393 research outputs found
A well-conserved Plasmodium falciparum var gene shows an unusual stage-specific transcript pattern
No full textThe var multicopy gene family encodes Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) variant antigens, which, through their ability to adhere to a variety of host receptors, are thought to be important virulence factors. The predominant expression of a single cytoadherent PfEMP1 type on an infected red blood cell, and the switching between different PfEMP1 types to evade host protective antibody responses, are processes thought to be controlled at the transcriptional level. Contradictory data have been published on the timing of var gene transcription. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) data suggested that transcription of the predominant var gene occurs in the later (pigmented trophozoite) stages, whereas Northern blot data indicated such transcripts only in early (ring) stages. We investigated this discrepancy by Northern blot, with probes covering a diverse var gene repertoire. We confirm that almost all var transcript types were detected only in ring stages. However, one type, the well-conserved varCSA transcript, was present constitutively in different laboratory parasites and does not appear to undergo antigenic variation. Although varCSA has been shown to encode a chondroitin sulphate A (CSA)-binding PfEMP1, we find that the presence of full-length varCSA transcripts does not correlate with the CSA-binding phenotype
Use of lenvatinib in the treatment of radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer: a multidisciplinary perspective for daily practice
No full textBackground: Most thyroid cancers of follicular origin have a favorable outcome. Only a small percentage of patients will develop metastatic disease, some of which will become radioiodine refractory (RAI-R). Important challenges to ensure the best therapeutic outcomes include proper, timely, and appropriate diagnosis; decisions on local, systemic treatments; management of side effects of therapies; and a good relationship between the specialist, patients, and caregivers.
Methods: With the aim of providing suggestions that can be useful in ev eryday practice, a multidisciplinary group of experts organized the following document, based on their shared clinical experience with patients with RAI-R differentiat ed thyroid cancer (DTC) undergoing treatment with lenvatinib. The main areas covered are patient selection, initiation of therapy, follow-up, and management of adverse events.
Conclusions: It is essential to provide guidance for the management of RAI-R DTC patients with systemic therapies, and especially lenvatinib, since compliance and adherence to treatment are fundamental to achieve the best outcomes. Whil e the therapeutic landscape in RAI-R DTC is evolving, with new targeted therapies, immunotherapy, etc., lenvatinib is expected to remain a first-line treatment and mainstay of therapy for several years in the vast majority of patients and settings. The guidance herein covers baseline work-up and initiation of systemic therapy, relevance of symptoms, multidisciplinary assessment, and patient education. Practical information based on expert experience is also given for the starting dose of lenvatinib, follow-up and monitoring, as well as the management of adverse events and discontinuation and reinitiating of therapy. The importance of patient engagement is also stressed
A comprehensive approach to health literacy: validating the All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale in a respresentative sample of Arabic-speaking adult Syrian refugees
No full textMASTER OF SCIENCE (2017), McMaster University, Hamilton ON (Department of Global Health)
TITLE: A comprehensive approach to health literacy: validating the all aspects of health literacy scale (AAHLS) in a representative sample of Arabic-speaking adult Syrian refugees
AUTHOR: Raafia Siddiqui, BSc Hons. (York University, 2014)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. K. Bruce Newbold
NUMBER OF PAGES: vii, 92The purpose of this study is to quantify current health literacy levels amongst a segment of the Syrian refugee population in Canada by translating and validating an existing comprehensive health literacy assessment tool, the All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale (AAHLS) into Arabic. This study (1) determined functional, communicative and critical health literacy levels amongst Syrian refugees. Functional and critical health literacy was comparatively low but respondents seemed able to effectively communicate with their providers and access supports to read and fill in health documents. Significant correlates of low health literacy were presence of long-term health conditions and place of origin (country versus refugee camp). This study also validated the AAHLS in Arabic-speaking Syrian refugees, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.67 for the overall scale and 0.63 for health literacy items. The overall scale had high content validity. The feasibility of this instrument as a self-administered screening tool in clinical or community settings was demonstrated with a high response rate of 0.86.ThesisMaster of Science (MSc)Health literacy looks at an individual's ability to read, understand and interpret health information and ultimately use it to exert greater control over their health. The purpose of this study is to understand the factors that influence health literacy levels amongst a segment of the Syrian refugee population in Canada by translating and validating an existing comprehensive health literacy assessment tool, the All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale (AAHLS) into Arabic. This study (1) determined functional (reading and filling in health documents), communicative (speaking to health providers) and critical health (assessing the relevance and appropriateness of health information) literacy levels amongst Syrian refugees. Functional and critical health literacy was comparatively low but respondents seemed able to effectively communicate with their providers and access supports to read and fill in health documents. Low health literacy was associated with having a long-term health conditions and staying in a refugee camp. This study found the translated AAHLS to be reliable, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.67 for the overall scale and 0.63 for health literacy items. The overall scale had high content validity. The feasibility of this instrument as a self-administered screening tool in clinical or community settings was demonstrated with a high response rate of 0.86
2019 European Thyroid Association Guidelines for the Treatment and Follow-Up of Advanced Radioiodine-Refractory Thyroid Cancer
No full textThe vast majority of thyroid cancers of follicular origin (TC) have a very favourable outcome, but 5-10% of cases will develop metastatic disease. Around 60-70% of this subset, hence less than 5% of all patients with TC, will become radioiodine refractory (RAI-R), with a significant negative impact on prognosis and a mean life expectancy of 3-5 years. Since no European expert consensus or guidance for this challenging condition is currently available, a task force of TC experts was nominated by the European Thyroid Association (ETA) to prepare this document based on the principles of clinical evidence. The task force started to work in September 2018 and after several revision rounds, prepared a list of recommendations to support the treatment and follow-up of patients with advanced TC. Criteria for advanced RAI-R TC were proposed, and the most appropriate diagnostic tools and the local, systemic and palliative treatments are described. Systemic therapy with multikinase inhibitors is fully discussed, including recommendations on how to start it and at which dosage, on the duration of treatment, and on the management of side effects. The appropriate relationship between the specialist and the patient/family as well as ethical issues are covered. Based on the available studies and on personal experience, the experts provided 39 recommendations aimed to improve the management of advanced RAI-R TCs. Above all of them is the indication to treat and follow these patients in a specialized setting which allows the interaction between several specialists in a multidisciplinary team
Vandetanib in advanced medullary thyroid cancer: Review of adverse event management strategies
No full textINTRODUCTION:
Vandetanib has recently demonstrated clinically meaningful benefits in patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Given the potential for long-term vandetanib therapy in this setting, in addition to treatment for disease-related symptoms, effective management of related adverse events (AEs) is vital to ensure patient compliance and maximize clinical benefit with vandetanib therapy.
METHODS:
This expert meeting-based review aims to summarize published data on AEs associated with vandetanib therapy and to provide clinicians with specific practical guidance on education, monitoring, and management of toxicities induced in patients treated with vandetanib in advanced and metastatic MTC. The content of this review is based on the expert discussions from a multidisciplinary meeting held in October 2012.
RESULTS:
Characteristics, frequency, and risk data are outlined for a number of dermatological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and general AEs related to vandetanib treatment. Preventive strategies, practical treatment suggestions, and points for clinical consideration are provided.
CONCLUSIONS:
Good patient and team communication is necessary for the prevention, early detection, and management of AEs of vandetanib. Physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers play a critical role in providing AE management and patient support to optimize outcomes with vandetanib in MTC
Thyroid cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up
No full textThis ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines provide updated state-of-the-art recommendations on management of thyroid cancer (diagnosis, treatment and follow-up), compiled by a multidisciplinary author panel and accompanied by level of evidence and grade of recommendation, depending on the strength of supporting data and magnitude of benefit from particular intervention
Nurture-U student mental health longitudinal survey: a study protocol
No full textUniversity life represents a critical period for young adults, providing opportunities for personal growth and development of coping skills but also posing significant mental health challenges. Recent trends indicate rising mental health concerns among university students, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. This study aims to address gaps in longitudinal data on student mental health in the UK and to identify risk and protective factors across diverse student populations. The current Nurture-U survey is developed from the U-Flourish biannual survey study piloted at Queen's and Oxford universities in Canada and the UK, respectively. Nurture-U is a longitudinal survey study conducted at five UK universities, aiming to create a comprehensive data set from over 5000 students. The study will collect data at the start and completion of each academic year, using validated measures to assess well-being, mental health symptoms, lifestyle factors and access to support. Recruitment will target all students, with an emphasis on first-year students, to track their mental health trajectory from university entry through subsequent years. Ethical approval has been obtained from relevant committees at each participating university. Students will provide informed consent prior to participation, with risk messages and support information provided for those indicating self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Data will be de-identified and securely stored, with results disseminated through academic publications, social media and student engagement activities. [Abstract copyright: © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2025. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ Group.
The role of Plasmodium falciparum var genes in malaria in pregnancy
No full textSequestration of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes in the placenta is responsible for many of the harmful effects of malaria during pregnancy. Sequestration occurs as a result of parasite adhesion molecules expressed on the surface of infected erythrocytes binding to host receptors in the placenta such as chondroitin sulphate A (CSA). Identification of the parasite ligand(s) responsible for placental adhesion could lead to the development of a vaccine to induce antibodies to prevent placental sequestration. Such a vaccine would reduce the maternal anaemia and infant deaths that are associated with malaria in pregnancy. Current research indicates that the parasite ligands mediating placental adhesion may be members of the P. falciparum variant surface antigen family PfEMP1, encoded by var genes. Two relatively well-conserved subfamilies of var genes have been implicated in placental adhesion, however, their role remains controversial. This review examines the evidence for and against the involvement of var genes in placental adhesion, and considers whether the most appropriate vaccine candidates have yet been identified
Rushlight: Volume 5, March 1938, No.2
No full textWheaton College (Norton, MA) student literary magazine.One More MailFragment of ImperfectionGuinevereThe GirlThey Laughed When She Sat DownOver Tea CupsDr. Helen W. Cole Will Speak at CommencementExperiential Alcove set up in LibraryVaudeville SongsFast Varsity Team Trims Jackson FiveBooks are GatesSponsors Questionaire to Rank CurriculaTwo National Contests Announced to StudentsMrs. Kate Upson Clark One of Noted AlumnaeCandidly HisCampus Organization Names Active MembersHarvard Glee Club to Give Concert Her
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