Despite looming campus closure, Penn State DuBois launches new nursing program
The non-credit 18-month certificate program will launch on August 18 and is set to offer a part-time path for students who want to enter the nursing profession. This comes just weeks after the Penn State University Board of Trustees voted to close seven commonwealth campuses, including the one where the new program will take place.
According to a release, courses will be held in the DEF building on the DuBois campus on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. They added that students will get hands-on experience and take part in clinical rotations every weekend at local healthcare facilities.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 'No point in waiting,' PSU trustees vote to close DuBois, 6 other campuses
'We've already had an overwhelming response as the news of our program got out,' Nicki Dufour, program coordinator, said. 'We have more than 30 potential participants and are excited to add to that total now that we have the final approval to move forward.'
The program hopes to prepare students to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), a requirement to earn licensure in all 50 states.
To apply, interested individuals must complete an online interest form. Applicants will be contacted about the next steps, which include submitting two professional letters of reference and a one-page essay describing their motivation to become a nurse.
It's unclear at this time when exactly the campus will close, but Penn State has previously stated that help and options will be provided to both students and staff when the time comes.
The recommendation to close the campus came after 'persistent and compounding structural challenges' that didn't make the campus viable for the long term. In an official report, they said they've also seen a 46% decrease in enrollment over the last decade and that there is little sign that it will increase.
The committee that made recommendations to close DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes Barre and York campuses looked at enrollment trends, demographic forecasts, student outcomes, financial performance, housing occupancy, capital investment needs and geographic proximity to make their determination.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Time Business News
4 hours ago
- Time Business News
Mastering the NCLEX with Quiz-Based Practice: Strategies, Pitfalls & Winning Methods
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Business Upturn
3 days ago
- Business Upturn
European Commission Grants Approval of OGSIVEO® (nirogacestat) for the Treatment of Adults with Desmoid Tumors
STAMFORD, Conn., Aug. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc., a healthcare company of Merck, announced today that the European Commission (EC) granted marketing authorization for OGSIVEO® (nirogacestat), an oral gamma secretase inhibitor, as monotherapy for the treatment of adults with progressing desmoid tumors who require systemic treatment. OGSIVEO is the first and only therapy approved in the European Union (EU) to treat desmoid tumors. 'Desmoid tumors can have a profound impact on people's lives and are difficult to manage due to their invasive nature and high rates of recurrence. Until now, there have been no approved medicines in Europe,' said Bernd Kasper, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim Cancer Center, Mannheim, Germany, and principal investigator of the DeFi trial. 'OGSIVEO is a highly innovative therapy with efficacy data demonstrating both meaningful antitumor activity and a significant improvement in desmoid tumor symptoms, including a significant reduction in pain which is the most debilitating symptom reported by patients.' 'This approval is a long-awaited advance for desmoid tumor patients, their families and physicians in Europe,' said Lynne Hernandez, Executive Director of the Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation. 'It is our hope that patients will benefit from greater awareness of desmoid tumors, faster diagnoses, and better outcomes now that there is an approved treatment.' Desmoid tumors are rare, locally aggressive tumors that form in the connective tissues of the body.1,2 Approximately 1,300 to 2,300 new cases of desmoid tumors are diagnosed annually in the EU.3,4,5 These tumors can cause severe pain, limited function, loss of mobility, disfigurement and fatigue.1,6-10 They are challenging to manage because of their unpredictable nature and high rate of recurrence, which can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.2,7,8,11,12 Desmoid tumor experts and treatment guidelines now recommend medical therapy as first-line intervention instead of surgery for most tumor locations requiring treatment.13,14 'We would like to extend our gratitude to the patients, families, investigators, and advocacy organizations who helped make this EC approval possible,' said Danny Bar-Zohar, MD, CEO of Healthcare and Executive Board Member at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. 'OGSIVEO is already established as the standard of care systemic therapy for desmoid tumors in the U.S., and our goal is to bring the same treatment benefits to patients in Europe. Following last month's EC approval of our therapy for patients with NF1-PN, we are in the unique position of launching two innovative treatments — underscoring our commitment to the rare tumor patient community.' The EC approval of OGSIVEO is based on results from the Phase 3 DeFi trial, which enrolled 142 adult patients with progressing desmoid tumors and met the primary endpoint of improving progression-free survival (PFS). OGSIVEO demonstrated a statistically significant improvement over placebo with a 71% reduction in the risk of disease progression (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.29 (95% CI: 0.15, 0.55); p< 0.001). OGSIVEO also demonstrated a significant improvement in objective response rate (ORR). The confirmed ORR based on RECIST v1.1 was 41% with OGSIVEO versus 8% with placebo (p<0.001); the complete response rate was 7% in the OGSIVEO arm and 0% in the placebo arm. The median time to first response was 5.6 months with OGSIVEO and 11.1 months with placebo. Additionally, OGSIVEO demonstrated early and sustained improvement in patient-reported outcomes (PROs), including pain (p<0.001), desmoid tumor-specific symptoms (p<0.001), physical/role functioning (p<0.001), and overall health-related quality of life (p≤0.01).13 OGSIVEO exhibited a manageable safety and tolerability profile. The most common adverse reactions reported in 88 patients receiving OGSIVEO across all studies (69 patients from DeFi and 19 patients from early phase studies) were diarrhoea (85%), rash (65%), ovarian toxicity in women of childbearing potential (60%) nausea (59%), fatigue (50%), hypophosphataemia (50%), headache (40%) and stomatitis (40%).13 About the DeFi Trial DeFi (NCT03785964) was a global, randomized (1:1), multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled pivotal Phase 3 trial that evaluated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of nirogacestat in adult patients with progressing desmoid tumors. The double-blind phase of the study randomized 142 patients (nirogacestat, n=70; placebo n=72) to receive 150 mg of nirogacestat or placebo twice daily. Key eligibility criteria included tumor progression by ≥20% as measured by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1) within 12 months prior to screening. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival, as assessed by blinded independent central review, or death by any cause. Secondary and exploratory endpoints included safety and tolerability measures, objective response rate, duration of response, changes in tumor volume assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and changes in patient-reported outcomes. DeFi also included an open-label extension phase. About Desmoid Tumors Desmoid tumors are rare, locally aggressive tumors of the soft tissues that can be serious, debilitating, and, in rare cases when vital structures are impacted, life-threatening.1,2 Desmoid tumors are most commonly diagnosed in patients between the ages of 20 and 44 years, with a two-to-three times higher prevalence in females.3,11 It is estimated that there are 1,300-2,300 new desmoid tumor cases diagnosed per year in the European Union. 3,4,5 Although desmoid tumors do not metastasize, they can be associated with recurrence rates of up to 77% after surgical resection.11,12 Desmoid tumor experts and treatment guidelines now recommend systemic therapies as first-line intervention for most tumor locations requiring treatment.14,15 About OGSIVEO® (nirogacestat) OGSIVEO® (nirogacestat) is an oral, selective, small molecule gamma secretase inhibitor approved in the United States and European Union as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with progressing desmoid tumors who require systemic treatment. The FDA and the EMA have granted Orphan Drug designation for OGSIVEO for the treatment of desmoid tumors. For the full list of side effects and restrictions with OGSIVEO, see the full Summary of Product Characteristics. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Diarrhoea Diarrhoea was reported in patients receiving nirogacestat. Patients who experience diarrhoea during treatment with nirogacestat should be monitored and managed using anti‑diarrhoeal medicinal products. For Grade 3 diarrhoea that persists for ≥ 3 days despite maximal medical therapy, nirogacestat should be withheld until diarrhoea is resolved to Grade ≤ 1 or baseline, then it should be restarted at 100 mg twice daily. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Dermatologic reactions, including maculopapular rash, folliculitis, and hidradenitis, were reported in patients receiving nirogacestat. Patients should be monitored for dermatologic reactions throughout the course of treatment and managed as clinically indicated. For Grade 3 dermatologic reactions, nirogacestat should be withheld until resolved to Grade ≤ 1 or baseline, then it should be restarted at a dose of 100 mg twice daily. Ovarian toxicity Ovarian toxicity was reported in female patients of childbearing potential receiving nirogacestat. Ovarian toxicity, identified based on abnormal reproductive hormone levels or peri‑menopausal symptoms, was reported in 75% of women of childbearing potential receiving nirogacestat in the DeFi study. Ovarian toxicity has been reported to resolve in 79% of women of childbearing potential during treatment. Follow up information is available for all but two out of 27 patients; after stopping treatment, ovarian toxicity was reported to resolve in all women of childbearing potential for whom data are available. Effects of nirogacestat on human fertility are unknown. Based on findings from animal studies, female fertility may be impaired. Women of childbearing potential should be advised about the risk of ovarian toxicity before initiating treatment with nirogacestat. Patients should be monitored for changes in menstrual cycle regularity or the development of symptoms of oestrogen deficiency, including hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Electrolyte abnormalities Electrolyte abnormalities, including hypophosphataemia and hypokalaemia, were reported in patients receiving nirogacestat. Phosphate and potassium levels should be monitored regularly and supplemented as necessary. For Grade 3 hypophosphataemia persisting for ≥ 7 days despite maximal replacement therapy, nirogacestat should be withheld until resolved to Grade ≤ 1 or baseline, then it should be restarted at a dose of 100 mg twice daily. For Grade 3 hypokalaemia of any duration, despite maximal replacement therapy, nirogacestat should be withheld until resolved to Grade ≤ 1 or baseline, then it should be restarted at a dose of 100 mg twice daily. Hepatic abnormalities ALT or AST elevations were reported in patients who received nirogacestat. Liver function tests should be monitored regularly. For ALT or AST ≥ 3 to 5 x ULN, nirogacestat should be withheld until ALT, AST, or both are resolved to < 3 x ULN or baseline, then it should be restarted at a dose of 100 mg twice daily. For ALT or AST > 5 x ULN, nirogacestat should be permanently discontinued (see section 4.2). Non‑melanoma skin cancers Non‑melanoma skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) were reported in patients receiving nirogacestat. Skin examinations should be performed prior to initiation of nirogacestat and routinely during treatment with nirogacestat. Cases should be managed according to clinical practices and patients may continue with nirogacestat treatment without dose adjustment. Embryo‑foetal toxicity – Contraception in males and females Nirogacestat may cause foetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Patients should be advised of the potential risk to a foetus. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test prior to initiating nirogacestat treatment. Pregnancy testing during treatment with nirogacestat should be considered for women of childbearing potential experiencing amenorrhoea. Women of childbearing potential receiving nirogacestat must use highly effective contraceptive methods during treatment with nirogacestat and for 1 week after the last dose of nirogacestat. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to inform their healthcare provider immediately of a known or suspected pregnancy, and they must stop taking nirogacestat if they become pregnant. Male patients with female partners of childbearing potential should be advised to use highly effective contraceptive methods during treatment with nirogacestat and for 1 week after the last dose of nirogacestat. About SpringWorks Therapeutics SpringWorks Therapeutics, a healthcare company of Merck, is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the lives of patients with rare tumors. We developed and are commercializing the first and only FDA and EC approved medicine for adults with desmoid tumors and the first and only FDA and EC approved medicine for both adults and children with neurofibromatosis type 1 associated plexiform neurofibromas (NF1-PN). We are also advancing a portfolio of novel targeted therapy product candidates for patients with additional rare tumors and hematological cancers. For more information, visit and follow @SpringWorksTx on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. About Merck Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. More than 62,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2024, Merck generated sales of € 21.2 billion in 65 countries. Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck's technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare, and EMD Electronics in electronics. All Merck press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck website. Please go to to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service. Contacts: Media [email protected] References Sbaraglia M, Bellan E, Dei Tos AP. The 2020 WHO Classification of Soft Tissue Tumours: News and Perspectives. Pathologica . 2021;113(2):70-84. doi:10.32074/1591-951X-213. Penel N, Chibon F, Salas S. Adult desmoid tumors: biology, management and ongoing trials. Curr Opin Oncol . 2017;29(4):268-274. doi:10.1097/CCO.0000000000000374. van Broekhoven DLM, Grünhagen DJ, den Bakker MA, van Dalen T, Verhoef C. Time trends in the incidence and treatment of extra-abdominal and abdominal aggressive fibromatosis: a population-based study. Ann Surg Oncol . 2015;22(9):2817-2823. doi:10.1245/s10434-015-4632-y. Desmoid Tumor Working Group. The management of desmoid tumours: A joint global consensus-based guideline approach for adult and paediatric patients. Eur J Cancer . 2020;127:96-107. doi:10.1016/ Eurostat. Population structure and ageing. European Commission. Accessed June 12, 2025. Penel N, Chibon F, Salas S. Adult desmoid tumors: biology, management and ongoing trials. Curr Opin Oncol . 2017;29(4):268-274. doi:10.1097/CCO.0000000000000374. Constantinidou A, Scurr M, Judson I, Litchman C. Clinical presentation of desmoid tumors. In: Litchman C, ed. Desmoid Tumors. Springer; 2012:chap 2. Accessed June 12, 2025. Bektas, M, et al. Desmoid tumors: a comprehensive review. Adv Therapeutics. 2023. Husson O, Younger E, Dunlop A, et al. Desmoid fibromatosis through the patients' eyes: time to change the focus and organisation of care? Support Care Cancer . 2019;27(3):965-980. doi:10.1007/s00520-018-4386-8. Gounder MM, Maddux L, Paty J, Atkinson TM. Prospective development of a patient-reported outcomes instrument for desmoid tumors or aggressive fibromatosis. Cancer . 2020;126(3):531-539. doi:10.1002/cncr.32555. Skubitz KM. Biology and treatment of aggressive fibromatosis or desmoid tumor. Mayo Clin Proc . 2017;92(6):947-964. doi:10.1016/ Easter DW, Halasz NA. Recent trends in the management of desmoid tumors. Summary of 19 cases and review of the literature. Ann Surg . 1989;210(6):765-769. doi:10.1097/00000658-198912000-00012. OGSIVEO. EMA. Summary of product characteristics (SmPC). SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. Desmoid Tumor Working Group. The management of desmoid tumours: A joint global consensus-based guideline approach for adult and paediatric patients. Eur J Cancer . 2020;127:96-107. doi:10.1016/ Referenced with permission from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Soft Tissue Sarcoma V.2.2023. © National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. 2023. All rights reserved. Accessed June 12, 2025. To view the most recent and complete version of the guideline, go online to NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
Eating this surprising fruit might be the key to getting a better night's sleep
Eating one avocado a day might be the key to a better night's sleep. Adults who included the fruit -- and yes, it's a fruit -- in their daily diet over the course of just six months reported better quality sleep compared to people who consumed fewer than two avocados each month, researchers said. 'Sleep is emerging as a key lifestyle factor in heart health, and this study invites us to consider how nutrition — and foods like avocado — can play a role in improving it,' Dr. Kristina Petersen, an associate professor of nutritional sciences at Penn State University, explained. The recent findings on sleep were tied to avocado's beneficial nutrients including tryptophan, folate, and magnesium. An essential mineral, magnesium is involved in muscle contraction and relaxation. Tryptophan and folate are involved in producing melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep cycles. These conclusions were drawn following an assessment of 969 U.S. adults who had what is considered a larger waistline -- 35 inches or more in women and 40 inches or more in men. The study was supported by the Avocado Nutrition Center, although the agency had no role in data collection, analysis, or interpretation. The researchers had initially intended to focus on heart health alone, before participants reported sleep-related benefits. "This was a cardiovascular health trial, making the sleep benefits more credible since they emerged as unexpected secondary findings in a well-designed randomized controlled trial," Dr. John Saito, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and pulmonologist at Children's Hospital of Orange County, told Verywell this week. Eating avocados daily was also associated with a better diet and lower cholesterol levels, the researchers reported, building on similar research from 2022. Studies have previously found that disrupted sleep is linked to high levels of cholesterol: the waxy, fat-like substance that can lead to heart attack and stroke. Improved heart health can help people to get better sleep, and getting enough sleep can also improve heart health and slash the risk of disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Avocado's healthy fat and fiber contributed to positive cardiovascular impacts. The healthy fat can also help to reduce cholesterol levels, and lower the risk for potentially life-threatening cardiac events. The fiber is tied to a healthy gut and reduced risk of death from any cause. Adults should consume at least 25 grams of fiber each day, according to Harvard Medical School. Of course, healthy fat is still fat, and avocados are packed with both nutrients and calories. An entire large avocado can add upward of 400 calories to your daily diet, the Cleveland Clinic says. But, the fruits are still considered to be healthy when consumed in moderation like being added to a morning smoothie or a salad at lunch. Half an avocado has more potassium than a banana, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health said. Humans need potassium to help fend off high blood pressure, which can result in kidney disease, eye damage, coronary artery disease, and other complications, if it's left untreated. While the findings of the new study cannot be generalized to all populations, Petersen noted that heart health is influenced by many factors, such as fitness and genetics. 'This is an encouraging step in expanding the science around avocados and the potential benefits of consumption,' she said.