Surgical Management of Posterior Circulation Aneurysms: Defining the Role of Microsurgery in Contemporary Endovascular Era

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Evaluation and validation of candidate endogenous control genes for real-time quantitative PCR studies of breast cancer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) forms the basis of many breast cancer biomarker studies and novel prognostic assays, paving the way towards personalised cancer treatments. Normalisation of relative RQ-PCR data is required to control for non-biological variation introduced during sample preparation. Endogenous control (EC) genes, used in this context, should ideally be expressed constitutively and uniformly across treatments in all test samples. Despite widespread recognition that the accuracy of the normalised data is largely dependent on the reliability of the EC, there are no reports of the systematic validation of genes commonly used for this purpose in the analysis of gene expression by RQ-PCR in primary breast cancer tissues. The aim of this study was to identify the most suitable endogenous control genes for RQ-PCR analysis of primary breast tissue from a panel of eleven candidates in current use. Oestrogen receptor alpha (<it>ESR1</it>) was used a target gene to compare the effect of choice of EC on the estimate of gene quantity.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The expression and validity of candidate ECs (<it>GAPDH</it>, <it>TFRC</it>, <it>ABL</it>, <it>PPIA</it>, <it>HPRT1</it>, <it>RPLP0</it>, <it>B2M</it>, <it>GUSB</it>, <it>MRPL19</it>, <it>PUM1 </it>and <it>PSMC4) </it>was determined in 6 benign and 21 malignant primary breast cancer tissues. Gene expression data was analysed using two different statistical models. <it>MRPL19 </it>and <it>PPIA </it>were identified as the most stable and reliable EC genes, while <it>GUSB</it>, <it>RPLP0 </it>and <it>ABL </it>were least stable. There was a highly significant difference in variance between ECs. <it>ESR1 </it>expression was appreciably higher in malignant compared to benign tissues and there was a significant effect of EC on the magnitude of the error associated with the relative quantity of <it>ESR1</it>.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We have validated two endogenous control genes, <it>MRPL19</it> and <it>PPIA</it>, for RQ-PCR analysis of gene expression in primary breast tissue. Of the genes in current use in this field, the above combination offers increased accuracy and resolution in the quantitation of gene expression data, facilitating the detection of smaller changes in gene expression than otherwise possible. The combination identified here is a good candidate for use as a two-gene endogenous control in a broad spectrum of future research and diagnostic applications in breast cancer.</p

Questions of engagement: improving the learning experiences of students in Years 5 to 8

This report describes a collaborative two-year action research project, Questions of Engagement, which aimed to identify influences on engagement and disengagement with learning of students in Years 5 to 8. This collaboration between Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley Local Learning and Employment Network, Victoria University (VU) and five schools in the inner west of Melbourne commenced in 2014. A participatory action research approach was used, with the phases of the research encompassing: 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reconnaisance This phase developed strategies and measures on the level of engagement and disengagement amongst students: School-level data such as school demographics, attendance rates, parent satisfaction surveys, student satisfaction surveys, NAPLAN scores, and teacher and AusVELS assessments. Student focussed data - a Motivation and Engagement Survey (MES) (Martin 2013) and small group interviews of students. 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Plan This phase involved each school considering the reconnaissance findings and developing improvement strategies. The school level data shed little light on the level of student engagement. The student-focussed data was rich, and catalysed reflective discussions with teachers and the identification of school-specific projects to improve results. The MES data showed that students have high self-belief and are generally focussed on schooling. However, a number of students are struggling with Planning, Task Management, Anxiety and Uncertainty Control, and many are undermining their own learning through self-sabotage and disengagement. The student interview data identified what students experience as ‘boosters’ and guzzlers’, and led to two additional themes of significance - Learning and School. 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Enact Four schools carried out a plan of action during 2015. Two schools implemented specific programs --Student Voice and the GANAG lesson planning approach. The other two schools undertook continuous improvement processes, one at a whole-of-school level and the other at the level of the individual classroom. Student-focussed data were collected in May and October of 2015 to examine student responses. 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reflect This phase involved the research teams critically evaluating the intended and unintended consequences of the action taken. The changes in the MES data were found generally small and, due to the small numbers of students surveyed, could provide only indications of change. The interview data provided greater insight into students’ responses to changes in practices. 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Re-plan Reflection took three of the participating schools into this next loop of participatory action research. The VU researcher linked the first-loop findings to current literature and tailored suggestions to each school’s context and needs. Self-regulated learning underpinned the recommended pedagogical approach - &nbsp;Assessment for Learning, Student as Researcher and Funds of Knowledge. 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Enact (2) A revised plan of action was developed by the schools in response to the recommendations. Two attributes of participatory action research were critical to the project’s success: the collaborative approach; and its focus on the teaching practices and student learning occurring in each school. The Case Study demonstrates the power of the student voice in bringing about system-wide change

Malignant Phyllodes Tumour with Liposarcomatous Differentiation, Invasive Tubular Carcinoma, and Ductal and Lobular Carcinoma In Situ: Case Report and Review of the Literature

A 43-year-old woman presented with a right breast lump that had enlarged over 5 months. She had chemoradiotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1989. Histology revealed a malignant phyllodes tumour (PT) with liposarcomatous differentiation and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) within the tumour with invasive tubular carcinoma, DCIS, and lobular carcinoma in situ in the surrounding breast. She had surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. One year follow-up showed no recurrence or metastatic disease. Liposarcomatous differentiation is uncommon in PTs, and coexisting carcinoma is rare with 38 cases in 31 reports in the literature. Carcinoma is reported in malignant (n = 19), benign (n = 16) and in borderline PTs (n = 3) with invasive carcinoma (n = 18) and pure in situ carcinoma (n = 19) recorded in equal frequency. Carcinoma is more commonly found within the confines of benign PTs; whereas it is more often found surrounding the PT or in the contralateral breast in malignant PTs. Previous radiotherapy treatment is reported in only two cases. The aetiology of co-existing carcinoma is unclear but the rarity of previous radiotherapy treatment suggests that it is incidental. This case highlights the diverse pathology that can occur with PTs, which should be considered when evaluating pathology specimens as they may impact on patient management

The implementation of a shared reading programme within a university : a case study

Based on research into the benefits of involvement in reading for pleasure and the operation in the US of pre-arrival shared reading schemes for those about to embark on a university education, both within the context of wider research into how to engage newly arrived students in their institution, an exploration was made of the likely response to such a shared reading scheme within a London university. A representative sample of current first years were asked about their how they spent their leisure time, their attitudes towards and involvement in reading for pleasure and their reactions to such a potential scheme. The findings were that more reading for pleasure was taking part than had been anticipated, that students were generally keen to become more involved in reading and that a shared reading scheme would be welcomed by the majority of students. The decisions made on the basis of the outcomes are discussed, along with recommendations for future associated research

Advances in mesenchymal stem cell-mediated gene therapy for cancer

Mesenchymal stem cells have a natural tropism for tumours and their metastases, and are also considered immunoprivileged. This remarkable combination of properties has formed the basis for many studies investigating their potential as tumour-specific delivery vehicles for suicide genes, oncolytic viruses and secreted therapeutic proteins. The aim of the present review is to discuss the range of approaches that have been used to exploit the tumour-homing capacity of mesenchymal stem cells for gene delivery, and to highlight advances required to realize the full potential of this promising approach

Complementary and alternative medicine use in oncology: A questionnaire survey of patients and health care professionals

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We aimed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use among cancer patients and non-cancer volunteers, and to assess the knowledge of and attitudes toward CAM use in oncology among health care professionals.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This is a cross-sectional questionnaire survey conducted in a single institution in Ireland. Survey was performed in outpatient and inpatient settings involving cancer patients and non-cancer volunteers. Clinicians and allied health care professionals were asked to complete a different questionnaire.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In 676 participants including 219 cancer patients; 301 non-cancer volunteers and 156 health care professionals, the overall prevalence of CAM use was 32.5% (29.1%, 30.9% and 39.7% respectively in the three study cohorts). Female gender (p < 0.001), younger age (p = 0.004), higher educational background (p < 0.001), higher annual household income (p = 0.001), private health insurance (p = 0.001) and non-Christian (p < 0.001) were factors associated with more likely CAM use. Multivariate analysis identified female gender (p < 0.001), non-Christian (p = 0.001) and private health insurance (p = 0.015) as independent predictors of CAM use. Most health care professionals thought they did not have adequate knowledge (58.8%) nor were up to date with the best evidence (79.2%) on CAM use in oncology. Health care professionals who used CAM were more likely to recommend it to patients (p < 0.001).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study demonstrates a similarly high prevalence of CAM use among oncology health care professionals, cancer and non cancer patients. Patients are more likely to disclose CAM usage if they are specifically asked. Health care professionals are interested to learn more about various CAM therapies and have poor evidence-based knowledge on specific oncology treatments. There is a need for further training to meet to the escalation of CAM use among patients and to raise awareness of potential benefits and risks associated with these therapies.</p