General practice-related variation in oral anticoagulant treatment of atrial fibrillation: a nationwide cohort study.

Background: Guideline-adherent oral anticoagulant treatment (OAC) in atrial fibrillation (AF) remains a challenge. In Denmark, most patients with AF are treated in general practice. Nevertheless, determinants of OAC prescription in primary care are poorly understood.

Total cell-free DNA measurement in metastatic colorectal cancer with a fast and easy direct fluorescent assay.

Treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is focused on prolonging survival and maintaining quality of life. It is important to establish prognostic and predictive markers to avoid extended, ineffective treatment. The aim of the present study was, by a novel approach, to analyze the association between cell-free (cf)DNA levels and outcome in patients receiving systemic therapy for incurable mCRC.

Valrubicin activates PKCa in keratinocytes: a conceivable mode of action in treating hyper-proliferative skin diseases.

Background: Valrubicin is a semisynthetic anthracycline developed as an anti-cancer drug able to ameliorate psoriasis and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) by topical application in animal models. Valrubicin decreases cell proliferation, and induces apoptosis; however its mode of action is still unknown. Valrubicin localizes in the cytoplasm and its valerate moiety resembles diacylglycerol, an activator of protein kinase C (PKC) α, which belongs to the PKC family of cytoplasmic serine/threonine protein kinases.

Topical application of valrubicin has a beneficial effect on developing skin tumors.

Valrubicin is a second generation anthracycline characterized by an excellent safety profile presenting no skin toxicity or necrosis upon contact. In its current liquid formulation (Valstar; Indevus Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA), it is approved solely for the treatment of bladder cancer. Recently, valrubicin was incorporated in a cream formulation rendering this drug available for topical application.