Transfer of EBV-specific CTL to prevent EBV lymphoma post bone marrow transplant

EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders (EBV-LPD) are a significant problem after hemopoietic stem cell transplantation from unrelated donors or mismatched family members. Risk factors include T-cell depletion, MHC mismatch, and intensity of immunosuppression. New therapeutic strategies involve cellular immunotherapy approaches and both donor T-cells and EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) have proven to be effective therapies. EBV-specific CTL has also proved to have a major impact on the incidence of this complication when used prophylactically. J. Clin. Apheresis 14:154–156, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Readiness for self-directed learning and academic performance in an abilities laboratory course

Objective

To assess the relationship between readiness for self-directed learning, academic performance on self-directed learning activities, and resources used to prepare for an abilities laboratory course.

Methods

The Self-directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) was administered to first-year (P1) doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) candidates at the University of Maryland. Additional data collected included final course grades, quiz scores, resources used to prepare for laboratory activities, and demographics.

Results

The mean SDLRS score was 148.6 ± 13.8. Sixty-eight students (44%) scored > 150, indicating a high readiness for self-directed learning. These students were more likely to complete assignments before the laboratory, meet in study groups, and report postgraduation plans to enter noncommunity pharmacy. No significant association was found between academic performance and the SDLRS.

Conclusions

Readiness for self-directed learning is associated with self-directed learning habits, but may not be necessary for learning foundational knowledge, provided students are given specific instructions on what to study. Whether high readiness for self-directed learning is necessary for more complex learning or for self-identification of learning needs is unknown.     

Endoscopic esophageal tumor length

BACKGROUND:

Pathologic esophageal tumor length (pL) is an independent predictor of long‐term survival. However, whether patients with longer (high‐risk) tumors can be identified by endoscopy before surgery has not been established. The objective of the current study was to determine the value of endoscopically measured tumor length (cL) in predicting overall survival in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma.

METHODS:

All patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma who had undergone resection without neoadjuvant therapy and who had documented preoperative endoscopy findings were identified retrospectively by using prospectively collected databases at 2 institutions: The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (n = 164; training set) and University of Rochester Medical Center (n = 109; validation set). Esophageal tumors were assessed preoperatively by endoscopy for cL, depth (cT), and lymph node involvement (cN). Univariate and multivariate analyses of cL and other standard prognostic factors were performed.

RESULTS:

In the training set, cL was correlated directly with pL (Pearson correlation [r] = 0.683; P < .001). Regression tree analyses suggested an optimum cutoff point of cL >2 cm to identify patients with decreased long‐term survival (5‐year survival rate: cL >2 cm, 29%; cL ≤2 cm, 78%; P < .001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that cL >2 cm was an independent risk factor for long‐term survival (hazard ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.1‐4.4; P = .02) even after controlling for age, cT, and cN. Validation with the validation dataset confirmed that cL was correlated directly with pL (r = 0.657; P < .001) and predicted long‐term survival using a cL cutoff point of >2 cm (hazard ratio, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.4‐5.8; P = .004; univariate analysis).

CONCLUSIONS:

Endoscopic esophageal tumor length was identified as an independent predictor of long‐term survival and may help to identify high‐risk patients before they receive cancer‐directed therapy. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.     

Executive dysfunction and attention contribute to gait interference in ‘off’ state Parkinson's Disease

Motor and cognitive processes are required for successful ‘real world’ walking. We explored the specific contribution of motor function, executive function, and attention to functional gait performance in people with Parkinson's Disease (PD) when ‘off’ medication. Twenty-nine people with PD wearing an accelerometer were tested in their home whilst walking under four task conditions. Explanatory characteristics included age, motor function, executive function, sustained attention and divided attention. Repeated measures ANOVA compared gait speed under different task conditions. Multiple regression analysis explored the effect of characteristics on gait speed and gait interference (difference between dual and single task). Gait performance deteriorated under complex conditions (F = 51.0, P < .001). Motor function and attention explained up to 65% variance in gait speed. Motor function, attention and executive function explained up to 66% variance in gait interference. Sustained attention explained up to 10% variance in gait speed; executive function explained up to 21% variance in gait interference and divided attention explained up to 22% variance in gait interference. Motor function, executive function and attention contribute to gait speed and gait interference in PD during a functional walking task whilst ‘off’ medication. When both executive function and attention are included as explanatory variables, attention discriminates gait performance more effectively. Whilst both contribute to functional gait, they are used selectively to optimise performance for different conditions and to meet complex task requirements.     

Falls in Parkinson's disease: A complex and evolving picture

Falls are a major determinant of poor quality of life, immobilization, and reduced life expectancy in people affected by Parkinson's disease (PD) and in older adults more generally. Although many questions remain, recent research has advanced the understanding of this complex problem. The goal of this review is to condense new knowledge of falls in PD from prodromal to advanced disease, taking into account risk factors, assessment, and classification as well as treatment. The fundamental steps of clinical and research‐based approaches to falls are described, namely, the identification of fall risk factors, clinical and instrumental methods to evaluate and classify fall risk, and the latest evidence to reduce or delay falls in PD. We summarize recent developments, the direction in which the field should be heading, and what can be recommended at this stage. We also provide a practical algorithm for clinicians.© 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society     

Drivers for renewal and reform of contemporary nursing curricula: a blueprint for change

The creation of a curriculum blueprint appropriate to the development of a professional nurse who is practice-ready for the current and future context of health service delivery must take account of the extant context as well as an unpredictable and sometimes ambiguous future. The curriculum renewal process itself ought to challenge existing long held ideals, practices, and sacred cows within the health and higher education sectors. There is much to consider and importantly curriculum developers need to be mindful of reform within the health sector and health workforce education, as well as the concomitant vision and requirements of the nursing profession. Curriculum must develop more than discipline knowledge and skills: it must provide an infrastructure for generic abilities both social and intellectual in order to better prepare students for the registered nurse role. This paper discusses a number of forces that are essential to consider in curriculum development in undergraduate nursing education.