tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Toward Evidence-Based Statistics
Authors: Daniel P. Sulmasy
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2000)

Letters21 March 2000Toward Evidence-Based StatisticsDaniel P. Sulmasy, OFM, MD, PhDDaniel P. Sulmasy, OFM, MD, PhDSaint Vincents Hospital; New York, NY 10011 (Sulmasy)Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-132-6-200003210-00015 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail TO THE EDITOR:I have two questions regarding Goodman's excellent articles on statistical inference (1, 2). First, does Goodman genuinely endorse the notion that “frequentist” probabilities are “objective” while inductive judgments are “subjective”? The word “probability” is ambiguous. “Probability” often means frequency, but “probability” can also refer to the degree of certitude in human judgments (3). Both senses of “probable” are objective in that their truth depends on the world, not the mind. Biomedical frequencies are objective values from which nonsystematic processes in the world cannot systematically deviate (4). Likewise, judgments about the truth of scientific hypotheses also depend on ...References1. Goodman SN. Toward evidence-based medical statistics. 1: The P value fallacy. Ann Intern Med. 1999;130:995-1004. LinkGoogle Scholar2. Goodman SN. Toward evidence-based medical statistics. 2: The Bayes factor. Ann Intern Med. 1999;130:1005-13. LinkGoogle Scholar3. Sulmasy DP. Futility and the varieties of medical judgment. Theor Med. 1997;18:63-78. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar4. Lonergan BJ. Insight: A Study of Human Understanding. San Francisco: Harper & Row; 1957:103. Google Scholar5. Kant I. Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics, Ak 260. Indianapolis, IN: Hackett; 1977:5. Google Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: Saint Vincents Hospital; New York, NY 10011 (Sulmasy) PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsSee AlsoToward Evidence-Based Medical Statistics. 2: The Bayes Factor Steven N. Goodman Toward Evidence-Based Statistics Thomas Morgan Toward Evidence-Based Statistics Jean-Francois Caubet Metrics 21 March 2000Volume 132, Issue 6Page: 507KeywordsBayesian methodLikelihood ratio Issue Published: 21 March 2000 CopyrightCopyright © 2000 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF DownloadLoading ...
Length and Variability of The Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Sydney A. Beach
Journal: JAMA (1968)

<h3>To the Editor:—</h3> It is becoming increasingly evident that the log-normal distribution is encountered more often in biological systems and processes than was previously thought.<sup>1,2</sup>A recent paper by Chiazze<sup>3</sup>and others concerning the length and variability of the menstrual cycle affords a typical and intrinsically interesting example. The average menstrual cycle length, averaged over at least ten cycles, of 436 females aged between 15 and 19 abstracted from the data given by Chiazze et al, is detailed in the first three columns of the Table. These data were plotted on linear- and log-probability graph paper and it was found that the log-normal curve gives a better fit; notably for the latter part of the sample distribution. The sample distribution is in fact slightly positively skewed, more average cycle lengths occur at greater times than one would expect if the normal distribution operated. I have accordingly fitted a
Campaigners demand equal treatment for all thalidomide victims
Authors: M. Jara
Journal: BMJ (2008)

Campaigners demonstrated in London last week demanding equal treatment for all European victims of the drug thalidomide. The drug, prescribed to pregnant women between 1957 and 1961 for morning sickness, resulted in severe malformations in their children.

Victims of the drug in Spain, Italy, and …
609. Acute-Phase Toxicity Following Systemic Administration of Non-Human Primate Derived Adenoviral Vectors to Mice
Authors: Suryanarayan Somanthan, Zhe Zhang, Guang-Ping Gao, Martin W. Lock, Peter L. Bell, Soumitra Roy, Arbansjit K. Sandhi, James M. Wilson
Journal: Molecular Therapy (2006)

Non human primate (NHP) derived adenoviral vectors are currently being pursed as candidate vectors for vaccination in individuals with prior exposure to human adenoviruses. In the present study we monitored toxicity at different times following high dose systemic administration of NHP adenoviruses (AdC6, AdC7 and AdC9) to C57BL/6 mice. Vector administrations were usually accompanied by a transient leukopenia and thrombocytopenia that resolved by day 14. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of various tissues indicated presence of infiltrates primarily in the liver. In addition, serum alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) levels were elevated. However, vectors could be detected in a variety of tissues including liver, spleen, lung and bone marrow. Pro-inflammatory cytokines – notably IFN-α, IL-6, TNF-α and KC – were elevated within 2 hrs of vector administration and started to decline to baseline levels by 24 hrs. The profile and magnitude of cytokines induced by the NHP adenoviruses were different when compared to human Ad5. In particular, the levels of IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-α were substantially higher with NHP adenoviruses than with human Ad5. The increased activation of innate immunity observed with the NHP adenoviruses in mice was studied in vitro with two different types of human dendritic cells, monocytoid and plasmacytoid. In each case, the NHP adenoviruses resulted in increased production of inflammatory cytokines as compared to what was seen with human Ad5. Additional studies were performed in knockout mice (MyD88 KO and type I interferon receptor KO) to better understand the mechanisms that lead to the brisk activation of innate immunity with NHP adenoviruses. These studies suggest that NHP adenoviruses initiate an autocatalytic type I interferon response that augments the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6. The cellular receptors and signaling pathways responsible for these effects are under investigation.
Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm With False-Positive FDG PET in a Patient With Behcet Disease
Authors: Han Loh, Grace Yung, Chuong Bui, Robert Mansberg, Monica Comsa
Journal: Clinical Nuclear Medicine (2010)

A 60-year-old man presented with dyspnea, oral ulcers, systemic symptoms, and biopsy proven erythema nodosum, consistent with Behcet disease. During evaluation of the patient's dyspnea, a new mass lesion (2.2 cm) in the right lower lobe (not present 4 months earlier) was shown on HRCT and demonstrated mildly increased FDG uptake (SUVmax = 2.7) on PET CT, predictive for neoplasm. This lesion was however intensely enhancing on CTPA with direct blood supply from a right lower lobe pulmonary artery and mural thrombus. Pulmonary artery aneurysm was confirmed and successfully embolized.
Incidence of Death During Jogging in Rhode Island From 1975 Through 1980
Authors: Paul D. Thompson
Journal: JAMA (1982)

In the six years from 1975 through 1980, a total of 12 men died during jogging in the state of Rhode Island. The cause of death in 11 was coronary heart disease (CHD). One man died of an acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The prevalence of jogging in the Rhode Island population was determined using a random-digit telephone survey. Among men aged 30 through 64 years, 7.4% +/- 2.6% (mean +/- SEE) reported jogging at least twice a week. The incidence of death during jogging for men of this age group was one death per year for every 7,620 joggers, or approximately one death per 396,000 man-hours of jogging. This rate is seven times the estimated death rate from CHD during more sedentary activities in Rhode Island and suggests that exercise contributes to sudden death in susceptible persons. The occurrence of only one death per 7,620 joggers per year demonstrates that the risk of exercise is small and suggests that the routine exercise testing of healthy subjects before exercise training in not justified.
Serotonin4 (5-HT4) Receptor Agonists Are Putative Antidepressants with a Rapid Onset of Action
Authors: Guillaume Lucas, Vladimir V. Rymar, Jenny Du, Ouissame Mnie-Filali, Christina Bisgaard, Stella Manta, Laura Lambas-Senas, Ove Wiborg, Nasser Haddjeri, Graciela Piñeyro, Abbas F. Sadikot, Guy Debonnel
Journal: Neuron (2007)
Hepatitis B and C viral infections in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Juan Ruiz, Bruno Sangro, José I. Cuende, Oscar Beloqui, JosBé I. Riezu-Boj, JOSé I. Herrero, Jesús Prieto
Journal: Hepatology (1992)

The prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections was studied in 70 patients diagnosed as having hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition to viral serological markers, serum hepatitis B virus DNA and hepatitis C virus RNA were determined with a nested polymerase chain reaction assay. Twelve patients (17%) were HBsAg positive, 26 (37%) had antibodies to HBs, HBc or both and 32 (46%) were negative for all hepatitis B virus serological markers. Prevalence of the antibody to hepatitis C virus was 63% (44 patients). Hepatitis B virus DNA was detected in 24 of the 66 tested patients (36%). Twelve of these hepatitis B virus DNA-positive patients were HBsAg negative (seven were positive for antibody to HBs, antibody to HBc or both and five were negative for all hepatitis B virus serological markers). Hepatitis C virus RNA was found in 42 of 68 patients (62%). A high correlation (95%) existed between hepatitis C virus RNA and hepatitis C virus antibodies. Nevertheless, two patients without antibody to hepatitis C virus had serum hepatitis C virus RNA sequences. Coinfection by the two viruses was detected in nine subjects (14%), but no clinical differences were found between these and the rest of the patients. We conclude that nearly 90% (62 of the 70 patients studied) of cases of hepatocellular carcinoma in our geographical area are related to hepatitis virus infections (detected by serological or molecular studies). Hepatitis C is more prevalent than hepatitis B virus in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, and the infection is still active when the tumor is diagnosed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Severe Liver Injury after Treatment with the Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist Zafirlukast
Authors: John F. Reinus
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2000)

Background: In registration trials, zafirlukast, an asthma medication, caused asymptomatic elevated aminotransferase levels in up to 5% of participants. Until now, however, no cases of severe hepatitis attributed to zafirlukast have been reported. Objective: To report the clinical characteristics of three patients with severe hepatitis due to zafirlukast. Design: Case report. Setting: One community hospital and two university hospitals. Patients: Three middle-aged women taking zafirlukast, 20 mg twice per day. Intervention: Discontinuation of zafirlukast therapy in three patients, steroid therapy in two patients, and orthotopic liver transplantation in one patient. Measurements: Serum aminotransferase and bilirubin levels, standard blood tests for causes of hepatitis other than drug toxicity, and liver biopsy in two patients. Results: Patient 1 recovered spontaneously, had a severe relapse after inadvertent rechallenge with the medication, and ultimately made a complete recovery. Patient 2 developed subfulminant hepatic failure and required liver transplantation. Patient 3 developed severe hepatitis that improved after treatment with corticosteroids. Liver tissue was available from two patients and showed histologic changes commonly associated with drug reactions. Conclusion: Patients receiving zafirlukast may develop severe liver injury and should be observed for signs and symptoms of hepatitis.
Covalent binding of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to the surface of red blood cells inhibits aggregation and reduces low shear blood viscosity
Authors: Jonathan K. Armstrong, Herbert J. Meiselman, Timothy C. Fisher
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (1997)

A simple method to coat human red blood cells (RBC) with PEG is described. Using a reactive derivative, monomethoxy-PEG (mPEG) was covalently attached to the surface of RBC in aqueous media under mild conditions. The PEG coating dramatically reduced aggregation and low shear viscosity of RBC resuspended in autologous plasma, and inhibited RBC agglutination by blood group-specific antibodies. Morphology and deformability of the PEG-treated cells were unaltered. The PEG coating of the RBC surface may be of significant benefit in the treatment of a variety of diseases characterized by vaso-occlusion or impaired blood flow, e.g., myocardial infarction, sickle cell disease. Am. J. Hematol. 56:26–28, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Surgery of the Heart and Structures Related to It
Authors: John W. Strieder
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1946)

SURGERY of the heart and structures related to it will be considered under five main headings —congenital lesions, trauma, acute pericarditis, constrictive pericarditis and miscellaneous conditions.Congenital Lesions Pulmonary Stenosis or Pulmonary Atresia Blalock and Taussig1 have recently reported and discussed 3 cases in which children with severe degrees of pulmonary stenosis were operated on successfully and with apparent benefit. Heretofore, there has been no satisfactory treatment for pulmonary stenosis or pulmonary atresia. A so-called "blue baby" with a malformed heart was considered beyond the reach of surgical aid. These authors in undertaking the operation were convinced that even though . . .
Oral-Contraceptive Use and Bacteriuria in a Community-Based Study
Authors: Denis A. Evans, Charles H. Hennekens, Lillian Miao, Larry W. Laughlin, William G. Chapman, Bernard Rosner, James O. Taylor, Edward H. Kass
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1978)

The relationship between oral-contraceptive (OC) use and bacteriuria in a population-based cohort of 2390 women below age 50 was investigated. 5.6% of the 482 OC users and 4% of the 1908 nonusers were bacteriuric. The summary age-adjusted relative risk in users was 1.8 as compared with nonusers. After adjustment for possible confounding effects of age, parity, and weight, the users had a relative risk of 1.5.
Correlations of Microradiographic and Histological Findings in the Pulmonary Vascular Bed
Authors: JOHN T. REEVES, DUANE TWEEDDALE, JACQUELINE NOONAN, JAMES E. LEATHERS, MERVYN B. QUIGLEY
Journal: Circulation (1966)

Obstruction within pulmonary arteries is a well-known cause of pulmonary hypertension in patients with congenital heart disease, but dilatation of the pulmonary vessels is less well understood. The present report has shown that the technique of microradiography is well suited to the study of dilation of the pulmonary microcirculation because (1) vessels as small as capillaries are resolved, (2) whole capillary networks are seen in relation to the arteries feeding them and to the alveoli, and (3) the radiographed tissue may [See Figure in the PDF File] then be sectioned and stained for direct comparison of the histological and microradiographic aspects. The present study demonstrated the technique in a case of normal lungs, one of pulmonary hypertension and a high pulmonary blood flow, and in one of pulmonary hypertension and high pulmonary vascular resistance. Dilated capillaries were demonstrated in both patients with pulmonary hypertension. Greater distortion of the microvascular pattern was seen in the patient with high vascular resistance. Correlation of radiographic and histological examination provides an additional tool for study of the normal and abnormal pulmonary circulation.
Omega 3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Olga N Garrard
Journal: BMJ (2004)

Editor—In their review of omega 3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease Din et al ignored the plant derived omega 3 fatty acids beyond the initial definitions.1

In figure 3 they say that the omega 3 fatty acids from fish oils are metabolites of α linolenic acid (the plant derived source of omega 3 fatty acids). However, they did not say whether α linolenic acid is as effective as oily fish in the beneficial effects described. Is this because no trials exist or trials show less effect?

Din et al comment on concerns about depleting fish stocks and environmental contamination of certain fish. Would suggesting a trial of α linolenic acid supplements or a diet rich in the plant sources of this oil be an option for future research as well as their proposed trial of fish oil supplements?
Pemphigus foliaceus induced by penicillamine.
Authors: R A Marsden, R I Vanhegan, M Walshe, H Hill, A G Mowat
Journal: BMJ (1976)

Pemphigus foliaceus induced by penicillaminePenicillamine is being used increasingly in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.It is the treatment of choice in Wilson's disease and cystinuria, but, as both of these disorders are rare, only relatively few patients have received the drug.Rashes occur in up to 60% of patients with Wilson's disease and cystinuria on penicillamine.1-3A much lower incidence is reported in rheumatoid arthritis (13-25%), possibly because smaller doses are given and the drug is introduced more cautiously.4Morbilliform and urticarial eruptions are the most common lesions and they usually appear within the first 10 days of treatment.Withdrawing treatment leads to prompt recovery and the drug can usually be reintroduced without the rash recurring.Blistering and bruising with wrinkled scars and milia may occur on areas exposed to pressure and injury in patients with Wilson's disease or cystinuria, usually after the first year of treatment.5 6 Such lesions, as well as elastosis perforans serpiginosa,7 are probably related to penicillamine's lathyrogenic effects on connective tissues; they improve if the dose is Goodpasture's syndrome.
Foreign medical schools. Organization and expenditures in 13 schools attended by more than 2,000 US students
Authors: H. R. Mason
Journal: JAMA (1971)

Financial data regarding the operation of basic science departments in 13 foreign medical schools were collected in person in a recent visit to these schools attended by more than 2,000 American students. Special effort has been made to tabulate these data on a comparable basis with the usual organization of basic science departments in US medical schools. However, no attempt has been made to compare the organization of these departments with those in US schools.
Transient Removal of CD46 Is Safe and Increases B-cell Depletion by Rituximab in CD46 Transgenic Mice and Macaques
Authors: Ines Beyer, Hua Cao, Jonas Persson, Hongjie Wang, Ying Liu, Roma Yumul, Zongyi Li, Douglas Woodle, Ronald Manger, Michael Gough, Diane Rocha, Jaclyn Bogue, Audrey Baldessari, Ronald Berenson, Darrick Carter, André Lieber
Journal: Molecular Therapy (2012)

We have developed a technology that depletes the complement regulatory protein (CRP) CD46 from the cell surface, and thereby sensitizes tumor cells to complement-dependent cytotoxicity triggered by therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). This technology is based on a small recombinant protein, Ad35K++, which induces the internalization and subsequent degradation of CD46. In preliminary studies, we had demonstrated the utility of the combination of Ad35K++ and several commercially available mAbs such as rituximab, alemtuzumab, and trastuzumab in enhancing cell killing in vitro as well as in vivo in murine xenograft and syngeneic tumor models. We have completed scaled manufacturing of Ad35K++ protein in Escherichia coli for studies in nonhuman primates (NHPs). In macaques, we first defined a dose of the CD20-targeting mAb rituximab that did not deplete CD20-positive peripheral blood cells. Using this dose of rituximab, we then demonstrated that pretreatment with Ad35K++ reconstituted near complete elimination of B cells. Further studies demonstrated that the treatment was well tolerated and safe. These findings in a relevant large animal model provide the rationale for moving this therapy forward into clinical trials in patients with CD20-positive B-cell malignancies. We have developed a technology that depletes the complement regulatory protein (CRP) CD46 from the cell surface, and thereby sensitizes tumor cells to complement-dependent cytotoxicity triggered by therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). This technology is based on a small recombinant protein, Ad35K++, which induces the internalization and subsequent degradation of CD46. In preliminary studies, we had demonstrated the utility of the combination of Ad35K++ and several commercially available mAbs such as rituximab, alemtuzumab, and trastuzumab in enhancing cell killing in vitro as well as in vivo in murine xenograft and syngeneic tumor models. We have completed scaled manufacturing of Ad35K++ protein in Escherichia coli for studies in nonhuman primates (NHPs). In macaques, we first defined a dose of the CD20-targeting mAb rituximab that did not deplete CD20-positive peripheral blood cells. Using this dose of rituximab, we then demonstrated that pretreatment with Ad35K++ reconstituted near complete elimination of B cells. Further studies demonstrated that the treatment was well tolerated and safe. These findings in a relevant large animal model provide the rationale for moving this therapy forward into clinical trials in patients with CD20-positive B-cell malignancies.
Talk to the Patient
Authors: RICHARD M. RATZAN
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1980)

Letters and Corrections1 December 1980Talk to the PatientRICHARD M. RATZAN, M.D.RICHARD M. RATZAN, M.D.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-93-6-935_3 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptTo the editor: Dr. Drew's "A Dwarf in the Cellar," in your "Ad Libitum" column (better entitled "Ad Libidinem" for this piece), was an unintended self-indictment.The self-righteous stances of both camps speak for themselves in their paternalistic attitudes. The concept of asking the dwarf in the cellar what he might wish was apparently only a passing question in the minds of the discussants. The complete sequestration of the patient from decision-making ("Medical tempers flared, discussion raged, and Jacques played solitaire in my kitchen . . .") is ironically underlined by the patient being left, in reality and symbolically, to...Reference1. DREW F. A dwarf in the cellar. Ann Intern Med. 1980;93:372. LinkGoogle Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: RICHARD M. RATZAN, M.D.Affiliations: 87 Hunter Drive; West Hartford, CT 06107 PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics 1 December 1980Volume 93, Issue 6Page: 935-935KeywordsCyclic adenosine monophosphate ePublished: 1 December 2008 Issue Published: 1 December 1980 PDF downloadLoading ...