Targeted next-generation sequencing of TP53 in oral tongue carcinoma from non-smokers

Little is known regarding the etiology and genomic underpinnings of Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OTSCC) in patients who lack traditional risk factors, yet the incidence is increasing. In particular, th...

from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2cz1eT9
via IFTTT

Modeling background radiation using geochemical data: A case study in and around Cameron, Arizona

Publication date: December 2016
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 165
Author(s): Kara E. Marsac, Pamela C. Burnley, Christopher T. Adcock, Daniel A. Haber, Russell L. Malchow, Elisabeth M. Hausrath
This study compares high resolution forward models of natural gamma-ray background with that measured by high resolution aerial gamma-ray surveys. The ability to predict variations in natural background radiation levels should prove useful for those engaged in measuring anthropogenic contributions to background radiation for the purpose of emergency response and homeland security operations. The forward models are based on geologic maps and remote sensing multi-spectral imagery combined with two different sources of data: 1) bedrock geochemical data (uranium, potassium and thorium concentrations) collected from national databases, the scientific literature and private companies, and 2) the low spatial resolution NURE (National Uranium Resource Evaluation) aerial gamma-ray survey. The study area near Cameron, Arizona, is located in an arid region with minimal vegetation and, due to the presence of abandoned uranium mines, was the subject of a previous high resolution gamma-ray survey. We found that, in general, geologic map units form a good basis for predicting the geographic distribution of the gamma-ray background. Predictions of background gamma-radiation levels based on bedrock geochemical analyses were not as successful as those based on the NURE aerial survey data sorted by geologic unit. The less successful result of the bedrock geochemical model is most likely due to a number of factors including the need to take into account the evolution of soil geochemistry during chemical weathering and the influence of aeolian addition. Refinements to the forward models were made using ASTER visualizations to create subunits of similar exposure rate within the Chinle Formation, which contains multiple lithologies and by grouping alluvial units by drainage basin rather than age.



from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2cmxoyw
via IFTTT

A Mixed-Methods Study of Patient Views on Reflux Symptoms and Medication Routines

Publication date: Available online 16 September 2016
Source:Journal of Voice
Author(s): Jessica M. Pisegna, Sky Yang, Audrey Purcell, Alix Rubio
ObjectivesGastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic disorder often accompanied by laryngopharyngeal reflux. Speech-language pathologists are tasked with treating these patients with voice, dysphagia, and/or reflux therapy. This study investigated patient-reported reasons for reduced compliance with recommended reflux treatment and the top symptoms in patients with reflux, dysphagia, and voice symptoms.Study DesignThis study used a cross-sectional qualitative and quantitative mixed-methods design to identify and describe patients' reflux symptoms and reflux medication routines.MethodsFifty-one patients completed a face-to-face, semistructured interview, a questionnaire, and the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI). Interview transcripts were coded by authors for concepts in two cycles.ResultsDuring the 51 interviews, the top four reported symptoms were heartburn (n = 17), mucous (n = 11), dysphagia, and globus (n = 10). Further, 62.7% (n = 32/51) described an incorrect routine in taking their proton pump inhibitor (PPI): taking it with other pills, taking it with food/drink, and uncertainty about which pill is for reflux. RSI scores were moderately correlated with patient-reported reflux severity (r = 0.62, P < 0.0001, r² = 0.34). Correct compliance with PPI timing was not enough to significantly lower RSI scores more than those who did not comply (an average RSI of 20.0 vs. 25.9, P = 0.1252).ConclusionsLiterature has not described the most relevant reflux-related symptoms and why PPI compliance is notoriously poor, from the patients' perspective. The results of this study confirm that PPI compliance is poor, and the reasons for poor compliance could have been prevented with patient education. Even when PPI compliance was adequate, symptoms like globus, mucous, voice dysfunction, and dysphagia persisted. Other interventions such as evidence-based diet and behavioral changes should be a part of voice/dysphagia/reflux therapy.



from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2d3oyZ9
via IFTTT

Editorial Board

Publication date: October 2016
Source:Dental Materials, Volume 32, Issue 10





from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2cUmkLc
via IFTTT

International Consensus (ICON): allergic reactions to vaccines

Routine immunization, one of the most effective public health interventions, has effectively reduced death and morbidity due to a variety of infectious diseases. However, allergic reactions to vaccines occur v...

from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2cE8bP3
via IFTTT

Selection and characterization of single domain antibodies against human CD20

Publication date: October 2016
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 78
Author(s): Jinny L. Liu, Dan Zabetakis, Ellen R. Goldman, George P. Anderson
CD20 is a membrane protein with four integral membrane regions and a large extracellular loop between residues 142 and 187, which serves as a target binding region for rituximab (RTX) and most other anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. It is highly expressed in B-lymphoma cells and B lymphocytes and often serves as a target for immunotherapy. In this study, we developed single domain antibodies (sdAbs) for the sensitive detection of CD20. To achieve this, an immune sdAb library was prepared from llamas immunized with a fusion between the large loop from CD20 and Hoc, a highly antigenic protein from the T4 bacteriophage, (CD20-Hoc). By subtracting binders to recombinant Hoc during the biopanning, potential anti-CD20 sdAbs were selected, sequenced, and characterized for their binding affinity to CD20-Hoc fusion versus Hoc. Twenty five clones grouped into three different families based on CDR3 sequence were identified as potential CD20 binders. The binding kinetics of representative sdAbs from each class and RTX were evaluated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Most of the sdAbs that were evaluated show binding affinities to CD20-Hoc in the nM range, and class A sdAbs, exhibited ≥40-fold increase in affinity for CD20-Hoc versus Hoc. When the binding of the sdAbs to CD20 on SU-DHL-4 cells was evaluated by flow cytometry, only class A sdAbs displayed strong binding to CD20 and recognized DHL cells in a concentration dependent manner.



from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2cgb4YU
via IFTTT

IL-27 suppresses SKOV3 cells proliferation by enhancing STAT3 and inhibiting the Akt signal pathway

Publication date: October 2016
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 78
Author(s): Zhu Zhang, Bin Zhou, Kui Zhang, Yaping Song, Lin Zhang, Mingrong Xi
Ovarian cancer continues to be the most lethal gynecologic malignancy worldwide. IL-27 is a novel member of the IL-12 cytokine family. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of IL-27 on the ovarian cystadenocarcinoma cell line SKOV3 and determine possible mechanisms underlying its effect. We stably transfected an IL-27 plasmid, empty vector, IL-27 shRNA or negative control into SKOV3 cells. Cell proliferative activity was evaluated using a WST-1 cell proliferation assay kit. Cell viability was quantified by measurements of lactate dehydrogenase release. The mRNA levels of nine genes were tested by q-PCR. Western blotting was used to verify apoptosis and signal pathways. We found that the IL-27 plasmid significantly enhanced cytotoxicity and inhibited the proliferation of SKOV3 cells. Caspase-3 protein was augmented by IL-27 plasmid and abated by IL-27 shRNA. The incremental expression of IL-27 activated the STAT3 pathway and attenuated the Akt pathway. The over-expression of IL-27 could significantly upregulate a series of antitumor cytokines including IL-6, IL-12 and interferon-γ and down-regulate protumor factors such as TLR4 and NF-κB1. Our data show that IL-27 has direct antitumor capacity in ovarian cancer cells via enhancing apoptosis by inducing the STAT3 pathway and restraining the Akt pathway.Précis: IL-27 enhanced the cytotoxicity and suppressed the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells by activating STAT3 and inhibiting the Akt signal pathway. IL-27 plays an important role in antitumor activity against epithelial ovarian cancer.



from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2cedBOe
via IFTTT