Outcomes of patients treated with capecitabine and temozolamide for advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) and non-PNETs.

Background: Retrospective studies have demonstrated high response rates among patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) treated with capecitabine and temozolamide (CapTem), while responses are infrequently seen among non-PNETs. The objective of the study was to describe progression free survival (PFS) among neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients treated with CapTem, and to identify factors associated with better activity.

Methods: Patients who were referred to one of five provincial cancer treatment centers between 2009 and 2013 for advanced NETs and initiated CapTem were included.

Maternal depression as a risk factor for family homelessness.

Objectives: We estimated the effects of maternal depression during the postpartum year, which is often an unexpected event, on subsequent homelessness and risk of homelessness in a national sample of urban, mostly low-income mothers.

Methods: We used logistic regression models to estimate associations between maternal depression during the postpartum year and both homelessness and risk of homelessness 2 to 3 years later, controlling for maternal and family history of depression, prenatal housing problems, and other covariates. Risk factors for homelessness included experiencing evictions or frequent moves and moving in with family or friends and not paying rent.

Circles of care: should community development redefine the practice of palliative care?

Specialist palliative care, within hospices in particular, has historically led and set the standard for caring for patients at end of life. The focus of this care has been mostly for patients with cancer. More recently, health and social care services have been developing equality of care for all patients approaching end of life.

Targeting immune suppression with PDE5 inhibition in end-stage multiple myeloma.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) play a significant role in tumor-induced immune suppression. Targeting their function could improve antitumor therapies. Previously, we demonstrated that phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibition in MDSCs augmented antitumor immunity in murine models.

Tuning thiophene with phosphorus: synthesis and electronic properties of benzobisthiaphospholes.

1,4-Dimercapto-2,5-diphosphinobenzene and 3,6-bis(hexyloxy)-1,4-dimercapto-2,5-diphosphinobenzene were synthesized and combined with various acid chlorides to obtain a series of benzobisthiaphospholes. Electrochemical and photophysical properties of the substituted benzobisthiaphospholes have been evaluated, and the observed reductions are more facile than the related benzothiaphospholes and 2,6-diphenylbenzobisthiazole. A benzobisthiaphosphole with C6H4-p-CN substituents was reduced at E(1/2)=-1.

The Métaizeau technique for pediatric radial neck fracture with elbow dislocation: intraoperative pitfalls and associated forearm compartment syndrome.

Displaced radial neck fractures in the pediatric population can be treated with retrograde intramedullary nailing of the radius (the Métaizeau technique). This method allows early movement, which may improve functional outcome. Unfortunately, repeated intraoperative attempts with this treatment in challenging fractures can result in compartment syndrome.

A randomized pilot study of aortic waveform guided therapy in chronic heart failure.

Background: Medication treatment decisions in heart failure (HF) are currently informed by measurements of brachial artery pressure, but ventricular afterload is more accurately represented by central aortic pressure, which differs from brachial pressure. We sought to determine whether aggressive titration of vasoactive medicines beyond goal-directed heart failure medical therapy (GDMT) based upon aortic pressure improves exercise capacity and cardiovascular structure-function.

Methods And Results: Subjects with chronic HF (n=50) underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing, echocardiography, and arterial tonometry to measure aortic pressure and augmentation index, and were then randomized to aortic pressure-guided treatment (active, n=23) or conventional therapy (control, n=27).

Identifying changes in the support networks of end-of-life carers using social network analysis.

End-of-life caring is often associated with reduced social networks for both the dying person and for the carer. However, those adopting a community participation and development approach, see the potential for the expansion and strengthening of networks. This paper uses Knox, Savage and Harvey's definitions of three generations social network analysis to analyse the caring networks of people with a terminal illness who are being cared for at home and identifies changes in these caring networks that occurred over the period of caring.

Cast-saw injuries: assessing blade-to-skin contact during cast removal. Does experience or education matter?

Background: Cast-saw injuries are sustained during cast removal or splitting of a cast when a hot cast-saw blade touches the patient's skin inadvertently during cast removal. Other studies have evaluated risk factors associated with saw-blade temperature, however, none have documented the number and duration of blade-to-skin contacts during cast removal.

Methods: Using a pediatric long-arm model capable of detecting cast-saw blade contact, we tested the ability of health care providers to apply and remove casts before and after a brief education module.

Comparing results of posterior spine fusion in patients with AIS: Are two surgeons better than one?

Aims: Spinal deformity surgery is one of the most complicated procedures performed in pediatric orthopedics. These surgeries can account for long operative times and blood losses. Finding ways to limit patient morbidity undergoing these procedures may benefit many.

Clinical updates in blood and marrow transplantation in multiple myeloma.

The process of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is well defined, yet debate remains surrounding the role and timing of HSCT in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Since the 1980s, survival advances have been made with the use of newer agents by recognizing the role of transplantation, identifying the anticipated side effects at each phase, and improving supportive care strategies. Data support transplantation as part of the treatment strategy, but the optimal induction regimen and timing of transplantation have yet to be defined.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients with multiple myeloma: an overview for nurses in community practice.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is approved for the treatment of select solid tumors, autoimmune disorders, and most hematologic malignancies. Multiple myeloma (MM) is the most common indication for AHSCT. Despite improvement in response and survival rates in the era of novel agents, AHSCT remains an important treatment option for patients with MM who are eligible.

Synthesis of thiophene 1,1-dioxides and tuning their optoelectronic properties.

A 2,5-bis(tributylstannyl)thiophene 1,1-dioxide was prepared from 2,5-bis(trimethylsilyl)thiophene 1,1-dioxide, bis(tributyltin) oxide, and tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF). The 2,5-bis(tributylstannyl)thiophene 1,1-dioxide and a 2,5-diiodothiophene 1,1-dioxide were utilized in a series of Stille cross-coupling reactions to afford thiophene 1,1-dioxides with either electron-donating or electron-withdrawing substituents. Electron-withdrawing groups greatly facilitate the reduction of these sulfone heterocycles, and -C6H4-p-NO2 substituents produce a 510 mV shift as compared to a thiophene 1,1-dioxide with two phenyl groups.

Life shocks and homelessness.

We exploited an exogenous health shock-namely, the birth of a child with a severe health condition-to investigate the effect of a life shock on homelessness in large cities in the United States as well as the interactive effects of the shock with housing market characteristics. We considered a traditional measure of homelessness, two measures of housing instability thought to be precursors to homelessness, and a combined measure that approximates the broadened conceptualization of homelessness under the 2009 Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act (2010). We found that the shock substantially increases the likelihood of family homelessness, particularly in cities with high housing costs.

Going beyond inferior prefrontal involvement in semantic control: evidence for the additional contribution of dorsal angular gyrus and posterior middle temporal cortex.

Semantic cognition requires a combination of semantic representations and executive control processes to direct activation in a task- and time-appropriate fashion [Jefferies, E., & Lambon Ralph, M. A.

A procurement-based pathway for promoting public health: innovative purchasing approaches for state and local government agencies.

Through their purchasing powers, government agencies can play a critical role in leveraging markets to create healthier foods. In the United States, state and local governments are implementing creative approaches to procuring healthier foods, moving beyond the traditional regulatory relationship between government and vendors. They are forging new partnerships between government, non-profits, and researchers to increase healthier purchasing.

Gene patents and personalized cancer care: impact of the Myriad case on clinical oncology.

Genomic discoveries have transformed the practice of oncology and cancer prevention. Diagnostic and therapeutic advances based on cancer genomics developed during a time when it was possible to patent genes. A case before the Supreme Court, Association for Molecular Pathology v Myriad Genetics, Inc seeks to overturn patents on isolated genes.

Was the economic crisis of 2008 good for Icelanders? Impact on health behaviors.

This study uses the 2008 economic crisis in Iceland to identify the effects of a macroeconomic downturn on a range of health behaviors. We use longitudinal survey data that include pre- and post-reports from the same individuals on a range of health-compromising and health-promoting behaviors. We find that the crisis led to large and significant reductions in health-compromising behaviors (such as smoking, drinking alcohol or soft drinks, and eating sweets) and certain health-promoting behaviors (consumption of fruits and vegetables), but to increases in other health-promoting behaviors (consumption of fish oil and recommended sleep).

Clinical activity of abiraterone acetate in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer progressing after enzalutamide.

Background: Abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide both improve outcomes in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Optimal sequencing for these agents and whether cross-resistance occurs is unknown.

Methods: Multicentre review of patients with mCRPC treated with abiraterone acetate and prednisone after progressing on enzalutamide.

Analysis of maternal risk factors associated with congenital vertebral malformations.

Study Design: A retrospective medical record review of cases with congenital vertebral malformations (CVMs) and controls with normal spine morphology.

Objective: To determine the relative contribution of maternal environmental factors (MEFs) during pregnancy to CVM development.

Summary Of Background Data: CVMs represent defects in formation and segmentation of somites occurring with an estimated incidence of between 0.