Long-Term Functional Outcomes in Pediatric Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review.

Objective: The multimodal treatments for pediatric head and neck (H&N) malignancies can have significant long-term functional consequences for growing patients. This systematic review aims to analyze the current knowledge of functional outcomes for pediatric H&N cancer survivors.

Data Sources: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science.

Mutation-specific effects of NRAS oncogenes in colorectal cancer cells.

In colorectal cancer (CRC), the prevalence of NRAS mutations (5-9%) is inferior to that of KRAS mutations (40-50%). NRAS mutations feature lately during tumour progression and drive resistance to anti-EGFR therapy in KRAS wild-type tumours. To elucidate specific functions of NRAS mutations in CRC, we expressed doxycycline-inducible G12D and Q61K mutations in the CRC cell line Caco-2.

Comparative Biocompatibility and Osteogenic Potential of Two Bioceramic Sealers.

Introduction: Endodontic sealers have traditionally been used to seal dentinal tubules, creating a homogenous interface between the obturation material and the dentinal walls. However, bioceramic sealers have potential added benefits because of their bioactivity. After adequate endodontic therapy, osseous healing is largely dependent on the differentiation and activity of osteoblasts.

Epigenetic regulation of Amphiregulin and Epiregulin in colorectal cancer.

Expression of the epidermal growth factor ligands amphiregulin (AREG) and epiregulin (EREG) is positively correlated with a response to EGFR-targeted therapies in colorectal cancer. Gene-body methylation sites, which show a strong inverse correlation with AREG and EREG gene expression, were identified in cell lines using targeted 454 FLX-bisulfite sequencing and SIRPH analyses for AREG/EREG promoters and intragenic CpGs. Upon treatment of colorectal cancer cells with 5-aza-2'-desoxycytidine, methylation decreases at specific intragenic CpGs accompanied by upregulation of AREG and EREG gene expression.

The non-human primate kidney transcriptome in fetal development.

Background: Little is known about the repertoire of non-human primate kidney genes expressed throughout development. The present work establishes an understanding of the primate renal transcriptome during fetal development in the context of renal maturation.

Methods: The baboon kidney transcriptome was characterized at 60-day gestation (DG), 90 DG, 125 DG, 140 DG, 160 DG and adulthood (6-12 years) using gene arrays and validated by QRT-PCR.

Generation after generation: exploring the psychological impact of providing genetic services through a cascading approach.

Purpose: The provision of genetic services often occurs in a cascading fashion within families experiencing inherited diseases. This study examines whether previous family experiences with genetic services influences levels of psychological well-being of family members receiving services later.

Methods: Two hundred ninety-seven persons from 38 families with Lynch syndrome completed questionnaires before receiving genetic services.

Characteristics of health information gatherers, disseminators, and blockers within families at risk of hereditary cancer: implications for family health communication interventions.

Objectives: Given the importance of the dissemination of accurate family history to assess disease risk, we characterized the gatherers, disseminators, and blockers of health information within families at high genetic risk of cancer.

Methods: A total of 5466 personal network members of 183 female participants of the Breast Imaging Study from 124 families with known mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes (associated with high risk of breast, ovarian, and other types of cancer) were identified by using the Colored Eco-Genetic Relationship Map (CEGRM). Hierarchical nonlinear models were fitted to characterize information gatherers, disseminators, and blockers.

Sisters in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer families: communal coping, social integration, and psychological well-being.

Objective: We investigated the association between psychological distress and indices of social integration and communal coping among sisters from hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) families.

Sample And Methods: Sixty-five sisters from 31 HBOC families completed the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 and the Colored Eco-Genetic Relationship Map, which identified members of participants' social support networks. Hierarchical linear models were used for all analyses to account for the clustering of sisters within families.