tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of 125I-Iododeoxyuridine as a Cellular Label for In Vitro Assays: Kinetics of Incorporation and Toxicity
Authors: Bernard P. le Mevel, Robert K. Oldham, Samuel A. Wells, Ronald B. Herberman
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1973)

The kinetics of 125IUdR incorporation and the toxicity of this compound for prelabeled mammalian tissue culture cells were examined. The compound was both radioactively and chemically toxic but at low concentrations it provided a reproducible means of labeling target cells for use in cytotoxicity assays. The implications of use of this compound in cytotoxicity assays are discusse.
A randomized, controlled trial of parenteral hydration in patients with advanced cancer.
Authors: E. Bruera, K. O. Anderson, J. L. Palmer, M. Z. Cohen, B. Coldman, L. E. Roberts, W. L. Shen, M. B. Lake
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2010)

TPS320 Background: Currently, there is great debate regarding hydration practices near the end of life. The vast majority of cancer patients who die in acute care hospitals receive hydration until death; alternatively, the vast majority of patients who die in hospice or at home receive no fluids. This dichotomy in patient care illustrates the need for further evidenced-based research to determine the optimal treatment for patients. A preliminary study found that subcutaneous fluids are simple and safe, and have been shown to improve some dehydration symptoms such as fatigue, myoclonus, sedation, hallucinations, and delirium. Severe dehydration can also result in the accumulation of hydrosoluble active metabolites of opioids which further exacerbates patient delirium. To date, there have been no controlled clinical trials further investigating the role of parenteral hydration. Methods: Advanced cancer patients with decreased oral intake (≤1,000 ml/day), mild to moderate dehydration, normal cognition as evidenced by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and no major contraindications to parenteral fluids are eligible. Patients are randomized into two groups: parenteral hydration (1,000 ml fluids administered subcutaneously over 4 hours) versus a placebo (100 ml fluids administered subcutaneously over 4 hours). Both the patient and the research nurse are blinded to which group the patient has been randomized to. This method was previously developed by our group (Bruera, et. al., JCO 2005). Outcome measures include fatigue measured by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness (FACIT-F), myoclonus, sedation, hallucinations, and delirium measured by the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS). The primary outcome includes the difference in symptom burden (fatigue, sedation, myoclonus, and hallucinations) between baseline and day 4. Patients continue double-blind treatment until day 14. After day 14, patients are offered open-label hydration treatment with 1,000 cc normal saline daily until treatment discontinuation or death. All patients are simultaneously treated by one of five hospices in the Houston area. Total sample size is 150 patients; we have accrued 92 patients. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Relationship between Longevity and Lifeline: A Manual Study of 100 Patients
Authors: P G Newrick, E Affie, R J M Corrall
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1990)

The relationship between length of lifeline and age at death has been evaluated in 100 consecutive autopsies. A highly significant association between the two was discovered which was strengthened further when hand size was controlled for. We feel that a powerful new prognostic sign may thus be within grasp.
Community-acquired pneumonia in HIV-infected patients: The relevance of CD4+ cell count
Authors: Raquel Marçôa, Daniel Coutinho, Margarida Dias, Margarida Mota, Miguel Guimarães, Teresa Shiang
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Background:  Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a frequent complication in HIV infected (HIV+) patients. The spectrum of pathogens is vast and differs depending on CD4+ cell count and geographic areas.   Purpose:  The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of CAP between HIV+ patients with CD4+   Methods:  We carried out a retrospective study that included all HIV+ patients with CAP admitted in Department of Infectious Diseases of a Portuguese central hospital between January 2012 and December 2013. Socio-demographic variables, comorbidities, CD4+ count, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) status; laboratory, radiologic findings and outcomes were recorded.   Results:  51 patients presented CAP-mean age 44.0±9.6 years, 90.2% men; 78.4% had CD4+ 3  and 19.6% were on HAART at admission. Patients with CD4+ 9 /L ±4,8 vs. 13.1x10 9 /L ±8.0, p=0.004). An aetiological diagnosis was achieved in 20 (39.2%) cases. The most frequently identified pathogens were  M. tuberculosis  (MT) (n=10; 19.6%) and  P. jirovecci  (PJ) (n=5; 9.8%). All PJ isolates were in patients with CD4+   Conclusion:  HIV+ patients with CAP and CD4+
In Vitro Destruction of Tumor Cells by Macrophages From Mice Treated With Corynebacterium granulosum2
Authors: Ivan Bašić, Luka Milas, David J. Grdina, H. Rodney Withers
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1975)

Peritoneal macrophages from C3Hf/Bu mice treated with killed Corynebacterium granulosum bacteria were tested for their effect on in vitro growth of syngeneic fibrosarcoma cells, tumorigenic mouse L-P59 cells, human malignant melanoma cells, allogeneic fibroblasts, erythrocytes, and epithelial kidney cells. Only the cell cultures having neoplastic properties were destroyed by stimulated macrophages; the rate of tumor cell destruction was greater as the ratio of effector to target cells was increased. Neither irradiation nor trypsinization of macrophage monolayers altered the cytotoxicity of stimulated macrophages. The results indicated that C. granulosum activated macrophages to destroy tumor cells in an immunologically nonspecific manner but had no cytotoxic effect on normal allogeneic cells.
Influence of age on the treatment of limited-stage small-cell lung cancer.
Authors: L L Siu, F A Shepherd, N Murray, R Feld, J Pater, B Zee
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1996)

PURPOSE To evaluate the prognostic importance of age on response rate and survival in patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), and to determine the effect of age on chemotherapy dose delivery and toxicity. PATIENTS AND METHODS We undertook a retrospective analysis of data from two multicenter, randomized trials conducted by the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) in which 608 SCLC patients who presented with limited disease (LD) all received the same chemotherapy. Treatment consisted of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine (CAV), and etoposide plus cisplatin (EP) administered in an immediate or delayed alternating fashion, plus cranial and thoracic irradiation. RESULTS There were 520 patients aged less than 70 years, and 88 &gt; or = 70. No significant differences existed between the two age groups in baseline characteristics, including treatment protocol, performance status, and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level. There were more men in the older group (P = .05). Overall response rates were comparable (78% v 82%, P = .50), and 5-year survival rates were also similar (P = .14), with 11% alive in the younger group and 8% in the older group. Age was a significant predictor of overall survival when analyzed as a continuous variable in a univariate model (P = .01), but it was no longer an independent prognostic factor in our multivariate regression analysis. An analysis of chemotherapy delivery between the two age groups showed that patients aged &gt; or = 70 years received lower total doses of each drug compared with the intended full protocol dose, primarily as a result of dose omissions, rather than dose reductions. The frequency of dose delays was not different between groups. No significant differences were seen in the incidence of either hematologic or most nonhematologic toxicities. CONCLUSION Age is not a significant adverse prognostic variable in SCLC patients with LD. Moderately aggressive chemotherapy may be delivered safely to elderly patients with a good performance status, although modest attenuation of therapy through either dose reduction or omission may occur more frequently in this population.
Coexistence of intrathoracic lymphoma and pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Yi-Hsuan Tsai, Tzu-Yu Kuo, Kuan-Li Wu, Chia-Min Chen, Yu-Chieh Chung, Ming-Shyan Huang
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

It has been suggested that risk of lymphoma is increased after tuberculosis (TB). However, coexistence of lymphoma and TB in the same organ is quite rare and may result in delayed diagnosis and treatment dilemma. Herein, we reported two cases of coexistence of lymphoma and TB.  Case A: A 73-year-old woman presented with intermittent dyspnea, productive cough and mild fever for weeks. The chest CT revealed left lower lung tumor with extension to the hilum, causing partial atelectasis of left upper lung (LUL). Bronchoscopic biopsy revealed diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and bronchioalveolar lavage (BAL) was positive for acid-fast stain (AFS) and TB-PCR. After anti-TB treatment and chemotherapy, the mass shrank and atelectasis of LUL resolved.  Case B: An 88-year-old woman presented with a neck mass, dyspnea, dysphagia, mild fever and night sweating for 7 months. CT revealed mass lesion involving left lung and cervical lymph nodes with compression of trachea. Her sputum was positive for AFS and TB-PCR. Biopsy revealed DLBCL. She was intubated for respiratory failure. Despite of aggressive chemotherapy and anti-TB treatment, her disease progressed rapidly and she expired 3 months later.  Being an uncommon circumstance, coexistence of pulmonary tuberculosis and lymphoma involving the lung increases the difficulty in diagnosis and treatment. In area with high TB prevalence, screening respiratory specimens for TB is suggested for patients with pulmonary lesions. Chemotherapy for lymphoma may induce progression of TB, whereas treating TB first may delay the treatment for lymphoma. Therefore, aggressive concomitant treatment with anti-TB drugs and chemotherapy is suggested for patients with coexisting disease.
The SAM domain of ANKS6 has different interacting partners and mutations can induce different cystic phenotypes
Authors: Zeineb Bakey, Marie-Thérèse Bihoreau, Rémi Piedagnel, Laure Delestré, Catherine Arnould, Alexandre d'Hotman de Villiers, Olivier Devuyst, Sigrid Hoffmann, Pierre Ronco, Dominique Gauguier, Brigitte Lelongt
Journal: Kidney International (2015)
Incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) and assessment of serial estimation of procalcitonin levels as a prognostic marker in cases of VAP in a tertiary centre in India
Authors: Vikas Sikri, Rajesh Chawla, Raman Sardana, Ashish Jain
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

INTRODUCTION  Patients developing VAP have higher mortality rates and longer ICU stays. Various markers have been for prognosis in patients who develop VAP. We studied serial estimation of procalcitonin (PCT) levels in VAP as a prognostic marker.  AIMS & OBJECTIVES  To calculate incidence of VAP per 1000 ventilator days and assess role of PCT as a prognostic marker in VAP.  MATERIAL & METHODS  All consecutive patients intubated in the ICUs were assessed for development of VAP using CPIS score. In patients who developed VAP during the study period, there serum PCT levels were collected on day 0, 3 and 7 of developing VAP.  RESULTS  We studied 351 patients, 25 developed VAP. Incidence of VAP was 6.33 / 1000 ventilated days. (Incidence/1000 ventilator days= No. Of VAP cases/ Total ventilator days C 1000).Patients having higher initial levels & in whom the levels decreased subsequently showed better survival as compared to low initial values and a marginal fall/rise in subsequently values. Mean value of PCT in survivor group on 0,3 & 7 days were 45.47, 21.01 and 7.26 respectively (standard error of mean of 34.71, 15.28 & 4.95) while the levels in non-survivor group were 1.94, 2.11 & 1.99 respectively (standard error of mean of 0.72, 0.80 & 1.25). The PCT levels remained low/steady on serial monitoring in the non survivor.  CONCLUSIONS  Our study further re-enforces the role of serial estimation of PCT as a prognostic marker in patients with VAP. Though further studies with larger number of patients is required to make its estimation as a standard protocol.
The efficacy and safety of new combined medicinal product in the treatment of influenza: The results of a multicenter randomized comparative clinical trial
Authors: Alexander Averyanov, Elena Andrianova
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

BACKGROUND: Ergoferon (a release-active antibodies to interferon-γ, CD4-coreceptor, and histamine) has antiviral efficacy against pandemic influenza A(H1N1)2009 comparable to that of oseltamivir (suppression of viral replication, increase of the lifespan and reduction of the animals’ mortality).

AIM: To compare (vs oseltamivir) the efficacy and safety of ergoferon in the treatment of influenza.

METHODS. 213 patients with flu-like symptoms (fever ≥37,8°C; at least 1 common/respiratory symptom) were examined. 52 patients with confirmed influenza received ergoferon (group 1; n=23) or oseltamivir (group 2; n=29). Primary outcome measure: percentage of participants with the body temperature ≤37,0C for 2-5 days of the treatment.

RESULTS. On the 2nd day of the treatment 48% of the initially febrile patients in group 1 had the normal body temperature (vs 28% in group 2). The comparison of the two groups by the morning and evening body temperature every five days of the treatment by Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel revealed a significant difference between the two groups (χ2=7.1; p=0.008). The severity of common and respiratory symptoms (nose/throat/chest) significantly decreased on the third day in both groups. The clinical improvement was associated with positive changes in the quality of life. Complications requiring antibiotic treatment or hospitalization were not observed during the follow-up. There were no adverse events recorded due to the drug use. No deviations in the laboratory indices were stated.

CONCLUSIONS. Ergoferon is new safe drug for the treatment of influenza. Its clinical efficacy was comparable to that of oseltamivir.
Medulloblastoma incidence has not changed over time: A CBTRUS study
Authors: P. G. Fisher, E. K. Curran, K. L. Cobb, G. M. Le, J. M. Propp
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2006)

9058 Background: Past studies of medulloblastoma (MB) present conflicting claims about declines and rises in MB incidence, possibly due to misclassification. By using a strict classification of the disease and a rigorous analysis of a data registry, we aimed to determine the incidence trends of MB over the last three decades. Methods: 441 MB patients diagnosed between 1985 and 2002 were identified from the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS), a data set representing approximately 5% of the American population (6 registries). MB was strictly defined and non-cerebellar embryonal tumors (primitive neuro-ectodermal tumors [PNETs]) excluded, using histology and site codes. Multiplicative Poisson regression and joinpoint regression were performed (Joinpoint Regression Program, version 3.0, Statistical Research and Applications Branch, National Cancer Institute) to determine the estimated average annual percentage change (EAPC) and sharp (i.e., acute) changes in incidence, respectively. Results: A slight but nonsignificant (p=.18) increase in medulloblastoma was demonstrated (EAPC = 1.1), and no sharp changes in incidence were found (joinpoints = 0). The analysis was repeated with a less strict definition of MB (including non-cerebellar PNETs) and 559 patients were identified. Using this broader classification scheme, there was a statistically significant increase in incidence (p=.02, EAPC = 1.6), but no sharp changes in incidence (joinpoints = 0). Conclusions: MB incidence does not appear to have changed since the 1980s. “Medulloblastoma” incidence increased only when the diagnosis was not strictly defined and misclassified by including non-cerebellar PNETs in the analysis. The observed increase in the combined MB/PNET classification may relate to the PNET hypothesis–a proposal that all brain tumors of apparently undifferentiated neuroepithelial cells be considered a unique diagnostic group–popularized in the 1980s and early 1990s. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Distribution and conservation of mobile elements in the genus Drosophila.
Authors: S N Stacey, R A Lansman, H W Brock, T A Grigliatti
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (1986)

Essentially nothing is known of the origin, mode of transmission, and evolution of mobile elements within the genus Drosophila. To better understand the evolutionary history of these mobile elements, we examined the distribution and conservation of homologues to the P, I, gypsy, copia, and F elements in 34 Drosophila species from three subgenera. Probes specific for each element were prepared from D. melanogaster and hybridized to genomic DNA. Filters were washed under conditions of increasing stringency to estimate the similarity between D. melanogaster sequences and their homologues in other species. The I element homologues show the most limited distribution of all elements tested, being restricted to the melanogaster species group. The P elements are found in many members of the subgenus Sophophora but, with the notable exception of D. nasuta, are not found in the other two subgenera. Copia-, gypsy-, and F-element homologues are widespread in the genus, but their similarity to the D. melanogaster probe differs markedly between species. The distribution of copia and P elements and the conservation of the gypsy and P elements is inconsistent with a model that postulates a single ancient origin for each type of element followed by mating-dependent transmission. The data can be explained by horizontal transmission of mobile elements between reproductively isolated species.
Influenza infection affects the degree of fibrosis and apoptosis in the bleomycin mouse model
Authors: Anastasios Stavrou, Lisa Jolly, Tony Habgood, Alison John, Tracy Hussel, Andy Blanchard, Gisli Jenkins
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Introduction : The bleomycin mouse mode can be used as a model of pulmonary fibrosis. The Influenza A virus can infects epithelial cells leading to cell death and injury. Acute exacerbations of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) are characterised by epithelial cell apoptosis. with unknown cause. The role of infection in acute exacerbations of IPF is unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of influenza infection on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.   Materials and Methods : 60 U of bleomycin was instilled into lungs of 6-8 week old male C57Bl/6 mice. After 28 days mice were exposed intranasally with 10, 20 Units of influenza virus ‘x31’ or PBS, and lungs harvested 5 or 21 days later. Lung tissue harvested for mRNA analysis, histology and hydroxyproline levels. Animal studies were ethically reviewed and carried out in accordance with Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and the GSK Policy on the Care, Welfare and Treatment of Animals.   Results : Influenza infection increased in lung collagen levels: COL1 mRNA but not COL3 was increased. There was also an increase in matrix deposition on Masson’s trichrome staining. There were increased hydroxyproline levels in influenza infected mice with fibrotic lungs due to bleomycin administration, compared with mice exposed only to bleomycin. Non-fibrotic, influenza- infected mice showed apoptosis on histological TUNEL staining. CCNA2 mRNA in influenza infected mice with fibrotic lungs was increased compared to fibrotic mice alone indicating an increase in epithelial apoptosis.   Conclusion : These data suggest that influenza infection may enhance the fibrotic response in the lung by promoting epithelial apoptosis and fibrogenesis.
National multi-center epidemiological study on prevalence and treatment of cancer-related symptoms in Russia
Authors: A. A. Novik, T. I. Ionova, S. A. Kalyadina, A. V. Kishtovich, S. Wang, C. S. Cleeland
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2006)

16039 To have a better understanding of the current status of symptom management the national multi-center epidemiological study among patients with advanced cancer was initiated in Russia in 2005. Specific aims of this study are to describe the prevalence of pain, fatigue, and other cancer-related symptoms among cancer patients being treated in multiple sites across Russia and to assess current symptom treatment and response to it across different centers. The expected sample size is 500 patients with advanced cancer from 10 cancer centers across Russia. Symptom status was assessed using M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory and Brief Pain Inventory at two time points. The analysis of data from 252 patients: male/female ratio - 111/141, mean age 44.3 (SD 30.1), included in the study from all participating centers is presented. As a result, the most severe symptom was fatigue (4.3) with its prevalence of 83.7%. Other pronounced symptoms were pain (3.4), distress (3.4), and sadness (3.1) with the prevalence of 66.7%, 67.7%, and 68.7% respectively. Out of the total sample, 70 patients (27.7%) had only mild symptoms and 179 patients (71%) reported at least one symptom as moderate-to-severe. Among them there were 72 patients (40.2%) who had 5 or more moderate-to-severe symptoms and 10 patients (5.6%) who had 10 or more such symptoms. Fatigue was treated only in 66 (26.9%) patients; the decrease in fatigue level was achieved in 15 (22.7%) patients. Inadequate pain management (as confirmed by the negative value of the Pain Management Index) was provided for 38.5% of patients. In conclusion, fatigue was prevalent in the vast majority of advanced cancer patients, but the attending oncologists offered the treatment of this symptom to less than 30% of patients. In addition, two thirds of patients reported at least one moderate-to-severe symptom. The results of this symptom outcome study will provide the initial data on symptom control in Russia and will establish the framework for identifying the populations who experience poor symptom assessment and management. No significant financial relationships to disclose.