tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
High-dose ribavirin in combination with standard dose peginterferon for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Karin Lindahl, Lars Stahle, Annette Bruchfeld, Robert Schvarcz
Journal: Hepatology (2005)

Improved treatment regimens for patients with chronic hepatitis C, genotype 1 and high viral load are needed. Increasing the dose of ribavirin has increased the response rate, but experience with doses of more than 1,200 mg/day is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and tolerance to treatment with a high and individualized dose of ribavirin in combination with peginterferon. Ten patients with chronic hepatitis C, genotype 1 and high viral load were treated with peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin for 48 weeks in a prospective trial. The initial ribavirin dose was individualized and calculated from a pharmacokinetic formula based mainly on renal function. Ribavirin plasma concentrations were monitored, and the dose was adjusted to reach the target concentration. Hemoglobin was monitored, and patients were treated with erythropoietin and blood transfusions when indicated. After dose adjustments, the mean dose of ribavirin was 2,540 mg/day (range, 1,600-3,600) at week 24. The main side effect was anemia, which was controlled with erythropoietin. Two patients required blood transfusions. One patient was withdrawn at week 24 because of a lack of viral response, and one patient at week 39 because of side effects, primarily interferon associated. At follow-up (>or=24 weeks posttreatment), nine of ten patients had undetectable HCV RNA and thus were cured by standard definitions. In conclusion, a high dose of ribavirin according to an individualized schedule is feasible but associated with more frequent and serious side effects such as anemia. The viral response merits further evaluation.
Focus: Westminster The ghost of Gladstone stirs: a whiff of scandal in the air
Authors: J Warden
Journal: BMJ (1994)

The British government spent the first weeks of 1994 trying to distance itself from scandals, real or rumoured, on its own doorstep. A potent mix of shady sex, shaky marriages, and sharp deals brought in its wake the resignation of two ministers and a ministerial aide, one suicide, and a reappraisal of the government's “back to basics” philosophy.

When the froth subsided it was seen to be a very British crisis with little of substance behind it. Just as the medical establishment used to pillory doctors more for sleeping with their patients than for killing them through neglect, so British politicians are forced to resign over marital indiscretions but not for misjudgments that waste huge sums of taxpayers' money. To appreciate the relative values, compare the column inches devoted to the extramarital affair of the former health minister, Tim Yeo, and the modest coverage of £30m …
Intermittent FDG Uptake in Lipomatous Hypertrophy of the Interatrial Septum on Serial PET/CT Scans
Authors: Perry S. Gerard, Howard Finestone, Richard Lazzaro, Matthew D. Geller
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (2008)

We present a unique case of a patient with a clinical history of distal esophageal carcinoma and CT appearance of lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum who displayed fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in the interatrial septal fat on only the second of 4 serial PET/CT studies. As PET/CT scans are used for the initial staging of esophageal carcinoma, one should not mistake more benign causes of mediastinal uptake for metastasis when observing an intermittent pattern of uptake on a PET/CT scan.
RANTES production in nasal epithelial cells and endothelial cells
Authors: Nobuhisa Terada, Ken-ichi Maesako, Nanako Hamano, Tatehiko Ikeda, Masahiko Sai, Tetsuji Yamashita, Setsuya Fukuda, Akiyoshi Konno
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (1996)
Longitudinal Predictors of Reduced Mobility and Physical Disability in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: David G. Bruce, Wendy A. Davis, Timothy M.E. Davis
Journal: Diabetes Care (2005)

The purpose of this study was to determine longitudinal predictors of impaired mobility and physical disability in patients with type 2 diabetes.We studied patients with type 2 diabetes who participated in a prospective, community-based study. A wide range of baseline variables were examined to determine whether they predicted future difficulties with 1) mobility and 2) basic activities of daily living (ADLs) in patients free of ADLs difficulty at baseline. To study mobility impairment, subjects with baseline mobility problems were also excluded.After an average 4.6 +/- 2.3 and 4.8 +/- 2.3 years of follow-up in 818 and 934 patients, respectively, 28.5% of subjects had developed new mobility impairment and 18.1% had developed new ADL disability. In Cox proportional hazards models, the risk of mobility impairment was significantly increased by older age (6%/year), peripheral neuropathy (40% increase), stroke history (123%), insulin treatment (117%), albuminuria, and arthritis (82%); taking exercise and being married lowered the risk (by 39 and 32%, respectively). The risk of new ADL disability was increased by baseline mobility problems (222% increase), stroke (92%), claudication (67%), and depression (41%) and was also influenced by age, smoking, lack of exercise, non-fluency in English, and indigenous Australian ethnicity.Both mobility impairment and ADL disability in type 2 diabetes have multiple causes that are due to diabetes complications and common comorbidities. The specific causes of each functional problem are largely distinct, and different approaches may be required to prevent their onset or progression.
Duration of rheumatoid arthritis influences the degree of functional improvement in clinical trials
Authors: D Aletaha
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2005)

<b>Background:</b> Functional capacity is an important outcome in rheumatoid arthritis and is generally measured using the Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index (HAQ). Functional limitation incorporates both activity and damage. Because irreversible damage increases over time, the HAQ may be less likely to show improvement in late than in early rheumatoid arthritis. <b>Objective:</b> To determine the relation between sensitivity to change of the HAQ and duration of rheumatoid arthritis in reports of clinical trials. <b>Methods:</b> Data were pooled from clinical trials that measured responses of HAQ scores at three or six months. The effect size of the HAQ was calculated and linear regression used to predict the effect size by duration of rheumatoid arthritis at group level. Treatment effect was adjusted for by including the effect sizes of pain scores and of tender joint counts as additional independent variables in separate models. Subgroup analysis employed contemporary regimens (methotrexate, leflunomide, combination therapies, and TNF inhibitors) only. <b>Results:</b> 36 studies with 64 active treatment arms and 7628 patients (disease duration 2.5 months to 12.2 years) were included. The effect sizes of the HAQ decreased by 0.02 for each additional year of mean disease duration using all trials, and by 0.04/year in the subgroup analysis (p⩽0.01 for both analyses, except for pain adjusted models at three months). <b>Conclusions:</b> In individual trials, less improvement in the HAQ might be expected in late than in early rheumatoid arthritis. Comparison of changes in HAQ among rheumatoid arthritis trials should take into consideration the disease stage of the treated groups.
Demonstration of anaphylatoxins C3a, C4a and C5a in the scales of psoriasis and inflammatory pustular dermatoses
Authors: H. TAKEMATSU, K. OHKOHCHI, H. TAGAMI
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (1986)

Journal Article Demonstration of anaphylatoxins C3a, C4a and C5a in the scales of psoriasis and inflammatory pustular dermatoses Get access H. TAKEMATSU, H. TAKEMATSU Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan Dr H. Tagami, Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, I‐I Seiryomachi, Sendai 980, Japan. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar K. OHKOHCHI, K. OHKOHCHI Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar H. TAGAMI H. TAGAMI Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 114, Issue 1, 1 January 1986, Pages 1–6, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1986.tb02773.x Published: 01 January 1986 Article history Accepted: 22 May 1985 Published: 01 January 1986
FURTHER EXPERIENCES WITH DAKIN'S DICHLORAMIN-T IN THE TREATMENT OF WAR WOUNDS
Authors: J. E. SWEET
Journal: JAMA (1918)

In a previous report 1 on the use of Dakin's dichloramin-T in the treatment of war wounds, the simplicity of the technic, the great saving of pain, and the economy of time and surgical material were pointed out. We now present the results of a more extended experience with this antiseptic. We shall limit our report to our own service, although the same method has been used to a greater or less extent on the other three surgical services of this hospital and in an adjoining hospital.  We shall present the total number of the severe cases treated, classified in a general way. We shall discuss only our surgical failures, leaving the reader who is familiar with the conditions under which we are working to judge. Let it be stated for the reader not familiar with these conditions that our material is in no sense whatever chosen. It does not
Internal Medicine and Training Subspecialists
Authors: Robert M. Moser
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1996)

Letters15 September 1996Internal Medicine and Training SubspecialistsRobert M. Moser, MDRobert M. Moser, MDCanyon Consulting Corp., Chama, NM 87920Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-125-6-199609150-00041 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail TO THE EDITOR:Dr. Weiner's editorial [1] on the article by Langdon and colleagues [2] was thoughtful in its laudatory reflection. However, I must take exception to his statement that a related issue that also appears to have been sidestepped is a delineation of the exact role the Board (and other internal medicine groups) should have in the downsizing process. As the total number of training slots decreases, exactly how should accreditation be used to ensure that only the best programs remain within each subspecialty?I fear that Dr. Weiner has missed the point. The American Board of Internal Medicine ...References1. Weiner JP. Internal medicine at the crossroads: training subspecialists for the next century [Editorial]. Ann Intern Med. 1996; 124:681-2. Google Scholar2. Langdon LO, Toskes PP, Kimball HR, the American Board of Internal Medicine Task Force on Subspecialty Internal Medicine. Future roles and training of internal medicine subspecialists. Ann Intern Med. 1996; 124:686-91. Google Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: Robert M. Moser, MDAffiliations: Canyon Consulting Corp., Chama, NM 87920 PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics 15 September 1996Volume 125, Issue 6Page: 523-524KeywordsAlcoholsConflicts of interestFearForecastingGraduate medical educationSub-specialty care ePublished: 15 August 2000 Issue Published: 15 September 1996 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 1996 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF downloadLoading ...
A study of anti-poly (ADP-ribose) antibodies and an anti-DNA antibody idiotype and other immunological abnormalities in lupus family members.
Authors: C Dudeney, Y Shoenfeld, J Rauch, M Jones, C Mackworth Young, M Tavassoli, S Shall, D A Isenberg
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1986)

The genetic background of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been reexamined in a study of the serum of 31 lupus patients and 80 asymptomatic first degree relatives by measuring a common, cross reacting anti-DNA antibody idiotype designated 134, antibodies to poly(ADP-ribose), serum C3, circulating immune complexes, and antinuclear antibodies (ANA). Over 30% of the relatives had raised 134 and anti-poly(ADP-ribose) levels, and 9% had ANA titres greater than 1/20. In contrast, only one relative had a low serum C3 level. These results confirm that immunogenetic abnormalities associated with the production of autoantibodies and particular idiotypes must exist amongst lupus relatives as well as the patients. The production of autoantibodies, however, is not necessarily matched to the clinical expression of SLE.
Lung Function and Exercise Gas Exchange in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Karlman Wasserman, Yong-Yu Zhang, Anselm Gitt, Romualdo Belardinelli, Akira Koike, Laura Lubarsky, Pier G. Agostoni
Journal: Circulation (1997)

Background The ventilatory response to exercise in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) is greater than normal for a given metabolic rate. The objective of the present study was to determine the mechanism(s) for the high ventilatory output in patients with chronic HF. Methods and Results Centers in Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States participated in this study. Each center contributed studies on patients and normal subjects of similar age and sex. One hundred thirty patients with chronic HF and 52 healthy subjects participated. Spirometric and breath-by-breath gas exchange measurements were made during rest and increasing cycle exercise. Arterial blood was sampled for measurement of pH, Pa co 2 , Pa o 2 , and lactate during exercise in 85 patients. Resting forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) and vital capacity (VC) were proportionately reduced at all levels of impairment. Patients with more severe HF had greater tachypnea and a smaller tidal volume (V t ) at a given exercise expired volume per unit time (V̇ e ). This was associated with an expiratory flow pattern characteristic of lung restriction. V̇ e and V̇ co 2 as a function of V̇ o 2 were increased during exercise in HF patients. The increases were greater the lower the peak V̇ o 2 per kilogram of body weight. The ratio of V d (physiological dead space) to V t and the difference between arterial and end tidal P co 2 at peak V̇ o 2 also increased inversely with peak V̇ o 2 /kg. In contrast, the difference between alveolar and arterial P o 2 and PaCO 2 were both normal, on average, at peak V̇ o 2 regardless of the level of impairment. The more severe the exercise limitation, the higher the lactate and the lower the HCO 3 − at a given V̇ o 2 , although pH was tightly regulated. Conclusions The increase in V̇ e in chronic HF patients is caused by an increase in V d /V t due to high ventilation/perfusion mismatching, an increase in V̇ co 2 relative to V̇ o 2 resulting from HCO 3 − buffering of lactic acid, and a decrease in Pa co 2 due to tight regulation of arterial pH. With regard to the excessive V̇ e in HF patients, the increases in V d /V t and V̇ co 2 relative to V̇ o 2 are more important as the patient becomes more exercise limited. Regional hypoperfusion but not hypoventilation typifies lung gas exchange in HF. This and other mechanisms might account for the restrictive changes leading to exercise tachypnea in HF patients.
Repeatability of airway resistance measurements made using the interrupter technique
Authors: E Y Chan
Journal: Thorax (2003)

To be able to interpret any measurement, its repeatability should be known. This study reports the repeatability of airway resistance measurements using the interrupter technique (Rint) in children with and without respiratory symptoms.Children aged 2-10 years who were healthy, had persistent isolated cough, or who had previous wheeze were studied. On the same occasion, three Rint measurements were made 15 minutes apart, before and after placebo and salbutamol given in random order. Results from those given placebo first were analysed for within-occasion repeatability. Between-occasion repeatability measurements were made 2-20 weeks apart (median 3 weeks).For 85 pairs of measurements before and after placebo the limits of agreement were 20% expected resistance and were unaffected by age or health status. The change in resistance following bronchodilator in one of 18 healthy children, 12 of 28 with cough, and 22 of 39 with wheeze exceeded this threshold. For between-occasion measurements the limits of agreement were 32% in 72 healthy subjects, 49% in 57 with cough, and 53% in 95 with previous wheeze.The measurement of airways resistance by the interrupter technique is clinically meaningful when change following an intervention such as the administration of bronchodilator is greater than its within-occasion repeatability. Between-occasion repeatability is too poor to judge change confidently.
Abstract 5331: Interleukin-6 as a therapeutic target in advanced ovarian cancer
Authors: Jermaine Coward, Hagen Kulbe, David Leader, Mary Quigley, David Andrew Leinster, Richard Thompson, Jeffrey Nemeth, Jessica Vermeulen, Iain McNeish, Frances R. Balkwill
Journal: Cancer Research (2010)

Abstract The inflammatory cytokine IL-6 is a major component of an autocrine cytokine network in human ovarian cancer that influences angiogenesis, a stromal signature and leukocyte infiltration. We have used tissue culture experiments, animal models, and data from a Phase II clinical trial in women with advanced ovarian cancer to investigate the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of CNTO328, an antibody that neutralises IL-6. In tissue culture, CNTO328 had no effect on growth or survival of ovarian cancer cells that expressed IL-6 receptors and constitutively secreted the ligand. However, it inhibited constitutive production of IL-6 and other inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including TNF-alpha, IL-8, IL-1beta and CCL2 by the malignant ovarian cells. In intraperitoneal ovarian cancer xenograft models, CNTO328 reduced tumour growth and angiogenesis and decreased transcription of inflammatory cytokines in the tumour microenvironment. Of eighteen patients with advanced, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer treated with CNTO328 in a single arm Phase II trial, there was one partial response, as defined by combined RECIST/CA125 criteria, seven patients experienced periods of disease stabilisation, and in four of these this lasted at least 6 months. Baseline plasma TNF-alpha, IL-8, VEGF, beta2 microglobulin and CRP were significantly lower in patients who had stable disease or partial response. After six weeks therapy, plasma levels of several cytokines were either stable or decreased in patients who had clinical benefit from the anti-IL-6 treatment and TNF-alpha and IL-8 were significantly lower in this group than in those who progressed. Plasma TNF-alpha, IL-8, VEGF and ascites TNF-alpha, IL-8, CCL2 and IL-1beta levels showed a strong decline in the patient with a partial response. We conclude that IL-6 antagonists may have a role to play in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Their actions involve inhibiting production of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and angiogenic factors that have tumour-promoting actions in the ovarian cancer microenvironment. Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5331.
A SIMPLE METHOD FOR RETAINING THYROID DRESSINGS
Authors: Mandel Weinstein
Journal: JAMA (1934)

The low position of a thyroid incision has always presented a problem in postoperative bandaging. This region is too low for a properly applied neck bandage and too high for a chest dressing. The usual methods for retaining sterile gauze dressings following thyroidectomy include fixation by adhesive plaster or gauze bandaging. Retention by adhesive strips is uncomfortable, traumatizes sensitive skin and prohibits movements of the neck on the trunk. Gauze bandaging, on the other hand, is bulky, limits motion of the neck and causes pain and discomfort, owing to pressure and tension over the wound. The supporting bandage that I have been using is made as follows: A flannel bandage 6 inches in width is cut to a length of approximately 36 inches. The width is reduced by a 1 inch strip, cut from each end and almost meeting at the center (<i>A</i>in the illustration), allowing the 1 inch
Primary Hepatic Carcinoid Tumor Presenting as a Large Multicystic Lesion of the Liver and on Tc-99m RBC Abdominal Imaging Showing Photopenic Areas
Authors: Wei-Jen Shih, Luis Samayoa, George L. Shih, Primo Milan
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (2005)

A 53-year-old man was hospitalized because of multicentric liver disease discovered incidentally on a CT scan. Tc-99m RBC imaging showed 2 photopenic areas in the right lobe. Carcinoid was found on liver biopsy, although the patient did not have the typical carcinoid signs such as diarrhea and flushing. The large photon-deficient areas in the liver are unusual in hepatic carcinoid.
Update on the Genetic Effects of Ionizing Radiation
Authors: James V. Neel
Journal: JAMA (1991)

The genetic implications of human exposures to radiation continue to be very much on the public mind. Interest in the issue was greatly stimulated by the report of Gardner and associates<sup>1</sup>last year. In an effort to understand the excess of childhood leukemia and lymphoma reported in the vicinity of the Sellafield nuclear plant in the West Cumbria district of the United Kingdom, these investigators conducted a case-control study for environmental associations with these diseases. The study identified 52 cases of leukemia, 22 of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and 23 of Hodgkin's disease, all occurring under 25 years of age. For each case, up to eight controls were used. Because many of the tests for associations are overlapping, it is difficult to deduce how many independent statistical tests were performed, but it appears to be at least 70. The most significant finding was that the fathers of children who developed leukemia
Corticosteroids therapy in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Authors: Surapol Issaragrisil, Anong Piankijagum, Yaowalak Tang‐naitrisorana
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (1987)

Abstract We evaluated the efficacy of alternate day, high dose prednisolone for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Nineteen patients were included. Thirteen were men and six were women, aged between 13–56 years. Eleven patients improved, eight with good response and three with fair response. Eight patients were non‐responders. Responders had gradual improvement in the hemoglobin level, but none achieved a normal hemoglobin level. Age at diagnosis, sex, initial hemoglobin, white count, and percentage of a positive Ham's test had no apparent bearing on treatment outcome. A prolonged interval from diagnosis to prednisolone treatment decreased the chance of a favorable hematologic response to therapy. Age at the treatment in non‐responders was higher than responders. Responders had higher numbers of colonies derived from BFU‐E and CFU‐GM both in the blood and bone marrow than non‐responders although the differences did not achieve statistical significance. These data indicate that alternate day, high dose prednisolone therapy is effective in some patients with PNH.