A retrospective study of subcutaneous anchor securement systems in oncology patients.

Introduction: Maintaining optimal central venous catheter tip position requires reliable catheter securement. A vital decision about the choice of engineered securement device is often made by what is conveniently available in the insertion kit or default clinical routine. The importance of continuous securement for oncology patients prompted the need for an evaluation of securement options currently available.

Serum Proteomics and Plasma Fibulin-3 in Differentiation of Mesothelioma From Asbestos-Exposed Controls and Patients With Other Pleural Diseases.

Introduction: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is difficult to diagnose. An accurate blood biomarker could prompt specialist referral or be deployed in future screening. In earlier retrospective studies, SOMAscan proteomics (Somalogic, Boulder, CO) and fibulin-3 seemed highly accurate, but SOMAscan has not been validated prospectively and subsequent fibulin-3 data have been contradictory.

Prevalence of histological abnormalities in hysterectomy specimens performed for prolapse. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction And Hypothesis: The practice of histopathological assessment of the uterus following hysterectomy for benign indications including pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery is common and often routine. While pathology is not anticipated, the finding of pathology requiring further action is always a concern, in particular CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) or cervical/uterine malignancy. We aimed to perform a systematic review to understand the prevalence of actionable uterine and cervical pathology in hysterectomy specimens performed for POP.

The effect of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) on sexual function: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is now an established treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction such as overactive bladder, faecal incontinence or voiding dysfunction. Prevalence of female sexual dysfunction is high in this group. We aim to examine the effect of PTNS on sexual function in this patient group by systematically reviewing the literature and pooling the data in a meta-analysis.

Sacral neuromodulation and sexual function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.

Introduction And Hypothesis: Sexual function is being increasingly recognized as an important patient-reported outcome. Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a treatment with an expanding list of indications. The effect of sacral neuromodulation on sexual function has been examined in a number of studies with variable results.

What are the experiences of seeking, receiving and providing FGM-related healthcare? Perspectives of health professionals and women/girls who have undergone FGM: protocol for a systematic review of qualitative evidence.

Introduction: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is an issue of global concern. High levels of migration mean that healthcare systems in higher-income western countries are increasingly being challenged to respond to the care needs of affected communities. Research has identified significant challenges in the provision of, and access to, FGM-related healthcare.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in the Rational Assessment of Mesothelioma (DIAPHRAGM) study: protocol of a prospective, multicentre, observational study.

Introduction: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an asbestos-related cancer, which is difficult to diagnose. Thoracoscopy is frequently required but is not widely available. An accurate, non-invasive diagnostic biomarker would allow early specialist referral, limit diagnostic delays and maximise clinical trial access.

Randomized Trial of Labor Induction in Women 35 Years of Age or Older.

Background: The risk of antepartum stillbirth at term is higher among women 35 years of age or older than among younger women. Labor induction may reduce the risk of stillbirth, but it also may increase the risk of cesarean delivery, which already is common in this older age group.

Methods: We conducted a randomized, controlled trial involving primigravid women who were 35 years of age or older.

Identification of a Selective G1-Phase Benzimidazolone Inhibitor by a Senescence-Targeted Virtual Screen Using Artificial Neural Networks.

Cellular senescence is a barrier to tumorigenesis in normal cells, and tumor cells undergo senescence responses to genotoxic stimuli, which is a potential target phenotype for cancer therapy. However, in this setting, mixed-mode responses are common with apoptosis the dominant effect. Hence, more selective senescence inducers are required.

An evaluation on the effectiveness of Web 2.0 Startpages (Netvibes & Pageflakes) within NHS libraries.

Carol McCormick was Learning Resources Advisor in the library at James Cook University Hospital, South Teesside when she completed her BSc (Hons) Librarianship (Work Based Learning) degree at Northumbria University. She gained a 1st Class Honours and is now Learning Resources Librarian. Carol's dissertation formed part of a wider action research project into the provision of current awareness services at James Cook University Hospital.

Induction of labour versus expectant management for nulliparous women over 35 years of age: a multi-centre prospective, randomised controlled trial.

Background: British women are increasingly delaying childbirth. The proportion giving birth over the age of 35 rose from 12% in 1996 to 20% in 2006. Women over this age are at a higher risk of perinatal death, and antepartum stillbirth accounts for 61% of all such deaths.

The effect of dacomitinib (PF-00299804) on CYP2D6 activity in healthy volunteers who are extensive or intermediate metabolizers.

Purpose: This study evaluated the effect of a single 45-mg dose of dacomitinib (PF-00299804), an irreversible small-molecule inhibitor of human epidermal growth factor receptors-1, -2, and -4, on CYP2D6 activity in healthy volunteers (HV) using dextromethorphan (DM), a selective CYP2D6 probe.

Methods: Fourteen male HVs were enrolled in this open-label, randomized, cross-over, single-dose study of DM alone or with dacomitinib. Each HV received both treatments separated by a 14-day washout period.

Phase I and pharmacodynamic trial of the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine and carboplatin in solid tumors.

Purpose: The DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (decitabine) induces DNA demethylation and re-expression of epigenetically silenced genes, and increases carboplatin sensitivity of tumor xenograft models. We designed a clinical study to determine the feasibility of delivering a dose of decitabine, combined with carboplatin, that would be capable of producing equivalent biologic effects in patients with solid tumors.

Patients And Methods: In a two-stage design, 33 patients received escalating doses of decitabine administered as a 6-hour infusion on day 1 followed by carboplatin, area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) 5 (cohort 1) and AUC 6 (cohort 2), on day 8 of a 28-day cycle.

DNA methylation during mouse hemopoietic differentiation and radiation-induced leukemia.

Objective: To examine DNA methylation in mouse hemopoiesis before and after in vivo exposure to a leukemogenic dose of x-rays, and address whether methylation levels are associated with the relative radiosensitivity of tissues in vivo.

Methods: The methylation status of control CBA/H and C57BL/6 mouse tissues before and after exposure to 3-Gy x-rays, and myeloid and lymphoid leukemias and lymphomas, was assessed by the direct analysis of the 5-methylcytosine (5-(Me)C) content of DNA, and by Southern blot analysis of genomic repeat sequences.

Results: The DNA 5-(Me)C content of bone marrow is 15% lower than spleen.

Interactions of the DNA mismatch repair proteins MLH1 and MSH2 with c-MYC and MAX.

MSH2 and MLH1 have a central role in correcting mismatches in DNA occurring during DNA replication and have been implicated in the engagement of apoptosis induced by a number of cytotoxic anticancer agents. The function of MLH1 is not clearly defined, although it is required for mismatch repair (MMR) and engagement of apoptosis after certain types of DNA damage. In order to identify other partners of MLH1 that may be involved in signalling MMR or apoptosis, we used human MLH1 in yeast two-hybrid screens of normal human breast and ovarian cDNA libraries.