CIP2A expression predicts recurrences of tamoxifen-treated breast cancer

CIP2A is emerging as an oncoprotein overexpressed commonly across many tumours and generally correlated with higher tumour grade and therapeutic resistance. CIP2A drives an oncogenic potential through inhibiting protein phosphatase 2A, stabilizing MYC, and promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, although further biological mechanisms for CIP2A are yet to be defined. CIP2A protein expression was studied by immunohistochemistry in oestrogen receptor–positive primary breast cancers (n = 250) obtained from the Leeds Tissue Bank. In total, 51 cases presented with a relapse or metastasis during adjuvant treatment with tamoxifen and were regarded as tamoxifen resistant. CIP2A expression was scored separately for cytoplasmic, nuclear, or membranous staining, and scores were tested for statistically significant relationships with clinicopathological features. Membranous CIP2A was preferentially expressed in cases who experienced a recurrence during tamoxifen treatment thus predicting a worse overall survival (log rank = 8.357, p = 0.004) and disease-free survival (log rank = 21.766, p < 0.001). Cox multivariate analysis indicates that it is an independent prognostic indicator for overall survival (hazard ratio = 4.310, p = 0.013) and disease-free survival (hazard ratio = 5.449, p = 0.002). In this study, we propose the assessment of membranous CIP2A expression as a potential novel prognostic and predictive indicator for tamoxifen resistance and recurrence within oestrogen receptor–positive breast cancer

Carcinoembryonic antigen is the preferred biomarker for in vivo colorectal cancer targeting.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer-specific biomarkers have been used as molecular targets for fluorescent intra-operative imaging, targeted PET/MRI, and selective cytotoxic drug delivery yet the selection of biomarkers used is rarely evidence-based. We evaluated sensitivities and specificites of four of the most commonly used markers: carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), tumour-associated glycoprotein-72 (TAG-72), folate receptor-α (FRα) and Epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR). METHODS: Marker expression was evaluated semi-quantitatively in matched mucosal and colorectal cancer tissues from 280 patients using immunohistochemistry (scores of 0-15). Matched positive and negative lymph nodes from 18 patients were also examined. RESULTS: Markers were more highly expressed in tumour tissue than in matched normal tissue in 98.8%, 79.0%, 37.1% and 32.8% of cases for CEA, TAG-72, FRα and EGFR, respectively. Carcinoembryonic antigen showed the greatest differential expression, with tumours scoring a mean of 10.8 points higher than normal tissues (95% CI 10.31-11.21, P<0.001). Similarly, CEA showed the greatest differential expression between positive and negative lymph nodes. Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed CEA to have the best sensitivity (93.7%) and specificity (96.1%) for colorectal cancer detection. CONCLUSION: Carcinoembryonic antigen has the greatest potential to allow highly specific tumour imaging and drug delivery; future translational research should aim to exploit this

Use of Nanoparticles for the Disinfection of Desalinated Water

When chemical disinfection is performed before or after desalination, a number of harmful compounds are formed. Thus, efforts have been directed toward developing alternative methods for water disinfection. In this study, seven nanoparticles (NPs) were evaluated for disinfecting water produced from reverse osmosis and multi-stage flash desalination plants. The tested NPs were silver, copper, silver-copper, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, silicon dioxide, and carbon nanotubes. The antimicrobial activity of the NPs was investigated by batch studies in desalinated water samples spiked with E. coli, Enterobacter, Salmonella, and Enterococci. The Chick-Watson model was fitted to the inactivation data to evaluate the kinetic constant for each combination of NPs, water type, and indicator bacteria. The results indicated that silver and silver-copper NPs have the highest disinfection efficiency among the tested NPs. Among the bacteria, Enterobacter (strain TPC129) appears to be the most inactivated, while Enterococci (strain NCTC775) seems to be the least influenced by the NPs. Variations in the chemical characteristics of the tested water samples appeared to cause noticeable differences in the antibacterial efficacies of copper and magnesium oxide NPs, but not in those of the other NPs

Multifocal and multicentric breast cancer, is it time to think again?

Multifocal multicentric breast cancer has traditionally been considered a contraindication to breast conserving surgery because of concerns regarding locoregional control and risk of disease recurrence. However, the evidence supporting this practice is limited. Increasingly, many breast surgeons are advocating breast conservation in selected cases. This short narrative review summarises current evidence on the role of surgery in multifocal multicentric breast cancer and shows that when technically feasible the option of breast conservation is oncologically safe. © 2020 Royal College of Surgeons of England. All rights reserved

Assessing the relationship between cultural diversity and disaster preparedness; (A case study of flood hazard for Northern and Southern Punjab)

A strong relationship exists between cultural diversity and disaster preparedness. However, there is not much literature conducted globally regarding the correlation between the two factors and as for Punjab (Pakistan), no studies were found. Based on the knowledge-gaps identified, this research study creates a culture-based approach to measure flood disaster preparedness in Punjab. The study focuses on flood since it is a common disaster in the targeted region. Dhalewali (Sialkot) and Utra-Sandilah (Muzaffargarh) from the Northern and Southern Punjab, respectively are selected to be the concentration of the study since they have a history of and are prone to flooding. Data is collected via a double-barrel survey comprising a questionnaire that captures both social and economic (socio-economic) parameters to cover a wider spectrum of the culture diversity. Quantitative and graphical representation of the data analyzed proved the existence of a strong relationship between cultural diversity and successful disaster preparedness. Results showed that Utra-Sandilah (Muzaffargarh) has better cultural diversity than Dhalewali (Sialkot). Moreover, people of Muzaffargarh have better relationships with each other, higher level of cooperation and collaboration with the government\u27s schemes and initiatives against flood disaster measures and are willing to actively participate in flood preparedness. Even though the latter indicates that Utra-Sandilah (Muzaffargarh) is more prepared than Dhalewali (Sialkot), there is a need to enhance flood disaster preparedness at both individual household and community levels in both areas; for instance, reducing the gender-divide gap. A framework model is also developed based on the relationship between disaster preparedness and cultural diversity, which is replicable and reproduceable for other similar scenarios

Integrated approach for on-site assessment of conservation state of a historical masonry building: Malvezzi Palace, Italy

In recent years, the evaluation of the conservation state of historic structures has drawn great attention from a wide range of professionals. Despite this, a complete and exhaustive guideline on this topic is not available and advancement on the diagnostic pathway to be followed for the assessment of historic masonry structures is still needed. The 7th FP EU Project SMooHS’s tasks included the enhancement of currently available diagnostic methodologies and the development of “smart” monitoring systems. In this paper, a multiphase and interdisciplinary approach proposed for the assessment of the health state of historical buildings is illustrated through a case study: Malvezzi Palace in Bologna, Italy. Considering both masonry and timber elements, a number of NDT and MDT techniques (sonics, ultrasonics, impact-echo, laser vibrometer, radar, thermography, acoustic emission, sampling for lab analyses, endoscopy, drilling penetration resistance, spectral analyser, wood moisture tester, ...) have been combined and integrated with advanced wireless monitoring systems