The American journal of the medical sciences
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The purpose was to evaluate the significance of panoramic radiomorphometric indices (mandibular cortical index [MCI], mental index [MI] and panoramic mandibular index [PMI]) as useful tools for identifying osteoporosis. ⋯ Panoramic indices (MI, PMI and MCI) were positively correlated with the t score and BMD of the lumbar spines. The MCI was found to be the most reproducible index.
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Although inhibitors of the proto-oncogene BRAF have shown excellent antitumor activity against malignant melanoma, their efficacy is limited by the development of acquired drug resistance, a process in which reactivation of MAP kinase (MEK) is known to play an important role. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of AS703026, a new MEK inhibitor, in BRAF inhibitor-resistant melanoma cell lines. ⋯ Our results suggest that combined treatment with AS703026 and a BRAF inhibitor overcomes the resistance to BRAF inhibitors in malignant melanoma cells harboring a mutant form of BRAF.
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Screening for and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) have been essential components of the TB elimination strategy. ⋯ The current rate of reactivation TB in Texas is much lower than rates reported in the United States in the 1950s. Certain patients are at increased risk for reactivation and should be monitored more closely during LTBI therapy.
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Utilization of tunneled indwelling pleural catheters (TIPCs) for persistent pleural effusions is increasingly more common; however, the presence of chylothorax is generally considered a contraindication for utilization of a TIPC due to concerns regarding potential nutritional, immunologic and hemodynamic complications. Therefore, in this study, a cohort of patients with persistent benign chylothorax managed with TIPCs is described. ⋯ Utilization of a TIPC for the management of persistent benign chylothorax should be considered early because pleurodesis may be frequently and safely achieved in this patient population.