Int J Med Sci
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The effects of dose-escalation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on the clinical outcome and pharmacokinetics of 5-FU were investigated in Japanese patients with Stage III/IVa esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. ⋯ No patient with Stage IVa achieved a complete response in the standard dose group, whereas a complete response was observed at a rate of 50% in the high dose group, and this can be explained by a higher plasma concentration of 5-FU. The circadian rhythm in the concentrations found at the standard dose was not observed for a higher dose.
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To identify apparent adverse effects of treatment of chronic hepatitis C and their relationship to sustained virologic response (SVR). ⋯ Besides non-1 genotype, SVR was found to be independently associated with weight loss during therapy, and leukopenia at the end of HCV treatment. These correlations suggest continuation of therapy despite adverse effects, may be of benefit.
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To identify the microorganisms that can grow rapidly in total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solutions, we investigated the growth of the major causes of catheter-related blood stream infection (Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia marcescens, Bacillus cereus, and Candida albicans) in TPN solutions without lipid. ⋯ These results suggest that bacterial species cannot grow in TPN solutions without lipid due to the acidity (pH5.6 or lower), but Candida species can grow regardless of the acidity.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Evaluation of lumbar facet joint nerve blocks in managing chronic low back pain: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial with a 2-year follow-up.
A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. ⋯ Therapeutic lumbar facet joint nerve blocks, with or without steroids, may provide a management option for chronic function-limiting low back pain of facet joint origin.