Study of mutations in p53 tumour suppressor gene in human sporadic breast cancers

Using Polymerase Chain Reaction followed by Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism analysis, we studied thirty seven cases of primary human breast cancer for the presence of mutations in exons 5 and 7 of p53 tumour suppressor gene. Only one of the thirty seven tumours tested (2.7%) showed the electrophoretic mobility shift indicative of a mutation in exon 5 of the p53gene, while no such mobility shift was noted in exon 7. Our finding is in contrast to the findings in previous studies, wherein the mutation frequency has been reported to be 13–30% by direct DNA analysis. This may be related to the ethnicity and local population prevalence rather than technique.     

Bio-electrospraying and aerodynamically assisted bio-jetting whole human blood: Interrogating cell surface marker integrity

Bio-electrospraying and aerodynamically assisted bio-jetting are two direct cell handling approaches recently pioneered, which have demonstrated significant applicability to the life sciences. These two bioprotocols have undergone scientific rigor, which have seen these techniques been explored in conjunction with a wide range of immortalized, primary and stem cells, and those whole organisms. Those studies have demonstrated a cellular population of >70% viable post-treatment in comparison with controls. Although, these studies assessed cellular viability, cell surface molecules play a critical role in several cellular functions, in particular, have importance to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Thus, in the studies reported herein, we demonstrate post-treated viable cells retain their cell surface marker expression levels in comparison to controls, over both short and long time points. Therefore, these studies further push back the frontiers of both bio-electrosprays and aerodynamically assisted bio-jetting in their endeavor as novel strategies for tissue engineering and regenerative biology∕medicine with possible targeted clinical utility.     

Real school improvement: is it in the eye of the beholder?

The outcomes of a school improvement programme were measured in 26 primary schools over one year. Authorised pupil and staff absences and staff turnover decreased, and unauthorised pupil absences significantly increased (p < 0.05). Fixed-term exclusions significantly decreased (p < 0.001). The self-esteem of 316 pupils aged between 4 and 11 before and after programme implementation showed a significant increase (p < 0.001). Staff self-esteem also increased significantly (p < 0.05) and provided a significant indicator of programme sustainability (p < 0.05). Thematic analysis of data from staff interviews demonstrated that the effectiveness of school improvement programmes rested on staff participation in terms of capacity, perceptions of change and stability of the school before programme implementation. These elements were incorporated into a model of school improvement. Goal Attainment Scores were significantly correlated with fidelity of programme participation (p < 0.05). Feedback indicated that there was more to school improvement programmes than simply buying one “off the shelf.”     

How school staff understand the relationship between problem behaviours and language difficulties

This exploratory study adopted a mixed methods methodology, a critical realist ontological stance and a constructionist epistemological position to consider how special educational needs coordinators and pastoral managers in mainstream high schools understand the relationship between problem behaviours and language development. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants, and 20 participants completed a Q sort. The interview data were analysed using thematic analysis and in Q methodology an inverted factor analysis with a qualitative interpretation of the resultant factors was used. Triangulation was adopted as the method for the final integration of the data. Three meta-themes were identified indicating that, despite a range of recent initiatives, school staff continue to have a limited understanding of the relationship between problem behaviours and language difficulties. Previous experience and existing practice were drawn upon in considering causal relationships and interventions. Implications for educational psychology practice at casework, systems and commissioning levels are addressed.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">DRD4</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">DAT1</Emphasis> VNTR Genotyping in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

The dopamine receptor-D4 and the dopamine transporter have been investigated for their role in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Reports of their genetic association with ADHD have shown mixed results. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) of the DRD4 and DAT1 genes with ADHD in children. A pilot 1:1 case control study, with 44 clinically confirmed ADHD cases and 44 age/gender matched healthy controls, was conducted at a tertiary care centre in Mumbai. Variable number tandem repeats of DRD4 exon 3, DAT1 intron 8 and 3′UTR were genotyped by PCR-AGE. Several allele repeats of the genes were observed in the screened subjects. Statistical significance was observed for the 10R/10R genotype of the DAT1 3′UTR VNTR between cases and controls.