Transmission potential of influenza A/H7N9, February to May 2013, China.

Background: On 31 March 2013, the first human infections with the novel influenza A/H7N9 virus were reported in Eastern China. The outbreak expanded rapidly in geographic scope and size, with a total of 132 laboratory-confirmed cases reported by 3 June 2013, in 10 Chinese provinces and Taiwan. The incidence of A/H7N9 cases has stalled in recent weeks, presumably as a consequence of live bird market closures in the most heavily affected areas.

Evaluation of fluorine-labeled gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) agonists and antagonists by LC/MS.

An LC/MS method was used to evaluate 2-fluoropropionyl (FP) and 4-fluorobenzoyl (FB) modified bombsin peptides: GRPR agonist [Aca-QWAVGHLM-NH(2)] and antagonist [fQWAVGHL-NHEt], and their hydrophilic linker modified counterparts with the attachment of GGGRDN sequence. This study developed strategies to evaluate the in vitro receptor mediated cell uptake and metabolic profile of the various GRPR agonists and antagonists. We identified the metabolites produced by rat hepatocytes and quantitatively analyzed the uptake and internalization of the ligands in PC-3 human prostate cancer cells.

High-sensitivity nanosensors for biomarker detection.

High sensitivity nanosensors utilize optical, mechanical, electrical, and magnetic relaxation properties to push detection limits of biomarkers below previously possible concentrations. The unique properties of nanomaterials and nanotechnology are exploited to design biomarker diagnostics. High-sensitivity recognition is achieved by signal and target amplification along with thorough pre-processing of samples.

Interpretation of positron emission mammography and MRI by experienced breast imaging radiologists: performance and observer reproducibility.

Objective: In preparation for a multicenter trial of positron emission mammography (PEM) and MRI in women with newly diagnosed cancer, the two purposes of this study were to validate training of breast imagers in standardized interpretation of PEM and to validate performance of the same specialists interpreting MRI.

Materials And Methods: A 2-hour didactic module was developed to train Mammography Quality Standards Act-qualified radiologist observers to interpret PEM images, consisting of a sample feature analysis lexicon analogous to BI-RADS and 12 sample cases. Observers were then asked to review separate interpretive skills tasks for PEM (49 breasts, 20 [41%] of which were malignant) and MRI (32 breasts, 11 [34%] of which were malignant), describe findings, and give assessments analogous to BI-RADS (category 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, or 5).

Interpretation of positron emission mammography: feature analysis and rates of malignancy.

Objective: The purpose of our study was to define and illustrate standard terminology for describing findings on positron emission mammography (PEM) and provide associated rates of malignancy.

Subjects And Methods: Three hundred eighty-eight women with newly-diagnosed breast cancer anticipating breast-conserving surgery completed a multicenter trial comparing PEM to MRI in assessment of disease extent. Morphologic terminology to describe PEM findings was patterned on BI-RADS for MRI, and investigators were trained in the PEM lexicon.

Charting a course for genomic medicine from base pairs to bedside.

There has been much progress in genomics in the ten years since a draft sequence of the human genome was published. Opportunities for understanding health and disease are now unprecedented, as advances in genomics are harnessed to obtain robust foundational knowledge about the structure and function of the human genome and about the genetic contributions to human health and disease. Here we articulate a 2011 vision for the future of genomics research and describe the path towards an era of genomic medicine.

LC/MS evaluation of metabolism and membrane transport of bombesin peptides.

Two bombsin peptides, GRPR agonist [Aca-QWAVGHLM-NH(2)] and antagonist [fQWAVGHL-NHEthyl] were evaluated. We employed the highly sensitive Waters Q-Tof Premier MS coupled with a UPLC system to identify the metabolites produced by rat hepatocytes or PC-3 human prostate cancer cells; and we utilized the AB/MDS 4000 Q-Trap LC/MS/MS system with highly sensitive quantitative and qualitative performance, to quantitatively analyze the internalization of GRPR agonist and antagonist in PC-3 cells. The major metabolites of both GRPR agonist and antagonist were the result of peptide bond hydrolysis between W and A which was demonstrated by observation of the N-terminal fragment m/z 446 (Aca-QW-OH) for agonist and m/z 480 (fQW-OH) for antagonist.

The NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer: achievement and path forward.

Nanotechnology is a 'disruptive technology', which can lead to a generation of new diagnostic and therapeutic products, resulting in dramatically improved cancer outcomes. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) of National Institutes of Health explores innovative approaches to multidisciplinary research allowing for a convergence of molecular biology, oncology, physics, chemistry, and engineering and leading to the development of clinically worthy technological approaches. These initiatives include programmatic efforts to enable nanotechnology as a driver of advances in clinical oncology and cancer research, known collectively as the NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer (ANC).

Activatable molecular probes for cancer imaging.

The development of highly sensitive and specific molecular probes for cancer imaging still remains a daunting challenge. Recently, interdisciplinary research at the interface of imaging sciences and bionanoconjugation chemistry has generated novel activatable imaging probes that can provide high-resolution imaging with ultra-low background signals. Activatable imaging probes are designed to amplify output imaging signals in response to specific biomolecular recognition or environmental changes in real time.

Too much of a good thing? Physician practices and patient willingness for less frequent pap test screening intervals.

Background: Recent guidelines recommend longer Pap test intervals. However, physicians and patients may not be adopting these recommendations.

Objectives: Identify (1) physician and practice characteristics associated with recommending a less frequent interval, and (2) characteristics associated with women's willingness to adhere to a 3-year interval.

Adolescent obesity and social networks.

The prevalence of overweight among children worldwide is growing at an alarming rate. Social relationships may contribute to the development of obesity through the interaction of biological, behavioral, and environmental factors. Although there is evidence that early environment influences the expression of obesity, very little research elucidates the social context of obesity among children or adolescents.

Differential associations of social support and social connectedness with structural features of social networks and the health status of older adults.

Objective: This study explores the extent to which the constructs of social support and social connectedness differ in terms of their associations with the structural characteristics of social networks and the health status of older adults.

Method: Trained interviewers conducted 126 face-to-face interviews with community-dwelling older adults aged 65 to 85 years.

Results: Having frequent contact with network members was positively associated with social support.

The National Diabetes Education Program evaluation framework: how to design an evaluation of a multifaceted public health education program.

The National Diabetes Education Program, cosponsored by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, employs mass media communications, public-private partnerships, and dissemination of information and education tools to address the diabetes epidemic in the United States. The program's goal is to help reduce the morbidity and mortality from diabetes and its complications by improving the treatment and outcomes for people with diabetes, promoting early diagnosis, and preventing onset of diabetes. Evaluation is an integral component of the National Diabetes Education Program's planning and implementation process.

Role of food and nutrition professionals in stemming the diabetes epidemic.

Food and nutrition professionals can play a major role in reversing the diabetes epidemic by helping patients reduce their risk for diabetes and prevent its onset. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) clinical trial, spearheaded by the National Institutes of Health, has provided the research-based evidence needed to demonstrate that type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented through a 5% to 7% weight loss and regular physical activity, such as 150 minutes a week of brisk walking. The National Diabetes Education Program, through its "Small Steps.

Separate RNA-binding surfaces on the multifunctional La protein mediate distinguishable activities in tRNA maturation.

By sequence-specific binding to 3' UUU-OH, the La protein shields precursor (pre)-RNAs from 3' end digestion and is required to protect defective pre-transfer RNAs from decay. Although La is comprised of a La motif and an RNA-recognition motif (RRM), a recent structure indicates that the RRM beta-sheet surface is not involved in UUU-OH recognition, raising questions as to its function. Progressively defective suppressor tRNAs in Schizosaccharomyces pombe reveal differential sensitivities to La and Rrp6p, a 3' exonuclease component of pre-tRNA decay.