DURHAM, N.C. (PRWEB)
February 26, 2020

A new study released today in STEM CELLS identifies, for the first time, two morphologically and functionally different types of cancer stem cells found in cervical cancer. Of the two types, one exhibits an overexpression of cPLA2α, a key enzyme that triggers the transformation of dormant cancer stem cells into active ones, resulting in cervical cancer metastasis and recurrence. The information in this study could lead to new targets for treatments to halt tumor recurrence and metastatic spread. Also, it might accelerate the development of combination therapies.

The current standard of treatments for cervical cancer – the second leading cause of cancer death in young women worldwide — is radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, the cancer’s resistance to chemotherapy and radiation, combined with a tendency to metastasis in the lymph nodes or recur in the pelvis, leaves doctors searching for more effective treatments.

Cervical cancer stem cells (CCSCs) are considered the major culprit behind the cancer’s ability to overcome these treatments. At the same time, a majority of cancer stem-like cells or tumor-initiating cells remain dormant. It takes a change in their microenvironment to spur them to metastasize.

“The mechanisms responsible for this must be identified to design more suitable therapies for the different subpopulations of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in various tissue-specific cancers,” said Hua Guo, Ph.D., who headed up the investigation along with Yuchao He, Ph.D. The two are colleagues at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital. Researchers at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and at the Center for Translational Cancer Research, Peking University First Hospital, also participated in the study.

Although several cell surface antigens have been identified in CCSCs, these markers vary among tumors because of CSC heterogeneity. However, whether these markers specifically distinguish CCSCs with different functions is unclear. The study published in STEM CELLS sought to resolve this question. And in fact, its findings demonstrate that CCSCs exist in two biologically distinct phenotypes, characterized by different levels of cPLA2α expression.

“Our study showed for the first time that overexpression of cPLA2α results in a phenotype associated with mesenchymal traits, including increased invasive and migration abilities. On the other hand, CCSCs with cPLA2α downregulation show dormant epithelial characteristics,” said Dr. Guo. “In addition, cPLA2α regulates the reversible transition between mesenchymal and epithelial CCSC states through PKCζ, an atypical protein that governs cancer cell state changes.”

Dr. He added, “Now that we know cPLA2α triggers this transformation, we believe that cPLA2α might be an attractive therapeutic target for eradicating different states of CCSCs to eliminate tumors more effectively.”

“The novel study by Dr. Guo and team is of very high importance in understanding the transition between dormant cancer stem cells, which evade chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and actively dividing cells which can be better targeted, said Dr. Jan Nolta, Editor-in-Chief of STEM CELLS. “I applaud the group for this important discovery which will help researchers develop better treatments for cervical cancer.”

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The full article, “cPLA2α reversibly regulate different subsets of cancer stem cells transformation in cervical cancer,” can be accessed at https://stemcellsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/stem.3157.

Figure Caption: This study revealed that there are two morphologically and functionally distinct cancer stem cell populations regulated by cPLA2α in cervical cancer. cPLA2α might be a unique marker to identify different cancer stem cell populations and trigger quiescent epithelial cancer stem cells transform to invasive mesenchymal states. Overexpression of cPLA2α resulted in a CD44+CD24- phenotype with mesenchymal traits, whereas cervical cancer stem cells (CCSCs) with cPLA2α downregulation expressed CD133 and showed epithelial characteristics. cPLA2α, as a key role to reversely regulate CCSCs states and EMT, might provide innovative therapeutic strategies intended to halt tumor recurrence and metastasis.

About the Journal: STEM CELLS, a peer reviewed journal published monthly, provides a forum for prompt publication of original investigative papers and concise reviews. The journal covers all aspects of stem cells: embryonic stem cells/induced pluripotent stem cells; tissue-specific stem cells; cancer stem cells; the stem cell niche; stem cell epigenetics, genomics and proteomics; and translational and clinical research. STEM CELLS is co-published by AlphaMed Press and Wiley.

About AlphaMed Press: Established in 1983, AlphaMed Press with offices in Durham, NC, San Francisco, CA, and Belfast, Northern Ireland, publishes three internationally renowned peer-reviewed journals with globally recognized editorial boards dedicated to advancing knowledge and education in their focused disciplines. STEM CELLS® (http://www.StemCells.com) is the world’s first journal devoted to this fast paced field of research. THE ONCOLOGIST® (http://www.TheOncologist.com) is devoted to community and hospital-based oncologists and physicians entrusted with cancer patient care. STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE® (http://www.StemCellsTM.com) is dedicated to significantly advancing the clinical utilization of stem cell molecular and cellular biology. By bridging stem cell research and clinical trials, SCTM will help move applications of these critical investigations closer to accepted best practices.

About Wiley: Wiley, a global company, helps people and organizations develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Our online scientific, technical, medical and scholarly journals, combined with our digital learning, assessment and certification solutions, help universities, learned societies, businesses, governments and individuals increase the academic and professional impact of their work. For more than 200 years, we have delivered consistent performance to our stakeholders. The company’s website can be accessed at http://www.wiley.com.

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Siddhartha Angadi, PhD, FACSM

This is the perfect time to add Dr. Angadi’s expertise to the Foundation. We look forward to raising the visibility of the evidence-based dietary recommendations that result from his research among the nutrition community and the public.

WASHINGTON (PRWEB)
February 26, 2020

The Grain Foods Foundation is excited to announce the addition of Siddhartha Angadi, PhD, FACSM, to its Scientific Advisory Board, effective February 1, 2020. A fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, Dr. Angadi is currently an Assistant Professor at the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University.

A cardiovascular exercise physiologist by training, Dr. Angadi’s research focuses on the complex interactions between exercise and physical activity, diet, and drugs in both healthy individuals and those with serious illnesses such as congestive heart failure, breast cancer, and end-stage renal disease.

“Given the rising prevalence of and deaths resulting from the illnesses that Dr. Angadi studies, this is the perfect time to add his expertise to the Foundation,” said Christine Cochran, executive director for the Grain Foods Foundation. “His research is impressive in both volume and breadth, and we look forward to raising the visibility of the evidence-based dietary recommendations that result from it among the nutrition community and the public.”

Dr. Angadi cites his most recent research – one Nutrients study that investigates the effects of glycemic index and dietary fiber on cardiovascular disease risk in adults, and another that examines the role of dietary fiber consumption on cardiovascular health in pediatric populations – as evidence that he clearly shares this ambition.

“I’m elated to join the Scientific Advisory Board,” Angadi said. “There’s a tremendous amount of misinformation out there when it comes to the role of diet in human health and disease, from one fad diet claiming that dietary fiber isn’t essential to another claiming that we’d all be better off without gluten. So I’m thrilled to partner with the Grain Foods Foundation and have the opportunity to help separate fact from fiction.”

Dr. Angadi joins the current members of the Scientific Advisory Board:

• Glenn Gaesser, PhD (Chairman), Professor of Exercise Science and Health Promotion and Director of the Healthy Lifestyles Research Center at Arizona State University;
• Dyan Hes, MD, owner and medical director of Gramercy Pediatrics in New York City;
• Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, DBA, MS, RD, LDN, founder of Hispanic Food Communications;
• Richard D. Mattes, MPH, PhD, RD, Distinguished Professor of Nutrition Science at Purdue University;
• Julie Miller Jones, PhD, LN, CNS, Professor Emeritus at St. Catherine University;
• Bruce Young, MD, Silverman Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York University School of Medicine;
• Angela Ginn-Meadow, RD, LDN, CDE, Senior Education Coordinator at the University of Maryland’s Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology;
• Pamela Cureton, RD, LDN, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at the University of Maryland School of Medicine;
• Hannah Holscher, PhD, RD, Assistant Professor of Nutrition in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois.

About Grain Foods Foundation

Formed in 2004, Grain Foods Foundation (GFF) is a group of thought leaders and advocates for ALL grain foods and believes everybody needs grain food to enjoy a happy and healthy life. Committed to nutrition education programming that is firmly rooted in science, GFF is a strong advocate for our members, and a resource for consumers and the media who want to learn more about the role of grains in a well-balanced eating pattern. GFF offers research-based information and resources to members, partners, influencers, policymakers and consumers through a comprehensive communications campaign, conferences, webinars, research tools, social media and more. GFF is committed to bringing fact-based information and common sense to the consumer. For more information, visit grainfoodsfoundation.org.

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Phillip Baker, MD, PhD, President, Diagnostic Imaging Northwest

Our philosophy of practice is to be an active and valued participant in our communities and the institutions where we provide care. We think that membership in Strategic Radiology and the SR–Patient Safety Organization will help us continue to put the patient and referring physician first.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (PRWEB)
February 26, 2020

Diagnostic Imaging Northwest (DINW) has aligned with Strategic Radiology’s coalition of independent private radiology practices, bringing the current number of members to 27 and bolstering the organization’s presence in the Northwest. The group includes 12 subspecialty-trained radiologists.

“We are pleased to be welcoming Diagnostic Imaging Northwest into the Strategic Radiology coalition of independent practices,” said Arl Van Moore Jr, MD, FACR, CEO and chair, Strategic Radiology. “The practice brings a combination of excellent, quality-minded radiologists, a demonstrated willingness to collaborate, and a commitment to Strategic Radiology’s core values.”

DINW was founded nearly 100 years ago and during the past century has built a strong relationship with Legacy Health’s Good Samaritan Hospital, a leading subspecialty hospital In Portland with an oncology center operated in partnership with Oregon Health & Science University. It also provides subspecialty coverage for Skyline Hospital, in White Salmon, Washington.

The practice’s radiologists serve as department medical directors at both hospital sites and provide diagnostic mammography and breast biopsy for a new breast center operated by Women’s Health Associates, a 100-physician group of primarily OB-GYN physicians.

“Our philosophy of practice is to be an active and valued participant in our communities and the institutions where we provide care,” said Phillip D. Baker, MD, PhD, president, DINW. “We think that membership in Strategic Radiology and the SR–Patient Safety Organization will help us continue to put the patient and referring physician first.”

DINW is a partner in Legacy Health Partners, an accountable care organization with more than 2,500 physician members. The practice has been an integral member of the Portland health care provider community since the 1920s, introducing Oregon’s first CT scanner and first dedicated breast imaging center, both at Legacy Good Samaritan.

About Strategic Radiology

Strategic Radiology is a coalition of independent, private radiology practices, representing more than 1,100 radiologists. The coalition’s goal is to achieve higher quality patient care and more cost-efficient delivery of medical imaging through an integrated approach of shared data and best practices, interchanging clinical expertise, and consolidating certain practice expenses. It operates the nation’s only radiology-focused Patient Safety Organization listed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. http://www.StrategicRadiology.org.

SR Members:

• 
  Asheville Radiology Associates; Asheville, NC
• Casper Medical Imaging and Outpatient Radiology; Casper, WY
• Central Illinois Radiological Associates; Peoria, IL
• Diagnostic Imaging Northwest; Portland, OR
• Gaston Radiology; Gastonia, NC
• The Hill Medical Corporation; Pasadena, CA
• Huron Valley Radiology; Ann Arbor, MI
• Inland Imaging; Spokane, WA
• Mecklenburg Radiology Associates; Charlotte, NC
• Medical Center Radiology Group; Orlando, FL
• Minneapolis Radiology Associates; Minneapolis, MN
• Modesto Radiological Medical Group (MRMG); Modesto, CA
• Mountain Medical Physician Specialists; Salt Lake City, UT
• Naugatuck Valley Radiological Associates; Waterbury, CT
• Northwest Radiology; Indianapolis, IN
• Quantum Radiology; Atlanta, GA
• Radiologic Medical Services; Iowa City, IA
• Radiology Associates; Jeffersonville, IN
• Radiology Associates of Macon; Macon, GA
• Radiology Associates of North Texas; Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
• Radiology Associates of Tallahassee; Tallahassee, FL
• Rome Radiology Group; Rome, GA
• Southeast Radiology, Ltd.; Glen Mills, PA
• Tower Imaging Medical Group; Santa Monica, CA
• United Imaging Consultants; Mission, KS
• University Radiology; East Brunswick, NJ
• X-Ray Consultants; South Bend, IN

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“We are committed in adopting technology that is at the forefront of surgical treatments for epilepsy. The use of the robot will help the Memorial Neuroscience Institute to provide the cutting edge care to our patients.”

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (PRWEB)
February 26, 2020

The epilepsy team at Memorial Neuroscience Institute successfully completed its first use of a minimally-invasive, robotic device that helps pinpoint the origin of epileptic seizures on a patient.

The device, now in full use at Memorial Regional Hospital, is called a Robotized Surgical Assistant, or ROSA. With assistance from the robot, neurosurgeons only need to make small, precise incisions in the scalp and skull to place electrodes deep in the brain and investigate where seizures are triggered.

The robot also improves accuracy, safety and can significantly reduce total surgery time, said Tarek Zakaria, MD, Medical Director for the Adult Neurology Program and Epilepsy Program.

By using the new technology, more data will be available to the epilepsy team to offer patients more advanced treatment options and help them to achieve their dreams to be seizure free, Zakaria said.

“We are committed in adopting technology that is at the forefront of surgical treatments for epilepsy,” Zakaria said. “The use of the robot will help the Memorial Neuroscience Institute to provide the cutting edge care to our patients.”

When medication is not enough to control seizures, neurosurgeons like Christopher DeMassi, MD and Daxa Patel, MD may take a surgical approach. That includes altering or removing brain tissue at the location where a patient’s seizures begin. However, they can only do so if they can first zero in exactly where that origin is. This is where Rosa can assist.

Recently, they performed the two-part procedure on a 24-year-old female patient, who began having epileptic seizures at age eight and had exhausted all available medications.

The procedure, called robot-assisted stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG), was performed as part of the services offered by the Memorial Neuroscience Institute Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.

“Our goal is to always bring in the latest innovative technologies to achieve the best possible outcome for our patients,” DeMassi said. “This is just the latest advancement available to the South Florida community and keeps us at the front of epilepsy care.”

Surgeons used ROSA and a 3-D reconstruction of the patient’s brain to guide them where to surgically implant electrodes without having to remove sections of her skull. DeMassi and Patel then used the robot’s arm to make two- or three-millimeter holes in the scalp through which the electrode wires were passed.

With the electrodes in place, Zakaria and his team were later able to see part of the patient’s brain “light up” on a computer monitor as a seizure began, essentially flagging the point of origin.

“Memorial Neuroscience Institute is proud to offer the most technologically advanced and comprehensive services for our patients and the community,” said Haroula Protopapadakis Nordem, FACHE, Associate Administrator at Memorial Regional Hospital.

“The addition of the ROSA to our program will allow our surgeons to deliver more precise results in a less invasive manner and allow our physicians to treat patients who otherwise might not have had a feasible treatment option,” she said.

Memorial’s epilepsy center is accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) as a Level 4 program, a designation for programs offering the highest level of comprehensive and specialized care.

Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Fla., is one of the largest hospitals in Florida and is a facility of Memorial Healthcare System, one of the largest healthcare systems in Florida. Its wide scope of medical services and programs includes Memorial Cancer Institute, Breast Cancer Center, Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Neuroscience Center, Comprehensive Weight-Loss Surgery Program, Family Birthplace, Center for Behavioral Health, Sickle Cell Day Hospital, Women’s Services, Fitness and Rehabilitation Center, and a level I Trauma Center. For more information, visit memorialregional.com.

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