Modulation of TcR/CD3-zeta chain expression by a circulating factor derived from ovarian cancer patients

In women with ovarian cancer, suppression of components of the immune system may promote tumour development. Previous studies in ovarian cancer have demonstrated that decreased expression and function of the T-cell receptor (TcR)-associated signal transducing zeta-chain correlates with deficient immune responsiveness of T cells. In this study, sera and ascitic fluids obtained from woman with advanced ovarian cancer were found to suppress the expression of TcR-associated zeta chain. This suppression of zeta chain expression was dose-dependent and was not observed with biologic fluids obtained from healthy women. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign http://www.bjcancer.co

The role of endogenous interleukin-2 in proliferation of human carcinoma cell lines

Interleukin (IL-2) and IL-2Rβ/γ have been shown to be expressed in human carcinomas in culture and in situ. Recently, expression of endogenous IL-2 and IL-2R in the cytoplasm was found to be up-regulated in tumour cells undergoing mitosis. This observation suggested that similar to its role in lymphocytes, the IL-2/IL-R pathway is involved in the regulation of carcinoma cell proliferation. Metabolic labelling followed by immunoprecipitation and Western blot results showed that IL-2 in carcinomas was identical to that in human lymphocytes. However, tumour cells did not secrete IL-2 detectable by immunoassays, although membrane-associated IL-2 was detectable on a proportion of these cells cultured in the absence of exogenous IL-2. Antibodies to IL-2 failed to inhibit proliferation of carcinoma cells, but antibodies specific for the ligand-binding site of the IL-2R were growth inhibitory. Growth of tumour cells was also inhibited by the immunosuppressive drugs, cyclosporin A (CsA), FK506 and rapamycin (RPA), known to interfere with the IL-2 pathway in lymphocytes. To further confirm the role of endogenous IL-2 in the growth of carcinomas, tumour cells were incubated with an IL-2-specific antisense oligonucleotide. The treatment was shown to transiently inhibit IL-2 mRNA and IL-2 protein expression as well as proliferation of tumour cells. Tumour cells treated with IL-2-specific antisense oligonucleotide demonstrated increased apoptosis in comparison to untreated or sense oligonucleotide-treated control cells. The data indicate that in human carcinomas, endogenous IL-2 promotes growth and protects tumour cells from apoptosis. © 1999 Cancer Research Campaig

Prolactin receptor is a negative prognostic factor in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Background: The influence of human prolactin (hPRL) on the development of breast and other types of cancer is well established. Little information, however, exists on the effects of hPRL on squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHNs). Methods: In this study, we evaluated prolactin receptor (PRLR) expression in SCCHN cell lines and assessed by immunohistochemistry the expression in 89 patients with SCCHNs. The PRLR expression was correlated with clinicopathological characteristics as well as clinical outcome. The effect of hPRL treatment on tumour cell growth was evaluated in vitro. Results: Immunoreactivity for PRLR was observed in 85 out of 89 (95%) tumours. Multivariate COX regression analysis confirmed high levels of PRLR expression (>25% of tumour cells) to be an independent prognostic factor with respect to overall survival (HR=3.70, 95% CI: 1.14–12.01; P=0.029) and disease-free survival (P=0.017). Growth of PRLR-positive cancer cells increased in response to hPRL treatment. Conclusion: Our data indicate that hPRL is an important growth factor for SCCHN. Because of PRLR expression in a vast majority of tumour specimens and its negative impact on overall survival, the receptor represents a novel prognosticator and a promising drug target for patients with SCCHNs

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training on Young Adult Musicians Experiencing Music Performance Anxiety

Background: Research has shown that music performance anxiety (MPA) is experienced by individuals in all age groups and skill levels. Due to the need for effective treatment of performance anxiety in musicians, researchers have begun to investigate the viability of mindfulness, which has been proven as an effective treatment in populations with generalized anxiety. Although preliminary studies have been undertaken in examining the effects of mindfulness training on the experience of MPA, these efforts have been by a small group of researchers, and further replication and statistical significance is needed. Objective: This study aims to monitor the effects of a two-week mindfulness intervention on musicians using questionnaires and heart rate data. Methods: This experiment used a control group design, in which the first 13 participants collected were allocated to the experimental group, and the next 13 collected were allocated to the control group. All participants underwent the same baseline data collection involving completing the state side of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) directly before and after performing in front of a mock jury panel while wearing a hear rate monitor watch. After this session, only the experimental group partook in two weeks of mindfulness training consisting of 6-9 sessions, each an hour in duration. Once the two-week intervention was concluded, both experimental and control groups participated in a post-intervention data collection identical to the baseline session. Results: The experimental group experienced a decrease in anxiety between pre- and post-intervention while the control group experienced an increase of anxiety. A two-way mixed ANOVA analysis revealed that there was a significant relationship between the changes in anxiety when comparing the control and experimental groups. However, statistical analysis also revealed that the two groups exhibited statistically different levels of anxiety at baseline. Heart rate data revealed no significant differences between groups. Conclusion: Data from the STAI suggests that mindfulness has a significantly positive effect on the cognitive experience of music performance anxiety. Through this study no correlation was found between the physiological experience of music performance anxiety and mindfulness training

Classic Songs From the Rhythm and Blues Genre Performed and Arranged in Afro Latin Styles

Latin American music has a variety of intricate rhythms, from salsa and Latin jazz to boleros and chachachá, which are particularly well-suited for blending with traditional American rhythm and blues music. The purpose of this thesis project was to explore the application of Latin American musical rhythms to classic rhythm and blues compositions, with the ultimate objective of creating a blended Latin soul sound. For this project, I selected nine popular rhythm and blues standards and, through the application of Afro-Latin rhythms and song forms, transformed them each into an original Latin soul arrangement. For each song, I researched the background and history of the song and studied its structure. I then created my own variation of the song using elements of Afro-Latin music. Finally, the finished compositions were performed live. My first challenge was to integrate the two genres, while adhering to the particular rules that apply to different styles of Latin music. My second challenge was to maintain the integrity of the original song while, at the same time, giving it an authentic Latin flavor that was fresh and contemporary. Although still a work in progress, the overall objective of the project, which was to create a new Afro-Latin soul sound, was accomplished, and the project paves the way for further innovation in Latin music