Ecancermedicalscience. 2015 Jan 26;9:502. doi: 10.3332/ecancer.2015.502. eCollection 2015.

How do medical journalists treat cancer-related issues?

Nakada H1, Tsubokura M1, Kishi Y1, Yuji K1, Matsumura T1, Kami M1.

Author information

• 1Division of Social Communication System for Advanced Clinical Research, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan.

Abstract

Cancer patients can obtain information about their illness through a variety of media sources. Therefore, it is important to know how medical journalists treat cancer-related issues; to that end, we sent self-administered questionnaires to 364 journalists in 82 organisations who had reported on medical issues for the Japanese media, asking for their reasons for reporting on cancer-related issues and the difficulties they had faced. The most common reason for reporting on health-related issues was their personal interest in a particular issue (n = 36). They mainly covered conventional therapies (n = 33), healthcare policy (n = 30), new therapies (n = 25), and diagnosis (n = 25). All of the journalists that were surveyed experienced some difficulties in reporting health issues. Significant concerns included the quality of information (n = 36), social impact (n = 35), lack of technical knowledge (n = 35), and difficulty in understanding technical terms (n = 35). Journalists commonly used personal networks, including physicians, as information sources (n = 42), as well as social media (e.g., e-mail, Twitter and Facebook) (n = 32). Topic selection was biased, with 35 of 48 journalists having never reported on topics concerning hospices. Physicians were the most trusted source of information about cancer, and journalists attached high importance to interviewing them. As medical knowledge is advancing rapidly, journalists may have increasing difficulty covering cancer-related issues.

"Remembering that good science is 'the pursuit of the truth' and not joining the latest 'bandwagon fad' of 'believers' is an important principle to adhere to when participating in the politics of science."

Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2014 Dec;16(4):447-50.

Pursuit of the "truth" about mental illness: the significance of findings in neuropsychiatric research, and lessons from the past.

DeLisi LE1.

Author information

• 1VA Boston Healthcare System and Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Brockton, Massachusetts, USA.

Abstract

Technology in genetics and brain imaging has advanced so rapidly that it is difficult to be knowledgeable about all the new tools being used in the pursuit of progress toward understanding and treating mental illness. While findings from new studies remain promising, caution is needed with regard to their current applicability to clinical use, both to predict who is likely to become ill and who is likely to respond to medication. A perspective on the past, using schizophrenia as an example, illustrates important findings that were published, had much visibility, and caused a flurry of new related studies, but then slowly disappeared, either to be abandoned as an artifact of the assay or study design, an epiphenomenon, or as simply nonreplicated findings not leading to further progress. Remembering that good science is "the pursuit of the truth" and not joining the latest "bandwagon fad" of "believers" is an important principle to adhere to when participating in the politics of science.

"La politique de la redistribution au Canada, est-elle en train de s'étioler ou est-elle tout simplement en suspens?"

Can Rev Sociol. 2015 Feb;52(1):1-21. doi: 10.1111/cars.12058.

Canadian sociological association outstanding contribution lecture: the fading of redistributive politics in Canada.

Myles J1.

Author information

• 1University of Toronto.

Abstract

Are redistributive politics in Canada fading or merely in abeyance? In this essay, I examine the empirical evidence for the "fading" metaphor, examine new, neoliberal lenses that have shaped recent policy developments, and identify changes in the role of political actors and policy-making institutions that have facilitated the redistributive weakening. Ever the optimist, however, I conclude on an upbeat note on future democratic possibilities for a fairer and more just Canada. 

La politique de la redistribution au Canada, est-elle en train de s'étioler ou est-elle tout simplement en suspens? Dans un premier temps, je pose le contexte empirique à la fois pour et contre la métaphore d' "étiolement", tendances concernant la disparité des revenus, la pauvreté, et la répartition du revenu. Dans un deuxième, je me concentre sur le rôle des nouvelles politiques ainsi que sur le soi-disant virage néolibéral dans l'idéologie politique qui ont façonné nos réponses à ces développements. Finalement, je discute le caractère changeant à la fois des acteurs politiques et des institutions politiques qui ont restructuré d'une façon cumulative la politique de la redistribution des revenus au Canada.

J Occup Environ Med. 2015 Mar;57(3):334-343.

Guidance to Employers on Integrating E-Cigarettes/Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Into Tobacco Worksite Policy.

Whitsel LP1, Benowitz N, Bhatnagar A, Bullen C, Goldstein F, Matthias-Gray L, Grossmeier J, Harris J, Isaac F, Loeppke R, Manley M,Moseley K, Niemiec T, OʼBrien V, Palma-Davis L, Pronk N, Pshock J, Stave GM, Terry P.

Author information

• 1From the American Heart Association (Dr Whitsel), Washington, DC; University of California (Dr Benowitz), San Francisco; The University of Louisville (Dr Bhatnagar), Louisville, Ky; University of Auckland (Dr Bullen), Auckland, New Zealand; Population Health Alliance (Mr Goldstein), Washington, DC; University of Michigan (Ms Matthias-Gray and Ms Palma-Davis), Ann Arbor; Health Enhancement Research Organization (Dr Grossmeier), Edina, Minn; Performance pH (Mr Harris), Holland, Ohio; Johnson & Johnson (Dr Isaac); US Preventive Medicine/American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (Dr Loeppke), Elk Grove Village, Ill; American College of Preventive Medicine (Dr Manley), Washington, DC; Health Enhancement Research Organization, Population Health Alliance (Ms Moseley), Edina, Minn; ArcelorMittal/American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (Dr Niemiec), Elk Grove Village, Ill; Interactive Health (Mr O'Brien); HealthPartners/Harvard University (Dr Pronk); Bravo Wellness (Mr Pshock), Cleveland, Ohio; Prevention Partners/American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine/Duke University (Dr Stave), Durham, NC; and StayWell Health Management (Dr Terry), Saint Paul, Minn.

Abstract

In recent years, new products have entered the marketplace that complicate decisions about tobacco control policies and prevention in the workplace. These products, called electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or electronic nicotine delivery systems, most often deliver nicotine as an aerosol for inhalation, without combustion of tobacco. This new mode of nicotine delivery raises several questions about the safety of the product for the user, the effects of secondhand exposure, how the public use of these products should be handled within tobacco-free and smoke-free air policies, and how their use affects tobacco cessation programs, wellness incentives, and other initiatives to prevent and control tobacco use. In this article, we provide a background on e-cigarettes and then outline key policy recommendations for employers on how the use of these new devices should be managed within worksite tobacco prevention programs and control policies.

J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics. 2015 Feb;10(1):22-30. Epub 2015 Jan 13.

Ethical Issues in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research and Comparative Effectiveness Research: A Pilot Study of Community Dialogue.

Brody H1, Croisant SA1, Crowder JW2, Banda JP1.

Author information

• 1University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA.
• 2University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA jw.crowder@utmb.edu.

Abstract

Community bioethics dialogues were held on the topic of patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) and comparative effectiveness research (CER). Participants were 65 and older and represented either a lower income, African American group (A) or a higher income White group (B). Participants were presented with a variety of background reading and study materials. Meetings were held 2 hr per week for 6 weeks. The groups showed both independence in judgment from the investigators and diversity of opinion between the two groups. Group B addressed more topics than Group A and in some instances explored additional policy nuances. Members of Group A appeared more cognizant of issues of social justice that affect vulnerable populations and appeared leery of approaches that suggested possible disrespect for their own personal experiences. Future plans call for both repeating the dialogue with additional, diverse community groups and repeating community bioethics dialogues on new topics with the same groups.

J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics. 2015 Feb 23. pii: 1556264615571558. [Epub ahead of print]

The Views of Quality Improvement Professionals and Comparative Effectiveness Researchers on Ethics, IRBs, and Oversight.

Whicher D1, Kass N2, Saghai Y1, Faden R1, Tunis S3, Pronovost P1.

Author information

• 1Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
• 2Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA nkass@jhu.edu.
• 3Center for Medical Technology Policy, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Abstract

Recently, there have been increasing numbers of activities labeled as either quality improvement (QI) or comparative effectiveness research (CER), both of which are designed to learn what works and what does not in routine clinical care settings. These activities can create confusion for researchers, Institutional Review Board members, and other stakeholders as they try to determine which activities or components of activities constitute clinical practices and which constitute clinical research requiring ethical oversight and informed consent. We conducted a series of semi-structured focus groups with QI and CER professionals to understand their experiences and views of the ethical and regulatory challenges that exist as well as the formal or informal practices and criteria they and their institutions use to address these issues. We found that most participants have experienced challenges related to the ethical oversight of QI and CER activities, and many believe that current regulatory criteria for distinguishing clinical practice from clinical research requiring ethical oversight are confusing. Instead, many participants described other criteria that they believe are more ethically appropriate. Many also described developing formal or informal practices at their institutions to navigate which activities require ethical oversight. However, these local solutions do not completely resolve the issues caused by the blurring of clinical practice and clinical research, raising the question of whether more foundational regulatory changes are needed.

@pathologistmag: #SAYWHAT? Pathology Takes Social Media by Storm

#SAYWHAT?

Pathology Takes Social Media by Storm

By Fedra Pavlou and Michael Schubert

"Love it or loathe it, social media’s influence in pathology is growing. Increasingly counted among Facebook’s 1.23 billion users and Twitter’s 284 million members, pathologists are starting to recognize how powerful social media can be – not only for raising the public profile of their specialty (something that is desperately needed), but even for career progression. So why are the social media cheerleaders still in the minority?"

Zombie allusions: They just keep on coming: "assuming that humans would need to be infected by a zombie bite (of course)."

If the zombie apocalypse happens, scientists say you should head for the hills

• KEVIN LORIA
 

•  asdf

Timeless: Nelson Riddle's Route 66

Timeless: Nelson Riddle's Route 66

Fat is a workplace issue

An EU ruling that obesity may be considered a disability has implications for employers

"Obesity doesn’t just affect individuals. It hurts companies too. A number of studies have shown that overweight workers are usually less productive, more likely to get injured and usually need longer rest breaks than other staff.

That’s not all. A recent ruling by the European Court of Justice that obesity can, in some instances, constitute a disability means employers may have to start treating overweight staff differently. Some organisations warn this will lead not only to increased costs for businesses, but could also result in increased resentment from co-workers."

"Surgical societies should stringently police for appropriate expert witness testimony given by both plaintiff and defense experts in malpractice litigation."

Am J Ophthalmol. 2015 Mar;159(3):584-589.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2014.11.037. Epub 2014 Dec 19.

Expert witness testimony in ophthalmology malpractice litigation.

Huang G1, Fang CH2, Friedman R1, Bhagat N1, Eloy JA3, Langer PD1.

Author information

• 1Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey.
• 2Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey.
• 3Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey; Department of Neurological Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey; Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery, Neurological Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey. Electronic address: jean.anderson.eloy@gmail.com.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To examine the relative qualifications of expert witnesses testifying on behalf of plaintiffs vs defendants in ophthalmology malpractice litigation.

DESIGN:

Correlational and descriptive study; analysis of expert witness and physician demographic data available on several databases.

METHODS:

The Westlaw legal database was searched for ophthalmologist expert witness testimony from January 2006 to June 2014. Physician demographic data were used as the main outcome measures, including length of experience, scholarly impact (as measured by the h-index), practice setting, and fellowship training status and were obtained from state medical licensing board sites and online medical facility and practice sites. H-indices were obtained from the Scopus database.

RESULTS:

Defendant and plaintiff expert witnesses had comparable mean years of experience (32.9 and 35.7, respectively) (P = .12) and scholarly impact (h-index = 8.6 and 8.3, respectively) (P = .42). Cases tended to resolve on the side of the expert witness with the higher h-index (P = .04). Significantly higher proportions of defendant witnesses were in academic practice (P < .05) and underwent fellowship training (P < .001).

CONCLUSION:

Ophthalmologist expert witnesses testifying for both plaintiffs and defendants had over 30 years of experience and high scholarly impact. Practitioners testifying on behalf of plaintiffs were statistically less likely to work in an academic setting and have subspecialty training. Scholarly impact of expert witnesses appeared to affect trial outcomes. Surgical societies should stringently police for appropriate expert witness testimony given by both plaintiff and defense experts in malpractice litigation.

Nannystate: Of Course Soda Taxes Don’t Work on Their Own

Of Course Soda Taxes Don’t Work on Their Own

A new study says taxing junk food hurts the poor—but public health advocates see such laws as one part of a larger solution.

Eur J Hum Genet. 2015 Mar 4. doi: 10.1038/ejhg.2015.27. [Epub ahead of print]

Stakeholders' perspectives on biobank-based genomic research: systematic review of the literature.

Husedzinovic A1, Ose D2, Schickhardt C3, Fröhling S4, Winkler EC3.

Author information

• 11] Programme for Ethics and Patient-Oriented Care in Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany [2] Department of Translational Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
• 2Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
• 3Programme for Ethics and Patient-Oriented Care in Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
• 4Department of Translational Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.

Abstract

The success of biobank-based genomic research is widely dependent on people's willingness to donate their tissue. Thus, stakeholders' opinions should be considered in the development of best practice guidelines for research and recruiting participants. We systematically analyzed the empirical literature describing different stakeholders' views towards ethicalquestions with regard to type of consent, data sharing and return of incidental findings. Patients are more open to one-time general consent than the public. Only a small proportion desires recontact if the research aim changed. A broad consent model would prevent only a small proportion of patients from participating in research. Although professionals are concerned about a risk of reidentification, patients and the public support data sharing and find that the benefit of research outweighs the potential risk of reidentification. However, they desire detailed information about the privacy protection measures. Regarding the return of incidental findings, the public and professionals focus on clinically actionable results, whereas patients are interested in receiving as much information as possible. For professionals, concrete guidelines that help managing the return of incidental findings should be warranted. For this it would be helpful addressing the different categories - actionable, untreatable and inheritable diseases - upfront with patients and public.

"Dave, although you took very thorough precautions in the pod against my hearing you, I could see your lips move."

Sci Eng Ethics. 2015 Mar 4. [Epub ahead of print]

Robotic Nudges: The Ethics of Engineering a More Socially Just Human Being.

Borenstein J1, Arkin R.

Author information

• 1Director of Graduate Research Ethics Programs, School of Public Policy and Office of Graduate Studies, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA, borenstein@gatech.edu.

Abstract

Robots are becoming an increasingly pervasive feature of our personal lives. As a result, there is growing importance placed on examining what constitutes appropriate behavior when they interact with human beings. In this paper, we discuss whether companion robots should be permitted to "nudge" their human users in the direction of being "more ethical". More specifically, we use Rawlsian principles of justice to illustrate how robots might nurture "socially just" tendencies in their human counterparts. Designing technological artifacts in such a way to influence human behavior is already well-established but merely because the practice is commonplace does not necessarily resolve the ethical issues associated with its implementation.

But the narrative... “In terms of obesity, we found no support for the notion that low-fat dairy is healthier"

Why Full-Fat Dairy May Be Healthier Than Low-Fat

“In terms of obesity, we found no support for the notion that low-fat dairy is healthier,” says Dr. Mario Kratz, first author of the review and a nutrition scientist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. Of the 25 studies included in his team’s review, Kratz says 18 reported lower body weights, less weight gain, or a lower risk for obesity among full-fat dairy eaters. The other seven studies were inconclusive. “None of the research suggested low-fat dairy is better,” he says.

"Pathologists are far from powerless in helping to determine whether there will be appropriate payment for cancer biomarker tests."

Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2015 Mar;139(3):300-4. doi: 10.5858/arpa.2014-0190-ED.

Payment for cancer biomarker testing.

Allen TC1.

Author information

• 1From the Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.

Pathologists are far from powerless in helping to determine whether there will be appropriate payment for cancer biomarker tests. Clinical guidelines, prepared by pathologists with their nonpathologist colleagues, will increasingly be used by payers in determining whether to pay for a biomarker test.10 Pathologists have a central role in the production of evidence-based health policy literature that is now required to answer questions of cancer biomarker test utility so that payers can correctly determine payment structures for these tests and the resulting treatments.22 And ultimately, when cancer biomarker utility has been demonstrated, ‘‘personalized cancer therapy will become the financially preferred model, by treating the [right] patient with the right therapy, the first time, achieving prolonged responses, and, ultimately leading to cures.’’ 

Time for a VA alternative?

Veteran says VA has yet to treat his cancer

"I don't have much time," said Vingle, " I am wasting my life waiting on the VA."

Antimicrob Resist Infect Control. 2015 Feb 5;4:4. doi: 10.1186/s13756-015-0044-9. eCollection 2015.

Viewpoint: a response to "Screening and isolation to control methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: sense, nonsense, and evidence".

Kavanagh KT1, Calderon LE2, Saman DM3.

Author information

• 1Health Watch USA, 3396 Woodhaven Dr, P.O. Box 1403, Somerset, KY 42503 USA.
• 2Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY USA.
• 3Health Watch USA, 3396 Woodhaven Dr, P.O. Box 1403, Somerset, KY 42503 USA ; Essentia Institute of Rural Health, Duluth, MN USA.

Abstract

Surveillance and isolation for the prevention of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a controversial topic, one that causes heated debate and appears to be surrounded by both politics and industrial conflicts-of-interest. There have been calls from numerous authors for a movement away from rigid mandates and toward an evidence-based medicine approach. However, much of the evidence can be viewed with an entirely different interpretation. Two major studies with negative findings have had an adverse impact on recommendations regarding active detection and isolation (ADI) for MRSA. However the negative findings in these studies can be explained by shortcomings in study implementation rather than the ineffectiveness of ADI. The use of daily chlorhexidine bathing has also been proposed as an alternative to ADI in ICU settings. There are shortcomings regarding the evidence in the literature concerning the effectiveness of daily chlorhexidine bathing. One of the major concerns with universal daily chlorhexidine bathing is the development of bacterial resistance. The use of surveillance and isolation to address epidemics and common dangerous pathogens should solely depend upon surveillance and isolation's ability to prevent further spread to and infection of other patients through indirect contact. At present, there is a preponderance of evidence in the literature to support continuing use of surveillance and isolation to prevent the spread of MRSA.

Int J Occup Environ Health. 2015 Mar 2. [Epub ahead of print]

Ethics, morality, and conflicting interests: how questionable professional integrity in some scientists supports global corporate influence in public health.

Baur X, Budnik LT, Ruff K, Egilman DS, Lemen RA, Soskolne CL.

Abstract

Clinical and public health research, education, and medical practice are vulnerable to influence by corporate interests driven by the for-profit motive. Developments over the last 10 years have shown that transparency and self-reporting of corporate ties do not always mitigate bias. In this article, we provide examples of how sound scientific reasoning and evidence-gathering are undermined through compromised scientific enquiry resulting in misleading science, decision-making, and policy intervention. Various medical disciplines provide reference literature essential for informing public, environmental, and occupational health policy. Published literature impacts clinical and laboratory methods, the validity of respective clinical guidelines, and the development and implementation of public health regulations. Said literature is also used in expert testimony related to resolving tort actions on work-related illnesses and environmental risks. We call for increased sensitivity, full transparency, and the implementation of effective ethical and professional praxis rules at all relevant regulatory levels to rout out inappropriate corporate influence in science. This is needed because influencing the integrity of scientists who engage in such activities cannot be depended upon.

J Comp Eff Res. 2015 Mar 2:1-16. [Epub ahead of print]

Futurescapes: evidence expectations in the USA for comparative effectiveness research for drugs in 2020.

Messner DA1, Mohr P, Towse A.

Author information

• 1Center for Medical Technology Policy, World Trade Center Baltimore, 401 East Pratt Street, Suite 631, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA.

Abstract

Aim: Explore key factors influencing future expectations for the production of evidence from comparative effectiveness research for drugs in the USA in 2020 and construct three plausible future scenarios. 

Materials & Methods: Semistructured key informant interviews and three rounds of modified Delphi with systematic scenario-building methods. 

Results & Conclusion: Most influential key factors were: health delivery system integration; electronic health record development; exploitation of very large databases and mixed data sources; and proactive patient engagement in research. The scenario deemed most likely entailed uneven development of large integrated health systems with pockets of increased provider risk for patient care, enhanced data collection systems, changing incentives to do comparative effectiveness research and new opportunities for evidence generation partnerships.

From Arizona State U: Scientists' Ethical Obligations and Social Responsibility for Nanotechnology Research

Sci Eng Ethics. 2015 Feb 27. [Epub ahead of print]

Scientists' Ethical Obligations and Social Responsibility for Nanotechnology Research.

Corley EA1, Kim Y, Scheufele DA.

Author information

• 1School of Public Affairs, Arizona State University, 411 N. Central Avenue, Suite 450, Mail Code 3720, Phoenix, AZ, 85004-0687, USA, Elizabeth.corley@asu.edu.

Abstract

Scientists' sense of social responsibility is particularly relevant for emerging technologies. Since a regulatory vacuum can sometimes occur in the early stages of these technologies, individual scientists' social responsibility might be one of the most significant checks on the risks and negative consequences of this scientific research. In this article, we analyze data from a 2011 mail survey of leading U.S. nanoscientists to explore their perceptions the regarding social and ethical responsibilities for their nanotechnology research. Our analyses show that leading U.S. nanoscientists express a moderate level of social responsibility about their research. Yet, they have a strong sense of ethical obligation to protect laboratory workers (in both universities and industry) from unhealthy exposure to nanomaterials. We also find that there are significant differences in scientists' sense of social and ethical responsibility depending on their demographic characteristics, job affiliation, attention to media content, risk perceptions and benefit perceptions. We conclude with some implications for future research.

Elegant: Laser mimicking mosquito bites for skin delivery of malaria sporozoite vaccines

J Control Release. 2015 Feb 25. pii: S0168-3659(15)00141-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.02.031. [Epub ahead of print]

Laser mimicking mosquito bites for skin delivery of malaria sporozoite vaccines.

Zhou C1, Chen X1, Zhang Q1, Wang J1, Wu MX2.

Author information

• 1Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114.
• 2Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114; Affiliated faculty member of the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA 02115. Electronic address: mwu2@partners.org.

Abstract

Immunization with radiation-attenuated sporozoites (RAS) via mosquito bites has been shown to induce sterile immunity against malaria in humans, but this route of vaccination is neither practical nor ethical. The importance of delivering RAS to the liver through circulation in eliciting immunity against this parasite has been recently verified by human studies showing that high-level protection was achieved only by intravenous (IV) administration of RAS, but not by intradermal (ID) or subcutaneous (SC) vaccination. Here, we report in a murine model that ID inoculation of RAS into laser-illuminated skin confers immune protection against malarial infection almost as effectively as IV immunization. Brief illumination of the inoculation site with a low power 532 nm Nd:YAG laser enhanced the permeability of the capillary beneath the skin, owing to hemoglobin-specific absorbance of the light. The increased blood vessel permeability appeared to facilitate an association of RAS with blood vessel walls by an as-yet-unknown mechanism, ultimately promoting a 7-fold increase in RAS entering circulation and reaching the liver over ID administration. Accordingly, ID immunization of RAS at a laser-treated site stimulated much stronger sporozoite-specific antibody and CD8+IFN-γ+ T cell responses than ID vaccination and provided nearly full protection against malarial infection, whereas ID immunization alone was ineffective. This novel, safe, and convenient strategy to augment efficacy of ID sporozoite-based vaccines warrants further investigation in big animals and in humans.

Remember the Alamo

Texas Independence Day 2015

TEXAS MASSACRE AROUSED WORLD OUTRAGE

True tales of valor emerged from the Alamo

Preserve The Alamo! Push Grows To Save Eroding Shrine 

My take on payment for cancer biomarker testing

Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2015 Mar;139(3):300-4. doi: 10.5858/arpa.2014-0190-ED.

Payment for cancer biomarker testing.

Allen TC1.

Author information

• 1From the Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.