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Biomedical subjects

D V Vakil

Publications and source records attributed to D V Vakil.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1988

Automatic piercing spinhaler (Halermatic): a comparative study.

Fifty patients, 27 females and 23 males with a mean age of 30 years and a history of chronic asthma, were studied during treatment with cromolyn sodium administered via the standard spinhaler and a new automatic piercing spinhaler, Halermatic. The study period consisted of a baseline period of 3 weeks (spinhaler use) and an 8-week period of Halermatic use. In the final analysis of results, it was noted that fewer inhalations (P less than .001) were needed to empty the cromolyn Spincaps with the Halermatic and a higher number of patients (61%) preferred the Halermatic over the Spinhaler.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Lung cancer mortality trends in Canada from 1931 to 1982.

Lung cancer is the leading cancer that causes premature death in Canadian men, and it is the second leading cancer that causes death in Canadian women. To assess the long-term mortality of this disease, we collected and analyzed data from 1931 to 1982. A 3-year base period was used to obtain person-years exposure using the Newton-Cotes method. All rates were standardized to the 1956 Canadian population for age and sex using the direct method. Standard errors of age-standardized death rates (ASDR) were computed using Chiang's method. The ASDRs have increased both for men and women. The increases in older age groups are due to a large, absolute increase in lung cancer-caused mortality in both sexes. Although the absolute increase in lung cancer is greater in men, the percentage of increase is greater in women, especially in the younger age groups. The mortality trends for lung cancer in both men and women appear to be consistent with the tobacco consumption in the population. Given the relatively low survival rates for lung cancer, preventive strategies are urgently required.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1988

Cancer mortality trends in Canada: breast cancer, 1925-1982.

Breast cancer is the number one cause of death in Canadian women aged 20-74 years (for all 5-year age groups) and the second leading cause for those aged 75 years and over. To assess the long-term mortality of this disease, we collected and analyzed data from 1925 to 1982. A 3-year base period was used to obtain person-years exposure using Newton-Cotes' method. All rates were standardized to the 1956 Canadian population for age and sex using the direct method. Standard errors of age-standardized death rates (ASDR) were computed using Chiang's method. Mortality from breast cancer has been quite stable during the study period (at about 23.7 deaths/100,000 population). The lowest ASDR occurred in 1926 (at 17.5 deaths/100,000 population); the highest occurred in 1946 (when it reached 26.6 deaths/100,000 population). During 1951-1981, the ASDR fluctuated between 22.8 and 24.0 deaths/100,000 population. Examination of age sex-specific rates revealed a steady trend for 25-44-year-old females and a rise in mortality in the older age groups. It is suggested that part of this rise may be associated with changes in environment, life-style, and therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Use of ipratropium aerosol in the long-term management of asthma.

In order to assess the efficacy and safety of ipratropium in the long-term management of chronic asthma, 20 stable and ambulatory asthmatics were followed for 1 year. Clinical and spirometric examinations were performed on all 20 patients at the start of the study and on six other occasions. FEV1, FVC, MMFR, heart rate, and blood pressure were recorded immediately before and 30, 60, 120, and 180 min after the administration of 40 micrograms of ipratropium. During these visits, patients were asked to rate their breathing during the preceding period, describe (any) side effects, and assess the impact of ipratropium in their inhalation. During their visits, significant improvements in FEV1 and FVC (p less than 0.05) were noted for a majority of the patients. As the study progressed, more and more patients were observed to experience significant improvements in their FEV1, FVC, and MMFR. All ECG measurements and biochemical tests were normal. Side effects of minimal severity were reported on two occasions during the 100 patient-visits. Our study indicates that an ipratropium-based regimen is efficacious, safe, and well received by chronic asthmatics.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

A double-blind comparative study of pelletized cromolyn versus cromolyn blend in the treatment of asthma.

In a randomized, double-blind, group comparative study, 100 asthmatic patients known to be responsive to cromolyn sodium were treated either with pelletized cromolyn (cromolyn sodium, 20 mg) or with cromolyn blend, Intal (cromolyn sodium, 20 mg + lactose, 20 mg). There was no statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups for asthma severity, breathlessness on exertion, cough, the number of inhalations needed to obtain the dose from the capsule, and morning peak flow. No local or systemic side effects were encountered during the 6-month duration of the study. It is concluded that pelletized cromolyn offers most of the advantages of cromolyn therapy without the need for the patients to inhale lactose at the same time. Also, pelletized cromolyn has a distinct therapeutic advantage for use in lactose-in-tolerant patients.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed1978

Estrogen profiles in young women: effect of maternal history of breast cancer.

To examine the hypothesis that familial breast cancer risk is related to estrogen metabolism, we analyzed urines of daughters of breast cancer patients and their matched controls for estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). From this, we computed estriol proportions (E3/E1 + E2 + E3). "Patient-daughters" and the matched controls showed no differences in estriol proportions. Our results failed to support the hypothesis that high-risk women (those with a family history of breast cancer) have relatively lower estriol proportions, and we concluded that whatever family history contributes to breast cancer risk, that risk is not likely to be transmitted by the estrogen profile.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1974

Etiology of breast cancer. III. Opportunities for prevention.

Breast cancer, or its effects, may be preventable. Childbearing at an early age will confer some protection. Until there are other methods of primary prevention the physician must concentrate on secondary prevention, including screening. In presenting risk factors as criteria for screening we have attempted to make rational the use of screening technology. We should not easily accept screening for breast cancer as of proved value. Rather we must encourage clinical trials of various screening methods. In the meantime, while we engage in a moderate amount of screening we do so under the Scottish verdict of "not proven".

Adult↗
PubMed1973

Etiology of breast cancer. II. Epidemiologic aspects.

The epidemiology of breast cancer is reviewed with particular emphasis on its etiology. A number of studies suggest that differences in breast cancer incidence are associated with differences in marital status, number of pregnancies, age at menarche, age at menopause, height and weight, socioeconomic status, geographic location and residence. However, in no case is the evidence adequate to establish a "cause and effect" relationship. The genetic component of these associations may be of primary importance, while other conditions such as marital status are probably indirect reflections of the operation of more fundamental factors.There is a general consensus that endocrine factors play an important part in mammary cancer occurrence. At present, the association between breast cancer and the presence of the virus-like (type B) particles in human milk is not established.

Adult↗
PubMed1973

Etiology of breast cancer. I. Genetic aspects.

The subject of breast cancer is reviewed with particular emphasis on the genetic aspect of its etiology. A number of studies using various approaches gave the same results: the familial form occurs earlier and there is a higher risk in female members of the breast-cancer families. An association between breast cancer and cancer of certain other sites among women is reported. Cytogenetic studies of "cancer families" revealed increased frequency of aneuploidy in some members. However, the role of chromosome abnormalities in carcinogenesis is still not clear.

Adenocarcinoma↗