Trained Immunity for Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy: Current Knowledge and Future Opportunities

Memory formation, guided by microbial ligands, has been reported for innate immune cells. Epigenetic imprinting plays an important role herein, involving histone modification after pathogen-/danger-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs/DAMPs) recognition by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Such “trained immunity” affects not only the nominal target pathogen, yet also non-related targets that may be encountered later in life. The concept of trained innate immunity warrants further exploration in cancer and how these insights can be implemented in immunotherapeutic approaches. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of innate immune memory and we reference new findings in this field, highlighting the observations of trained immunity in monocytic and natural killer cells. We also provide a brief overview of trained immunity in non-immune cells, such as stromal cells and fibroblasts. Finally, we present possible strategies based on trained innate immunity that may help to devise host-directed immunotherapies focusing on cancer, with possible extension to infectious diseases

Stochastic investigation of long-term persistence in two-dimensional images of rocks

Determining the geophysical properties of rocks and geological formations is of high importance in many fields such as geotechnical engineering. In this study, we investigate the second-order dependence structure of spatial (two-dimensional) processes through the statistical perspective of variance vs. scale (else known as the climacogram) instead of covariance vs. lag (e.g. autocovariance, variogram etc.) or power vs. frequency (e.g. power spectrum, scaleogram, wavelet transform etc.) which traditionally are applied. In particular, we implement a two-dimensional (visual) estimator, adjusted for bias and for unknown process mean, through the (plot of) variance of the space-averaged process vs. the spatial scale. Additionally, we attempt to link the climacogram to the type of rocks and provide evidence on stochastic similarities in certain of their characteristics, such as mineralogical composition and resolution. To this end, we investigate two-dimensional spatial images of rocks in terms of their stochastic microstructure as estimated by the climacogram. The analysis is based both on microscale and macroscale data extracted from greyscale images of rocks. Interestingly, a power-law drop of variance vs. scale (or else known as long-term persistence) is detected in all scales presenting a similar power-exponent. Furthermore, the strengths and limitations of the climacogram as a stochastic tool are discussed and compared with the traditional tool in spatial statistics, the variogram. We show that the former has considerable strengths for detecting the long-range dependence in spatial statistics. © 2018 Elsevier B.V

Process integration for paperless delivery using EPC compliance technology

The purpose of this paper is to outline the research work of managing returnable assets such as pallets by radio frequency identification (RFID) methods on a national scale. Design/methodology/approach - The project is an extension of an earlier project which tracks pallets and cartons through a fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) supply chain. This extension project investigates how RFID information can be applied for integrating business processes. The project team developed a national business information network with electronic product code (EPC) compliance devices and systems. To implement an effective pallet management business process, the project team carried out detailed process modelling study of the effect of RFID processes and measured the improvement in performance and efficiency. Findings - The key to success in the extension project is the adoption of EPC compliance technology that enables efficient communication of business data across platforms and companies. The proje found that there is an average 18 per cent improvement in system efficiency should an EPC compliance technology be adopted for supporting paperless proof of delivery. There are also additional administrative and unquantifiable savings in support systems and services

Relationship between production conditions and milk gross composition in ewe's and goat's organic and conventional farms in central Greece

Organic milk and dairy products are widely consumed lately, with the belief they are of higher nutritional quality than conventional, while researchers report contradictory views on this issue. This study aimed to compare the fat, protein, and lactose content of organic and conventional raw ewe's and goat's milk in Greece and to further associate the impact of the farming practices on these parameters. Two hundred thirty-four bulk milk samples were collected from 62 goat and 16 sheep organic and conventional farms with similar farming characteristics. A standardized detailed survey and a sampling report were used in order to record the farming practices implemented in the participating farms. The chemical composition of all samples was determined by Fourier transformed infrared analysis. Statistical associations of farming practices with the milk chemical gross composition results were explored using linear mixed-model analysis. Linear mixed-model analysis revealed several factors in farming practices such as the feeding regime, the season, and the breed to be associated with ewe's and goat's milk composition, while organic or conventional farm system was not identified as an associated factor. Organic and conventional goat and sheep farming in Greece does not substantially differ, and consequently, there were no significant differences found in the examined chemical composition parameters of organic and conventional goat's and ewe's milk

Working through grief and loss: oncology nurses' perspectives on professional bereavement.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To determine facilitators and barriers to managing patient loss from the combined perspectives of oncology nurses and to extract essential components of a supportive intervention. RESEARCH APPROACH: Qualitative, descriptive. SETTING: The comprehensive National Cancer Institute–designated cancer center of a mid-Atlantic university teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: 34 nurses from inpatient and outpatient adult and pediatric oncology units. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Focus groups were held with oncology staff nurses to identify challenges regarding work-related bereavement, current support for managing grief and loss, and how to support interpersonal functioning and resiliency. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Work-related bereavement, bereavement support, and interventions and management strategies for bereavement and loss. FINDINGS: Two primary themes emerged: dimensions of work-related loss and working through bereavement. Participants also provided many concrete suggestions for the creation of a supportive self-care environment. CONCLUSIONS: Support issues were numerous, multilevel, and varied. However, addressing those concerns can improve job satisfaction and decrease compassion fatigue. The findings lay the foundation for appropriate interventions to assist nurses in managing those situations. INTERPRETATION: Administrators, managers, and individuals interested in furthering the multifaceted goals of oncology care, including nurses themselves, are challenged to create and maintain mutually supportive environments for providing optimal care to patients and families