A longitudinal study on reinfection with Ascaris lumbricoides was continued on a random sample of 50% of the infected population following a horizontal cross-sectional study in Okpo village, near Rangoon. The study sample was again randomly divided into two subsamples, the six-month interval worming group and the 12-month interval worming group. Microscopic examination of stool for Ascaris eggs on the 7th day and 30th day, combined with counting eggs and worming with levamisole, were carried out at two successive six-month intervals on the first subsample. Stools were examined and eggs counted on the 7th day and then monthly up to 12 months, followed by worming, in the second subsample. The worms expelled in the first 72 hours after treatment were counted. The findings over a 12-month follow-up period after one treatment included: mean monthly incidence of 20%, higher and more rapid return to previous prevalence and intensity of infection in children or 'wormy' persons than in adults or 'non-wormy' persons. Six-monthly chemotherapy definitely reduced intensity of infection in the children and adults whereas 12-monthly treatment lowered intensity in adults only. Predisposition to acquisition of high or low intensity of infection was also observed. Other findings and the implications of this study for strategies for control of ascariasis are discussed.
Abstract:Introduction: The treatment of advanced non-small cell cancer (NSCLC) has changed with multiple new treatment algorithms proposed based on histological and molecular subtyping but low mutation rates will ensure the dominance of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Accordingly, we undertook a detailed review of our practice delivering multiple lines of systemic therapy. Method: We undertook a retrospective review of consecutive patients presenting with advanced (stage IIIb/IV) NSCLC treated with systemic therapy at two UK hospitals during a 2-year period, January 2007 to December 2008. Results: A total of 130 patients were identified, treated with predominantly carboplatin/ gemcitabine (20 initially radically). Fifty of 110 patients (45%) treated with first-line systemic therapy subsequently received second-line therapy, of which 10 patients received third-line and two patients fourth-line therapy. Sixty three of 110 first-line patients (58%) achieved clinical benefit, 19 out of 50 (38%) in the second-line, 6 out of 10 (60%) in third-line but both patients progressed at fourth-line. Median overall survival for 110 patients was 10 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.611.4); but 16 months (95% CI 14-17.9) in those receiving multiple lines. Median survival from the first cycle of last-line treatment to death in the multiple therapy lines was 5 months (95% CI 2.6-7.3) and the majority of patients spent more time off treatment. Conclusion: Overall our outcomes are consistent with published data and show good survival times can be achieved. The future of advanced NSCLC is in selecting the best treatment approach on a histological and genotypic basis.
The evolution of coagulation abnormalities was studied in Russell's viper bite victims who, on admission to hospital, showed no clinical signs of systemic envenoming. Based on the laboratory results and subsequent clinical course, three groups were distinguished. The first group, consisting of five cases, showed no activation of coagulation at any stage. The second group, consisting of six cases, developed mild to moderate abnormalities in some tests, particularly in the aPTT and factor V assay, which corrected to normal without treatment. The third group, consisting of nine patients, developed haemostatic abnormalities as early as 1-2 h after the bite, which progressed to severe defibrination 4-8 h later at which time antivenom was given. Comparison of the haemostatic abnormalities in the three groups suggested that serial monitoring of the serum FDP concentration may be of value in predicting the likelihood of systemic envenoming and progression to complete defibrination.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.