Pheochromocytomas are tumors of the neural crest-derived chromaffin cells. The hallmark of this rare and fascinating neoplasm is the synthesis and secretion of catecholamines in an unregulated and potentially life-threatening manner. Most pheochromocytomas produce an abundance of norepinephrine. Epinephrineor dopamine-secreting pheochromocytomas are less common.[1] Pheochromocytomas can also be...

Desmoplasia contributes to the aggressive behavior of pancreatic cancer. However, recent clinical trials testing several antifibrotic agents on pancreatic cancer have not shown clear efficacy. Therefore, further investigation of desmoplasia-targeting antifibrotic agents by another mechanism is needed. Calpeptin, an inhibitor of calpains, suppressed fibroblast function and inhibited fibrosis. In...

BACKGROUND Although hospital palliative care consultation services (PCCS) can improve a variety of clinical and nonclinical outcomes, little is known about how these services are structured. METHODS We surveyed all 351 acute care hospitals in California to examine the structure and characteristics of those hospitals with PCCS. RESULTS We achieved a 92% response rate. Thirty-one percent (n=1...

BACKGROUND The use of PCC for the treatment of trauma-induced coagulopathy potentially increase the risk of thromboembolism and disseminated intravascular coagulation, which is addressed to an imbalance of both pro- and anticoagulants. As PCCs differ in composition, we used an in vitro dilutional approach to assess the overall thrombin generation of five different PCCs through various laborator...

Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) are recommended as the treatment of choice in warfarin-related coagulopathy. However, the risk of thromboembolic complications associated with their use is not well defined. We performed a meta-analysis to estimate the rate of thromboembolic complications in patients receiving vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) treated with PCCs for bleeding or before urgent su...

In light of the introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) to invigorate the democratic governance of the police, I examine how PCCs perceived their new role within their first year in office. Based on 32 interviews with PCCs across England and Wales and one case study, I illustrate how the role has been perceived broadly, from police management through to crime-reduction co-ordinati...

The American Association of Poison Control Centers (PCCs) has a nationwide toll-free number for contacting regional poison centers. To be automatically connected to a local poison center, call 800/222-1222. EMS providers should follow local protocols to determine how to contact PCCs, either directly or through on-line medical control. Most experts agree that PCCs are a reliable and current sour...

Introduction: Pheochromocytomas are catecholamine-producing neuroendocrine tumors that arise from the adrenal medulla. typically present with uncontrollable or paroxysmal hypertension can be accompanied by other common initial symptoms, including headache, diaphoresis, arrhythmia, and pallor. Given morbidity mortality associated undiagnosed pheochromocytomas, their potential for treatment, prim...

Pancreatic stellate cells (PSC), which are implicated in desmoplasia in pancreatic cancer, enhance the malignancy of cancer cells and confer resistance to established treatments. We investigated whether the antifibrotic agent pirfenidone can suppress desmoplasia and exert antitumor effects against pancreatic cancer. Primary PSCs were established from pancreatic cancer tissue obtained during sur...

BACKGROUND Inadequate access to care for mentally ill children and their families is a persistent problem in the United States. Although promotion of pediatric primary care clinicians (PCCs) in detection, management, and coordination of child mental health care is a strategy for improving access, limitations in training, time, and specialist availability represent substantial barriers. The Mass...