Assessment of the functional and health-related needs of patients with metastatic breast cancer prior to initiation of cancer treatment.

Purpose: To identify needs of metastatic breast cancer patients prior to starting a new systemic treatment.

Methods: Fifty patients with newly diagnosed, recurrent, or progressive metastatic breast cancer completed an electronic survey which included patient-reported outcome measures of function (PROMIS Cancer Function Brief 3D profile), quality of life (FACT-G), exercise (Godin Leisure-Time exercise questionnaire), and diet (REAP-S); demographic information; and self-reported use of or referral to specific resources at the cancer center prior to beginning a new systemic oncologic treatment.

Results: Prior to starting a new treatment for metastatic breast cancer, patients reported mild functional impairment (PROMIS Cancer Function Brief 3D profile mean score:42.

Atypical Rash as a Presentation of Pityriasis Rosea in a 23-Month-Old.

Pityriasis rosea is a self-limiting skin disorder that can occur in pediatric patients. We report an atypical presentation of a 23-month-old male with a generalized rash similar in appearance to pityriasis rosea. We then review the literature on pityriasis rosea and its application to pediatrics.

Young and naïve B cells are a diagnostic pitfall in pediatric tonsillectomies.

Tonsillar marginal zone hyperplasia may mimic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, a rare diagnosis in children. Histologically, both entities can demonstrate expansion of the marginal zone with disruption of follicular architecture. However, marginal zone hyperplasia may appear polyclonal by flow cytometry.

Expression and distribution of MUC1 in the developing and adult kidney.

Mucin 1 (or MUC1) is a heterodimeric transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on the apical surface of polarized epithelial cells in several tissues including the kidney. Recent studies have revealed several novel roles of MUC1 in the kidney, potentially including bacterial infection, mineral balance, and genetic interstitial kidney disease, even though MUC1 levels are reduced not only in the kidney but also in all tissues due to MUC1 mutations. A careful localization of MUC1 in discrete segments of the nephron is the first step in understanding the multiple functional roles of MUC1 in the kidney.

Exploratory Randomised Trial of Tranexamic Acid to Decrease Postoperative Delirium in Adults Undergoing Lumbar Fusion: A trial stopped early.

Background: Postoperative delirium may be mediated by perioperative systemic- and neuro-inflammation. By inhibiting the pro-inflammatory actions of plasmin, tranexamic acid (TXA) may decrease postoperative delirium. To explore this hypothesis, we modified an ongoing randomised trial of TXA, adding measures of postoperative delirium, cognitive function, systemic cytokines, and astrocyte activation.