Strengthening clinical cancer research in the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND: In 1999, 270 000 cases of cancer were registered in the United Kingdom, placing a large burden on the NHS. Cancer outcome data in 1999 suggested that UK survival rates were poorer than most other European countries. In the same year, a Department of Health review noted that clinical trials accrual was poor (<3.5% of incident cases) and hypothesised that increasing research activity might improve outcomes and reduce the variability of outcomes across England. Thus, the National Cancer Research Network (NCRN) was established to increase participation in cancer clinical research.METHODS: The NCRN was established in 2001 to provide a robust infrastructure for cancer clinical research and improvements in patient care. Remit of NCRN is to coordinate, support and deliver cancer clinical research through the provision of research support staff across England. The NCRN works closely with similar networks in Scotland, Wales and the Northern Ireland. A key aim of NCRN is to improve the speed of research and this was also assessed by comparing the speed of study delivery of a subset of cancer studies opening before and after NCRN was established.RESULTS: Patient recruitment increased through NCRN, with almost 32 000 (12% of annual incident cases) cancer patients being recruited each year. Study delivery has improved, with more studies meeting the recruitment target - 74% compared with 39% before NCRN was established.CONCLUSION: The coordinated approach to cancer clinical research has demonstrated increased accrual, wide participation and successful trial delivery, which should lead to improved outcomes and care. British Journal of Cancer (2011) 104, 1529-1534. doi: 10.1038/bjc.2011.69 www.bjcancer.com Published online 1 March 2011 (C) 2011 Cancer Research U

Genetically modified mouse models for the study of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. NAFLD represents a large spectrum of diseases ranging from (1) fatty liver (hepatic steatosis); (2) steatosis with inflammation and necrosis; to (3) cirrhosis. The animal models to study NAFLD/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are extremely useful, as there are still many events to be elucidated in the pathology of NASH. The study of the established animal models has provided many clues in the pathogenesis of steatosis and steatohepatitis, but these remain incompletely understood. The different mouse models can be classified in two large groups. The first one includes genetically modified (transgenic or knockout) mice that spontaneously develop liver disease, and the second one includes mice that acquire the disease after dietary or pharmacological manipulation. Although the molecular mechanism leading to the development of hepatic steatosis in the pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex, genetically modified animal models may be a key for the treatment of NAFLD. Ideal animal models for NASH should closely resemble the pathological characteristics observed in humans. To date, no single animal model has encompassed the full spectrum of human disease progression, but they can imitate particular characteristics of human disease. Therefore, it is important that the researchers choose the appropriate animal model. This review discusses various genetically modified animal models developed and used in research on NAFLD

Molecular basis of Orb2 amyloidogenesis and blockade of memory consolidation

Amyloids are ordered protein aggregates that are typically associated with neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive impairment. By contrast, the amyloid-like state of the neuronal RNA binding protein Orb2 in Drosophila was recently implicated in memory consolidation, but it remains unclear what features of this functional amyloid-like protein give rise to such diametrically opposed behaviour. Here, using an array of biophysical, cell biological and behavioural assays we have characterized the structural features of Orb2 from the monomer to the amyloid state. Surprisingly, we find that Orb2 shares many structural traits with pathological amyloids, including the intermediate toxic oligomeric species, which can be sequestered in vivo in hetero-oligomers by pathological amyloids. However, unlike pathological amyloids, Orb2 rapidly forms amyloids and its toxic intermediates are extremely transient, indicating that kinetic parameters differentiate this functional amyloid from pathological amyloids. We also observed that a well-known anti-amyloidogenic peptide interferes with long-term memory in Drosophila. These results provide structural insights into how the amyloid-like state of the Orb2 protein can stabilize memory and be nontoxic. They also provide insight into how amyloid-based diseases may affect memory processes.This research was supported by funds from SAF2013-49179-C2-1-R JPND_CD_FP-688- 059 (AC14/00037 ISCIII) to MCV, SIMR to KS, SAF2013-49179-C2-2-R JPND_CD_FP-688-059 (AC14/00037 ISCIII) to DVL, BFU2012-36825, S2011/BMD-2457 (Comunidad de Madrid)Peer Reviewe

Innovation in Entrepreneurship Education: Developing Competitive Advantages for MBA Students

For the last decade entrepreneurship education has grown to become a major discipline in several universities and colleges, particularly in the United States, Europe, and other developed nations. Nevertheless, comprehensive entrepreneurship programs are starting to be implemented in higher-education institutions across emergent economies as well. Everywhere around the world, entrepreneurship students need to gain skills and knowledge that can help them get started and have better opportunities to succeed with their ventures. At CETYS Universidad, a private non-for-profit school in Mexico, an Entrepreneurship Concentration MBA program was designed and developed around the Entrepreneurial Life Cycle and Entrepreneurship Process frameworks. The program is intended to build entrepreneurship competencies in MBA students, nurture an innovative mindset, and help them increase their entrepreneurial self-confidence and capabilities. It is the first program of its kind to be offered in the northwest region of the country, and one of the few in Mexico. RESUMEN Durante la última década, la educación empresarial ha crecido hasta convertirse en una disciplina importante en varias universidades y colegios, particularmente en los Estados Unidos, Europa y otras naciones desarrolladas. Sin embargo, los programas integrales de emprendimiento también están comenzando a implementarse en instituciones de educación superior en economías emergentes. En todo el mundo, los estudiantes de emprendimiento necesitan adquirir habilidades y conocimientos que puedan ayudarlos a comenzar y tener mejores oportunidades para tener éxito con sus empresas. En CETYS Universidad, una escuela privada sin fines de lucro en México, se diseñó y desarrolló un programa de MBA de Concentración en Emprendimiento en torno a los marcos de Ciclo de Vida Emprendedor y Proceso de Emprendimiento. El programa está destinado a desarrollar competencias empresariales en los estudiantes de MBA, fomentar una mentalidad innovadora y ayudarlos a aumentar su confianza en sí mismos y sus capacidades empresariales. Es el primer programa de este tipo que se ofrece en la región noroeste del país y uno de los pocos en México.First editio