Oncogenic LINC00698 suppresses apoptosis of melanoma stem cells to promote tumorigenesis via LINC00698-miR-3132-TCF7/hnRNPM axis.

Melanoma progression depends on melanoma stem cells (MSCs), which are distinguished by the distinct dysregulated genes. As the key factors in the dysregulation of genes, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) take great effects on MSCs. However, the underlying mechanism of lncRNAs in MSCs has not been extensively characterized. To address the roles of lncRNAs in MSCs, LINC00698 was characterized in this study. The results revealed that LINC00698 was upregulated in MSCs, showing its important role in MSCs. The further data indicated that the LINC00698 silencing triggered cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and apoptosis of MSCs. LINC00698 could directly interact with miR-3132 to upregulate the expression of TCF7, which was required for sustaining the stemness and the tumorigenic potency of MSCs. At the same time, LINC00698 could bind to the hnRNPM protein to enhance the protein stability, thus suppressing apoptosis and promoting the stemness of MSCs. Furthermore, the in vivo data demonstrated that LINC00698 was essential for tumorigenesis of MSCs via the LINC00698-miR-3132-TCF7/hnRNPM axis. Therefore, our findings contributed novel insights into the underlying mechanism of melanoma progression.

Antiviral Shrimp lncRNA06 Possesses Anti-Tumor Activity by Inducing Apoptosis of Human Gastric Cancer Stem Cells in a Cross-Species Manner.

Virus infection causes the metabolic disorder of host cells, whereas the metabolic disorder of cells is one of the major causes of tumorigenesis, suggesting that antiviral molecules might possess anti-tumor activities by regulating cell metabolism. As the key regulators of gene expression, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play vital roles in the regulation of cell metabolism. However, the influence of antiviral lncRNAs on tumorigenesis has not been explored. To address this issue, the antiviral and anti-tumor capacities of shrimp lncRNAs were characterized in this study. The results revealed that shrimp lncRNA06, having antiviral activity in shrimp, could suppress the tumorigenesis of human gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) via triggering apoptosis of GCSCs in a cross-species manner. Shrimp lncRNA06 could sponge human miR-17-5p to suppress the stemness of GCSCs via the miR-17-5p-p21 axis. At the same time, shrimp lncRNA06 could bind to ATP synthase subunit beta (ATP5F1B) to enhance the stability of the ATP5F1B protein in GCSCs, thus suppressing the tumorigenesis of GCSCs. The in vivo data demonstrated that shrimp lncRNA06 promoted apoptosis and inhibited the stemness of GCSCs through interactions with ATP5F1B and miR-17-5p, leading to the suppression of the tumorigenesis of GCSCs. Therefore, our findings highlighted that antiviral lncRNAs possessed anti-tumor capacities and that antiviral lncRNAs could be the anti-tumor reservoir for the treatment of human cancers.

Imperatives of Mathematical Model of Arterial Blood Dynamics for Interpretation of Doppler Velocimetry: A Narrative Review.

Clinicians frequently study arterial Doppler velocimetric waveforms depicted by Doppler sonography of the kidneys, the heart, the brain, and the feto-maternal circulation to assess the well-being of the aforementioned vital organs. The waveform interpretation of the Doppler indices can be studied using a mathematical model. The developed models serve as teaching tools and for easy comprehension of the regulatory mechanism of the organs. It will also obtain accurate wall shear stress (WSS) and likely atherosclerotic sites can be predicted early. The aim of this review is to reveal the imperatives of mathematical models in the study of the physical interpretation of Doppler velocimetry. The models will explore sonographic Doppler velocimetry and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in determining the segments of the arteries that are prone to the development of atheromatous plaque. It will be achieved by comparing and computing the measurement differences of the WSS. A thorough literature review was carried out between 1971 and 2021 on the mathematical modeling of blood dynamics and Doppler velocimetry of different blood vessels, across various electronic databases including NC AHEC Digital Library, PUBMED, ERIC, MEDLINE, Free Medical Journals, and EMBASE. The results of the literature search were presented using the PRISMA flow chat. The narrative review of the mathematical models of arterial blood dynamics is based on incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, the Windkessel model, and CFD. It was deduced that the blood flow velocity decreased with time across the varying frequency from 0.2Hz to 0.50Hz in the interlobar arterial channels. The review also revealed that adult humans' Doppler indices of the renal-interlobar artery agree with developed models of renal interlobar arterial blood dynamics. The mathematical model measurements of the great vessels matched the sonographic Doppler velocimetry with <15% variation. In our fast-paced world of epidemiological transition, the imperatives of mathematical modeling of arterial flow dynamics based on the Navier-Stokes equations to represent various physiologic and pathologic situations cannot be overstated. The practical consequences include the possibility of mathematical models to acquire precise WSS distribution and early detection of potential atherosclerotic sites during cardiovascular Doppler sonography.

Review of Experience of the Production of Salt Fortified with Iron and Iodine.

The double fortification of salt with iodine and iron has been proposed as a method for the mass prevention of iron deficiency anemia. This article reports on the technical and financial aspects of the production of such double fortified salt (DFS) based on the experiences of current and past producers. It draws contrasts with the established process of fortifying salt solely with iodine particularly examining the cost and complexity of the processes involved. Based on these factors it questions the commercial viability of existing DFS formulations and thus their sustainability as vehicles for the widespread distribution of iron outside a subsidized environment. It makes suggestions for the future development of DFS particularly relating to the development of less expensive iron formulations suitable for use with lower quality salts and identifies key technical and economic areas to be taken into account when considering the production of DFS.

Effect of Phosphorylated Chitosan on Dentin Erosion: An in vitro Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antierosive effect of phosphorylated chitosan in dentin. Bovine dentin specimens were randomly distributed into the following groups: (1) no treatment (NoTx/negative control), (2) phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS), (3) AmF/NaF/SnCl2 (positive control), (4) 0.5% chitosan solution (Chi), (5) 0.5% neutral phosphorylated (NP)-Chi, and (6) 0.5% alkaline phosphorylated (AP)-Chi. The specimens were submitted to de-remineralization treatment cycles for 5 days: 0.5% citric acid (2 min), remineralizing solution (30 min), and surface treatment according to assigned groups (2 min, 6×/day). The loss of dentin surface was measured by profilometry. Hardness and modulus of elasticity were measured using a nanoindenter equipped with a Berkovich diamond tip. The dentin surface was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The largest loss of dentin was observed in the No Tx and PBS groups (approx. 25 µm). The group treated with AmF/NaF/SnCl2 showed less loss of dentin (67% reduction vs. NoTx and PBS), followed by the groups treated with NP-Chi and AP-Chi (33% reduction), and Chi (18% reduction). Nanohardness and modulus of elasticity were similar in the NoTx and PBS groups, with a small increase in stiffness in all other groups. SEM revealed that the experimental solution of AP-Chi had a favorable effect on maintaining the integrity of collagen fibrils. AmF/NaF/SnCl2 showed a preserved mineralized collagen surface. Further studies are warranted to explore this nontoxic phosphorylated chitosan polymer as an effective agent in the prevention and treatment of dental erosion.

Evaluating Factors that Contribute to the Early Loss of Bone Around Submerged Implants Before they are Restored.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to examine various factors that may contribute to early crestal bone loss around submerged implants, prior to restoration. Methods: The research included a collective of 100 implants, procured from 60 participants. We allocated a total of 60 patients into two distinct groups: 20 individuals in the healthy group and 40 individuals in the ECBL group. Results: Out of the complete population, 56 people were unaffected by diabetes, while six persons were smokers. Systemic antibiotics were administered to almost all patients (98%) throughout the implantation procedure. The implant implantation consisted of 69% nonmolar implants and 31% molar implants. Conclusion: Engaging in a guided bone regeneration (GBR) operation before implant implantation has been shown to be a statistically significant factor in preventing early crestal bone loss (ECBL).

Xylose consumption and ethanol production by Pichia guilliermondii and Candida oleophila in the presence of furans, phenolic compounds, and organic acids commonly produced during the pre-treatment of plant biomass.

For 2G ethanol production, pentose fermentation and yeast tolerance to lignocellulosic hydrolyzate components are essential to improve biorefinery yields. Generally, physicochemical pre-treatment methodologies are used to facilitate access to cellulose and hemicellulose in plant material, which consequently can generate microbial growth inhibitory compounds, such as furans, weak acids, and phenolic compounds. Because of the unsatisfactory yield of wild-type Saccharomyces cerevisiae during pentose fermentation, the search for xylose-fermenting yeasts tolerant to microbial growth inhibitors has gained attention. In this study, we investigated the ability of the yeasts Pichia guilliermondii G1.2 and Candida oleophila G10.1 to produce ethanol from xylose and tolerate the inhibitors furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), acetic acid, formic acid, ferulic acid, and vanillin. We demonstrated that both yeasts were able to grow and consume xylose in the presence of all single inhibitors, with greater growth limitation in media containing furfural, acetic acid, and vanillin. In saline medium containing a mixture of these inhibitors (2.5-3.5 mM furfural and HMF, 1 mM ferulic acid, 1-1.5 mM vanillin, 10-13 mM acetic acid, and 5-7 mM formic acid), both yeasts were able to produce ethanol from xylose, similar to that detected in the control medium (without inhibitors). In future studies, the proteins involved in the transport of pentose and tolerance to these inhibitors need to be investigated.

Climate change-related knowledge and attitudes among a sample of the general population in Egypt.

Introduction: Identifying the public awareness and risk perception regarding climate change, are fundamental preliminary steps in determining gaps and paving the way for awareness campaigns that address climate change causes and counteraction mitigation measures. However, few studies were conducted in Egypt; thus, the researchers conducted the current cross-sectional study among a sample of the Egyptian population to identify general knowledge and perception about climate change and its effects, as well as attitudes toward mitigation measures. Methods: An exploratory population-based electronic-open survey, was conducted among 527 members of the general population between January and April 2022, using a convenience sampling technique. A pre-tested 2-page (screen) electronic included three sections: sociodemographic characteristics, global warming/climate change-related knowledge, and attitude toward climate change mitigation. Results: The average global warming knowledge score was 12 ± 3. More than 70% (71.1%) of the participants were knowledgeable (percentage score >70%). Approximately half of the enrolled participants (48.2%) agreed that everyone is vulnerable to the effects of global warming/climate change. More than three-quarters (78.3%) of the participants agreed that carbon emissions from vehicles and industrial methane emissions were the first factors that contributed to climate change, followed by the ozone holes (731%). Global warming/climate change-related knowledge was statistically higher in participants aged of >30 years, married participants, urban residents, highly educated individuals, and employed individuals (p-value ≤ 0.05). Approximately 80% of the participants agreed that responding to the questionnaire drew their attention to the topic of climate change and its effects. More than two-thirds of those polled agreed that increasing public transportation use could help mitigate the effects of climate change/global warming, followed by the materials used and the direction of construction. Conclusion: More than two-thirds of the participants were knowledgeable regarding climate change. Social media and the internet were the main sources of information. However, participants need to get the information in a different way that could help in changing their attitude positively toward the issue of climate change mitigation. The current study recommends the need for various initiatives that work should be launched.

Functional properties and potential application of ethanol tolerant ß-glucosidases from Pichia ofunaensis and Trichosporon multisporum yeasts.

ß-Glucosidases have been extensively investigated to integrate the enzyme complex for cellulose fiber saccharification and for improving the aroma of wine. To produce these enzymes, greater attention has been given to filamentous fungi and bacteria, and few investigations have targeted the potential applications of enzymes secreted by yeasts. Addressing this issue, in this study, ß-glucosidases were produced by the Pichia ofunaensis and Trichosporon multisporum yeasts, via solid state fermentation with wheat bran as a substrate. When using p-Nitrophenyl ß-d-glucopyranoside (pNPG) as an enzyme substrate, maximum ß-glucosidase activities were detected at pH 5.5-6.0 and 50-60 °C for P. ofunaensis, and pH 5-6 and 55 °C for T. multisporum. Both enzymes were able to hydrolyze cellobiose and exhibited stability over a wide range of pH (3.5-9.0) for 24 h at 4 °C, thermostability up to 50 °C for 1 h and tolerance to 10 mM phenolic compounds. Negative modulation on enzyme activity was observed in the presence of Cu2+, Fe3+, Zn2+, Al3+ and Hg2+, while both ß-glucosidases were tolerant to 30% methanol, isopropanol and acetone. In the presence of ethanol and glucose, enzymes from P. ofunaensis were the more active and stable of the two. These enzymes, especially the P. ofunaensis ß-glucosidases, could be tested in enology for improving the aroma of wine and for integrating a cellulolytic complex to produce 2G ethanol.

About a rare disease misdiagnosed as malignant lymphoma or tuberculosis: Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease KFD is a rare and benign cause of cervical lymphadenopathy. It is an anatomoclinical entity of unknown etiology. The confirmation of the diagnosis is always provided by histological lymph node study. The clinical picture sometimes evokes lymphoma or tuberculosis. The evolution is generally favorable with spontaneous healing after a few weeks. We report the case of a 26-year-old woman who had consulted for cervical lymphadenopathy associated with fever. The cervical lymph node biopsy concluded to Kikuch-Fujimoto's disease. The evolution was marked by rapid regression of lymphadenopathy under corticosteroid treatment.

Evaluation of Post Laryngectomy Pharyngocutaneous Fistula risk Factors.

INTRODUCTION: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is the most common complication after total laryngectomy. Its incidence is extremely variable, with values ranging from 3% and 65%. The management of this problem considerably increases the length and the cost of hospitalization. The aim of this study is to analyze the incidence, predisposing factors, and outcome of PCF in patients undergoing total laryngectomy in a Moroccan teaching hospital in Rabat, Morocco. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective study including 136 patients who underwent total laryngectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx in our institution, between January 2006 and December 2013. Socio-demographical, biological, surgical, and outcome data were included. Risk factors were analyzed for association with PCF formation. RESULTS: The overall PCF rate was 27.8%. The mean age was 58 (32-82 years). Univariate analysis showed age (P= 0,028), hemoglobin (P=0,026), and previous tracheotomy (P=0,028) to be associated with the onset of PCF. However, multivariate analysis revealed that previous tracheotomy (P=0,028) and low level of preoperative hemoglobin (P=0,026) were highly associated with the occurrence of PCF. CONCLUSION: This is an original work performed in an African country with a large serie. Our findings suggest that age, previous tracheotomy, and low level of haemoglobin are risk factors for PCF onset after total laryngectomy in T4 squamous cell carcinoma.

A case of Kartagener syndrome with rhinolalia clausa.

Kartagener syndrome is an autosomal recessive genetic ciliary disorder comprising of a classic triad of sinusitis, situs inversus and bronchiectasis. It's the one of primary ciliary dyskinesia disorders with manifestations present from childhood. Most patients of PCD have situs inversus. We present a case of 18 year-old women with recurrent lower and upper respiratory tracts infections, and rhinolalia clausa.

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma occurring in the renal allograft of a transplant recipient presenting with weight loss.

The incidence of renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) in renal transplant recipients is reported as 1.1-1.5% in the native kidneys and 0.22-0.25% in the renal allograft. There are no data to support routine surveillance for tumors in transplant recipients. Most reported cases of RCCs occurring in renal allografts were incidental findings in asymptomatic patients. Herein, we report the second case of lone chromophobe RCC (ChRCC) of the renal allograft presenting with weight loss. Loss of weight is a presenting symptom in one-third of ChRCCs occurring in the native kidneys in the general population. Based on the age of the patient, R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score of the tumor and the lack of data on the prognosis of this histological subtype in a climate of long-term immunosuppression, we elected for radical nephrectomy. We suggest that RCCs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a transplant recipient presenting with weight loss even in the absence of localizing symptoms or signs.

Robotic partial cystectomy for lymphangioma of the urinary bladder in an adult woman.

Lymphangioma of the urinary bladder is a very rare tumour in adulthood. Robotic partial cystectomy is evolving for treatment of a limited number of bladder tumours. We describe a case of an adult woman with a bladder dome lymphangioma for which robotic partial cystectomy was carried out.