Malignant central nervous system (CNS) tumors are often treated with radiation therapy, after which clinical and radiographic sequelae can lead to difficulties differentiating tumor recurrence from treatment effect. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often unable to distinguish between these two entities. The improved ability to delineate concerning foci could lead to earlier tumor detection with quicker access to new therapies and/or clinical trials; conversely, it could alleviate patient concerns in the case of radiation necrosis as the etiology.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family proteins associate with transcriptional activation through interaction with acetylated chromatin, therefore playing a key role as epigenetic regulators. BET proteins serve to regulate the expression of importance oncogenes, including those involved in apoptosis as well as cell cycle progression. Due to this potential as an epigenetic target, small molecule inhibition of BET proteins have been investigated and demonstrate promising activity in both solid and hematologic malignancies, including brain tumors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe prevalence of gastroschisis has increased significantly in the past few decades. The strongest risks have been observed for women <25 years old or of low body mass index, and maternal diet also been proposed to be associated with risk. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the risk of gastroschisis is associated with maternal dietary intake of phytoestrogens.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe childhood brain tumor, medulloblastoma, includes four subtypes with very different prognoses. Here, we show that paracrine signals driven by mutant β-catenin in WNT-medulloblastoma, an essentially curable form of the disease, induce an aberrant fenestrated vasculature that permits the accumulation of high levels of intra-tumoral chemotherapy and a robust therapeutic response. In contrast, SHH-medulloblastoma, a less curable disease subtype, contains an intact blood brain barrier, rendering this tumor impermeable and resistant to chemotherapy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAim: To assess the dental health and preventive practices of child patients with congenital heart disease treated at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow.
Study Design: A retrospective study using an audit data collection sheet.
Methods: Data collected for 370 paediatric cardiac patients between January 2002 and December 2003 was analysed to obtain an insight into these patients' tooth brushing methods, use of fluoride (F), dental attendance and past dental treatment.