Prerandomization run-in periods in randomized controlled trials of chronic diseases: a methodological study.

Objective: To systematically review the epidemiology of prerandomized run-in periods in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of chronic diseases.

Study Design And Setting: Meta-epidemiologic study of all RCTs from the four highest impact medical journals from 2011 to 2016. Eligible trials included parallel RCTs that evaluated pharmacologic therapies in adults with chronic diseases with a minimum follow-up of 24 weeks.

Transoral laser microsurgery and radiotherapy for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Equitable survival and enhanced function compared with contemporary standards of care.

Introduction: We describe the 5-year oncological and functional outcomes of transoral laser microsurgery, neck dissection (TLM + ND) and adjuvant radiotherapy (PORT) used to treat patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma. The effectiveness of external carotid artery (ECA) ligation in reducing post-operative bleeding, and fibrin glue following ND in reducing wound drainage and length of hospital stay is reported.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective case review of consecutive patients undergoing TLM between 2006 and 2017 used the Kaplan-Meier Estimator and Log-Rank Test for univariate, time-to-event analyses, and Cox-Proportionate Hazard modelling for multivariate analysis.

Screening questions for the diagnosis of restless legs syndrome in hemodialysis.

Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is common in end-stage renal disease and is associated with reduced health-related quality of life. Simple and accurate screening instruments are needed since RLS is underdiagnosed and treatable. We examined the operating characteristics of screening questions and a disease-specific measurement tool for the diagnosis of RLS in hemodialysis.

Single Questions for the Screening of Anxiety and Depression in Hemodialysis.

Background: Depression and anxiety are common and underrecognized in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), are associated with poor outcomes and reduced health-related quality of life, and are potentially treatable. Simple, accurate screening tools are needed.

Objective: We examined the operating characteristics of single questions for anxiety and depression from the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) in hemodialysis.

Infestation by Chiggers ( Hannemania sp.) of Miranda's White-lipped Frog ( Leptodactylus macrosternum) from a Semiarid, Neotropic Region of Brazil.

We identified Miranda's white-lipped frog ( Leptodactylus macrosternum) as a new host for chiggers ( Hannemania sp.). A total of 57 larvae of Hannemania sp.

IgA Nephropathy.

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a leading cause of CKD and renal failure. Recent international collaborative efforts have led to important discoveries that have improved our understanding of some of the key steps involved in the immunopathogenesis of IgAN. Furthermore, establishment of multicenter networks has contributed to rigorous design and execution of clinical trials that have provided important insights regarding immunotherapy in IgAN.

Transoral laser microsurgery for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A paradigm shift in therapeutic approach.

Background: The contemporary treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an area of debate. We report outcomes of a minimally invasive approach involving transoral laser microsurgery (TLM).

Methods: A consecutive series of patients (n = 153) undergoing primary TLM for oropharyngeal SCC from 2006 to 2013 was studied.

A tumour lysis syndrome in a chemotherapy naïve patient with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

A 56-year-old woman with a new diagnosis of metastatic pancreatic cancer presents to the emergency room with generalised fatigue. The patient is afebrile, however, hypotensive and tachycardic. Physical examination shows diffuse lymphadenopathy.

Normal human monocytes exposed to glioma cells acquire myeloid-derived suppressor cell-like properties.

Glioblastoma patients are immunosuppressed, yet glioblastomas are highly infiltrated by monocytes/macrophages. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC; immunosuppressive myeloid cells including monocytes) have been identified in other cancers and correlate with tumor burden. We hypothesized that glioblastoma exposure causes normal monocytes to assume an MDSC-like phenotype and that MDSC are increased in glioblastoma patients.