Effect of type-2 astrocytes on the viability of dorsal root ganglion neurons and length of neuronal processes.

The role of type-2 astrocytes in the repair of central nervous system injury remains poorly understood. In this study, using a relatively simple culture condition in vitro, type-2 astrocytes, differentiated from oligodendrocyte precursor cells by induction with bone morphogenetic protein-4, were co-cultured with dorsal root ganglion neurons. We examined the effects of type-2 astrocytes differentiated from oligodendrocyte precursor cells on the survival and growth of dorsal root ganglion neurons.

Fracture risk assessment in older adults using a combination of selected quantitative computed tomography bone measures: a subanalysis of the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study.

Bone mineral density (BMD) and geometric bone measures are individually associated with prevalent osteoporotic fractures. Whether an aggregate of these measures would better associate with fractures has not been examined. We examined relationships between self-reported fractures and selected bone measures acquired by quantitative computerized tomography (QCT), a composite bone score, and QCT-acquired dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-like total femur BMD in 2110 men and 2682 women in the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study.

Decrease of the lumpectomy cavity volume after whole-breast irradiation affects small field boost planning.

To determine whether small field boost (SFB) replanning is necessary when the lumpectomy cavity (LPC) decreases during whole-breast irradiation (WBI) and what parameters might predict a change in the SFB plan. Forty patients had computed tomography (CT) simulation (CT1) within 60 days of surgery and were resimulated (CT2) after 37.8-41.

Everolimus for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma.

Introduction: The efficacy of sequential everolimus (RAD001, Afinitor®), an orally administered inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), is one of the therapeutic options in patients with advanced renal cell cancer (RCC). The purpose of this review is to discuss the mTOR pathway and to update current knowledge of the role of everolimus in metastatic RCC.

Areas Covered: The function of mTOR and its inhibition, the early development trials of everolimus, the Phase II trial that lead to the Phase III study and ultimately to FDA approval are all discussed in this review.

Rating the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations using GRADE.

Objectives: Urologists can benefit from a standardized system for guideline development and presentation. This article introduces the GRADE system and explains how it may be useful for Urologic physicians, in their practice and in their healthcare systems.

Methods: The GRADE system is reviewed.

The pharmacokinetics and safety of micafungin, a novel echinocandin, in premature infants.

Background: : Candidal fungal infection rates in neonates are increasing and are a significant cause of mortality, especially in low birth weight infants. Micafungin is an echinocandin that works by inhibiting 1,3-beta-D-glucan synthase, an enzyme responsible for fungal cell wall synthesis. The objective of this study was to determine the safety and pharmacokinetics of micafungin in premature infants.

Use of a new supraglottic airway device--the CobraPLA--in a 'difficult to intubate/difficult to ventilate' scenario.

A 67-year-old male was scheduled for cadaveric renal transplant. Following rapid sequence anaesthesia, only the tip of the epiglottis was visualized. Mask ventilation was difficult, and therefore an alternative airway device was considered.

Poliomyelitis-like syndrome in a child with West Nile virus infection.

West Nile virus (WNV) infections of the central nervous system are very uncommon in U.S. children.