tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Omalizumab and malignancy: Interim results from the EXCELS study
Authors: Mark Eisner, Mary Miller, Will Chou, Abdelkader Rahmaoui, Mary Bradley
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Background:  Omalizumab is a biologic for the treatment of moderate-to-severe persistent allergic asthma that is inadequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids. At the time of FDA approval, the incidence of malignant neoplasms was higher among patients who had received omalizumab (0.5%) compared to placebo (0.2%) in clinical trials.   Objective:  The EXCELS study is an FDA postmarketing commitment to evaluate the long-term safety of omalizumab.   Methods:  EXCELS is an ongoing prospective observational study of approximately 5000 omalizumab-treated and 2500 non-omalizumab-treated moderate-to-severe persistent allergic asthma patients aged ≥12 years from 448 US centers who are followed for up to 5 years. All reported potential malignancies are reviewed by an independent oncology panel. The primary analysis includes confirmed, incident study-emergent primary malignancies.   Results:  This analysis of malignancy rates was based on interim study report 6 (data through 11/30/2010) which comprises 18,860 person-years in the omalizumab cohort and 10,947 person-years in the non-omalizumab cohort. Both cohorts had an average follow-up of 3.8 person-years. The incidence of study-emergent primary malignancy was 12.78 and 14.48 per 1000 person-years in the omalizumab and the non-omalizumab cohorts, respectively, corresponding to a rate difference of -1.70 per 1000 person-years (95% CI: -6.43 to 2.21).   Conclusions:  In this analysis, the incidence of malignancy was similar in the omalizumab and non-omalizumab cohorts. These interim results are preliminary and the study is still ongoing. Because the study is observational, selection and other biases cannot be excluded.  Funding Source: Genentech, Inc and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.
Allergic risk to insects intended to food industry
Authors: Virginie Doyen, Michel Mairesse, Claire Ledent, Olivier Michel, Frederic Francis, Francis Corazza
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

As the growing world demography will require larger amounts of food proteins, the idea to promote enthomophagy has emerged. Several arthropods like mealworms (Tenebrio molitor (TM) and crickets (Acheta domesticus (AD)) become commercially available. The aim of this work was to assess the potential allergenicity of TM and AD on occupationally exposed subjects.

The study population consisted of workers in an enthomology research unit (n=31) (Agro-Biotec) and a (non) atopic (n=22) control population from our clinical unit. Skin prick tests (SPT) were made with 4 extracts: delipidated (80 % of proteins) TM and AD and grilled (10 min 200°) TM and AD. Specific IgE (sIgE) against Dpt, TM, cockroach, shrimp, rPen a1 and Der p10 were measured in the exposed population and in the sensitized control population.

Among exposed subjects, 6 (19%) were sensitized: 4 had at least 1 positive SPT (delipidated TM (n=2), delipidated AD (n=2), TM (n=3)) and 5 had positive sIgE to TM (cosensitized to Dpt (n=3), cockroach (n=2) and shrimp (n=1)). One subject (3%) suffered from occupational allergic rhinitis and asthma. Three members were sensitized to shrimp, 1 to tropomyosin, 6 to cockroach and 19 to Dpt. The mean exposure was 3.5 years. One subject suffered from rhinitis and food hypersensitivity to TM but refused to be included. In the control population, 1 delipidated AD positive SPT was observed.

We confirm that skin and respiratory exposures to TM and AD can induce sensitization among workers in contact with insects. This risk was described with fishing bait and grains workers. This new kind of occupational exposure requires interest considering the likely increasing production of insects and their introduction in our diets.
Seasonality of primary care utilization for asthma, COPD and pneumonia in Karachi (Pakistan)
Authors: Zeeshan Raza, Aiman Ghani, Aisha Ahmad, Fatima Ahmad, Nadeem Rizvi
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

BACKGROUND: The increase in the health care burden from respiratory diseases is noticeable in the developing countries and its seasonal variation has epidemiological significance. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the seasonality of primary care utilization for acute exacerbations of respiratory diseases with respect to the age and gender of the patients and to examine the mortality rates of the patients hospitalized.METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study to assess the seasonal patterns in hospital admissions due to acute exacerbations of respiratory diseases (asthma; COPD and pneumonia) in Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Liaquat National Hospital, and Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi for a two year period from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010. Data were collected from Hospital Records Department through patients discharge files of those who had a primary physician diagnosis for asthma; COPD or pneumonia. Climatic data for average rainfall and humidity were obtained from Pakistan Meteorological Department and was analyzed with respect to the seasonal distribution of the diseases.RESULTS: There were total 3,205 patients analyzed, from them 53.77% had asthma, 26.35% had COPD and 19.87% had pneumonia. Highest number of hospital admissions for COPD, pneumonia and asthma were observed from Mid of Dec to Feb (Winter), with a peak occurring in the month of March (early Spring),whereas significantly less cases occurred in May(Summer) and November (Autumn).CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated a clear seasonal pattern indicating the highest number of patients admitted in the month of winter and a peak occurring in the spring season for asthma, COPD and pneumonia.
Effect of dietary chloride intake and the ability of the kidney to excrete a base load.
Authors: R G Luke, J H Galla, J D Gifford
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (1991)

Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN 1(11):p 1259-1260, May 1991. | DOI: 10.1681/ASN.V1111259
Method for the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by broth dilution of fermentative yeasts
Authors: J.L. Rodríguez-Tudela, F. Barchiesi, J. Bille, E. Chryssanthou, M. Cuenca-Estrella, D. Denning, J.P. Donnelly, B. Dupont, W. Fegeler, C. Moore, M. Richardson, P.E. Verweij
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection (2003)
Young children admitted with LRTI have ongoing respiratory morbidity after 1 year
Authors: Adrian Trenholme, Kirstin Davey, Harley Aish, Karen Hoare, Julie Ann Higham, Emelina Jasmat, Diana Buskermolen, Shirley Lawrence, Lyndsay Le Comte, Cass Byrnes, Joanna Stewart
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Aim  To trial an intervention programme to reduce the development of chronic respiratory disease in high risk children after admission for early, severe lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI).   Methods  Children    Results  2146 children    Conclusions  This trial has exposed significant respiratory morbidity and early bronchiectasis in some which we believe could be potentially reversible. Results will be compared with the control group next year to determine if the intervention is successful.   Supported by : HRC NZ grant 10/510 & Lotteries Grant 230954.
Pleuro-pulmonary changes in patients suffering from end-stage renal disease receiving regular hemodialysis
Authors: Rabab El Wahsh, Ali Zaki
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Introduction: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) was defined as a life-threatening reduction in glomerular filtration rate resulting in the requirement for hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or renal transplantation to maintain life. Pulmonary complications are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with ESRD and infection is the second leading cause of death among them.

Aim: To study pleuro-pulmonary changes and complications among patients with ESRD maintained on regular hemodialysis.

Patients and methods: The current study included 20 patients with ESRD on regular hemodialysis for at least 6 months. For every patient, clinical, laboratory, arterial blood gases, radiological study of chest and heart and spirometric study were done.

Results: Among the studied patients, 55% had pulmonary complications in the form of pulmonary infections, pleural effusion, pulmonary edema or hypoxemia during the course of hemodialysis. Spirometric measures, before and after hemodialysis, showed no significant improvement of VC, FVC, FEV1/FVC or MMV, whereas improvement in FEF25-75% and PEFR was significant. Significant hypoxemia occurred during hemodialysis. Significant improvement in pH, paCO2 and HCO3 occurred during and after hemodialysis.

Conclusion: Patients with ESRD treated with hemodialysis must be considered at high risk for the development of lethal pulmonary complications. Regular hemodialysis improves arterial blood gases parameters and some pulmonary function measurements.
Breast cancer in patients irradiated for Hodgkin's disease: a clinical and pathologic analysis of 45 events in 37 patients.
Authors: J Yahalom, J A Petrek, P W Biddinger, S Kessler, D D Dershaw, B McCormick, M P Osborne, D A Kinne, P P Rosen
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1992)

To characterize the clinical and pathologic features of patients who developed breast cancer (BC) after treatment for Hodgkin's disease (HD). Recent epidemiologic studies have shown that women who are cured of HD have an increased risk of developing BC.The clinical data, mammograms, and pathologic specimens of 37 women who developed 45 BCs (eight bilateral events), and had a prior history of treatment for HD were analyzed.The median age at diagnosis of HD was 27 years (range, 11 to 60). All patients received radiotherapy (RT) to the upper part of their body, and 10 also had chemotherapy for HD. The median interval from the treatment of HD to the diagnosis of BC was 15 years (range, 8 to 34). The median age at diagnosis of BC was 43 years (range, 27 to 75), 41% of patients were 39 years old or younger. Most mammograms (81%) showed abnormal findings of mass and/or microcalcifications. Of the eight patients (22%) with bilateral tumors, four were synchronous and four were metachronous. Involvement of the medial half of the breast occurred more frequently than in patients with primary BC (39% and 21%, respectively; P < .002). But, the histologic types, grades, presence of lymphocytic reaction, and lymphatic invasion were similar to those observed in 935 primary BC patients who were previously analyzed at our center. The 6-year actuarial relapse-free survival (RFS) for node-negative BC after HD was 85%. Node-positive patients had a significantly lower RFS of 33% (P = .002).In comparison to patients with primary BC, patients who develop BC after HD are more likely to be younger, have bilateral disease, and have their tumors more frequently involve the medial half of the breast. Pathologic characteristics, nodal involvement, and prognosis are similar to those of primary BC. BC in women who were treated for HD is becoming an increasing problem, as more patients cured of HD reach a follow-up time of 10 to 15 years. Breast examination and mammography at an early age should be part of the follow-up program for women who are cured of HD.
Effectiveness of darbepoetin alfa 200 mcg every 2 weeks (Q2W) for the treatment of anemia in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
Authors: J. Patton, T. Sullivan, Y. Mun, J. Wallace
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2005)

6125 Background: Darbepoetin alfa (DA; Aranesp) was recently shown to be effective for the treatment of MDS-related anemia in a prospective clinical trial, with an overall response rate of 60% (67% in refractory anemia [RA] subtype) (Mannone et al, ASH 2004). Based on our institution’s clinical experience with DA for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia, we implemented new guidelines to switch anemic patients (pts) with MDS from epoetin alfa (EA) 40,000 U weekly to DA 200 mcg Q2W. To ensure that DA 200 mcg Q2W was at least as effective as EA, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of the initial 263 pts. Methods: Pt criteria (≥ 18 years old, MDS diagnosis), endpoints, and methodology were prespecified. Pts were either switched (received 16 weeks of prior EA and switched to DA or EA for at least 16 weeks after guideline implementation) or naive (received only 1 agent for at least 16 weeks from June 2001-September 2004). Both major response (hemoglobin [Hb] change ≥ 2 g/dL from baseline [time of switch for switched group] or transfusion independence) and minor response (≥ 1 g/dL to < 2 g/dL increase in Hb from baseline or 50% reduction in transfusions) based on IWG criteria were calculated. Transfusion rates were calculated with 95% CL. Mean (95%CL) change in Hb was calculated using both the last value carried forward (LVCF) and available data analytic approaches. Results: Data from 244 records were included: 142 switched (80 DA, 62 EA) and 102 naive (56 DA, 46 EA). Baseline demographics were generally similar between treatment cohorts. In both cohorts, most reported marrow blasts were ≤ 5%; RA was the most frequent FAB subtype if reported. Mean (SD) baseline Hb was lower for naive (10.0 [0.8] g/dL DA; 10.7 [1.2] g/dL EA) vs switched (11.0 [1.4] g/dL DA; 11.2 [1.5] g/dL EA) pts. Conclusion: Therapeutic substitution with DA for EA appears to be effective in anemic pts with MDS and may offer benefits of convenience with less frequent injections. Author Disclosure Employment or Leadership Consultant or Advisory Role Stock Ownership Honoraria Research Funding Expert Testimony Other Remuneration Amgen Amgen
Does chronotropic incompetence occur in interstitial lung disease
Authors: Matthew Bartels, Hilary Armstrong, Aimee Layton, David Lederer
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Introduction:  Chronotropic Incompetence (CI) is an attenuated heart rate (HR) response to exercise that has been widely established as a predictor of mortality in general populations and in patients with heart disease. CI has not been studied in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) despite abnormalities in pulmonary hemodynamics and cardiopulmonary parameters.   Objectives:  Our primary aim was to see whether CI exists in patients with ILD during maximal exercise testing.   Methods:  This is a retrospective review of 482 patients with ILD who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) at Columbia University Human Performance Laboratory between 10/1999 and 2/2011. Patients had CPET with concurrent pulmonary function tests (PFT). Comparisons were made with paired samples t-test.   Results:  The mean PFT and CPET variables for the 482 patients (aged 56.6±11.0 years) analyzed are shown in table 1. Usual heart rate reserve used (HRRU) is 85% in normal subject populations.   Conclusions:  Marked CI was observed in patients with interstitial lung disease in a large cohort. This abnormality may have implications for long term survival as cardiac mortality and cardiac comorbidity are common as ILD progresses with possible development of pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure. Further investigation with assessment of mortality risk and possible identification of interventions to improve CI may help to improve outcomes in this patient population.
L-Asparaginase-Induced Alterations of Burkitt's Lymphoma Cells2
Authors: R. Perez-Bercoff, Gioia Carrara, Livia Cioé, G. Rita, A. Caputo, L. Castelli
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1973)

Journal Article L-Asparaginase-Induced Alterations of Burkitt's Lymphoma Cells Get access R. Perez-Bercoff, R. Perez-Bercoff The Institute for Virology, University of Rome, Rome, Italy; and Regina Elena Institute for Cancer Research, Rome, Italy Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Gioia Carrara, Gioia Carrara The Institute for Virology, University of Rome, Rome, Italy; and Regina Elena Institute for Cancer Research, Rome, Italy Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Livia Cioé, Livia Cioé The Institute for Virology, University of Rome, Rome, Italy; and Regina Elena Institute for Cancer Research, Rome, Italy Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar G. Rita, G. Rita The Institute for Virology, University of Rome, Rome, Italy; and Regina Elena Institute for Cancer Research, Rome, Italy Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar A. Caputo, A. Caputo The Institute for Virology, University of Rome, Rome, Italy; and Regina Elena Institute for Cancer Research, Rome, Italy Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar L. Castelli L. Castelli The Institute for Virology, University of Rome, Rome, Italy; and Regina Elena Institute for Cancer Research, Rome, Italy Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 50, Issue 4, April 1973, Pages 833–840, https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/50.4.833 Published: 01 April 1973 Article history Received: 13 March 1972 Accepted: 11 December 1972 Published: 01 April 1973
Ionising radiation and risk of death from leukaemia and lymphoma in radiation-monitored workers (INWORKS): an international cohort study
Authors: Klervi Leuraud, David B Richardson, Elisabeth Cardis, Robert D Daniels, Michael Gillies, Jacqueline A O'Hagan, Ghassan B Hamra, Richard Haylock, Dominique Laurier, Monika Moissonnier, Mary K Schubauer-Berigan, Isabelle Thierry-Chef, Ausrele Kesminiene
Journal: The Lancet Haematology (2015)

BackgroundThere is much uncertainty about the risks of leukaemia and lymphoma after repeated or protracted low-dose radiation exposure typical of occupational, environmental, and diagnostic medical settings. We quantified associations between protracted low-dose radiation exposures and leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma mortality among radiation-monitored adults employed in France, the UK, and the USA.MethodsWe assembled a cohort of 308 297 radiation-monitored workers employed for at least 1 year by the Atomic Energy Commission, AREVA Nuclear Cycle, or the National Electricity Company in France, the Departments of Energy and Defence in the USA, and nuclear industry employers included in the National Registry for Radiation Workers in the UK. The cohort was followed up for a total of 8·22 million person-years. We ascertained deaths caused by leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. We used Poisson regression to quantify associations between estimated red bone marrow absorbed dose and leukaemia and lymphoma mortality.FindingsDoses were accrued at very low rates (mean 1·1 mGy per year, SD 2·6). The excess relative risk of leukaemia mortality (excluding chronic lymphocytic leukaemia) was 2·96 per Gy (90% CI 1·17–5·21; lagged 2 years), most notably because of an association between radiation dose and mortality from chronic myeloid leukaemia (excess relative risk per Gy 10·45, 90% CI 4·48–19·65).InterpretationThis study provides strong evidence of positive associations between protracted low-dose radiation exposure and leukaemia.FundingCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, AREVA, Electricité de France, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, US Department of Energy, US Department of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina, Public Health England.
Food-poisoning and Food Hygiene
Authors: Betty C. Hobbs
Journal: BMJ (1959)

Food hygiene and foodborne infection. Elementary bacteriology. Bacterial and other microbial agents of food poisoning and foodborne infection. Reservoirs and vehicles of infection and ways of spread. Epidemiology. Outbreaks of food poisoning and other foodborne disease. Ecology of micro-organisms in food. Spoilage and preservation. Food hygiene in the prevention of food poisoning. Factors contributing to outbreaks of food poisoning. Personal hygiene of the food handler. Preparation, cooking, cooling and storage. Food hygiene in food manufacture M Kane. Food hygiene in the retail trade W Spence. Cleaning and disinfection PN Hoffman. Food premises and equipment. Control of infestation. Legislation M Jacob. Microbiological specifications. Education. Food hygiene in the tropics.
Pulmonary hypertension in different interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Liying Peng
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2012)

Background: Pulmonary Hypertension(PH) has been proposed a higher incidence in Interstitial Lung Diseases(ILDs).PH in different ILDs has different pathogenesis. PH in patients with ILDs is not well recognized and can occur in the absence of advanced pulmonary dysfunction or hypoxemia.  Objective: To investigate the incidence of pulmonary hypertension in different types of interstitial lung diseases.  Methods: Two hundred and five patients with ILD between 24 and 89 years old(mean age one hundred and four male, one hundred and one female) were evaluated, to discuss the incidence with different primary diseases, age and gender. ILD was diagnosed according to ATS/ERS classification standards in 2002, and according to ESC/ERS Guidelines in 2009, PH was diagnosed when SPAP of > 50mmHg was measured by UCG.  Results: Two hundred and five ILDs in Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, ranging from January 1st 2010 to June 8th 2011, 27 were diagnosed as PH, so the incidence of PH in ILD is 13.2%. There was no significant difference of the incidence of PH in ILD between males and females (p=0.901).  There was a significant difference of the incidence of PH in ILD between age > 60ys and   Conclusion: The total incidence of PH in ILDs is 13.2%, the patients with age ≥60y have higher incidence of PH. Whether PH develops in ILD seems to have no relation with the ILD types.  Key words: Interstitial lung diseases, pulmonary hypertension, incidence.
Carvacrol and pomegranate extract in treating methotrexate-induced lung oxidative injury in rats
Authors: Hadice Selimoglu Sen, Velat Sen, Mehtap Bozkurt, Gül Türkçü, Ibrahim Kaplan, Özlem Abakay, Cengizhan Sezgi, Abdulmenap Güzel
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Introduction and Objectives:  Methotrexate (MTX), a folic acid analogue, is commonly used over a wide range of doses for various therapeutic applications. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of carvacrol (CRV) and pomegranate extract (PE) on MTX induced lung injury in rats.   Materials and Methods:  A total of 32 male rats were subdivided into 4 groups: control (group I), MTX treated (group II), MTX+CRV treated (group III), and MTX+PE treated (group IV). A single dose of 73 mg/kg CRV was administered intraperitoneally to rats in group III on Day 1 of the investigation. To group IV, a dose of 225 mg/kg of PE was administered via orogastric gavage once daily over seven days. A single dose of 20 mg/kg of MTX was given intraperitoneally to groups II, III and IV on Day 2. The total duration of experiment was 8 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured from rat lung tissues and cardiac blood samples.   Results:  Serum and lung specimen analyses demonstrated that MDA, TOS and OSI levels were significantly greater in group II relative to controls. Conversely, the TAC level was significantly reduced in group II when compared to the control group. Pre-administering either CRV or PE was associated with decreased MDA, TOS, and OSI levels and increased TAC levels compared to rats treated with MTX alone. Histopathological examination revealed that lung injury was less severe in group 3 and 4 relative to group 2.   Conclusions:  MTX treatment results in rat lung oxidative damage that is partially counteracted by pretreatment with either CRV or PE.