A standardised protocol for the evaluation of small extracellular vesicles in plasma by imaging flow cytometry.

Flow cytometry provides robust, multi-parametric and quantitative information on single cells which also exhibits enormous potential as a tool for small particle characterisation. Small extracellular vesicle (sEV) detection by flow cytometry remains compromised due to the high prevalence of swarm detection, which is defined by the simultaneous illumination of more than one sEV, recorded as a single event. Detection of sEVs by imaging flow cytometry presents a major advantage by having the ability to resolve single particles from swarm detection based on the image features recorded for each event. In this study, we provide a simplified protocol that facilitates the removal of both swarm events and aggregated particles to improve the accuracy of sEV analysis. Our results indicate that imaging flow cytometry should be at the forefront as a robust and sensitive technique for sEV characterisation.

IGFBP-3 A-202C and C2133G polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk: a meta-analysis of case-control studies.

Recent evidence suggests that genetic variations in the IGFBP-3 gene may impact susceptibility to colorectal cancer, but individually published results are inconclusive. Our meta-analysis was aimed at providing a more precise estimation of these associations. An extensive literature search was conducted for appropriate articles published before May 1, 2013. This meta-analysis was performed using the STATA 12.0 software. The crude odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Eleven case-control studies were included with a total of 11,895 colorectal cancer patients and 17,147 healthy controls. Our meta-analysis indicated that the G variant of IGFBP-3 C2133G polymorphism may be associated with increased colorectal cancer risk. However, no statistically significant association was noted between IGFBP-3 A-202C polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk. No publication bias was detected in this meta-analysis. The current meta-analysis suggests that the IGFBP-3 C2133G polymorphism may confer susceptibility to colorectal cancer. The G variant of the IGFBP-3 C2133G polymorphism may serve as a useful biomarker for predicting the risk of colorectal cancer.

HIF1A gene Pro582Ser polymorphism and susceptibility to digestive tract cancers: a meta-analysis of case-control studies.

Many existing studies have demonstrated that common polymorphisms in the hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1A) may contribute to the development of digestive tract cancers, but individually published studies showed inconclusive results. This meta-analysis aimed to derive a precise estimation of the relationships between HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphism and the risk of digestive tract cancers. We searched CISCOM, CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and CBM databases from inception through May 1, 2013. Meta-analysis was performed using the STATA 12.0 software. We assessed 6 case-control studies that included a total of 911 digestive tract cancer patients and 2774 healthy controls. Our meta-analysis indicated that HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of digestive tract cancer. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity suggested that HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphism might increase an individual's susceptibility to digestive tract cancer in Asian populations. However, similar association was not observed in Caucasian populations. In conclusion, our findings suggest that HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphism may contribute to the risk of digestive tract cancers, especially in Asian populations.

Predicting siRNA efficiency.

Since the identification of RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) in 1998, RNAi has become an effective tool to inhibit gene expression. The inhibition mechanism is triggered by introducing a short interference double-stranded RNA (siRNA,19 approximately 27 bp) into the cytoplasm, where the guide strand of siRNA (usually antisense strand) binds to its target messenger RNA and the expression of the target gene is blocked. RNAi has been widely applied in gene functional analysis, and as a potential therapeutic strategy in viral diseases, drug target discovery, and cancer therapy. Among the factors which may compromise inhibition efficiency, how to design siRNAs with high efficiency and high specificity to its target gene is critical. Although many algorithms have been developed for this purpose, it is still difficult to design such siRNAs. In this review, we will briefly discuss prediction methods for siRNA efficiency and the problems of present approaches.

Massive genital and vaginal vault prolapse treated by abdominal-vaginal sacropexy with use of Marlex mesh: review of the literature.

Two patients with massive procidentia and 13 patients with posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse underwent surgical procedures at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, between May 1978 and February 1986. The standard procedure consisted of an abdominal sacropexy, with use of Marlex mesh to anchor the vaginal vault to the sacral promontory and retroperitonealization of the mesh. In 11 of the 15 patients, one or more concurrent procedures were performed at the same time. There were no intraoperative complications. One serious postoperative complication occurred, and one patient developed recurrent vault prolapse. Follow-up has been from 3 to 93 months with an average of 28 months. In 14 patients (93.3%) subjective and objective improvement was achieved. A review of the literature is presented.