Genomic signature for oligometastatic disease in non-small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases.

Purpose/objectives: Biomarkers for extracranial oligometastatic disease remain elusive and few studies have attempted to correlate genomic data to the presence of true oligometastatic disease.

Methods: Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and brain metastases were identified in our departmental database. Electronic medical records were used to identify patients for whom liquid biopsy-based comprehensive genomic profiling (Guardant Health) was available.

Treatment Options for Brain Metastases.

Therapies for brain metastasis continue to evolve as the life expectancies for patients have continued to prolong. Novel advances include the use of improved technology for radiation delivery, surgical guidance, and response assessment, along with systemic therapies that can pass through the blood brain barrier. With increasing complexity of treatments and the increased need for salvage treatments, multi-disciplinary management has become significantly more important.

Misrepresentation of mild traumatic brain injury research in press releases.

Background: Press releases from academic medical centers often form the basis for health and science news stories. Press release coverage of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) research has not been formally appraised in the literature.

Objective: To perform a systematic content analysis of mTBI-based press releases.

Impact of Electronic Cigarettes on Various Organ Systems.

The electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) has been regarded by many as a healthier alternative to the combustible cigarette, yet there is a lack of consensus concerning the health consequences and the health benefits associated with e-cigarette use. We review the research on the effects of e-cigarettes on multiple physiological systems, examine the association between e-cigarette use and combustible cigarette uptake and cessation, and highlight research necessary to build consensus. Although the levels of known toxicants and carcinogens tend to be significantly lower in e-cigarettes than in combustible cigarette smoke, toxicants in e-cigarette e-liquid and those that form as part of the vaporization process may produce adverse health consequences in their own right.

Patient education strategies in cataract surgery: A systematic review.

Objective: To systematically review the comparative effectiveness of patient education strategies in cataract surgery.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search of five electronic databases was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying the efficacy of educational interventions for cataract surgery patients. Peer-reviewed articles published in English were considered for inclusion without restriction limits on publication date.

Twelve tips for medical students to conduct a systematic review.

Medical students engaged in research develop general skills that are instrumental to clinical practice. The systematic review, a cornerstone of evidence-based medicine, represents an ideal starting point for student researchers. To outline twelve tips on conducting a systematic review for medical students with limited research experience.

Occupational styrene exposure and acquired dyschromatopsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Styrene is a chemical used in the manufacture of plastic-based products worldwide. We systematically reviewed eligible studies of occupational styrene-induced dyschromatopsia, qualitatively synthesizing their findings and estimating the exposure effect through meta-analysis.

Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were queried for eligible studies.

Oxidized Lipoprotein Uptake Through the CD36 Receptor Activates the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells.

Purpose: Accumulation of oxidized phospholipids/lipoproteins with age is suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of AMD. We investigated the effect of oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) on human RPE cells.

Methods: Primary human fetal RPE (hf-RPE) and ARPE-19 cells were treated with different doses of LDL or ox-LDL.

Federally mandating motorcycle helmets in the United States.

Background: Motorcycle helmets reduce both motorcycle-related fatalities and head injuries. Motorcycle crashes are a major public health concern which place economic stress on the U.S.