High Physiological F-FDG Uptake in Normal Pituitary Gland on Digital PET Scanner.

 Recently developed digital positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanners (digital PET [dPET]) have given new dimensions to molecular imaging. dPET scanner has very high sensitivity, spatial resolution, and image contrast that leads to increased uptake of signal in small-volume structures like pituitary gland (PG) making them visible on PET/CT scan even in absence of any pathology. Adequate knowledge of physiological fluoro-2 deoxy D glucose uptake in PG is required in interpretation of dPET for correct diagnosis and reducing unnecessary additional imaging.

Barriers and facilitators to effective cervical cancer screening in Belize: a qualitative analysis.

Purpose: Belize has among the highest cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates of Latin American and Caribbean countries. This study evaluates the perspectives of key stakeholders for cervical cancer screening in Belize and identifies the barriers and facilitators for providing equitable access to prevention services.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews discussing cervical cancer screening were conducted with key stakeholders across the six districts of Belize in 2018.

Circulating tumor and invasive cell expression profiling predicts effective therapy in pancreatic cancer.

Background: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a refractory disease; however, modern cytotoxic chemotherapeutics can induce tumor regression and extend life. A blood-based, pharmacogenomic, chemosensitivity assay using gene expression profiling of circulating tumor and invasive cells (CTICs) to predict treatment response was previously developed. The combination regimen of 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX) and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (G/nab-P) are established frontline approaches for treating advanced PDAC; however, there are no validated biomarkers for treatment selection.

HCV treatment access among Latinxs who inject drugs: qualitative findings from Boston, Massachusetts, 2016.

Background: Compared with Caucasians, Latinxs with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) tend to initiate treatment less often, discontinue treatment, become infected younger, and have higher reinfection rates post-treatment. Little is known about HCV treatment experiences among Latinxs who inject drugs in the Northeastern USA. We assessed knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions tied to HCV, as well as HCV treatment readiness, and explored the overall HCV treatment experience of Latinx people who inject drugs (PWID) in Boston.