Identification of ITPR1 gene as a novel target for hsa-miR-34b-5p in non-obstructive azoospermia: a Ca2+/apoptosis pathway cross-talk.

MiR-34b-5p has been reported as a non-invasive diagnostic biomarker for infertility. However, no gene targets regulating the mechanism of cation of this miRNA are known. In this study, using gene set enrichment analysis the Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor Type 1 (ITPR1) gene was identified as the sole target for hsa-miR-34b-5p, and found significantly overexpressed in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients. This finding was confirmed by qRT-PCR on fresh testicular tissues from NOA patients. Then, pathway enrichment analysis as well as the diagnostic value analysis of hsa-miR-34b-5p/ITPR1 indicated ITPR1 as a hub gene in the calcium (Ca2+)-apoptosis pathway, and a valuable predictive biomarker for NOA. Moreover, gene expression and histological assays showed the association of the effects of ITPR1's increased expression on spermatogenesis failure through induction of apoptosis in NOA patients. These data suggested that the hsa-miR-34b-5p/ITPR1 axis could serve as a potential regulatory predictive biomarker for human spermatogenesis through the Ca2+-apoptosis pathway cross-talk.

A precise review on NAATs-based diagnostic assays for COVID-19: A motion in fast POC molecular tests.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis is one of the main strategies to deal with infectious and deadly diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The global pandemic of COVID-19 has led to an immediate need to expand rapid diagnostic techniques. New isothermal-based methods are being developed for COVID-19 detection aiming to resolve the limitations related to the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method through immediate samples processing and minimizing false-negative or ambiguous results. Advances in nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAATs) can provide affordable and easy-to-use diagnostic platforms with high sensitivity and specificity in order to be available to the public as approved commercial kits. AIMS: The development of point-of-care (POC) testing can assist in rapid clinical decision-making and mitigate burdens on health care facilities. Finally, we discussed the different diagnostic methods based on NAATs for COVID-19 in detail. Comparative parameters are addressed for all assays and Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA)-approved commercial tests are cited. CONCLUSIONS: Isothermal-coupled methods and LAMP-based molecular methods have been suggested as suitable portable tests with high diagnostic speed for use in POC testing.

Notable Enhancement of Facial Scarring Following Autologous Melanocyte-Keratinocyte Transplantation and NUVB Therapy: A Case Report.

Introduction: There are various types of treatment targeting healing traumatic or accidental skin scars. Transplantation of skin grafts and surgical alternatives, including autologous transplantation of melanocyte-keratinocyte suspension, have also been suggested previously. This study is representing a case of previous skin graft transplantation, complaining of scar formation and discoloration on the transplanted segment. Case Presentation: The patient was a 37-year-old lady. This patient underwent melanocyte-keratinocyte suspension transplantation and narrow-band ultraviolet B (NUVB) therapy and could reach 40% re-pigmentation enhancement. This method could be introduced as an efficient and safe method of approaching facial scarring. Conclusion: This method could be introduced as an efficient and safe method of approaching facial scarring.

Ameliorating effects of dietary Haematococcus pluvialis on arsenic-induced oxidative stress in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillet.

The current study was performed to investigate the protective effects of dietary Haematococcus pluvialis (H. pluvialis) on the oxidative stress induced by arsenic in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The fish (20.70 ± 0.09 g) were fed with H. pluvialis at the levels of 0.28, 0.56, and 1.12 g 100 g-1 diet for 60 days. Then, each group was divided into two subgroups. In one of the subgroups, fish were exposed to arsenic challenge at a level of 9.1 mg/L. The other subset was used as the negative control. After the 96 h of toxicity test, protein and lipid oxidative levels, antioxidant-relevant gene expression as well as several chemical factors, including pH and peroxide value and moisture content, were evaluated in the fillet samples. Results showed that feeding with H. pluvialis decreased the levels of pH, peroxide value, as well as protein and lipid oxidation levels in treatment groups. Besides, the expression of antioxidant genes was significantly increased in the groups administrated with H. pluvialis. Based on the results of this study, feeding H. pluvialis attenuated the oxidative stress induced by arsenic in rainbow trout fillet through improving the antioxidant defense system.