The Current State of Proteomics in GI Oncology

Proteomics refers to the study of the entire set of proteins in a given cell or tissue. With the extensive development of protein separation, mass spectrometry, and bioinformatics technologies, clinical proteomics has shown its potential as a powerful approach for biomarker discovery, particularly in the area of oncology. More than 130 exploratory studies have defined candidate markers in serum, gastrointestinal (GI) fluids, or cancer tissue. In this article, we introduce the commonly adopted proteomic technologies and describe results of a comprehensive review of studies that have applied these technologies to GI oncology, with a particular emphasis on developments in the last 3 years. We discuss reasons why the more than 130 studies to date have had little discernible clinical impact, and we outline steps that may allow proteomics to realize its promise for early detection of disease, monitoring of disease recurrence, and identification of targets for individualized therapy

Feasibility of the Early Minds Program by Smiling Mind: a Pilot Cluster-Randomized-Controlled Trial

Objectives: While there is increasing interest in mindfulness-informed programs to support preschooler social, emotional, and cognitive development, evaluation of feasibility and efficacy is required prior to implementing such programs within the early education setting. This study evaluated the feasibility of an 8-week, app-based, educator-delivered, mindfulness-informed program, Early Minds by Smiling Mind. An established framework was used to assess demand, acceptability, implementation, practicality, (adequate) adaptation, integration, and limited efficacy testing. Limited efficacy testing explored program use on preschoolers’ internalizing, externalizing, prosocial behaviors, and executive function. Methods: A pilot cluster-randomized-controlled trial (CRCT) was conducted with 25 early learning educators and 188 preschoolers from six early learning centres (ELCs) in Melbourne, Australia. Post baseline data collection, ELC rooms were randomly allocated to the program (n = 5 rooms, 111 children) or usual care (n = 5 rooms, 77 children) group. Data was collected at baseline, 3-month, and 12-month post-randomization. Results: The Early Minds program did not meet feasibility on four of the seven educator-reported domains (implementation, practicality, adaptation, and limited efficacy testing) and showed mixed results for two of the seven domains (acceptability and integration). Parent-reported feasibility has not been established as too few parents used the program. Educators provided rich feedback and specific suggestions to improve the program content to be more suitable and engaging for the preschool context and to work within the challenges of the early education setting. Conclusions: The Early Minds program requires modification to address educator needs and improve child suitability and engagement. Following modification, re-assessment of feasibility is required

PESTEL Analysis of Hacktivism Campaign Motivations

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Live Imaging of ESCRT Proteins in Microfluidically Isolated Hippocampal Axons

Live imaging of microfluidically isolated axons permits study of the dynamic behavior of fluorescently tagged proteins and vesicles in these neuronal processes. We use this technique to study the motility and transport of ESCRT proteins in axons of primary hippocampal neurons. This chapter details the preparation of microfluidic chambers, as well as the seeding, fluidic isolation, and lentiviral transduction of hippocampal neurons in these chambers, optimized for the study of ESCRT protein dynamics

Development and Initial Evaluation of an Internet-Based Support System for Face-to-Face Cognitive Behavior Therapy: A Proof of Concept Study

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based psychological treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), have been found to be effective in treating several anxiety and mood disorders. Nevertheless, issues regarding adherence are common, such as poor patient compliance on homework assignments and therapists’ drifting from strictly evidence-based CBT. The development of Internet-delivered CBT (ICBT) has been intensive in the past decade and results show that guided ICBT can be as effective as face-to-face CBT but also indicate a need to integrate the two forms of CBT delivery. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we developed and tested a new treatment format in which ICBT and face-to-face therapy were blended. We designed a support system accessible via the Internet (using a computer or an Apple iPad) for patients and therapists delivering CBT face-to-face. The support system included basic CBT components and a library of interventions gathered from existing ICBT manuals. METHODS: The study involved 15 patients with mild to moderate anxiety or depression (or both). Eight therapists conducted the treatments. All participants were interviewed after the nine-week intervention. Further, patients provided self-reports on clinical measures pre- and post-trial, as well as at a 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: A reduction was found in symptom scores across all measures. The reliable change index ranged from 60% to 87% for depression and anxiety. Large effect sizes (Cohen’s d) ranging from 1.62 (CI 95% 0.59-2.66) to 2.43 (CI 95% 1.12-3.74) were found. There were no missing data and no treatment dropouts. In addition, the results had been maintained at the 12-month follow-up. Qualitative interviews revealed that the users perceived the support system as beneficial. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that modern information technology can effectively blend with face-to-face treatments and be used to facilitate communication and structure in therapy, thus reducing therapist drift