tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Sperm Aneuploidy in Faroese Men with Lifetime Exposure to Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene ( <i>p</i> , <i>p´</i> -DDE) and Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Pollutants
Authors: Melissa J. Perry, Heather A. Young, Philippe Grandjean, Jónrit Halling, Maria Skaalum Petersen, Sheena E. Martenies, Parisa Karimi, Pál Weihe
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2015)

Although it is known that sperm aneuploidy contributes to early pregnancy losses and congenital abnormalities, the causes are unknown and environmental contaminants are suspected.Our goal was to evaluate associations between lifetime exposure to organochlorines, specifically dichlorodiphenyldicholorethylene (p,p´-DDE) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and sperm aneuploidy in men from the general population of the Faroe Islands, a population with a known history of organochlorine exposures.Serum and semen samples from men (n = 90) 22-44 years old who participated in Faroe Islands health studies were analyzed for p,p´-DDE and PCBs 118, 138, 153, and 180 and adjusted for total lipids. Cord blood and age-14 serum were available for a subgroup (n = 40) and were also analyzed for p,p´-DDE and PCBs. Sperm fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for chromosomes X, Y, and 18 was used to determine rates of XX18, XY18, YY18, and total disomy. Multivariable adjusted Poisson models were used to estimate the relationship between organochlorine exposure and sperm disomy outcomes.Adult p,p´-DDE and total PCB serum concentrations were both associated with significantly increased rates of XX18, XY18, and total disomy. Age-14 p,p´-DDE and PCB concentrations were both associated with significantly increased rates of XX, XY, and total disomy in adulthood. Associations between cord blood concentrations of p,p´-DDE and PCBs and sperm disomy in adulthood were not consistently significant.Organochlorine exposures measured at age 14 and in adulthood were associated with sperm disomy in this sample of high-exposure men, suggesting that the impacts of persistent pollutants on testicular maturation and function require further investigation.Perry MJ, Young HA, Grandjean P, Halling J, Petersen MS, Martenies SE, Karimi P, Weihe P. 2016. Sperm aneuploidy in Faroese men with lifetime exposure to dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p´-DDE) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) pollutants. Environ Health Perspect 124:951-956; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1509779.
A phase Ib, open-label, multicenter study of urelumab (BMS-663513) in combination with rituximab in subjects with relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies.
Authors: Holbrook Edwin Kohrt, John E. Godwin, Izidore S. Lossos, Michael E. Williams, John Timmerman, Brian K. Link, Stacie M. Goldberg, Analia McGirr, John F. Kurland, Jon M. Wigginton, Lewis J. Cohen, Ronald Levy
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2013)

TPS3108 Background: CD137 (4-1BB) is a costimulatory molecule that belongs to the TNF superfamily. It is upregulated on activated lymphocytes, NK cells and dendritic cells and plays an important role in the potentiation of antigen-specific immune responses as well as in antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Urelumab is an agonistic antibody targeting the CD137 receptor. Preclinical evidence has shown that there is modulation of CD137 expression on NK cells after exposure to rituximab. Anti-CD137 agonist monoclonal antibody has been shown to have single-agent anti-lymphoma activity and to potentiate the anti-lymphoma activity of rituximab through enhancing ADCC. We hypothesized that upregulation of CD137 on NK cells by rituximab followed by urelumab could afford a mechanism-based approach to achieve enhanced biologic and/or clinical activity compared to either single agent alone. Here we describe a phase Ib study to investigate the clinical and biologic effects of combined treatment with urelumab and rituximab in patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies. Methods: This phase I study (n=100) will include dose escalation (Part 1) using a 3+3+3 design and cohort expansion (Part 2). In Part 1, successive cohorts of patients with relapsed/refractory B-NHL will be treated as follows: Cohort 1 (0.1 mg/kg q3weeks) and Cohort 2 (0.3 mg/kg q3weeks) with both cohorts in combination with rituximab 375 mg/m 2 given weekly for the first 4 weeks of each 12 week cycle. In Part 2, cohorts of CLL (n=30), follicular lymphoma (FL) (n=30), and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (n=20) will be treated at the dose level found to be safe for the urelumab/rituximab combination. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the safety and define a safe and effective dose of the urelumab/rituximab combination. Secondary objectives include assessment of the antitumor activity, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity. Exploratory objectives include investigation of the immunoregulatory activity of this combination in peripheral blood and paired tumor biopsy specimens and the association of these effects with clinical response/toxicity. Clinical trial information: NCT01775631.
The Aliskiren Trial to Minimize <scp>OutcomeS</scp> in Patients with <scp>HEart</scp> failure trial (<scp>ATMOSPHERE</scp>): revised statistical analysis plan and baseline characteristics
Authors: Henry Krum, John J.V. McMurray, William T. Abraham, Kenneth Dickstein, Lars Køber, Akshay S. Desai, Scott D. Solomon, Yanntong Chiang, Claudio Gimpelewicz, Bernard Reimund, M. Atif Ali, Georgia Tarnesby, Barry M. Massie
Journal: European Journal of Heart Failure (2015)
Effect of PLGA NP size on efficiency to target traumatic brain injury
Authors: Luis J. Cruz, Marieke A. Stammes, Ivo Que, Ermond R. van Beek, Vicky T. Knol-Blankevoort, Thomas J.A. Snoeks, Alan Chan, Eric L. Kaijzel, Clemens W.G.M. Löwik
Journal: Journal of Controlled Release (2015)
Workgroup 3: Education
Authors: Carla S Alexander, Andrew M Hoy
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (2001)

The over-riding consensus of the workgroup was that all clinical professionals should have at least an introductory education in providing care for those near the end of life. This should include basic communication skills, topics related to grief and bereavement, aspects of cultural sensitivity, the fundamentals of symptom management and how to work in an interprofessional team. Despite differences in the structure of education, the USA and the UK face similar challenges in integrating palliative medicine into mainstream clinical care.

The advent of HIV/AIDS has particularly raised the need for cultural competence, since many of those affected by this disease are on the fringes of the usual healthcare system or even excluded from it. Respect for the individual is paramount. In the USA there has been a major thrust to teach ‘attending’ (consultant) physicians more about palliative care, in the hope that they will become role models for clinical students; in the UK there is some thought that a focus on students in training may be more cost-effective. The inclusion of examination questions for all disciplines is being pursued on both sides of the Atlantic, and in the UK palliative care specialists participate in qualifying examinations.

HIV/AIDS, representing all chronic illness, highlights the deficiencies in our current systems of care. In our workshop discussions we recognized that, in fact, many different groups are to some extent socially excluded—for example, ethnic minorities, the bereaved, prisoners, physicians and their families, gay/bisexual people, homeless people, those with no general practitioner, illegal immigrants, asylum-seekers and even private patients. Before discussing ‘next steps’ for education in palliative care we reviewed the strengths and weaknesses of the two healthcare systems.
Decreased IgM, IgA, and IgG response to pneumococcal vaccine in children with transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy
Authors: Viviana Moschese, Filomena Monica Cavaliere, Simona Graziani, Caterina Bilotta, Cinzia Milito, Loredana Chini, Isabella Quinti
Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2015)
Phase II study of temozolomide (TMZ) administered on a 7 days on-7 days off regimen as primary treatment before radiotherapy (RT) in inoperable newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)
Authors: O. Chinot, M. Barrié, A. Cournède, H. Dufour, D. Figarella-Branger, D. Braguer, J.-C. Peragut, F. Grisoli
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2005)

1523 Background: Increasing temozolomide exposure and subsequent depletion of O-alkylguanine alkyltransferase may improve activity of TMZ. Neoadjuvant strategy in inoperable newly diagnosed GBM offer the potential interest to select new effective therapeutic regimen in glioma (Gilbert et al, Neuro-Oncol. 2002, Chinot et al., ProcASCO 2003). Methods: Eligibility criteria of this phase II study included histologically confirmed newly diagnosed, inoperable GBM, previously untreated with measurable disease, KPS at least 60, and informed consent. Treatment consisted of TMZ 150 mg/m2/ day from day 1 to day 7 and day 14 to day 20 in a 28-day cycle, and was administered for up to 4 cycles before RT, and then after RT up to 8 cycles or until progression. Assessment of response was performed after each cycle. Primary endpoint was response rate (MacDonald criteria); secondary endpoints included progression free survival (PFS); overall survival (OS) and toxicity. Independent review of all histology and of MRI responses were performed. Results: Of the 30 patients included (median age: 60 years; median KPS: 70), 29 patients were considered eligible. The median number of cycles was 3 (range 1–8), with 45% of pts that completed 4 cycles. The objective response rate (PR) was 25% (95% exact CI [9–41])., while stable disease was observed in 31% of the pts. With a median follow-up of 6 months in the surviving pts, median PFS and OS were 3.8 and 6 months respectively. PFS at 6 months was 21%. Survival rate at 12 and 18 months were 31%, and 28% respectively. 24% of the patients experienced grade III or IV thrombopenia 14% had grade IV granulocytopenia, and 14% had grade IV lymphopenia. Dose reduction was necessary in 6/26 pts (23%) that received more than one cycle, and 2 patients discontinued treatment because of toxicity. Interstitial pneumopathy was observed in 5/29 patients with concomitant lympho- and /or granulocytopenia grade III-IV. No toxic deaths occurred. Conclusion: This schedule of TMZ exhibit significant efficacy, with toxicity that required careful monitoring, although superiority over the five days schedule remain to be determined. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Genomic Profile of Patients with Triple Negative (JAK2, CALR and MPL) Essential Thrombocythemia and Primary Myelofibrosis
Authors: Paulo Vidal Campregher, Ricardo Helman, Welbert Oliveira Pereira, Renato D Puga, Bianca Garcia Lisboa, Evelyn Helena Ascendino, Mariana Miyagi, Sandra Nakashima Yoshida, Isabel Bello, Michelli Silva Diniz, Guilherme Fleury Perini, Elvira Velloso, Joao Carlos Guerra, Paulo A.A. Silveira, Nydia Bacal, Roberta Cardoso Petroni, Juliane Musacchio, Rodrigo Santucci, Ana Fernandes Schriefer, Marco A. Salvino, Soares Almeida Rodolfo, Manuela Pinto Tibúrcio, Leila Martins Perobelli, Eizabeth Xisto Souto, Danielle Leao Cordeiro De Farias, Marcia Higashi, Adriana Valente Fadel, Tarcila S Datoguia, Carolina Kassab, Leandro Padua, Patricia W Bollman, Fernando Ferreira Costa, Nelson Hamerschlak, Fabio Pires de Souza Santos
Journal: Blood (2014)
Analysis of interleukin-13 receptor alpha2 expression as a prognostic biomarker in surgically resected pancreatic cancer patients
Authors: Toshio Fujisawa, Takeshi Shimamura, Bharat H Joshi, Raj K Puri
Journal: Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (2015)

Meeting abstracts IL-13Rα2 is recognized as one of the candidate genes significantly associated with pancreatic cancer risk. Previously, we have demonstrated that IL-13Rα2 is over-expressed in ~70% of human pancreatic cancer samples. We have also shown that IL-13 can mediate invasion and
Clinical and microbiological outcome in septic patients with extremely low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels at initiation of critical care
Authors: G. De Pascale, M.S. Vallecoccia, A. Schiattarella, V. Di Gravio, S.L. Cutuli, G. Bello, L. Montini, M.A. Pennisi, T. Spanu, C. Zuppi, S.A. Quraishi, M. Antonelli
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection (2015)
Usefulness of preoperative F-18 FDG-PET/CT for detection of signet ring cell carcinoma of the stomach: Correlation with pathologic findings including immunohistochemical staining.
Authors: K. Park, J. Kim, Y. Do, H. Song, K. Won
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2010)

e14621 Background: The role of F-18 FDG-PET/CT in gastric cancer is limited because of its low sensitivity. The sensitivity of F-18 FDG-PET/CT range from 26 to 63% in early gastric cancer (EGC) to 93 to 98% in locally advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Particularly signet sing cell carcinoma (SRC) is reported to have low detectability by F-18 FDG-PET/CT. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of F-18 FDG-PET/CT for SRC and pathologic characteristics associated with FDG uptake of gastric cancer. Methods: Thirty-nine patients with SRC (52.3 ± 13.7 years, M:F = 17:22) who underwent F-18 FDG PET/CT within 1 month before operation were included for this study. AGC was 17, and EGC 22. They were divided into 3 groups according to the abnormal FDG uptake and SUVmax. Group 1 was 17 patients with no abnormal FDG uptake, group 2, 15 patients with abnormal FDG uptake of tumor and its SUVmax 3.0–4.9 and group 3, 7 patients with SUVmax ≥ 5.0. Pathologic parameters were compared among 3 groups by Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: The detection rate of SRC with F-18 FDG PET/CT was 56.4% (70.6% for AGC, 45.5% for EGC) and it was associated with tumor size. The intensity of FDG uptake was associated with tumor and lymph node stage, p53 and Rb immunohistochemical expression. There was no significant difference in Ki-67, C-erbB-2, EGFR, tumor location, Ming classification, Lauren classification, and Borrmann type. Conclusions: The detection rate of SRC with F-18 FDG PET/CT was lower than that of previously reported data of entire gastric cancer, especially for AGC. The intensity of FDG uptake was associated with tumor and lymph node stage, tumor size, p53 and Rb expression. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Cryopreserved leukopaks maintain cell viability and functionality: a solution for cell therapy logistics
Authors: George Eastwood, Wenshi Wang, Tia Hexom, Laura-Marie Nucho
Journal: Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (2015)

Meeting abstracts Human cells are critical raw materials for research and manufacturing of cell therapy products. However, accessibility to freshly procured cells can be limited, creating a crucial need for a suitable alternative to fresh cells that are viable and functional, especially when
Maternal smoking and risk of hypertrophic infantile pyloric stenosis: 10 year population based cohort study
Authors: H. T. Sorensen
Journal: BMJ (2002)

we respect the views of schools who do not advise postexposure prophylaxis because self prescribing of potentially toxic drugs without supervision is too risky, a seven day course is unlikely to cause serious side effects and starter packs give students time to seek expert advice and follow up.Schools should balance the educational advantages of electives with the health risks involved.At the very least they should provide updated advice on bloodborne virus infections, travel vaccinations, and general hazards such as unprotected sexual intercourse, assault, and political instability.Advice could be centrally provided.We thank the Council of Heads of Medical Schools, particularly the secretary, Mr Michael Powell, for help.
Phase III trial of antioxidant vitamins to prevent acute side effects of radiation therapy in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients
Authors: I. Bairati, F. Meyer, A. Fortin, B. Têtu, F. Harel, B. Abdous, M. Gélinas, A. Nabid, F. Brochet
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2005)

3017 Background: Many cancer patients take antioxidant vitamins in the hope of improving the outcome of therapies and of reducing treatments side effects. We conducted a randomized trial to determine whether a supplementation with antioxidant vitamins could reduce the occurrence and severity of acute side effects of radiation therapy (ASERT) and improve quality of life without compromising treatment efficacy (second objective of the trial). Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 540 stage I or II HNC patients treated by radiation therapy. The supplementation with alpha tocopherol (400 IU/day) and beta carotene (30 mg/day) or placebos was given during radiation therapy and for 3 years thereafter. From October, 1994 to June, 2000, 273 and 267 patients were randomized in the supplement and the placebo arms, respectively. This study population provided 91% power to detect a 50% reduction in the frequency of grade 3 and 4 ASERT in the supplement arm with two-sided α=0.05. In 1996, beta carotene was discontinued after recommendation of the trial’s ethical and safety monitoring committee. Ordinal logistic regression was used to estimate the cumulative odds ratios (OR) associated with ASERT one grade higher, with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the hazard ratio of local recurrence. No interim analysis was conducted. Results: Patients in the supplement arm had less severe ASERT during radiation therapy (OR=0.72, 95% CI: 0.52–1.02). The reduction was statistically significant when the supplementation combined alpha tocopherol and beta carotene (OR=0.38, 95% CI: 0.20–0.74). Overall, quality of life was not improved by the supplementation. The rate of local recurrence of the HNC tended to be higher in the supplement arm: HR=1.37, 95% CI: 0.93- 2.02. Conclusions: Supplementation with high doses of alpha tocopherol and beta carotene during radiation therapy could reduce the severity of ASERT. However, high doses of antioxidants as adjuvant therapy might compromise radiation treatment efficacy. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Effect of anticoagulation after inferior vena cava filter placement in gynecologic oncology patients on survival.
Authors: S. Dewdney, T. Benn, B. Rimel, N. Saad, F. Gao, S. Vedantham, D. Picus, L. Massad, D. G. Mutch, I. Zighelboim
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2010)

e15517 Background: Venous thrombosis is a frequent complication of gynecologic cancer. Data is limited regarding the use of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters in this population. The aim of this study was to perform an institutional review of gynecologic oncology patients who have received an IVC filter (IVCF), to evaluate the indications for filter placement and the survival outcomes. Methods: This was a retrospective, single-institution review of patients who had an IVC filter placed after a histologically confirmed diagnosis gynecologic malignancy. Patients were identified from a prospectively collected interventional radiology database between July 1994 and May 2009. Clinicopathologic characteristics, procedure details, and outcome data were obtained from medical records. Survival after IVCF placement was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier product limit method and compared by log-rank test. Results: A total of 128 patients were identified. Twenty five cases were excluded (benign disease, non-gynecologic malignancy, or missing information), with 103 remaining for analysis. Most patients had ovarian cancer (52.0%), followed by cervical cancer (24.5%), and endometrial cancer (20.6%). Two-thirds had advanced stage disease (III/IV). Median survival after IVCF placement was 7.8 months (95% CI, 4.1-13.6). The most common reason for IVCF placement was a contraindication to anticoagulation secondary to bleeding (44.1%), followed by perioperative indications (30.1%), and failed anticoagulation (14.0%). There was no difference in survival by IVCF placement indication (p = 0.18). The majority of the IVC filters placed were permanent (90.5%), with a complication rate of 2%. Univariate analysis showed no difference in survival with regard to location of thrombus (DVT vs. PE vs. both). Patients able to receive anticoagulation after IVCF placement had a significant improved survival (HR 0.45, 95%CI 0.45 -0.27, p = 0.003). Conclusions: We present the largest series of IVC filters in patients with gynecologic cancers. Long-term survival after IVCF placement is uncommon. Patients who receive anticoagulation after IVCF placement have an improved survival over those who do not receive anticoagulation. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
The routine use of the Edmonton classification system for cancer pain in an outpatient supportive care center.
Authors: Joseph Arthur, Sriram Yennu, Linh Nguyen, Kimberson Tanco, Gary B. Chisholm, David Hui, Eduardo Bruera
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2014)

180 Background: There is no standardized and universally accepted pain classification system for the assessment and management of cancer pain in both clinical practice and in research studies. The Edmonton Classification System for Cancer Pain (ECS-CP) is an assessment tool that has demonstrated value in assessing pain characteristics and response. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between the negative ECS-CP features and some pain related variables like pain intensity and opioid use. Also, we explored whether the number of negative ECS-CP features was associated with higher pain intensity. Methods: Electronic charts of 100 patients at the outpatient supportive care clinic in a comprehensive cancer center were reviewed for patient characteristics, initial ECS-CP assessment, the morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD), opioid rotation, the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Score (ESAS), Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS), performance status, and the use of adjuvant analgesics. Results: Ninety one out of the 100 charts were therefore eligible for analysis. The median age was 58.4 years. The most common primary cancer site was gastrointestinal cancer (22.1%). The median pain intensity was 6 and the median MEDD was 45mg. Incident pain was the most common ECS-CP feature (60%) and cognitive dysfunction was the least frequent feature (2%). Neuropathic pain was associated with higher median pain intensity (7 vs. 5, p=0.007) and median MEDD requirement (83 vs. 30, p=0.013). Psychological distress was associated with higher median pain intensity (7 vs. 5, p=0.042). Incident pain was also associated with a trend for higher pain intensity (6 vs 5, p= 0.06). A higher number of negative ECS-CP features was associated with higher pain intensity (p=0.01). Conclusions: The ECS-CP was successfully completed in the majority of patients, demonstrating its utility in routine clinical practice. Neuropathic pain and psychological distress were associated with higher pain intensity. Also, neuropathic pain was associated with higher MEDD. A higher sum of negative ECS-CP features was associated with higher pain intensity. Further studies will be needed to explore this observation.