Treatment of ocular tumors through a novel applicator on a conventional proton pencil beam scanning beamline.

Treatment of ocular tumors on dedicated scattering-based proton therapy systems is standard afforded due to sharp lateral and distal penumbras. However, most newer proton therapy centers provide pencil beam scanning treatments. In this paper, we present a pencil beam scanning (PBS)-based ocular treatment solution.

Incidence of giant cell arteritis and characteristics of patients: data-driven analysis of comorbidities.

Objective: To establish the incidence of giant cell arteritis (GCA), cumulative use of prednisolone, and comorbidities most associated with GCA.

Methods: The data source was the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Selection criteria included ≥1 record of a diagnostic term for GCA between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2011, age ≥50 years, and ≥1 prescription of oral or systemic corticosteroid.

Body mass index and the incidence of influenza-associated pneumonia in a UK primary care cohort.

Background: Accumulating data suggest an association between increased BMI/obesity and morbidity in patients with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza. Information on metabolic status and prognosis in seasonal influenza is lacking, however.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out using the UK General Practice Research Database.

Expandable metallic prostheses for malignant obstructions of gastric outlet and proximal small bowel.

Background: Data are limited on use of expandable metal stents for treatment of malignant gastric outlet obstruction. Accordingly, we report our experience using these stents to palliate malignant obstructions of the gastric outlet, duodenum, and proximal jejunum.

Methods: Eight patients with malignant strictures causing gastric obstruction underwent endoscopy with fluoroscopic guidance to delineate tumor borders and length followed by expandable metallic prosthesis placement (Wallstent, Z-Stent, Ultraflex, and Endocoil).