We examined the relationship between human melanoma epigenetics and their importance in tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and inhibition of metastasis. The development and clinical application of select pharmacologic agents are also discussed.

Results: We identified several articles that have extensively studied the role of epigenetics in melanoma,

further ALK inhibitor elucidating the complex processes involved in gene regulation and expression. Several new agents directly affect epigenetic mechanisms in melanoma, with divergent affects on the metastatic potential of melanoma.

Conclusions: Epigenetic mechanisms have emerged as having a central role in gene regulation of human melanoma, including the identification of several putative tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. Further research will focus on the development of novel therapeutics that will likely target and alter such epigenetic changes.”
“Objective: To describe pregnancy characteristics associated with the occurrence of spontaneous version in twin pregnancies from 20 weeks until delivery.

Study design: Review

of ultrasound and pregnancy data for all twin pregnancies delivered >24 weeks by one Maternal-Fetal Medicine practice from June 2005-May 2012. For each 4-week gestational age window, fetal presentations were recorded, as well as the likelihood of the final presentation being vertex for Twin A and vertex for both twins. Case-control analysis was performed to estimate

associations between pregnancy characteristics and spontaneous version of Twin A.

Results: A total of 491 twin pregnancies SB431542 mw were included. The distribution of fetal presentations PLX3397 nmr changed significantly from 20 weeks to delivery, but the presentation at each gestational age interval was significantly associated with the final position of Twin A and the likelihood of vertex-vertex presentation at delivery. The likelihood of spontaneous version of Twin A decreased from 27.9% after 24-27 6/7 weeks, to 18.8% after 28-31 6/7 weeks, to 8.2% after 32-35 6/7 weeks. Pregnancy characteristics associated with spontaneous version of Twin A were a prior vaginal delivery and increased fetal size of either twin.

Conclusions: The likelihood of spontaneous version of Twin A decreases as pregnancy advances. Parity and increased fetal size are associated with spontaneous version.”
“Background. Painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), whether pathologic or osteoporotic, are a source of morbidity in cancer patients. At our tertiary cancer center, over the past decade we have used vertebroplasty (VP) and kyphoplasty (KP) to treat painful VCFs. More data are needed on the treatment of VCFs in cancer patients with these techniques.

Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of cancer patients with painful VCFs that had been treated at our institution between January 1, 2001 and May 31, 2008.