The extent to which transmission of pressure within the abdomen is accomplished in accordance with the laws of fluid mechanics, i.e., homogeneous transmission to all portions of the abdomen, is controversial. To examine the cranial-to-caudal as well as side-to-side transmission of pressure within the abdomen in humans, we measured intra-abdominal pressure at four sites in five subjects undergoing colonoscopy. Liquid-filled catheters were inserted into the colon, and intracolonic pressure was measured in the rectum and in transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon. Differences in intracolonic pressure were recorded during breaths to total lung capacity and brief expulsive maneuvers. Measurements were taken in the supine, right lateral, and seated position. Comparison of pressure swings at all sites showed that the pressure changes were nearly equal during both inspiratory and expulsive maneuvers. The changes in pressure were uniform in the cephalocaudal axis as from side to side. We conclude that transmission of abdominal pressure in humans is nearly homogeneous. Our findings provide support for the hydraulic model of abdominal mechanics.

Available data suggest that rituximab is a treatment option for patients with extensive steroid-refractory cGVHD. Rituximab may be particularly effective for individuals with steroid-refractory cGVHD manifesting as thrombocytopenia or with sclerodermatous, cutaneous, and rheumatologic involvement.

Objective Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is an adverse effect of certain chemotherapy agents that can result in dose reductions, permanent nerve damage, and chronic pain. Although pharmacological agents have been studied in this setting, there is no standard of care for the prevention of CIPN. Thus, the objective of this systematic review is to assess the efficacy and safety of cryotherapy for the prevention of CIPN. Data sources PubMed (1946 to February 2020) and Embase (1947 to February 2020) were utilized to conduct a literature search using the following search terms: antineoplastic agent(s), taxoid(s), or chemotherapy and neuralgia, peripheral nervous system diseases, peripheral neuropathy, or paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy and cryotherapy, cryotherapy device, hypothermia, low temperature procedures, or ice. Data summary A total of 11 studies were included in the final assessment. Results of this systematic review indicate that the efficacy of cryotherapy in preventing CIPN is conflicting. This may be due to studies utilizing differing cryotherapy administration methods, study design, and including only a small number of patients. All included studies utilized cryotherapy with taxane-based chemotherapy treatments and cooling gloves and socks was the most common method of administration. Overall, cryotherapy was well-tolerated and no serious adverse effects were noted. Conclusions Due to the absence of serious adverse effects, cryotherapy is a reasonable option to consider to prevent CIPN in patients receiving taxane-based chemotherapy. However, additional research is needed, including larger, better designed studies, to fully delineate the role of cryotherapy for CIPN.

Based on a review of the currently available literature, everolimus provides a safe and efficacious treatment option for patients with renal cell carcinoma who have progressed on treatment with sunitinib and/or sorafenib.

Lenalidomide is a potent immunomodulating drug that offers different mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential for the treatment of multiple myeloma, MDS, and other malignancies.