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Jensen J, Blackburn PA, Gale N, Senior C, Woznitza N, Heales CJ, Pedersen MRV. Reporting radiographers within the European Federation of Radiographer Society (EFRS) member countries - motivation for becoming a reporting radiographer. Radiography (Lond) 2024; 30:731-736. [PMID: 38428197 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2024.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Radiographer-led reporting originated in the United Kingdom as a strategy to reduce reporting backlog and time taken to report images. The effectiveness of reporting radiographers has been demonstrated, but their motivational factors have not been thoroughly explored. This survey aims to understand the incentives for radiographers to pursue postgraduate education in reporting radiography across Europe. METHODS An online survey was conducted, collecting data across a range of topics such as demographic information, professional role, and job satisfaction. Questions assessing the influence of motivational factors on the decision to become a reporting radiographer are presented in this study. Descriptive statistics characterized the respondents' demographics. The motivational aspects were analysed quantitatively by regression analyses. Thematic analyses were performed for the free text responses on motivational aspects. RESULTS 239 respondents from the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, The Netherlands, Ireland, and Malta completed the survey's motivation section. Increased knowledge and new challenges were the most motivating factors for becoming a reporting radiographer, while less exposure to radiation and less patient contact were the least motivating factors. Job satisfaction was a significant motivator. Gender significantly correlated with the importance of social connections for female reporting radiographers. A cross-country comparison showed that title and position and job security were more important for reporting radiographers from the UK. CONCLUSION Taking in consideration that a sample of 239 is not generalisable for the role, this survey does provides insights into the motivation behind being a reporting radiographer in Europe. Factors such as increased knowledge, new challenges, and job satisfaction play significant roles. Hindrances experienced by reporting radiographers included lack of time, support, and standards, while aspirations for further professional development were expressed. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE A thorough understanding of the motivation behind pursuing postgraduate studies in reporting radiography is a valuable tool for managers, aiding in fostering a positive work environment and attracting/keeping qualified personnel. The findings of this study can be employed in the development of strategies to support and enhance the practice of reporting radiographers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Jensen
- Research and Innovation Unit of Radiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Department of Radiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
| | - P A Blackburn
- Department of Radiology, Kolding Hospital- Part of Lillebaelt Hospital, Kolding, Denmark; Department of Radiology, Vejle Hospital - Part of Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark
| | - N Gale
- Medical Imaging, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, UK
| | - C Senior
- Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - N Woznitza
- University College London Hospitals, UK; Canterbury Christ Church University, UK
| | - C J Heales
- Medical Imaging, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, UK
| | - M R V Pedersen
- Department of Radiology, Kolding Hospital- Part of Lillebaelt Hospital, Kolding, Denmark; Department of Radiology, Vejle Hospital - Part of Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark; Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Pedersen MRV, Jensen J, Gale N, Senior C, Woznitza N, Heales CJ. Reporting radiographers in Europe survey: Support, role satisfaction, and advanced clinical practice within the European federation of radiographer society (EFRS) member countries. Radiography (Lond) 2024; 30:87-94. [PMID: 37871370 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increasing number of radiographers are undertaking image reporting throughout Europe. However, there are variations in practice and experience in European countries. The study aim was to investigate reporting radiographer's perceptions in relation to support for their role and workload satisfaction and elements of advanced practice that may also be undertaken. METHODS Following institutional ethical approval an online 34 item questionnaire survey was circulated via social media; Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn in a 12-week period in 2022 across Europe. The survey data were managed by the online secure database REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture). Data was collected across a range of questions, of which those relating to support for, and barriers to radiographer reporting, role and job satisfaction, and other role elements are reported here. RESULTS A response level of 345 individual reporting radiographers replied to the survey from 15 European countries; some questions were optional and therefore had a lower response rate. There was consensus about the need for support from radiologists and management, protected time, and funding to support the reporting role. The majority of respondents received additional pay for taking on this role and expressed satisfaction with their role and workload. In relation to elements of advanced practice, the majority of respondents were involved in educational and managerial activities, and there was interest, but limited involvement, in research. CONCLUSION There was a consensus about the support needed, and perceived barriers to, radiographer reporting, between reporting radiographers from different countries. Whilst there is some commonality in relation to activities such as supervision and education, there was clearer variety in relation to opportunities for research between the respondents, perhaps reflecting the differences between reporting as a standalone role development and reporting as part of an advanced clinical practice role. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE As there is increasingly an emphasis on advanced clinical practice, reporting radiographers are likely to require support to develop their skills so that they can actively participate in the broader activities associated with this role, including education, leadership, and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R V Pedersen
- Department of Radiology, Vejle Hospital - Part of Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark; Department of Radiology, Kolding Hospital- Part of Lillebaelt Hospital, Kolding, Denmark; Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - J Jensen
- Research and Innovation Unit of Radiology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Department of Radiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - N Gale
- Medical Imaging, University of Exeter, UK
| | - C Senior
- Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - N Woznitza
- University College London Hospitals, UK; Canterbury Christ Church University, UK
| | - C J Heales
- Medical Imaging, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, UK
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Pedersen MRV, Jensen J, Senior C, Gale N, Heales CJ, Woznitza N. Reporting radiographers in Europe survey: An overview of the role within the European Federation of Radiographer Society (EFRS) member countries. Radiography (Lond) 2023; 29:1100-1107. [PMID: 37757677 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reporting radiographers undertake an important role in healthcare and for the radiographer profession in general. First introduced in the United Kingdom, reporting radiographers are now practicing in several other European countries. Our objective was to investigate the workforce of reporting radiographers across the European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS) community. METHOD AND MATERIAL A voluntary anonymous 34 item electronic survey was distributed online using social media accounts such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn covering a wide range of topics relating to professional role, advanced practice, education, and seniority. The questionnaire was distributed during a 12-week period in 2022. RESULT A total of 345 individual responses were received from 15 countries with majorities of respondent from United Kingdom (n = 245, 71%) and Denmark (n = 66, 19%). Mean age was 41.9 (S.D 9.8), similar for females, 42.5 (S.D 9.0) and men 40.9 years (S.D 9.7). Most reporting radiographers worked in public hospitals (90%). The vast majority of the respondents (n = 270, n = 94%) authored and signed their own clinical reports while a minority (n = 18, 6%) stated that their reports were checked by radiologists. CONCLUSION The survey highlights the scope of practice of reporting radiographers working in Europe. Reporting is becoming a career path for an increasing number of radiographers across Europe and there is assess to academic education and clinical support. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE Reporting radiographers fulfil an important role within the current demands of healthcare. This demand is likely to increase in the future, and therefore it is vital that there is some form of standardisation in the level of education that this group of healthcare professionals receive.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R V Pedersen
- Department of Radiology, Vejle Hospital - Part of Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark; Department of Radiology, Kolding Hospital - Part of Lillebaelt Hospital, Kolding, Denmark; Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - J Jensen
- Research and Innovation Unit of Radiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense Denmark; Department of Radiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - C Senior
- Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - N Gale
- Medical Imaging, University of Exeter, UK
| | - C J Heales
- Medical Imaging, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | - N Woznitza
- University College London Hospitals, UK; Canterbury Christ Church University, UK
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Martins SM, Dickens AP, Salibe-Filho W, Albuquerque Neto AA, Adab P, Enocson A, Cooper BG, Sousa LVA, Sitch AJ, Jowett S, Adams R, Cheng KK, Chi C, Correia-de-Sousa J, Farley A, Gale N, Jolly K, Maglakelidze M, Maghlakelidze T, Stavrikj K, Turner AM, Williams S, Jordan RE, Stelmach R. Accuracy and economic evaluation of screening tests for undiagnosed COPD among hypertensive individuals in Brazil. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2022; 32:55. [PMID: 36513683 PMCID: PMC9747958 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-022-00303-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In Brazil, prevalence of diagnosed COPD among adults aged 40 years and over is 16% although over 70% of cases remain undiagnosed. Hypertension is common and well-recorded in primary care, and frequently co-exists with COPD because of common causes such as tobacco smoking, therefore we conducted a cross-sectional screening test accuracy study in nine Basic Health Units in Brazil, among hypertensive patients aged ≥40 years to identify the optimum screening test/combinations to detect undiagnosed COPD. We compared six index tests (four screening questionnaires, microspirometer and peak flow) against the reference test defined as those below the lower limit of normal (LLN-GLI) on quality diagnostic spirometry, with confirmed COPD at clinical review. Of 1162 participants, 6.8% (n = 79) had clinically confirmed COPD. Peak flow had a higher specificity but lower sensitivity than microspirometry (sensitivity 44.3% [95% CI 33.1, 55.9], specificity 95.5% [95% CI 94.1, 96.6]). SBQ performed well compared to the other questionnaires (sensitivity 75.9% [95% CI 65.0, 84.9], specificity 59.2% [95% CI 56.2, 62.1]). A strategy requiring both SBQ and peak flow to be positive yielded sensitivity of 39.2% (95% CI 28.4, 50.9) and specificity of 97.0% (95% CI 95.7, 97.9). The use of simple screening tests was feasible within the Brazilian primary care setting. The combination of SBQ and peak flow appeared most efficient, when considering performance of the test, cost and ease of use (costing £1690 (5554 R$) with 26.7 cases detected per 1,000 patients). However, the choice of screening tests depends on the clinical setting and availability of resources.ISRCTN registration number: 11377960.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. M. Martins
- grid.412368.a0000 0004 0643 8839Family Medicine, ABC Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - A. P. Dickens
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK ,grid.500407.6Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Midview City, Singapore
| | - W. Salibe-Filho
- grid.412368.a0000 0004 0643 8839Family Medicine, ABC Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil ,grid.11899.380000 0004 1937 0722Respiratory Division, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - A. A. Albuquerque Neto
- grid.411249.b0000 0001 0514 7202Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - P. Adab
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - A. Enocson
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - B. G. Cooper
- grid.412563.70000 0004 0376 6589Lung Function & Sleep, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - L. V. A. Sousa
- grid.412368.a0000 0004 0643 8839Family Medicine, ABC Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - A. J. Sitch
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK ,grid.412563.70000 0004 0376 6589NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - S. Jowett
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - R. Adams
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - K. K. Cheng
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - C. Chi
- grid.411472.50000 0004 1764 1621Department of General Practice, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - J. Correia-de-Sousa
- International Primary Care Respiratory Group, Edinburgh, UK ,grid.10328.380000 0001 2159 175XLife and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga Portugal, ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - A. Farley
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - N. Gale
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486Health Services Management Centre, School of Social Policy, College of Social Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - K. Jolly
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - M. Maglakelidze
- Georgian Respiratory Association, Tbilisi, Georgia ,grid.444026.00000 0004 0519 9653Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy, Tblisi, Georgia
| | - T. Maghlakelidze
- Georgian Respiratory Association, Tbilisi, Georgia ,grid.26193.3f0000 0001 2034 6082Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tblisi, Georgia
| | - K. Stavrikj
- grid.7858.20000 0001 0708 5391Center for Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ss.Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - A. M. Turner
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - S. Williams
- International Primary Care Respiratory Group, Edinburgh, UK
| | - R. E. Jordan
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - R. Stelmach
- grid.11899.380000 0004 1937 0722Respiratory Division, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Collina G, Gale N, Visonà A, Betts CM, Cenacchi V, Eusebi V. Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland: A Clinico-Pathologic and Immunohistochemical Study of Seven Cases. Tumori 2018; 77:257-63. [PMID: 1862557 DOI: 10.1177/030089169107700315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Seven cases of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland are reported. Immunohistochemical evidence for the dual (glandular secretory and myoepithelial) differentiation of the cells composing these lesions is presented. Three of the cases recurred locally and two gave rise to metastases. The biologic behavior does not appear to be correlated with the histologic features that constitute the morphologic spectrum of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Collina
- Istituto di Anatomia e Istologia Patologica, Università di Bologna, Italy
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Kukwikila M, Gale N, El-Sagheer AH, Brown T, Tavassoli A. Assembly of a biocompatible triazole-linked gene by one-pot click-DNA ligation. Nat Chem 2017; 9:1089-1098. [PMID: 29064492 DOI: 10.1038/nchem.2850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The chemical synthesis of oligonucleotides and their enzyme-mediated assembly into genes and genomes has significantly advanced multiple scientific disciplines. However, these approaches are not without their shortcomings; enzymatic amplification and ligation of oligonucleotides into genes and genomes makes automation challenging, and site-specific incorporation of epigenetic information and/or modified bases into large constructs is not feasible. Here we present a fully chemical one-pot method for the assembly of oligonucleotides into a gene by click-DNA ligation. We synthesize the 335 base-pair gene that encodes the green fluorescent protein iLOV from ten functionalized oligonucleotides that contain 5'-azide and 3'-alkyne units. The resulting click-linked iLOV gene contains eight triazoles at the sites of chemical ligation, and yet is fully biocompatible; it is replicated by DNA polymerases in vitro and encodes a functional iLOV protein in Escherichia coli. We demonstrate the power and potential of our one-pot gene-assembly method by preparing an epigenetically modified variant of the iLOV gene.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nittaya Gale
- ATDBio, Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Afaf H El-Sagheer
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom.,Chemistry Branch, Department of Science and Mathematics, Suez University, Suez 43721, Egypt
| | - Tom Brown
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Tavassoli
- Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.,Institute for Life Science, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
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Zorec TM, Hošnjak L, Kocjan B, Gale N, Zidar N, Strojan P, Poljak M. A32 Search for viral integration insertion sites into the human genome-strategy matters. Virus Evol 2017; 3:vew036.031. [PMID: 28845283 PMCID: PMC5565999 DOI: 10.1093/ve/vew036.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- T M Zorec
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - L Hošnjak
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - B Kocjan
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - N Gale
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - N Zidar
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - P Strojan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M Poljak
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore 2 key points in the heart failure diagnostic pathway-symptom onset and diagnostic meaning-from the patient perspective. DESIGN Qualitative interview study. SETTING Participants were recruited from a secondary care clinic in central England following referral from primary care. PARTICIPANTS Over age 55 years with a recent (<1 year) diagnosis of heart failure confirmed by a cardiologist following initial presentation to primary care. METHODS Semistructured interviews were carried out with 16 participants (11 men and 5 women, median age 78.5 years) in their own homes. Data were audio-recorded and transcribed. Participants were asked to describe their diagnostic journey from when they first noticed something wrong up to and including the point of diagnosis. Data were analysed using the framework method. RESULTS Participants initially normalised symptoms and only sought medical help when daily activities were affected. Failure to realise that anything was wrong led to a delay in help-seeking. Participants' understanding of the term 'heart failure' was variable and 1 participant did not know he had the condition. The term itself caused great anxiety initially but participants learnt to cope with and accept their diagnosis over time. CONCLUSIONS Greater public awareness of symptoms and adequate explanation of 'heart failure' as a diagnostic label, or reconsideration of its use, are potential areas of service improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Taylor
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - F D R Hobbs
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - T Marshall
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - F Leyva-Leon
- Aston Medical Research Insitutue, Aston Medical School, Birmingham, UK
| | - N Gale
- Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Reagon C, Gale N, Dow R, Lewis I, van Deursen R. Choir singing and health status in people affected by cancer. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2016; 26. [DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Reagon
- School of Healthcare Sciences; College of Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cardiff University; Cardiff UK
| | - N. Gale
- School of Healthcare Sciences; College of Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cardiff University; Cardiff UK
| | - R. Dow
- Tenovus Cancer Care; Cardiff UK
| | | | - R. van Deursen
- School of Healthcare Sciences; College of Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cardiff University; Cardiff UK
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Roberts G, Lenroot R, Frankland A, Yeung PK, Gale N, Wright A, Lau P, Levy F, Wen W, Mitchell PB. Abnormalities in left inferior frontal gyral thickness and parahippocampal gyral volume in young people at high genetic risk for bipolar disorder. Psychol Med 2016; 46:2083-2096. [PMID: 27067698 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291716000507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fronto-limbic structural brain abnormalities have been reported in patients with bipolar disorder (BD), but findings in individuals at increased genetic risk of developing BD have been inconsistent. We conducted a study in adolescents and young adults (12-30 years) comparing measures of fronto-limbic cortical and subcortical brain structure between individuals at increased familial risk of BD (at risk; AR), subjects with BD and controls (CON). We separately examined cortical volume, thickness and surface area as these have distinct neurodevelopmental origins and thus may reflect differential effects of genetic risk. METHOD We compared fronto-limbic measures of grey and white matter volume, cortical thickness and surface area in 72 unaffected-risk individuals with at least one first-degree relative with bipolar disorder (AR), 38 BD subjects and 72 participants with no family history of mental illness (CON). RESULTS The AR group had significantly reduced cortical thickness in the left pars orbitalis of the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) compared with the CON group, and significantly increased left parahippocampal gyral volume compared with those with BD. CONCLUSIONS The finding of reduced cortical thickness of the left pars orbitalis in AR subjects is consistent with other evidence supporting the IFG as a key region associated with genetic liability for BD. The greater volume of the left parahippocampal gyrus in those at high risk is in line with some prior reports of regional increases in grey matter volume in at-risk subjects. Assessing multiple complementary morphometric measures may assist in the better understanding of abnormal developmental processes in BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Roberts
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales,Sydney,Australia
| | - R Lenroot
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales,Sydney,Australia
| | - A Frankland
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales,Sydney,Australia
| | - P K Yeung
- Neuroscience Research Australia,Sydney,Australia
| | - N Gale
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales,Sydney,Australia
| | - A Wright
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales,Sydney,Australia
| | - P Lau
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales,Sydney,Australia
| | - F Levy
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales,Sydney,Australia
| | - W Wen
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales,Sydney,Australia
| | - P B Mitchell
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales,Sydney,Australia
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Papadopoulou E, Gale N, Thompson JF, Fleming TA, Brown T, Bartlett PN. Specifically horizontally tethered DNA probes on Au surfaces allow labelled and label-free DNA detection using SERS and electrochemically driven melting. Chem Sci 2015; 7:386-393. [PMID: 29861989 PMCID: PMC5952265 DOI: 10.1039/c5sc03185k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Controlled covalent attachment of dsDNA horizontally orientated on a gold surface is achieved through the use of a single surface-linker located approximately half way along the attached DNA probe strand.
Controlled covalent attachment of dsDNA horizontally orientated on a gold surface is achieved through the use of a single surface-linker located approximately half way along the attached DNA probe strand. We show that horizontally oriented dsDNA on a gold surface can undergo melting and re-hybridization to target strand in solution and thus can be used for the detection of specific target DNA sequences using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). We show that a range of lengths of target DNA sequences from ∼30-bases to 78-bases can be specifically hybridized to the short immobilized DNA probe sequence and adopt a horizontal orientation on the gold surface. Following thermal or electrochemically driven melting of the immobilized dsDNA, the target DNA strand diffuses away while the probe strand remains attached to the surface allowing the functionalized surfaces to be reused. The melting of the horizontally orientated immobilized dsDNA can be monitored using SERS either by employing a dye label covalently attached on the DNA target strand or by employing a binding agent selective for dsDNA. This approach of covalently immobilizing the DNA probe strand through a linker located at approximately the middle of the strand has great potential to improve the sensitivity and specificity of molecular assays that employ DNA arrays on solid surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Papadopoulou
- Chemistry , University of Southampton , Highfield , Southampton , SO17 1BJ , UK .
| | - N Gale
- ATDBio Ltd , Chemistry , University of Southampton , Highfield , Southampton , SO17 1BJ , UK
| | - J F Thompson
- Chemistry , University of Southampton , Highfield , Southampton , SO17 1BJ , UK .
| | - T A Fleming
- Chemistry , University of Southampton , Highfield , Southampton , SO17 1BJ , UK .
| | - T Brown
- Department of Chemistry , University of Oxford , Chemistry Research Laboratory , 12 Mansfield Rd , Oxford OX1 3TA , UK
| | - P N Bartlett
- Chemistry , University of Southampton , Highfield , Southampton , SO17 1BJ , UK .
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Papadopoulou E, Gale N, Goodchild SA, Cleary DW, Weller SA, Brown T, Bartlett PN. Strain discrimination of Yersinia pestis using a SERS-based electrochemically driven melting curve analysis of variable number tandem repeat sequences. Chem Sci 2015; 6:1846-1852. [PMID: 29449917 PMCID: PMC5701729 DOI: 10.1039/c4sc03084b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Strain discrimination within genetically highly similar bacteria is critical for epidemiological studies and forensic applications. An electrochemically driven melting curve analysis monitored by SERS has been utilised to reliably discriminate strains of the bacterial pathogen Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague. DNA amplicons containing Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTRs) were generated from three strains of Y. pestis: CO92, Harbin 35 and Kim. These amplicons contained a 10 base pair VNTR repeated 6, 5, and 4 times in CO92, Harbin 35 and Kim respectively. The assay also included a blocker oligonucleotide comprising 3 repeats of the 10-mer VNTR sequence. The use of the blocker reduced the effective length of the target sequence available to bind to the surface bound probe and significantly improved the sensitivity of the discrimination. The results were consistent during three replicates that were carried out on different days, using different batches of PCR product and different SERS sphere segment void (SSV) substrate. This methodology which combines low cost, speed and sensitivity is a promising alternative to the time consuming current electrophoretic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Papadopoulou
- Chemistry , University of Southampton , Highfield , Southampton SO17 1BJ , UK .
| | - N Gale
- ATDBio Ltd , Chemistry , University of Southampton , Highfield , Southampton SO17 1BJ , UK
| | - S A Goodchild
- DSTL , Wiltshire SP4 0JQ , Salisbury , Porton Down , UK
| | - D W Cleary
- DSTL , Wiltshire SP4 0JQ , Salisbury , Porton Down , UK
| | - S A Weller
- DSTL , Wiltshire SP4 0JQ , Salisbury , Porton Down , UK
| | - T Brown
- Department of Chemistry , University of Oxford , Chemistry Research Laboratory , Oxford OX1 3TA , UK
| | - P N Bartlett
- Chemistry , University of Southampton , Highfield , Southampton SO17 1BJ , UK .
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Abstract
We show that FRET between Pacific Blue (PB) and Alexa488 (A488) covalently attached to a DNA scaffold can be reversibly controlled by photochromic switching of a spiropyran derivative. With the spiropyran in the closed spiro isomeric form, FRET occurs freely between PB and A488. UV-induced isomerization to the open merocyanine form shuts down the FRET process by efficient quenching of the PB excited state. The process is reversed by exposure to visible light, triggering the isomerization to the spiro isomer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Bälter
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Chalmers University of Technology , 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden
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Shneerson C, Taskila T, Greenfield S, Gale N. A survey investigating the associations between self-management practices and quality of life in cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer 2015; 23:2655-62. [PMID: 25669966 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-015-2626-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore whether the use of self-management (SM) practices in cancer survivors impact on their health beliefs and quality of life (QoL). This is an important step in attempting to improve cancer survivors' health pathways and their experiences of living with cancer. METHODS A cross-sectional, postal survey study was undertaken amongst cancer survivors identified from a teaching hospital in the West Midlands, UK. The questionnaire collected demographic data from respondents and information on the number and types of SM practices-diet, exercise, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), psychological therapies, support groups and spirituality/religion-cancer survivors used after completing their treatment. Information was also gathered regarding their QoL and internal health locus of control (HLC). RESULTS A total of 445 cancer survivors responded to the survey. Multi-linear regression analysis found a positive association between SM uptake and HLC; however, none was found between SM uptake and QoL. Treatment type, ethnicity and age were significantly associated with an increased use of SM practices. CONCLUSION The study findings have implications for health care providers, who need to be aware of the links between SM uptake and treatment type, ethnicity and age, when considering how best to incorporate SM into cancer survivors' lives. This can help cancer survivors who may benefit from using specific SM interventions that consider the socio-demographic and treatment-related factors impacting on them. Future research would benefit from assessing the motivations and benefits of cancer survivors of different ages, ethnicities and treatment modalities in terms of their decision-making about SM use. These findings suggest that SM uptake is associated with higher internal HLC in cancer survivors. However, the influence of treatment type, ethnicity and age plays a more significant role in determining SM uptake than HLC. Cancer survivors using SM may be more motivated to utilise SM practices in relation to their age, ethnicity and treatment type, generating positive health outcomes in the process. Policy-makers should be aware of the supportive role SM interventions can play in cancer care and survivorship, with future research focussing on the perceived benefit of these SM interventions to cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Shneerson
- School of Health and Population Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK,
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Papadopoulou E, Goodchild SA, Cleary DW, Weller SA, Gale N, Stubberfield MR, Brown T, Bartlett PN. Using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and electrochemically driven melting to discriminate Yersinia pestis from Y. pseudotuberculosis based on single nucleotide polymorphisms within unpurified polymerase chain reaction amplicons. Anal Chem 2015; 87:1605-12. [PMID: 25551670 DOI: 10.1021/ac503063c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The development of sensors for the detection of pathogen-specific DNA, including relevant species/strain level discrimination, is critical in molecular diagnostics with major impacts in areas such as bioterrorism and food safety. Herein, we use electrochemically driven denaturation assays monitored by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to target single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that distinguish DNA amplicons generated from Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, from the closely related species Y. pseudotuberculosis. Two assays targeting SNPs within the groEL and metH genes of these two species have been successfully designed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to produce Texas Red labeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) amplicons of 262 and 251 bases for the groEL and metH targets, respectively. These amplicons were used in an unpurified form to hybridize to immobilized probes then subjected to electrochemically driven melting. In all cases electrochemically driven melting was able to discriminate between fully homologous DNA and that containing SNPs. The metH assay was particularly challenging due to the presence of only a single base mismatch in the middle of the 251 base long PCR amplicon. However, manipulation of assay conditions (conducting the electrochemical experiments at 10 °C) resulted in greater discrimination between the complementary and mismatched DNA. Replicate data were collected and analyzed for each duplex on different days, using different batches of PCR product and different sphere segment void (SSV) substrates. Despite the variability introduced by these differences, the assays are shown to be reliable and robust providing a new platform for strain discrimination using unpurified PCR samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evanthia Papadopoulou
- Chemistry, University of Southampton , Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
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Gale N, Albarrati A, Munnery M, Munnery I, Tal-Singer R, Cockcroft J, Shale D. M143 Progression Of Central Arterial Stiffness In Copd After 2 Years Of Observation. Thorax 2014. [DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2014-206260.438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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17
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Albarrati A, Gale N, Enright S, Munnery M, Munnery I, Saikia S, Cockcroft J, Shale D. M139 Frailty And Premature Cardiovascular Ageing In Copd. Thorax 2014. [DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2014-206260.434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Miao H, Gale N, Guo H, Qian J, Petty A, Kaspar J, Murphy A, Valenzuela D, Yancopoulos G, Hambardzumyan D, Lathia J, Rich J, Lee J, Wang B. CS-21 * EphA2 PROMOTES INFILTRATIVE INVASION OF GLIOMA STEM CELLS IN VIVO THROUGH CROSSTALK WITH Akt AND REGULATES STEM PROPERTIES. Neuro Oncol 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nou242.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Ball RJ, Green PS, Gale N, Langley GJ, Brown T. Peptide nucleic acid probes with charged photocleavable mass markers: Towards PNA-based MALDI-TOF MS genetic analysis. Artif DNA PNA XNA 2014; 1:27-35. [PMID: 21687524 DOI: 10.4161/adna.1.1.12199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2010] [Revised: 04/06/2010] [Accepted: 04/30/2010] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Halogen-labelled peptide organic acid (HPOA) monomers have been synthesised and incorporated into sequence-specific peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes. Three different types of probe have been prepared; the unmodified PNA probe, the PNA probe with a mass marker, and the PNA probe with photocleavable mass marker. All three types of probe have been used in model studies to develop a mass spectrometry-based hybridisation assay for detection of point mutations in DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J Ball
- School of Chemistry; University of Southampton; Southampton, UK
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Shneerson C, Taskila T, Holder R, Greenfield S, Tolosa I, Damery S, Gale N. Patterns of self-management practices undertaken by cancer survivors: variations in demographic factors. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2014; 24:683-94. [PMID: 25265011 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The study purpose was to examine self-management (SM) use among cancer survivors; and to explore variations in uptake of SM in survivorship and whether these differed in relation to age, income, gender, ethnicity, cancer type and treatment type. This is an important area for exploration as SM utilisation has the potential to impact on the health status, health behaviours and quality of life (QoL) of cancer survivors. A postal survey was conducted among 445 cancer survivors identified from a hospital in the West Midlands, UK. Demographic data were collected and respondents were asked to identify which practices across six SM categories - diet, exercise, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), psychological therapies, support groups and spirituality/religion - they had used (if any). The findings indicate that the large majority (91%) had used some form of SM after their cancer treatment. Exercise (84%) and diet (56%) were the most popular SM interventions for cancer survivors and socio-demographic and cancer-related factors were associated with SM uptake. These findings can form the basis for designing and implementing appropriate SM interventions aimed at improving the health, well-being and QoL of cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Shneerson
- Public Health Building, School of Health and Population Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - T Taskila
- The Work Foundation, Centre for Workforce Effectiveness (Part of Lancaster University), London, UK
| | - R Holder
- Medical Statistician Primary Care Clinical Sciences, School of Health and Population Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - S Greenfield
- Primary Care Clinical Sciences, Primary Care Clinical Sciences, School of Health and Population Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - I Tolosa
- Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Nuffield House, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - S Damery
- School of Health and Population Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - N Gale
- HSMC, Park House, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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21
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Choudhury M, Gale N, Cockcroft J, Morgan P, Duckers J, Wong S, Ketchell R. 199 Arterial stiffness in an ageing cystic fibrosis (CF) population attending the All Wales Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre (AWACFC). J Cyst Fibros 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-1993(14)60334-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Abstract
Hybridisation assays, which are commonly used to analyse oligonucleotides such as siRNAs and miRNAs, often employ detection probes with fluorescent tags. The signal emitted by a fluorescent tag covers a broad range of wavelengths and this limits the multiplexing potential due to overlapping signals. A novel method of indirect oligonucleotide analysis has been developed which combines a hybridisation assay with cleavable small molecule mass tags using HPLC-ESI MS detection. A self-reporting detection probe has been designed which incorporates a DNA/RNA chimeric oligonucleotide sequence in the reporter region, which generates small nucleotide products upon RNase cleavage of the ribose-phosphate backbone. These small nucleotides can then serve as mass tags for the indirect detection of oligonucleotide analytes. The narrow mass range covered by a small molecule mass tag combined with the wide range of possible mass tags provides a high degree of multiplexing potential. This approach has been demonstrated for the analysis of a synthetic miRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo-Anne Riley
- Chemistry, FNES, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
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23
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Softley I, Kier E, Cooke S, Bowes M, Watkeys L, Gale N, Cockcroft J, McDonnell B. P6.4 THE DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS OF RESISTANCE TRAINING AND ENDURANCE TRAINING ON AUGMENTATION INDEX: A PILOT STUDY. Artery Res 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.artres.2014.09.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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24
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Fisk M, Gale N, Mohan D, Marchong MN, Forman J, Lomas DA, Cockcroft JR, Bolton CE, MacNee W, Fuld J, Calverley CM, McEniery CM, Tal-Singer R, Wilkinson IB, Polkey MI. P129 Skeletal muscle weakness, not arterial stiffness, differs according to GOLD group in COPD: Abstract P129 Table 1. Thorax 2013. [DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2013-204457.279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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25
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Fonvielle M, Li de La Sierra-Gallay I, El-Sagheer AH, Lecerf M, Patin D, Mellal D, Mayer C, Blanot D, Gale N, Brown T, van Tilbeurgh H, Ethève-Quelquejeu M, Arthur M. The structure of FemX(Wv) in complex with a peptidyl-RNA conjugate: mechanism of aminoacyl transfer from Ala-tRNA(Ala) to peptidoglycan precursors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2013; 52:7278-81. [PMID: 23744707 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201301411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Fonvielle
- Laboratoire de Recherche Moléculaire sur les Antibiotiques, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe 12, INSERM, U872, 75006 Paris, France
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26
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Fonvielle M, Li de La Sierra-Gallay I, El-Sagheer AH, Lecerf M, Patin D, Mellal D, Mayer C, Blanot D, Gale N, Brown T, van Tilbeurgh H, Ethève-Quelquejeu M, Arthur M. The Structure of FemXWvin Complex with a Peptidyl-RNA Conjugate: Mechanism of Aminoacyl Transfer from Ala-tRNAAlato Peptidoglycan Precursors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201301411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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27
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Johnson RP, Gale N, Richardson JA, Brown T, Bartlett PN. Denaturation of dsDNA immobilised at a negatively charged gold electrode is not caused by electrostatic repulsion. Chem Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3sc22147d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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28
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Abstract
Verrucous carcinoma (VC) is a variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), characterised by its inability to metastasize. In contrast, hybrid carcinomas, composed of VC and foci of conventional SCC, harbour a metastatic potential. Correct pathohistological diagnosis is therefore crucial for the choice of treatment. There is mounting evidence that desmosomes are involved in several aspects of carcinogenesis. Previous studies have shown an altered expression of desmosomal components in conventional SCC, which was associated with tumour behaviour, but no data have been found on desmosomes in VC. We therefore analysed the expression of desmosomal components in biopsy samples of 21 cases of VC and 5 cases of hybrid carcinoma of the head and neck in comparison to 23 cases of conventional SCC and 47 samples of normal squamous epithelium of similar localisation, using immunohistochemistry and real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. We found that the expression patterns of desmosomal components in VC were fairly similar to those in normal epithelium but differed significantly from those in conventional SCC. Immunohistochemical reactions against desmosomal components disclosed the foci of SCC in hybrid carcinomas. In conclusion, we believe that expression patterns of desmosomal components in VC are consistent with its less aggressive behaviour. Differential expression of desmosomal components between VC and SCC makes some desmosomal components potentially useful in the diagnostics of VC, especially for the detection of hybrid carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Odar
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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29
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Riley JA, Brown T, Gale N, Herniman J, Langley GJ. Self reporting RNA probes as an alternative to cleavable small molecule mass tags. Analyst 2012; 137:5817-22. [DOI: 10.1039/c2an36086a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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30
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Gale N, Kocalka P, Mardle C, Brown T. PNA HyBeacons for analysis of human mutations related to statin-induced myopathy. Artif DNA PNA XNA 2011; 2:79-89. [PMID: 22567191 PMCID: PMC3324338 DOI: 10.4161/adna.18179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Aminoalkyl and alkyne-tagged PNA HyBeacons have been synthesized, labeled with fluorescein via conventional amide bond or triazole formation (click chemistry) and used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) implicated in statin-induced myopathy. The PNA HyBeacons gave much better mismatch/mutant discrimination than conventional DNA HyBeacons but smaller fluorescence changes on melting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nittaya Gale
- ATDBio Ltd., School of Chemistry, University of Southampton; Southampton, UK
| | - Petr Kocalka
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton; Southampton, UK
| | | | - Tom Brown
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton; Southampton, UK
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31
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Lou C, Xiao Q, Tailor RR, Ben Gaied N, Gale N, Light ME, Fox KR, Brown T. 2′-Substituted 2-amino-3-methylpyridine ribonucleosides in triplex-forming oligonucleotides: triplex stability is determined by chemical environment. Med Chem Commun 2011. [DOI: 10.1039/c1md00068c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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32
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Corrigan D, Gale N, Brown T, Bartlett P. Analysis of Short Tandem Repeats by Using SERS Monitoring and Electrochemical Melting. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2010; 49:5917-20. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201001389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Corrigan D, Gale N, Brown T, Bartlett P. Analysis of Short Tandem Repeats by Using SERS Monitoring and Electrochemical Melting. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201001389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Yang QH, Wang Q, Gale N, Oton CJ, Cui L, Nandhakumar IS, Zhu Z, Tang Z, Brown T, Loh WH. Loosening the DNA wrapping around single-walled carbon nanotubes by increasing the strand length. Nanotechnology 2009; 20:195603. [PMID: 19420642 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/20/19/195603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we discuss the influence of DNA strand length on DNA wrapping of single-walled carbon nanotubes under high-shear sonication and find that different strand length results in changed DNA-nanotube interaction, which is sensitively probed by the upshift extent of the Raman radial breathing mode bands of nanotubes due to DNA wrapping. The difference in the interaction between nanotubes and DNA strands of various length results in apparently different degrees of wrapping compactness, revealed by atomic force microscopy observations, and nanotube selectivity in wrapping, indicated by both Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy results. The above findings can be utilized to precisely control the nanotube diameter distribution and modulate the physicochemical properties of the nanotube wrapped by DNA without any direct functionalization of nanotubes. This finding is of considerable interest from both theoretical and practical standpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan-Hong Yang
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
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Strojan P, Oblak I, Gale N, Smid L, Kos J. Cysteine cathepsins B and L and their inhibitors stefins A and B in carcinoma of the oropharynx: immunohistochemical study. Histopathology 2009; 53:612-4. [PMID: 18983473 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2008.03142.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Abstract
A new method based on DNA melting has been developed for the rapid analysis of STRs in the human genome. The system is based on homogeneous PCR followed by fluorescence melting analysis and utilises a HyBeacon probe combined with a PCR primer-blocker oligonucleotide. The use of blockers of different length permits identification of the full range of common D16S539 repeats enabling detection of 99.8% of known alleles. The interrogation of STRs can be carried out on standard genetic analysis platforms and could be applied to other loci to form the basis of a bespoke high-throughput system for use in forensic analysis, particularly as fluorescent genetic analysis platforms are now available for high-resolution melting. This methodology may be suitable for rapid forensic DNA analysis at the point-of-arrest or in a custody suite where it is important to identify an individual from a small group of suspects/detainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nittaya Gale
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
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French DJ, Howard RL, Gale N, Brown T, McDowell DG, Debenham PG. Interrogation of short tandem repeats using fluorescent probes and melting curve analysis: a step towards rapid DNA identity screening. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2008; 2:333-9. [PMID: 19083844 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2008.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2008] [Revised: 03/31/2008] [Accepted: 04/23/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Current forensic DNA profiling methods rely on the analysis of samples at specialised laboratories with an average turnaround time of several days. The ability to rapidly determine a partial profile of short tandem repeats at the point-of-arrest would be of great benefit to police forces around the world, for example enabling a suspect to be rapidly included or excluded from an investigation. We have developed a homogeneous PCR method for the interrogation of STR loci utilising fluorescent oligonucleotide probes and melting curve analysis. Alleles of the D18S51, TH01 and D8S1179 loci were differentiated and identified on the basis of target length and probe melting temperature. Assay performance was evaluated by comparing melting peak data with the AmpFlSTR SGM Plus system. The method is compatible with direct analysis of unpurified buccal swab samples, enabling a partial STR profile to be generated within 1h.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J French
- Innovation and Support Team, LGC, Middlesex, UK.
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39
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Lundberg E, Tumpane J, Kumar R, Sandin P, Gale N, Nandhakumar IS, Albinsson B, Lincoln P, Wilhelmsson LM, Brown T, Nordén B. Addressable molecular node assembly--high information density DNA nanostructures. Nucleic Acids Symp Ser (Oxf) 2008; 52:683-684. [PMID: 18776564 DOI: 10.1093/nass/nrn345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The inherent self-assembly properties of DNA make it ideal in nanotechnology. We present a fully addressable DNA nanostructure with the smallest possible unit cell, a hexagon with a side-length of only 3.4 nm.(2,3) Using novel three-way oligonucleotides, where each side has a unique double-stranded DNA sequence that can be assigned a specific address, we will build a non-repetitive two-dimensional grid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Lundberg
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering/Physical Chemistry, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 10, SE-412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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40
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Abstract
HyBeacon probes are single-stranded oligonucleotides with one or more internal base(s) labeled with a fluorescent dye. When a probe forms a duplex with its target sequence, the level of fluorescence emission increases considerably. HyBeacons have been developed as new tools for rapid sequence detection and discrimination and have been employed in a wide variety of applications including infectious diagnostics and analysis of human polymorphisms. Single-labeled (FVG1) and dual-labeled (FVG11) probes were designed to analyze the factor V Leiden (R506Q) polymorphism which causes an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Detection and identification of factor V alleles is performed by melting curve analysis and determination of probe melting temperature (T(m)). HyBeacon hybridization to the glutamine allele (Q) causes the formation of mismatched DNA duplexes that are detected through decreases in T(m). HyBeacon probes are included in homogeneous PCR assays to genotype samples with respect to the factor V polymorphism within 20 min, using purified DNAs and unpurified saliva/blood samples. This paper describes the preparation of homogeneous PCR assays, LightCycler target amplification, and subsequent melting curve analysis. This chapter also describes the use of homologous oligonucleotides and melting curve analysis as a method for probe evaluation.
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41
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Tumpane J, Kumar R, Lundberg EP, Sandin P, Gale N, Nandhakumar IS, Albinsson B, Lincoln P, Wilhelmsson LM, Brown T, Nordén B. Triplex addressability as a basis for functional DNA nanostructures. Nano Lett 2007; 7:3832-3839. [PMID: 17983251 DOI: 10.1021/nl072512i] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Here, we present the formation of a fully addressable DNA nanostructure that shows the potential to be exploited as, for example, an information storage device based on pH-driven triplex strand formation or nanoscale circuits based on electron transfer. The nanostructure is composed of two adjacent hexagonal unit cells (analogous to naphthalene) in which each of the eleven edges has a unique double-stranded DNA sequence, constructed using novel three-way oligonucleotides. This allows each ten base-pair side, just 3.4 nm in length, to be assigned a specific address according to its sequence. Such constructs are therefore an ideal precursor to a nonrepetitive two-dimensional grid on which the "addresses" are located at a precise and known position. Triplex recognition of these addresses could function as a simple yet efficient means of information storage and retrieval. Future applications that may be envisaged include nanoscale circuits as well as subnanometer precision in nanoparticle templating. Characterization of these precursor nanostructures and their reversible targeting by triplex strand formation is shown here using gel electrophoresis, atomic force microscopy, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements. The durability of the system to repeated cycling of pH switching is also confirmed by the FRET studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Tumpane
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering/Physical Chemistry, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-41296, Gothenburg, Sweden
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42
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Tumpane J, Sandin P, Kumar R, Powers VE, Lundberg EP, Gale N, Baglioni P, Lehn JM, Albinsson B, Lincoln P, Wilhelmsson LM, Brown T, Nordén B. Addressable high-information-density DNA nanostructures. Chem Phys Lett 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2007.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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43
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Abstract
Informed consent was obtained for the publication of the patients' details in this report. Two cases of pseudovascular adenoid squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) in the oral cavity are described, which were characterised by acantholysis of the tumour cells, with formation of anastomosing spaces and channels mimicking an angiosarcoma. Both tumours contained foci of SCC suggesting the correct diagnosis: in one patient conventional SCC, and in the other, a spindle-cell carcinoma. The pathogenesis of pseudovascular adenoid SCC is unknown. Our cases were characterised by loss of immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin, one of the major adhesion molecules of epithelial cells. Pseudovascular adenoid SCC is suggested to be pathogenetically related to the loss of E-cadherin expression, leading to the loss of tumour cell-cell adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Zidar
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Pathology, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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44
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Klemenc P, Marin J, Soba E, Gale N, Koren S, Strojan P. Distribution of Epstein-Barr virus genotypes in throat washings, sera, peripheral blood lymphocytes and in EBV positive tumor biopsies from Slovenian patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. J Med Virol 2006; 78:1083-90. [PMID: 16789009 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.20666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy closely associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is prevalent among the Chinese of Southern China, whereas outside China, the position seems to be different. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of EBV genotypes in the patients with NPC in Slovenia, which is a nonendemic area. Detection of EBV was undertaken by testing the throat washes, sera, peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs), and biopsies of primary tumors of 48 patients with NPC in Slovenia. The sera of 20 patients with serologically confirmed primary EBV infection served as a control clinical material. The analysis of genotypes was carried out on three regions of EBV genome; BamHI WYH, BamHI I, and BamHI F, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The results show that, in Slovenia, the predominant combination of EBV genotypes based on the differences in the three genomic regions is ADF. This combination was found in 56 out of 103 different EBV positive clinical samples (throat washes, sera, PBLs, and tumor biopsies) of patients with NPC and in 15 out of 17 sera of patients with primary EBV infection. Very low number of genotypes C and f were detected, in spite of the fact that these two genotypes were considered to be associated with the development and/or maintenance of NPC in Southern China. Genotype f was found in only two tumor biopsies; in all other clinical samples (throat washes, sera and PBLs), genotype F was detected. Genotype C was proven in 31/103 clinical samples, with the highest percentage in tumor biopsies (37.5%). As in the NPC patients from other countries (Alaska is an exception), genotype A was predominant and was detected in 86/103 clinical samples. Genotype B was found in 15 clinical samples of patients with NPC and in 3 the two genotypes A and B were found. In comparison to China, these results show different EBV genotypes distribution. It seems that the genetic disposition of human population is an important factor that may contribute to different susceptibility for specific EBV genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Klemenc
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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45
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Abstract
AIMS To investigate survivin expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), its prognostic significance and relation to p53 status. Survivin is an inhibitor of apoptosis protein that is overexpressed in cancer. It has been implicated in both prevention of apoptosis and cell cycle regulation. It has been suggested that wild-type p53 represses survivin expression. METHODS AND RESULTS Expression of survivin and p53 was analysed in 68 archival biopsy specimens of LSCC by immunohistochemistry. Survivin was detected in 67 of 68 LSCC cases; the proportion of survivin-positive cells varied from 8.2% to 100%. It was localized in the nucleus and/or cytoplasm of tumour cells. Of LSCC cases, 31.8% were p53+. The number of survivin-positive cells was significantly higher in the p53+ group. A high level of survivin expression and a supraglottic site of the tumour were two independent adverse prognostic factors in LSCC. CONCLUSIONS Survivin is expressed in a varying proportion of cells in virtually all cases of LSCC. A high level of its expression predicts poor survival. Loss of wild-type p53 is a possible mechanism of survivin up-regulation in LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Pizem
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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46
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Luzar B, Poljak M, Marin IJ, Eberlinc A, Klopcic U, Gale N. Human telomerase catalytic subunit gene re-expression is an early event in oral carcinogenesis. Histopathology 2005; 45:13-9. [PMID: 15228439 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2004.01892.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Detection of telomerase catalytic subunit (hTERT) mRNA has been used as a surrogate marker for estimation of telomerase activity. The exact role and timing of telomerase re-activation, a key enzyme implicated in cellular immortalization and transformation, in the multistep process of oral carcinogenesis is still unknown. The aim was to test the hypothesis that (i) quantitative rather than qualitative differences exist in the level of hTERT mRNA expression between normal oral mucosa, different grades of oral epithelial abnormalities and squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity, and that (ii) hTERT gene re-expression is an important, probably early event in oral carcinogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS The relative quantity of hTERT mRNA was analysed in 45 frozen oral epithelia representing different morphological stages of oral carcinogenesis classified according to the Ljubljana classification and in 37 oral squamous cell carcinomas, using a commercially available LightCycler Telo TAGGG hTERT Quantification kit. hTERT mRNA was not detected in normal or reactive hyperplastic oral epithelia, but was present in 43% of atypical hyperplasias (premalignant lesions), 60% of intraepithelial carcinomas and 68% of oral squamous cell carcinomas. Statistical analysis revealed two groups of oral epithelial changes, with significant differences in the levels of hTERT mRNA expression: 1, normal and reactive hyperplastic oral epithelium, and 2, atypical hyperplasia, intraepithelial carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. CONCLUSION These data suggest that hTERT gene re-expression represents an early event in the multistep process of oral carcinogenesis, already detectable at the stage of precancerous oral epithelial changes. Nevertheless, other genetic aberrations appear to be necessary for progression of oral epithelial abnormalities towards invasive squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Luzar
- Institute of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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47
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Abstract
Lipoblastoma is a rare benign neoplasm occurring mostly in children under the age of three. Accurate preoperative diagnosis is mandatory for planning the treatment. The main aim of this study is to establish the cytological features of lipoblastoma and to answer the question: "Is cytological diagnosis of lipoblastoma reliable?"Preoperative fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and tissue sections of three children treated for lipoblastoma at the Division of Pediatrics, University Medical Center, Ljubljana, Slovenia, in the period from 1997 to 2004 were reexamined. The Giemsa- and Papanicolaou-stained FNAB smears were moderately or poorly cellular and contained lipocytes, lipoblasts, and spindle cells in various proportions. The tumor cells were in clusters and tissue fragments or as single cells. Thin branching capillaries were observed in most of the clusters and tissue fragments. In the background, abundant myxoid extracellular material and naked oval nuclei were present. In the first case, the cytological diagnosis was benign soft-tissue tumor, in the second the diagnosis was not conclusive and the last case was correctly diagnosed as lipoblastoma. In the differential diagnosis of the second case, both lipoblastoma and liposarcoma were considered cytologically as well as histologically. At 7-yr follow-up, there is no evidence of the disease.Thus, we conclude that lipoblastoma with typical cytological features could be accurately diagnosed by FNAB. However, tumors containing numerous lipoblasts could pose a diagnostic problem.
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Rudge JS, Thurston G, Davis S, Papadopoulos N, Gale N, Wiegand SJ, Yancopoulos GD. VEGF trap as a novel antiangiogenic treatment currently in clinical trials for cancer and eye diseases, and VelociGene- based discovery of the next generation of angiogenesis targets. Cold Spring Harb Symp Quant Biol 2005; 70:411-8. [PMID: 16869778 DOI: 10.1101/sqb.2005.70.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The concept that tumors can be controlled by directly targeting their vascular supply has finally come of age, because clinical trials using a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks VEGF have demonstrated exciting efficacy in cancer patients, as well as in vascular eye diseases that can lead to blindness. However, data suggest that these current regimens may not provide complete VEGF inhibition and, thus, that the maximum therapeutic potential of VEGF blockade has not yet been achieved. We describe the status of a very potent and high-affinity VEGF blocker, termed the VEGF Trap, that may provide the opportunity to maximize the potential of VEGF blockade in cancer as well as in vascular eye diseases. We also describe use of the VEGF Trap as a research tool, when coupled to high-throughput mouse genetics approaches such as VelociGene that can be exploited in strategies to discover and validate the next generation of angiogenesis targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Rudge
- Regneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, New York 10591, USA
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Kansky AA, Poljak M, Seme K, Kocjan BJ, Gale N, Luzar B, Golouh R. Human papillomavirus DNA in oral squamous cell carcinomas and normal oral mucosa. Acta Virol 2003; 47:11-6. [PMID: 12828338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
To elucidate the putative etiologic role of human papillomaviruses (HPV) in oral carcinogenesis, a comparative study was carried out on 62 tissue specimens of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and on 62 specimens of histologically normal oral mucosa obtained from the individuals who matched the subjects with OSCC in age, gender, localization of obtained tissue specimens, drinking and smoking habits. Internal control amplification showed that amplifiable DNA was recovered from 59/62 and 61/62 tissue samples of OSCC and normal oral mucosa, respectively. The amplification with two different HPV L1 and one HPV E6 consensus primer sets showed the presence of the HPV DNA genotypes 16, 33, 58 in 5/59 (8.4%) OSCC specimens and HPV genotypes 11, 16, 31, 68 in 4/61 (6.6%) tissue samples of normal oral mucosa tested. In the study in which a comparative examination of the presence of HPV DNA was for the first time performed on the tissue samples of the patients with OSCC and the age- and gender-matched control subjects there was no significant difference in the prevalence of HPV DNA among both study groups. Our results suggest that occasional findings of HPV DNA in OSCC tissue specimens may be the result of an incidental HPV colonization of oral mucosa, rather than of viral infection, and that HPVs play a limited role in the etiopathogenesis of the majority of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Kansky
- Department of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, University Medical Center, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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50
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Abstract
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours (IMTs) are clinicopathologically distinctive but biologically controversial entities, which have been described in the lungs, abdomen, retroperitoneum, and extremities, but rarely affect the head and neck region. IMT usually follows a benign clinical course after radical excision, but invasive, locally recurrent, and metastatic forms of abdominal and mediastinal IMT have also been described. This report describes a case of IMT of the paranasal sinuses with a fatal outcome. A 22 year old woman was admitted to hospital as a result of epistaxis. Computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging showed an expansive process in the paranasal sinuses, extending into the nasal cavity, orbita, and endocranium. The tumour progressed despite several surgical procedures. Radiotherapy, corticosteroids, and chemotherapy were unsuccessful, and the patient died four years after diagnosis, as a result of extensive intracranial spread of the tumour. This is the first known case of an IMT of the head and neck region with a fatal outcome. It shows that the aggressive behaviour of IMTs is not limited to abdominal and mediastinal locations, and supports recent observations that at least a subset of IMTs represents true neoplasia rather than reactive myofibroblastic proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Gale
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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