Posters

The design and fabrication process of a micro PCR module is presented. The final system will be integrated in an innovative Lab on a Chip (LOC) to provide a technological platform able to detect autoimmune genetic diseases.

This presentation describes the potential of using a new fully automated QCM biosensor and a commercial SPR biosensor for the detection of PSA, a biomarker for prostate cancer. Initially a new buffer was formulated to eliminate 98% of the non-specific human serum protein binding to the sensors. Obtained results indicate that both instruments can be used for the fast and easy detection of PSA (0.29-150 ng/ml) in serum.

Natural Vibrio cholerae infection generates a robust B-cell response that wanes for T-cell independent antigens, suggesting that B-cell responses may be mediated in a T-cell dependent manner. Patients with cholera develop a memory-effector T-cell response to cholera antigens, and B-cell activation occurs after T-cell population expansion, suggesting that T-cells may play an important role in the development and maintenance of memory B-cell responses to T-cell dependent antigens.

Screening of a natural compound library led to the identification of resorufin, as a highly selective and potent inhibitor for protein kinase CK2. Out of 52 kinases tested only CK2 was inhibited. The IC50 values determined for the CK2 holoenzymes were 1.5 µM and for the free catalytic subunits ca. 4 µM. In different cancer cell lines treatment with resorufin led to cell death and endogenous CK2 was inhibited.

This study explored whether university students were able to estimate their energy requirements within a range of calories equal to predicted Estimated Energy Requirements (EER) two standard deviations. Students significantly underestimated their EER by 700 calories (p<.001). Fewer males than expected were able to estimate energy requirements as compared to females, 41.3% vs. 20.6%, ?2 (1) = 7.236, p=.007.

We describe a novel platform, the nCounter Analysis System, for sensitive, highly multiplexed, digital gene expression analysis based on NanoString’s novel molecular barcoding technology. Detection of individual mRNA molecules using an assigned sequence of six different fluorescent spots per probe are detected, and then the number of times that code sequence appears in a sample are counted.

To calculate the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of 99 Tc Sestambi scan in the localization of parathyroid disease and to calculate the cost benefit of routine pre-operative scan.

Parathyroid tumours account for a very small percentage of all head and neck neoplasms. The clinical presentation of benign primary hyperparathyroidism differs from that seen in Western series. We attempt to review the presentation and outcomes of patients treated for malignant primary hyperparathyroidism from our centre and highlight the clinical clues to a early pre-operative diagnosis.

To study the outcomes at 6 months after fixed dose 131I therapy for Graves’ disease (GD) with an iodine restricted diet.