Orteronel Switch Maintenance Therapy in Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer After First-Line Docetaxel: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial (SAKK 08/11).

Background: We tested whether a switch maintenance treatment with orteronel, an oral inhibitor of androgen biosynthesis, prolongs disease control in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) after documented disease stabilization with docetaxel.

Methods: Men with mCRPC and non-progressive disease after a cumulative dose of ≥300 mg/m docetaxel for first line treatment were randomized 1:1 to receive orteronel 300 mg twice daily or placebo. The primary endpoint was event-free survival (EFS) defined as the time from randomization to death or the combination of at least two of radiographic, clinical, or PSA progression.

Prediction of prostate cancer recurrence using quantitative phase imaging: Validation on a general population.

Prediction of biochemical recurrence risk of prostate cancer following radical prostatectomy is critical for determining whether the patient would benefit from adjuvant treatments. Various nomograms exist today for identifying individuals at higher risk for recurrence; however, an optimistic under-estimation of recurrence risk is a common problem associated with these methods. We previously showed that anisotropy of light scattering measured using quantitative phase imaging, in the stromal layer adjacent to cancerous glands, is predictive of recurrence.

Breast cancer diagnosis using spatial light interference microscopy.

The standard practice in histopathology of breast cancers is to examine a hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained tissue biopsy under a microscope to diagnose whether a lesion is benign or malignant. This determination is made based on a manual, qualitative inspection, making it subject to investigator bias and resulting in low throughput. Hence, a quantitative, label-free, and high-throughput diagnosis method is highly desirable.

Prediction of prostate cancer recurrence using quantitative phase imaging.

The risk of biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer among individuals who undergo radical prostatectomy for treatment is around 25%. Current clinical methods often fail at successfully predicting recurrence among patients at intermediate risk for recurrence. We used a label-free method, spatial light interference microscopy, to perform localized measurements of light scattering in prostatectomy tissue microarrays.

Spatiotemporal characterization of a fibrin clot using quantitative phase imaging.

Studying the dynamics of fibrin clot formation and its morphology is an important problem in biology and has significant impact for several scientific and clinical applications. We present a label-free technique based on quantitative phase imaging to address this problem. Using quantitative phase information, we characterized fibrin polymerization in real-time and present a mathematical model describing the transition from liquid to gel state.

Optical assay of erythrocyte function in banked blood.

Stored red blood cells undergo numerous biochemical, structural, and functional changes, commonly referred to as storage lesion. How much these changes impede the ability of erythrocytes to perform their function and, as result, impact clinical outcomes in transfusion patients is unknown. In this study we investigate the effect of the storage on the erythrocyte membrane deformability and morphology.

Atrial Fibrillation in Athletes: The Role of Exercise.

There is growing evidence that atrial fibrillation (AF) is prevalent in athletes and even in individuals participating in intense long term exercise at a non-competitive level. Several causes have been described for these phenomena including atrial remodeling, atrial fibrosis, inflammation, autonomic activation, body fluid changes and changes in blood volume and pressure. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms and management options of AF in regards to exercise.

Opening wedge and anatomic-specific plates in foot and ankle applications.

As surgeons continually push to improve techniques and outcomes, anatomic-specific and procedure-specific fixation options are becoming increasingly available. The unique size, shape, and function of the foot provide an ideal framework for the use of anatomic-specific plates. These distinctive plate characteristics range from anatomic contouring and screw placements to incorporated step-offs and wedges.

Integrating manual and movement therapy with philosophical counseling for treatment of a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a case study that explores the principles of holistic intervention.

A patient (Travis) suffering from ALS received a holistic principle-based protocol that combined manual-movement techniques with philosophical counseling. After 4 sessions, he exhibited a remarkable improvement in head-neck alignment, balance/mobility, autonomic activity, and worldview for a 2-month span. These changes occurred only after his worldview underwent a shift from a dualistic split of mind and body to a nondualistic orientation.

A three-paradigm treatment model using soft tissue mobilization and guided movement-awareness techniques for a patient with chronic low back pain: a case study.

It is not uncommon for physical therapists to report difficulty in treating certain subjects with chronic idiopathic low back pain. The purpose of this case study is to present a three-paradigm model of intervention that may be adapted to the treatment of such cases. The model consists of: 1) relaxation paradigm, consisting of pain modulation procedures; 2) corrective paradigm, involving manual techniques and exercise to correct specific faulty biomechanical alignment(s) eg.