In the past 10 years, many new components were synthesized and evaluated for an application in enamel–dentin adhesives and direct composite restoratives. New bisacrylamide cross‐linkers with improved hydrolytic stability and new strongly acidic polymerizable phosphonic acids and dihydrogen phosphates, as well as novel photoinitator systems, in combination with the implementation of novel application devices, have significantly improved the performance of the current enamel–dentin adhesives. The currently used resins for direct composite restoratives are mainly based on methacrylate chemistry to this day. A continuous improvement of the properties of current composites was achieved with the use of new tailor‐made methacrylate cross‐linkers, new additives, and photoinitiators as well as tailor‐made fillers. Nowadays, dental adhesives and methacrylate‐based direct restorative materials have found wide‐spread acceptance. Nevertheless, future developments in the field of dental adhesives and direct composite restoratives will focus on improving durability and biocompatibility as well as the development of materials with a broader application spectrum and of smart adhesives or composites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012

The National Navigation Roundtable Workforce Development Task Group calls for training based on standardized patient navigation core competencies.

BACKGROUND:The impact of COVID-19 on cancer care during the first 6 months of the pandemic has been significant. The National Navigation Roundtable Workforce Development Task Group conducted a national survey to highlight the role of patient navigators (PNs). METHODS: An anonymous online survey captured how cancer care navigation changed during 2 phases: 1) March 13 to May 31, 2020; and 2) June 1 to September 4, 2020. Differences between the 2 time periods for categorical variables were assessed using χ 2 tests, and 1-way analyses of variance were used for ordinal variables. RESULTS: Almost one-half of PNs expected changes in duties (49%) during phase 1. By phase 2, PNs showed greater confidence in retaining PN work (P < .001) and reduced changes to duties (P < .01). PNs reported new training on COVID-19 and telehealth during phase 1 (64% and 27%, respectively) and phase 2 (54% and 19%, respectively). Significant decreases in service delays were identified by phase 2 for cancer screening (P < .001), preventive care (P < .001), medical treatment (P < .01), cancer treatment (P < .001), and cancer survivorship services (P < .01). PNs reported that the top patient issues were COVID-19 concerns, medical care disruptions, and finances, and there were decreases in medical care disruptions (P < .01) during phase 2. PNs addressed myths related to mask use, COVID-19 spread, disbelief, risk, clinical changes, transmission prevention, and finances/ politics. CONCLUSIONS: The PN role demonstrated resiliency and adaptability. Both clinical and nonclinical oncology PNs identified key patient needs and can provide connections with patient populations that have been economically and socially marginalized, which is necessary to build trust throughout the pandemic.

This article describes our experience offering a collaborative, wellness-based group support program for young women with breast cancer. Goals were (1) to identify needs and priorities of young women with breast cancer; (2) to test the feasibility of a collaboration between an academic medical center, a regional cancer center, and a community-based agency; and (3) to positively influence participants' overall quality of life (QOL), emotional distress, and psychological well-being. The group intervention consisted of presentation of various topics, group discussion, and relaxation exercises. No significant changes on QOL or emotional measures were seen. Participants rated the session on symptom management as most useful and identified two areas for potential improvement (more homogeneity of participants, suggestions for additional topics).

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