Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer with no cure. Even with surgery and chemotherapy, patients typically live only 12-18 months after diagnosis.
But a new discovery from Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Rheal Towner, Ph.D., offers new hope in fighting this deadly cancer, which claimed the lives of Sens. John McCain and Ted Kennedy.
In pre-clinical experiments at OMRF, Towner discovered that a protein called ELTD1 is present in the most aggressive glioblastoma tumors. Towner then tested how the tumors would react to an antibody known to counteract the effects of ELTD1.
He found that the compound slowed the process of angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, which is key to tumors’ ability to spread and kill.
“This drug seems just as promising, if not better than, what is currently considered the standard of care,” said Towner. “Few therapies exist for treating glioblastoma, but this could provide a step in the right direction.”
If proven effective in further trials, said Towner, “This could provide overall treatment with fewer side effects and better results than we see in current drugs.”
The new findings were published in the journal NeuroOncology.
Towner will continue to look for ways to use the new treatment in combination with other drugs to boost their effectiveness and better target tumors.
“One problem with drug treatments for tumors is that it’s hard to get the drug to the tumor site,” he said. “If we can regulate that process with targeting ELTD1, we might be able to use it to deliver other drugs directly to the tumor and, hopefully, eliminate it.”
If researchers succeed with this tumor-targeting method, Towner said they will begin testing it on other tumors associated with breast, pancreatic or other cancers.
Funding for this research was provided by National Institute of General Medical Sciences, grant number 5P20GM103636-02, and Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the NIGMS, grant number 5P20GM103639. The NIGMS is part of the National Institutes of Health.

Dear Savvy Senior,

Can you provide some tips on how to choose a good estate sale company who can sell all the leftover items in my mother’s house? Inquiring Daughter

Dear Inquiring,
The estate sale business has become a huge industry over the past decade. There are roughly 22,000 estate sale companies that currently operate in the U.S., up nearly 60 percent from just 10 years ago. But not all estate sale companies are alike.
Unlike appraisal, auction and real estate companies, estate sale operators are largely unregulated, with no licensing or standard educational requirements. That leaves the door open for inexperienced, unethical or even illegal operators. Therefore, it’s up to you to decipher a good reputable company from a bad one. Here are some tips to help you choose.
Make a list: Start by asking friends, your real estate agent or attorney for recommendations. You can also search online. Websites like EstateSales.net and EstateSales.org let you find estate sale companies in your area.
Check their reviews: After you find a few companies, check them out on the Better Business Bureau (BBB.org), Angie’s List (AngiesList.com), Yelp (Yelp.com) and other online review sites to eliminate ones with legitimately negative reviews.
Call some companies: Once you identify some estate sale companies, select a few to interview over the phone. Ask them how long they’ve been in business and how many estate sales they conduct each month. Also find out about their staff, the services they provide, if they are insured and bonded and if they charge a flat fee or commission. The national average commission for an estate sale is around 35 percent, but commissions vary by city and region.
You may also want to ask them about visiting their next sale to get a better feel for how they operate. And be sure to get a list of references of their past clients and call them.
Schedule appointments: Set up two or three face-to-face interviews with the companies you felt provided you with satisfactory answers during the phone interviews.
During their visit, show the estate liquidator through the property. Point out any items that will not be included in the sale, and if you have any items where price is a concern, discuss it with them at that time. Many estate companies will give you a quote, after a quick walk through the home.
You also need to ask about their pricing (how do they research prices and is every item priced), how they track what items sell for, what credit cards do they accept, and how and where will they promote and market your sale. EstateSales.net is a leading site used to advertise sales, so check advertising approaches there.
Additionally, ask how many days will it take them to set up for the sale, how long will the sale last, and will they take care of getting any necessary permits to have the sale.
You also need to find out how and when you will be paid, and what types of services they provide when the sale is over. Will they clean up the house and dispose of the unsold items, and is there’s an extra charge for that? Also, make sure you get a copy of their contract and review it carefully before you sign it.
For more information on choosing an estate sale company, see National Estate Sales Association online guide at NESA-USA.com, and click on “Consumer Education” then on “Find the Right Company.”
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Photography and Text by Terry “Travels with Terry” Zinn [email protected]

Most people may only think of Mount Rushmore when they think about South Dakota. While it is not to be missed there are other attractions which need to be recognized.
The entire city of Deadwood is a national historic landmark. In Deadwood
you can ponder the truth at the foot of Wild Bill’s grave in Mount Moriah cemetery (along with Calamity Jane’s), tour Adams Museum and House, pan for gold at the Broken Boot Mine, choose from various guided tours, or take a self-guided walking tour into the past that puts the Wild West into perspective. You may even run into an incarnation of Wild Bill himself, either at the number 10 saloon or on horseback inspecting main street.
And there’s plenty of casinos for your gaming pleasure along with some fine eateries. One such is Kevin Costner’s Diamond Lil’s, where I had a pleasant Martini during sunset over main street. Costner’s memorabilia and costumes from his films are on display throughout the dining room, and if that was not enough finery, the top floor hosts a fine dining restaurant complete with piano and beveled glass décor.
Deadwood, South Dakota, is full of surprises such as Costner’s founded and funded Museum of the Tatanka (Buffalo) Museum right outside of town. Even with expert Lakota interpreters, displays of costumes worn in “Dances With Wolves”, and historic explanatory panels, the best part of Tatanka is the monumental 17 part sculpture of an Indian hunt near a buffalo jump. With wafts of movie theme music and the rustling of Dakota grass, this hill top venue is the pride of South Dakota, itself. Hats off and congratulations to Kevin Costner for giving back to America with the preservation and inspiration found at Tatanka: Story of the Bison interpretive Center and Sculpture. (For more information you may visit http://www.storyofthebison.com.
Up to 60 million Bison once roamed the Great Plains of North America. By the close of the 19th century, it was estimated that less than 1,000 bison survived.
This is their story… “I believe today that this place is bigger than the dream I had for it. What it means to anyone that comes here will be up to them. Tatanka was not designed as the white man’s version of the Native American. Rather it stands as a centerpiece for two cultures, one whose very lives depended on the buffalo and one who saw it as a means to an end. It recognizes and accepts that this is our mutual history. It can also represent the chance to move forward.” Kevin Costner, Attraction Founder/Owner
The badlands is another South Dakota wonder. (www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm) Roaming among the many outcroppings of natural time sculptured stone you are transported to another world. Containing the world’s richest Oligocene epoch fossil beds, dating 37-28 million years old, the evolutionary stories of mammals such as the horse and rhinoceros arise from the 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires.
Hill City calls itself the Heart of the Black Hills. The history of Hill city reaches back into Pennington County’s oldest archives. In 1876, it was the first settlement established in conjunction with the initial discovery of Black Hills gold in French Creek, 13 miles south of where Hill City sits today. Miners came from far and wide to prospect in and around this small mountain town, now referred to as “The Heart of the Hills.” Although the first settlement in the count, it was the second community to develop in the greater Black Hills area, springing up shortly after the town of Custer.
In addition to livening up the local scene in the dark of winter, Open Stage Concerts gives new talent and seasoned acts alike a supportive place to hone their craft. It also helps local promoters find and hire performers for summer shows and festivals. Local and regional singer/songwriters and poets are regulars, but storytellers, dancers, jugglers, and joke tellers are welcome too. The audience’s free-will donations help support their scholarship program and art education grants for local kids.
Open Stage concerts at the High Country Guest Ranch will be held February 9 and 23, and March 9 and 23, with doors open at 5:15 pm with the buffet starting at 5:30 pm.
Other Hill City attractions are the Museum at Black Hills Institute and the Black Hills Institute of geological Research and the South Dakota State Railroad Museum which might quench your curiosity.
While on your way to other South Dakota sights you may wish to explore Deadwood and Hill City.

Mr. Terry Zinn – Travel Editor
Past President: International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association
http://realtraveladventures.com/author/zinn

As new state leaders are sworn in today, John D. Doak reflects on his eight years as Oklahoma’s insurance commissioner. Doak was elected the state’s 12th insurance commissioner in 2010 and was re-elected for a second term in 2014.
“I’m honored that Oklahomans chose to elect me to represent them, both in terms of insurance company solvency and ensuring fair claims handling,” Doak said. “I’ve been privileged to witness the courage and resilience of Oklahomans in the face of difficult natural disasters. It’s also been a pleasure to work with our state Legislature and governor and to travel to every one of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, meeting and working with the people who live there.”
During his tenure, Doak has tirelessly worked to raise awareness of the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) and how it can help Oklahomans. He started a field representative program to reach every corner of the state. He also made it a mission to have boots on the ground as soon as possible after a disaster. Many times Doak himself would visit with storm victims to reassure them that his office was there to help, if needed.
Another issue Doak worked on during his time in office was lowering the rate of uninsured motorists. Oklahoma has one of the highest rates in the country. Just a few months ago, the OID announced it would host the Auto Insurance Verification System which allows law enforcement to verify a driver has insurance in real time.
“One of my proudest accomplishments is that, as I leave the OID, it is now being recognized as a global leader in insurance regulatory issues,” Doak said.
Doak’s recognition that government must be ready to accept new and innovative ideas and products has helped frame that thinking. His belief that the OID should not only to protect consumers but allow the free market process to bring new quality products to consumers is recognized by many leaders worldwide.
More of Doak’s accomplishments include:
*Recovering $27,675,828 for Oklahomans since 2011
*The passage of House Bill 2308 which allows the OID to construct and own an office building
*OID employees earning more than 160 professional designations
*Co-hosting the National Tornado Summit since 2011
*The passage of the Insurance Business Transfer law
*Developing an earthquake education requirement for insurance professionals
*Testifying before a U.S. Senate sub-committee about insurance fraud
*Helping launch the University of Tulsa Cyber District
“I wish the best to the new leaders of our state, Gov. Kevin Stitt, Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready,” Doak said. “Commissioner Mulready has already proven that he is a dedicated public servant with expertise in the insurance industry, and he will continue that tradition in this new role.”

The Oklahoma History Center is honored to present Colonial Williamsburg’s Katharine Pittman in a portrayal of America’s “Lady Washington,” Martha Dandridge Custis Washington. The performance will be Thursday, February 7, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and will take place in the Chesapeake Event Center. Admission costs are $10 for Oklahoma Historical Society members and $20 for nonmembers. There is no reserved seating, so early arrival is recommended. Tickets may be reserved by calling 405-522-0765. The Oklahoma History Center is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City.
Katharine Pittman has been an actor/interpreter for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation for six years. She is a graduate of Wake Forest University and holds degrees in theater and history, and performed for many years around the country in musicals and operas. However, history was always her passion and, when given the opportunity, Pittman developed the Martha Washington portrayal and became one of the Nation Builders for Colonial Williamsburg.
While in Oklahoma, Pittman will make an appearance at the annual Colonial Day event at the Oklahoma State Capitol and Revolutionary Day in Tulsa.

A chocolate Labrador Retriever named Penney and a passion for old maps led to a unique business opportunity.
“I am nearing retirement and decided if wanted to retire to the country where Penney would have a place to run, I would need to have a small business to make ends meet,” said Mike Howard, owner of Penney’s Territorial Maps.
After collecting old maps for many years, Howard began copying them and hanging them up at work and in his home. One thing led to another, and before long people were requesting them.
“We have about 30 shops in northeast Oklahoma who stock and sell the maps,” Howard said. “I have really been surprised at how well the maps have been received… The business is expanding to other states, and I now have dealers in Texas, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas. I should be in New Mexico and Colorado by the end of 2019.”
Howard reproduces the old maps that are artificially aged and then sets them in rustic wood frames. Howard said he loves the reaction his customers have to his maps.
“I love hearing all the stories about their family’s history, looking for long lost towns, or pointing out where their land run claim was,” he said. “I have learned so much history about Oklahoma just talking to customers about the maps. I feel customers love the maps because it gives them a link to the past.”
Established in November 2016, Penney’s Territorial Maps joined the Made in Oklahoma Program this year. To learn more about the business, visit www.madeinoklahoma.net/products/penneys-territorial-maps/ or find them on Facebook.

WESTVILLE – A number of years ago, Terry and Pam Lamb began sharing a mustard recipe with friends and family. Now, they’ve created a business out of it.
“After being asked to bottle our lemon dill mustard so friends and family could share it with others, we decided to look into making it a business,” Terry Lamb said. “We had no experience in producing a food product. We looked to our local SCORE office for assistance. They suggested we market more than one product. We started playing with flavors and came up with over 10 we felt would be marketable and decided to start marketing three.”
Partnering with Pam’s mother, Vienna Willard, the Lambs converted their shop into a commercial kitchen. After approval from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Tajour Specialty Products was ready for production.
“We currently manufacture three flavors of mustard,” Terry Lamb said. “Our flavors include lemon dill mustard, rosemary garlic mustard and cranberry orange mustard. We have a number of other flavors developed with the intention of introducing more flavors as our company grows.”
The Lambs chose to incorporate a Hand Up Program, in which they donate 2 percent of every sale to go into an account to help people in their community build local businesses and fight food insecurity.
“We also try to make our products versatile,” he said. “Our mustards can be spread on a cracker with cheese or used on a sandwich. They can also be used as an ingredient in recipes. Our favorite is to make a dressing out of our cranberry orange mustard by mixing it with equal amounts of honey and using it on a salad or as dip. Making deviled eggs using any of our mustards runs a close second.”
Lamb said the goal is to create flavorful, healthy products without added sugar, salt or fat. Tajour Specialty Products was established in November 2017 and started sales in December 2018. The owner is a member of the Cherokee Nation. Tajour Specialty Products recently joined the Made in Oklahoma Program. To learn more about the business, visit www.tajoursp.com, www.madeinoklahoma.net/products/tajour-specialty-products-llc/ or find them on Facebook.

INTEGRIS is joining other hospitals and health centers around the country in a national effort to produce a stable supply of generic drugs. The venture is designed to address the growing frustration caused by persistent shortages of simple yet vital medications.
Utah-based not-for-profit generic-drug company Civica Rx is spearheading the initiative. “Drug shortages have become a national crisis, with patient treatments and surgeries canceled, delayed or suboptimal,” says Martin VanTrieste, chief executive officer of Civica Rx. “We thank these organizations for joining us to make essential generic medicines accessible and affordable in hospitals across the country.”
The benefit of the Civica Rx initiative is expected to be two-fold. Hospitals will not only have access to generic drugs that are frequently in short supply, but they will also be able to purchase those medications at a reduced cost. A savings that can then be passed along to patients.
“We are excited to be a partnering member in this venture,” says Tommy, Ibrahim, M.D., chief physician executive at INTEGRIS. “We enjoy a proud tradition of being a leading-edge health care provider known for a pioneering spirit that has paved the way for many medical firsts and technological advancements. We believe this initiative is another example of that. It is an innovative approach to providing quality, accessible, more affordable medicine to the citizens of Oklahoma.”
Civica Rx plans to bring 14 hospital-administered generic drugs to market in 2019. The overall vision is to become a model generic drug company that provides high-quality Food and Drug Administration-approved products at affordable prices.

by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

Like many, Karyl James, MSN, BSN, RN, Mercy Hospital CNO watched the frequent headlines marking deadly shootings.
And the reports of violence inside health care showed no signs of slowing down.
But what happens if the two scenarios combined? It was a question James and others in the Mercy system really didn’t want to think about, but one they knew they had to answer.
“With all the public shootings going on our safety team in collaboration with nursing said we have to educate and do something about it,” James said recently.
Through planning, discussion and scenarios Code Roscoe was born.
The code is Mercy-wide, so all 45 hospitals in the system use it for any active shooter situation.
Each unit must have at least two identified safe places that can prevent a shooter’s access to people.
“It’s not just nursing it’s registration, it’s all of those individuals. The front door of the hospital is registration so they need a safe place,” James said.
Planning for the unknown is a constant battle. Knowing who might have a gun is another.
A former ER nurse, James is familiar with both.
“Unknown was just kind of second nature for me and personally, I’ve had a gun pointed at me as an ER nurse many years ago,” James said.
It was an eye-opener to say the least.
“Yeah, I’m going to die. It was frightening,” James said of what flashed through her mind all those years ago. “He was not in his right mind and pulled out the revolver. Luckily, I had a police officer right next to me and he grabbed the gun.”
“The worst we can do is say ‘Oh, that will never happen to me because it might.’”
James knows working without a plan would shortchange everyone. That’s why she’s invested in the planning, hoping it will never be put to use.
The first drill that was run pointed out several instances where locking mechanisms didn’t work the way they should have.
The second time the code was called it wasn’t a drill.
“I got that call on a Sunday afternoon and I just froze,” James said of the scenario where the hospital locked down after a suspect in a nearby neighborhood was seen with a gun. “My stomach just sank because there was no drill.”
Out of instinct the first thing James did was call the house supervisor. That wasn’t protocol.
“The first thing you do is turn your phone off and text only,” James said. “I was the administrator on call.”
The house supervisor did answer and whispered to James she and several others were huddled under a table in the nursing administration offices.
“There was no lock on that door so they had the table pushed against the door,” James said. “The larger space you could just walk in. We’ve since put a badge reader on that door.”
Officials also learned the emergency locking button that seals all doors in the emergency department did not work.
“You could literally walk up and push open our ER so we got that fixed,” James said. “It really kind of opened our eyes to a lot of the safety measures we thought we had but really didn’t.”
Mercy has had Code Roscoe in place for nearly three years now. It’s evolved along the way.
“The reason I feel good about it is because the co-workers feel good about it,” James beamed. “After that actual event I went to the hospital after it was all said and done. It was a grueling 45 minutes because that was about how long it took for police to subdue the individual shooting in the neighborhood. I rounded on staff.”
“They knew exactly what to do. They knew where their safe spots were and the locks worked. They felt safer. For me, that’s a win.”
Planning for the unexpected is challenging to say the least.
“There’s always something new and I think you have to be flexible to understand you don’t have everything figured out and you never will,” she said.
“I get shocked every day with something new. Being open to accepting that and training as much as you possibly can for those bigger events – coworkers will figure out what they need to do and what is right to do for their patients and their safety.”