Effects of Type 1 Interferon Deficiency on B-cells in Lupus Prone Mice

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies that target nuclear and cytoplasmic agents. Lupus manifests an array of symptoms and is estimated to affect more females than males. This study analyzed the effects of type 1 interferon deficiency on B-cells in lupus prone mice. Data indicates that specific B-cell IFNAR deficiency in lupus prone mice results in significantly lower spleen weight, splenocyte count, and anti-chromatin IgG levels. Funded by the Cleveland Clinic Summer Research Program

\u3cem\u3eMayer v. Monroe\u3c/em\u3e: The Seventh Circuit Sheds Freedom of Speech at the Classroom Door

During a curriculum-specified class discussion of the war in Iraq, a sixth grader asked her teacher, Ms. Mayer, if she would ever march to protest the war. The school dismissed the teacher for answering the student. In Mayer v. Monroe County Community School Corp., the Seventh Circuit ruled that no teacher has the First Amendment right to express an opinion in the classroom. The case inappropriately applied the U.S. Supreme Court\u27s recent Garcetti v. Ceballos decision in a way that overruled previous precedent. This Note will argue that the Seventh Circuit should have followed its earlier decisions by asking the school to show a legitimate pedagogical reason for its decision

Virtual Breast Cancer Clinic: An Innovative Interactive Educational Curriculum

BACKGROUND: Many oncology fellows are unable to spend an adequate time in a breast cancer clinic to fully grasp the practice. The limited cases seen by fellows rarely span the full breadth of typical clinical scenarios and treatment plans are lengthy, nuanced, and complex. RESEARCH QUESTION: Will the creation of an interactive virtual breast cancer clinic, using real patient cases, improve fellow understanding of important breast cancer concepts, as determined by the American Society of Clinical Oncology Self-Evaluation Program (ASCO-SEP)? METHODS: The course consists of 6 weekly, 1 hour sessions. We established the curriculum based on guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. We then identified real patient cases that represent the most common clinical scenarios. We included de-identified radiographic images, pathology, and laboratory values to enhance the impression of real-world clinical practice. RESULTS: ASCO-SEP questions were used as a pre-test and post-test to determine efficacy. Pre-test scores were 63.5%. Post-test scores increased to 85%. For the next session we plan to include subjective questions regarding comfort level with breast cancer management. IMPACT: Breast cancer is a highly prevalent disease that will constitute a large portion of practice for future oncologists. It is also highly represented on the ABIM board exam. Unfortunately, clinical and academic demands often limit the necessary time to become familiar with this complex practice. Virtual experiences that simulate real-world scenarios can help establish a strong understanding and comfort level with caring for breast cancer patients with minimal time demand

Emerging technologies for the genomic analysis of cancer

Cancer-cell survival, growth and metastatic potential are directed by dominant molecular signalling patterns, the components of which have been shown to be qualitatively different from their normal tissue counterparts. These signalling patterns can now be further distinguished by quantitative assessment, either at a single point in time or at intervals. This commentary will focus on the emergence of proteomic analysis which, in conjunction with the genomic expression data, is an evolving technology that one day will enable personalized therapeutic strategies that are differentially targeted against cancer