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Vincent A, Lesser G, Brown D, Vern-Gross T, Metheny-Barlow L, Lawrence J, Chan M.
J Breast Cancer. 2013 Mar ;16(1):122-6.
PMID: 23593093
Approximately 5% of breast cancer patients develop leptomeningeal metastases over the course of their disease. Though several treatments options are available for these patients, their prognosis is typically considered to be poor. We report a case of leptomeningeal failure after a patient underwent prior radiotherapy, radiosurgery, surgery, chemotherapy, and biologic therapy. This patient experienced a prolonged response after receiving bevacizumab and capecitabine. The literature currently contains several reports regarding the use of systemic therapy to manage leptomeningeal metastases from breast cancer, which we summarize. Finally, we review the relevant effects of the patient's treatment modalities and provide a rationale for the mechanism that led to her prolonged response.
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Woo JS, Palavecino EL.
J Clin Microbiol. 2013 Mar ;51(3):985-7.
PMID: 23254124
We report our experience with universal Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) screening using culture and Shiga toxin antigen testing over 4 years. Twelve cases were detected-8 detected by both culture and Shiga toxin immunochromatographic assay (IA), 3 by culture, and 1 by IA only. The addition of Shiga toxin testing is of questionable benefit over culture alone for detection of STEC in areas of low prevalence.
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Danhauer SC, Russell GB, Tedeschi RG, Jesse MT, Vishnevsky T, Daley K, Carroll S, Triplett KN, Calhoun LG, Cann A, Powell BL.
J Clin Psychol Med Settings. 2013 Mar ;20(1):13-24.
PMID: 22739660
An acute leukemia diagnosis can be an extremely stressful experience for most patients. Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is positive psychological change experienced following a struggle with highly challenging life circumstances. The current study is the first longitudinal investigation of predictors of PTG and distress in adult acute leukemia patients undergoing induction chemotherapy. Findings suggest that these patients report PTG, and levels of PTG appear to increase over the weeks following leukemia diagnosis and induction chemotherapy. Variables associated with higher total PTG scores over time included greater number of days from baseline, younger age, and greater challenge to core beliefs. Variables associated with higher distress included greater number of days from baseline, greater perceived cancer threat, higher symptom severity, and lower spiritual well-being. Results underscore the critical role that examination of one's core beliefs may play in the development of PTG over time.
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Davis IC, Heilbrun ME, Tangtiang K, Childs DD, Zagoria RJ.
J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2013 Mar-Apr;37(2):171-5.
PMID: 23493205
The aim of this study was to derive a model that predicts when a computed tomography (CT)-guided renal tumor biopsy will be diagnostic based on the tumor's unenhanced imaging characteristics.
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Pendleton M, Brown S, Thomas CM, Odle B.
J Diet Suppl. 2013 Mar ;10(1):1-5.
PMID: 23374013
BACKGROUND: Caffeine is added to dietary supplements to increase energy and suppress appetite. Many people take dietary supplements for weight loss. Patients may be unaware that supplements can contain caffeine, even if caffeine is not listed as an ingredient. Commonly used herbal dietary supplement ingredients, such as guarana, are natural sources of caffeine. OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of possible caffeine-induced seizure in a patient taking an over-the-counter weight loss supplement. CASE REPORT: A previously healthy 38-year-old female experienced blurring of vision and a new onset grand mal seizure. The patient had a two-month history of taking the dietary supplement, Zantrex - 3™. Zantrex - 3™ is advertised as a weight loss supplement which may provide rapid weight loss and extreme energy in one "power packed pill." Conclusions/Summary: After discontinuation of Zantrex - 3™, the patient experienced no further seizure activity. Outpatient follow up at 2 and 6 weeks was noncontributory with follow up MRI and EEG both within normal limits.
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Feldman SR, Mills M, Brundage T, Eastman WJ.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2013 Mar ;12(3):300-6.
PMID: 23545912
Calcipotriene ointment and cream are effective treatments for psoriasis, but many patients with scalp psoriasis prefer lighter, less messy vehicles.
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Mufarrij PW, Lange JN, Knight J, Assimos DG, Holmes RP.
J Endourol. 2013 Mar ;27(3):284-7.
PMID: 22966963
Abstract Background and Purpose: Urinary oxalate excretion influences the development of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Urinary oxalate is derived from dietary sources and endogenous synthesis. Oxalate decarboxylase metabolizes oxalate and, if consumed, could theoretically accomplish this in the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to determine whether a commercially produced form of oxalate decarboxylase (Oxazyme(®)) could degrade oxalate in simulated gastric and intestinal environments. Materials and Methods: One buffer (pH 3.6) simulated the gastric environment, while another (pH 6.5), approximated the proximal intestine. Potassium oxalate (soluble form of oxalate) and whole and homogenized spinach (a high oxalate containing food) were incubated in the different buffered solutions, with or without Oxazyme. Oxalate content, after incubation, was measured using established ion chromatographic techniques. Results: Oxazyme resulted in complete degradation of oxalate derived from potassium oxalate in the intestinal buffer; meanwhile, oxalate derived from potassium oxalate in the gastric buffer was profoundly digested by Oxazyme. Adding Oxazyme also substantially reduced the oxalate content of both whole and homogenized spinach preparations, in either buffer. Conclusions: These in vitro findings demonstrate that Oxazyme can metabolize oxalate in both simulated gastric and small intestinal environments.
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Choi SJ, Shively CA, Register TC, Feng X, Stehle J, High K, Ip E, Kritchevsky SB, Nicklas B, Delbono O.
J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2013 Mar ;68(3):258-67.
PMID: 22923428
Previous studies on the contractile properties of human myofibrils reported increase, decrease, or no change with aging, perhaps due to the differences in physical activity, diet, and other factors. This study examined physical performance and contractile characteristics of myofibrils of vastus lateralis (VL) muscle in young adult and old African green vervet monkeys. Animals were offered the same diet and lived in the same enclosures during development, so we were able to examine skeletal muscle function in vivo and in vitro with fewer potential confounding factors than are typical in human research studies. Fiber atrophy alone did not account for the age-related differences in specific force and maximal power output. Regression modeling used to identify factors contributing to lower fiber force revealed that age is the strongest predictor. Our results support a detrimental effect of aging on the intrinsic force and power generation of myofilament lattice and physical performance in vervet monkeys.
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Koman LA, Smith BP, Williams R, Richardson R, Naughton M, Griffin L, Evans P.
J Hand Surg Am. 2013 Mar ;38(3):435-46.e1.
PMID: 23428186
Botulinum A toxin (BoNT-A) injections are used widely to manage lower extremity spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. However, their use in the upper extremity is less well defined. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of upper extremity intramuscular injections of BoNT-A in a cross-section of children with varying levels of function.
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Blume LC, Bass CE, Childers SR, Dalton GD, Roberts DC, Richardson JM, Xiao R, Selley DE, Howlett AC.
J Neurochem. 2013 Mar ;124(6):808-20.
PMID: 23286559
Although biochemical and physiological evidence suggests a strong interaction between striatal CB1 cannabinoid (CB1 R) and D2 dopamine (D2 R) receptors, the mechanisms are poorly understood. We targeted medium spiny neurons of the indirect pathway using shRNA to knockdown either CB1 R or D2 R. Chronic reduction in either receptor resulted in deficits in gene and protein expression for the alternative receptor and concomitantly increased expression of the cannabinoid receptor interacting protein 1a (CRIP1a), suggesting a novel role for CRIP1a in dopaminergic systems. Both CB1 R and D2 R knockdown reduced striatal dopaminergic-stimulated [(35) S]GTPγS binding, and D2 R knockdown reduced pallidal WIN55212-2-stimulated [(35) S]GTPγS binding. Decreased D2 R and CB1 R activity was associated with decreased striatal phosphoERK. A decrease in mRNA for opioid peptide precursors pDYN and pENK accompanied knockdown of CB1 Rs or D2 Rs, and over-expression of CRIP1a. Down-regulation in opioid peptide mRNAs was followed in time by increased DOR1 but not MOR1 expression, leading to increased [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]-enkephalin-stimulated [(35) S]GTPγS binding in the striatum. We conclude that mechanisms intrinsic to striatal medium spiny neurons or extrinsic via the indirect pathway adjust for changes in CB1 R or D2 R levels by modifying the expression and signaling capabilities of the alternative receptor as well as CRIP1a and the DELTA opioid system.
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Crump KE, Langston PK, Rajkarnikar S, Grayson JM.
J Virol. 2013 Mar ;87(5):2577-86.
PMID: 23255789
Generation of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) following antigen receptor ligation is critical to promote cellular responses. However, the effect of antioxidant treatment on humoral immunity during a viral infection was unknown. Mice were infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and treated with Mn(III)tetrakis(4-benzoic acid)porphyrin chloride (MnTBAP), a superoxide dismutase mimetic, from days 0 to 8 postinfection. On day 8, at the peak of the splenic response in vehicle-treated mice, virus-specific IgM and IgG antibody-secreting cells (ASC) were decreased 22- and 457-fold in MnTBAP-treated animals. By day 38, LCMV-specific IgG ASC were decreased 5-fold in the bone marrow of drug-treated mice, and virus-specific antibodies were of lower affinity. Interestingly, antioxidant treatment had no effect on the number of LCMV-specific IgG memory B cells. In addition to decreases in ASC, MnTBAP treatment decreased the number of functional virus-specific CD4(+) T cells. The decreased numbers of ASC observed on day 8 in drug-treated mice were due to a combination of Bim-mediated cell death and decreased proliferation. Together, these data demonstrate that ROI regulate antiviral ASC expansion and have important implications for understanding the effects of antioxidants on humoral immunity during infection and immunization.
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Hall RR, Francis S, Whitt-Glover M, Loftin-Bell K, Swett K, McMichael AJ.
JAMA Dermatol. 2013 Mar ;149(3):310-14.
PMID: 23682367
To characterize the influence of hair style maintenance on exercise behavior in African American women.
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Gower EW, West SK, Harding JC, Cassard SD, Munoz BE, Othman MS, Kello AB, Merbs SL.
JAMA Ophthalmol. 2013 Mar ;131(3):294-301.
PMID: 23494035
To determine whether a new surgical clamp reduces unfavorable postoperative outcomes.
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Clarkson TB, Meléndez GC, Appt SE.
Menopause. 2013 Mar ;20(3):342-53.
PMID: 23435033
This work aims to review preclinical/clinical cardiovascular studies that led to randomized trials of the risks and benefits of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT), the pathobiological basis for the timing hypothesis, and subset analyses of randomized trials that tend to support the timing hypothesis; to elaborate experimental data that might inform the results of recent trials; and to summarize evidence regarding how early is early enough for the initiation of HT.
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Clarkson TB, Ethun KF, Chen H, Golden D, Floyd E, Appt SE.
Menopause. 2013 Mar ;20(3):274-81.
PMID: 23435024
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of bazedoxifene acetate (BZA), a new selective estrogen receptor modulator, on coronary and peripheral artery atheroscleroses and to determine if it would antagonize the atheroprotective effects of conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) on a monkey model.
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Pirkle JL, Freedman BI.
Minerva Urol Nefrol. 2013 Mar ;65(1):37-50.
PMID: 23538309
The relationship between hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) has long been the subject of controversy. The pathogenetic mechanisms of nephropathy in non-diabetic individuals with hypertension, as well as optimal hypertension treatment targets in populations with nephropathy remain important clinical concerns. This manuscript reviews breakthroughs in molecular genetics that have clarified the complex relationship between hypertension and kidney disease, answering the question of which factor comes first. An overview of the potential roles that hyperuricemia plays in the pathogenesis of hypertension and CKD and current blood pressure treatment guidelines in populations with CKD are discussed. The ongoing National Institutes of Health-sponsored Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) is underway to help answer these important questions. Enrollment of 9250 hypertensive SPRINT participants will be completed in 2013; important results on ideal blood pressure control targets for reducing nephropathy progression, cardiovascular disease end-points, and preserving cognitive function are expected. As such, many of the controversial aspects of hypertension management will likely be clarified in the near future.
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Sarwal A, Walker FO, Cartwright MS.
Muscle Nerve. 2013 Mar ;47(3):319-29.
PMID: 23382111
Neuromuscular clinicians are often asked to evaluate the diaphragm for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Traditionally, this evaluation is accomplished through history, physical exam, fluoroscopic sniff test, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography (EMG). Nerve conduction studies and EMG in this setting are challenging, uncomfortable, and can cause serious complications, such as pneumothorax. Neuromuscular ultrasound has emerged as a non-invasive technique that can be used in the structural and functional assessment of the diaphragm. In this study we review different techniques for assessing the diaphragm using neuromuscular ultrasound and the application of these techniques to enhance diagnosis and prognosis by neuromuscular clinicians.
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Rauck R, Deer T, Rosen S, Padda G, Barsa J, Dunbar E, Dwarakanath G.
Neuromodulation. 2013 Mar-Apr;16(2):163-7.
PMID: 23057877
The Prometra® Programmable Pump System (Flowonix Medical, Inc., Mt. Olive, NJ, USA) is designed for continuous intrathecal administration of morphine sulfate to treat chronic intractable pain. As a follow-up to a previous report on acute six-month data, this study evaluated the efficacy of treatment at one year and the accuracy of drug delivery throughout the study (average of 2.5 years, range 0-3.6 years).
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Lu YC, Untaroiu CD.
Proc Inst Mech Eng H. 2013 Mar ;227(3):293-301.
PMID: 23662345
To investigate the possible changes in material properties of cadaveric abdominal organs due to the preservation methods, the indentation data obtained from porcine abdominal organs (kidney, liver, and spleen) preserved by cooling and freezing are analyzed statistically in this study. Indentation tests were first conducted on fresh specimens. One half of the specimens of each organ were then frozen (preserved at - 12 degrees C), and the other half of the specimens were cooled (preserved at 4 degrees C). All preserved specimens were retested after 20 days. Force and displacement data recorded during indentation were analyzed using a quasi-linear viscoelastic model. The results show that both cooling and freezing storage increased the kidney stiffness. In contrast, both storage methods decreased the stiffness of the spleen specimens. While cooling increased the liver stiffness, no significant changes of the instantaneous elastic response were observed in the liver specimens preserved by freezing. The liver and spleen's reduced relaxation responses and the liver's instantaneous elastic response were significantly different when comparing between cooling and freezing effects after 20 days of preservation. This study showed that both cooling and freezing storage methods significantly changed the material properties of abdominal organs, especially the instantaneous elastic response. More research is needed in investigating the effect of preservation on failure properties and mechanical properties under large deformation.
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Blackham AU, Northrup SA, Willingham M, D'Agostino RB, Lyles DS, Stewart JH.
Surgery. 2013 Mar ;153(3):333-43.
PMID: 23102637
Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is a novel, anti-cancer therapy that targets cancer cells selectively with defective antiviral responses; however, not all malignant cells are sensitive to the oncolytic effects of VSV. Herein, we have explored the mechanistic determinants of mutant M protein VSV (M51R-VSV) susceptibility in malignant melanoma cells.
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