A proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial of follow-up mental health care for traumatic injury patients following hospital discharge.

Introduction: Traumatic injuries account for a huge burden of disease. Many patients develop persistent mental health problems in the months following hospital discharge. This proof-of-concept trial investigated whether Stepped Care comprising follow-up assessment telephone calls and appropriate referral information would lead to better mental health and functioning in traumatic injury patients.

Preoperative imaging characteristics predict poor survival and inadequate resection for left-sided pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a multi-institutional analysis.

Background: Optimal treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma of the neck, body and tail (PDAC-NBT) necessitates R0 surgical resection. Preoperative radiographic identification of patients likely to achieve successful oncologic resection remains difficult. This study seeks to identify preoperative imaging characteristics predictive of non-R0 resections or impaired survival for PDAC-NBT.

Oncoplastic breast conserving surgery is associated with a lower rate of surgical site complications compared to standard breast conserving surgery.

Background: Oncoplastic breast conserving surgery (OBCS) integrates plastic surgery techniques in the resection of breast cancer and lowers the rate of re-excision while improving breast cosmesis. The goal of this study is to compare the surgical site complication rate of OBCS with that of standard BCS.

Methods: A single institution chart review evaluated all patients undergoing BCS for treatment of breast cancer.

Estradiol-induced enhancement of fear extinction in female rats: The role of NMDA receptor activation.

Converging cross-species evidence indicates that fear extinction (the laboratory basis of exposure therapy for anxiety disorders) in females is modulated by endogenous and exogenous estradiol. The mechanisms underlying estradiol's influences on fear extinction are largely undefined. However, one likely candidate is the NMDA-receptor (NMDAr), activation of which is necessary for estradiol-mediated enhancements in structural and functional neural plasticity, as well as extinction consolidation in males.

Effects of systemic estradiol on fear extinction in female rats are dependent on interactions between dose, estrous phase, and endogenous estradiol levels.

Administering estradiol to females during periods of low endogenous estradiol enhances their ability to extinguish fear, the laboratory basis of exposure therapy for anxiety disorders. It has therefore been proposed that estradiol could be a useful adjunct to enhance exposure therapy outcomes. The present study aimed to clarify the boundary conditions under which estradiol could be used for this purpose, by assessing whether the impact of estradiol, administered systemically prior to extinction training, differs depending on dose and estrous phase in adult female rats.

Individual differences in fear extinction and anxiety-like behavior.

There is growing appreciation for the substantial individual differences in the acquisition and inhibition of aversive associations, and the insights this might give into identifying individuals particularly vulnerable to stress and psychopathology. We examined whether animals that differed in rate of extinction (i.e.

Impact of a multidisciplinary approach to guideline implementation in diabetic ketoacidosis.

Background. Faculty members developed diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) guidelines based on the current American Diabetes Association guidelines. Objectives.

Mechanical strain inhibits airway smooth muscle gene transcription via protein kinase C signaling.

Mechanical strain affects airway myocyte phenotype, cytoskeletal architecture, proliferation, and contractile function. We hypothesized that (i) short-term mechanical strain modulates transcription of smooth muscle-specific gene promoters for SM22 and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (smMHC); and (ii) strain-induced change is mediated by altered actin polymerization in association with activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Primary cultured canine tracheal myocytes were transiently transfected with luciferase reporter plasmids harboring a murine SM22, human smMHC, or artificial serum response factor (SRF)-specific gene promoter and then subjected to cyclic strain for 48 h.