tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of respiratory muscular force (RMF) and quality of life (QL) in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) before and after pharmacologic treatment
Authors: Nelson Serrao, Adriana Piccinin, Thais Queluz, Hugo Yoo
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Introduction: Despite numerous studies on drug therapy, little is known about its effects on respiratory muscle function and QL in PAH patients.

Aim: Evaluate RMF and QL of patients with PAH before and after specific pharmacologic treatment (bosentan or sildenafil, agents currently approved for treatment of PAH in Brazil).

Methodology: Descriptive, prospective study of PAH patients evaluated at 3 moments: T0, baseline; T1, from 2 to 4 months after the onset of specific treatment and T2, 4 months after T1. In each time, patients were functionally classified according to the NYHA criteria modified for PH, submitted to 6MWT, RMF measurement, and SF-36 questionnaire for QL. Test t of Student for samples not pared was used.

Results: 22 patients, mean age = 48,2±15,4 yrs (range, 19-81), mean pulmonary arterial pressure = 49,3±18,5 mmHg.

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Conclusion: The results suggest that 6 months of specific pharmacologic treatment does not ameliorate the respiratory muscular function in PAH patients, but might gradually improve the QL in patients with idiopathic PAH.
Diet and Reproductive Hormones: A Study of Vegetarian and Nonvegetarian Postmenopausal Women&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN2"&gt;2&lt;/xref&gt;&lt;xref ref-type="fn" rid="FN3"&gt;3&lt;/xref&gt;
Authors: B K Armstrong, J B Brown, H T Clarke, D K Crooke, R Hähnel, J R Masarei, T Ratajczak
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1981)

In comparison with matched nonvegetarian women, postmenopausal vegetarian women were found to have lower urinary levels of estriol and total estrogens, lower plasma prolactin levels, and higher plasma sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels. These differences were not explained by differences in body weight or obesity. Plasma SHBG levels were highly correlated with plasma high-density Iipoprotein cholesterol levels, which were also higher in vegetarians than in nonvegetarians. These hormonal differences may explain the lower rates of endometrial and possibly breast cancer that have been observed previously in vegetarian women.
Comparative evaluation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) & adenosine deaminase (ADA) in pleural fluid and serum of patients with pleural effusions
Authors: Irene Tsilioni, Markos Minas, Vasiliki Tsolaki, Apostolos Triantaris, Christos Daenas, Eirini Gerogianni, Konstantinos Gourgoulianis
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Background:  High levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) have been suggested for the discrimination between exudative and transudative pleural effusions (PE).   Objectives:  The purpose of this study is to assess the levels of ALP and Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) in the pleural fluid of patients with PE. We also evaluate the usefulness of ALP activity in differentiating transudates from exudates and further in separating tuberculous PE from other causes of exudative effusions (malignant and parapneumonic PE).   Materials and methods:  A total of 60 patients, admitted to our hospital, having PE due to various etiologies were included in this study. The patients were divided into four groups according to the final diagnosis: 27 malignant, 19 parapneumonic, 8 tuberculous and 6 transudative PE.   Results:  Both mean pleural fluid ALP and ADA values were significantly higher in transudates compared to exudates (61.04±58.86 vs. 32.67±10.42 U/mL, p=0.012 and 39.81±41.83 vs. 8.22±4.15 U/L, p=0.0004 respectively). Parapneumonic and tuberculous pleural fluid ALP and ADA levels were significantly higher compared to malignant PE respectively. In ROC curve analysis, sensitivity and specificity values were 98.1% and 83.3% respectively for a cut-off value of 9.2 U/L for pleural ADA and 54.7% and 83.3% respectively for a cut-off value of 45 U/mL.   Conclusion:  Both ADA and ALP showed the same specificity in distinguishing exudative from transudative PE whereas ADA showed greater sensitivity compared to ALP, although both biomarkers were significantly higher in exudates compared to transudates.
Adjuvant bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy in non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphomas: long-term results of a randomized trial in a single institution.
Authors: A Ravaud, H Eghbali, M Trojani, G Hoerni-Simon, P Soubeyran, B Hoerni
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1990)

Between 1973 and 1977, 48 patients less than 65 years old with non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphoma (NHML) of poor prognosis (+/- high grade malignancy, +/- clinical stages III or IV, +/- first or repeated relapse) were included in a prospective clinical trial. After complete remission (CR), obtained with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, patients were randomized to receive bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) or no further therapy. BCG was administered in weekly scarifications up to 3 years. Forty-three patients are assessable. Twenty-four patients have relapsed: nine out of 21 in the BCG group, and 15 out of 22 in the control group. There is a significant difference in favor of the BCG group in disease-free survival (P = .03). Twenty-one patients have died, 18 from NHML: seven in the BCG group, and 11 in the control group. There is a significant difference in favor of the BCG group for overall survival at 10 years (P = .05). A multivariate analysis points out BCG as a significant prognostic factor. Adjuvant BCG may improve particularly disease-free survival and overall survival for patients with clinical stages I and II or intermediate- and high-grade malignancy. These results suggest that in patients less than 65 years old with NHML of poor prognosis, BCG may significantly increase disease-free survival and overall survival.
KRAS, BRAF mutations, and HER2 expression in patients operated for pancreatic adenocarcinomas.
Authors: N. A. Schultz, A. Roslind, M. Heeran, I. J. Christensen, E. V. Høgdall, T. Horn, M. Wøjdemann, E. Balslev, J. S. Johansen
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2010)

4043 Background: The results of cytostatic treatment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) are still disappointing. Standard treatment is still gemcitabine, monotherapy or in combinations. Studies have shown an association between high hENT1 expression and response to Gemcitabine. New biological treatments have been tried with disappointing results. Activation of the KRAS oncogene is a key genetic step in the development and growth of PDAC. Most of these mutations occur in codon 12. Concomitant mutations in codons 13 and 61 are described. In colo-rectal cancer KRAS (codon 12,13) and BRAF (exon15, V600E) mutational status predict the response to treatment with monoclonal antibodies directed against the EGFR. In breast and gastric adenocarcinomas patients with HER3+ and 2+/FISH+ tumors benefits from Trastuzumab treatment. Aim:To describe the frequency of KRAS and BRAF mutations and the expression of HER2 in a population of patients operated for pancreatic (PDAC) and ampullary (AMPC) adenocarcinomas. Methods: Tumor specimens from 277 patients operated at Herlev Hospital were screened for KRAS and BRAF mutations using PCR and LightScanner (Idaho Technology). Samples suspected for mutations were selected for gene sequencing. DNA from KRAS wildtype (WT) samples was analysed again using TheraScreen KRAS mutation kit (DXS diagnostics). HER2 expression was analyzed by IHC, DAKO Hercep Test. Results: In PDAC 20% were WT and 72% had mutations in codon 12 and 13, 8% had other mutations. In AMPC 33% were WT and 55% had mutations in codon 12 and 13, 12% other mutations. Multivariate analysis showed that KRAS mutation was associated with short overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.07-2.05, p = 0.02). Patients with codon 12 Asp or Val mutations had a shorter OS compared to WT and other KRAS mutations (HR = 1.79, 1.35-2.37, p = 0.0001). 22% of PDAC and 40% of ampullary cancers were both KRAS (codon12,13) and BRAF (exon15) WT. 7% PDAC and 13% AMPC were HER2 3+/2+. No association between BRAF or HER2 status and OS was found. Conclusions: We suggest that future studies should evaluate the effect of targeting EGFR in the subgroups of patients with PDAC or ampullary cancer with KRAS (codon 12,13) BRAF WT and HER2 in the HER2 3+, 2+/FISH+ subgroups. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Detection of DNA of<i>Chlamydophila psittaci</i>in subjects with psoriasis: a casual or a causal link?
Authors: G. Stinco, M. Fabris, E. Pasini, E. Pontarini, M.M. Patriarca, F. Piccirillo, S. De Vita, R. Dolcetti
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2012)

Recent evidence indicates that subclinical infection by Chlamydophila psittaci occurs in a significant percentage of patients with chronic inflammatory polyarthritis, including psoriatic arthritis.To assess the prevalence of Chlamydiae infection in a large cohort of well-characterized patients with psoriasis.The presence of a subclinical C. psittaci infection was investigated in 64 patients with psoriasis, including 12 patients with psoriatic arthritis. Two hundred and twenty-five healthy controls were also investigated. The presence of infection was assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using several polymerase chain reaction protocols, targeting different regions of the bacterial genome. The DNA of other species (Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Chlamydia trachomatis) was also investigated.Chlamydophila psittaci infection was observed in a significantly higher percentage of patients with psoriasis (11/64, 17%) compared with healthy controls (1/225, 0.4%) (odds ratio 46.49, 95% confidence interval 5.87-368.03; P < 0.0001). No differences in age, sex or disease duration were noticed between positive and negative patients, but the majority of the positive patients were on immunomodulatory treatments.Chlamydophila psittaci may be an infectious trigger possibly involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Viruses in acute bronchiolitis in South Eastern Norway
Authors: Håvard Ove Skjerven, Spyridon Megremis, Nikolaos G. Papadopoulus, Kai-Håkon Carlsen, Karin C. Lødrup Carlsen
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Background:  Acute bronchiolitis is a frequent cause of hospitalization in infants worldwide. The etiology is predominantly viral, occurring in seasonal patterns with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) as the most common. With increasingly sensitive techniques, a higher number of viruses are detected, both alone and together with RSV.  Aims:  We aimed to assess viral etiology and their seasonal patterns in children with acute bronchiolitis in Norway, with modern, sensitive techniques.  Methods:  A clinical trial of bronchiolitis treatment (Bronchiolitis ALL-SE Study) included 404 hospitalized patients in 8 different hospitals in Norway with nasopharynx aspirate sampled at inclusion and further analysis in 363 (mean age 4.2 months, 60% boys) patients. Total RNA was isolated by the Viral RNA isolation kit (Qiagen) and on column DNAse treatment. After cDNA synthesis amplification of viral target sequences using DPO primers was performed, followed by real-time PCR detection of Flu A (including H5N1, H1N1), Flu B, RSV A/B, MPV, AdV (B/C/E and some of A/D/F), CoV (229E/NL63/OC43), HRV (A/B/C)- HEV, HBoV (1/2/3/4) and PIV (1/2/3/4) (Magicplex RV Panel Real-time Test, Seegene).  Results and Conclusion:  The detection rate for RSV was 83%, human rhinovirus 34% and the other viruses 8-15%. 1 virus was detected in 29%, 2 viruses in 31%, 3 in 19% and more than 3 viruses was found in 12% of the patients. In two patients seven simultaneous viruses were found. The different viruses showed different seasonal patterns (fig 1).  The number of simultaneously present viruses is higher than previously reported.
Clinical presentation, management, in‐hospital and 90‐day outcomes of heart failure patients in Trivandrum, Kerala, India: the Trivandrum Heart Failure Registry
Authors: Sivadasanpillai Harikrishnan, Ganapathi Sanjay, Thajudeen Anees, Sunitha Viswanathan, Govindan Vijayaraghavan, Charantharayil G. Bahuleyan, Madhu Sreedharan, Ramabhadran Biju, Tiny Nair, Krishnan Suresh, Ashok C. Rao, Dae Dalus, Mark D. Huffman, Panniyammakal Jeemon
Journal: European Journal of Heart Failure (2015)
Virological and clinical characterization of respiratory infections in children attending an emergency department during the first autumn-winter circulation of pandemic A (HINI) 2009 influenza virus
Authors: A. Pierangeli, C. Scagnolari, C. Selvaggi, K. Monteleone, S. Verzaro, R. Nenna, G. Cangiano, C. Moretti, P. Papoff, G. Antonelli, F. Midulla
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection (2011)
High pretreatment plasma VEGF level is associated with shorter survival in paclitaxel-carboplatin treated non-small cell lung carcinoma patients
Authors: Zsoka Weiszhar, Ildiko Horvath, Gyorgy Losonczy, Gabriella Galffy
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Introduction: It is known that increased plasma VEGF levels are associated with worse outcome in lung adenocarcinoma, and survival can be prolonged by treatment with anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab. In planocellular non-small cell lung carcinoma, relationship between VEGF level and disease outcome is considered to be more controversial.

Rationale: We aimed to examine if there is relationship between pretreatment plasma VEGF level and disease outcome in non-small cell lung carcinoma patients receiving paclitaxel-carboplatin therapy.

Methods: VEGF concentrations were determined by ELISA from plasma samples of chemotherapy-naive, stage IIIb or IV non-small cell lung carcinoma patients, who were selected for paclitaxel-carboplatin therapy. Response, progression, survival and other clinical parameters of the patients have been followed up for up to 18 months. Correlation and Kaplan-Mayer analyses were performed on the basis of ELISA results and clinical data of patients.

Results: We found significantly higher plasma VEGF levels in patients showing progression compared to patients with no progression or partial regression. ROC analysis was performed to determine the threshhold for high pretreatment VEGF level. Log rank test showed reduced survival for patients with high baseline VEGF levels compared to the survival of patients with low VEGF levels.

Conclusions: Pretreatment plasma VEGF level may be a prognostic marker for disease outcome in those advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma cases as well in which bevacizumab is not indicated.
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital has policy of openness
Authors: M. Turner-Warwick, A. Warin, M. Taylor, C. Bayliss
Journal: BMJ (1995)

EDITOR,—Naomi Craft gives 30 examples of secrecy in the NHS, which range widely; if these are all substantially correct there is indeed cause for concern.1 She specifically lists 10 hospital trusts—among them the Royal Devon and Exeter Healthcare NHS Trust—which, she claims, “have inserted a confidentiality or conflict of interest clause, …
Multidisciplinary Management of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Neoadjuvant Approaches
Authors: Swaminathan Murugappan, William P. Harris, Christopher G. Willett, Edward Lin
Journal: Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2013)

Although tumor biology and genomics of colon and rectal cancer are no different, patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) require neoadjuvant fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiation and total mesorectal excision. In addition to known clinical risk factors, improved algorithms integrating molecular tools are needed to stratify patients with LARC to improve treatment outcomes and reduce acute and long-term toxicities. Simply combining newer systemic or targeted agents with standard treatment in all patients yielded little success but added toxicities. This article reviews the historical data, current standards of care, and ongoing research efforts regarding biomarkers, molecular imaging, and personalized genomic information.
A randomized phase II trial of continuous infusion interleukin-2 or bolus injection interleukin-2 plus lymphokine-activated killer cells for advanced renal cell carcinoma.
Authors: G R Weiss, K A Margolin, F R Aronson, M Sznol, M B Atkins, J P Dutcher, E R Gaynor, D H Boldt, J H Doroshow, M H Bar
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1992)

PURPOSE Since 1985, multiple centers have demonstrated that interleukin-2 (IL-2) and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells produce durable anticancer responses in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. High-dose recombinant IL-2 (rIL-2) has been administered by intravenous bolus injection (Rosenberg SA, et al: N Engl J Med 313:1485-1492, 1985) and by continuous intravenous infusion (West WH, et al: N Engl J Med 316:898-905, 1987) combined with lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, with both methods producing responses in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. The Extramural IL-2/LAK Working Group has conducted a randomized phase II trial of two intravenous high-dose rIL-2 regimens (bolus three times daily or 24-hour continuous infusion) to determine if either one manifests greater anticancer activity or a more acceptable toxicity profile. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ninety-four patients with measurable advanced renal cell carcinoma were enrolled on this study: 46 to the bolus injection arm and 48 to the continuous infusion arm. On both arms, patients underwent a priming phase of rIL-2 administration, four daily lymphocytaphereses to harvest mononuclear cells that were placed in 3- to 4-day culture for generation of LAK cells, and an rIL-2/LAK coadministration phase. Patients were then observed monthly for evidence of response to this therapy and were offered up to two additional courses of treatment every 3 months if evidence of response was detected. RESULTS Twenty percent of patients on the bolus injection arm experienced objective responses (three complete responses and six partial responses); 15% of patients on the continuous infusion arm responded (two complete responses and five partial responses). Complete responses were durable, persisting for 310+ to 700+ days. The incidence of severe life-threatening toxicities typical of high-dose rIL-2 therapy was similar in both arms (eg, patients with hypotension requiring pressors: bolus 71%, continuous 63%; oliguria less than or equal to 200 mL/8 hours: bolus 65%, continuous 71%). More episodes of fever, infection, and serum alkaline phosphatase elevation were associated with the continuous infusion arm, while more thrombocytopenia occurred on the bolus injection arm. Four patients (three bolus injection, one continuous infusion) died of respiratory and circulatory failure while under treatment. No clinical or laboratory parameter accompanying treatment on either arm was, by univariate or multivariate analysis, associated with an increased likelihood of response. CONCLUSIONS Both methods of high-dose rIL-2/LAK cell administration produce nearly equivalent anticancer activity and toxicity in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. The ability to predict responding patients based on patient or treatment characteristics is not possible.
Type IV hypersensitivity reactions to natural rubber latex: results of a multicentre study
Authors: S. Sommer, S.M. Wilkinson, M.H. Beck, J.S.C. English, D.J. Gawkrodger, C. Green
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2002)

Positive patch test reactions to natural rubber latex (NRL) have been interpreted as allergic or irritant by different groups. Additives to the NRL test solution have also caused positive reactions in previous studies.Five centres of the British Contact Dermatitis Group conducted a prospective study on the prevalence of type IV hypersensitivity to NRL, using ammonia-preserved NRL solution for testing.A total of 2738 consecutive patients were patch tested. Where clinically indicated, specific IgE was measured or a prick test done.Twenty-seven patients (1%) had a positive patch test reaction to NRL, which was considered to be allergic and of current relevance in 19 (70%) patients. Fourteen of these also had a positive prick test or specific IgE. Thirteen patients (48%) were male, 19 (70%) atopic and 13 (48%) had eczema on their hands.We conclude that delayed-type hypersensitivity to NRL is a problem for a proportion of patients with eczema, particularly on their hands, and that patch testing with ammonia-preserved NRL can be recommended to identify these patients. Patients with a positive patch test should be investigated for contact urticaria to NRL.
Troxacitabine, A Novel Dioxolane Nucleoside Analog, Has Activity in Patients With Advanced Leukemia
Authors: Francis J. Giles, Jorge E. Cortes, Sharyn D. Baker, Deborah A. Thomas, Susan O’Brien, Terry L. Smith, Miloslav Beran, Carol Bivins, Jacques Jolivet, Hagop M. Kantarjian
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2001)

PURPOSE: To investigate the toxicity profile, activity, and pharmacokinetics of a novel l-nucleoside analog, troxacitabine (BCH-4556), in patients with advanced leukemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with refractory or relapsed acute myeloid (AML) or lymphocytic (ALL) leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), or chronic myelogenous leukemia in blastic phase (CML-BP). Troxacitabine was given as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes daily for 5 days. The starting dose was 0.72 mg/m 2 /d (3.6 mg/m 2 /course). Courses were given every 3 to 4 weeks according to toxicity and antileukemic efficacy. The dose was escalated by 50% until grade 2 toxicity was observed, and then by 30% to 35% until the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined. RESULTS: Forty-two patients (AML: 31 patients; MDS: six patients [five MDS + one CMML]; ALL: four patients; CML-BP: one patient) were treated. Median age was 61 years (range, 23 to 79 years), and 29 patients were males. Stomatitis and hand-foot syndrome were the DLTs. The MTD was defined as 8 mg/m 2 /d. The pharmacokinetic behavior of troxacitabine is linear over the dose range of 0.72 to 10.0 m/m 2 . Approximately 69% of troxacitabine was excreted as unchanged drug in the urine. Marrow hypoplasia occurred between days 14 and 28 in 73% of AML patients. Three complete remissions and one partial remission were observed in 30 assessable AML patients. One MDS patient achieved a hematologic improvement. A patient with CML-BP achieved a return to chronic phase disease. CONCLUSION: Troxacitabine has a unique metabolic and pharmacokinetic profile and significant antileukemic activity. DLTs were stomatitis and hand-foot syndrome. Troxacitabine merits further study in hematologic malignancies.