Analysis of lung cancer risk model (PLCO and LLP) performance in a community-based lung cancer screening programme.

Introduction: Low-dose CT (LDCT) screening of high-risk smokers reduces lung cancer (LC) specific mortality. Determining screening eligibility using individualised risk may improve screening effectiveness and reduce harm. Here, we compare the performance of two risk prediction models (PLCO and Liverpool Lung Project model (LLP)) and National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) eligibility criteria in a community-based screening programme.

Spirometry performed as part of the Manchester community-based lung cancer screening programme detects a high prevalence of airflow obstruction in individuals without a prior diagnosis of COPD.

Background: COPD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in populations eligible for lung cancer screening. We investigated the role of spirometry in a community-based lung cancer screening programme.

Methods: Ever smokers, age 55-74, resident in three deprived areas of Manchester were invited to a 'Lung Health Check' (LHC) based in convenient community locations.

Second round results from the Manchester 'Lung Health Check' community-based targeted lung cancer screening pilot.

We report results from the second annual screening round (T1) of Manchester's 'Lung Health Check' pilot of community-based lung cancer screening in deprived areas (undertaken June to August 2017). Screening adherence was 90% (n=1194/1323): 92% of CT scans were classified negative, 6% indeterminate and 2.5% positive; there were no interval cancers.

Implementing lung cancer screening: baseline results from a community-based 'Lung Health Check' pilot in deprived areas of Manchester.

We report baseline results of a community-based, targeted, low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening pilot in deprived areas of Manchester. Ever smokers, aged 55-74 years, were invited to 'lung health checks' (LHCs) next to local shopping centres, with immediate access to LDCT for those at high risk (6-year risk ≥1.51%, PLCO calculator).

Incidental extra-cardiac findings on clinical CMR.

Aims: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging benefits from a large field of view, but consequently captures incidental extra-cardiac findings (IEFs). There is a relative paucity of data for CMR in this regard. Our objectives were to assess the frequency and significance of IEFs reported from clinically indicated CMR scans, and additionally to ascertain if reporting rates differed between radiologist and cardiologist in a 'real-world' setting.

Radiation dose threshold for coronary artery calcium score with MDCT: how low can you go?

Objectives: To evaluate the lowest radiation exposure threshold at which coronary calcium scoring (CCS) remains accurate.

Methods: A prospective study of 43 consecutive eligible patients referred for CCS underwent imaging in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended protocol. Dedicated software was used to generate 8 series of images simulating tube currents ranging from 20 to 300 mA.

Randomized, placebo-controlled trial of bupropion for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence.

Objective: To compare bupropion to placebo for reducing methamphetamine (MA) use, increasing retention, and reducing the severity of depressive symptoms and MA-cravings. A secondary objective compared bupropion to placebo for reducing cigarette smoking among MA dependent participants.

Methods: Following a 2-week, non-medication baseline screening period, 73 treatment-seeking MA dependent participants were randomly assigned to bupropion sustained release (150 mg twice daily; N=36) or placebo (twice daily; N=37) for 12-weeks under double-blind conditions.

Detection of medullary thyroid cancer with MIBG imaging for pheochromocytoma.

A medullary thyroid cancer (MTC)/multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome was suspected in a patient having an metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scan while she was being investigated for pheochromocytoma. After surgery, this was confirmed histologically. Although MIBG scanning cannot be used as a screening tool for MTC because of its poor sensitivity for detection of MTC, this case report highlights that one should always scrutinize the thyroid gland while interpreting MIBG scans.

Coincident Giant Cavernous Angioma and Large Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm.

Cavernous angiomas although relatively common lesions rarely reach a large size. They have a well documented association with AVMs, capillary telangiectases and venous angiomas but are not specifically associated with intracerebral aneurysms. We present a case of what we believe to be the 4th largest reported giant cavernous angioma to present in adulthood.

Cocaine dependence and acute cocaine induce decreases of monocyte proinflammatory cytokine expression across the diurnal period: autonomic mechanisms.

Cocaine dependence is associated with an increased risk of infectious diseases. The innate immune system triggers effector pathways to combat microbial pathogens through expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). It is not known whether cocaine alters the capacity of monocytes to respond to a bacterial challenge in humans.

Variation in neurophysiological function and evidence of quantitative electroencephalogram discordance: predicting cocaine-dependent treatment attrition.

Cocaine treatment trials suffer from a high rate of attrition. We examined pretreatment neurophysiological factors to identify participants at greatest risk. Twenty-five participants were divided into concordant and discordant groups following electroencephalogram (EEG) measures recorded prior to a double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment trial.

Comparing HIPAA practices in two multi-hospital systems.

The comparison of HIPAA compliance efforts at two multi-hospital networks (Children's Health System and Carilion Health System) suggests a framework for classifying practices and for facilitating the integration of further case studies into a national library of HIPAA practices.