Publications by authors named "Gail Klein"

SPiReL is a phase II clinical trial evaluating combination immunotherapy, pembrolizumab and cyclophosphamide, with maveropepimut-S, in survivin-expressing relapsed/refractory (R/R) Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). We describe baseline tumor survivin expression and associations with clinico-pathological variables in 25 participants. The median number of survivin-expressing cells was 99%, and the intensity of survivin expression within tumors was heterogeneous by semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry assessment.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Donor interventions can potentially improve the quality and quantity of transplantable organs, but there's limited high-quality evidence due to ethical, practical, and regulatory challenges.
  • A workshop of experts from Canada and the UK aimed to create guidance for conducting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in this area, focusing on identifying stakeholders and unique challenges in donor intervention research.
  • Key challenges include navigating research ethics, standardizing outcome data, and addressing regulatory issues, but addressing these can lead to better organ transplantation outcomes through well-designed donor intervention RCTs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) have limited treatment options.

Methods: R/R DLBCL patients, who were mostly ineligible for ASCT due to age or comorbidities, were treated with maveropepimut-S (MVP-S, previously DPX-Survivac) a survivin directed T cell educating therapy, pembrolizumab, and intermittent low-dose cyclophosphamide.

Findings: We identified, using univariate analysis, a subset of patients with enhanced ORR, PFS and DOR.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Metformin is commonly used during pregnancy in women with type 2 diabetes, but its long-term effects on children are still being studied, specifically regarding their body fat and growth patterns up to 24 months of age.
  • The MiTy Kids follow-up study included 283 children and found no significant differences in average body mass index (BMI) or skinfold thickness between those exposed to metformin and those who received a placebo during pregnancy.
  • Despite the overall similarity in growth trajectories, boys in the metformin group showed higher BMI rates between 6 and 24 months, indicating the need for further research on how metformin may affect male child development.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The role of remdesivir in the treatment of patients in hospital with COVID-19 remains ill defined in a global context. The World Health Organization Solidarity randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated remdesivir in patients across many countries, with Canada enrolling patients using an expanded data collection format in the Canadian Treatments for COVID-19 (CATCO) trial. We report on the Canadian findings, with additional demographics, characteristics and clinical outcomes, to explore the potential for differential effects across different health care systems.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

A growing number of researchers and trainees identify knowledge translation (KT) as their field of study or practice. Yet, KT educational and professional development opportunities and established KT networks remain relatively uncommon, making it challenging for trainees to develop the necessary skills, networks, and collaborations to optimally work in this area. The Knowledge Translation Trainee Collaborative is a trainee-initiated and trainee-led community of practice established by junior knowledge translation researchers and practitioners to: examine the diversity of knowledge translation research and practice, build networks with other knowledge translation trainees, and advance the field through knowledge generation activities.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Globally, healthcare systems are attempting to optimize quality of care. This challenge has resulted in the development of implementation science or knowledge translation (KT) and the resulting need to build capacity in both the science and practice of KT.

Findings: We are attempting to meet these challenges through the creation of a national training initiative in KT.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Several adverse health effects, such as respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity, have been linked to exposure to particulate matter in ambient air; however, the biologic activity of gas-phase ambient organic air contaminants has not been examined as thoroughly. Using aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)-based and estrogen receptor (ER)-based cell bioassay systems, we assessed the dioxin-like and estrogenic activities of gas-phase organic ambient air contaminants compared with those of particulate-phase contaminants using samples collected between seasons over 2 years from an urban and a rural location in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada. The concentration of the sum (Sigma) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which was highest in the gas phase, was 10-100 times more abundant than that of Sigmapolychlorinated biphenyls, Sigmanitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and Sigmaorganochlorine pesticides, and 10(3) to 10(4) times more abundant than Sigmapolychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Collection technique is critical in the performance of the Papanicolaou (Pap) smear as an important screening tool for cervical cancer. While superior devices have been established, less effective devices continue to be used for both conventional and liquid-based Pap smears. Our aim is to determine the performance of collection devices currently used in obtaining conventional Pap smears and whether sequence of collection is important for higher quality results.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: This study explores clinician Papanicolaou (Pap) smear collection and management strategies in light of current research, guidelines, and recommendations.

Methods: Two hundred thirty eligible obstetrician/gynecologists, family physicians, and advance practice nurses in Dane County, Wisconsin completed a survey. Descriptive statistics.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF