Efficacy and Safety of Onartuzumab in Combination With First-Line Bevacizumab- or Pemetrexed-Based Chemotherapy Regimens in Advanced Non-Squamous Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Background

Onartuzumab is a monovalent monoclonal antibody that binds with the extracellular domain of the MET receptor. Given the role of MET in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we investigated whether onartuzumab added to first-line chemotherapy efficacy in non-squamous NSCLC.

Medication compliance and clinical outcomes of fixed‐dose combinations vs free combinations of an angiotensin II receptor blocker and a calcium channel blocker in hypertension treatment

Using the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, the authors identified 1136 patients taking fixed‐dose combination and 4544 patients taking free combinations of an angiotensin II receptor blocker and a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker from January 2009 to December 2012. At a mean follow‐up of 2.1 years, the fixed‐dose combination was associated with improved medication adherence and persistence and better survival free from major adverse cardiac events and hospitalization for heart failure compared with the free combination regimens.     

A Sodium Channel Myotonia Presenting with Intermittent Dysphagia as a Manifestation of a Rare <Emphasis Type="Italic">SCN4A</Emphasis> Variant

The voltage gated sodium channel SCN4A mutations account for non-dystrophic myotonia and include a heterogeneous group of conditions that include hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, paramyotonica congenita, potassium-aggravated myotonia, and hypokalemic periodic paralysis type 2. This case report proposes that a rare variant p.Pro1629Leu in SCN4A can cause a skeletal muscle deficit with intermittent dysphagia.     

Thoracic ultrasound recognition of competence: A position paper of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand

The ability to perform bedside thoracic ultrasound is increasingly recognized as an essential skill for thoracic clinicians, extending the clinical examination and aiding diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Thoracic ultrasound reduces complications and increases success rates when used prior to thoracentesis or intercostal chest tube insertion. It is increasingly difficult to defend performing these procedures without real or near‐real time image guidance. To assist thoracic physicians and others achieve and demonstrate thoracic ultrasound competence, the Interventional Pulmonology Special Interest Group (IP‐SIG) of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) has developed a new pathway with four components: (i) completion of an approved thoracic ultrasound theory and hands‐on teaching course. (ii) A log of at least 40 relevant scans. (iii) Two formative assessments (following 5–10 scans and again after 20 scans) using the Ultrasound‐Guided Thoracentesis Skills and Tasks Assessment Tool (UG‐STAT). (iv) A barrier assessment (UG‐STAT, pass score of 90%) by an accredited assessor not directly involved in the candidate's training. Upon completion of these requirements a candidate may apply to the TSANZ for recognition of competence. This pathway is intended to provide a regional standard for thoracic ultrasound training.