Identification of Candidate Biomarker and Drug Targets for Improving Endometrial Cancer Racial Disparities

Racial disparities in incidence and survival exist for many human cancers. Racial disparities are undoubtedly multifactorial and due in part to differences in socioeconomic factors, access to care, and comorbidities. Within the U.S., fundamental causes of health inequalities, including socio-economic factors, insurance status, access to healthcare and screening and treatment biases, are issues that contribute to cancer disparities. Yet even these epidemiologic differences do not fully account for survival disparities, as for nearly every stage, grade and histologic subtype, survival among Black women is significantly lower than their White counterparts. To address this, we sought to investigate the proteomic profiling molecular features of endometrial cancer in order to detect modifiable and targetable elements of endometrial cancer in different racial groups, which could be essential for treatment planning. The majority of proteins identified to be significantly altered among the racial groups and that can be regulated by existing drugs or investigational agents are enzymes that regulate metabolism and protein synthesis. These drugs have the potential to improve the worse outcomes of endometrial cancer patients based on race.     

Improved quality assessment of colour surfaces for additive manufacturing based on image entropy

Pattern Analysis and Applications - A reliable automatic visual quality assessment of 3D-printed surfaces is one of the key issues related to computer and machine vision in the Industry 4.0 era....     

Cr2AlC MAX phase as bond coat for thermal barrier coatings: Processing,testing under thermal gradient loading,and future challenges

Cr₂AlC layers with thickness up to 100 µm were deposited by high-velocity-atmospheric plasma spray (HV-APS) on Inconel 738 substrates to analyze the potential of MAX phases as bond coat in thermal barrier coating systems (TBCs). The deposited Cr₂AlC layers showed high purity with theoretical densities up to 93%, although some secondary phases were detected after the deposition process. On top of this MAX phase layer, a porous yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) was deposited by atmospheric plasma spraying. The system was tested under realistic thermal loading conditions using a burner rig facility, achieving surface and substrate temperatures of 1400°C and 1050°C, respectively. The system failed after 745 cycles mainly for three reasons: (i) open porosity of the bond coat layer, (ii) oxidation of secondary phases, and (iii) inter-diffusion. Nevertheless, these results show a high potential of Cr₂AlC and other Al-based MAX phases as bond coat material for high-temperature applications. Furthermore, future challenges to transfer MAX phases as eventual bond coat or protective layer are discussed.     

Propidium monoazide for viable Salmonella enterica detection by PCR and LAMP assays in comparison to RNA-based RT-PCR,RT-LAMP,and culture-based assays

Rapid and sensitive detection of live/infectious foodborne pathogens is urgently needed in order to prevent outbreaks and food recalls. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the incorporation of propidium monoazide (PMA) into PCR or LAMP assays to selectively detect viable Salmonella Enteritidis following sublethal heat or UV treatment, and autoclave sterilization; and (2) compare the detection of PMA-PCR and PMA-LAMP to DNA-based PCR and LAMP (without PMA), RNA-based RT-PCR and RT-LAMP, and culture-based methods. Nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) from 1-mL S. Enteritidis samples were used for PCR, RT-PCR, LAMP, and RT-LAMP assays. Serially diluted samples were plated on Xylose Lysine Tergitol-4 agar for cultural enumeration. Comparable detection of overnight cultured S. Enteritidis was obtained by PMA-PCR, PCR, and RT-PCR, though 1 to 2 log less sensitive than cultural assays. PMA-LAMP and RT-LAMP showed similar detection of overnight cultures, being 1 to 2 log less sensitive than the LAMP assay, and ∼4 log less than culture-based detection. Autoclaved S. Enteritidis did not test positive by RNA-based methods or PMA-PCR, but PMA-LAMP showed detection of 1 log CFU/mL. PMA-PCR and RT-PCR showed comparable detection of sublethal heat-treated cells to cultural assays, while PMA-LAMP showed 1 to 2 log less detection. Our results suggest that PMA-PCR and PMA-LAMP assays are not suitable for selective viable cell detection after UV treatment. While PMA-LAMP assay needs optimization, PMA-PCR shows promise for live/viable S. Enteritidis detection. PMA-PCR shows potential for routine testing in the food industry with results within 1-day, albeit depending on the inactivation method employed.     

Pretherapy orientation as preparation for open psychotherapy groups.

Compared 20 14–47 yr old psychiatric outpatients who received an orientation program before entering open psychotherapy groups with 20 15–58 yr old psychiatric patients (control group) who received no orientation in an investigation of the effectiveness of pretherapy orientation. Orientation was presented on an individual basis and consisted of an instructional lecture-discussion followed by a videotape of a simulated group session, with patient participation solicited throughout the presentation. Dependent measures included dropout and attendance rates, a self-report symptom inventory, and a therapist rating scale. Results show that mean attendance rates for the 1st 10 group sessions were significantly higher for the orientation group. The control group exhibited significantly greater audience-seeking behavior on the 3rd-session therapist ratings. (14 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)