Exploring current nutritional programming and resources available to people living with HIV in Canada: a scoping review.

Objective: The objective of this scoping review was to map the current literature and resources available on nutrition and food programming for people living with HIV in Canada. This review is phase 1 of a 4-phase project, called FoodNOW (Food to eNhance Our Wellness), a community-based nutritional needs assessment of people living with HIV in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Introduction: People living with HIV may experience nutritional challenges, including nutritional deficiencies associated with the virus, food insecurity, and nutrition-drug interactions.

The effect of older age on treatment outcomes in women with advanced ovarian cancer receiving chemotherapy: An NRG-Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG-0182-ICON5) ancillary study.

Objective: To assess the effect of age on overall survival (OS) in women with ovarian cancer receiving chemotherapy. Secondary objectives were to describe the effect of age on treatment compliance, toxicities, progression free survival (PFS), time from surgery to chemotherapy, and rates of optimal cytoreduction.

Methods: Women enrolled in GOG 0182-ICON5 with stage III or IV epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) who underwent surgery and chemotherapy between 2001 and 2004 were included.

Identification of Patients With Ovarian Cancer Experiencing the Highest Benefit From Bevacizumab in the First-Line Setting on the Basis of Their Tumor-Intrinsic Chemosensitivity (KELIM): The GOG-0218 Validation Study.

Purpose: In patients with high-grade ovarian cancer, predictors of bevacizumab efficacy in first-line setting are needed. In the ICON-7 trial, a poor tumor intrinsic chemosensitivity (defined by unfavorable modeled cancer antigen-125 [CA-125] ELIMination rate constant K [KELIM] score) was a predictive biomarker. Only the patients with high-risk disease (suboptimally resected stage III, or stage IV) exhibiting unfavorable KELIM score < 1.

Exploring current nutritional programming and resources available to people living with HIV/AIDs in Canada: a scoping review protocol.

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to map the current literature and resources available on nutrition and food programming for people living with HIV/AIDS in Canada. This review is phase 1 of a 4-phase, provincially funded project called FoodNOW (Food to eNhance Our Wellness) focused on nutritional assessment of people living with HIV/AIDS in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Introduction: People living with HIV/AIDS may experience nutritional challenges, including food insecurity and nutrition-drug interactions.

Sexual Pleasure and Healthcare Settings: Focusing on Pleasure to Improve Healthcare Delivery and Utilization.

Sexual pleasure is best attained through facilitating access to the highest standard of health. Today global data show a persistent high burden of sexual health issues. Yet, pleasure remains a sensitive, stigmatized, and unspoken topic in healthcare services.

Beyond Sedlis-A novel histology-specific nomogram for predicting cervical cancer recurrence risk: An NRG/GOG ancillary analysis.

Purpose: The Sedlis criteria define risk factors for recurrence warranting post-hysterectomy radiation for early-stage cervical cancer; however, these factors were defined for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) at an estimated recurrence risk of ≥30%. Our study evaluates and compares risk factors for recurrence for cervical SCC compared with adenocarcinoma (AC) and develops histology-specific nomograms to estimate risk of recurrence and guide adjuvant treatment.

Methods: We performed an ancillary analysis of GOG 49, 92, and 141, and included stage I patients who were surgically managed and received no neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy.

A phase Ib/II and pharmacokinetic study of EP0057 (formerly CRLX101) in combination with weekly paclitaxel in patients with recurrent or persistent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer.

Background: EP0057 (formerly CRLX101) is an investigational nanoparticle-drug conjugate (NDC) of a cyclodextrin-based polymer backbone plus camptothecin, a topoisomerase-1 inhibitor. Prior studies showed efficacy in recurrent or persistent, epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer (EOC).

Methods: This phase Ib/2 trial assessed safety and efficacy of EP0057 Q2W plus weekly paclitaxel in patients with EOC.

'Imi Ho'ola: Creating Pathways to Success for Indigenous Students in Medicine at the University of Hawai'i John A. Burns School of Medicine.

'Imi Ho'ola is a program for those seeking to heal. Since 1973, 'Imi Ho'ola has provided educational opportunities to students from underrepresented populations in medicine and has demonstrated its success as a pathway for Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders into the University of Hawai'i John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM).

Hypothalamic mTORC2 is essential for metabolic health and longevity.

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an evolutionarily conserved protein kinase that regulates growth and metabolism. mTOR is found in two protein complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, that have distinct components and substrates and are both inhibited by rapamycin, a macrolide drug that robustly extends lifespan in multiple species including worms and mice. Although the beneficial effect of rapamycin on longevity is generally attributed to reduced mTORC1 signaling, disruption of mTORC2 signaling can also influence the longevity of worms, either positively or negatively depending on the temperature and food source.

A Predictive Model to Estimate Cost Savings of a Novel Diagnostic Blood Panel for Diagnosis of Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Purpose: A high incidence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with significant medical costs. Diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) is diagnosed on the basis of clinical presentation and diagnostic test results and procedures that exclude other conditions. This study was conducted to estimate the potential cost savings of a novel IBS diagnostic blood panel that tests for the presence of antibodies to cytolethal distending toxin B and anti-vinculin associated with IBS-D.

Slaughtering sacred cows: six institutional obstacles to advances in family planning.

In order to capitalise on new opportunities to advance contraceptive and reproductive health choices globally, organisations working in these fields will need to overcome six institutional obstacles. These are: (i) committee management; (ii) over-medicalisation; (iii) fear of risk and controversy; (iv) conferences, meetings, and symposia; (v) obsession with coordination; and (vi) fear of sex. The reproductive health community will require energy, innovative approaches, and a sharp focus on service delivery to address these hurdles that will otherwise slow down and misdirect programmatic momentum.

Three-year cost-effectiveness model for non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid and dextranomer copolymer compared with sacral nerve stimulation after conservative therapy for the management of fecal incontinence.

Background: Two new therapies for fecal incontinence (FI) are now available: non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid and dextranomer copolymer (NASHA/Dx) and sacral nerve stimulation (SNS).

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of NASHA/Dx compared with SNS and conservative therapy (CT) for the treatment of FI after CT failure.

Methods: Decision tree models with Markov subbranches were developed to compare all direct costs and outcomes during a 3-year period from the viewpoint of the US third-party payer.

"Big food," the consumer food environment, health, and the policy response in South Africa.

In an article that forms part of the series on Big Food, Corinna Hawkes and colleagues provide a perspective from South Africa on the rise of multinational and domestic food companies, and argue that government should act urgently through education about the health risks of unhealthy diets, regulation of Big Food, and support for healthy foods.

Using the Internet and social media to promote condom use in Turkey.

Condoms are an important contraceptive method in Turkey, used by one in three couples using modern methods. However, withdrawal remains the most common form of contraception, resulting in many unwanted pregnancies. To address this issue and increase condom use in Turkey, DKT International, a social marketing enterprise, leveraged the high use of the Internet and social networking to help build Fiesta, a premium condom brand, and promote sales and condom use.

Haemoglobin A1c levels and subsequent cardiovascular disease in persons without diabetes: a meta-analysis of prospective cohorts.

Aims/hypothesis: The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the relationship between HbA(1c) levels and subsequent cardiovascular outcomes in individuals without diabetes.

Methods: We searched Medline, Embase and Scopus from initiation of the study until the end of 2009. One reviewer searched and another verified findings.

Prescription opioid use among patients seeking treatment for opioid dependence.

Objective: This study was designed to assess non-medical prescription opioid use among a sample of opioid dependent participants.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a convenience sample of patients hospitalized for medical management of opioid withdrawal. We collected data related to participant demographics, socio-economic characteristics, the age of first opioid use, types of opioids preferred, and routes of administration.

Determination of water quality variables, endotoxin concentration, and Enterobacteriaceae concentration and identification in southern High Plains dairy lagoons.

The objectives of this study were to determine the concentration of endotoxin, determine 20 water quality variables, and identify and enumerate fungal and bacterial pathogens from United States southern High Plains dairy lagoons and control lakes during summer and winter. Water samples were collected in triplicate from the north, south, east, and west quadrants of each body of water. The mean (+/- SEM) winter dairy lagoon endotoxin concentration was significantly higher (9,678+/-1,834 ng/mL) than the summer concentration (3,220+/-810 ng/mL).

Electrical foot stimulation: a potential new method of deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis.

The purpose of this study was to compare venous blood flow velocity of intermittent pneumatic compression to electrical stimulation of the foot. A prospective randomized controlled study of 40 healthy volunteers was conducted. Subjects were seated for 4 hours during which they received electrical stimulation of the sole of the foot or intermittent pneumatic compression of the foot.

Ambient and indoor particulate aerosols generated by dairies in the southern High Plains.

The objectives were to quantify and size ambient aerosolized dust in and around the facilities of 4 southern High Plains dairies of New Mexico and to determine where health of workers might be vulnerable to particulate aerosols, based on aerosol concentrations that exceed national air quality standards. Ambient dust air samples were collected upwind (background) and downwind of 3 dairy location sites (loafing pen boundary, commodity, and compost field). The indoor milking parlor, a fourth site, was monitored immediately upwind and downwind.

Detection of macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxin in a caprine (goat) tracheal instillation model.

This study demonstrates the detection and dynamics of macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxin (MTM) tissue loading using a commercially available assay in a goat model. The detection of MTMs has been difficult and complex due to the uncertainty of what tissues to examine and when to sample. Twelve goats (two groups of each) were instilled with Stachybotrys chartarum conidial suspension via the trachea.

Self-help program components and linkage to aftercare following inpatient detoxification.

Many patients fail to initiate aftercare for addictive disease rehabilitation following detoxification. This study of 136 inpatients compared characteristics of those who initiated aftercare (behavior therapy or self-help programs) during the week following discharge with those who did not. Among this group of patients, 77% (91/119) linked to aftercare.

A randomized trial of extended buprenorphine detoxification for opioid dependency.

Objective: : The objective of this study was to determine whether additional "take-home" medication after inpatient opioid detoxification would lead to improved rates of subsequent treatment initiation and abstinence.

Methods: : We randomly assigned 60 inpatients to a 7-day or 37-day extension of sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone after hospitalization. Follow-up telephone interviews were conducted approximately 5 weeks after discharge.

The epidemiologic association between opioid prescribing, non-medical use, and emergency department visits.

Introduction: Since the 1990s prescriptions for and the non-medical use of opioids have increased. This study examines associations between opioid prescribing, non-medical use, and emergency department (ED) visits.

Methods: Data were abstracted from four federally sponsored, nationally representative, annual surveys (National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, and Drug Abuse Warning Network).