As medical oncologists are forced to rely on insufficient data as a part of daily treatment decision making, and as the cancer treatment landscape evolves quickly relative to other areas of medicine, CER is particularly pressing in our field. Continued reliance on randomized clinical trials is a part of the PFTα nmr solution, but it
cannot be the sole answer. As new and richer data sources become available addressing quality of life, resource utilization, and other critical elements, the implementation of CER will advance. Its true power will lie in linkages to “”learning health systems”" and real-time application to the day-to-day practice of medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc.”
“Background and objective: Carbocysteine (S-carboxymethylcysteine) is a mucoactive drug with in vitro free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties. Several clinical trials have indicated that carbocysteine reduces exacerbation rates in COPD. In the present study, the effect of carbocysteine on the airway load of Haemophilus influenzae was assessed in rats chronically exposed to cigarette smoke (CS). In addition,
the effects of carbocysteine on airway mucus hypersecretion and mucociliary clearance (MCC) associated with the adherence and clearance of H. influenzae were investigated.
Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, carbocysteine vehicle, CS exposure and carbocysteine treatment groups. After 12 weeks, rats were selected for quantitative inoculation of H. influenzae. BAL fluid and lungs were collected aseptically after 3 h for quantitative culture of H. influenzae. MCC was measured by quantifying the clearance BB-94 of (99m)Tc-Sc. Goblet cell metaplasia and the presence of mucoid matter were evaluated by Alcian blue/periodic acid-Schiff staining. Mucin 5AC (Muc5AC) expression was detected by western blotting
and real-time reverse transcription-PCR.
Results: Exposure to CS increased airway H. influenzae load, aggravated mucus hypersecretion and delayed MCC. Treatment with carbocysteine decreased airway H. influenzae load, and attenuated airway mucus hypersecretion, with improved MCC associated with adherence and clearance of H. influenzae.
Conclusions: These results suggest that carbocysteine may be beneficial in patients with BEZ235 datasheet COPD by increasing the clearance of bacteria and decreasing bacterial load.”
“Background: Heart failure patients frequently have thyroid function abnormalities. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a major treatment for patients with advanced chronic heart failure. We aimed to investigate the effects of CRT on thyroid functions.”
“Background: The cognitive effects of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) have been studied extensively, but little is known about the relationship between premenopausal hormone use and cognition. Hormonal contraceptive use vs. nonuse may be a potential factor influencing cognitive processes in midlife.