Plasma miR-183-5p in colorectal cancer patients as potential predictive lymph node metastasis marker.

Background: Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a point that often, treatment is not effective in colorectal cancer (CRC). Clinical and pathologic markers of prognosis help clinicians in selecting patients for adjuvant therapy after surgical resection in CRC. MiR-183-5p has been demonstrated to play as an oncogene in CRC, although its biological role still remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of miR-183-5p in CRC and its potential relevance to clinicopathological characteristics as a prognostic biomarker. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 33 CRC plasma samples at stage I-II-III, as well as plasma samples from 13 healthy controls, were collected. The relative expression levels of miR-183-5p in cancer and the normal samples were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. We analyzed their correlation with clinicopathological parameters and prognostic value. Results: Our results indicated that miR-183-5p was significantly overexpressed in CRC samples compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001) from a cutoff value of 3.9 with a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 91% and an AUC value of 0.74. Further analysis showed that a high plasma expression level of miR-183-5p was significantly associated with LNM and higher tumor/node/metastases stage (III) (P-value < 0.001).In conclusion, the overexpression of miR-183-5p is highly related to advanced clinical stage, LNM and poor prognosis of CRC, indicating that miR-183-5p may serve as a predictive biomarker for the prognosis or the aggressiveness of CRC.

The in vitro effect of nanoliposomal amphotericin B against two clinically important dermatophytes.

AIMS: The present study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of amphotericin B-loaded nanoliposomes against Trichophyton interdigitale and Trichophyton rubrum. Moreover, it was attempted to assess the obtained resistance in vitro. METHODS: In total, 29 archived clinical strains, namely, T. interdigitale (n = 16) and T. rubrum (n = 13), were included in this study. These strains were determined using a previous ITS1-ITS2 region sequence. Moreover, a liposomal formulation of amphotericin B was formulated by a thin-film hydration method. Particle size, polydispersity index (PdI), and zeta potential (ZP) were measured by a Zetasizer. Furthermore, physicochemical properties, such as appearance, aggregation of particles, particle size, PdI, and ZP, were determined at 0-, 1-, and 3-month intervals. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was also used to examine nanoparticles structure. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of amphotericin B-loaded nanoliposomes, itraconazole, efinaconazole, terbinafine, and ciclopirox was determined according to the protocol of the broth microdilution method of CLSI M38-A2. The morphological changes of T. interdigitale and T. rubrum strains exposed to the amphotericin B-loaded nanoliposomes were observed using SEM. RESULTS: The amphotericin B-loaded nanoliposomes displayed a lower MIC compared to those of the amphotericin B and liposomes when used separately. Based on the results, amphotericin B-loaded nanoliposomes induced no drug resistance in any of the tested strains. CONCLUSION: Accordingly, amphotericin B-loaded nanoliposomes can be a potent antifungal for the topical treatment of onychomycosis. There was no in vitro evidence regarding the resistance of the tested strains to amphotericin B-loaded nanoliposomes. This reflects that amphotericin B-loaded nanoliposomes have a low probability to induce drug resistance in dermatophyte species.

Susceptibility Pattern of Caspofungin-Coated Gold Nanoparticles Against Clinically Important Candida Species.

Purpose: The present study was performed to examine whether caspofungin-coated gold nanoparticles (CAS-AuNPs) may offer the right platform for sensitivity induction in resistant isolates. Methods: A total of 58 archived Candida species were enrolled in the research. The identification of Candida spp. was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and HWP1 gene amplification approaches. The conjugated CAS-AuNPs were synthesized and then characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Zetasizer system to determine their morphology, size, and charge. Furthermore, the efficacy was assessed based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M60. Finally, the interaction of CAS-AuNPs with Candida element was evaluated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: According to the TEM results, the synthesized CAS-AuNPs had a spherical shape with an average size of 20 nm. The Zeta potential of CAS-AuNPs was -38.2 mV. Statistical analyses showed that CAS-AuNPs could significantly reduce the minimum inhibitory concentration against C. albicans (P =0.0005) and non-albicans Candida (NAC) species (P < 0.0001). All isolates had a MIC value of ≥ 4 µg/ml for CAS, except for C. glabrata. The results of SEM analysis confirmed the effects of AuNPs on the cell wall structure of C. globrata with the formation of pores. Conclusion: According to findings, CAS-AuNPs conjugates had significant antifungal effects against Candida spp. Therefore, it can be concluded that the encapsulation of antifungal drugs in combination with NPs not only diminishes side effects but also enhances the effectiveness of the medications.

Activities of Nanoparticles Against Fluconazole-Resistant Candida parapsilosis in Clinical Isolates.

Candida parapsilosis is a non-albicans Candida spp. associated with bloodstream infections in critically ill patients. Failure to treat it effectively due to delay in diagnosis often leads to serious illnessess. The present research aimed to investigate the antifungal activities of nanoparticles (NPs) against fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis strains. Ten strains were used from archived clinical isolates. Antifungal activities of NPs were examined based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (M27-A3/S4) guideline. The morphological changes of strains exposed to each NP were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effect of NP on the membrane permeability of C. parapsilosis and the viability of the cells was assessed using the confocal laser scanning microscopy and 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, respectively. The cytotoxicity was evaluated against three mammalian cell lines. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of NPs of 10 strains was in the concentration range of 0.5-4 µg/mL; these results were confirmed with the viability test. The antifungal activity of synthesized silver NPs (AgNPs) against resistant C. parapsilosis was greater in comparison with the gold NPs (AuNPs). The SEM images indicated a difference in the fungal morphology of the fungi. The propidium iodide uptake by C. parapsilosis cells showed concentration-dependent mortality in NPs treatment with a confocal laser scanning microscope. There was a notable difference (p < 0.01) in the cell viability in the concentration range of 0.5-4 µg/mL between NPs based on the MTT assay. In addition, these NPs exhibited very low toxicity for three mammalian cell lines, specially at 0.5 µg/mL. AgNPs and AuNPs had fungicidal activities against fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis strains. It is crucial to have knowledge based on fundamental research to find new ways to overcome resistant microorganisms.

Pulmonary Candidiasis Associated with COVID-19: Evaluation of Causative Agents and their Antifungal Susceptibility Patterns.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to isolate Candida species from individuals with the COVID-19 disease and evaluate the susceptibility pattern of Candida spp. to routine antifungal drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 25 Candida spp. isolated from hospitalized patients with COVID-19, who were suspected to have pulmonary candidiasis, and 26 archived Candida spp. specimens were enrolled in this study. For the identification of Candida spp., PCR was performed to detect and amplify the ITS1 and ITS4 genes. Then the products were subjected to the Msp I restriction enzyme to precisely identify the species. The amplification of the WHP1 gene was conducted to identify Candida albicans species. The antifungal activities of routine drugs and the synthesize AuNPs against Candida spp. were assessed based on the protocols presented by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M60. RESULTS: In the present study, C. albicans (24; 96%) and C. parapsilosis (1; 4%) were identified as the etiologic agents of the pulmonary candidiasis associated with the COVID-19 infection. Voriconazol and amphotericin B had superior activity against all the isolates in this study. Treatment with fluconazole and itraconazole did not significantly change the formation of colony-forming units (CFU). However, treatment with the AuNPs significantly decreased (within the range of 92-99.1%; P<0.05) the number of CFUs. CONCLUSION: The azole prophylaxis has likely been associated with the development of resistant isolates; the results of the present study suggested the promising role of novel antifungal agents such as AuNPs in overcoming drug resistant fungi.

Drug Sensitivity Profile of Fungi Isolated from Onychomycosis Patients and Evaluation of Squalene Epoxidase Mutation in One Terbinafine-Resistant Trichophyton mentagrophytes Species.

Background: The resistance to treatment of onychomycosis is increasingly reported. The present study aimed to assess the antifungal activity of itraconazole, terbinafine, luliconazole, and efinaconazole against dermatophytes, molds, and also yeast isolated from patients with onychomycosis. Furthermore, the mechanism of resistance to terbinafine in resistant Trichophyton mentagrophytes species was evaluated using the squalene epoxidase (SQLE) gene sequence. Methods: A total of 71 fungal isolates were collected from 97 patients with suspected onychomycosis. The identification of fungal species was performed using conventional and molecular approaches. In vitro drug susceptibility for itraconazole, terbinafine, luliconazole, and efinaconazole was carried out using the broth microdilution method according to the CLSI-M60 and CLSI-M38 3rd ed., respectively. The SQLE gene of one terbinafine-resistant T. mentagrophytes was amplified using the specific primers. Results: Efinaconazole and luliconazole demonstrated higher effectiveness against all isolates in the study. One mismatch was detected at position 1177, which showed A → C change associated with Phe397Leu amino acid substitution of the SQLE protein in terbinafine-resistant T. mentagrophytes. Conclusion: The occurrence of resistant strains of organisms causing onychomycosis should be considered and evaluated. Furthermore, the identification of amino acid changes responsible for resistance to antifungals is a useful consideration in drug-target interaction.

Caspofungin resistance in clinical Aspergillus flavus isolates.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The present study was conducted to determine the candidate genes involved in caspofungin (CAS) resistance in clinical isolates of Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antifungal susceptibility assay of the CAS was performed on 14 clinical isolates of A. flavus using the CLSI-M-38-A2 broth micro-dilution protocol. Since CAS had various potencies, the minimum effective concentration (MEC) of anidulafungin (AND) was also evaluated in the present study. The FKS1 gene sequencing was conducted to assess whether mutations occurred in the whole FKS1 gene as well as hot spot regions of the FKS1 gene of the two resistant isolates. A complementary DNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism (CDNA-AFLP) method was performed to investigate differential gene expression between the two resistant and two sensitive clinical isolates in the presence of CAS. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) was utilized to determine the relative expression levels of the identified genes. RESULTS: No mutations were observed in the whole FKS1 gene hot spot regions of the FKS1 genes in the resistant isolates. A subset of two genes with known biological functions and four genes with unknown biological functions were identified in the CAS-resistant isolates using the CDNA-AFLP. The QRT-PCR revealed the down-regulation of the P-type ATPase and ubiquinone biosynthesis methyltransferase COQ5 in the CAS-resistant isolates, compared to the susceptible isolates. CONCLUSION: The findings showed that P-type ATPase and ubiquinone biosynthesis methyltransferase COQ5 might be involved in the CAS-resistance A. flavus clinical isolates. Moreover, a subset of genes was differentially expressed to enhance fungi survival in CAS exposure. Further studies are recommended to highlight the gene overexpression and knock-out experiments in A. flavus or surrogate organisms to confirm that these mentioned genes confer the CAS resistant A. flavus.

A Review on Molecular Mechanisms of Antifungal Resistance in Candida glabrata: Update and Recent Advances.

Candida glabrata is the second frequent etiologic agent of mucosal and invasive candidiasis. Based on the recent developments in molecular methods, C. glabrata has been introduced as a complex composed of C. glabrata, Candida nivariensis, and Candida bracarensis. The four main classes of antifungal drugs effective against C. glabrata are pyrimidine analogs (flucytosine), azoles, echinocandins, and polyenes. Although the use of antifungal drugs is related to the predictable development of drug resistance, it is not clear why C. glabrata is able to rapidly resist against multiple antifungals in clinics. The enhanced incidence and antifungal resistance of C. glabrata and the high mortality and morbidity need more investigation regarding the resistance mechanisms and virulence associated with C. glabrata; additional progress concerning the drug resistance of C. glabrata has to be further prevented. The present review highlights the mechanism of resistance to antifungal drugs in C. glabrata.

Comparison of Antifungal Properties of Gold, Silver, and Selenium Nanoparticles Against Amphotericin B-Resistant Candida glabrata Clinical Isolates.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of Nanoparticles (NPs) against amphotericin B-resistant Candida glabrata (C. glabrata) strains. METHODS: Twelve resistant (C. glabrata) strains were isolated from archived clinical isolates. Antifungal activity was conducted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute's (CLSI) guidelines, document M27-A3/S4. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of strains exposed to each nanoparticle. RESULTS: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of nanoparticles of all strains was in the concentration range of 0.125 to 0.5 µg/Ml. The synthesized Ag-NPs showed superior antifungal activity against (C. glabrata) compared to Se-NPs and Au-NPs. The scanning electron microscope images revealed the difference in the fungal morphology between the untreated and treated fungi with nanoparticles. CONCLUSION: The Ag-NPs, followed by Se-NPs synthesized, revealed significant anti-fungal activity against resistance regardless of their antifungal-resistant mechanisms.

Microbiological Detoxification of Mycotoxins: Focus on Mechanisms and Advances.

Some fungal species of the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium secretes toxic metabolites known as mycotoxins, have become a global concern that is toxic to different species of animals and humans. Biological mycotoxins detoxification has been studied by researchers around the world as a new strategy for mycotoxin removal. Bacteria, fungi, yeast, molds, and protozoa are the main living organisms appropriate for the mycotoxin detoxification. Enzymatic and degradation sorptions are the main mechanisms involved in microbiological detoxification of mycotoxins. Regardless of the method used, proper management tools that consist of before-harvest prevention and after-harvest detoxification are required. Here, in this review, we focus on the microbiological detoxification and mechanisms involved in the decontamination of mycotoxins.

Multidrug-resistant Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VIII in an Iranian family with generalized dermatophytosis: report of four cases and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: The global spread of terbinafine-resistant Trichophyton mentagrophytes with point mutations in the squalene epoxidase (SQLE) gene is a big concern. AIM: The present study presents a series of unusual familial cases of generalized dermatophytosis caused by multidrug-resistant T. mentagrophytes genotype VIII. METHODS: Initially, the skin samples of each patient were taken and then subjected to direct microscopy and culture in Mycosel Agar. The molecular identification of Trichophyton species (spp.) was performed for all family members. In addition, the immunologic tests were requested, and an antifungal susceptibility test was carried out using the broth microdilution protocol based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M38, third edition. The SQLE gene for a terbinafine-resistant T. mentagrophytes genotype VIII was sequenced and confirmed its nucleotide sequence to KU242352 as a susceptible strain. RESULTS: Based on the results of mycological examination and ITS rDNA sequencing, the etiologic agent was identified as T. mentagrophytes as a zoophilic dermatophyte. This species showed multiple drug resistance in vitro against terbinafine (minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs ≥8 µg/ml), itraconazole (MIC ≥4), and fluconazole (MIC ≥16). The SQLE gene of the isolate was subjected to sequencing for mutation, which showed a point mutation as TTC/TTA in the gene leading to Phe397Leu amino acid substitution in the enzyme. Only one of the family members responded to itraconazole and was cured after the long-term use of itraconazole. Other family members were treated with oral voriconazole with no recurrence. CONCLUSION: The transmission of this resistant T. mentagrophytes to other countries due to globalization is a serious issue to be considered.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among Sudanese patients diagnosed with colon polyps and colon cancer using immunohistochemistry technique.

OBJECTIVES: Infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori has been classified as class one carcinogen associated with increasing susceptibility of gastritis and gastric carcinoma. This study is aiming at investigating the prevalence of H. pylori among colon polyps and colon cancer patients. A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted between February and June 2017. Sixty-nine formalin-fixed paraffin blocks collected from colon polyps and colon cancer patients to detect H. pylori using immunohistochemistry technique. RESULTS: Of the 69 patients included in the study, 39 (56.5%) males and 30 (43.5%) were females, their age ranged from 21 to 80 years with a mean age of 47.1 ± 19.7. Of the 69 colon polyps and colon cancer patients, 44 (63.8%) were diagnosed as adenocarcinoma, 10 (14.5%) colitis, 15 (21.7%) juvenile polyposis syndrome. The results of immunohistochemistry technique showed the presence of 16 (23.2%) positive patients for H. pylori infection. Of these 16, 13 (81.3%) patients were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma and 3 (18.7%) patients were diagnosed with juvenile polyps. The results of H. pylori detection among the different colon polyps and colon cancer patients were showing a statistically significant association for H. pylori infection and adenocarcinoma, P value 0.028.

Low prevalence of antifungal resistant Candida africana, in the C. albicans complex causing vulvovaginal candidiasis.

The Candida (C.) albicans complex includes C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. stellatoidea, and C. africana, with the last mentioned as an important emerging agent of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The aim of the study was to identify C. africana and C. dubliniensis and assess their drug susceptibility in vaginitis. One-hundred Candida isolates of the C. albicans complex from women diagnosed with vaginitis and from vaginal samples in the culture collection of a medical mycology laboratory were examined. Species of the C. albicans complex were identified with conventional and molecular methods using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, PCR for partial amplification of hyphal wall protein 1 (HWP1) gene and duplex PCR. The effects of antifungal drugs were evaluated according to standard broth microdilution protocols. Ninety-seven C. albicans (97%) and three C. africana (3%) isolates were identified. Results of susceptibility testing revealed one isolate of C. africana to be resistant to both clotrimazole and fluconazole, and one showed reduced susceptibility to itraconazole. Identification of Candida species especially C. africana in vaginitis is crucial, there are varying levels of resistance to antifungal drugs.

Efinaconazole topical solution 10%: Formulation and efficacy assessment in the treatment of toenail onychomycosis.

BACKGROUND: Efinaconazole is non-lacquer-based with a low surface tension that efficiently targets delivery of active ingredient into the nail and nail bed. OBJECTIVES: To develop an optimal, stable formulation of efinaconazole topical solution 10% (ETS10). METHODS: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of ETS10 on 10 Iranian participants in a pilot, single-group and before-after clinical study, for up to 8 weeks in onychomycosis. RESULTS: The study showed reasonable results concerning the short period of treatment. During the period of storage, the formulation showed no variation in colour, odour and pH. The average pH at initial, 1st, 6th and 12th months was 4.65, 4.64, 4.65 and 4.64, respectively. The assay of an active pharmaceutical ingredient in the formulation was desired over the whole period. This indicates that antimicrobial activity has been adequate and efficient. A significant decrease in Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) of the target toenails was also defined as the efficacy endpoint. The median score for IGA at baseline visit was 3 out of 5 which decreased to 2 out of 5 and the decrease was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The study clarifies the new efficacy of ETS10 in subjects with onychomycosis and passed the safety study successfully. These properties may develop the potentiality of ETS10 as a good treatment option for patients with onychomycosis.

Aspergillus flavus endocarditis and meningitis in a child with marfan syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Aspergillus species are implicated as the etiology of approximately 26% of endocarditis cases. Central nervous system aspergillosis is a life-threatening condition that has a mortality rate of 80%. CASE REPORT: Herein, we report a four- year- old female who was admitted to the pediatric infectious ward due to a fever of unknown origin in January 2020. She was a known case of Marfan syndrome with a family history of this syndrome in her mother. The species was identified using (PCR) and the antifungal susceptibility test was performed using four antifungal agents based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M38 3rd edition. Fluconazole-resistant Aspergillus flavus was identified to be responsible for endocarditis and meningitis as well as fever of unknown origin. CONCLUSION: The clinicians should be aware and consider fungal endocarditis in blood culture-negative endocarditis even in patients with no significant risk factor when antibiotic therapy fails.

Does alternation of Candida albicans TUP1 gene expression affect the progress of symptomatic recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is one of the most common gynecological conditions in healthy and diabetic women, as well as antibiotic users. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between TUP1 gene expression patterns and symptomatic recurrent C. albicans infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research was performed on C. albicans samples isolated from the vaginal specimens obtained from 31 individuals with RVVC in 2016. The reference strain C. albicans ATCC 10231, 10 C. albicans strains isolated from minimally symptomatic patients, and 10 isolates from asymptomatic patients were also used as control strains. The relative mRNA expression of the TUP1 gene was quantified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR). RESULTS: The QRT-PCR results revealed that TUP1 mRNA expression was significantly decreased (0.001-0.930 fold) in the C. albicans isolates obtained from RVVC patients (P<0.001). However, no TUP1 expression was detectable in the isolates collected from asymptomatic patients. The results also indicated a significant correlation between TUP1 mRNA expression level and the severity of itching and discharge (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The present results were suggestive of the probable contribution of TUP1, as a part of the transcriptional repressor, to the severity of the symptoms related to C. albicans infections in the vagina. Regarding this, it is required to perform more in vivo studies using a larger sample size to characterize the regulatory or stimulatory function of TUP1 in the severity of RVVC symptoms. Furthermore, the study and identification of the genes involved in the severity of the symptomatic manifestations of C. albicans, especially in resistant strains, may lead to the recognition of an alternative antifungal target to enable the development of an effective agent.

Isolation of Candida africana in oral candidiasis: First report among cancer patients in Iran.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is a fungal infection of the oral cavity caused by the members of C. albicans complex. Although C. africana, as a part of the complex, is considered to be mostly responsible for the development of vulvovaginal candidiasis, it may be associated with a wider clinical spectrum. CASE REPORT: This report described two cases diagnosed with oral candidiasis during the receipt of treatment for malignancies. Conventional and molecular tests were performed on the samples collected from the patients' oral cavities. The test results revealed C. africana as the causative agent of oral candidiasis. Furthermore, in vitro antifungal susceptibility test indicated the full susceptibility of all C. africana isolates to caspofungin. However, the data were also suggestive of the resistance against fluconazole and amphotericin B. Caspofungin was used as the main antifungal agent for the treatment of oral candidiasis, resulting in the improvement of thrush in patients. The resistance of C. africana to fluconazole and amphotericin B suggests the necessity of performing in vitro susceptibility testing on the isolates for the selection of appropriate antifungal agents. CONCLUSION: As the findings indicated, the achievement of knowledge regarding C. africana as an emerging non-albicans Candida species and its antifungal susceptibility profile is crucial to select antifungal prophylaxis and empirical therapy for oral candidiasis in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. NONE: non.

Expression analysis of circulating plasma long noncoding RNAs in colorectal cancer: The relevance of lncRNAs ATB and CCAT1 as potential clinical hallmarks.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to regulate a variety of cell processes and involve in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Recently, the circulating lncRNAs have emerged as minimally invasive biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. We aimed to examine the plasma expression level of long noncoding RNAs lnc-ATB, lnc-CCAT1, and lnc-OCC-1 in CRC patients and evaluate the clinical values. A total of 74 pretreatment CRC and 74 healthy blood biopsies were subjected to differentially evaluate the expression levels of three lncRNAs (OCC-1, CCAT1, and ATB). Briefly, after plasma separation and total RNA extraction, RNAs were reversely transcribed to complementary DNA followed by amplification using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction technique for lncRNA expression analysis. The results showed that the expression levels of lnc-ATB (p < 0.001) and CCAT1 (p = 0.024), but not OCC-1 (p = 0.24), were significantly upregulated in the CRC compared with the healthy group. The calculated AUC of ROC was 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.811-0.94) for lnc-ATB and 0.64 (95% CI: 0.811-0.94) for CCAT1, which were indicative of a high discriminatory power (p < 0.001). The highest accuracy for lncRNA-ATB was obtained at a cutoff point of 2.5, which corresponded to sensitivity and specificity of 82% and 75%, respectively. Our results suggested a significant accuracy of lncRNA-ATB and lncRNA-CCAT1 in distinguishing CRC patients from healthy individuals.

Determination of antimicotic susceptibility pattern of Candida species isolated from patients with symptomatic candiduria.

BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted to determine antimicotic susceptibility of Candida species (sp.) from patients with symptomatic candiduria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Identification of Candida sp. and determination of efficacy of most routine antifungals were done using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method and E-test, respectively. RESULTS: The results from susceptibility test reveal that caspofungin and amphotericin B have high antifungal activity against both albicans (100% and 96%, respectively) and nonalbicans (95.11% and 72.72%, respectively) isolates. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that caspofungin and amphotericin B have the excellent ability to eradicate both Candida groups that showed decreased susceptibility to other compounds.

Bacterial l-asparaginases for cancer therapy: Current knowledge and future perspectives.

l-Asparaginases hydrolyzing plasma l-asparagine and l-glutamine has attracted tremendous attention in recent years owing to remarkable anticancer properties. This enzyme is efficiently used for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphosarcoma and emerged against ALL in children, neoplasia, and some other malignancies. Cancer cells reduce the expression of l-asparaginase leading to their elimination. The l-asparaginase anticancerous application approach has made incredible breakthrough in the field of modern oncology through depletion of plasma l-asparagine to inhibit the cancer cells growth; particularly among children. High level of l-asparaginase enzyme production by Escherichia coli, Erwinia species, Streptomyces, and Bacillus subtilis species is highly desirable as bacterial alternative enzyme sources for anticancer therapy. Thermal or harsh conditions stability of those from the two latter bacterial species is considerable. Some enzymes from marine bacteria have conferred stability in adverse conditions being more advantageous in cancer therapy. Several side effects exerted by l-asparaginases such as hypersensitivity should be hindered or decreased through alternative therapies or use of immune-suppressor drugs. The l-asparaginase from Erwinia species has displayed remarkable traits in children with this regard. Noticeably, Erwinia chrysanthemi l-asparaginase exhibited negligible glutaminase activity representing a promising efficiency mitigating related side effects. Application of software such as RSM would optimize conditions for higher levels of enzyme production. Additionally, genetic recombination of the encoding gene would indisputably help improving enzyme traits. Furthermore, the possibility of anticancer combination therapy using two or more l-asparaginases from various sources is plausible in future studies to achieve better therapeutic outcomes with lower side effects.