single prior regimen for advanced disease or no therapy for metastatic disease if less than 1 year had elapsed since the completion of adjuvant chemotherapy. FU was given daily for 5 days at 400 mg/m2/d with calcium LV, 500 mg/m2/d, beginning 24 hours before and continuing 12 hours after the first and last FU doses, respectively.The overall objective response rate among 45 eligible patients was 36% (95% confidence interval, 22% to 51%). Fourteen of 31 patients in the soft tissue category responded (45%), and two of 14 in the visceral category experienced an objective response (14%). The median response duration was 5 months. Toxicities were moderate leukopenia and mucositis.FU plus LV is an active first-line regimen with antitumor efficacy comparable to that of the anthracyclines, which warrants further exploration in combination with other agents active in advanced breast cancer. FU plus LV in this schedule is also an excellent alternative for patients with medical contraindications to more intensive combination chemotherapy regimens.
Abstract 3634: Postoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a surrogate marker for recurrence of gastric cancer
Authors: Hiroaki Tanaka, Kazuya Muguruma, Katsunobu Sakurai, Takahiro Toyokawa, Naoshi Kubo, Masaichi Ohira, Kosei Hirakawa
Journal: Cancer Research (2014)

Abstract Tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 19-9 are both widely used in the follow up of patients with gastric cancer. However, there are no definitive predictive markers for postopetrative recurrence. It has been reported that preoperative neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was associated with prognosis of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of postoperative NLR on prediction for postoperative recurrence of gastric cancer. We retrospective reviewed data from 133 patients underwent curative surgical resection for gastric cancer between 2006 and 2010. Patients treated with preoperative chemotherapy or multiple cancers were excluded. We found 52 recurrent diseases which mainly included 29 cases with peritoneal dissemination, 13 with distant lymph node metastasis and 7 with liver metastasis. In univariate analysis, histological diffuse type, mascroscopical type 4 cancer, regional lymph node metastasis, lymphatic invasion in primary tumor, tumor diameter, elevated CEA or CA19-9, and elevated NLR. By ultivariate analysis, we found that elevated CA19-9 and NLR were independent predictive markers. Increased NLR was associated with diffuse type, peritoneal ddissemination, elevated CEA and preoperative NLR but not the presence or absence of adjuvant chemotherapy. In conclusion, postoperative NLR might be one of the surrogate markers for recurrence after curative surgery for gastric cancer. Citation Format: Hiroaki Tanaka, Kazuya Muguruma, Katsunobu Sakurai, Takahiro Toyokawa, Naoshi Kubo, Masaichi Ohira, Kosei Hirakawa. Postoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a surrogate marker for recurrence of gastric cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3634. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3634
A phase I-II study of liposomal doxorubicin (LD) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) not suitable for loco-regional therapy
Authors: G. Cartei, F. Zustovich, A. Murrone, S. Zovato, S. Binato, M. Mattiazzi, F. Farinati, G. Zanus, U. Cillo, D. Pastorelli
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2005)

4227 Background: There is no gold standard pharmacological treatment for HCC not suitable for loco-regional therapy. Antracyclines have been often used for the chemotherapy of HCC with low efficacy and its well known toxicity. New drugs and LD in particular could enhance the effectiveness of treatment and reduce side-effects. Methods: We enrolled 24 patients (pts) with histological diagnosis of HCC, adequate haematological function, not suitable for loco-regional treatment; median age 59.5 (range 31–82); male/female=20/4; PS=0 in 20 pts and PS=1 in 4 pts; 10 pts had metastatic disease; prior treatments: TACE (Trans Arterial ChemoEmbolization)=6 pts, PEI=4, surgery=4, RFTA=2, liver transplant=4, chemotherapy=2; 13 pts had C hild-Pough A-B cirrhosis HBV-HCV related. LD (CAELIXR) was administered at increased dose from 35 to 50mg/m2 (5 mg-step) every 21 days. CT scane response evaluation was performed every 3 cycles and treatment was continued until disease progression or major toxicity. Results: All PTS were valuable for toxicity: no G3–4 toxicity occurred; 1 pt had G2 PPE, G2 neutropenia and G2 thrombo-cytopenia. 21 ptswere valuable for response: 1PR, 9 SD, 11 PD. 21 pts were valuable for TTP: median was 4.76+ months (range 0.8–24.4), OS 6.5 months (range 0.8–24.4). Conclusions: LD is safe and moderately effective in treatment of HCC. No life-threatening and/or G3–4 toxicity was experienced and disease control rate was 47%. The MTD has not been reached; the study is ongoing. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Long-term quality of life after breast cancer: comparison of 8-year survivors with population controls.
Authors: M Dorval, E Maunsell, L Deschênes, J Brisson, B Mâsse
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1998)

PURPOSE Quality of life of breast cancer survivors 8 years after diagnosis was compared with that among similarly aged women who had never confronted cancer (controls). METHODS Survivors of a consecutive series of 227 breast cancer patients first treated in 1984 were approached for this study. Random-digit dialing was used to identify controls with the same age and residential distribution as the survivors. Quality of life was assessed in terms of physical health, functional status, psychologic distress, and social functioning. RESULTS Participation was obtained from 96% (n = 124) of 129 eligible survivors and 61% (n = 262) of 427 potentially eligible controls. Consistently smaller proportions of survivors reported positive quality-of-life outcomes compared with controls, but these differences were generally small and nonsignificant statistically. When limited to women who remained free of disease over the entire follow-up period (n = 98), survivors' quality of life was similar to that among controls, with the exception of arm problems and sexual satisfaction for those women who lived with a partner. In contrast, survivors who developed recurrence or new primary breast cancer (n = 26) experienced a worse quality of life in all domains except social functioning. CONCLUSION In most domains and for women without further disease events after diagnosis, quality of life does not seem to be permanently and globally impaired by breast cancer. Consequently, breast cancer survivors who remain free of disease probably do not need organized late psychosocial follow-up to improve quality of life. However, arm problems and sexuality are two areas in which additional effort may be still needed to improve quality of life of long-term survivors.
Amide side chain amphiphilic polymers disrupt surface established bacterial bio-films and protect mice from chronic Acinetobacter baumannii infection
Authors: Divakara S S M Uppu, Sandip Samaddar, Chandradhish Ghosh, Krishnamoorthy Paramanandham, Bibek R. Shome, Jayanta Haldar
Journal: Biomaterials (2015)
Symptomatic and Incidental Mammary Duct Ectasia
Authors: J Browning, A Bigrigg, I Taylor
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1986)

The histology obtained from 1256 female patients undergoing breast surgery was reviewed. Mammary duct ectasia was noted in 51 (4.2%) patients who had associated symptoms and in 103 (8.1%) patients where duct ectasia was recognized as an incidental finding. The syndrome is defined by primary (nipple change or sepsis) and secondary (pain and lump) symptoms. Formal duct excision gives good results for symptomatic duct ectasia. It is postulated that many women have nonsymptomatic mammary duct ectasia. Secondary infection gives rise to nipple change, lump and pain. In the severe form abscess and fistula formation occurs which necessitates repeated surgical treatment, and rarely mastectomy.
Occupational rhinitis in bell pepper greenhouse workers: determinants of leaving work and the effects of subsequent allergen avoidance on health-related quality of life
Authors: R. Gerth van Wijk, J. A. Patiwael, N. W. de Jong, H. de Groot, A. Burdorf
Journal: Allergy (2011)

Avoidance of occupational allergens or reduction in exposure has been advocated as the mainstay of the management of occupational rhinitis. Sparse data to the effect of allergen avoidance are available.To identify factors that may lead to leaving work and to address the effect of subsequent allergen avoidance on quality of life.A survey to the prevalence of occupational allergy to bell pepper performed in 1999 comprised 472 employees, of which 254 had work-related rhinitis and 228 completed the Rhinitis-related Quality of Life Questionnaire. After 8-year follow-up in 2007, 91 workers with rhinitis in 1999 were available to fill out the questionnaire again and were used to evaluate the course of nasal disease in terms of perceived severity and impact on daily life.Workers with rhinitis at baseline were more likely to leave their job in bell pepper cultivation for another job (OR = 1.62, 95% CI 0.95-2.75). Among the 91 workers, 58 subjects were still at work, whereas 33 subjects had left work. The subjects who left jobs reported substantial improvement in quality of life. The magnitude of the changes ranged from -0.31 to -1. The effect of quitting work on the mean quality of life score amounted -0.76 ± 0.15.The current study is the first large longitudinal studies showing that leaving work and subsequent occupational allergen avoidance have a beneficial effect on rhinitis-related quality of life. The study suggests that occupational rhinitis can be a reason to leave work.
Can sebum reduction predict acne outcome?
Authors: N. Janiczek-Dolphin, J. Cook, D. Thiboutot, J. Harness, A. Clucas
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2010)

Sebum excretion has generally been accepted as an important factor in the development of acne vulgaris. However, the relationship of sebum excretion and acne outcome has not yet been clearly demonstrated quantitatively. The objective of this analysis was to explore the correlation of sebum and acne by combining data from studies of various acne treatments that have demonstrated effects on both sebum excretion and acne outcome. Acne measures included total lesion count, inflammatory lesion count and acne severity grade. For each acne measure, data were pooled and analysed at the 3- and 4-month endpoints, when sebum reduction has generally equilibrated and efficacy in acne is approaching the maximum effect for most treatments. A linear model was used to describe the percentage reduction in each acne measure as a function of percentage reduction in sebum excretion. Slope values were similar for the three acne parameters and all were significantly different from zero (P < 0·025), suggesting a significant correlation of sebum and acne. The projected sebum reduction required to achieve 50% reduction in acne measures ranged from 30% to 50%. The results shown here suggest that the collective data across multiple studies may provide a useful generalization of the association of sebum reduction and acne outcome. As the relationship apparently remains consistent regardless of the treatment, it can be inferred that extrapolation to novel exploratory treatments may be valid.