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Biomedical subjects

E Amir

Publications and source records attributed to E Amir.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

Longitudinal ctDNA tracking in early and recurrent breast cancer using an ultrasensitive structural variant-based assay: an extended analysis from the TRACER study.

BACKGROUND: Detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) following curative-intent therapy is prognostic of disease recurrence in early-stage breast cancer (EBC). An ultrasensitive structural variant (SV)-based ctDNA assay was evaluated previously in a 100-patient EBC cohort treated with neoadjuvant therapy, demonstrating high sensitivity, specificity, and a long lead-time to relapse. The stability of primary tumor-specific SVs at and after metastatic recurrence and their utility for longer-term ctDNA monitoring had not been established. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An updated retrospective analysis of ctDNA dynamics was conducted in an expanded cohort of 121 patients with EBC treated with neoadjuvant therapy. Plasma samples were collected at key clinical timepoints and serially in several patients who experienced metastatic recurrence. Clinical variables were abstracted from medical records. Associations between ctDNA detection, dynamics, and clinical outcomes were evaluated in the early-stage and metastatic settings. RESULTS: Thirty of 121 patients experienced clinical recurrence (28 distant, 2 local) over a median follow-up of 4.2 years (range 0.5-8.8; 25 ctDNA evaluable with adjuvant timepoints). All patients with detectable ctDNA in the adjuvant setting developed metastatic recurrence (22/22). Median lead time from ctDNA detection to metastatic recurrence was 346 days (range 0-1937). Among recurrent cases, 79% of primary tumor-specific SVs (n = 17 patients, tumor fraction ≥0.1%) remained detectable in plasma [range 7% (1/14 SV)-100% (15/15); median: 92%]. ctDNA dynamics in the recurrent metastatic setting demonstrated a strong relationship with radiographic outcomes in evaluable patients (n = 9). CONCLUSION: This SV-based digital PCR assay provided ultrasensitive ctDNA detection in an expanded EBC cohort, maintaining 100% positive predictive value for metastatic recurrence. In patients with recurrence, ctDNA dynamics were concordant with radiographic outcomes. Prospective studies evaluating the clinical utility of longitudinal ctDNA monitoring are warranted.

MRD

Effect of bamiphylline on tracheobronchial mucus clearance in subjects with smokers' simple chronic bronchitis.

A double-blind study versus placebo was performed to assess the effect of bamiphylline, a new xanthylic derivative, on tracheobronchial mucus clearance (TBMC) in smokers with simple chronic bronchitis and impaired mucus clearance as compared to normal controls. Twenty patients were enrolled and divided into two randomized groups. The first group was treated with bamiphylline (600 mg b.d.) for 15 days, while the second group received placebo with the same oral dosage regimen. Complete clinical-functional examinations were made before and after the test period to establish the effects of treatment. At the end of the study, only the group treated with bamiphylline showed a net increase in mucus clearance (mean radioaerosol elimination 28 +/- 7% before treatment and 38 +/- 11% after treatment; p < 0.01) and an improvement in the clinical score and pulmonary function parameters, in particular the residual volume (RV = 3.41 +/- 0.75 liters before treatment and 2.7 +/- 0.6 after treatment; p < 0.01) and the forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV1 = 2.37 +/- 0.7 liters before treatment and 2.88 +/- 0.5 after treatment; p < 0.05). No side effects or adverse reactions that could be attributed to the study drug were observed.

Aged

A treatment need index: a pilot study.

The traditional caries index, DMF, provides inadequate information to assess dental treatment needs of a community. Dental health planners are often called upon to estimate the treatment needs, costs, time and personnel required for a proposed programme. A treatment needs index (TNI) is presented which provides important data for dental health planning. The index defines seven basic levels of treatment: (0) no treatment needed; (1) preventive treatment; (2) fissure sealants; (3) initial conservative restorations; (4) moderate conservative restorations; (5) advanced conservative restorations; and (6) radical treatment, including pulp therapy, prosthetic restorations and extractions. A pilot study and an example comparing data of both DMF and TNI demonstrates the values of the latter index. The Treatment Needs Index provides a more accurate description of caries severity and extent than does the traditional DMF index, and can be used to estimate the time required to treat a community.

Adolescent

Physiologic pigmentation of the oral mucosa in Israeli children.

Physiologic melanin pigmentation (racial pigmentation) of the oral mucosa varies in prevalence among different races and ethnic groups. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of physiologic pigmentation in Israeli Jewish children of different ethnic origins. A total of 1,300 children, 6 to 10 years of age, was examined. Physiologic pigmentation was found in 13.5% of the population studied. Children of Eastern origin showed a significantly higher prevalence of pigmentation compared with Ashkenazi and Sephardic groups. Because melanin pigmentation can be enhanced by mechanical and chemical stimulation (smoking), this study may serve as a baseline for investigation of melanin pigmentation in various ethnic groups.

Child

Increased caries prevalence in adolescents who immigrated from Ethiopia to Israel.

The prevalence of caries in adolescents who immigrated from Ethiopia increased rapidly, the longer their residence in Israel. A total of 159 newly immigrated adolescents, aged 11-19, who lived in small absorption institutions, as well as 52 Ethiopian adolescents and 173 Israeli-born adolescents living together in a larger institution, were examined. Caries was recorded using the DMFT index, which indicates caries experience. The mean caries prevalence (DMFT) of the newly immigrated Ethiopians was 0.49 and of those residing in Israel 12-24 months was 1.76. The caries rate was highest in the Israeli group (DMFT-10.0). The percentages of caries-free individuals were 10.0% for the Israelis, 58.8% for the Ethiopians who immigrated earlier and 81.8% for the newly immigrated. The abrupt change in dietary habits seems to have created a new high risk caries group. Caries preventive measures, the use of fluoride products, and patient education and motivation are urgently required.

Adolescent