Preventing weight gain in African American breast cancer survivors using smart scales and activity trackers: a randomized controlled pilot study

This study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of two 6-month, self-regulation interventions that focused on daily self-weighing (DSW), and used objective monitoring and tailored feedback about weight (±activity), to prevent weight gain among African American breast cancer survivors

Temporal expression of nitric oxide synthase in Ilyanassa obsoleta using an Ilyanassa-specific NOS antibody.

In the mollusc Ilyanassa obsoleta, metamorphosis is a key event in its life history that is closely regulated by positive and negative modulators. Previous research has determined that nitric oxide (NO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) maintain the larval state up to competency. RT-PCR of NOS transcripts, NADPH-diaphorase staining, and immunohistochemistry have all confirmed the presence of NOS during larval development and metamorphosis. However, these assays have given conflicting results on when and where NOS is produced. I developed an Ilyanassa-specific NOS antibody that was used in western blot analysis of larval extracts to determine temporal expression of the NOS protein. In situ hybridization was also done to localize NOS transcripts. My Ilyanassa-specific antibody recognized NOS, but the most prominently recognized epitope, a 66 kDa polypeptide, is likely to be a degradation product of NOS. In situ hybridization on competent larvae provided no meaningful data. My studies of temporal expression of the protein confirmed the previous RT-PCR results which demonstrated a constant level of NOS during larval development and a decrease in NOS during metamorphosis. These results were unlike those of previous NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry and suggest regulation of NOS enzymatic activity. My results indicate that metamorphosis in Ilyanassa may be controlled by the regulation of the quantity of NOS present as well as regulation of the level of NOS enzymatic activity

Oral and plunging ranulas: What is the most effective treatment?

Preferred treatment of oral/plunging ranulas remains controversial. We present our experience with ranulas at the University of North Carolina (UNC) and review the literature

Efficacy and pharmacokinetics of a modified acid-labile docetaxel-PRINT ® nanoparticle formulation against non-small-cell lung cancer brain metastases

Particle Replication in Nonwetting Templates (PRINT®) PLGA nanoparticles of docetaxel and acid-labile C2-dimethyl-Si-Docetaxel were evaluated with small molecule docetaxel as treatments for non-small-cell lung cancer brain metastases

Senior Sway: Using a Mobile Application to Measure Fall Risk

Background and Purpose: The Senior Sway mobile application uses the iPhone/iPad gyroscope to assess postural sway and motion reaction time. Impairment in postural sway and motion reaction time have the potential to increase risk for future falls. Senior Sway thereby has the potential to provide a quick, easy to use, objective measure for predicting falls in older adults. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the Senior Sway mobile application and its associations with fall risk in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Adults older than 62 years were recruited from senior centers and community events. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used to examine feasibility on the basis of enrollment, time required, satisfaction with application, and association with fall risk. Results and Discussion: Fifty-seven adults were recruited. Use of the Senior Sway mobile application was feasible. Ninety-one percent said that they liked the application and reported length of time of assessment was “just right.” The average Senior Sway score was 64.0 (range: 47.8-84.0), which was signifi cantly associated with the 30-second sit-to-stand test. In addition, the motor reaction time score was associated with the Timed Up and Go. Conclusions: Senior Sway is a promising application to improve identifi cation of adults at risk for falls and need for rehabilitation but warrants further research

Using Practice Facilitation to Increase Rates of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Community Health Centers, North Carolina, 2012–2013: Feasibility, Facilitators, and Barriers

INTRODUCTION: Practice facilitation involves trained individuals working with practice staff to conduct quality improvement activities and support delivery of evidence-based clinical services. We examined the feasibility of using practice facilitation to assist federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) to increase colorectal cancer screening rates in North Carolina. METHODS: The intervention consisted of 12 months of facilitation in 3 FQHCs. We conducted chart audits to obtain data on changes in documented recommendation for colorectal cancer screening and completed screening. Key informant interviews provided qualitative data on barriers to and facilitators of implementing office systems. RESULTS: Overall, the percentage of eligible patients with a documented colorectal cancer screening recommendation increased from 15% to 29% (P < .001). The percentage of patients up to date with colorectal cancer screening rose from 23% to 34% (P = .03). Key informants in all 3 clinics said the implementation support from the practice facilitator was critical for initiating or improving office systems and that modifying the electronic medical record was the biggest challenge and most time-consuming aspect of implementing office systems changes. Other barriers were staff turnover and reluctance on the part of local gastroenterology practices to perform free or low-cost diagnostic colonoscopies for uninsured or underinsured patients. CONCLUSION: Practice facilitation is a feasible, acceptable, and promising approach for supporting universal colorectal cancer screening in FQHCs. A larger-scale study is warranted

End-of-life experiences of mothers with advanced cancer: perspectives of widowed fathers

Despite the importance of parenting-related responsibilities for adult patients with terminal illnesses who have dependent children, little is known about the psychological concerns of dying parents and their families at the end of life (EOL). The aim of this study was to elicit widowed fathers’ perspectives on how parental status may have influenced the EOL experiences of mothers with advanced cancer

Determinants of Survivorship Care Plan Use in US Cancer Programs

Cancer programs are increasingly required to use survivorship care plans (SCPs). Compliance with SCP use requirements will be evaluated at the cancer program level. Cancer program-level determinants of SCP use may suggest strategies for compliance. The objective of this study was to describe SCP use and identify its cancer program-level determinants

Detection and quantitation of HPV in genital and oral tissues and fluids by real time PCR

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) remain a serious world health problem due to their association with anogenital/oral cancers and warts. While over 100 HPV types have been identified, a subset is associated with malignancy. HPV16 and 18 are the most prevalent oncogenic types, while HPV6 and 11 are most commonly responsible for anogenital warts. While other quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays detect oncogenic HPV, there is no single tube assay distinguishing the most frequent oncogenic types and the most common types found in warts.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A Sybr Green-based qPCR assay was developed utilizing degenerate primers to the highly conserved HPV E1 theoretically detecting any HPV type. A single tube multiplex qPCR assay was also developed using type-specific primer pairs and TaqMan probes that allowed for detection and quantitation of HPV6,11,16,18. Each HPV type was detected over a range from 2 × 10¹to 2 × 10⁶copies/reaction providing a reliable method of quantitating type-specific HPV in 140 anogenital/cutaneous/oral benign and malignant specimens. 35 oncogenic and low risk alpha genus HPV types were detected. Concordance was detected in previously typed specimens. Comparisons to the gold standard detected an overall sensitivity of 89% (95% CI: 77% - 96%) and specificity of 90% (95%CI: 52% - 98%).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>There was good agreement between the ability of the qPCR assays described here to identify HPV types in malignancies previously typed using standard methods. These novel qPCR assays will allow rapid detection and quantitation of HPVs to assess their role in viral pathogenesis.</p

How Informed Is the Decision About Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy?: A Prospective, Cross-sectional Study

to assess how informed patients are about breast reconstruction, and how involved they are in decision making