The monoclonal antibody EPR1614Y against the stem cell biomarker keratin K15 lacks specificity and reacts with other keratins

Keratin 15 (K15), a type I keratin, which pairs with K5 in epidermis, has been used extensively as a biomarker for stem cells. Two commercial antibodies, LHK15, a mouse monoclonal and EPR1614Y, a rabbit monoclonal, have been widely employed to study K15 expression. Here we report differential reactivity of these antibodies on epithelial cells and tissue sections. Although the two antibodies specifically recognised K15 on western blot, they reacted differently on skin sections and cell lines. LHK15 reacted in patches, whereas EPR1614Y reacted homogenously with the basal keratinocytes in skin sections. In cultured cells, LHK15 did not react with K15 deficient NEB-1, KEB-11, MCF-7 and SW13 cells expressing only exogenous K8 and K18 but reacted when these cells were transduced with K15. On the other hand, EPR1614Y reacted with these cells even though they were devoid of K15. Taken together these results suggest that EPR1614Y recognises a conformational epitope on keratin filaments which can be reconstituted by other keratins as well as by K15. In conclusion, this report highlights that all commercially available antibodies may not be equally specific in identifying the K15 positive stem cell

Molecular benchmarks of a SARS-CoV-2 epidemic.

To access publisher's full text version of this article, please click on the hyperlink in Additional Links field or click on the hyperlink at the top of the page marked DownloadA pressing concern in the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic and other viral outbreaks, is the extent to which the containment measures are halting the viral spread. A straightforward way to assess this is to tally the active cases and the recovered ones throughout the epidemic. Here, we show how epidemic control can be assessed with molecular information during a well characterized epidemic in Iceland. We demonstrate how the viral concentration decreased in those newly diagnosed as the epidemic transitioned from exponential growth phase to containment phase. The viral concentration in the cases identified in population screening decreased faster than in those symptomatic and considered at high risk and that were targeted by the healthcare system. The viral concentration persists in recovering individuals as we found that half of the cases are still positive after two weeks. We demonstrate that accumulation of mutations in SARS-CoV-2 genome can be exploited to track the rate of new viral generations throughout the different phases of the epidemic, where the accumulation of mutations decreases as the transmission rate decreases in the containment phase. Overall, the molecular signatures of SARS-CoV-2 infections contain valuable epidemiological information that can be used to assess the effectiveness of containment measures

Important needs of families in acute and palliative care settings assessed with the family inventory of needs.

To access Publisher full text version of this article. Please click on the hyperlink in Additional LinkFamily support has been recognized in the development of palliative care in Iceland, yet studies focusing on family needs are lacking. The aims of this study were to evaluate the perceived care needs of family members of patients receiving palliative care, to what extent these needs were met, and whether needs differed based on background characteristics and site of care. Family members of 111 patients from acute and palliative care settings agreed to participate, and 67 (60%) completed the study. The Family Inventory of Needs was used to quantify family needs and to what extent they were met. All 20 needs measured were considered important. The number of needs did not differ by site of palliative care. Overall, health care professionals met 67% of needs. Needs were more likely to be met in specialized palliative care settings than on acute units and the needs of spouses were more likely to be met than others

On abolishing transportation : and on reforming the Colonial Office in a letter to Lord John Russell /

Ferguson no. 2230.; Available in an electronic version via the Internet at http://nla.gov.au/nla.aus-f2230

Effects of web-based interventions on cancer patients’ symptoms: review of randomized trials

To access publisher's full text version of this article click on the hyperlink belowPURPOSE: Symptom management is of high priority in cancer care. Information and communication technology allows interventions to be provided through the internet to enhance the delivery of care. This study aimed to review the effects of web-based interventions on cancer patients' symptoms. METHODS: MEDLINE, PSychINFO, PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched. Included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), pilot RCTs, or quasi-experimental (QE) studies focusing on web-based interventions in adult cancer patients with at least one outcome primary or secondary, in terms of symptoms, treatment side effects, or distress. Data were analyzed study by study. RESULTS: Twenty studies were identified. All web interventions included information, 16 included self-management support, 14 included self-monitoring, 13 included feedback/tailored information, 12 used communication with health-care professionals, and eight used communication with other patients. Overall, 13 studies reported positive symptom outcomes. Psychological distress was reported in eight studies with positive intervention effects in three. Symptoms of anxiety/depression were reported in ten studies with positive intervention effects in five. Somatic symptom severity was reported in ten studies with intervention effects found in six, and symptom distress was reported in six studies with intervention effects found in all. CONCLUSIONS: This review shows the promising potential of web-based interventions for cancer symptom management, although it was limited by considerable heterogeneity in the interventions tested and targeted outcomes. The multidimensional nature of symptoms was partly addressed; only one study was guided by a comprehensive theoretical model of cancer symptom management. It can only be speculated which web elements are important for effective symptom outcomes. Further testing is needed for web-based cancer symptom management

The psychometric properties of the Icelandic version of the distress thermometer and problem list.

To access publisher full text version of this article. Please click on the hyperlink in Additional Links field.While a significant number of cancer patients experience distress only a minority are offered appropriate psychosocial interventions. Untreated distress can interfere with compliance to treatment and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties and feasibility of the Icelandic translation of the distress thermometer (DT) and problem list, a tool developed to screen for distress in cancer patients.   Participants were 149 cancer patients receiving treatment at outpatient oncology clinics at Landspítali-The National University Hospital of Iceland, mean±SD age 59.06 years ±12.92. Participants answered the DT, HADS and GHQ-30, demographic questions and questions regarding the DT.   Scores on the DT ranged from 0 to 10 with a mean ±SD score of 3.09 ± 2.40, 7.30 ± 4.86 on HADS and 5.28 ± 5.60 on GHQ-30. Significant correlations were between the DT and all categories on the Problem List as well as between the DT and HADS (r = 0.45), and between DT and GHQ-30 (r = 0.57). ROC-analysis supported that a cut-off point of 3 gives the best sensitivity and specificity for the DT predicting depression or anxiety according to the HADS and GHQ. Sixty-nine (48.3%) patients scored < or =2 on DT and 74 (51.7%) scored ≥3.   The Icelandic version of the DT is a valid instrument to screen for distress in clinical practice. The study adds to a growing literature suggesting that this brief instrument may aid in identifying cancer patients suffering from distress and consequently providing appropriate treatment