tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Oral Thymic Extract To Treat Hepatitis C
Authors: Robert D. Blank
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1999)

Letters17 August 1999Oral Thymic Extract To Treat Hepatitis CRobert D. Blank, MD, PhDRobert D. Blank, MD, PhDHospital for Special Surgery; New York, NY 10021 (Blank)Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-131-4-199908170-00020 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail TO THE EDITOR:Raymond and colleagues (1) reported negative results in a clinical trial of a popular alternative therapy, Complete Thymic Formula, to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients who either did not respond to or could not tolerate interferon. The report states that HCV titer was measured by using “a qualitative multicycle reverse transcription polymerase chain (PCR) reaction method (National Genetics Institute, Culver City, California).” The authors provide neither information on assay performance nor a reference for the assay used. The manufacturer's Web site does not give these essential details either. Quantitative PCR is a technique that ...Reference1. Raymond RS, Fallon MB, Abrams GA. Oral thymic extract for chronic hepatitis C in patients previously treated with interferon. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 1998;129:797-800. LinkGoogle Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: Hospital for Special Surgery; New York, NY 10021 (Blank) PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsSee AlsoOral Thymic Extract for Chronic Hepatitis C in Patients Previously Treated with Interferon Robert S. Raymond , Michael B. Fallon , and Gary A. Abrams Diagnosis of Hemochromatosis Lawrie W. Powell , D. Keith George , Sharon M. McDonnell , and Kris V. Kowdley Oral Thymic Extract To Treat Hepatitis C J. L. Frossard Oral Thymic Extract To Treat Hepatitis C Gary A. Abrams Metrics 17 August 1999Volume 131, Issue 4Page: 312KeywordsClinical trial reportingGeneticsHepatitis AHepatitis CHepatitis C virusInterferonsPolymerase chain reactionResearch designReverse transcription Issue Published: 17 August 1999 CopyrightCopyright © 1999 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF DownloadLoading ...
Altered myosin isozyme patterns from pressure-overloaded and thyrotoxic hypertrophied rabbit hearts.
Authors: R Z Litten, B J Martin, R B Low, N R Alpert
Journal: Circulation Research (1982)

Cardiac hypertrophy, induced by pressure overload, leads to a depression in the rate of force development, velocity of shortening, tension-dependent heat generation, and myosin ATPase activity, whereas cardiac hypertrophy, induced by thyroxine administration, leads to an increase in these parameters. These changes have been attributed, in part, to structural changes in myosin. In this study, we have investigated changes in the relative content of myosin isozymes and differences in primary structure of the isozymes in pressure-overloaded and thyrotoxic cardiac hypertrophy in the rabbit. Three myosin isozymic forms (V1 = fastest, V2 = intermediate, V3 = slowest mobility) were observed in pyrophosphate polyacrylamide gels from normal hearts with the V3 component being the predominant species. In the pressure-overloaded model, the V1 and V2 components disappeared or were present in reduced amounts leaving the V3 more predominant. The most striking difference was the isozymic profile produced in thyrotoxic hearts where the V1 became the predominant component and V2 and V3 the minor components. alpha-Chymotryptic digestion of myosin heavy chains produced characteristic, reproducible peptide patterns for each of the animal models, as did fluorographic analyses of alpha-chymotryptic digests of 14C-iodoacetamide (IAA)-labeled SH1 peptides of myosin. Our results suggest that altered proportions of myosin isozymes may be responsible for altered cardiac performance.
Microfluidic controlling monodisperse microdroplet for 5-fluorouracil loaded genipin-gelatin microcapsules
Authors: Keng-Shiang Huang, Kang Lu, Chen-Sheng Yeh, Shu-Ru Chung, Che-Hsin Lin, Chih-Hui Yang, Yu-Shun Dong
Journal: Journal of Controlled Release (2009)
An approach to assessment of endocrine disruption in the National Children's Study.
Authors: Matthew P Longnecker, David C Bellinger, David Crews, Brenda Eskenazi, Ellen K Silbergeld, Tracey J Woodruff, Ezra S Susser
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2003)

In this article we consider the importance of assessing endocrine disruption in a large new cohort that has been proposed, the National Children's Study (NCS). We briefly review evidence that endocrine disruption is a potentially important hypothesis for human studies and weigh the need to assess endocrine disruption in the NCS. We note the salient features of earlier, similar cohort studies that serve as reference points for the design of the NCS. Finally, we discuss features of the NCS that would allow or enhance assessment of endocrine disruption, even if endocrine disruption were not a primary hypothesis motivating the study. At this time, the evidence supporting endocrine disruption in humans with background-level exposures is not strong. Thus, a compelling rationale for the NCS will probably need to be based on core hypotheses that focus on other issues. Nonetheless, if properly designed, the NCS could serve as an excellent resource for investigating future hypotheses regarding endocrine disruption.
HLA-DR Antigens in HBsAg-Positive Chronic Active Liver Disease with and without Associated Delta Infection
Authors: Barbara Forzani, Giovanni C. Actis, Giorgio Verme, Antonio Amoroso, Iolanda Borelli, Emilio S. Curtoni, Maria Grazia Rumi, Antonio Picciotto, Giovanni Marinucci, Maria Antonietta Freni, Mario Rizzetto
Journal: Hepatology (1984)

The A, B, C and DR locus specificities of the human leukocyte antigens system (HLA) were determined in 45 delta-positive and 44 delta-negative Italian patients, all with HBsAg-positive chronic active liver disease; controls were 526 healthy Italian blood donors matched for age, sex and geographical origin. HLA-A, B, C gene frequencies were not significantly changed. In delta-positive patients, the frequencies of the DR locus specificities were: DR2, 37.8%; DR3, 20%; DR4, 11.1%. In the delta-negative patients, the frequencies were: DR2, 13.6%; DR3, 36.4%; DR4, 0%. Control frequencies were: DR2, 19.4%; DR3, 17.1%; DR4, 18.5%. The corrected p values of the differences between controls and delta-positive patients were: DR2, pc = 0.046; DR3, pc = NS (not significant); DR4, pc = NS. The corrected p values of the differences between controls and delta-negative patients were: DR2, pc = NS; DR3, pc = 0.03; DR4, pc = 0.002. These findings show that: (a) DR3, a genetic marker of autoimmunity, might assist the establishment of chronic HBsAg liver disease in the absence of delta superinfection; (b) DR2 is linked with failure to clear the delta agent, and (c) DR4 may protect from virus B persistence. Identification of adventitious factors such as delta may help uncover a subgroup of HBsAg carriers who are genetically predisposed to develop chronic liver disease.
Drug Company Advertising to the Public
Authors: Bob Lanier
Journal: JAMA (1982)

A recent broadcast from a local radio station included a brief interview of a physician by a reporter regarding a newly released drug for allergy sufferers. It was an informative discussion with the barest mention of the name of the drug itself. I missed the related article in the newspaper the next morning, but none of my patients did. A bold headline on an inside page proclaimed that the newly released drug represented a major medical break-through for the treatment of allergies. By that afternoon my nurses received more than two dozen calls from patients wanting to switch to the new drug. In that week another 18 calls were handled and six office visits were made for the express purpose of asking about this new miracle. In totaling the first week's effect, I found that I had spent about 3 1/2 hours on the telephone and 1 1/2 hours in
The Chinese Hospital: A Socialist Work Unit.
Authors: David M. Lampton
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1984)

her husband, Myron Cohen, was a fellow in infectious diseases. They describe and discuss their infectious disease ward as a medical facility and their hospital as an example of a modern Chinese social/political/economic work unit (danwei). Their general social commentary extends well beyond medicine. Although the heavily footnoted academic style is not the stuff of Steven Spielberg films, the subject and the observations are fascinating. The book alternates between two distinct modes. Approximately 60 pages present  from the hospital and experiences from the ward. Detailed summaries explain administration, finances, patient load, and personnel practices at this institution. A survey of 82 patients referred for admission to the infectious disease ward covers such information as diagnosis, length of stay, and type of insurance. In several specific exam¬ ples, the authors marvel at the clini¬ cal acumen of Chinese physicians who have access to few diagnostic tests. At the same time, they criticize the fre¬ quent overuse of unnecessary or inef¬ fectual treatments without critical evaluation. This kernel of information and insightful personal experience is em¬ bedded in the book's other mode, a cocoon of alien sociology. Illuminat¬ ing anecdotes on job assignments or personal privacy are entangled in repetitive interpretations regarding voice-exit options or group dynam¬ ics. Concrete descriptions of Chinese reality are strangely juxtaposed to Western sociological constructs. The data and the theory seem immis¬ cible. The authors obviously had an enthralling experience and a good relationship with their hosts, judging by the quality of information that their danwei shared with them. This account of their experiences is a piece of the chronicle of our rediscovery of China. To generalize from their Chi¬
Abstract 4584: β-catenin (CTNNB1) and BRAF mutations in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li-Chun Lu, Yu-Yun Shao, Min-Shu Hsieh, Chien-Chung Huang, Ann-Lii Cheng, Chih-Hung Hsu
Journal: Cancer Research (2012)

Abstract Background: Specific mutations in Wnt/β-catenin and mitogen activated protein kinase pathways have been reported to have associations with tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The clinical implications of CTNNB1 (the coding gene for β-catenin) and BRAF mutations in advanced HCC and their associations with prognosis have not been well studied. Patients and Methods: We reviewed patients with HCC who were screened for enrollment in clinical trials of first-line molecular-targeted therapy for advanced diseases between Mar 2006 and Aug 2009 in a tertiary medical center. Only patients with adequate pathologic specimens obtained at the time of developing advanced disease were included. Direct sequencing of exon 3 of CTNNB1 and exon 15 of BRAF were performed to detect mutations. Associations between the specific mutations and clinicopathologic features or survival of the patients were analyzed. Results: Eighty-one patients were enrolled in the study, with the median age of 56.3 years. Among them, 55 (67.9%) patients were seropositive for hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen; 19 (23.5%) patients were seropositive for antibody against hepatitis C virus (HCV); 77 (95.1%) patients had BCLC stage C; 42 (51.9%) patients had a CLIP score ≤ 3. Missense mutations of CTNNB1 were identified in 10 (12.3%) patients. BRAF mutations were found in 4 (4.9%) patients, including 3 missense and 1 silent mutations. The two gene mutations were mutually exclusive. The median overall survival of patients with and without CTNNB1 mutation were 7.5 and 6.5 months, respectively (P = 0.430). The median overall survival of patients with and without BRAF mutation were 2.8 and 6.6 months, respectively (p = 0.350). CTNNB1 or BRAF mutation had no statistically significant associations with the gender, the ECOG performance status, HBV infection, HCV infection, alpha-fetoprotein levels, prior local treatment, macrovascular invasion, extrahepatic metastasis, BCLC stages, Okuda stages or CLIP scores. Patients with CTNNB1 mutations were more likely to be &amp;gt; 70 years old than patients without CTNNB1 mutations (40% vs. 11.3%, p = 0.017). Conclusions: CTNNB1 and BRAF mutations were relatively rare events in patients with advanced HCC. CTNNB1 mutations were associated with older ages in this specific population (This study was supported by the grant NTUHYLN005). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4584. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4584
Selective Decontamination of the Digestive Tract
Authors: James R. Johnson
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1993)

Letters15 May 1993Selective Decontamination of the Digestive TractJames R. Johnson, MDJames R. Johnson, MDSearch for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-118-10-199305150-00017 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail TO THE EDITOR:Because intravenous cefotaxime was part of the prophylactic antimicrobial regimen studied by Cockerill and colleagues [1], it may not be appropriate to characterize this intervention as selective decontamination of the digestive tract or to conclude that the study's positive results provide evidence that in nosocomial infections the gastrointestinal tract is a critical source of pathogenic microorganisms. Cefotaxime penetrates widely throughout the body, reaching concentrations in lung, skin, urine, and serum that are inhibitory for many nosocomial pathogens [2]. Indeed, cefotaxime is an effective treatment for nosocomial pneumonia, bacteremia, and urinary tract infection, as well as soft-tissue infections ...References1. Cockerill FR 3d, Muller SR, Anhalt JP, Marsh HM, Farwell MB, Mucha P, et al. Prevention of infection in critically ill patients by selective decontamination of the digestive tract. Ann Intern Med. 1992; 117:545-53. Google Scholar2. Gerding DN, Peterson LR, Hughes CE, Bomberger DM. Extravascular antimicrobial distribution in man. In: Lorian V, ed. Antibiotics in Laboratory Medicine. 3d edition. Baltimore, Maryland: William and Wilkins; 1991. Google Scholar3. Neu HC. The new -lactamase-stable cephalosporins. Ann Intern Med. 1982; 97:408-19. Google Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: James R. Johnson, MDAffiliations: PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics 15 May 1993Volume 118, Issue 10Page: 825-826KeywordsAntimicrobialsBacteremiaDecontaminationGastrointestinal tractNosocomial infectionsPathogensUpper respiratory tract infectionsUrinary tract infectionsUrine ePublished: 15 August 2000 Issue Published: 15 May 1993 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 1993 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF downloadLoading ...
Ibrutinib Resistance in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Richard R. Furman, Shuhua Cheng, Pin Lu, Menu Setty, Alexendar R. Perez, Ailin Guo, Joelle Racchumi, Guozhou Xu, Hao Wu, Jiao Ma, Susanne M. Steggerda, Morton Coleman, Christina Leslie, Y. Lynn Wang
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2014)

Ibrutinib, a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is active in CLL, but resistance may emerge. The authors observed the emergence of a CLL clone with a cysteine-to-serine change in amino acid 481 of the target protein that substantially weakens drug binding and leads to resistance.
STUDIES ON UROBILIN PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY
Authors: Robert Elman, Philip D. McMaster
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1925)

A variety of evidence is presented, all of which supports the view that in the uninfected animal the intestinal tract is the only place of origin of urobilin, not merely under normal circumstances, but when there is biliary obstruction. Animals rendered urobilin-free by collection of all of the bile from the intubated common duct remain urobilin-free even after severe hepatic injury. In our experiments urobilinuria was never found after liver damage except when bile pigment was present in the intestine. Thus, for example, it appeared during the first days after Ugation of the common duct, but disappeared as the stools became acholic. When this had happened a small amount of urobilin-free bile, given by mouth, precipitated a prompt urobilinuria. After obstruction of the duct from one-third of the liver, mild urobilinuria was found, but no bilirubinuria. In animals intubated for the collection of a part of the bile only, while the rest flowed to the duodenum through the ordinary channels, liver injury caused urobilinuria, unless indeed it was so severe as to lead to bile suppression, when almost at once the urobilinuria ceased, though the organism became jaundiced. The evidence here presented, when taken with that of our previous papers, clearly proves that urobilinuria is an expression of the inability of the liver cells to remove from circulation the urobilin brought by the portal stream, with result that the pigment passes on to kidney and urine. Urobilinuria occurs with a far less degree of liver injury than does bilirubinuria. Our work has, for the most part, been carried out with animals having uninfected livers and bile passages. But the influence of cholangitis with infection has been briefly discussed in the light of some preliminary observations. The influence of infection on the place of formation of urobilin and on the occurrence of urobilinuria will form the subject of another communication.
Emerging Medical Services Legislation
Authors: William E. Burnette
Journal: JAMA (1972)

The management of medical emergencies, whether from traffic accidents or sudden illnesses, has been a concern of the medical community for many years. Physicians, hospitals, nurses, and allied health personnel have been quietly but steadfastly working to improve emergency medical service care and have made great strides. This is not to say that the task is completed, but neither is it in a holding pattern. The American Medical Association has been working with other groups to improve the design of ambulances, the training of ambulance personnel, the categorization of hospital emergency capabilities, the development of disaster plans, the promotion of community councils for emergency medical services, and the promotion of scientific programs to increase the emergency skills of the physician. We are indebted to all medical and lay groups that have helped. The entire medical community looks on this task as a Constant and ongoing endeavor. Advances in medicine and
Real-time priority scoring system must be used for prioritisation on waiting lists
Authors: B Davis, S R Johnson
Journal: BMJ (1999)

EDITOR—We would like to contribute to the debate in the BMJ about the role of prioritisation scoring systems1–3 and respond to the BMA's recent discussion paper on this subject (which briefly mentions our work for a project initiated by the Welsh Office).4

Weale dismisses the possibility of providing an infinite variety of treatments to an infinite number of patients from finite resources.5 To channel the limited resources effectively, we have argued that the introduction of …
Effect of educational leaflets and questions on knowledge of contraception in women taking the combined contraceptive pill: randomised controlled trial
Authors: P. Little, S. Griffin, J. Kelly, N. Dickson, C. Sadler
Journal: BMJ (1998)

<h3>Abstract</h3> <b>Objective:</b> To assess whether provision of educational leaflets or questions on contraception improves knowledge of contraception in women taking the combined contraceptive pill. <b>Design:</b> Randomisation of women into three groups according to type of educational leaflet on contraceptive information. These groups were subdivided into two on the basis of questions on contraception asked by the doctor or practice nurse. The women were followed up by postal questionnaire 3 months later. <b>Setting:</b> 15 general practices in South and West region. <b>Subjects:</b> 636 women attending check up appointment for repeat prescription of the combined contraceptive pill. <b>Main outcome measures:</b> Knowledge of: factors causing pill failure, subsequent action, emergency contraception, and all the rules (pill rules) that apply to the contraceptive pill. <b>Results:</b> 523 women returned completed questionnaires (response rate 82%). Knowledge of contraception with no intervention was low with only 10 (12%) women knowing all the pill rules. Educational intervention had a highly significant effect on knowledge of: factors causing pill failure (likelihood ratio χ<sup>2</sup>=22); subsequent action (21); emergency contraception (24); and all the pill rules (22) (P&lt;0.01 in all cases). Improvement in knowledge of all the pill rules occurred with provision of the summary leaflet (28% knew all the rules, adjusted odds ratio 4.04, 95% confidence interval 1.68 to 9.75), the Family Planning Association9s leaflet (27%, 3.43, 1.45 to 8.09), and asking questions (26%, 3.03, 1.30 to 7.00). Asking questions in addition to provision of leaflets improved knowledge of contraception further for the summary leaflet (39%, 6.81, 2.85 to 16.27) but not for the Family Planning Association leaflet (21%, 2.58, 1.07 to 6.18). <b>Conclusion</b>: Women attending check ups for repeat prescriptions of the contraceptive pill should be provided with educational leaflets on contraception or asked relevant questions to help improve their knowledge of contraception. Asking questions in addition to providing a summary leaflet is time consuming, but results in the most knowledge gained. <h3>Key messages</h3> It is very important to most women who take the contraceptive pill to avoid pregnancy Poor knowledge of contraception is common in women taking the contraceptive pill and associated with unwanted pregnancy No randomised trials have been conducted of educational interventions to improve knowledge of contraception Providing leaflets or asking questions both improve knowledge of contraception The largest effect on knowledge of contraception is from asking questions and providing a summary leaflet