Expression and prognostic influence of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-2 in non-small cell lung cancer

Background Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases that digest the extracellular matrix (ECM). Overexpression of different MMPs has been shown to promote tumour cell invasion in vitro. Tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are specific inhibitors of MMPs that also possess growth-promoting properties. Aims To analyse the expression profile of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-2 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to assess the impact of expression on survival. Methods This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent resection for stage I-IIIa NSCLC with a post-operative survival >60 days. Patient follow up was a minimum of 2 years. Standard ABC immunohistochemistry was performed on 4μm paraffin-embedded sections from the tumour periphery using monoclonal antibodies to MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-2. Results The results of the immunohistochemistry are set out below. marker tumour expression log-rank survival stromal expression log-rank survival MMP-2 9/72 (13%) p=0.10 34/72 (47%) p=0.34 MMP-9 79/152 (52%) p=0.04* 69/152 (45%) p=0.84 TIMP-2 28/90 (31%) p=0.04* 66/90 (73%) p=0.90 Two or more 16/59 (27%) p=0.007* There were no associations between expression and clinicopathological findings for any tumour marker. There was co-expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in tumour cells (p=0.01). Conclusions MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-2 are expressed in NSCLC. MMP-9 and TIMP-2 tumour expression correlate with a poor outcome (both p=0.04) and are potential prognostic markers for NSCLC. Cumulative expression of two or more MMPs/TIMPs may also have increased prognostic significance. Proteases and their inhibitors are novel targets for therapeutic intervention and should be evaluated in NSCLC.

Basalt density, basement age, and intrusive/extrusive relations from DSDP Legs 2 through 7, 9, and 14

Densities of layer 2 basalt recovered during the Deep Sea Drilling Project have been found to decrease steadily with age, a finding ascribed to progressive submarine weathering in the context of sea-floor spreading. The least-squares solution for 52 density measurements gives a rate of decrease in density of (Delta p)/(Delta t) = -0.0046 g per ccm m.y. = -16 percent per 100 m.y., which is in excellent agreement with earlier estimates based on observed chemical depletion rates of dredged oceanic basalt. Weathering of sea-floor basalt, should it penetrate to any considerable depth in layer 2, will decrease layer 2 seismic refraction velocities, act as a source of geothermal heat, and substantially influence the chemistry of sea water and the overlying column of sediment.

Prevalence and determinants of sunburn in Queensland

Issue addressed: Australia records the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. In response to this public education campaigns have incorporated messages about reducing sun exposure and avoiding sunburn. This study sought to describe the prevalence of and factors associated with sunburn in Queensland residents. Methods: The Queensland Cancer Risk Study was a population-based, cross-sectional survey of 9,298 respondents conducted via computer-assisted telephone interview during 2004. Sunburn prevalence and its association with sociodemographics and skin cancer risk variables were examined. Results: More than two-thirds (70.4%) of respondents reported at least one episode of sunburn in the past 12 months, and one in ten respondents reported at least one episode of sever sunburn in the past 12 months. Experiences of sunburn on two or more occasions were reported more frequently by males than females (57.6% versus 46.5%, p < 0.001), and by nearly two-thirds (65.8%) of those aged 20-39 years compared to 48.0% of 40-59 year olds, and 26.7% of 60-75 year olds (p < 0.001). Episodes of sunburn were strongly associated with being male (OR=2.20 95%CI 1.84-2.63) and being aged 20 to 39 years compared to 60 to 75 years (OR=9.79, 95%CI=7.66-12.50). Conclusions: Sunburn remains highly prevalent among Queensland residents particularly among men and in the younger age groups. So what? More effective strategies and methods may be required to extend the influence of health promotion campaigns.

Helping someone with problem drinking: Mental health first aid guidelines - a Delphi expert consensus study

Background Alcohol is a leading risk factor for avoidable disease burden. Research suggests that a drinker's social network can play an integral role in addressing hazardous (i.e., high-risk) or problem drinking. Often however, social networks do not have adequate mental health literacy (i.e., knowledge about mental health problems, like problem drinking, or how to treat them). This is a concern as the response that a drinker receives from their social network can have a substantial impact on their willingness to seek help. This paper describes the development of mental health first aid guidelines that inform community members on how to help someone who may have, or may be developing, a drinking problem (i.e., alcohol abuse or dependence). Methods A systematic review of the research and lay literature was conducted to develop a 285-item survey containing strategies on how to help someone who may have, or may be developing, a drinking problem. Two panels of experts (consumers/carers and clinicians) individually rated survey items, using a Delphi process. Surveys were completed online or via postal mail. Participants were 99 consumers, carers and clinicians with experience or expertise in problem drinking from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Items that reached consensus on importance were retained and written into guidelines. Results The overall response rate across all three rounds was 68.7% (67.6% consumers/carers, 69.2% clinicians), with 184 first aid strategies rated as essential or important by ≥80% of panel members. The endorsed guidelines provide guidance on how to: recognize problem drinking; approach someone if there is concern about their drinking; support the person to change their drinking; respond if they are unwilling to change their drinking; facilitate professional help seeking and respond if professional help is refused; and manage an alcohol-related medical emergency. Conclusion The guidelines provide a consensus-based resource for community members seeking to help someone with a drinking problem. Improving community awareness and understanding of how to identify and support someone with a drinking problem may lead to earlier recognition of problem drinking and greater facilitation of professional help seeking.

Population dynamics of penaeid prawn Penaeus merguiensis off Mumbai coast

Stock dynamics of Penaeus merguiensis was studied using length composition data collected separately for males and females during the period 1995-1998, at New Ferry Warf landing, centre in Greater Mumbai. Food and feeding, sex ratio, fecundity and length-weight relationships were worked out on a representative sub-sample. Asymptotic length (Loo) and growth coefficient (K) were estimated to be 220 mm and 1.80 per annum respectively for males. These parameters were respectively 281 mm and 1. 72 per annum in the case of females. The instantaneous rate of total mortality coefficient (Z) was found to be 9.79 and 7.44 per annum for males and females respectively. The annual natural mortality coefficient (M) was estimated to be 2.80 for males and 2.60 for females. As the exploitation ratio exceeded 0.5 in the case of both the males and females, the study suggests the necessity for reduction in fishing pressure in order to achieve Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY).

TCAS树脂的制备及对水中污染物的吸附性能研究

本论文采用第三代超分子受体化合物——磺化硫杂杯芳烃（简称TCAS）作为活性组分，将其加载到树脂载体上，制成一种新型的TCAS吸附树脂。借助红外光谱、紫外光谱、核磁共振和电喷雾质谱等检测分析手段对TCAS吸附树脂及其制备的中间产物进行表征。采用静态批试验方法研究发现TCAS吸附树脂对重金属和卤代烃类有机物都有较好的吸附去除效果，其对Pb2+、Cd2+、Cu2+和Zn2+四种重金属的吸附容量分别达到26.32mg•g-1、18.12mg•g-1、12.24mg•g-1和6.85mg•g-1；对二氯甲烷、三氯甲烷、四氯化碳、三氯乙烯四种卤代烃的吸附容量分别为9.23 mg•g-1、7.92 mg•g-1、6.73 mg•g-1和4.34 mg•g-1。并发现温度、树脂用量和溶液pH值等因素能影响TCAS吸附树脂的吸附去除效果。同时研究了TCAS吸附树脂对污染物的吸附优先性规律、动力学规律和热力学规律。采用化学计量学分析TCAS络合重金属的紫外光谱，获得了TCAS－重金属络合物的纯紫外光谱，以及TCAS、TCAS－重金属络合物随重金属浓度变化的分布曲线，并最终解析得到TCAS与Cu、Zn、Cd和Pb的络合常数（lgβ）分别为9.79、8.72、6.87和5.00。通过多次吸附试验，考察了TCAS吸附树脂回收循环利用的可行性，发现TCAS吸附树脂可进行多次循环回收再利用。

辽东次生林区主要阔叶林型叶面积指数季节动态

蒙古栎(Quercus mongolica)、花曲柳(Fraxinus rhynchophulla)和胡桃楸(Juglans mandshurica)林是我国东北天然次生林区具有代表性的主要林型。本研究以该3种林型为对象,利用数码相机外带鱼眼镜头获得3种林型的半球面影像,再利用专用软件Gap Light Analyzer处理分析获得了叶面积指数、林冠孔隙度和林下光照因子等参数。结果表明,3种林型的叶面积指数变化总体趋势是一致的,均呈先上升再下降的单峰曲线,蒙古栎林和胡桃楸林都是在7月中旬或8月中旬达到最大峰值,花曲柳林是在8月中旬或9月中旬达到最大峰值;3种林型冠层孔隙度的变化总体趋势也是一致的,呈先下降再上升的单峰曲线,不同样地峰值出现的时间也不同,最低峰值在6、7、8、9月中旬均有出现;通过对不同月份的叶面积指数、林下散射光、林下直射光的变异系数分析表明,7—9月叶面积指数的空间格局是影响林下散射光空间分布的主要因素。叶面积指数与林冠孔隙度呈指数相关。