Addressing the unmet clinical need for low-volume assays in early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

The incidental detection of pancreatic cysts, an opportunity for the early detection of pancreatic cancer, is increasing, owing to an aging population and improvements in imaging technology. The classification of pancreatic cystic precursors currently relies on imaging and cyst fluid evaluations, including cytology and protein and genomic analyses. However, there are persistent limitations that obstruct the accuracy and quality of information for clinicians, including the limited volume of the complex, often acellular, and proteinaceous milieu that comprises pancreatic cyst fluid.

Use of multimodality imaging, histology, and treatment feasibility to characterize a transgenic -null rat model of glioblastoma.

Many drugs that show potential in animal models of glioblastoma (GBM) fail to translate to the clinic, contributing to a paucity of new therapeutic options. In addition, animal model development often includes histologic assessment, but multiparametric/multimodality imaging is rarely included despite increasing utilization in patient cancer management. This study developed an intracranial recurrent, drug-resistant, human-derived glioblastoma tumor in Sprague-Dawley - knockout rat and was characterized both histologically and using multiparametric/multimodality neuroimaging.

Crucial Conversations for High-Risk Populations before Surgery: Advance Care Planning in a Preoperative Setting.

High-risk patients undergoing elective surgery are at risk for perioperative complications, including readmissions and death. Advance care planning (ACP) may allow for preparation for such events. (1) To assess the completion rate of advance directives (ADs) and their association with one year readmissions and mortality (2) to examine clinical events for decedents.

Correction: [On Becoming a Global Citizen: Transformative Learning Through Global Health Experiences].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.aogh.

The cascade of benzodiazepine prescribing for hospitalized geriatric patients.

Background: Hospitalists increasingly provide care for geriatric patients and little is known about the extent to which hospitalists adhere to evidence-based medication guidelines. This study aimed to characterize hospitalist adherence to BEERS guidelines for prescribing and monitoring benzodiazepines for older adults.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of admitted patients aged 70-85 years who had been prescribed benzodiazepine.

Applying participatory design to a pharmacy system intervention.

Background: Stakeholder engagement is an important component of the research process for improving the use and uptake of patient-centered health care innovations. Participatory design (PD), a method that utilizes the involvement of patients and other stakeholders, is well-suited for the design of multifaceted interventions in complex work systems, such as community pharmacies, that have diverse and dynamic end-users.

Objective: The objective is to describe a blueprint for how to use PD when designing a community pharmacy intervention.

Development of a Protocol for Successful Palliative Care Consultation in Population of Patients Receiving Mechanical Circulatory Support.

Background: In 2014, Joint Commission recommended palliative care (PC) engagement in ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation as destination therapy. Limited information is available on established PC protocols in the mechanical circulatory support (MCS) population.

Measures: The goals of our PC consultation were to document advance care planning (ACP) discussions and designate a surrogate decision maker (SDM) before MCS implantation.

Transitions From Skilled Nursing Facility to Home: The Relationship of Early Outpatient Care to Hospital Readmission.

Background: Many adults are discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) prior to returning home from the hospital. Patient characteristics and factors that can help to prevent postdischarge adverse outcomes are poorly understood.

Objective: To identify whether early post-SNF discharge care reduces likelihood of 30-day hospital readmissions.

Physicians in Postgraduate Training Characteristics and Support of Palliative Sedation for Existential Distress.

Introduction: Palliative sedation for refractory existential distress (PS-ED) is ethically troubling but potentially critical to quality end-of-life (EOL) care. Physicians' in postgraduate training support toward PS-ED is unknown nor is it known how empathy, hope, optimism, or intrinsic religious motivation (IRM) affect their support. These knowledge gaps hinder efforts to support physicians who struggle with patients' EOL care preferences.