RNA-Seq Analysis of Extradomain A and Extradomain B Fibronectin as Extracellular Matrix Markers for Cancer.

Alternatively spliced forms of fibronectin, called oncofetal fibronectin, are aberrantly expressed in cancer, with little to no expression in normal tissue, making them attractive biomarkers to exploit for tumor-targeted therapeutics and diagnostics. While prior studies have explored oncofetal fibronectin expression in limited cancer types and limited sample sizes, no studies have performed a large-scale pan-cancer analysis in the context of clinical diagnostics and prognostics to posit the utility of these biomarkers across multiple cancer types. In this study, RNA-Seq data sourced from the UCSC Toil Recompute project were extracted and analyzed to determine the correlation between the expression of oncofetal fibronectin, including extradomain A and extradomain B fibronectin, and patient diagnosis and prognosis.

Effective gene therapy of Stargardt disease with PEG-ECO/ nanoparticles.

Stargardt disease (STGD) is the most common form of inherited retinal genetic disorders and is often caused by mutations in . Gene therapy has the promise to effectively treat monogenic retinal disorders. However, clinically approved adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors do not have a loading capacity for large genes, such as .

Manganese(II) EOB-Pyclen Diacetate for Liver-Specific MRI.

MRI is increasingly utilized for the diagnosis of liver disease and focal liver lesions. Although liver-targeted gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) have high efficacy, there continue to be safety concerns regarding release of toxic Gd(III) ions. Herein, Mn(EOB-PC2A) is synthesized as a nongadolinium alternative for liver-specific MRI.

Magnetic resonance molecular imaging of extradomain B fibronectin enables detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma metastasis.

Extradomain-B Fibronectin (EDB-FN) is an oncomarker that can be visualized with magnetic resonance molecular imaging (MRMI) to detect pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) metastasis. In this study, we sought to assess the expression of EDB-FN in clinical samples of PDAC and to evaluate MRMI of PDAC metastasis with an EDB-FN-specific gadolinium-based contrast agent (MT218) in an orthotopic KPC-GFP-Luc mouse model. EDB-FN expression was evaluated in PDAC tissue samples through immunohistochemistry.

Preclinical Assessment of the Effectiveness of Magnetic Resonance Molecular Imaging of Extradomain-B Fibronectin for Detection and Characterization of Oral Cancer.

Purpose: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not seen a substantial improvement in patient survival despite therapeutic advances, making accurate detection and characterization of the disease a clinical priority. Here, we aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the targeted MRI contrast agent MT218 specific to extradomain-B fibronectin (EDB-FN) in the tumor microenvironment for detection and characterization of aggressive OSCC tumors.

Procedures: EDB-FN expression was evaluated in human normal tongue and OSCC specimens with immunohistochemistry.

Effective MR Molecular Imaging of Triple Negative Breast Cancer With an EDB-Fibronectin-Specific Contrast Agent at Reduced Doses.

MR molecular imaging (MRMI) of abundant oncogenic biomarkers in tumor microenvironment has the potential to provide precision cancer imaging in high resolution. Extradomain-B fibronectin (EDB-FN) is an oncogenic extracellular matrix protein, highly expressed in aggressive triple negative breast cancer. A targeted macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) ZD2-N-Gd(HP-DO3A) (MT218), specific to EDB-FN, was developed for MRMI of aggressive breast cancer.

Formulation of Biocompatible Targeted ECO/siRNA Nanoparticles with Long-Term Stability for Clinical Translation of RNAi.

Nanoparticle based siRNA formulations often suffer from aggregation and loss of function during storage. We in this study report a frozen targeted RGD-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-ECO/siβ3 nanoparticle formulation with a prolonged shelf life and preserved nanoparticle functionality. The targeted RGD-PEG-ECO/siβ3 nanoparticles are formed by step-wised self-assembly of RGD-PEG-maleimide, ECO, and siRNA.

Challenges and Limitations to Treating ADHD in Incarcerated Populations.

An often underappreciated and hard-to-treat condition in correctional institutions is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although there are many effective psychopharmacologic treatments for ADHD, such as various formulations of amphetamines, many physicians are hesitant to prescribe controlled stimulants in correctional settings because of concerns about abuse and safety. Although nonstimulant alternatives are available, they are generally seen as less effective than stimulants.

Pregnant Women and the Use of Corrections Restraints and Substance Use Commitment.

Recent evolving trends in the United States legal system regarding how policies and laws are applied to pregnant women include concerns over the use of restraints or shackles in pregnant inmates and forced treatment or commitment of pregnant women for substance abuse. These topics raise many questions, such as: how violent are women, particularly pregnant women; what are the informed consent and treatment implications; and who is at risk of harm? In addition, questions have been raised regarding maternal versus fetal rights, especially when the mother uses substances during a pregnancy. We review legal decisions and organizational position statements and highlight ethics-related concerns.

Using Star Wars' supporting characters to teach about psychopathology.

Objectives: The pop culture phenomenon of Star Wars has been underutilised as a vehicle to teach about psychiatry. It is well known to students, registrars, and consultants alike. New Star Wars films are expected out in 2015, which will likely lead to further popularity.

Psychopathology in a Galaxy Far, Far Away: the Use of Star Wars' Dark Side in Teaching.

Star Wars is well known, timeless, universal, and incorporated into shared culture. Trainees have grown up with the movies, and based on their enduring popularity, attending psychiatrists are likely to have seen them too. This article highlights psychopathology from the Dark Side of Star Wars films which can be used in teaching.

Teaching Psychopathology in a Galaxy Far, Far Away: The Light Side of the Force.

Star Wars films are among the top box office hits of all time. The films have been popular internationally for almost 40 years. As such, both trainees and attending psychiatrists are likely to be aware of them.

Forensic issues in medical evaluation: competency and end-of-life issues.

Decision-making capacity is a common reason for psychiatric consultation that is likely to become more common as the population ages. Capacity assessments are frequently compromised by misconceptions, such as the belief that incapacity is permanent or that patients with dementia categorically lack capacity. This chapter will review the conceptual framework of decision-making capacity and discuss its application to medical decision-making.

Commentary: women, violence, and insanity.

There is less research about homicidal women than about their male counterparts. Women are often considered the gentler sex, and their risk of perpetrating violent acts is underestimated. In attempts to understand violence by women with mental illness, female homicide offenders found not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) are an important subpopulation.

Guns, schools, and mental illness: potential concerns for physicians and mental health professionals.

Since the recent shootings in Tucson, Arizona; Aurora, Colorado; and Newtown, Connecticut, there has been an ever-increasing state and national debate regarding gun control. All 3 shootings involved an alleged shooter who attended college, and in hindsight, evidence of a mental illness was potentially present in these individuals while in school. What appears to be different about the current round of debate is that both pro-gun control and anti-gun control advocates are focusing on mentally ill individuals, early detection of mental illness during school years, and the interactions of such individuals with physicians and the mental health system as a way to solve gun violence.

Compensation neurosis: a too quickly forgotten concept?

There has been great debate concerning the existence and meaning of compensation neurosis. It is included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 and -10 but not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR). On the eve of publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), we re-examine the history and concept of compensation neurosis and conceptually update the condition to reflect current psychiatric thought.

A plea for caution: violent video games, the Supreme Court, and the role of science.

On November 2, 2010, the US Supreme Court heard arguments in the case of Schwarzenegger v Entertainment Merchants Association, with a ruling expected in 2011. This case addressed whether states have the right to restrict freedom of speech by limiting the sale of violent video games to minors. To date, 8 states have tried to pass legislation to this effect, with all attempts being found unconstitutional by lower courts.

D178N, 129Val and N171S, 129Val genotype in a family with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Background: Fatal familial insomnia (FFI) and genetic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD(D178N,)(129V)) are two phenotypes that share a common point mutation at codon 178 of the prion protein gene (PRNP), but differ in their polymorphism at codon 129 of the mutant allele. A mutation at codon 171 of the PRNP gene has been described in a family with a strong psychiatric history without prion disease.

Methods: Clinical and genetic information of a family with CJD was obtained from medical records and family informants.

The 1995 Kikwit Ebola outbreak: lessons hospitals and physicians can apply to future viral epidemics.

Objective: This article looks at lessons learned from the 1995 Kikwit Ebola outbreak and suggests how modern hospitals should apply these lessons to the next lethal viral epidemic that occurs.

Method: The 1995 Kikwit Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formally Zaire) is one of the most well studied epidemics to have occurred to date. Many of the lessons learned from identifying, containing and treating that epidemic are applicable to future viral outbreaks, natural disasters and bioterrorist attacks.

The 1995 Kikwit Ebola outbreak--model of virus properties on system capacity and function: a lesson for future viral epidemics.

The 1995 Kikwit Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the first Ebola outbreaks to be treated in a hospital setting and is one of the most well-studied Ebola epidemics to have occurred to date. Many of the lessons learned from identifying, containing, and treating the epidemic are applicable to future viral outbreaks. This article looks at the characteristics of the Ebola virus and health system issues, which affected the healthcare providers' ability to contain and treat the virus.

Commentary: delving further into liability for psychotherapy supervision.

In their article, "Liability and Risk Management in Outpatient Psychotherapy Supervision," Recupero and Rainey discuss some of the difficult matters related to outpatient psychotherapy supervision. We offer this commentary to make observations about their article and to further the discussion of liability and risk management. We believe there is a need to include this type of information in the orientation of supervisors and supervises and to make discussions of liability and risk management a part of outpatient psychotherapy supervision.

Detection of malingered PTSD: an overview of clinical, psychometric, and physiological assessment: where do we stand?

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can be easily malingered for secondary gain. For this reason, it is important for physicians to understand the phenomenology of true PTSD and indicators that suggest an individual is malingering. This paper reviews the prevalence of PTSD for both the general population and for specific events, such as rape and terrorism, to familiarize evaluators with the frequency of its occurrence.