tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Small-solute transport across specific peritoneal tissue surfaces in the rat.
Authors: M F Flessner
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (1996)

On the basis of a theoretical analysis of peritoneal transport, the tissue-specific mass transfer coefficients (MTC) for sucrose were calculated, and the MTCliver was found to be five times the magnitude of other tissue MTC. It was hypothesized that the liver was potentially the most significant single transport organ for small solutes during peritoneal dialysis. To test this hypothesis, diffusion chambers were affixed to the peritoneal surface of the rat cecum, liver, stomach, or abdominal wall to measure the in vivo bidirectional mass transfer rates of 14C-mannitol between the plasma and the fluid contained in the diffusion chambers. It was determined that the rate of mannitol transport in either direction of transport was similar for all four tissues. The MTC for plasma-to-chamber transport varied between 1.59 x 10(-3) and 2.36 x 10(-3) cm/min with MTCliver = 1.87 +/- 0.24 x 10(-3) cm/min. MTC in the opposite direction ranged between 1.73 x 10(-3) and 2.68 x 10(-3) cm/min with the MTCliver = 2.34 +/- 0.06 x 10(-3) cm/min. The authors' hypothesis concerning the MTCliver was therefore disproved. Peritoneal dialysis was also carried out in a separate series of rats, in which the area of the dissected peritoneal tissues was measured and the mass transfer-area coefficient (MTAC) for 14C-mannitol was determined to be 0.364 +/- 0.068 cm3/min (cavity to plasma) and 0.240 +/- 0.039 cm3/min (plasma to cavity). The tissue-specific MTC were then multiplied by the corresponding tissue areas and summed to estimate an MTAC of 1.0 cm3/min, which is 3 to 4 times the measured MTAC. It was concluded that the importance of a particular tissue to plasma-peritoneal transport is primarily dependent on the surface area exposed to the dialysis solution. However, only 25 to 30% of the dissected-organ tissue area may be in contact with the dialysate fluid.
Conduct of a biomarker study in bronchiectasis patients: Correlation of neutrophil elastase activity and inflammatory load in induced sputum
Authors: Henrik Watz, Johannes Nagelschmitz, Frauke Pedersen, Felix C. Ringshausen, Anne Kirsten, Helgo Magnussen, Klaus F. Rabe, Tobias Welte, Jessica Rademacher, Christine Rentzsch, Christian Schumann, Dmitry Zubov, Volkhart Li, Anja Schäfer, Stephan Schwers
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Human neutrophil elastase (HNE) is a key mediator of tissue remodeling and inflammation. An excess of HNE activity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory pulmonary diseases like bronchiectasis (BE) and COPD. HNE inhibitors could potentially restore the protease/anti-protease balance in these diseases providing a new therapeutic target.

In order to assess, whether biomarkers could support clinical evaluation of this new treatment concept, a multicenter biomarker study was conducted in BE patients and healthy controls: A sputum induction and processing protocol was implemented at three study sites and collected sputum was analyzed for neutrophil cell count, HNE activity, IL-8 and other markers with a 2 week interval over six weeks. In addition, the elastin degradation product desmosine was analyzed in urine.

First results from 15 patients and 5 healthy controls indicate that, based on sputum HNE activity, BE patients could be divided into HNE(low) and HNE(high) groups (>10-fold difference), whereas healthy volunteers were always found to be HNE(low). Furthermore, high sputum HNE activity often coincides with other markers of inflammation (neutrophil cell count, IL-8). Those markers may guide patient selection and contribute to identifying BE patients eligible to treatment with a novel HNE inhibitor, which is currently in clinical development.

In summary, Biomarker evaluation in BE patients revealed that significant HNE activity in sputum could be detected and might be used for stratification of patients for HNE inhibitor treatment.
Using motion analysis to assess experience in flexible bronchoscopy
Authors: Lars Konge, Sara Colella, Morten Svendsen, Lars Bo Svendsen, Paul Clementsen
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Background  Flexible bronchoscopy should be performed with a correct posture and a straight scope to optimize scope movement and minimize the risk of work-related injuries and damage to the scope.  Aims and objectives  The aims of the study were to test whether an automatic motion analysis system could be used to track the appearance of the scope, and to explore if scope appearance correlated with operator experience. Our hypothesis was that more experienced bronchoscopists would keep the flexible scope straighter while performing procedures.  Methods  Eleven novices, nine intermediates, and nine experts in bronchoscopy performed three procedures each on a bronchoscopy simulator. The Microsoft Kinect system was used to automatically measure the total deviation of the scope from a perfectly straight, vertical line.  Results  The low-cost motion analysis system could precisely measure the accumulated deviation of the scope during the procedure. The deviations were largest for the novices and smallest for the experts for all three procedures, p=0.01, p=0.02, and p=0.04 respectively    Conclusions  Novices and intermediates bend the flexible bronchoscope more than experts. We propose to use an automatic motion analysis feedback system to teach new bronchoscopists how to handle the bronchoscope like an expert -  Keep the scope straight .
Prognostic impact of histological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage IIIC/IV ovarian cancer undergoing complete cytoreductive surgery at the time of interval debulking surgery
Authors: P. Morice, J. Ferron, A. Rey, Y. Zafrani, C. Uzan, S. Gouy, D. Castaigne, P. Duvillard, C. L'Homme, P. Pautier
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2007)

16032 Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of histological response at the time of interval debulking surgery (IDS) in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) for unresectable advanced-stage ovarian cancer (ASOC). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in our institution to select cases fulfilling 3 following inclusion criteria: 1. Patients with unresectable (evaluated in most of them with initial surgery + biopsies) ASOC. All patients had residual disease &gt; 2 cm after such initial surgery; 2. At least 3 courses of platinum + paclitaxel NACT; 3. Patients undergoing after NACT an IDS with absence of macroscopic residual disease at the end of the debulking surgery. IDS was followed by post-operative chemotherapy. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to the histological response (in the peritoneum &amp; nodes) after NACT: group 1: no residual disease in peritoneum; group 2: persistent residual disease but with histological signs of chemoactivity (marked histological changes) and group 3: persistence of at least 1 site with no changes in the tumor (persistence of very active cells). Survival was compared between these 3 groups. Results: Fifty-eight patients treated between 1997 and 2004 fulfilled inclusion criteria (49 had stage IIIC and 9 stage IV disease). Respectively 47 &amp; 11 patients received 3–4 or 5–6 courses of chemotherapy before IDS. Respectively 11, 11 and 36 patients were in groups 1, 2 &amp; 3. The median time of follow-up was 41 months. Three-year overall survival in groups 1, 2 &amp; 3 was respectively: 81%, 39% and 62% (no statistical difference). Three- year event-free survival in groups 1, 2 &amp; 3 was respectively: 46%, 18% and 19% (p=.04 between group 1 versus 2+3). Conclusions: These results suggest that the degree of histological response have a limited impact on the survival of patients when complete debulking surgery is achieved at IDS. The degree of tumor cell viability after initial chemotherapy is not a reliable marker for modifying chemotherapy after debulking surgery in such patients. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Protracted infusion of 5 fluorouracil and toxicity during CMF administration in adjuvant setting of breast cancer
Authors: A. Capoblanco, A. Capobianco, R. Ardito, A. Bochicchio, M. Coccaro, P. Di Leo, C. Romano, A. Tartarone
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2007)

19618 Background: Protracted infusion of 5FU(PI) increases response rates and reduces toxicity when compared to bolus administration (BA): the mechanism of action of this drug appears to depend on the dose and the schedule of administration. In some trials 5FU was given as a BA: 30% incidence of severe mucositis or diarrhea was observed. These side effect decreased to less than 15% in trials in which 5FU was infused over 30 minutes and even less when the same dose of 5FU was given over 1 hour or over 2 hours. The CMF i.v. schedule with BA of all three drugs in the adjuvant setting of breast cancer has been shown to be associated with frequent gastrointestinal and mielo-toxicity. PI of 5FU in the CMF schedule can reduce toxicity and improve the quality of life. Methods and Results: From July 2003 to October 2006, 95 patients with breast cancer, mean age 56 years (range 40–75) were treated with adjuvant CMF (1, 8 every 28 days) with 5FU PI (1 hour). Toxicity and compliance were compared to those of 75 patients treated in our institution with CMF-5FU BA (10 min). Toxicity was coded by NCI-CTC. We observed that the patients treated with CMF-5FU PI compared to 5FU BA showed G2–3 nausea: 31.5% vs 46%, G2–3 emesis: 26.3% vs 34.6%, G2 diarrhea: 0% vs 2.6%,asthenia: 18.9% vs 33.3%, G2 neutropenia: 21.0% vs 30.6%, G3 neutropenia: 18.9% vs 20.0% ,G4 neutropenia: 9.4% vs 12%,G3–4 mucositis: 12.6% vs 18.6% and hand -foot syndrome 1.0% vs 0%. Compliance in CMF with 5FU PI compared to CMF with 5FU BA was: 6 cycles administered in 92.6% vs 88.0%, day 8 omitted in 11.5% vs 13.3%, dose reduction in 15.7% vs 17.3%. Conclusions: In our experience, 5 FU PI reduces the gastrointestinal toxicity, particularly nausea and emesis compared to BA.We suggest that less toxicity treatment schedule improves the quality of life and is mandatory mainly in frail and elderly patients. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Significance of the expression of thymidylate synthase in prostate cancer
Authors: Y. Mizutani, Y. Li, T. Shiraishi, T. Nakamura, K. Mikami, K. Okihara, N. Takaha, O. Ukimura, A. Kawauchi, T. Miki
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2009)

e16163 Background: Thymidylate synthase ( TS ) is an important enzyme in de novo DNA synthesis pathway. 5-Fluorouracil ( 5-FU ), an anticancer chemotherapeutic agent used clinically against a variety of cancers including prostate cancer, inhibits DNA synthesis by binding TS. In the present study, we examined TS expression in prostate cancer and investigated its prognostic significance. Methods: Fifty-two prostate cancer tissue specimens were obtained from patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer without neoadjuvant hormonal therapy. Forty-eight prostate cancer tissue specimens were also obtained from patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer with neoadjuvant hormonal therapy. We examined prostate cancer tissue and normal prostate tissue for TS expression by immunohistochemistry. Results: TS was expressed at higher levels in prostate cancer without neoadjuvant hormonal therapy, compared with normal prostate.TS expression in stage T3 prostate cancer was higher than that in stage T2 prostate cancer. In addition, the level of TS expression in Gleason score 7 or greater prostate cancer was higher than that in Gleason score less than 7 prostate cancer. Patients with prostate cancer with negative TS expression without neoadjuvant hormonal therapy had a longer postoperative recurrence-free rate than those with positive expression in the 5 year follow-up. In addition, patients with Gleason score less than 7 prostate cancer with negative TS expression had a much longer postoperative recurrence-free rate than those with positive expression in the 5-year follow-up. TS expression was significantly decreased in prostate cancer patients who received neoadjuvant hormonal therapy, especially stage T2 prostate cancer patients. Conclusions: The current study has demonstrated for the first time that TS expression may be a prognostic parameterr for prostate cancer patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Phase II prospective study of dose-dense doxorubucin and ifosfamide in high-grade, locally advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS) patients
Authors: G. F. Almeida, G. Castro, I. Snitcovsky, S. A. Siqueira, C. R. Oliveira, O. P. Camargo, M. H. Federico
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2007)

20509 Background: High grade STS is expected to benefit from dose-dense doxorubicin/ifosfamide (doxo/ifo) sequential chemotherapy. This trial was designed using the two-stage Minimax design, in which 6 responses were needed among the first 19 pts to proceed to the second stage of the trial (a=0.05, β=0.20) to detect a 20% difference in RR as compared to expected 30%. Preliminary results of the first 20 pts are presented. Patients and Methods: Eligible pts had untreated, metastatic or locally advanced, high-grade STS, &gt; 5 cm; age 18- 60 y; ECOG-PS 0–2; normal cardiac, renal and hepatic function; and signed informed consent. Pts were treated with doxo 30 mg/m 2 /d, D1–3, every 14 d, 3 cycles, followed by ifo 2.5 g/m 2 /d, D1–5, every 21 d, 3 cycles, with mesna and G-CSF support. Results: 20 pts were enrolled (7 in the neo-adjuvant setting with curative intent, 13 palliative). Median age: 39y (23–60); 5 synovial, 5 leiomyo, 4 sarcoma NOS, 2 MFH, 4 others. Primary site: 11 lower extremity; mean tumor size 13 cm. Median number of cycles was 3 for both drugs. 12 pts completed all planned chemotherapy cycles, and the mean relative dose intensity was 92±15% and 89±16% for doxo and ifo, respectively. Anemia was the most frequent toxicity (18 pts). 75 cycles were administered and grade 3/4 toxicities (CTC NCI 2.0) were observed in 27. G3 neutropenia was observed in 4 pts, none fatal. Thromboembolic events occurred in 4 pts (2 DVT, 2 PE). One pt presented a LVEF drop from 60% to 34% and developed symptomatic cardiac failure. Among 10 evaluable pts who completed chemotherapy, no response (CR or PR) was observed; eight pts had stable and 2 progressive disease. Surgery was performed in 6 pts, 4 of them limb-sparing, without changing the previous surgical plan. None of these pts presented complete pathologic response, with rate of necrosis ranging from 0–60%. At a median follow-up of 6 mo (1–16), 6 pts had died: 4 of disease progression, one sudden death (unknown cause) after 2 wks from the last chemotherapy cycle, and one patient died from pulmonary embolism. Conclusion: Sequential high-dose doxorubicin followed by ifosfamide failed in demonstrating any response in high grade STS, in addition to an unacceptable toxicity profile. Results of overall survival are pending. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Limitations of psychiatry
Authors: A. J Pelosi
Journal: BMJ (1995)

An Ethical DebateSecond opinions: a right or a concession?Should patients have a right to a second medical opinion if they are not satisfied with their treatment or should referrals be at the discretion of doctors to prevent waste of scarce resources?The father of a psychiatric patient describes his experiences of trying to obtain a second opinion, and we asked a range ofinterestedprofessionalsfortheircomments.
제 7 차 춘계학술대회 초록집 : 포스터 발표 ; 간세포암에서의 단일 레벨 역동적 조영증강 초음파 ; Agent Detection Imaging 의 유용성
Authors: 김경원, 이경호, 김세형, 한준구, 최병인
Journal: Clinical and Molecular Hepatology (2001)
Making it work: Breast cancer survivorship care at Johns Hopkins.
Authors: Elissa Thorner Bantug, Kimberly S. Peairs, Lillie D. Shockney, Nelli Zafman, Carol D. Riley, Jennifer Barsky Reese, Claire Frances Snyder, Vered Stearns, Antonio C. Wolff
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2012)

61 Background: Breast cancer survivor numbers are increasing due to population aging and improved treatment outcomes but many of their long-term health care needs are unmet. Integrated follow-up care strategies that enhance care coordination, education, and access to survivorship resources are needed to provide patients with evidence-based care that addresses medical and psychosocial needs after cancer treatment. Methods: In 2008, we established the Johns Hopkins Breast Cancer Survivorship Program with representation from the Schools of Nursing, Public Health, and Medicine to address the needs of patients completing initial cancer treatment and transitioning to long-term follow-up. Patient educational resources were created within an interactive website ( http://bit.ly/hZfzFi ) including &gt; 35 patient/provider educational video clips, blogs and social media. Activities including provider educational events, educational folders, and trainee curriculum additions have been ongoing. Starting May 2011, Hopkins patients were offered a one-time transition visit with a nurse practitioner focusing on individualized treatment summary/survivorship care plan activities (e.g., cancer screening/surveillance, medical intervention, psychosocial support, and care coordination with non-cancer providers). Results: Our website is averaging 3,000 hits monthly. We have participated in 22 provider/trainee formal educational presentations. In the pilot phase of these transition visits (n=40), age/race breakdown of participants were representative of our breast cancer population (median age 51, range 34-69; 17% African Americans). Our post-visit survey (n=37), 97% found the survivorship visit beneficial and all reported that this one-time consultation helped with transitioning away from treatment. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary patient-centered approach to breast cancer survivorship allowed us to develop comprehensive clinical and educational service models to benefit patients and their cancer/non-cancer providers. This program aims to enhance education, overcome the fragmentation of the health care system, and improve overall health and wellness of breast cancer survivors as they transition to long-term survivorship.
Induction of apoptosis and regulation of gene expression in NCI-H82 cell line of small cell lung cancer by YXLST-external-Qi-engineered culture medium
Authors: Xin Yan, Hua Shen, Igor Dozmorov, Dan Hu, Jun Wang, Mark Barton Frank, Ming Dao, Feng Li, Guoqiang Xing, Michael Centola, Wei Cao
Journal: Cancer Research (2006)

4949  Various exceptional therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine in ancient and modern history are thought to be the results of enhanced Qi function and the beneficial effects of external Qi emitted by trained Qi-emitting doctor(s). A body of substantial contemporary scientific studies has recorded the extraordinary effects of external Qi of Yan Xin Life Science Technology (YXLST) on living and non-living systems. We have recently reported an anticancer property of external Qi of YXLST on NCI-H82 cell line of small cell lung cancer and that external Qi of YXLST induced down-regulation of oncogene expression and up-regulation of death-promoting genes (Yan et al., 2005 AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics: Discovery, Biology, and Clinical Applications). To further this study, external Qi of YXLST was incorporated into culture medium and the effect of this engineered culture medium on NCI-H82 cell line of small cell lung cancer was examined. Flowcytometric detection of cell apoptosis was performed to study the effect of YXLST-external-Qi-engineered culture medium on human lung cancer cells. The data showed that compared to the non-treated medium, YXLST-external-Qi-engineered culture medium induced dramatic apoptosis in cultured lung cancer cells. The effect of the YXLST external-Qi-engineered culture medium on lung cancer cell gene expression was further investigated using cDNA microarray technology. Of the 21,329 human genes examined, 657 genes are found significantly altered in response to the treatment of YXLST-external-Qi-incorporated culture medium in lung cancer cells. Eight of the altered genes have been further validated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and by relative quantitative RT-PCR for their associations with the unique functions of the lung cancer cells. Among the down-regulated genes are: DEK oncogene (NM_003472); Fus-1 protein, a candidate lung cancer protein (NM_007275); Small cell lung carcinoma cluster 4 antigen (NM_013230); A homolog of the lung carcinoma myc-related oncogene 1 (BC011864); Integrin, alpha 9, which is related to the development of lung cancer (NM_002207); Fructose-bisphosphate aldolase A; Lung cancer antigen NY-LU-1 (NM_000034). Genes that are up-regulated by the YXLST-external-Qi-incorporated culture medium include: Cell death-inducing DFFA-like effector b (NM_014430) and; Programmed cell death 7 (BC016992). These data show that YXLST-external-Qi-engineered culture medium can induce apoptosis and alter multiple gene expression in lung cancer cells. Although the exact mechanism underlying the anticancer effect of the external Qi remain unclear, the external Qi of YXLST may induce apoptosis in cancer cells, in part, by regulating the expression of genes involved in apoptosis and cancer development.
Abstract 18594: Plasma Volume Status Calculated Instantaneously from Weight and Hematocrit Relates to Objectively Measured Plasma Volumes and Powerfully Predicts Death and First Morbid Events in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Hua Zen Ling, Nay Aung, Adrian Cheng, Julia Flint, Suneil Aggarwal, Michelle Mendonca, Mohammad Rashid, Swan Kang, Francesco Papalia, Charles Cotton, Paul Kalra, Martin Thomas, Michael Kuskowski, Jay N Cohn, Simon Woldman, Inder S Anand, Darlington O Okonko
Journal: Circulation (2012)

Background: Plasma volume (PV) expansion hallmarks worsening chronic heart failure (CHF) but no non-invasive means of quantifying volume status exists. Because weight and hematocrit are intimately related to PV, we derived an index of relative PV status (PVS) using validated equations based on these simple indices. We tested the validity and prognostic utility of our index in a logical sequence of analyses. Methods: First, we correlated current PV measured using 125 Iodine-human serum albumin to calculated values ([1-hematocrit] x [a + (b x weight)]). Second, we subtracted calculated current PV from ideal PV (c x weight) to derive PVS ([(current-ideal)/ideal] x 100%) in CHF patients (pts). Third, we assessed the prognostic implications of PVS in 5002 pts in the Val-HeFT trial (age 62±11y, LVEF 27±7%, 37% NYHA≥3) and validated this in an accrued ‘real world’ sample of 246 CHF pts (age 67±13y, LVEF 28±8%). Results: Calculated and measured PV correlated at baseline in normal subjects (n=119, r=0.68) with a bias of 78mL, and at baseline (n=22, r=0.44) and over time (r=0.60) in hospitalized CHF pts. In the Val-HeFT cohort, PVS was -10±11% (median [±IQR]) and related to volume biomarkers such as NT-BNP, urea, eGFR, albumin, and sodium (all P&lt;0.01). Over 2 years, 977 (20%) pts died. PVS was associated with death (Fig A ) and first morbid events in a ‘J-shaped’ fashion with the highest and lowest risks seen with a PVS&gt; - 4% and between -12% to -14%, respectively. Stratification into quartiles confirmed this with a PVS&gt; - 4% (versus ≤ - 4%) prognostic (unadjusted HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.44-1.88, χ 2 54, P&lt;0.001, Fig B ) even after adjustment for 22 variables including NT-BNP. These results were mirrored in the validation cohort. Conclusions: PVS calculated from simple clinical indices reliably reflects the degree to which patients have deviated from their ideal PV and independently relates to outcomes. Titrating CHF therapy to keep PVS below - 4% and ideally between -12% to -14% might increment survival.