Lessons learned from the bevacizumab experience.

Background: Bevacizumab is an important agent in the oncologic armamentarium, with activity in a broad spectrum of solid tumors. It has been approved in the management of metastatic colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cancers, and recurrent glioblastoma multiforme.

Methods: We reviewed the published literature and briefing documents of the US Food and Drug Administration that provided the data leading to approval or change in approval status.

[Low prevalence of hepatitis G infection in dialysis patients in Israel].

Prevalence of hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection in the general western population ranges from 0.2-1.5%.

Hepatitis C virus seroconversion and genotype prevalence in patients and staff on chronic hemodialysis.

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA positivity among hemodialysis patients varies between 10 and 70%. Few previous surveys revealed high frequency of seroconversion of HCV-RNA-negative patients over the years of hemodialysis. Only few studies reported HCV genotype variability.

Hemodialysis treatment may improve inspiratory muscle strength and endurance.

Chronic renal failure can result in a variety of conditions leading to muscle weakness. However, little is known about inspiratory muscle performance and the acute effects of hemodialysis on the muscles. We investigated the inspiratory muscle performance in chronic renal failure patients undergoing maintenance dialysis.

[Specific inspiratory muscle training in chronic hemodialysis].

Chronic renal failure can result in a variety of conditions leading to muscle weakness. We investigated inspiratory muscle (IM) performance and functional capacity in chronic renal failure before and after specific inspiratory muscle training (SIMT). 9 men and 1 woman, ranging in age from 22-78 years, while on chronic hemodialysis received SIMT 3 times a week, for 3 months, while 10 others received sham training.

Protein/creatinine ratio in random urine specimens for quantitation of proteinuria in preeclampsia.

Protein/creatinine ratio (mg/g) in random urine samples was measured in 35 preeclamptic patients and 70 healthy pregnant women. We found a close correlation between the protein/creatinine ratio in random urine samples and both the 24-hour protein excretion and the 24-hour protein/creatinine ratio in the preeclamptic patients. The ratio did not exceed 200 mg/g in any of the 70 healthy pregnant women; therefore, ratios below this value can be considered normal.

Voluntary hypohydration in 10- to 12-year-old boys.

This study was performed to determine whether a) children voluntarily dehydrate while exercising in hot climate; b) such dehydration affects their well-being and thermoregulation. Eleven 10p to 12-yr old, partially acclimatized boys underwent two work-in-the-heat protocols (cycle rides, 45% aerobic capacity at 39 degrees C, 45% rh). During one session they drank only voluntarily when thirsty (VD).