Early Screening Methods Research Articles

PO-385 DNA methylation profile of castration-resistant prostate cancer cells

IntroductionDuring colorectal cancer (CRC) development several epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation in the promoter regions accumulate in tumour cells that can be utilised for the diagnosis of CRC. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the circulatory system can originate from tumour tissue; therefore the evaluation of tumor-related methylated DNA in plasma can be a simple and promising minimally invasive method for early cancer screening, especially using automated isolation techniques. Our aim was to analyse the methylation level alterations of 4 selected genes along the healthy-adenoma-CRC sequence in plasma samples. Moreover, we aimed to test different preservative blood collection tubes and automated cfDNA isolation method to determine whether these factors influence the DNA methylation patterns.Material and methods121 blood samples were collected in K3EDTA tubes, and manual cfDNA isolation was performed. The methylation pattern of SFRP1, SFRP2, SDC2 and PRIMA1 was determined using MethyLight PCR containing multiplex preamplification step. Further 30 blood samples were collected in Roche Cell-Free DNA Collection Tubes, which was developed for stabilisation of cfDNA with preservative reagents. In case of these samples, in addition to manual isolation, MagNA Pure 96 Instrument was used for automated cfDNA extraction.Results and discussionsElevated methylation of the genes was observed in 70% to 90% of adenoma and CRC patients. Average DNA methylation level was <1% for all four markers in healthy controls, while in CRC samples aberrant hypermethylation of SFRP1, SFRP2, SDC2 and PRIMA1 was observed with methylation percentage values of 21.77%±33.32%; 6.82%±17.1%; 12.06%±24.37% and 13.66%±25.14%. Using combined analysis, the 4 markers were able to distinguish CRC patients from normal with 91.5% sensitivity and 97.3% specificity and could differentiate AD samples from controls with 89.2% sensitivity and 86.5% specificity. Interestingly, Roche blood collection tube and automated cfDNA isolation method influence the detected methylation levels; however, methylation differences still have been found between the clinical groups, especially in case of PRIMA1 and SFRP1 genes.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the 4 markers can be promising epigenetic biomarkers for colorectal adenoma and CRC detection with high sensitivity. Automated isolation procedures may contribute to wide-spread, screening applications of methylation markers; however, further developments are needed.

PO-384 Manual and automated detection of DNA methylation alterations in colorectal neoplasia in circulating cell-free DNA fraction

Introduction During colorectal cancer (CRC) development several epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation in the promoter regions accumulate in tumour cells that can be utilised for the diagnosis of CRC. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the circulatory system can originate from tumour tissue; therefore the evaluation of tumor-related methylated DNA in plasma can be a simple and promising minimally invasive method for early cancer screening, especially using automated isolation techniques. Our aim was to analyse the methylation level alterations of 4 selected genes along the healthy-adenoma-CRC sequence in plasma samples. Moreover, we aimed to test different preservative blood collection tubes and automated cfDNA isolation method to determine whether these factors influence the DNA methylation patterns. Material and methods 121 blood samples were collected in K3EDTA tubes, and manual cfDNA isolation was performed. The methylation pattern of SFRP1 , SFRP2 , SDC2 and PRIMA1 was determined using MethyLight PCR containing multiplex preamplification step. Further 30 blood samples were collected in Roche Cell-Free DNA Collection Tubes, which was developed for stabilisation of cfDNA with preservative reagents. In case of these samples, in addition to manual isolation, MagNA Pure 96 Instrument was used for automated cfDNA extraction. Results and discussions Elevated methylation of the genes was observed in 70% to 90% of adenoma and CRC patients. Average DNA methylation level was SFRP1, SFRP2, SDC2 and PRIMA1 was observed with methylation percentage values of 21.77%±33.32%; 6.82%±17.1%; 12.06%±24.37% and 13.66%±25.14%. Using combined analysis, the 4 markers were able to distinguish CRC patients from normal with 91.5% sensitivity and 97.3% specificity and could differentiate AD samples from controls with 89.2% sensitivity and 86.5% specificity. Interestingly, Roche blood collection tube and automated cfDNA isolation method influence the detected methylation levels; however, methylation differences still have been found between the clinical groups, especially in case of PRIMA1 and SFRP1 genes. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the 4 markers can be promising epigenetic biomarkers for colorectal adenoma and CRC detection with high sensitivity. Automated isolation procedures may contribute to wide-spread, screening applications of methylation markers; however, further developments are needed.

A novel electrochemical immunosensor based on PG for early screening of depression markers-heat shock protein 70

In this study, a novel electrochemical immunosensor for early screening of depression markers-heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) was successfully developed based on the porous graphene (PG) with huge specific surface area and excellent structure. Benefiting from the strong adsorption and good bioactivity of PG which was initially prepared via a simple pyrolysis process, a variety of heat shock protein70 (HSP70) can be firmly loaded on the PG to construct the basic electrode (HSP70/PG/GCE)，which was characterized by the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), respectively. Due to the HSP70 fixed on the surface of basic electrode and the HSP70 in the samples can competitively combine with the horseradish peroxidase labeled human HSP 70 antibody (HRP-Strept-Biotin-Ab). As a result, it presented a negative correlation between the concentration of HSP70 in samples and the detection signal of the proposed electrochemical immunosensor (HRP-Strept-Biotin-Ab-HSP70/PG/GCE) in the test liquid. The application of PG with excellent electrical conductivity in construction of immunosensor remarkably improved the sensitivity of the immunosensor for detection of HSP70. The proposed immunosensor demonstrated a wide linear range of 0.0448 ~ 100 ng/mL with a low detection limit of 0.02 ng/mL at 3σ. Moreover, the proposed immunosensor could be applied for the sensitive and efficient detection of HSP70 in real samples with good precision, acceptable stability, reproducibility and satisfactory results. Therefore, the HSP70 immunosensor provides a novel and convenient method for early clinical screening of depression markers-heat shock protein 70.

Risk of colorectal adenomas in patients with celiac disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction and aimsWhether celiac disease increases the risk of presenting with colorectal adenoma or not, has not been extensively evaluated. This question becomes relevant when considering early screening methods in patients with the disease. The aim of our article was to determine the risk of colorectal adenomas in celiac disease patients. Materials and methodsA computer-assisted search of the MEDLINE-Pubmed, EMBASE, LILACS, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases was carried out, encompassing the time frame of 1966 to December 2016. The search strategy consisted of the following MESH terms: ‘celiac disease’ OR ‘celiac sprue’ AND ‘colorectal’ OR ‘colorectal neoplasia’ OR ‘colorectal adenoma’. A fixed-effect model was used for the analyses. The first analysis dealt with the prevalence of all presentations of colorectal adenoma in patients with celiac disease and the second was on the prevalence of advanced adenomas. The outcomes were described as odds ratios (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals. ResultsThe search identified 480 bibliographic citations, 17 of which were chosen for evaluation. Fourteen of those studies were rejected, leaving a final total of three for the analysis. Those studies included 367 cases of celiac disease and 682 controls. No significant heterogeneity was observed (I2=26%). There was no increased prevalence of colorectal adenomas in the celiac disease patients, when compared with the controls (OR: 0.94 [0.65-1.38]), and no significant difference was observed when assessing the prevalence of advanced adenomas (OR: 0.97 [0.48-1.97]). ConclusionCeliac disease was not associated with an increased risk of colorectal adenomas. However, due to the limited evidence available, more studies are necessary to determine whether there is an actual association.

A screening method for gastric cancer by oral microbiome detection.

Gastric cancer is the second most common malig-nancy and one of the principal causes of cancer‑related mortality worldwide. Early diagnostic and screening methods for gastric cancer are limited at present, most of them involving invasive procedures. We aimed to investigate the characteristics of the oral microbiome in gastric cancer individuals and to conduct a screening method for gastric cancer by oral microbiome detection. We used high‑throughput sequencing to examine the total bacterial profile of saliva and plaque samples of 50subjects, including 37individuals with gastric cancer and 13controls. The Venn diagram and species abundance clusters were generated from the data. The results indicated that the oral bacteria were more complex in patients with gastric cancer. Based on the characteristics of the oral microbiome in individuals with gastric cancer, a scoring system was designed to screen gastric cancer. In the present study, 36 out of 37individuals in the gastric cancer group were identified as a high‑risk population, giving a sensitivity rate of 97%. One out of 13individuals in the control group was identified as a high‑risk population, providing a false-positive rate of 7.7%. The scoring system we designed may be a potential method for screening suspected gastric cancer patients by oral microbiome detection. Further calibration of this scoring system is needed by recruiting a larger study population.

Awareness and Knowledge of Breast Cancer Risk Factors, Symptoms and Screening Among Females-Evidence from India

Breast cancer is a major health burden mainly in the developed countries but its rates are also increasing in the developing countries. With such increasing rates of breast cancer it is imperative that the general population is aware of its risk factors, early screening methods and the preventive measures that can be undertaken before its development. Health communication campaigns have for a long time been employed to create awareness about the risks of various diseases and habits which are detrimental to health. In addition, some have sought to inspire change in behaviour or promote a specific behaviour. Breast cancer awareness campaigns; have been used to encourage screening and breast self-examination that would allow for early detection and successful treatment thereafter. The awareness campaigns specify the population that stands the greatest risk to get cancer which in the case of breast cancer, it is women. The purpose of the study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practice about breast self-examination, clinical breast examination and mammography as early detection tools for breast cancer among females in India, to compare the findings of the study with the related studies done in other places and to help in designing a proper health education scheme regarding breast cancer.

Analysis of distribution and patterns of ovarian lesions at a tertiary care hospital.

Background: Ovarian lesions manifest in a wide spectrum of clinical, morphological and histological features. The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution and patterns of these lesions at a tertiary care hospital.Methods: Retreivement and collection of the data was done along with demographic data including age, sex, Ultrasonography/Computed Tomography findings. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination. Correlation of histopathological patterns was done with age, bilaterality, type, size & morphology of the lesion.Results: Follicular cyst was the commonest non-neoplastic lesion of the ovary. Surface epithelial tumor was the commonest tumor according to the histogenesis followed by germ cell tumor. Among the malignant surface epithelial tumors, commonest type was serous cystadenocarcinoma followed by endometroid carcinoma. Serous cyst adenoma was the commonest tumor in benign category. In germ cell tumors category, benign mature teratomas constituted highest numbers (15 cases). Six cases of sex cord stromal tumor and 2 cases of metastatic tumors were also detected in the study.Conclusions: It is concluded from this study that benign ovarian tumors were more common than malignant ones across all age groups. Though a majority of the tumors were benign, more numbers of malignant tumours were observed in our study as compared to those by other authors, which is an alarming finding. As most of the malignant ovarian tumors present late, development of methods for early diagnosis & regular screening is a pressing need today.DOI:10.21276/APALM.1657

Identification and imaging of miR-155 in the early screening of lung cancer by targeted delivery of octreotide-conjugated chitosan-molecular beacon nanoparticles

Lung cancer is still the most common cancer globally. Early screening remains the key to improve the prognosis of patients. There is currently a lack of specific and sensitive methods for early screening of lung cancer. In recent years, studies have found that microRNA plays an important role in the occurrence and development of lung cancer and become a biological target in the early diagnosis of lung cancer. In this study, lung cancer cells, subcutaneous xenografts of lung cancer in nude mice, and Lox-Stop-lox K-ras G12D transgenic mice were used as models. The transgenic mice displayed the dynamic processes from normal lung tissue to atypical hyperplasia, adenomas, carcinoma in situ and lung adenocarcinoma. It was found that miR-155 and somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) were expressed in all the disease stages of transgenic mice. Through molecular beacon (MB) technology and nanotechnology, chitosan-molecular beacon (CS-MB) nanoparticles and targeted octreotide (OCT) were conjugated and synthesized. The octreotide-conjugated chitosan-molecular beacon nanoparticles (CS-MB-OCT) can specifically bind to SSTR2 expressed by the lung cancer cells to achieve the goal of identification of lung cancer cells and imaging miR-155 in vivo and in vitro. Fluorescence imaging at different disease stages of lung cancer in Lox-Stop-lox K-ras G12D transgenic mice was performed, and could dynamically monitor the occurrence and development of lung cancer by different fluorescence intensity ranges. The current research, in turn, provides new idea, new method, and new technology for the early screening of lung cancer.

Auto-antibodies against P53—a useful complementary biomarker for ovarian cancer screening?

More than 60% of ovarian cancers are diagnosed in late stage, when 5-year survival is less than 30%. Cases diagnosed at early stage have markedly better survival outcomes (1), and this survival difference has prompted extensive research on methods for early detection and ovarian cancer screening. Current strategies for earlierstage detection of ovarian cancer use a combination of blood-based biomarkers and trans-vaginal ultrasound (TVUS) imaging. To date, the best available biomarker for ovarian cancer is ovarian tumor-associated antigen CA125; however, CA125 demonstrates limited sensitivity for early stage disease. While the vast majority (~80%) of ovarian tumors express CA125, only 50–60% of women with early stage cancers have elevated circulating CA125 levels (concentrations >35 U/mL) at presentation, possibly because small tumors may not shed sufficient amounts of CA125 into the circulation (2). In prospective studies using prediagnosis samples, we (3) and others (4,5) have found that CA125 provides good diagnostic discrimination for ovarian cancer only when blood samples had been taken relatively shortly (≤6 months) before diagnosis, and that it mostly detected tumors that were clinically advanced at the time of diagnosis. Similar observations were made for human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), the second best available ovarian cancer marker to date (3-5). In screening trials, the combination of CA125 with TVUS provided either no reduction in ovarian cancer mortality [Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO), USA] (6), or only a modest and marginally significant reduction when using an algorithm (“Risk of Ovarian Cancer”, ROCA) based on serial CA125 measurements [United Kingdom Collaborative Trial on Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS)] (7). Although the prospective ROCA algorithm clearly improves sensitivity of screening by CA125, a substantial proportion of ovarian cancer cases remain undetected by this method, underscoring the need for complementary and more sensitive biomarkers for the detection of earlier-stage ovarian cancer.

Association between Auricular Signals and the Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome.

Objective: This study aims to determine the association between auricular signals and the risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods: A case-control study with an equal number of cases and controls matched by age group and gender was conducted. A total of 204 participants were recruited. Patients were verified as having MS based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Auricular assessment was conducted in the following sequence: visual inspection, electrical skin resistance test (ESRT), and pressure pain test (PPT). Results: MS+ patients tend to have much more oily auricle complexion than the controls. The ‘endocrine’ (right) of the participants with MS indicated a significantly higher electrical conductivity compared to that of the controls. The MS group participants experienced significant tenderness on the ‘heart’ and ‘endocrine’ acupoints. A number of auricular signals were also associated with the risk factors of MS, including age, gender, smoking status, family history of diabetes, and comorbid illnesses. Both the ‘heart’ and ‘endocrine’ acupoints showed the highest sensitivity to tenderness (60.8%), followed by the ‘endocrine’ (59.8%) and ‘pancreas and gallbladder’ (55.9%). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that electrical conductivity and tenderness of a number of auricular points, including the ‘heart’, ‘pancreas and gall bladder’, and ‘endocrine’, are associated with MS and its risk factors. Further investigations with a larger sample size could be conducted to verify the value of these auricular signals on MS risk prediction so that this method can be used as an early screening method for the population with a high MS risk.

Effectiveness and feasibility of nailfold microcirculation test to screen for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The nailfold microcirculation index (MI) is a non-invasive, objective, and highly sensitive blood capillary detection method. This study evaluated the diagnostic efficiency of the nailfold MI relative to the more subjective vibration perception threshold (VPT) examination for early diagnostic screening of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). From February 2015 to February 2016, 227 diabetes mellitus patients and 39 healthy individuals were enrolled. Each subject underwent the MI test and the VPT examination. MI was more closely associated with DPN than age, diabetic duration, smoking, drinking, systolic pressure, serum creatinine, 24-h urinary protein, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1A), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the VEGF receptors Flt-1 and Flt-4, ankle branchial index (ABI), DPN, or DPN stage (OR=11.819). Both the MI and VPT closely correlated with age, diabetic duration, serum creatinine, 24-h urinary protein, HIF1A, VEGF, Flt-1, Flt-4, ABI, DPN, and DPN stage. By the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the MI diagnostic cutoff point was 2.56, where the corresponding Youden's index was maximum and the area under ROC curve was 0.943. The diagnostic efficiency of MI and VPT were similar. MI and VPT indicated similar percentages of diabetic patients with DPN at the most severe stage, while MI achieved a higher diagnostic rate for the earliest stages. The nailfold MI is a feasible method for clinical early diagnostic screening of DPN in diabetic patients, and is more objective and reliable than VPT.

Microbial Profiles and Tumor Markers From Culdocentesis: A Novel Screening Method for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer [3H

INTRODUCTION: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the most prevalent type of ovarian cancer, has a low five-year survival rate because it is commonly diagnosed in later stages of disease. There is a critical need for early screening methods to improve mortality outcomes. Specific bacterial populations (microbiome) have been linked to various diseases but not investigated with EOC. We hypothesize that patients with EOC have a unique microbiome and this used in conjunction with tumor markers from culdocentesis and serum, would benefit EOC diagnosis and prognosis. METHODS: Study population includes women aged 30 or older, undergoing surgery for an adnexal mass or ovarian malignancy at two hospitals in Springfield, IL. Exclusion criteria are previous malignancy within last 5 years and inability to perform culdocentesis. On the day of surgery, serum and culdocentesis samples were analyzed for CA-125/HE4 concentrations while culdocentesis samples were also sequenced for bacterial V4 rDNA. Associations of microbial profiles with tumor marker levels will be calculated using models developed for biomarker discovery. RESULTS: Currently, 30 patients (10 EOC, 20 benign) have been analyzed for CA-125/HE4. Preliminary results showed elevated tumor markers in EOC serum and culdocentesis but higher EOC positive and negative predictive values in serum than culdocentesis. Microbial profiles recently identified will be correlated to sample tumor marker levels. CONCLUSION: Culdocentesis tumor marker levels significantly correlated with EOC although less than serum levels. Additional analysis of microbial profiles may advance current screening methods and personalized treatment strategies, potentially increasing survival rates of patients with EOC.

Differential proteomic screening and identification for non-traumatic necrotic femoral osseous tissue.

Currently, there is a lack of effective early screening and detection methods for femoral head necrosis. Current research on most orthopedic diseases focuses on proteomics in the preliminary stage. The recent fluorescence differential in gel electrophoresis (DIGE) has advantages such as a high reproducibility, high sensitivity, high throughput, and high dynamic range. It is currently one of the most widely used quantitative proteomic research means. We conducted this study to investigate the pathogenesis of non-traumatic femoral head necrosis using the fluorescence DIGE to screen non-traumatic femoral head necrosis based on proteomics and provide a theoretical basis for screening possible biomarkers and molecular targeted treatment. The DIGE technique was used to separate the protein. An electrophoretogram was established on the basis of scanning and analysis. Identification and a bioinformatics analysis were conducted for the differential protein. The protein with differential expression of over 2-fold was excavated and ionized by means of substrate assisted laser desorption. The flight time was identified with a mass spectrometer (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, MALDI-TOF/TOF). The formation on sequences, structures and functions of these proteins were obtained through database retrieval. Western blot analysis was used to verify the differential protein expression and the reliability of the DIGE result was verified. DIGE was used to successfully separate 1,500±40 protein spots. There were 252 significant differential protein spots. The Ettan™ Spot Picker automatic work station was used to excavate 49 significant differential protein spots with expression difference over 2-fold. The MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometer was used to identify these differential protein spots. Six proteins were identified in total, which include apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1), fibrous protein original chain, fibrous protein original chain, serum albumin, sulfur-oxygen protein peroxiredoxin 2 (PRDX2) and actin. APOA1 and PRDX2 were subject to western blot analysis detection; results were consistent with the DIGE result. Based on an analysis of the biological information, these proteins may be associated with the incidence and progression of femoral head necrosis.

Application of liquid biopsy in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer

Liquid biopsy plays an important role in the process of precision medical treatment. Its clinical value in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases has being constantly proved. Colorectal cancer with high incidence begins subtly. The applicaiton of efficient early screening and diagnostic methods can effectively reduce the disease damage, and the implementation of precise post-operative and medication monitoring as the guidance for therapeutic strategy is helpful to improve the prognosis of patients. We should seize the opportunity to promote the transformation of research findings into the clinical application of colorectal cancer. Clinicians, technicians and regulators should face up and work together to overcome the challenges met during the process of clinical liquid biopsy.(Chin J Lab Med, 2017, 40: 227-230) Key words: Colorectal neoplasms; Tumor markers, biological; DNA, neoplasm; Neoplastic cells, circulating

Measuring knowledge and practice in relation to breast cancer screening in mothers in Pakistan

Background: Breast cancer is a major health burden mainly in the developed countries but its rates are also increasing in the developing countries. With such increasing rates of breast cancer it is imperative that the general population is aware of its risk factors, early screening methods and the preventive measures that can be undertaken before its development.Objective: To assess the awareness of breast-self-examination (BSE) &amp; screening among the mothers belonging to different socioeconomic groups in Karachi, Pakistan. To assess the awareness of breast lump &amp; its relation with breast cancer in mothers.Methods: This is a cross sectional research study constituting on a sample size of 284 people. The data was collected using a self administered questionnaire which was designed after detailed literature review. The date was collected from all 5 districts of Karachi, Pakistan. The duration of data collection was from April 2013 to November 2013. The data was analyzed using spss 19 with a 95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error. A p-value of .05 or less was considered significant.Results: The results showed that most of the women (81%) have sufficient general knowledge about breast cancer and its outcomes but the awareness regarding the risk factors was limited. Only 38% were aware that old age is a risk factor, 34.9% knew that null parity is a risk factor while 57.7% believed that trauma to the breast, for example child hitting the breast, cause breast disease. The women were only partially aware of the screening methods available, only 53.2% of women knew how to self-examine their breast and 69% of them were not aware of the fact that mammography is the basic screening procedure. Results are similar for knowledge about signs and symptoms and only 46.8% were aware that bloody discharge and inward retraction of nipple may be due to breast cancer. Despite the limited current awareness about the breast diseases most women (82.4%) showed interest in learning more information about breast diseases and how might they be prevented.Conclusions: The study concluded that though the mothers were aware of breast cancer they still require sufficient knowledge regarding its risks, methods of screening and means to prevent it. In accordance with this need more initiatives should be undertaken to spread more awareness regarding this through media or other useful sources. But increasing awareness alone cannot deliver the desired results and there is a parallel need to increase the facilities and to make them accessible for all. Steps should also be undertaken to educate the women about their misconceptions regarding breast cancer and to make them free from unnecessary barriers as many women do not seek clinical advice due to these barriers.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage Proteomics in Patients with Suspected Lung Cancer

Lung cancer configures as one of the deadliest types of cancer. The future implementation of early screening methods such as exhaled breath condensate analysis and low dose computed tomography (CT) as an alternative to current chest imaging based screening will lead to an increased burden on bronchoscopy units. New approaches for improvement of diagnosis in bronchoscopy units, regarding patient management, are likely to have clinical impact in the future. Diagnostic approaches to address mortality of lung cancer include improved early detection and stratification of the cancers according to its prognosis and further response to drug treatment. In this study, we performed a detailed mass spectrometry based proteome analysis of acellular bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples on an observational prospective cohort consisting of 90 suspected lung cancer cases which were followed during two years. The thirteen new lung cancer cases diagnosed during the follow up time period clustered, based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) data, with lung cancer cases at the time of BAL collection. Hundred and thirty-tree potential biomarkers were identified showing significantly differential expression when comparing lung cancer versus non-lung cancer. The regulated biomarkers showed a large overlap with biomarkers detected in tissue samples.

Abstract WP274: Improving Door to Ct Time by a Seven Item Stroke Screening Questionnaire for Patients Arriving to ER with Acute Stroke without Prior Notification

Background: Arrival to the emergency room (ER) by ambulance services and prior notification have been identified as major factors for reducing Door to CT and Door to needle time with thrombolysis for patients with acute stroke. Unfortunately despite all efforts to increase the awareness of using ambulances, still 40-50% of patients arrive by private transportation without prior notification of the ER. Objective: We evaluated if a standardized seven item screening questionnaire, performed at the admission office of the ER, can reduce time to triage nurse evaluation and subsequently time of arrival to CT, for patients with acute stroke arriving to the ER without prenotification of the ER. Methods: Since April 2016 a standardized screening questionnaire was performed by the admission clerks at the ER arrival for any patient not referred by prior notification for stroke. This questionnaire included seven major stroke symptoms and time of onset of the symptoms. If one of these symptoms started less than 8 hours before the arrival to the ER the patient was urgently referred to the triage nurse which would then evaluate urgently and activate the a Stroke Code. Patient data was collected of all patients admitted to the ER with a suspected stroke between April-June 2015 and April-June 2016 and time intervals for Door to triage nurse and Door to CT were compared for patients admitted to the ER with suspected Stroke between the time period without questionnaire and with. Results: In the relevant time periods 143 stroke patients were admitted to our ER. Median time from arrival to triage nurse was 16 min (n=96) in 2016 compared to 28 min (n=47) in 2015 (p&gt;0.0001). Patients arriving within 8 hours form symptom onset the median time for arrival to triage nurse was 15 min (n=49) and 28min (n=14) respectively (p=0.006). Median time from arrival to ER to CT brain was 29 min(n=18) for the group that was screened by an early seven point questionnaire at ER admission and stroke code activated versus 78 min(n=14)without early screening and stroke code activation(p=0.069). Conclusion: A standardized seven item stroke symptom questionnaire as an early ER admission screening method can reduce time intervals from arrival to CT for self-referral stroke patients without prior notification of the ER.

Desmin detection by facile prepared carbon quantum dots for early screening of colorectal cancer

Th aim of this study was to develop a new facile chemical method for early screening of colorectal cancer.The -C(O)OH groups modified Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) were prepared by an facile innovative route of acid attacking on carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The -C(O)OH groups were further transported into -C(O)Cl groups by SOCl2 treating. The obtained ClCQDs were conjugated onto the anti-Desmin, which were applied for testing the Desmin concentration in serum by using linearly fitted relationship with photoluminescence (PL) intensity.The obtained carbon quantum dots are quasispherical graphite nanocrystals with photoluminescence at about 455 nm. The Desmin with concentration of 1 ng/mL can lead to a decrease of PL intensity for anti-Desmin conjugated CQDs with good linearity. This assay had good specificity for Desmin with in interferential substances of immunoglobulin G (IgG), alpha fetoprotein (AFP), and carcinoembryoic antigen (CEA).A new facile acid attack method was developed to prepare ClCQDs, which could conjugate onto the anti-Desmin for detection of Desmin in serum with high sensitivity and specificity. As the detection limit is lower than 1 ng/ mL, this work provides a promising strategy for the evaluation of colorectal cancer risk with low cost and excellent sensing performance.

An Investigation of Bayes Algorithm and Neural Networks for Identifying the Breast Cancer.

Context:Breast cancer is a biggest threat to women. X-ray mammography is the most effective method for early detection and screening of breast cancer. It is a tough challenge for the radiologist in reading mammography since it does not provide consistent result every time.Aim:To improve the primary sign of this disease, computer-aided diagnosis schemes have been developed. Using monitor, digital images of mammography are displayed and they can be lightened or darkened before they are printed on the film. Time factor is important to identify the abnormality in body such as breast cancer and lung cancer. Hence, to detect the tissues and treatment stages, image-processing techniques are improved in several medical areas. In this project, using low-level preprocessing techniques and image segmentation, the breast cancer detection is done.Methods:With the help of Bayes algorithm and neural networks (NNs), the type of the mammogram and stages is identified. For segmentation process, region-growing algorithm is used, which helps to find the affected portion, i.e., region of interest. Gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) and texture feature are used for feature extraction.Results:Bayes algorithm is used for probability of identification, whereas NNs is used to reduce the probability level from 0–1000 to 0–1 in case of classification.

Loss of TAB3 expression by shRNA exhibits suppressive bioactivity and increased chemical sensitivity of ovarian cancer cell lines via the NF-κB pathway.

Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of death among gynaecologic malignancies. Despite many years of research, it still remains sparing in reliable diagnostic markers and methods for early detection and screening. Transforming growth factor β-activated protein kinase 1 (TAK1)-binding protein 3 (TAB3) was initially characterized as an adapter protein essential for TAK1 activation in response to IL-1β or TNFα, however, the physiological role of TAB3 in ovarian cancer tumorigenesis is still not fully understood. In this study, we evaluated the effects of TAB3 on ovarian cancer cell lines. Expressions of TAB3 and PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) were found to be gradually increased in EOC tissues and cell lines, by western blot analysis and qRT-PCR. Distribution of TAB3 was further analysed by immunohistochemistry. In vitro, knockdown of TAB3 expression in HO8910 or SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells significantly inhibited bioactivity of ovarian cancer cells, including proliferation and cell-cycle distribution, and promoted chemical sensitivity to cisplatin and paclitaxel treatment via inhibiting NF-κB pathways. In conclusion, our study strongly suggests a novel function of TAB3 as an oncogene that could be used as a biomarker for ovarian cancer. It provides a new insight into the potential mechanism for therapeutic targeting, in chemotherapy resistance, common in ovarian cancer.