American Society of Clinical Oncology/American Society of Hematology clinical practice guideline update on the use of epoetin and darbepoetin in adult patients with cancer

Purpose To update American Society of Clinical Oncology/American Society of Hematology recommendations for use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in patients with cancer. Methods An Update Committee reviewed data published between January 2007 and January 2010. MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library were searched. Results The literature search yielded one new individual patient data analysis and four literature-based meta-analyses, two systematic reviews, and 13 publications reporting new results from randomized controlled trials not included in prior or new reviews. Recommendations For patients undergoing myelosuppressive chemotherapy who have a hemoglobin (Hb) level less than 10 g/dL, the Update Committee recommends that clinicians discuss potential harms (eg, thromboembolism, shorter survival) and benefits (eg, decreased transfusions) of ESAs and compare these with potential harms (eg, serious infections, immune-mediated adverse reactions) and benefits (eg, rapid Hb improvement) of RBC transfusions. Individual preferences for assumed risk should contribute to shared decisions on managing chemotherapy-induced anemia. The Committee cautions against ESA use under other circumstances. If used, ESAs should be administered at the lowest dose possible and should increase Hb to the lowest concentration possible to avoid transfusions. Available evidence does not identify Hb levels � 10 g/dL either as thresholds for initiating treatment or as targets for ESA therapy. Starting doses and dose modifications after response or nonresponse should follow US Food and Drug Administration–approved labeling. ESAs should be discontinued after 6 to 8 weeks in nonresponders. ESAs should be avoided in patients with cancer not receiving concurrent chemotherapy, except for those with lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Caution should be exercised when using ESAs with chemotherapeutic agents in diseases associated with increased risk of thromboembolic complications. Table 1 lists detailed recommendations. This guideline was developed through a collaboration between the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology and has been published jointly by invitation and consent in both Journal of Clinical Oncology and Blood.

Challenges and opportunities related to the creation of a unique society of specialists in general internal medicine in 2015

A common training plan in general internal medicine was a brave enterprise started in 2011 in accordance with the common objectives of the Swiss Society of General Medicine and the Swiss Society of Internal Medicine. The next challenge will be the dissolution of the two Societies and therefore the creation of an unique new association in 2015. This is an extraordinary opportunity to bring together the specific qualities of each association and to create a new society. Issues, objectives and secondary benefits expected from the creation of the largest national society of a medical discipline are explored as a joint discussion in this article.

Time Variable Gravity: Contributions of GOCE Satellite Data to Monthly and Bi-monthly GRACE Gravity Estimates

A feasibility study by Pail et al. (Can GOCE help to improve temporal gravity field estimates? In: Ouwehand L (ed) Proceedings of the 4th International GOCE User Workshop, ESA Publication SP-696, 2011b) shows that GOCE (‘Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer’) satellite gravity gradiometer (SGG) data in combination with GPS derived orbit data (satellite-to-satellite tracking: SST-hl) can be used to stabilize and reduce the striping pattern of a bi-monthly GRACE (‘Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment’) gravity field estimate. In this study several monthly (and bi-monthly) combinations of GRACE with GOCE SGG and GOCE SST-hl data on the basis of normal equations are investigated. Our aim is to assess the role of the gradients (solely) in the combination and whether already one month of GOCE observations provides sufficient data for having an impact in the combination. The estimation of clean and stable monthly GOCE SGG normal equations at high resolution ( >  d/o 150) is found to be difficult, and the SGG component, solely, does not show significant added value to monthly and bi-monthly GRACE gravity fields. Comparisons of GRACE-only and combined monthly and bi-monthly solutions show that the striping pattern can only be reduced when using both GOCE observation types (SGG, SST-hl), and mainly between d/o 45 and 60.

New York during the last half century : a discourse in commemoration of the fifty-third anniversary of the New York historical society, and of the dedication of their new edifice,(November 17, 1857).

Mode of access: Internet.

An apology for the true Christian divinity : being an explanation and vindication of the principles and doctrines of the people called Quakers /

Translation of " Theologiæ verë christianæ apologia".

A brief statement of the rights of the Seneca Indians in the state of New York, to their lands in that state : with decisions relative thereto by the state and United States courts, and extracts from United States laws, &c.

Mode of access: Internet.

[Opinion of the Supreme Court] of the state of New York, in a cause in which James Field was plaintiff and Charles Field defendant.

The lawsuit arose out of a dispute between the "orthodox" and "Hicksite" branches of the Society of Friends over the possession of a school fund.

A letter, on the dispute of the statements of Anna Braithwaite and Elias Hicks /

Smith I:941.

Decision of the Court of chancery of the state of New Jersey, in a cause between Thomas L. Shotwell, complainant, and Joseph Hendrickson and Stacy Decow, defendants. Also the opinion of the Supreme court of the state of New York, in a cause in which James Field was plaintiff, and Charles Field, defendant.

Dispute concerning a school fund of the Society of Friends, which was claimed by both Orthodox and Hicksite factions.

Argument of Samuel L. Southard : in the case of Stacy Decow and Joseph Hendrickson, versus Thomas L. Shotwell ; delivered at Trenton before the Court of Appeals of the State of New Jersey, at a special term in the eighth month, 1833 /

On appeal from the Court of Chancery. Dispute concerning a school fund of the Society of Friends, which was claimed by both Orthodox and Hicksite factions.

Truth triumphant through the spiritual warfare, Christian labours, and writings of that able and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, Robert Barclay, : to which is prefixed, an account of his life.

v.3 A true and faithful account of the most material passages of a dispute.--Quakerism confirmed: or, A vindication of the chief doctrines and principles of the people called Quakers.--Universal love considered, and established upon its right foundation.--An epistle of love and friendly advice.--R. B.'s apology for the true Christian divinity vindicated.--The possibility and necessity of the inward and immediate revelation of the spirit of God.--R. B.'s testimony concerning his father.

Biographical and other extracts from the manuscript writings of Barnaby Nixon /

Mode of access: Internet.

Sermons and prayers, delivered in the city of Philadelphia /

Mode of access: Internet.

A brief account of the rise and progress of the people called Quakers : in which their fundamental principle, doctrines, worship, ministry and discipline, are plainly declared. With a summary relation of the former dispensations of God in the world, by way of introduction /

Issued with Barclay, R. A catechism and confession of faith. Manchester, 1836.

Extracts from the writings of Daniel Phillips and Wm. Penn, to which are added some remarks and observations shewing the analogy between George Keith and the opposers of Elias Hicks.

Mode of access: Internet.