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Deepening biomedical research training: Community-Building Wellness Workshops for Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) Trainees. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.10.584300. [PMID: 38559081 PMCID: PMC10979910 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.10.584300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Problem All trainees, especially those from historically minoritized backgrounds, experience stresses that may reduce their continuation in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM) careers. The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is one of ~45 institutions with a National Institutes of Health funded Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) that provides mentoring and a year of fulltime research to prepare students from historically excluded groups for graduate school. Having experienced the conflation of stresses during the COVID-19 pandemic and related shutdown, we realized our program lacked a component that explicitly helped PREP Scholars recognize and cope with non-academic stresses (financial, familial, social, mental) that might threaten their confidence and success as scientists and future in STEMM. Intervention We developed an early-intervention program to help Scholars develop life-long skills to become successful and resilient scientists. We developed a year-long series comprised of 9 workshops focused on community, introspection, financial fitness, emotional intelligence, mental health, and soft-skills. We recruited and compensated a cohort of PhD students and postdoctoral fellows to serve as Peer Mentors, to provide a community and the safest 'space' for Scholars to discuss personal concerns. Peer Mentors were responsible for developing and facilitating these Community-Building Wellness Workshops (CBWW). Context CBWW were created and exectued as part of the larger PREP program. Workshops included a PowerPoint presentation by Peer Mentors that featured several case studies that prompted discussion and provided time for small-group discussions between Scholars and Peer Mentors. We also included pre- and post-work for each workshop. These touch-points helped Scholars cultivate the habit of introspection. Impact The CBWW exceeded our goals. Both Peer Mentors and Scholars experienced strong mutual support, and Scholars developed life-long skills. Notably, several Scholars who had been experiencing financial, mental or mentor-related stress immediately brought this to the attention of program leadership, allowing early and successful intervention. At the completion of CBWW, PREP Scholars reported implementing many workshop skills into practice, were reshaping their criteria for choosing future mentors, and evaluating career decisions. Strikingly, Peer Mentors found they also benefitted from the program as well, suggesting a potential larger scope for the role of CBWW in academia. Lessons Learned Peer Mentors were essential in creating a safe supportive environment that facilitated discussions, self-reflection, and self-care. Providing fair compensation to Peer Mentors for their professional mentoring and teaching contributions was essential and contributed meaningfully to the positive energy and impact of this program.
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Perspective-The Feasibility of Continuous Protein Monitoring in Interstitial Fluid. ECS SENSORS PLUS 2023; 2:027001. [PMID: 37128505 PMCID: PMC10140668 DOI: 10.1149/2754-2726/accd7e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Real-time continuous monitoring of proteins in-vivo holds great potential for personalized medical applications. Unfortunately, a prominent knowledge gap exists in the fundamental biology regarding protein transfer and correlation between interstitial fluid and blood. Additionally, technological sensing will require affinity-based platforms that cannot be robustly protected in-vivo and will therefore be challenged in sensitivity, longevity, and fouling over multi-day to week timelines. Here we use electrochemical aptamer sensors as a model system to discuss further research necessary to achieve continuous protein sensing.
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Explaining the Decay of Nucleic Acid-Based Sensors under Continuous Voltammetric Interrogation. Anal Chem 2023; 95:4974-4983. [PMID: 36881708 PMCID: PMC10035425 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based electrochemical sensors (NBEs) can support continuous and highly selective molecular monitoring in biological fluids, both in vitro and in vivo, via affinity-based interactions. Such interactions afford a sensing versatility that is not supported by strategies that depend on target-specific reactivity. Thus, NBEs have significantly expanded the scope of molecules that can be monitored continuously in biological systems. However, the technology is limited by the lability of the thiol-based monolayers employed for sensor fabrication. Seeking to understand the main drivers of monolayer degradation, we studied four possible mechanisms of NBE decay: (i) passive desorption of monolayer elements in undisturbed sensors, (ii) voltage-induced desorption under continuous voltammetric interrogation, (iii) competitive displacement by thiolated molecules naturally present in biofluids like serum, and (iv) protein binding. Our results indicate that voltage-induced desorption of monolayer elements is the main mechanism by which NBEs decay in phosphate-buffered saline. This degradation can be overcome by using a voltage window contained between -0.2 and 0.2 V vs Ag|AgCl, reported for the first time in this work, where electrochemical oxygen reduction and surface gold oxidation cannot occur. This result underscores the need for chemically stable redox reporters with more positive reduction potentials than the benchmark methylene blue and the ability to cycle thousands of times between redox states to support continuous sensing for long periods. Additionally, in biofluids, the rate of sensor decay is further accelerated by the presence of thiolated small molecules like cysteine and glutathione, which can competitively displace monolayer elements even in the absence of voltage-induced damage. We hope that this work will serve as a framework to inspire future development of novel sensor interfaces aiming to eliminate the mechanisms of signal decay in NBEs.
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Human Cyclophilin B Nuclease Activity Revealed via Nucleic Acid-Based Electrochemical Sensors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202211292. [PMID: 35999181 PMCID: PMC9633453 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202211292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Human cyclophilin B (CypB) is oversecreted by pancreatic cancer cells, making it a potential biomarker for early-stage disease diagnosis. Our group is motivated to develop aptamer-based assays to measure CypB levels in biofluids. However, human cyclophilins have been postulated to have collateral nuclease activity, which could impede the use of aptamers for CypB detection. To establish if CypB can hydrolyze electrode-bound nucleic acids, we used ultrasensitive electrochemical sensors to measure CypB's hydrolytic activity. Our sensors use ssDNA and dsDNA in the biologically predominant d-DNA form, and in the nuclease resistant l-DNA form. Challenging such sensors with CypB and control proteins, we unequivocally demonstrate that CypB can cleave nucleic acids. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use electrochemical biosensors to reveal the hydrolytic activity of a protein that is not known to be a nuclease. Future development of CypB bioassays will require the use of nuclease-resistant aptamer sequences.
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Human Cyclophilin B Nuclease Activity Revealed via Nucleic Acid‐Based Electrochemical Sensors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202211292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Abstract
Current strategies for the delivery of proteins into cells face general challenges of endosomal entrapment and concomitant degradation of protein cargo. Efficient delivery directly to the cytosol overcomes this obstacle: we report here the use of biotin-streptavidin tethering to provide a modular approach to the generation of nanovectors capable of a cytosolic delivery of biotinylated proteins. This strategy uses streptavidin to organize biotinylated protein and biotinylated oligo(glutamate) peptide into modular complexes that are then electrostatically self-assembled with a cationic guanidinium-functionalized polymer. The resulting polymer-protein nanocomposites demonstrate efficient cytosolic delivery of six biotinylated protein cargos of varying size, charge, and quaternary structure. Retention of protein function was established through efficient cell killing via delivery of the chemotherapeutic enzyme granzyme A. This platform represents a versatile and modular approach to intracellular delivery through the noncovalent tethering of multiple components into a single delivery vector.
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High affinity protein surface binding through co-engineering of nanoparticles and proteins. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:2411-2418. [PMID: 35089292 PMCID: PMC8941649 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr07497k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Control over supramolecular recognition between proteins and nanoparticles (NPs) is of fundamental importance in therapeutic applications and sensor development. Most NP-protein binding approaches use 'tags' such as biotin or His-tags to provide high affinity; protein surface recognition provides a versatile alternative strategy. Generating high affinity NP-protein interactions is challenging however, due to dielectric screening at physiological ionic strengths. We report here the co-engineering of nanoparticles and protein to provide high affinity binding. In this strategy, 'supercharged' proteins provide enhanced interfacial electrostatic interactions with complementarily charged nanoparticles, generating high affinity complexes. Significantly, the co-engineered protein-nanoparticle assemblies feature high binding affinity even at physiologically relevant ionic strength conditions. Computational studies identify both hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions as drivers for these high affinity NP-protein complexes.
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Correction to "Direct Cytosolic Delivery of Proteins through Coengineering of Proteins and Polymeric Delivery Vehicles". J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:6702. [PMID: 33886299 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c03778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Safety Climate Associated with Adverse Events in Nursing Homes: A National VA Study. Health Serv Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Direct Cytosolic Delivery of Proteins through Coengineering of Proteins and Polymeric Delivery Vehicles. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:4349-4355. [PMID: 32049533 PMCID: PMC7392052 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b12759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Nanocarrier-mediated protein delivery is a promising strategy for fundamental research and therapeutic applications. However, the efficacy of the current platforms for delivery into cells is limited by endosomal entrapment of delivered protein cargo with concomitantly inefficient access to the cytosol and other organelles, including the nucleus. We report here a robust, versatile polymeric-protein nanocomposite (PPNC) platform capable of efficient (≥90%) delivery of proteins to the cytosol. We synthesized a library of guanidinium-functionalized poly(oxanorborneneimide) (PONI) homopolymers with varying molecular weights to stabilize and deliver engineered proteins featuring terminal oligoglutamate "E-tags". The polymers were screened for cytosolic delivery efficiency using imaging flow cytometry with cytosolic delivery validated using confocal microscopy and activity of the delivered proteins demonstrated through functional assays. These studies indicate that the PPNC platform provides highly effective and tunable cytosolic delivery over a wide range of formulations, making them robust agents for therapeutic protein delivery.
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Transcranial ultrasound stimulation and the effect on inhibition as assessed by a stop signal task. Brain Stimul 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2018.12.533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Excitability changes induced in the motor cortex by transcranial ultrasound stimulation. Brain Stimul 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2018.12.530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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CHARACTERIZING STAFF INTERACTIONS IN A SAMPLE OF HIGH PERFORMING NURSING HOMES. Innov Aging 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.2934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Long Term Care: Policy and Practice Outcomes. Innov Aging 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.1639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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0091 REM Sleep Has No Effect on Consolidation of Emotionally Salient Information Seen in Animated Threat Detection Task. Sleep 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsy061.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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0179 Low-Amplitude tDCS Does Not Affect Threat Detection Performance Under Sleep Loss. Sleep 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsy061.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Centre-level variation in dental treatment and oral health and individual- and area-level predictors of oral health in 5-year-old children with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate: the Cleft Care UK study. Part 3. Orthod Craniofac Res 2017; 20 Suppl 2:19-26. [DOI: 10.1111/ocr.12185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Elafibranor, an Agonist of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-α and -δ, Induces Resolution of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Without Fibrosis Worsening. Gastroenterology 2016; 150:1147-1159.e5. [PMID: 26874076 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2016.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 719] [Impact Index Per Article: 89.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Elafibranor is an agonist of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ. Elafibranor improves insulin sensitivity, glucose homeostasis, and lipid metabolism and reduces inflammation. We assessed the safety and efficacy of elafibranor in an international, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). METHODS Patients with NASH without cirrhosis were randomly assigned to groups given elafibranor 80 mg (n = 93), elafibranor 120 mg (n = 91), or placebo (n = 92) each day for 52 weeks at sites in Europe and the United States. Clinical and laboratory evaluations were performed every 2 months during this 1-year period. Liver biopsies were then collected and patients were assessed 3 months later. The primary outcome was resolution of NASH without fibrosis worsening, using protocol-defined and modified definitions. Data from the groups given the different doses of elafibranor were compared with those from the placebo group using step-down logistic regression, adjusting for baseline nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score. RESULTS In intention-to-treat analysis, there was no significant difference between the elafibranor and placebo groups in the protocol-defined primary outcome. However, NASH resolved without fibrosis worsening in a higher proportion of patients in the 120-mg elafibranor group vs the placebo group (19% vs 12%; odds ratio = 2.31; 95% confidence interval: 1.02-5.24; P = .045), based on a post-hoc analysis for the modified definition. In post-hoc analyses of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score ≥4 (n = 234), elafibranor 120 mg resolved NASH in larger proportions of patients than placebo based on the protocol definition (20% vs 11%; odds ratio = 3.16; 95% confidence interval: 1.22-8.13; P = .018) and the modified definitions (19% vs 9%; odds ratio = 3.52; 95% confidence interval: 1.32-9.40; P = .013). Patients with NASH resolution after receiving elafibranor 120 mg had reduced liver fibrosis stages compared with those without NASH resolution (mean reduction of 0.65 ± 0.61 in responders for the primary outcome vs an increase of 0.10 ± 0.98 in nonresponders; P < .001). Liver enzymes, lipids, glucose profiles, and markers of systemic inflammation were significantly reduced in the elafibranor 120-mg group vs the placebo group. Elafibranor was well tolerated and did not cause weight gain or cardiac events, but did produce a mild, reversible increase in serum creatinine (effect size vs placebo: increase of 4.31 ± 1.19 μmol/L; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS A post-hoc analysis of data from trial of patients with NASH showed that elafibranor (120 mg/d for 1 year) resolved NASH without fibrosis worsening, based on a modified definition, in the intention-to-treat analysis and in patients with moderate or severe NASH. However, the predefined end point was not met in the intention to treat population. Elafibranor was well tolerated and improved patients' cardiometabolic risk profile. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01694849.
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Marfan syndrome presenting with postpartum aortic dissection following dural puncture headache and epidural blood patch. Int J Obstet Anesth 2015; 24:197-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2015.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Two stuck epidural catheters. Anaesthesia 2013; 68:1283-4. [PMID: 24219267 DOI: 10.1111/anae.12424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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The anti-viral effect of sorafenib in hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2013; 37:91-7. [PMID: 23094860 PMCID: PMC3682667 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Revised: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sorafenib is currently the only approved systemic therapy shown to have efficacy in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent studies suggest that hepatitis C (HCV)-related HCC patients derive more clinical benefit from sorafenib than other subgroups, but the mechanism for this effect is unknown. In vitro data suggest that sorafenib may exert anti-viral properties, and thus our aim in this study was to evaluate potential anti-viral activity of sorafenib in patients with HCV-related HCC. AIM To evaluate potential anti-viral activity of sorafenib in patients with HCV-related HCC. METHODS We prospectively enrolled patients with HCV-related HCC treated with sorafenib for up to 6 months. Baseline clinical, viral and oncologic data were collected. Patients' HCV viral loads were obtained at various time points, and compared with their baseline viral levels. No patients received any known anti-viral therapy during this time. RESULTS Thirty-three patients were identified with baseline and subsequent HCV levels available for analysis. Six patients completed 6 months of full dose sorafenib, and comparisons of their HCV viral loads showed no significant change at week 24 (difference of means = 0.3500, CI: -0.1799-0.8799, P = 0.150), or the interim time points. Similarly, the HCV viral loads of all patients who received sorafenib and the viral loads of those patients who had tumour response to sorafenib showed no significant changes at any time point. CONCLUSION Despite preclinical data and previous subgroup analyses suggesting that sorafenib has an anti-viral effect against HCV, this study suggests that sorafenib lacks significant anti-viral activity in HCV patients with HCC.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Standard of practice involves using transarterial therapy for multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) alone and sorafenib only for more advanced HCC, but the sorafenib and transarterial therapy combination may provide greater efficacy. AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of concurrent sorafenib and transarterial therapy in HCC. METHODS Consecutive cases of HCC were treated with sorafenib and transarterial therapy, receiving sorafenib 2 to 4weeks before transarterial therapy. Baseline clinical parameters, adverse events (AEs) and survival were collected. RESULTS A total of 47 patients received sorafenib and transarterial therapy. The majority of the patients were male (70%) with HCV (60%), median age of 60years, good performance status (0-1), stable cirrhosis (Child: A 72%; B 28%), unresectable tumour (stage: B 81%; C 19%) and median AFP of 24ng/mL. Median follow-up was 12months and median time on sorafenib was 6months. LC Bead TACE was used with a median frequency of 3. The majority of the patients (89%) experienced AEs. The most common AEs were fatigue (51%), hand-foot skin reaction (51%) and diarrhoea (43%). Grade 3 and 4 AEs included fatigue (13%) and hand-foot skin reaction (26%). Most patients required a dose reduction (66%). The main AE related to transarterial therapy was post-TACE syndrome (23%). The disease control rate was 68% at 6months. Overall median survival rate was 18.5months (95% CI 16.1-20.9months). CONCLUSION Concurrent sorafenib and transarterial therapy is overall safe with no unexpected side effects and encouraging efficacy that warrants further study.
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Combination of transarterial therapy with sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Clin Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.29.15_suppl.e14598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Does the Use of Chemo-radiation Therapy Alter Primary Relapse Patterns for Patients with Glioblastoma? Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2011.01.374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Cell Salvage in obstetrics: a review of data from the 2007 Scottish Confidential Audit of Severe Maternal Morbidity. Int J Obstet Anesth 2011; 20:196-8. [PMID: 21414771 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2010.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Natural history of small duct primary sclerosing cholangitis: a case series with review of the literature. Hepatol Int 2011; 5:808-13. [PMID: 21484124 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-011-9260-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2010] [Accepted: 02/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Information about the natural history of small duct primary sclerosing cholangitis (SDPSC) remains scant despite literature suggesting that it constitutes 6-16% of all cases of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). We combined clinical data on SDPSC cases from two tertiary care institutions with liver transplantation programs with the aim of studying the natural history of SDPSC. METHODS Medical records of 25 individuals with SDPSC were reviewed. Diagnosis of SDPSC was based on liver biopsy findings consistent with PSC, a normal cholangiogram, and elimination of known causes of secondary sclerosing cholangitis. Demographic information, symptoms, past medical history, laboratory values, and histologic data were evaluated. Our primary outcome measure was liver transplantation or death. Secondary outcome measures included evidence of end-stage liver disease, development of cholangiocarcinoma, and/or the development of classic PSC on a repeat cholangiogram. RESULTS Data on 25 individuals (13 males, 12 females; mean age 40 ± 15 years) diagnosed with SDPSC were analyzed. Upon presentation, 11 patients had symptoms including abdominal pain, fatigue, and pruritus. Inflammatory bowel disease was present in 14 patients (56%) at diagnosis. On initial liver biopsy, 60% had early-stage disease (I or II) and none had cirrhosis. On follow-up (1-168 months, median 17 months), malignancy or progression to classic large duct PSC was not noted. Two (8%) patients had evidence of varices and one of the two also developed ascites; one of these patients underwent liver transplantation and the other one died due to sepsis. CONCLUSIONS SDPSC, a mild disease at presentation typically runs a benign course and likely is not an early stage of classic PSC. Further studies with a control group of classic PSC and longer follow-up are needed to study the natural history of SDPSC.
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Pilot study: fenofibrate for patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and an incomplete response to ursodeoxycholic acid. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 33:235-42. [PMID: 21083674 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2010.04512.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Newer therapies are needed for patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and incomplete response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Fenofibrate is a fibric acid postulated to regulate immune response and cell proliferation. AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fenofibrate in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and incomplete response to UDCA. METHODS We undertook a pilot study involving 20 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ≥ 2× ULN. Nonparametric statistical tests and Spearman correlation test were used as appropriate. RESULTS Twenty patients received fenofibrate (160 mg/day) in addition to UDCA for 48 weeks. Median serum ALP decreased significantly at 48 weeks compared with baseline values [351 (214-779) U/L at baseline vs. 177 (60-384) U/L at 48 weeks, P < 0.05]. A rebound in ALP occurred upon drug discontinuation. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and Immunoglobulin M also decreased significantly, while bilirubin and albumin remained unchanged. Median IL-1 decreased from 28.9 (2.7-10 000) to 11.3 (2.5-277.7) pg/mL (P = 0.049), and median IL-6 from 4.6 (3.2-5205) to 3.5 (3.2-73.4) pg/mL (P = 0.027). Heartburn was the most frequent adverse event, leading to discontinuation of two study subjects. CONCLUSIONS Combination therapy of fenofibrate and UDCA induced significant biochemical improvement in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and incomplete response to UDCA. Further studies are warranted.
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Bloodless trilogy? Anesthesia, obstetrics and interventional radiology for cesarean delivery. Int J Obstet Anesth 2010; 19:456; author reply 456-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2010.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2010] [Accepted: 05/23/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Gender Variances in Chest Pain Presentation: An Audit of 15805 Patients. Heart Lung Circ 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2010.06.596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Development and Validation of an Automated IMRT Treatment Planning Algorithm. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2009.07.1507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Blood transfusions: more is not necessarily better. Int J Obstet Anesth 2009; 18:299-301. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2009.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2009] [Revised: 04/12/2009] [Accepted: 04/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Detecting BRCA2 protein truncation in breast tissue biopsies to identify hereditary cancer. Cancer Res 2009. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.sabcs-501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Abstract #501
Background: Mutations in the BRCA2 gene are dominantly inherited but cause cancers when the wildtype allele has LOH (loss of heterozygosity) within the cancer. It is important to identify breast cancer patients with BRCA mutations so they can be appropriately treated and affected family members can implement cancer prevention strategies. Because most disease-associated BRCA2 mutations are truncating mutations, a test for truncated BRCA2 proteins should identify most BRCA2 hereditary cancers. Methods: We have developed a tissue truncation test to identify truncated BRCA2 proteins in breast cancer tissue biopsies by direct immunohistochemistry, without amplification or genetic manipulations. N-terminal and C-terminal antibodies are used to visualize protein truncation by demonstrating that the beginning of the protein is present but the end (terminus) is absent. Results: A quantitative C-terminal immunostaining score or a C/N terminal truncation ratio correctly classified 20/21 breast cancers from BRCA2 mutation carriers and 57/58 sporadic breast cancers. This represents a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 98%. Figure 1 shows a loss of C-terminal staining (except for a lymphocyte) in the upper panel but strong N-terminal staining in the lower panel sections of the same hereditary breast cancer.
 
 Due to the presence of C-terminal BRCA2 protein and atypical clinical features of the misclassifed cancer in a BRCA2 mutation carrier,we performed PCR and sequence analyses on this cancer. The results showed continued presence of the BRCA2 wildtype allele in the cancer, indicating that this represents a sporadic cancer which occurred in a mutation carrier. Conclusions: This immunohistochemistry based test (which takes only 4 hours) appears to identify BRCA2 hereditary cancer with high accuracy. The test also appears to diagnose the biochemical loss of BRCA2 protein in cancers (BRCA2 mutant genotype) which will usually but not always agree with the presence of a germline BRCA2 mutation found by susceptibility testing by DNA sequencing of blood samples. This rapid but accurate tissue test can diagnose hereditary BRCA2 breast cancer at time of biopsy, allowing medical oncologists to implement targeted therapies and surgeons to perform timely prophylactic surgery without the usual 4 week wait for DNA sequencing results.
Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 501.
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The Use of Cell Salvage during Obstetric Procedures: An Audit of Scotland's Maternity Units. Scott Med J 2008; 53:24-7. [DOI: 10.1258/rsmsmj.53.3.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Concerns about the safety and supply of donor blood mean that clinicians are increasingly looking for alternatives to allogenic blood transfusion. One such alternative is cell salvage. Theoretical concerns about the safety of giving salvaged blood to obstetric patients have so far limited its use in maternity patients, but its use in obstetrics is now growing. Aims To determine how many Scottish maternity units use cell salvage and what barriers anaesthetists see to its use in obstetrics. Methods A survey was posted to one consultant anaesthetist at each of Scotland's 18 consultant led maternity units. Results Two out of 18 maternity units in Scotland use cell salvage. Perceived barriers to use include lack of machine, insufficient cases and lack of familiarity with the technology. Only 4/15 anaesthetists saw safety concerns as a barrier to using the technology. Conclusion It would appear that practical issues such as staff training and maintaining familiarity with the technology are greater barriers to the use of cell salvage during obstetric procedures than concerns over safety or financial costs. Although cell salvage would appear to be safe, its use in obstetrics must be accompanied by ongoing audit and detailed data should be collected for each case.
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Interventional radiology in women with suspected placenta accreta undergoing caesarean section. Int J Obstet Anesth 2008; 17:255-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2007.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2007] [Accepted: 11/01/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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TU-EE-A2-04: Increasing the Efficiency and Radiobiological Relevance of IMRT Treatment Planning: Replacing Dose-Volume Thresholds with Generalized Equivalent Uniform Dose Or Mean-Tail-Dose Metrics. Med Phys 2008. [DOI: 10.1118/1.2962614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Obstetric Anesthesia. Br J Anaesth 2008. [DOI: 10.1093/bja/aen118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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SU-FF-T-91: Automated Selection of Tradeoff Parameters in IMRT Prioritized Prescription Treatment Planning. Med Phys 2007. [DOI: 10.1118/1.2760744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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TH-E-230A-01: Can Dose-Volume Parameters Be Replaced with GEUD in the Treatment Planning Process? Med Phys 2006. [DOI: 10.1118/1.2241963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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SU-FF-T-409: The Computational Environment for Radiotherapy Research: New Tools for Multi-Modality Imaging, Treatment Plan Comparisons, and Plan Evaluations. Med Phys 2006. [DOI: 10.1118/1.2241328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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SU-CC-J-6C-08: Automated Beam Direction Selection for IMRT Based On Geometrical Concepts of Viewability and Orthogonality. Med Phys 2005. [DOI: 10.1118/1.1997414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Abstract
Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis is a relatively common and well-recognized condition that the dental practitioner may encounter in clinical practice. A primary herpetic infection in a child with atopic dermatitis such as eczema, however, predisposes them to eczema herpeticum. This can be a severe and potentially life-threatening condition. This paper describes one such case, discusses the aetiology, presentation and management of this condition, and highlights the importance of early recognition by the clinician.
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Abstract
PROBLEM Infrequent presentation of patients with eclampsia, leading to staff inexperienced in the condition and untested emergency systems. DESIGN "Fire drill" programme using on-site simulation of patients with eclampsia. SETTING Tertiary referral obstetric unit. KEY MEASURES FOR IMPROVEMENT Successful implementation of measures to optimise management of eclampsia. STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE Rapid activation of emergency team after one call, development and dissemination of evidence based protocol for eclampsia, strategically placed "eclampsia boxes," individual staff feedback and education. EFFECTS OF CHANGE Efficient and appropriate management of subsequent simulated patients. LESSONS LEARNT On-site simulation can identify and correct potential deficiencies in the care of patients with eclampsia.
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Men deny and women cry, but who dies? Do the wages of "denial" include early ischemic coronary heart disease? J Psychosom Res 2004; 56:119-23. [PMID: 14987973 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-3999(03)00501-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2002] [Accepted: 06/11/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study patients with documented ischemic coronary heart disease (ICHD; prior MI or CAD per catheterization) were tested for the association of various measures of emotional distress with Age at Initial Diagnosis. METHODS The measures were chosen because of a published track record at predicting mortality in this population. Females were oversampled to achieve equivalent numbers of each sex (n=50), and thus equivalent statistical power. In a subset of patients (38 males and 32 females), Spouse/Friend Ketterer Stress Symptom Frequency Checklists (KSSFCs) were received. RESULTS Females reported more depression and anxiety than males. However, spouses or friends reported more anger for males. Denial (spouse/friend minus self-ratings) was greater in males for all three scales of the KSSFC (Anger, P=.005; Depression, P=.024; Anxiety, P=.001). Although females showed the same trend, self and spouse or friend ratings of distress were significantly associated with Age at Initial Diagnosis only in males. When split at the sample mean on the Spouse/Friend KSSFC AIAI (Anger) scale, Age at Initial Diagnosis occurred 14.2 years earlier in males. CONCLUSIONS Use of a significant other in assessing psychosocial/emotional distress in males may confer greater accuracy, and therefore predictive power for clinical endpoints.
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'Puffer-PCA device' for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Anaesthesia 2001. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2044.2001.02094-25.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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‘Puffer-PCA device’ for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Anaesthesia 2001. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2044.2001.2094-25.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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'Puffer-PCA device' for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Anaesthesia 2001; 56:601-2. [PMID: 11412193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
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