tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of neoadjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) using irinotecan beads (DEBIRI) before hepatectomy (HPX) for easily resectable colorectal liver metastases (RCLM): A phase II study.
Authors: G. J. Poston, E. O'Grady, H. Z. Malik, S. W. Fenwick, M. Terlizzo, C. Byrne, M. Rees, J. Figueras, R. Adam
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2010)

3560 Background: Peri-operative chemotherapy confers 3-year disease free survival (DFS) advantage for patients with RCLM. However, studies to date have only examined multiple cycles of systemic neoadjuvant chemotherapy (SNC). Recent reports also correlate degree of postchemotherapy tumor necrosis (PCTN) to improved post-HPX DFS. The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility and safety of single DEBIRI TACE 1 month before HPX. Methods: Patients with unilobar (bilobar excluded) RCLM referred to 4 major centers offering HPX were evaluated for tumor number and localization, intention to recruit 20 patients. DEBIRI TACE is administered 1 month before HPX. Primary end-point is complication free TACE and HPX. Secondary end points include extent of PCTN and viable residual tumor (VRT), health economics, quality of life and subsequent DFS. PCTN and VRT centrally assessed by one blinded pathologist. Results: 22 patients screened; DEBIRI TACE attempted in 18; successful in 17; 13 have undergone HPX. DEBIRI TACE not possible in 5: 2 bilobar disease; 2 inconclusive angiography; 1 suspected hepatoma. No treatment related deaths (post- TACE or -HPX), 1 post-TACE liver abscess (recognised TACE complication), no significant post-HPX morbidity. VRT: 0% in 3 specimens; 5% in 1; 10% in 3; 30% in 2; 50% in 1; 60% in 1; 70% in 1; 75% in 1, all with commensurate PCTN. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant DEBIRI TACE is safe pre- HPX for RCLM and is not associated with any increased post-HPX complications. DEBIRI TACE resulted in ≥ 90% PCTN in 7/13 (50%) patients which may translate into significantly improved post-HPX DFS. Results of all 20 patients will be presented; recruitment is now extending to 50 patients. DEBIRI TACE may offer a cost-effective alternative to SNC in these patients. Author Disclosure Employment or Leadership Position Consultant or Advisory Role Stock Ownership Honoraria Research Funding Expert Testimony Other Remuneration Biocompatibles International Biocompatibles International
Oral Sildenafil in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Irwin Goldstein, Tom F. Lue, Harin Padma-Nathan, Raymond C. Rosen, William D. Steers, Pierre A. Wicker
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (1998)

Sildenafil is a potent inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate in the corpus cavernosum and therefore increases the penile response to sexual stimulation. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of sildenafil, administered as needed in two sequential double-blind studies of men with erectile dysfunction of organic, psychogenic, or mixed causes.
Partial Ileal Bypass in Treatment of Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: L J Chalstrey, A F Winder, D J Galton
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1982)

The effects of partial ileal bypass have been studied in 7 patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia. By the seventh to ninth postoperative day there was a significant fall in plasma cholesterol of 42.8% compared with levels at initial presentation. Thereafter, plasma levels of cholesterol rose by varying degrees, but had stabilized by 3 months with average values 29.5% lower than pretreatment. Debilitating diarrhoea or severe weight loss were not troublesome features of the operation in most patients.
Interaction of Urethan With Macromolecules in Male and Female Newborn, Adult, and Tumor-Bearing Mice
Authors: B. G. Chavan, S. V. Bhide
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1972)

Interactions of urethan with different macromolecules, such as DNA, RNA, and protein, from lung and liver tissues of adult and newborn Swiss mice were studied. After tritiated urethan injection, more specific radioactivity was observed in lung DNA than in liver DNA of adult mice at 12 hours. Specific radioactivity in RNA and protein fractions from lung and liver tissues was similar. Study of mice treated with 14C-urethan and sodium carbonate showed that radioactivity at 4 hours was due to binding, whereas at 12 hours the radioactivity was only partly due to binding. Time curve of radioactivity in DNA and RNA fractions of newborn mice treated with 3H-urethan indicated that radioactivity was still present until 2 weeks after urethan administration.—J Natl Cancer Inst 49: 1019–1025, 1972.
Neutrophilic airways inflammation in lung cancer: The role of exhaled LTB-4 and IL-8
Authors: Giovanna E. Carpagnano, Donato Lacedonia, Pierluigi Bonfitto, Stefano Notarangelo, Mariella Grimaldi, Gianluca Ciliberti, Maria P. Foschino Barbaro
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Recent advances in lung cancer biology presuppose its inflammatory origin. In this regard, LTB-4 and IL-8 are recognized to play a crucial role in neutrophil recruitment into airways during lung cancer.  Notwithstanding the intriguing hypothesis, the exact role of neutrophilic inflammation in tumor biology remain complex and not completely known.  The aim of this study was to give our contribution in this field by investigating LTB-4 and IL-8 in the breath condensate of NSCLC patients and verifying their role in cancer development and progression.  We enrolled 50 NSCLC patients and 25 controls. LTB-4 and IL-8 concentrations were measured in the breath condensate and the blood of all the subjects under study using EIA kits. Thirty NSCLC patients and ten controls underwent induced sputum collection and analysis.  LTB-4 and IL-8 resulted higher in breath condensate and the blood of NSCLC patients compared to controls. Significantly higher concentrations were found as the cancer stages progressed. A positive correlation was observed between exhaled IL-8 and LTB-4 and the percentage of neutrophils in the induced sputum.   Conclusion:  The high concentrations of exhaled LTB-4 and IL-8 showed the presence of a neutrophilic inflammation in the airways of NSCLC patients and gave a further support on the inflammatory signalling in lung cancer. These exhaled proteins could represent a suitable non -invasive marker in the diagnosis and monitoring of lung cancer.
Trends in Sexual Risk Behaviors Among High School Students—United States, 1991-1997
Journal: JAMA (1998)

To examine changes in sexual risk behavior that occurred among high school students in the United States during 1991-2001 CDC analyzed data from six national Youth Risk Behavior surveys (YRBS). This report summarizes the results of the analysis which indicate that during 1991-2001 the percentage of U.S. high school students who ever had sexual intercourse and the percentage who had multiple sex partners decreased. Among students who are currently sexually active the prevalence of condom use increased although it has leveled off since 1999. However the percentage of these students who used alcohol or drugs before last sexual intercourse increased. Despite temporal changes for sex race/ethnicity and grade subgroups were analyzed by using separate logistic regression analyses that assessed linear and quadratic time effects in one type of subgroup while holding the other two constant. Quadratic trends indicated a significant but nonlinear trend in the data over time. When a significant quadratic trend accompanied a significant linear trend the data demonstrated some nonlinear variation (e.g. leveling off or change in direction) in addition to a linear trend. During 1991-2001 the prevalence of sexual experience decreased 16% among high school students. Logistic regression decreases in some sexual risk behaviors efforts to prevent sexual risk behaviors will need to be intensified to meet the national health objective for responsible sexual behavior.  (excerpt)
Possible Association Between Zika Virus Infection and Microcephaly — Brazil, 2015
Authors: Lavinia Schuler-Faccini, Erlane M. Ribeiro, Ian M.L. Feitosa, Dafne D.G. Horovitz, Denise P. Cavalcanti, André Pessoa, Maria Juliana R. Doriqui, Joao Ivanildo Neri, Joao Monteiro de Pina Neto, Hector Y.C. Wanderley, Mirlene Cernach, Antonette S. El-Husny, Marcos V.S. Pone, Cassio L.C. Serao, Maria Teresa V. Sanseverino
Journal: MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (2016)

In early 2015, an outbreak of Zika virus, a flavivirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, was identified in northeast Brazil, an area where dengue virus was also circulating. By September, reports of an increase in the number of infants born with microcephaly in Zika virus-affected areas began to emerge, and Zika virus RNA was identified in the amniotic fluid of two women whose fetuses had been found to have microcephaly by prenatal ultrasound. The Brazil Ministry of Health (MoH) established a task force to investigate the possible association of microcephaly with Zika virus infection during pregnancy and a registry for incident microcephaly cases (head circumference ≥2 standard deviations [SD] below the mean for sex and gestational age at birth) and pregnancy outcomes among women suspected to have had Zika virus infection during pregnancy. Among a cohort of 35 infants with microcephaly born during August-October 2015 in eight of Brazil's 26 states and reported to the registry, the mothers of all 35 had lived in or visited Zika virus-affected areas during pregnancy, 25 (71%) infants had severe microcephaly (head circumference >3 SD below the mean for sex and gestational age), 17 (49%) had at least one neurologic abnormality, and among 27 infants who had neuroimaging studies, all had abnormalities. Tests for other congenital infections were negative. All infants had a lumbar puncture as part of the evaluation and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were sent to a reference laboratory in Brazil for Zika virus testing; results are not yet available. Further studies are needed to confirm the association of microcephaly with Zika virus infection during pregnancy and to understand any other adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with Zika virus infection. Pregnant women in Zika virus-affected areas should protect themselves from mosquito bites by using air conditioning, screens, or nets when indoors, wearing long sleeves and pants, using permethrin-treated clothing and gear, and using insect repellents when outdoors. Pregnant and lactating women can use all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents according to the product label.
Improvement in neurocognitive function (NCF) correlates with tumor regression after whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) for brain metastases (BM)
Authors: J. Li, S. M. Bentzen, M. Renschler, M. P. Mehta
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2006)

1504 Background: Few prospective trials have explored the neurocognitive impact of WBRT in BM patients (pts), complicated by competing effects between benefit from WBRT and deterioration due to disease progression. Methods: 208 pts from the WBRT alone arm (30 Gy) of a phase III trial (PCYC-9801) evaluating motexafin gadolinium in BM were analyzed. NCF was assessed by 8 tests of memory, executive function and fine motor coordination, and correlated to BM volume change by MRI, using Spearman’s rank correlation. Pts with tumor shrinkage below and above the median (45%) were compared for survival and NCF deterioration using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: 135 pts (65%) were evaluable for BM volume at baseline and 2 months (mo). Pts were divided into “good” and “poor” responders based on % volume reduction at 2 mo above or below the population median of 45%. The uni-directional hypothesis of improved survival in good responders was significant (P = 0.03, median survival (MS) 300±26 days (d) vs 240±19 d). For all 8 tests, the median time to NCF deterioration was longer in good responders than in poor responders. Largest gains were for an executive function test Trailmaking B (131 d gain, P=0.02), fine motor tests Pegboard non-dominant hand (110 d gain, P=0.05) and Pegboard dominant hand (93 d gain, P=0.02). In 15 mo survivors, statistically significant correlation between tumor shrinkage and NCF preservation was seen for 4/8 NCF tests (r = 0.68–0.88), especially for executive function and fine motor coordination. At early follow-up, the population mean NCF scores were dominated by pts with progressive disease, as reflected by a sharp drop in the mean NCF scores at 4 mo. 15-mo survivors had stable or improving scores, associated with greater reduction in BM volume in the 15 versus 4 mo survivors. Conclusions: WBRT-induced tumor shrinkage correlates with better survival and NCF preservation. NCF is stable or improved in long-term BM survivors. The adverse impact of tumor growth on neurocognitive function appears greater than that of WBRT. [Table: see text]
Swimming-Induced Pulmonary Edema
Authors: Richard E. Moon, Stefanie D. Martina, Dionne F. Peacher, Jennifer F. Potter, Tracy E. Wester, Anne D. Cherry, Michael J. Natoli, Claire E. Otteni, Dawn N. Kernagis, William D. White, John J. Freiberger
Journal: Circulation (2016)

Swimming-induced pulmonary edema (SIPE) occurs during swimming or scuba diving, often in young individuals with no predisposing conditions, and its pathophysiology is poorly understood. This study tested the hypothesis that pulmonary artery and pulmonary artery wedge pressures are higher in SIPE-susceptible individuals during submerged exercise than in the general population and are reduced by sildenafil.
Barriers to cancer clinical trials (CCT) participation: “We have met the enemy and he is us.”
Authors: R. L. Comis, D. D. Colaizzi, J. D. Miller
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2007)

6567 Background: A web based survey of attitudes and awareness of cancer survivors (Ca. surv) towards CCT was performed from 3–4, 2005. The survey was developed jointly by the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups and Michigan State University (MSU) and executed by MSU and Knowledge Networks (KN). Methods: Ca surv. were obtained from a panel of 40,000 adults through KN based on a US household probablility sample who agree to weekly surveys in exchange for a free MSN box and ISP service. 2,029 panel members reported a cancer diagnosis (dx); 1,788/2,029 (88%) agreed to participate. Results: About 10% of Ca surv. are aware of CCT opportunities at the time of dx. 73% become aware through a physician (ASCO 2006: 6061). Ca surv. were asked to rank the most trusted sources of health care information from a list of 23 categories on a 0 (least) to 10 (most) scale. Physicians scored the highest (8.6) followed by information from the NCI (8.4) and reports from societies of cancer physicians/researchers (8.3). Although not significantly different from each other, all were significantly different from the other 20 sources (p&lt;.05). CCT aware Ca surv. were asked whether the physician discouraged, was neutral or encouraged participation or made a little, moderate or great deal of effort to educate them and find a CCT. Enrollment (%) was directly related (p&lt; 0.01) to the perceived physician involvement as follows: Encouragement: discouraged (0); neutral (16); encouraged (84); Educate: little (22); moderate (41%); great deal (64%); Find trial: little (23); moderate (39); great deal (82%). Of the 90% of Ca surv. who were not aware of CCT, 65% indicated that they would be somewhat or very receptive to enrollment if they had been made aware of an opportunity. Conclusion: Ca surv. are not CCT averse a priori. The physician is the most trusted, primary source of awareness and influence in decisions concerning CCT. Although there are myriad reported barriers to CCT participation, increased CCT participation hinges upon physician commitment and communication; conversely, a lack thereof may be the greatest barrier to increased CCT participation. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
A phase II study of picoplatin with docetaxel and prednisone in chemotherapy-naïve patients with metastatic hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC)
Authors: H. B. Breitz, L. A. Roman, P. A. Karlov, S. V. Cheporov, N. D. Lopatkin, G. S. Baker, D. A. Karlin
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2008)

5153 Background: Picoplatin(Pico) is a platinum therapy specifically designed to overcome platinum resistance and to improve safety and efficacy compared to other platinums. In HRPC, a PSA response rate of 25% was observed when picoplatin monotherapy was infused at 120 mg/m2 q3w (N = 20). A 34 pt Phase I study was performed to investigate the safety and efficacy of Pico in combination with docetaxel + prednisone (pred) in patients with metastatic HRPC. Picoplatin therapy was well-tolerated and19 of 32 evaluable pts (59%) achieved confirmed PSA responses. 120 mg/m2 Pico with docetaxel (D) 75 mg/m2 and pred, was determined to be the MTD and supported this dose level for the Phase II study to evaluate safety and efficacy of Pico with D and pred. Methods: Pts with HRPC with disease progression received Pico and D q3w with pred 5 mg po bid at dose levels of 75 mg/m2 D with 120 mg/m2 Pico for up to 10 cycles. PSA responses were evaluated in a manner consistent with the Bubley criteria. CT and bone scans are being evaluated. Results: 30 pts were enrolled and have received 1–10 cycles at this time. Of 22 pts currently evaluable for PSA response, 13 (59 %) achieved a PSA response, a >50% decrease in PSA maintained for at least 4 weeks. 9 pts have discontinued study treatment because of progressive disease and 2 due to SAEs unrelated to picoplatin. Combined safety data from Phase I and Phase II indicates the commonest adverse events are neutropenia, alopecia, thrombocytopenia, anemia and nausea. 12 pts have received >800 mg/m2. No neurotoxicity > grade 1 has been observed. Conclusions: Picoplatin at 120 mg/m2 can be safely administered with 75 mg/m2 docetaxel and prednisone. Preliminary PSA response data (59%) indicates potential improved efficacy of this novel combination in the treatment of patients with HRPC. Additional Phase II data is being evaluated in this study. Author Disclosure Employment or Leadership Consultant or Advisory Role Stock Ownership Honoraria Research Expert Testimony Other Remuneration Poniard Pharmaceuticals Poniard Pharmaceuticals
Abstract P073: Urinary Isoflavonoids And Risk Of Ischemic Stroke In Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Danxia Yu, Xiao-Ou Shu, Honglan Li, Gong Yang, Qiuyin Cai, Yong-Bing Xiang, Adrian A Franke, Yu-Tang Gao, Wei Zheng, Xianglan Zhang
Journal: Circulation (2014)

Background: Postmenopausal hormone therapy has been shown to increase stroke risk. It is unclear whether high exposure to pytoestrogens, such as soy isoflavones, may confer the same risk of stroke. Objective: To examine associations of urinary isoflavonoids, which reflect isoflavones intake, absorption, and metabolism, with risk of ischemic stroke in postmenopausal Chinese women. Design: A nested case-control study. Method: We identified 1438 incident cases of ischemic stroke druing 1997-2010 and individually matched them to 1438 controls on age, date and time of sample collection, time since last meal, and recent use of antibiotics. All subjects were postmenopausal women who had never used hormone therapy and had no history of CVD or cancer at baseline. Seven isoflavonoids were measured by LC-MS and standardized by urinary creatinine. Results: We found no significant difference between case-control pairs in mean levels of total or individual urinary isoflavonoids, including 3 parent compounds (daidzein, genistein, and glycitein) and 4 metabolites derived from intestinal bacteria (dihydrogenistein, dihydrodaidzein, O-desmethylangolensin, and equol). Multivariate analyses revealed that women in the highest quintile of equol concentration had a lower risk of ischemic stroke (OR=0.77, 95%CI=0.60-0.98). Analyses stratified by equol producing status showed a significant inverse association between isoflavone bacterial metabolites and stroke risk in equol producers (31.8% of the study population, OR=0.40 across extreme quartiles, 95%CI=0.18-0.87, Ptrend=0.002), but no association in equol non-producers. Conclusion: Overall, this large prospective study suggests that urinary isoflavonoids are not associated with risk of ischemic stroke in postmenopausal Chinese women. High level of bacteria-derived metabolites of isoflavones, however, was associated with a reduced risk in equol producers, suggesting a possible interaction between gut microbiome and soy foods in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke.
Restoration of medical oncology services at Charity Hospital in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina: A 2-year experience of the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC).
Authors: B. C. Boulmay, R. E. Harmon, T. L. Lin, J. T. Cole
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2010)

6025 Background: Oncology services at Charity Hospital were discontinued following Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Displaced, uninsured and underinsured patients received cancer care throughout the United States in an ad hoc manner following the storm. Medical oncology and chemotherapy services resumed September 1, 2007; on-site radiation oncology remains unavailable. Demographic, clinical and displacement data of the re-established patient cohort were reviewed. Methods: We identified patients evaluated in the LSUHSC Oncology Clinics from September 1, 2007 to August 31, 2009. Data collected included: time from diagnosis of malignancy to initial oncology evaluation, insurance status, percentage displaced for 6 months or more due to Hurricane Katrina, ethnicity, referrals for radiation oncology and number outpatient clinical encounters (OCE) pre- and post-Hurricane Katrina. Results: 464 patients were evaluated in the study time period. 65% of patients had new cancer diagnoses and 35% re-established cancer care in the charity system. Mean time from new diagnosis to initial oncology evaluation was 59 days. 44% were insured by Medicaid, 13% by Medicare, 43% had no medical insurance. 34% were confirmed to be displaced for greater than six months. 62% were African- American and 25% Caucasian. 30% were referred to outside facilities for radiation oncology reimbursed by Medicaid or Charity Hospital. For fiscal years 2004 and 2005, there were 4468 OCE and 3348 OCE, respectively. There were 2439 OCE from 2007 to 2009, representing a 70% decline in patient volume following Hurricane Katrina. Conclusions: Oncology services for a minority-based, underinsured patient population were severely impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Following the storm, persistent system-wide resource limitations led to suboptimal timeliness of medical oncology evaluations. Health care systems serving underinsured patients require a disaster plan to minimize interruption of oncology care. Our experience illustrates the need for resources to ensure rapid re-establishment of care for economically disadvantaged patients following natural disasters. No significant financial relationships to disclose.