tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Ecteinascidin-743: A Marine-Derived Compound in Advanced, Pretreated Sarcoma Patients—Preliminary Evidence of Activity
Authors: S. Delaloge, A. Yovine, A. Taamma, M. Riofrio, E. Brain, E. Raymond, P. Cottu, F. Goldwasser, J. Jimeno, J. L. Misset, M. Marty, E. Cvitkovic
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2001)

PURPOSE: To report the activity of the chemotherapeutic agent ecteinascidin-743 (ET-743) in advanced pretreated sarcoma patients observed during a phase I study and a named-patient basis, compassionate use program. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine pretreated, advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and bone sarcoma patients consecutively seen in our centers were included, 12 from a phase I trial and 17 from a compassionate use program cohort. Patients were treated every 3 weeks at either 1,200 μg/m 2 (six patients), 1,500 μg/m 2 (the recommended dose, 22 patients), or 1,800 μg/m 2 (the maximum-tolerated dose, one patient), given as a 24-hour infusion every 3 to 4 weeks. RESULTS: Fifteen men and 14 women were treated. The median patient age was 46 years (range, 16 to 71 years), with a median World Health Organization performance status of 1 (range, 0 to 2). Twenty-five patients had STS, three had osteosarcoma, and one had Ewing’s sarcoma, and all had progressive disease at accrual. Fifteen patients had bulky disease, and 14 had clinical resistance to anthracyclines. A total of 136 treatment cycles were administered (median per patient, five cycles; range, one to 12 cycles). Transient grade 3 and 4 transaminitis was reported in 24% and 5% of cycles, respectively, grade 3 to 4 neutropenia occurred in 32% of cycles, with concomitant sporadic grade 3 to 4 thrombocytopenia in 5.1% of cycles. Grade 2 to 3 asthenia occurred in 21% of cycles. There were two partial responses (PRs) in STS patients and two PRs in osteosarcoma patients. Two minor responses and 10 disease stabilizations were seen. Median duration of response was 10.5 months (range, 2.8 to 15 months), and mean duration of stabilization was 5.2 months. CONCLUSION: ET-743 has activity in advanced, highly pretreated STS and osteosarcoma patients and warrants further trials to establish the extent of its activity in this setting.
Prevalence of COPD in a rural population in India
Authors: Sundeep Salvi, Sanjay Juvekar, Jyoti Londhe, Bill Brashier, Sapna Madas, Peter Barnes
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

COPD is a growing cause of morbidity and mortality across the world. However, there is little data on the burden of COPD in India, especially in the rural population.   Aim:  We aimed to study the prevalence and risk factors for COPD in a rural population in India using the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study protocol.   Methods:  3600 male and female subjects above the age of 25 yrs residing in 22 rural villages near Pune were randomly selected to participate in the study. 10 trained field workers visited their homes, and after obtaining written informed consent, administered the BOLD questionnaire and performed pre and post-bronchodilator spirometry using ndd sprirometer. COPD was defined as post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC    Results:  2699 subjects (M: 49.9%; F: 50.1%) with a mean age 43.8±14.5 yrs consented. Acceptable spirometry was obtained from 1745 subjects. The overall prevalence of COPD was found to be 5.1% (M-6.5%; F-3.4%) and 85% of these never smoked. Male gender [Adj OR: 1.93 (CI 1.2-3.3); p=0.01] and increasing age [OR: 2.01 (CI 1.7-2.4); p   Conclusion:  COPD is more common amongst non-smokers in the rural population in India although smoking is a risk factor for COPD. Smokers who use biomass fuel for cooking have a significant additive risk of COPD.
An early phase II study of CPT-11: a new derivative of camptothecin, for the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma.
Authors: R Ohno, K Okada, T Masaoka, A Kuramoto, T Arima, Y Yoshida, H Ariyoshi, M Ichimaru, Y Sakai, M Oguro
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1990)

An early phase II study of a new camptothecin analog and an inhibitor of topoisomerase I, CPT-11, was conducted in 62 patients with refractory leukemia and lymphoma by four different treatment schedules in a multiinstitutional cooperative study. CPT-11 therapy resulted in four complete remissions (CRs) and three partial remissions (PRs) in 29 assessable non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients, one PR in three Hodgkin's disease (HD), one CR and one PR in 11 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and one PR in 15 acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) patients. Single infusion of 200 mg/m2 every 3 to 4 weeks produced no response in both leukemia and lymphoma patients. Sixty-minute infusions of 40 mg/m2/d for 5 days every 3 to 4 weeks or for 3 days weekly produced four CRs (17%) and four PRs (17%) in 24 patients with malignant lymphoma. Sixty-minute infusions of 20 mg/m2 twice a day for 7 days every 3 to 4 weeks resulted in one CR and two PRs in 12 patients with acute leukemia. No response was seen in an acute leukemia patient by another treatment schedule. CPT-11 was effective in two (15%) of 13 primarily refractory leukemia and lymphoma cases, in two of four relapsed cases, and in seven (17%) of 41 relapsed and refractory cases. Major side effects were leukopenia (91%) and gastrointestinal (GI) (76%). CPT-11 was shown to be effective against refractory leukemia and lymphoma, and thus deserves further clinical study; the novel antitumor activity mode of this drug predicts no cross-resistance to presently available antitumor drugs.
Abstract 6084: Long-Term Prognostic Impact of ST-elevation vs. Non-ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Mark Chan, Lena J Sun, L K Newby, Linda K Shaw, Eric D Peterson, David F Kong, Min Lin, Robert M Califf, Matthew T Roe
Journal: Circulation (2008)

Whether long-term mortality differs substantially for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI) remains controversial. We retrospecti...
First national survey results of mycobacterium tuberculosis drug resistance in Kosovo, 2007-2008
Authors: Xhevat Kurhasani, Gjyle Mulliqi-Osmani, Rukije Mehmeti, Bahri Tigani, Bahri Beqiri, Ariana Kalaveshi, Naser Ramadani, Daniella Cirillo, Emanuele Borroni, G.B. Migliori
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Objective:  To estimate the prevalence of DR to the first–line anti TB drug among new and previously treated cases of pulmonary tuberculosis.   Method:  A national survey during 2007-2008 has been carried out, using “100% sampling” method, according to WHO and IUTALD standards. Smear-positive pulmonary TB patients aged ≥15 years were eligible. Drug susceptibility testing using simple proportion method was performed against four first-line drugs, i.e., isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and streptomycin.   Results:  During one year enrolling period, 207 initial isolates of M Tuberculosis were analyzed. Out of them 172 (83%) were from new cases and 35 (17%) from re-treatment cases. Any resistance among new cases was 20.9% and 45.7% among re-treatment cases. Resistance to INH was 0.6% among new cases and 5.8% among re-treatment cases. MDR-TB was 0% among new cases and 11.5% among re-treatment cases. All MDR-TB cases were distributed among re-treatment cases.   Conclusion:  Low rates of MDR-TB in Kosovo are due to a well performing national TB control program.
Poorer quality of life in asthma patients is associated with rhinosinusitis, smoking and decreased lung function - Results from the Swedish GA2LEN survey
Authors: Alexandra Ek, Roelinde Middelveld, Helén Bertilsson, Linda Ekerljung, Jan Lötvall, Andrei Malinovschi, Chatrin Wahlgren, Sven-Erik Dahlén, Christer Janson
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Introduction:  We have previously reported that patients with both asthma and rhinosinusitis have impaired quality of life compared to asthma patients without rhinosinusitis.  Aim:  The aim of the current study is to further analyze quality of life in asthma. The study was part of the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA 2 LEN) survey and follow-up.  Methods:  A total of 499 asthmatics (age 17-76) completed the Juniper mini-Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (mAQLQ) in four centres in Sweden, as part of a clinical follow-up visit of the GA 2 LEN survey. Lung function and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were measured, and the patients were interviewed. Asthma was defined as self-reported diagnosis of asthma and presence of at least one asthma symptom or use of asthma medication. Rhinosinusitis was defined as having at least two sinusitis symptoms, providing that nasal blockage or nasal discharge were reported. Multiple regression analysis was used.  Results:  The overall mAQLQ score was related to having rhinosinusitis (-0.51 units, P 1  (-0.08 units per 10% predicted decrease, P=0.004) and high age (62-76 years compared to 17-32 years;-0.44 units, P=0.009). The analysis did not show any significant relationship between mAQLQ and BMI or FeNO. These results remain statistically significant also after adjusting for gender, centre and inhaled corticosteriod use.  Conclusion:  Co-current rhinosinusitis, current smoking, lower lung function and high age are related to poorer quality of life in asthma patients.
Diagnostic accuracy of the Berlin questionnaire and the Stop Bang questionnaire for determining sleep-disordered breathing in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Olga Chan, Thomas Rabis, Bjoern E. Kleibrink, Yi Wang, Nina Langguth, Isaak Moraides, Gerhard Weinreich, Markus Kamler, Helmut Teschler, Urte Sommerwerck
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background: There is accumulating evidence that the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is higher in after lung transplant recipients compared to the general population. It can be hypothesized that SDB is associated with arterial hypertension, pro-inflammatory state and putatively graft failure in lung transplant recipients. Therefore, it is of clinical implication to establish reliable and easy means to identify patients with SDB.  Objectives: We tested the hypothesis that the diagnostic accuracy of the Berlin Questionnaire and the Stop Bang Questionnaire is high in order to identify patients with SDB in a lung transplantation population.  Methods and Patients: In an ongoing prospective study 28 clinically stable lung transplant recipients (16 male, age 54.8±8.4 years, BMI 25.5±4.1 kg/m 2 , range 6 months to 9 years after transplantation) were screened for SDB by the Berlin Questionnaire and the Stop Bang Questionnaire. These results were compared to in-lab polysomnography (PSG). Diagnostic accuracy of both questionnaires was compared to gold standard PSG using a cut-off AHI of 10/h as definition for SDB.  Results: The prevalence of SDB was 57%. Sensitivity and specificity for the Berlin Questionnaire was 8% and 80%, respectively. The corresponding values for the Stop Bang Questionnaire were 85% and 30%.  Conclusions: The diagnostic accuracy of the Berlin Questionnaire and the Stop Bang Questionnaire is poor for determining SDB in clinically stable lung transplant recipients. Therefore, PSG is strongly recommended to rule out relevant SDB in these patients irrespective of sleep complaints.
Sequence analysis of the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 2 from populations of Anopheles nuneztovari (Diptera: Culicidae).
Authors: G N Fritz, J Conn, A Cockburn, J Seawright
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (1994)

Sequence variation of the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) was examined for populations of the malaria vector Anopheles nuneztovari collected in Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Suriname, and Brazil. Mosquitoes from Colombia and Venezuela had identical ITS2 sequences and were distinguished from sequences in other populations by three insertion/deletion events (indels) and by one transversion. The length of the ITS2 was 363-369 bp, and it had a G+C content of 55.3%-55.7%. Variation in the length of the ITS2 between and within populations was due to indels in simple repeats. ITS2 consensus sequences were similar or identical for samples from the following three groups: (1) Colombia, Bolivia, and Venezuela; (2) Suriname and northern Brazil; and (3) eastern and central Brazil. The presence of two different consensus sequences from a single location near Manaus, Brazil, suggests that populations from eastern Brazil and those from Suriname converge in this region of the Amazon Basin. These data show that putative cryptic species of An. nuneztovari are distinguished by very minor differences in DNA sequence of the ITS2 region.
Cytokine profiles during infliximab monotherapy in psoriatic arthritis
Authors: A. Mastroianni, E. Minutilli, A. Mussi, V. Bordignon, E. Trento, G. D'Agosto, P. Cordiali-Fei, E. Berardesca
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2005)

Biological therapies are a new breakthrough in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Among these, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha antagonists such as infliximab and etanercept are the most promising as TNF is considered to be essential in driving cytokine cascade at sites of cutaneous and synovial inflammation in this disease.To evaluate the time-related response of serum cytokine release during infliximab monotherapy and assess serum cytokine levels in order to provide a fast, minimally invasive tool to monitor and/or predict efficacy of anti-TNF-alpha therapy.Twenty patients affected by PsA with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score between 0.4 and 42.8 were treated with infliximab for 30-42 weeks. The assessment of arthritis severity was performed using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and ultrasonography evaluation. The treatment schedule consisted of infliximab (5 mg kg(-1) intravenously) at 0, 2 and 6 weeks and every 12 weeks on an individual basis determined by therapeutic results and adverse events reported. At baseline and before every infusion blood samples were taken to assess serum cytokine levels [TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL-6), E-selectin, vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2)].Eighteen of 20 psoriatic patients achieved > 50% improvement and 14 of 20 patients attained > 75% improvement in the PASI score at 10 weeks. All arthritic patients achieved > 50% improvement (ACR-50) and 16 of 20 patients attained > 75% improvement (ACR-75) at 10 weeks. TNF-alpha did not decrease immediately during the first part of the study. A significant decrease was detected at week 12 (P < 0.01). In contrast, IL-6, VEGF, FGF and E-selectin showed significant decreases after early infliximab infusions. PASI was not correlated with TNF-alpha in the serum but was significantly correlated with FGF, VEGF and MMP-2. Treatment was well tolerated and there were no significant adverse events in most patients, other than an urticarial reaction and an autoimmune hepatitis.Monotherapy with infliximab has to be considered an efficacious and safe treatment for PsA in comparison with traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. The resolution of cutaneous and synovial symptoms is not related to TNF-alpha serum levels in the initial phases. Apoptosis may play an important role in the modulation of the inflammatory response.
The Relationship between serum uric acid and airflow limitation in the general Japanese population
Authors: Atsuro Fukuhara, Junpei Saito, Suguru Sato, Suzuki Yasuhito, Uematsu Manabu, Kenichi Misa, Takefumi Nikaido, Naoko Fukuhara, Xintao Wang, Yashinori Tanino, Takashi Ishida, Katsuaki Rinnou, Hideo Muraoka, Hitoshi Suzuki, Mitsuro Munakata
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Background:  Recent studies have suggested serum uric acid (sUA) was elevated in respiratory diseases such as COPD, which causes hypoxia as well as systemic inflammation. However, it is unclear whether sUA can be used as a screening biomarker for predicting airflow limitation (AL) in a general population.   Methods:  Subjects aged over 40 (5193 males and 3473 females), who took part in an annual health check-up at the Fukushima Institute of Public Health and Science between 2002 and 2007, were enrolled in the study. Participant records, spirometric data and blood results including sUA were obtained.   Results:  sUA levels were negative correlated with FEV1 %predicted (R=-0.07, pl0.0001). According to the degree of AL subjects were divided into 3 groups, normal lung function group, mild-to-moderate obstruction group (FEV1/ FVCl70 and %FEV1g50), and severe obstruction group (FEV1/FVCl70 and %FEVl50).  The mean sUA levels in these 3 groups were 5.3mg/dl, 5.4mg/dl, and 6.0mg/dl, respectively. sUA levels in severe obstruction group was significantly higher than those in normal group (p=0.04).   Conclusions:  These results suggested that sUA, which is a low cost blood test, could provide additional information to predict high risk subjects with severe airflow limitation in a general population.
Expression of the stem cell marker nestin in peripheral blood of patients with melanoma
Authors: A. Fusi, S. Ochsenreither, A. Busse, A. Rietz, U. Keilholz
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2010)

Journal Article Expression of the stem cell marker nestin in peripheral blood of patients with melanoma Get access A. Fusi, A. Fusi Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Charité, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar S. Ochsenreither, S. Ochsenreither Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Charité, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar A. Busse, A. Busse Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Charité, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar A. Rietz, A. Rietz Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Charité, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar U. Keilholz U. Keilholz Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Charité, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany Ulrich Keilholz. E‐mail: ulrich.keilholz@charite.de Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 163, Issue 1, 1 July 2010, Pages 107–114, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.09779.x Published: 01 July 2010
The outcomes and prognostic factors in geriatric patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation
Authors: Jaemin Lim, Bock-Hyun Jung, Doh Hyung Kim, Hyunkuk Kim
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Despite the increase of geriatric population, studies for geriatric critical care are still scarce. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate outcomes and prognostic factors of medically-ill geriatric patients receiving mechanical ventilation (MV).  Methods: Medical records of patients ≥70 year-old receiving MV in intensive care unit (ICU) except cardiologic ICU from 2008 to 2010 were reviewed. Treatment outcomes were compared between group A (age: 70-79) and B (age ≥80). Prognostic factors were evaluated between survivor and non-survivor.  Results: A total of 186 (n=115 in group A vs. n=71 in group B) patients were analyzed. The mean APACHE II and SOFA scores at ICU admission were not different between the groups (31.9 ± 7.0 vs. 31.3 ± 7.1 for APACHE II, P=0.822, and 10.9 ± 3.5 vs. 10.6 ± 3.2 for SOFA, P=0.599). The median days (range) of MV were 9 (3-184) in group A and 9 (2-80) in B (P=0.235). Hospital mortality were 57.4% in group A and 54.9% in B (P=0.742). The age was not significant predictor of mortality in univariate analysis [the odds ratio (OR) 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI); 0.948-1.036, P=0.689]. In multivariate analysis based on parameters of APACHE II score, malignancy (the OR 7.119, 95% CI; 1.529-33.135, P=0.012) and APACHE II score were statistically significant (the OR 1.089, 95% CI; 1.041-1.139, P  Conclusions: The hospital mortality was not affected by age in geriatric patients. The presence of malignancy and severity of illness were significant prognostic factors.
An observational study assessing the practice of long-term azithromycin prescription in bronchiectasis
Authors: Gareth Hynes, Catherine Morgan, Christopher Sheldon, Nicholas Withers
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Introduction  Azithromycin is an effective prophylactic antibiotic in non-CF bronchiectasis. 1  However, it is known to cause side effects including hearing loss and liver dysfunction, necessitating appropriate patient monitoring. In addition, some experts advocate periods of temporary cessation of treatment, “azithromycin holidays”, to minimise potential toxicity. We have examined our use of azithromycin and how we screen for complications in our specialist non-CF bronchiectasis clinic.   Methods  Data was collected on all patients with non-CF bronchiectasis who attended our specialist clinic over a 3-month period commencing 07/11/2011. In those patients receiving long-term azithromycin, we collected data on parameters including liver function tests (LFTs), audiology testing and advice given regarding “azithromycin holidays” over the previous 12-month period.   Results  Seventy patients were studied, of whom 28 (40%) were prescribed long-term azithromycin. Of these, 7 (25%) had been on azithromycin for less than 12 months. Twenty three (82%) patients on long-term azithromycin had had LFTs and 1 (3.5%) had had audiology testing in the preceding 12 months. Four (17%) of the patients treated for more than 12 months had had an “azithromycin holiday” in the preceding 12-month period.   Conclusion  Monitoring of LFTs was satisfactory in our treatment group but more attention could be paid to audiology testing and the possibility of “azithromycin holidays”. Work to raise awareness of optimal practice in long-term azithromycin prescribing in non-CF bronchiectasis is needed.  1. Davies G, Wilson R. Prophylactic antibiotic treatment of bronchiectasis with azithromycin. Thorax. Jun 2004;59(6):540-1.
Increasing Proportions of Advanced Pulmonary Tuberculosis Reported in the United States
Authors: Ryan MacLaren Wallace, J. Steve Kammerer, Michael F. Iademarco, Sandy P. Althomsons, Carla A. Winston, Thomas R. Navin
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2009)

Rationale: Delays in the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) can result in progression to advanced disease. Patients with pulmonary TB and advanced disease are more likely to transmit disease and fail treatment.Objectives: To examine clinical, epidemiological, and geographic factors associated with advanced pulmonary TB to further understanding of delayed diagnosis and transmission.Methods: Pulmonary tuberculosis cases in persons older than 15 years of age reported to the U.S. National Tuberculosis Surveillance System with advanced disease (cavitation on chest radiograph and acid-fast bacilli smear-positive sputum result) were compared with those without advanced disease using trend and binomial regression analysis.Measurements and Main Results: There were 35,584 cases of advanced pulmonary tuberculosis (APT) and 125,077 cases of non-APT reported from 1993 through 2006. Proportions of pulmonary TB cases with APT increased from 18.5% in 1993 to 26.1% in 2006, and the increase in the proportion of APT was most notable for national TB rates below 6.6 per 100,000. At the county level, the association between APT and low TB incidence has grown incrementally since 2000. The proportion of APT increased greatest among whites (65.4%), the employed (63.3%), and the U.S. born (59.2%). The prevalence of APT was 44% greater among persons with multidrug-resistant TB compared with those without it.Conclusions: This study highlights the need for TB diagnosis at early stages of the disease to minimize APT and decrease the risk of transmission. Additional efforts should concentrate on reducing time to treatment initiation in low-incidence areas and among groups traditionally seen as being at low risk for TB disease.