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Background: Techniques for the accurate identification of activating mutations of BRAF in metastatic melanoma are of great clinical importance, due to the availability of targeted therapies for these tumors. There is uncertainty regarding the frequency with which BRAF status differs between primary and metastatic sites. Methods: Between 2011 and 2016, 219 melanoma cases underwent BRAF testing in our institution. In 53 of these cases, paired primary and metastatic specimens were available for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemical evaluation. Results: Fifty‐two out of 53 cases (98%) showed concordant BRAF status between primary and metastatic site by immunohistochemistry (IHC). In one case, a metastasis and its matched primary were positive by IHC, but the metastasis was negative on PCR. On further investigation, PCR was positive in the primary, and repeat PCR in the metastasis was positive, following macrodissection. Conclusions: Our results suggest that discordance of BRAF mutational status between primaries and metastases is a rare occurrence. In one case, IHC provided strong evidence that initial PCR testing had provided a false‐negative result due to low tumor volume. Thus, in cases where tissue is difficult to obtain from a metastasis or unavailable, the primary tumor can be used with confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tidal energy researchers and developers use experimental testing of scaled devices as a method of evaluating device performance. Much of the focus to date has been on horizontal axis turbines. This study is focused on a novel vertical axis turbine which incorporates variable-pitch blades and a flow accelerator. The research involves laboratory testing of scale model devices in a recirculating flume. Computational fluid dynamic modelling is used to reproduce the measured flow data to investigate disparities in experimental data. The results show that the device is capable of achieving localised flow acceleration of up to a factor of 2 above the freestream velocity and achieved a mechanical power efficiency of 40%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to profile genetic pathways whose differential expression correlates with maturation of visual function in zebrafish. Bioinformatic analysis of transcriptomic data revealed Jak-Stat signalling as the pathway most enriched in the eye, as visual function develops. Real-time PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization data confirm that multiple Jak-Stat pathway genes are up-regulated in the zebrafish eye between 3-5 days post-fertilisation, times associated with significant maturation of vision. One of the most up-regulated Jak-Stat genes is the proto-oncogene Pim1 kinase, previously associated with haematological malignancies and cancer. Loss of function experiments using Pim1 morpholinos or Pim1 inhibitors result in significant diminishment of visual behaviour and function. In summary, we have identified that enhanced expression of Jak-Stat pathway genes correlates with maturation of visual function and that the Pim1 oncogene is required for normal visual function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To understand commonalities and differences in injured patient experiences of accessing and receiving quality injury care across three lower-income and middle-income countries., Design: A qualitative interview study. The interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed and thematically analysed., Setting: Urban and rural settings in Ghana, South Africa and Rwanda., Participants: 59 patients with musculoskeletal injuries., Results: We found five common barriers and six common facilitators to injured patient experiences of accessing and receiving high-quality injury care. The barriers encompassed issues such as service and treatment availability, transportation challenges, apathetic care, individual financial scarcity and inadequate health insurance coverage, alongside low health literacy and information provision. Facilitators included effective information giving and informed consent practices, access to health insurance, improved health literacy, empathetic and responsive care, comprehensive multidisciplinary management and discharge planning, as well as both informal and formal transportation options including ambulance services. These barriers and facilitators were prevalent and shared across at least two countries but demonstrated intercountry and intracountry (between urbanity and rurality) variation in thematic frequency., Conclusion: There are universal factors influencing patient experiences of accessing and receiving care, independent of the context or healthcare system. It is important to recognise and understand these barriers and facilitators to inform policy decisions and develop transferable interventions aimed at enhancing the quality of injury care in sub-Saharan African nations., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Techniques for the accurate identification of activating mutations of BRAF in metastatic melanoma are of great clinical importance, due to the availability of targeted therapies for these tumors. There is uncertainty regarding the frequency with which BRAF status differs between primary and metastatic sites., Methods: Between 2011 and 2016, 219 melanoma cases underwent BRAF testing in our institution. In 53 of these cases, paired primary and metastatic specimens were available for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemical evaluation., Results: Fifty-two out of 53 cases (98%) showed concordant BRAF status between primary and metastatic site by immunohistochemistry (IHC). In one case, a metastasis and its matched primary were positive by IHC, but the metastasis was negative on PCR. On further investigation, PCR was positive in the primary, and repeat PCR in the metastasis was positive, following macrodissection., Conclusions: Our results suggest that discordance of BRAF mutational status between primaries and metastases is a rare occurrence. In one case, IHC provided strong evidence that initial PCR testing had provided a false-negative result due to low tumor volume. Thus, in cases where tissue is difficult to obtain from a metastasis or unavailable, the primary tumor can be used with confidence., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)