3 research outputs found
Exercise and the prevention of frailty â evidence from a community-based medical exercise intervention
We were interested to read the paper by âMoloney et al on Frailty, COVID-19 Disease Severity and Outcome Among Hospitalised Older Adultsâ, in which frail patients were more likely to be admitted despite having mild Covid. We wish to describe some of our work in this are
In-situ surface and interface study of atomic oxygen modified carbon containing porous low-Îș dielectric films for barrier layer applications
The surface treatment of ultralow-k dielectric layers by exposure to atomic oxygen is presented as
a potential mechanism to modify the chemical composition of the dielectric surface to facilitate
copper diffusion barrier layer formation. High carbon content, low-k dielectric films of varying
porosity were exposed to atomic oxygen treatments at room temperature, and x-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy studies reveal both the depletion of carbon and the incorporation of oxygen at the surface.
Subsequent dynamic water contact angle measurements show that the chemically modified
surfaces become more hydrophilic after treatment, suggesting that the substrates have become
more âSiO2-likeâ at the near surface region. This treatment is shown to be thermally stable up to
400° C. High resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy elemental profiles confirm the localised
removal of carbon from the surface region. Manganese (â1 nm) was subsequently deposited on the
modified substrates and thermally annealed to form surface localized MnSiO3 based barrier layers.
The energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy elemental maps show that the atomic oxygen treatments
facilitate the formation of a continuous manganese silicate barrier within dense low-k films, but significant
manganese diffusion is observed in the case of porous substrates, negatively impacting the
formation of a discrete barrier layer. Ultimately, the atomic oxygen treatment proves effective in
modifying the surface of non-porous dielectrics while continuing to facilitate barrier formation.
However, in the case of high porosity films, diffusion of manganese into the bulk film remains a
critical issue
Critical research gaps and translational priorities for the successful prevention and treatment of breast cancer
INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer remains a significant scientific, clinical and societal challenge. This gap analysis has reviewed and critically assessed enduring issues and new challenges emerging from recent research, and proposes strategies for translating solutions into practice. METHODS: More than 100 internationally recognised specialist breast cancer scientists, clinicians and healthcare professionals collaborated to address nine thematic areas: genetics, epigenetics and epidemiology; molecular pathology and cell biology; hormonal influences and endocrine therapy; imaging, detection and screening; current/novel therapies and biomarkers; drug resistance; metastasis, angiogenesis, circulating tumour cells, cancer 'stem' cells; risk and prevention; living with and managing breast cancer and its treatment. The groups developed summary papers through an iterative process which, following further appraisal from experts and patients, were melded into this summary account. RESULTS: The 10 major gaps identified were: (1) understanding the functions and contextual interactions of genetic and epigenetic changes in normal breast development and during malignant transformation; (2) how to implement sustainable lifestyle changes (diet, exercise and weight) and chemopreventive strategies; (3) the need for tailored screening approaches including clinically actionable tests; (4) enhancing knowledge of molecular drivers behind breast cancer subtypes, progression and metastasis; (5) understanding the molecular mechanisms of tumour heterogeneity, dormancy, de novo or acquired resistance and how to target key nodes in these dynamic processes; (6) developing validated markers for chemosensitivity and radiosensitivity; (7) understanding the optimal duration, sequencing and rational combinations of treatment for improved personalised therapy; (8) validating multimodality imaging biomarkers for minimally invasive diagnosis and monitoring of responses in primary and metastatic disease; (9) developing interventions and support to improve the survivorship experience; (10) a continuing need for clinical material for translational research derived from normal breast, blood, primary, relapsed, metastatic and drug-resistant cancers with expert bioinformatics support to maximise its utility. The proposed infrastructural enablers include enhanced resources to support clinically relevant in vitro and in vivo tumour models; improved access to appropriate, fully annotated clinical samples; extended biomarker discovery, validation and standardisation; and facilitated cross-discipline working. CONCLUSIONS: With resources to conduct further high-quality targeted research focusing on the gaps identified, increased knowledge translating into improved clinical care should be achievable within five years