Showing papers by "Robert Steele published in 2011"

Anti-miR-203 Upregulates SOCS3 Expression in Breast Cancer Cells and Enhances Cisplatin Chemosensitivity

Abstract: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States. Although there are effective drugs, such as cisplatin, for treating advanced cancers, many patients eventually develop resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged to play important roles in tumorigenesis and drug resistance. In this study, the authors observed a significant upregulation of miR-203 expression in human breast cancer tissues as compared to patient-matched nontumor breast tissues. Knockdown of miR-203 following cisplatin treatment enhances p53, p21, and Bax protein expression. Furthermore, knockdown of miR-203 sensitized human breast cancer MCF-7 cells to cisplatin-mediated apoptotic cell death, as evident from caspase-9 and caspase-7 activation, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Moreover, the authors have demonstrated that suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) is a novel target of miR-203, and cisplatin treatment in miR-203 knockdown MCF-7 cells enhanced SOCS3 expression. Exogenous expression of SOCS3 in MCF-7 cells increased sensitization to cisplatin-mediated apoptosis. Together, the results suggested a novel role of miR-203 in conferring cisplatin resistance through suppression of SOCS3, implicating an additional therapeutic strategy may be helpful to overcome cisplatin resistance for breast cancer patients.

Solid-State Luminaire

Abstract: In one embodiment, a solid-state luminaire has a strip of high power LEDs, where each LED emits light into an optical coupler. Light from the optical coupler is then coupled into a light guide. Light coupled into the light guide is mixed and guided to an exit aperture of the light guide. An optical extractor proximate the exit aperture of the light guide redirects light outward, which is optionally redirected generally downward by a secondary reflector that extends outwardly along the length of the light guide. The secondary reflector may be configured to create a variety of light-emission patterns. The luminaire may be hung from a ceiling, in track lighting, used as a pendant or pedestal fixture, or in other applications.

Bitter melon extract impairs prostate cancer cell cycle progression and delays prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia in TRAMP model

Abstract: Prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths among American men. Earlier diagnosis increases survival rate in patients. However, treatments for advanced disease are limited to hormone ablation techniques and palliative care. Thus, new methods of treatment and prevention are necessary for inhibiting disease progression to a hormone refractory state. One of the approaches to control prostate cancer is prevention through diet, which inhibits one or more neoplastic events and reduces the cancer risk. For centuries, Ayurveda has recommended the use of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) as a functional food to prevent and treat human health related issues. In this study, we have initially used human prostate cancer cells, PC3 and LNCaP, as an in vitro model to assess the efficacy of bitter melon extract (BME) as an anti-cancer agent. We observed that prostate cancer cells treated with BME accumulate during the S phase of the cell cycle, and modulate cyclin D1, cyclin E and p21 expression. Treatment of prostate cancer cells with BME enhanced Bax expression, and induced poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Oral gavage of BME, as a dietary compound, delayed the progression to high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) in TRAMP (transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate) mice (31%). Prostate tissue from BME-fed mice displayed ~51% reduction of PCNA expression. Together, our results suggest for the first time that oral administration of BME inhibits prostate cancer progression in TRAMP mice by interfering cell cycle progression and proliferation.

Pre-notification increases uptake of colorectal cancer screening in all demographic groups: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract: ObjectivesTo assess whether pre-notification is effective in increasing uptake of colorectal cancer screening for all demographic groups.SettingScottish national colorectal cancer screening program...

Should we use total mortality rather than cancer specific mortality to judge cancer screening programmes? Yes

Abstract: James Penston (doi:10.1136/bmj.d6395) believes all cause mortality is a more reliable measure of the effectiveness of screening, but Robert Steele and David Brewster think it is too stringent

Intragastric distribution of ion-exchange resins: a drug delivery system for the topical treatment of the gastric mucosa.

Abstract: Previous studies by this group on freeze-dried oral dosage forms containing finely-divided ion-exchange resins revealed prolonged gastric residence and uniform distribution within the stomach. The present study was carried out to ascertain whether this was due to freeze-drying, properties of the radiolabelled ionic exchange resin, or the small dosing volume used. 99mTc-labelled cholestyramine resin was administered in two dosage forms, a freeze-dried tablet which dissolved in the oral cavity (orally dissolving tablet; ODT) and a 1.5 mL aqueous suspension. Two resin particle sizes (20-40 and 90-125 microns) were studied. Oesophageal transit and intragastric distribution and residence were followed by gamma scintigraphy. In a second study, in six subjects, gastric emptying of the water-soluble fraction of the ODT and 1.5 mL of water, was measured using 99mTc diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. Oesophageal transit of a water-soluble marker and resin in suspension was rapid, but the transit of the resin in the ODTs was significantly prolonged. Regardless of particle size or dosage form, the resin was evenly distributed throughout the stomach with 20-25% remaining for 5.5 h. In contrast, the water-soluble marker cleared from the stomach rapidly from both dosage forms. We suggest that oral dose forms containing finely-divided ion-exchange resins may form a useful system for topical treatment of the gastric mucosa, for example in targeting to Helicobacter pylori infection.

Social media, mobile devices and sensors: Categorizing new techniques for health communication

Abstract: While the advent of social media and online social networking is still relatively new, a rapid penetration of these technologies is being seen and their impact in relation to health communications is more recently also being considered. In relation to health in particular, these social media communications systems can also be considered to gain extended capabilities and impact when used atop and interacting with mobile devices and sensors. In this paper we introduce a framework to categorize and analyze the emerging types of health-related social media interactions and communications and consider how the techniques fit within this broader framework for healthcare applications of social media.

How personal fitness data can be re-used by smart cities

Abstract: The growing trend to use mobile devices and applications to collect data relating to fitness activities has resulted in large amounts of sensor data being generated. Further, in some cases the fitness data is shared over social networks. This collected data has potential uses in a number of fields including: public health and population health data, urban planning, fitness trends analysis, social network analysis and personalization of health information. As the motivation for creating this sensor data already exists for the individual in relation to fitness benefits and health monitoring, this type of participatory sensing approach has a lower barrier to entry. However, there is currently no structured approach to collect and re-use this sensor data. This paper describes the distinct types of fitness sensor applications; conceptual architecture for data collection and aggregation and the steps and developments that would improve the quality and usability of data collected. Further, the types of secondary uses for smart cities of this collected data are explored.

Study protocol for BeWEL: the impact of a BodyWEight and physicaL activity intervention on adults at risk of developing colorectal adenomas.

Abstract: Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second highest cause of cancer death in the UK. Most cases occur in people over 50 years and CRC often co-exists with other lifestyle related disorders including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). These diseases share risk factors related to the metabolic syndrome including large body size, abnormal lipids and markers of insulin resistance indicating common aetiological pathways. Methods/Design: This 3 year study will be a two-arm, multicentre, randomised controlled trial comparing the BeWEL lifestyle (diet, physical activity and behaviour change) programme against usual care. The pre-trial development will take 6 months and participants will be recruited over a 12 month period and undertake the intervention and follow up for 12 months (total 24 months recruitment and intervention implementation) with a further 6 months for data collection, analysis and interpretation. Four hundred and fifty two participants who have had a colorectal adenoma detected and removed (through the national colorectal screening programme) will provide 80% power to detect a weight loss of 7% over 12 months. Primary outcomes are changes in body weight and waist circumference. Secondary outcomes will include cardiovascular risk factors, psycho-social measures and intervention costs. Discussion: The results from this study will enhance the evidence base for lifestyle change in patients at higher risk of chronic disease including obesity related cancers. International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials No: ISRCTN53033856

Characteristics of patients dying within 30 days of diagnosis of breast or colorectal cancer in Scotland, 2003–2007

Abstract: Recent research has shown that most of the excess risk of death following breast and colorectal cancer in England compared with Norway and Sweden occurs in older age groups during the first year, and especially in the first month of follow-up. The aim of this study was to explore the characteristics of patients dying within 30 days of being diagnosed with one of these cancers in Scotland during 2003–2007. Anonymised cancer registry records linked to hospital discharge and death records were extracted. The study population was divided into patients who died within 30 days of diagnosis (cases) and those who survived beyond this threshold (controls). Differences in patient-, tumour-, and health service-related characteristics were assessed using the χ2-test and logistic regression. Patients dying within 30 days were more likely to be elderly and to have experienced emergency admission to non-surgical specialities. Their tumours were less likely to have been verified microscopically, but they appeared more likely to be of high grade and advanced in stage. A substantial number of patients died from causes other than their cancer. These results suggest that early mortality after a diagnosis of breast or colorectal cancer may be partly due to comorbidity and lifestyle factors, as well as due to more advanced disease. Further research is required to determine the precise explanation for these findings and, in particular, if any potentially avoidable factors such as delays in presentation, referral, or diagnosis exist.

Pyrosequencing-based methods reveal marked inter-individual differences in oncogene mutation burden in human colorectal tumours.

Abstract: Pyrosequencing-based methods reveal marked inter-individual differences in oncogene mutation burden in human colorectal tumours

A semantic integration solution for online accommodation information integration

Abstract: With the tremendous growth of the Web, a broad spectrum of accommodation information is available on the Internet. In order to adequately support online information users in collecting and sharing accommodation related information, it is important to create an effective information integration solution. Existing data integration approaches such as the wrapper-mediator approach provide generic solutions for online information integration. However, the developed solutions mainly focus on small-scale information integration, where the integrated data sources are not constantly changing. Hence they can not fulfill the needs of the large, dynamic, and heterogeneous nature of the online accommodation domain. In this paper, we examine the capabilities of current solutions for online information integration in the accommodation domain, and propose an ontology-based semantic integration approach by utilizing the benefits of traditional integration solutions. The proposed approach aims to provide an effective, flexible and scalable solution for large-scale information integration.

A Model for Social Network-Enhanced Health Communication

Abstract: Social networks have the potential to provide a number of capabilities for augmenting healthcare service delivery and providing new capabilities not present in traditional clinical health communication or public health communication. In this paper we propose a model for social network-enhanced health communication and describe and analyze how this can assist health consumers in the population as a whole, those at risk of developing a condition(s), current sufferers of a specific health condition(s), clinicians, public health authorities, and health and medical researchers.