Factors associated with use of automated smoking cessation interventions: findings from the eQuit study.

The aim was to better understand structural factors associated with uptake of automated tailored interventions for smoking cessation. In a prospective randomized controlled trial with interventions only offered, not mandated, participants were randomized based on the following: web-based expert system (QuitCoach); text messaging program (onQ); both as an integrated package; the choice of using either or both; or a control condition informed of a static website (not considered here). Participants were 3530 smokers or recent quitters recruited from two sources; those seeking smoking cessation information, mostly recruited over the phone, and a cold-contacted group recruited from an Internet panel.

Population-level effects of automated smoking cessation help programs: a randomized controlled trial.

Aims: To test the population impact of offering automated smoking cessation interventions via the internet and/or by mobile phone.

Design: Pragmatic randomized controlled trial with five conditions: offer of (i) minimal intervention control; (ii) QuitCoach personalized tailored internet-delivered advice program; (iii) onQ, an interactive automated text-messaging program; (iv) an integration of both QuitCoach and onQ; and (v) a choice of either alone or the combined program.

Setting: Australia, via a mix of internet and telephone contacts.

Patterns of use of an automated interactive personalized coaching program for smoking cessation.

Background: The QuitCoach, an "expert system" program of tailored advice for smoking cessation developed in Australia, has been publicly available since July 2003, albeit with limited promotion. The program is designed to be used on multiple occasions, guiding the user through the process of smoking cessation in the manner of a "life coach". Email reminders are sent at scheduled intervals to prompt optimal and repeated use.

Lineage-specific identification of nonhematopoietic neoplasms by flow cytometry.

To extend flow cytometry (FC) to the diagnosis of nonhematopoietic neoplasms, we have developed new flow cytometric assays to identify expression of cytokeratin, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)/epithelial glycoprotein-2, myogenin, and CD99. To validate these assays, we correlated the flow cytometric results with the histologic and immunohistochemical results on paraffin-embedded tissue in a series of 21 cases, including 17 carcinomas, 1 atypical carcinoid, 2 rhabdomyosarcomas, and 1 Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (ES/PNET). Six of 7 assayed carcinomas and the carcinoid were positive for cytoplasmic cytokeratin by the flow cytometric assay.

Parasitism of basal cell carcinoma by lentigo maligna melanoma.

The coexistence of 2 types of malignant neoplasms is relatively uncommon. We report a pigmented melanocytic lesion occurring adjacent to a previously treated basal cell carcinoma. Histology showed melanoma (lentigo maligna type) colonizing basal cell carcinoma demonstrated by hematoxylin-eosin and immunocytochemistry stains.