Long Non-Cod-ing RNA Signature in Cervical Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer as a common urogenital cancer among women has caused significant health problems. Efforts have been made to identify its pathogenic process in order to find targeted ther-apies. Long non-cod-ing ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) have been shown to regulate several cancer-related pathways and genes that contribute to pathogenesis of human malignancies, includ-ing cervical cancer. In the present review, we searched PubMed, Google scholar, Web of Science and Scopus databases for key words "cervical cancer" or "cervical neoplasm" and "long non-cod-ing RNA" or "lncRNA" (up to December 2017). AIM: To elaborate the role of lncRNAs in cervical cancer. CONCLUSIONS: LncRNAs affect cervical cancer pathogenesis through numerous mechanisms, such as mak-ing scaffolds for assembly of protein complexes, serv-ing as directors to recruit proteins, function-ing as transcriptional enhancers through chromatin remodeling, serv-ing as decoys to free up proteins from chromatin, or revers-ing the effects of other regulatory non-cod-ing RNAs, such as microRNAs. Pathway-based analysis showed that several lncRNAs modulate PI3K/ Akt/ mTOR, Wnt-ß catenin and Notch pathways in the process of cervical cancer pathogenesis. In addition, expression of a handful of lncRNAs has been associated with human papilloma virus infection. Identification of lncRNAs that alter cancer-related signal-ing pathways and subsequent expression analysis of these lncRNAs in patients samples would help to design effective targeted ther-apies. Key words: lncRNA -  cervical cancer - oncogene - tumor suppressor gene.

Down-regulation of TSGA10, AURKC, OIP5 and AKAP4 genes by Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus crispatus SJ-3C-US supernatants in HeLa cell line.

BACKGROUND: Cancer testis antigens (CTAs) are considered cancer bio-markers due to their highly specific expression pattern in human malignancies and near absence from normal somatic tissues. Their specific expression has made them potential targets for early dia-gnosis, assessment of patients prognosis and treatment of cancer in recent years. Lactobacilli are a group of probio-tics with anti-cancer, immunomodulatory and other beneficial features. These bacteria have been shown to alter expression of several cancer-related genes. AIM: We investigated the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supernatant (LRS) and Lactobacillus crispatus SJ-3C-US supernatant (LCS) on expression of four CTAs (TSGA10, AURKC, OIP5 and AKAP4) in HeLa cell line after synchronization using MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: LRS and LCS inhibited HeLa cell growth after 24 h as demonstrated by MTT assay. Expressions of all CTAs were down-regulated after treatment with both supernatants. CONCLUSION: This study showed the role of Lactobacilli in down-regulation of CTAs genes. Such expression change might be involved in the anticancer effects of these Lactobacilli. The underlying mechanisms of these observations are not clear but epigenetic modulatory mechanisms may participate in this process. Future studies are needed to assess functional roles of Lactobacilli in modulation of other cancer-related genes. Key words: probio-tic - cancer testis antigen - bio-marker - HeLa cell line.

A bioinformatics approach for identification of miR-100 targets implicated in breast cancer.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous non-coding RNAs with principal roles in regulation of protein expression via translation repression and mRNA degradation. Based on these roles they are implicated in tumourigenesis processes as well. Among them is miR-100 which can exert both tumor suppressor and oncogenic functions in various cancer types. In breast cancer, it has been shown to affect apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition as well as tumor-related signaling pathways. In the present study, we introduce a novel approach for identification of miR-100 target genes which are possibly implicated in breast cancer pathogenesis. We applied 14 online tools for prediction of miR-100 target genes and used gene expression data produced by DNA microarray technology. By combining these two sets of data we proposed a list of miR-100 target genes with possible involvement in breast cancer. Considering the role of miR-100 as a context-dependent chief regulator of the cancer-related signaling pathways and a potential target for therapeutic modalities, identification of its targets would pave the way for designing new approaches for cancer treatment or sensitization of cancer cells to standard treatments.

An Iranian family with azoospermia and premature ovarian insufficiency segregating NR5A1 mutation.

In brief, we report an Iranian family with a history of both azoospermia and premature ovarian insufficiency with the same heterozygote mutation in the NR5A1 gene that can be transmitted. As far as we know, this is the first observation that a common mutation in NR5A1 can cause these above-mentioned phenotypes in a family.

Forkheadbox N4 (FoxN4) triggers context-dependent differentiation in the developing chick retina and neural tube.

FoxN4, a forkhead box transcription factor, is expressed in the chicken eye field and in retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) throughout development. FoxN4 labelling overlapped with that of Pax6 and Sox2, two crucial transcription factors for RPCs. Later, during neurogenesis in the retina, some cells were intensely and transiently labelled for FoxN4. These cells co-labelled for Lim1, a transcription factor expressed in early-born horizontal cells. The result suggests that high levels of FoxN4 combined with expression of Lim1 define a population of RPCs committed to the horizontal cell fate prior to their last apical mitosis. As these prospective horizontal cells develop, their FoxN4 expression is down-regulated. Previous results suggested that FoxN4 is important for the generation of horizontal and amacrine cells but that it is not sufficient for the generation of horizontal cells (Li et al., 2004). We found that over-expression of FoxN4 in embryonic day 3 chicken retina could activate horizontal cell markers Prox1 and Lim1, and that it generated numerous and ectopically located horizontal cells of both main subtypes. However, genes expressed in photoreceptors, amacrine and ganglion cells were also activated, indicating that FoxN4 triggered the expression of several differentiation factors. This effect was not exclusive for the retina but was also seen when FoxN4 was over-expressed in the mesencephalic neural tube. Combining the results from over-expression and wild-type expression data we suggest a model where a low level of FoxN4 is maintained in RPCs and that increased levels during a restricted period trigger neurogenesis and commitment of RPCs to the horizontal cell fate.

Expression of splice variants of cancer-testis genes ODF3 and ODF4 in the testis of a prostate cancer patient.

The outer dense fiber (ODF) genes encode proteins that co-assemble along the axoneme of the sperm tail. Recently, it was demonstrated that some ODF genes are aberrantly expressed in tumors, including prostate adenocarcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and chronic myeloid lymphoma. We cloned ODF3 and ODF4 cDNA from the testis of a patient suffering from prostate adenocarcinoma and found two alternative splice variants of these genes.

A dielectrophoresis-based microfluidic system having double-sided optimized 3D electrodes for label-free cancer cell separation with preserving cell viability.

Early detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in a patient's blood is essential to accurate prognosis and effective cancer treatment monitoring. The methods used to detect and separate CTCs should have a high recovery rate and ensure cells viability for post-processing operations, such as cell culture and genetic analysis. In this paper, a novel dielectrophoresis (DEP)-based microfluidic system is presented for separating MDA-MB-231 cancer cells from various subtypes of WBCs with the practical cell viability approach. Three configurations for the sidewall electrodes are investigated to evaluate the separation performance. The simulation results based on the finite-element method show that semi-circular electrodes have the best performance with a recovery rate of nearly 95% under the same operational and geometric conditions. In this configuration, the maximum applied electric field (1.11 × 105 V/m) to separate MDA-MB-231 is lower than the threshold value for cell electroporation. Also, the Joule heating study in this configuration shows that the cells are not damaged in the fluid temperature gradient (equal to 1 K). We hope that such a complete and step-by-step design is suitable to achieve DEP-based applicable cell separation biochips.

Elevated expression levels of testis-specific genes TEX101 and SPATA19 in basal cell carcinoma and their correlation with clinical and pathological features.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is characterized by a low rate of metastasis, slow growth and strong stroma dependency, with significant morbidity and public health burden. Cancer-testis (CT) genes are specifically expressed in normal testis, fetal ovary and different types of cancers. Testis immune privileged status makes CT genes promising candidates as cancer markers, vaccines and immunotherapy. OBJECTIVES: To find new CT genes as cancer markers and candidate genes for immunotherapy and to correlate pathological and clinical features with their expression in patients with BCC. METHODS: By means of digital differential display, seven testis-specific genes were selected. Their expression patterns were analysed in 78 BCC and 15 normal skin samples using semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Pathological and clinical characteristics were determined using appropriate methods. RESULTS: SPATA19, TEX101, ODF1, ODF2 and ODF3 were expressed in 56.6%, 38.2%, 2.6%, 17.4% and 2.6% of BCCs but not in normal skin samples. ODF4 and PASD1 were not expressed in any BCC samples. TEX101 and SPATA19 expression in high-risk BCCs was higher than in low-risk tumours (P < 0.001). SPATA19 expression was correlated with a history of cancer radiotherapy (P < 0.001). Significant associations were found between expression of TEX101 with nodular subtype, ODF2 with infiltrating subtype, and ODF1 with tumours located on the neck. Among gene expressors, 42.1% co-expressed two genes and 5.3% co-expressed three genes. CONCLUSIONS: We report five new CT antigens, of which SPATA19 and TEX101 may be possible targets for cancer immunotherapy and novel markers for early detection of BCC.

Expression Analysis of the Long Non-Coding RNA LINC01433 in Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is one of the most fatal human cancers both in males and females. This type of cancer is categorized to different subtypes among them is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC accounts for about 80% of all cases. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to influence the pathogenic course of lung cancer. However, the contribution of LINC01433 lncRNA in this type of cancer in Iranian patients is not clear. PURPOSE: In the current project, we evaluated expression of LINC01433 in 42 NSCLC samples and their paired non-tumoral tissues using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction method. Samples were collected from patients admitted to Labbafinejad Hospital during 2016-2017. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the expression of LINC01433 between tumoral and non-tumoral tissues (expression ratio 0.67, p = 0.42). Expression of this lncRNA was not associated with any of clinical and demographic data including age, gender, smoking history, stage or cancer subtype. CONCLUSION: Based on the similar expression levels of this lncRNA between tumoral and non-tumoral tissues and lack of association between expression levels and clinical data, this lncRNA is not a possible contributor to lung cancer in Iranian patients. However, expression analysis of this lncRNA in larger sample sizes is needed to verify our results.

Multi-metal nanomaterials obtained from oil/water interface as effective catalysts in reduction of 4-nitrophenol.

In this study Pt and Pd-based nanostructured thin films have been successfully fabricated by room temperature self-assembly of metal nanoparticles (NPs) at the interface between toluene and water without/with using stabilizers such as graphene oxide (GO) or aminoclay (AC). Successful formation of these thin films is investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Catalytic hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) was investigated using thin film nanocatalysts. The as synthesized nanostructured thin films exhibit high catalytic activity toward hydrogenation reaction of 4-NP. This study highlights the value of nano alloy thin films and their ability as catalyst in catalytic hydrogenation reaction.

Vitronectin and Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Gene Expression Levels Are Increased in Patients with Coronary Artery In-Stent Restenosis.

Neointimal hyperplasia is known as a main factor contributing to in-stent restenosis (ISR). Monocytes may play a central role in vessel restenosis process after stent implantation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU) and vitronectin (Vtn) gene expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples isolated from whole blood of 66 patients undergoing coronary artery angiography (22 controls, stenosis < 0.05%; 22 with stent no-restenosis and stenosis < 70%; and 22 with ISR and stenosis > 70%). The Vtn and PLAU gene expression levels were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique. The age- and gender-independent increases in the expression levels of Vtn (17-fold; p < 0.001) and PLAU (27-fold; p < 0.0001) genes were found in the patients with ISR as compared with the control group. The results suggested that the Vtn and PLAU genes may be involved in the coronary artery ISR.

Tick diversity and detection of Coxiella burnetii in tick of small ruminants using nested Trans PCR in Southeast Iran.

Ticks are obligatory bloodsucking arthropods, and probably the most harmful ectoparasites that may cause some tick born diseases. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, diversity and seasonal distribution of ticks and using a nested Trans PCR to identify Coxiella burnetii in ticks collected from small ruminants in Sistan and Balouchestan province, southeast Iran. A total 1305 ticks were collected from 272 Sheep and 253 Goats during May 2014 to April 2015. Prevalence of ixodid tick infestation in small ruminants was 58.4%. Of all examined ticks, nine tick species were identified as follow: Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (30.3%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (21%), Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum (19%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (9%), Rhipicephalus bursa (6.7%), Hyalomma detritum (4.7%), Hyalomma dromedarii (4.4%), Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum (4.4%) and Hyalomma marginatum (0.5%). The nested Trans PCR examination of ixodid ticks revealed that Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum and Rhipicephalus sanguineus were infected with C. burnetii. The results of the present study revealed that ixodid ticks infestation was widespread and shows their role as putative vectors and reservoirs for this pathogenic agent in southeast Iran. Hence; Q fever should be considered a significant public health threat in this region.

The prevalence of ovine Eimeria infection in Rudsar, North of Iran, (2011-2012).

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Eimeria infection in sheep in Rudsar, North of Iran, in period of 1 year (March 2011 to March 2012). The samples (approximately 3-5 grams of faeces) were collected from the rectum of 270 sheep and transferred to the parasitology laboratory. Eimeria species were identified following sporulation of faeces in a thin layer of 2.5 % potassium dichromate for one or 2 weeks at 27 °C. Out of 270 faecal samples examined, 170[(63.0 %; 95 % Confidence Interval (CI) 56.9-68.7)] were positive for Eimeria spp. Five species of Eimeria, including E. ahsata, E. ovina, E. crandallis, E. parva and E. ovinoidalis were identified in faecal samples by modified McMaster technique. The most frequent species was E. crandallis. Sheep were considered in four age groups (less than 1 year old, 1-2 years old, 2-3 years old and over 3 years old).The results also indicated that less than 1 year old sheep have greater infection ratio as compare with older animals. Female had significantly higher prevalence of Eimeria than male. Higher infection was seen in females compare to males and in winter compare to summer. Parasitological gross and microscopic examinations revealed Eimeria infection is common in sheep of Rudsar, North Iran.

Phylogenetic characterization of novel transport protein families revealed by genome analyses.

As a result of recent genome sequencing projects as well as detailed biochemical, molecular genetic and physiological experimentation on representative transport proteins, we have come to realize that all organisms possess an extensive but limited array of transport protein types that allow the uptake of nutrients and excretion of toxic substances. These proteins fall into phylogenetic families that presumably reflect their evolutionary histories. Some of these families are restricted to a single phylogenetic group of organisms and may have arisen recently in evolutionary time while others are found ubiquitously and may be ancient. In this study we conduct systematic phylogenetic analyses of 26 families of transport systems that either had not been characterized previously or were in need of updating. Among the families analyzed are some that are bacterial-specific, others that are eukaryotic-specific, and others that are ubiquitous. They can function by either a channel-type or a carrier-type mechanism, and in the latter case, they are frequently energized by coupling solute transport to the flux of an ion down its electrochemical gradient. We tabulate the currently sequenced members of the 26 families analyzed, describe the properties of these families, and present partial multiple alignments, signature sequences and phylogenetic trees for them all.

The p53 co-activator Zac1 neither induces cell cycle arrest nor apoptosis in chicken Lim1 horizontal progenitor cells.

Chicken horizontal progenitor cells are able to enter their final mitosis even in the presence of DNA damage despite having a functional p53-p21 system. This suggests that they are resistant to DNA damage and that the regulation of the final cell cycle of horizontal progenitor cells is independent of the p53-p21 system. The activity of p53 is regulated by positive and negative modulators, including the zinc finger containing transcription factor Zac1 (zinc finger protein that regulates apoptosis and cell cycle arrest). Zac1 interacts with and enhances the activity of p53, thereby inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In this work, we use a gain-of-function assay in which mouse Zac1 (mZac1) is overexpressed in chicken retinal progenitor cells to study the effect on the final cell cycle of horizontal progenitor cells. The results showed that overexpression of mZac1 induced expression of p21 in a p53-dependent way and arrested the cell cycle as well as triggered apoptosis in chicken non-horizontal retinal progenitor cells. The negative regulation of the cell cycle by mZac1 is consistent with its proposed role as a tumour-suppressor gene. However, the horizontal cells were not affected by mZac1 overexpression. They progressed into S- and late G2/M-phase despite overexpression of mZac1. The inability of mZac1 to arrest the cell cycle in horizontal progenitor cells support the notion that the horizontal cells are less sensitive to events that triggers the p53 system during their terminal and neurogenic cell cycle, compared with other retinal cells. These properties are associated with a cell that has a propensity to become neoplastic and thus with a cell that may develop retinoblastoma.

Solitary dural plasmacytoma with parenchymal invasion.

Primary solitary dural plasmacytoma is an uncommon neoplasm of plasma cell. The clinical presentation and neuroradiological findings of these tumors may be deceptive and resemble to the other most prevalent brain tumors. Solitary plasmacytoma mostly shows a benign behavior and malignant features like local invasion is so rare. We describe the case of parenchymal brain involvement by solitary dural plasmacytoma.

Posterior longitudinal ligament resection or preservation in anterior cervical decompression surgery.

We reviewed the literature to determine differences in clinical outcomes for the removal or preservation of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The outcomes are surgeon and case-dependent for both practices. A literature review was performed in PubMed from the years 1960 to 2014 to identify studies describing surgeries where the PLL was removed or preserved during ACDF. Searches were performed using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and references included in the reviewed articles were also considered. Additionally we searched recent articles that cited those from the original search. The search yielded 79 articles and 115 pertinent citations. These 194 articles were reviewed for specific discussions of PLL resection or preservation. Four articles containing 122 patients were included in the final analysis. In 69 patients the PLL was removed and in 53 the PLL was preserved. Both groups improved in clinical scores during follow up. One patient in the PLL removal group had a cerebrospinal fluid leak. MRI and correlative outcome data suggest that a non-ossified PLL itself does not contribute to significant cord compression. Postoperative MRI of patients with the PLL removed showed a larger spinal cord diameter. Resection of the PLL is safe and common in ACDF surgery but there does not appear to be a demonstrable clinical difference in patients where it is resected. The ultimate decision is likely surgeon and case-dependent. Randomized trials could further determine the importance of PLL removal in ACDF treated patients.

Rewarded gift for living renal donors.

Although the waiting list for renal transplantation is growing from year to year, the participation of unrelated living donors in kidney transplantation remains controversial. Patients want to be transplanted as soon as possible, not years later. Nevertheless, cadaveric organ donation has not been able to meet the requirements for all patients in need. With a continuous shortage of organs, the use of living unrelated donors is likely to decrease patient suffering and waiting list mortality. The excellent short- and long-term results of living unrelated transplantation have stimulated physicians toward a wider use of this donor pool. Therefore, transplants from living donors, whether related or unrelated, may be proposed as a therapeutic option for end-stage renal disease patients. In this article we explain the necessity of compensating altruistic living donors as an incentive. It is concluded that living unrelated renal transplantation programs should be legalized and controlled by international and national transplant societies to prevent illegal trade and to provide better care for donors.

Antibiotic susceptibility of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae in Wisconsin, 1999.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of community acquired infections in the United States, and rates of antibiotic resistance have increased dramatically in the past decade. Statewide rates of pneumococcal resistance to penicillin and other antibiotics have not been previously reported in Wisconsin. To determine these rates, we assessed invasive pneumococcal isolates for reduced susceptibility to nine different antibiotics. METHODS: Pneumococcal isolates from blood, cerebrospinal fluid or other normally sterile body sites were submitted by 91% of laboratories that perform invasive bacterial cultures. Isolates were tested for susceptibility to penicillin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, levofloxacin, meropenem, erythromycin, vancomycin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and chloramphenicol. RESULTS: There were 409 invasive pneumococcal isolates identified in 1999 among Wisconsin residents, including 385 (94%) isolates from blood. The mean patient age was 42.5 years (range, < 1 year to 96 years), and 213 (52%) were male. Of the pneumococcal isolates, 24% were not susceptible to penicillin, including 10% with high level resistance. Isolates with reduced penicillin susceptibility were also likely to have reduced susceptibility to other antibiotics. Patients with penicillin nonsusceptible (intermediate and fully resistant) pneumococcal isolates were significantly younger (mean, 37.0 years) than those with susceptible isolates (mean, 44.3 years) (p = .04). The proportion of patients with a penicillin nonsusceptible isolate varied by region, ranging from 12.8% in northeastern Wisconsin to 35.5% in northern Wisconsin. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of invasive pneumococcal isolates with penicillin resistance in Wisconsin is similar to other regions of the United States. Inappropriate antibiotic use contributes to the emergence of resistant pneumococcal infections, and educational efforts are underway to promote judicious antibiotic use in Wisconsin.