The role of microRNAs in the modulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts activity during pancreatic cancer pathogenesis.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the deadliest of the common cancers. A major hallmark of PDAC is an abundant and dense fibrotic stroma, the result of a disproportionate deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the main mediators of PDAC desmoplasia.

What we still don't know about vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) outcomes and quality of life measurements.

Vascularized composite allotransplants (VCA) are the only organ transplants purported to be conducted principally to improve quality of life (QOL), rather than to extend or save life - hence they are described as "life-enhancing" (or "life-rescuing"). This is in contrast to "life-extending" solid organ transplantation (SOT). Yet despite more than 20 years of VCA practice (1997-present), little is known about the actual "life-enhancing" impact(s) of VCA on the patient or their families.

Poverty, depression, and anxiety: Causal evidence and mechanisms.

Why are people who live in poverty disproportionately affected by mental illness? We review the interdisciplinary evidence of the bidirectional causal relationship between poverty and common mental illnesses-depression and anxiety-and the underlying mechanisms. Research shows that mental illness reduces employment and therefore income, and that psychological interventions generate economic gains. Similarly, negative economic shocks cause mental illness, and antipoverty programs such as cash transfers improve mental health.

Achieving Consensus in the Measurement of Psychological Adjustment to Cleft Lip and/or Palate at Age 8+ Years.

Background: Consensus regarding optimal outcome measurement has been identified as one of the most important, yet most challenging developments for the future of cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) services. In 2011, a process began to adopt a shared conceptual framework and to identify a set of core outcome measures for the comprehensive assessment of psychological adjustment.

Objectives: The aim of the current article is to outline the collaborative process used to achieve consensus in the academic and clinical measurement of psychological adjustment to CL/P from the age of 8 years onward.

The Contribution of a Charitable Organization to Regional Cleft Lip and Palate Services in England and Scotland.

Background: From diagnosis through to adulthood, a cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) poses a number of challenges for those affected. Alongside the care provided by clinical teams, complementary information and support is offered by charitable organizations. In 2011, the Cleft Lip and Palate Association received funding to implement a new regional service across England and Scotland, with the aim of increasing support at a local level.

Teachers' Perspectives on the Impact of Cleft Lip and/or Palate During the School Years.

Background: Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) poses many challenges for those affected throughout the school years, with recent studies pointing to a trend in poor educational outcomes. Previous research has highlighted the important role that teachers play in supporting young people with chronic health conditions yet studies in the field of CL/P suggest that teachers may lack knowledge of the condition, and underestimate pupils' academic ability. Qualitative investigation of the impact of CL/P from the teacher's perspective may provide additional insight as well as potential suggestions for improving the school experience for affected pupils.

Young Person and Parent Perspectives on the Impact of Cleft Lip and/or Palate Within an Educational Setting.

Background: During the school years, a cleft of the lip and/or palate (CL/P) may pose a risk to educational achievement. To further understand this multifaceted association, and to offer suggestions as to how young people's educational experiences might be improved, qualitative investigation is warranted.

Design: Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with young people born with CL/P (n = 10; aged 10-16 years) and their parents (n = 10).

The Hypomania Checklist (HCL) - systematic review of its properties to screen for bipolar disorders.

Objective: Bipolar disorders (BDs) are often not recognised with potentially drastic consequences for the individuals and their families. In clinical practice self-reports can be used to screen to enhance recognition. We therefore present a systematic review of the screening properties for the Hypomania Checklist (HCL-32).