Crystal structure and peculiarities of microwave parameters of Co1-xNixFe2O4 nano spinel ferrites.

Nanosized spinel ferrites Co1-xNixFe2O4 (where x = 0.0-1.0) or CNFO have been produced using a chemical method. The crystal structure's characteristics have been determined through the utilization of X-ray diffraction (XRD). It has been demonstrated that all samples have a single phase with cubic syngony (space group Fd3̄m). The lattice parameter and unit cell volume behavior correlate well with the average ionic radii of Co2+ and Ni2+ ions and their coordination numbers. Thus, an increase in the Ni2+ content from x = 0.0 to x = 1.0 leads to a decrease in the lattice parameter (from 8.3805 to 8.3316 Å) and unit cell volume (from 58.86 to 57.83 Å3). Elastic properties have been investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The peculiarities of the microwave properties have been analyzed by the measured S-parameters in the range of 8-18 GHz. It was assumed that the energy losses due to reflection are a combination of electrical and magnetic losses due to polarization processes (dipole polarization) and magnetization reversal processes in the region of inter-resonant processes. A significant attenuation of the reflected wave energy (-10 … -21.8 dB) opens broad prospects for practical applications.

Structural and immunohistochemical characterization of pancreas of Molly fish (Poecilia sphenops), with a special reference to its immune role.

Recently, teleost species have been considered important model systems for investigating different research areas including immunologic one. The available literature provides poor data about the localization and the structure of pancreas in Molly fish. Moreover, little attention has been paid to the immunologic role of pancreatic tissue of teleost, particularly Molly fish; therefore, this study aimed to highlights the description of pancreatic tissue in Molly fish using light- and electron- microscopy, focusing on the role of pancreatic immune cells and pancreatic acinar cells in immune responses. Microscopic analysis revealed that the pancreas of Molly fish was composed of intrahepatic, disseminated and compact parts. Exocrine pancreatic tissue was diffusely extended within the hepatic tissue forming hepatopancreas. The disseminated pancreas appeared as several irregular nodules of pancreatic tissue localized within the mesenteric adipose tissue. The compact pancreas appeared as an oval shaped body embedded within the mesenteric adipose tissue between the spleen and the intestinal loops. Several telocytes and melanomacrophages were detected within the disseminated pancreatic nodules. Moreover, dendritic cells were found in a close association to the exocrine pancreatic acini. The pancreatic acinar cells showed strong immunoreactivity to APG5, TGF-ß, IL-1ß, NF-κB, Nrf2, and SOX9 in both hepatopancreas and disseminated pancreas of Molly fish. S100 protein revealed a strong expression in the exocrine pancreatic acinar cells of disseminated pancreas and also in the endocrine cells of the compact pancreas. In conclusion, findings of this study suggest the potential role of the pancreas of the Molly fish in cell proliferation and differentiation, proinflammatory cytokines stimulation, and regulation of both innate and adaptive immunity. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Telocytes and melanomacrophages were detected in the disseminated pancreatic nodules of the Molly fish. In Molly fish, dendritic cells were found in a close association to the exocrine pancreatic acini. Strong immunoreactivity of the pancreatic acinar cells of the Molly fish to APG5, TGF-ß, IL-1ß, NF-κB, Nrf2, SOX9, and S100.

The potential role of the pseudobranch of molly fish (Poecilia sphenops) in immunity and cell regeneration.

The pseudobranch is a gill-like structure that exhibits great variations in structure and function among fish species, and therefore, it has remained a topic of investigation for a long time. This study was conducted on adult Molly fish (Poecilia sphenops) to investigate the potential functions of their pseudobranch using histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The pseudobranch of Molly fish was of embedded type. It comprised many rows of parallel lamellae that were fused completely throughout their length by a thin connective tissue. These lamellae consisted of a central blood capillary, surrounded by large secretory pseudobranch cells (PSCs). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the expression of PSCs for CD3, CD45, iNOS-2, and NF-κB, confirming their role in immunity. Furthermore, T-lymphocytes-positive CD3, leucocytes-positive CD45, and dendritic cells-positive CD-8 and macrophage- positive APG-5 could be distinguished. Moreover, myogenin and TGF-ß-positive PSCs were identified, in addition to nests of stem cells- positive SOX-9 were detected. Melanocytes, telocytes, and GFAP-positive astrocytes were also demonstrated. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the PSCs were covered by microridges, which may increase the surface area for ionic exchange. In conclusion, pseudobranch is a highly specialized structure that may be involved in immune response, ion transport, acid-base balance, as well as cell proliferation and regeneration.

Structural and immunohistochemical analysis of the cellular compositions of the liver of molly fish (Poecilia sphenops), focusing on its immune role.

The liver of fish is considered an ideal model for studying the collaboration between environmental agents and the health state of the fish, where it gives good indications about aquatic ecosystem status. Therefore, this study presented immune roles for the liver in molly fish (Poecilia sphenops), using immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The hepatocytes' sinusoidal structures of molly fish livers had taken two different forms; cord-like and tubular, while the biliary tract system showed two different types: isolated and biliary venous tract. The TEM showed that the hepatocytes possessed well-developed cytoplasmic organelles and numerous glycogen and lipid droplets of different sizes. Kupffer cells, Ito cells, aggregation of intrahepatic macrophages and melanomacrophages were also recognized. Melanomacrophages contained numerous phagosomes, many lysosomes, cytoplasmic vacuoles, and melanin pigments. Hepatocytes and Kupffer cells expressed immunoreactivity to APG5, indicating that these cells were involved in the process of autophagy. Telocytes (TCs) were also recognized in the liver of molly fish, and they shared the same morphological characteristics as those in mammals. However, TCs expressed strong immunoreactivity to APG5, TGF-ß, and Nrf2, suggesting their possible role in cellular differentiation and regeneration, in addition to phagocytosis and autophagy. Both IL-1ß and NF-KB showed immunoreactivity in the hepatocytes and in inflammatory cells (including intrahepatic macrophages and melanomacrophage center). Nrf2 and SOX9 showed immunoreactivity in hepatocytes, stem cells, and macrophages. The present study showed the spatial distribution of hepatic vascular-biliary tracts in molly fish. The liver of molly fish has unique functions in phagocytosis, autophagy, and cell regeneration. The expression of APG5 in hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, melanomacrophages, and telocytes supports the role of the liver in lymphocyte development and proliferation. The expression of TGF-ß and NF-κB in hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, telocytes, and macrophages suggests the role of the liver in regulation of cell proliferation and immune response suppression. The expression of IL-1ß and Sox9 in macrophages and melanomacrophages suggests the role of the liver in regulation of both innate and adaptive immunity, cell proliferation and apoptosis, in addition to stem cell maintenance.

Confocal Identification of Immune Molecules in Skin Club Cells of Zebrafish (Danio rerio, Hamilton 1882) and Their Possible Role in Immunity.

The immune system of a fish has cellular and molecular defense mechanisms that are substantially retained throughout the evolution of vertebrates. The innate immune system provides biological processes, such as phagocytosis and mechanical barriers, to implement an efficient defensive response after exposure to chemical or biological contaminants, pollutants, and contact with parasites, germs, and pathogens. Club cells (CCs) are widespread in the skin of Ostariophysi. After a predator attack or exposure to toxins and parasites, these cells can produce alarming substances. Given their effectiveness against viruses, parasites, and common skin lesions, recent studies have suggested that CCs are a component of the immune system. This study aims to immunohistochemically characterize the CCs for the first time in the skin of zebrafish, using mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38, Toll-like receptor (TLR)2, Piscidin1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) peptides involved in the function of all types of vertebrate immune cells. According to our analysis, the intermediate layer of the epidermis exhibited rounded, oval, and elongated CCs, with central acidophilic cytoplasm and a spherical basophilic nucleus, that are positive to the antibodies tested. Our results may confirm that CCs could be involved in the immune function, increasing our knowledge of the immune system of teleosts.

Novel Identification and Microscopy of the Intestinal Bulb of Molly Fish (Poecilia sphenops) with a Focus on Its Role in Immunity.

The intestinal bulb is a simple dilatation in the anterior part of the intestine of agastric fish. This study was conducted on 18 adult specimens of molly fish (Poecilia sphenops) and demonstrated the presence of an intestinal bulb. The intestinal epithelium was composed of enterocytes covered with microvilli, many mucous goblet cells, and enteroendocrine cells. Numerous intraepithelial lymphocytes, neutrophils, plasma cells, dendritic cells, stem cells, rodlet cells, and macrophages were identified in the epithelial layer. Interestingly, this study recorded the process of autophagy and formation of autophagosomes, multivesicular bodies, and dense bodies. The intestinal epithelium extended into the intestinal gland that consisted of simple columnar epithelium, mucous cells, stem cells, enteroendocrine cells, and basal cells. These glands opened to the lumen of the bulb and were surrounded by a network of telocytes. Moreover, immunohistochemistry revealed that the intestinal epithelium expressed APG5, myostatin, TGF-ß, IL-1ß, NF-κB, Nrf2, and SOX9. Leukocytes in the lamina propria-submucosa expressed APG5. The inflammatory cells in the connective tissue showed strong immunoreactivity to myostatin and TGF-ß. The smooth muscular layer also expressed myostatin. Both IL-1ß and NF-κB showed immunoreactivity in macrophages in the lamina propria-submucosa. Stem cells expressed Sox-9 and telocytes expressed NF-κB and SOX9; while astrocytes in the tunica muscularis expressed GFAP. The high frequency of immune cells in the intestinal bulb suggested an immune role of this organ. This is the first study demonstrating the absence of the stomach and its replacement with an intestinal bulb in molly fish, and consequently, this species could be reclassified as agastric fish according to this study.

Fluoropyrimdine therapy induced alterations in interleukins expression in colorectal cancer patients.

This study monitored the changes in the expression of inflammatory IL-6 and IL-1ß during the treatment period of Fluoropyrimidine (FP) based therapy. RNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of 102 CRC patients before treatment with FP therapy, and from 48 and 32 patients after 3 and 6 months of treatment, respectively. The genetic transcription of IL-6 and IL-1ß was determined by real time PCR. Patients were stratified according to their levels of IL-6 and IL-1ß genes expression for subgroup and survival analyses. Baseline CRC patients showed overexpression of IL-6 and IL-1ß compared to healthy control. FP therapy significantly induced IL-6 and IL-1ß expression. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with right colon tumors had significant elevation in both IL-6 and IL-1ß with FP therapy. FP therapy significantly induced IL-1ß expression in patients ⩽45 years, smokers, with high baseline level of CA19.9, right colon tumors, low grade pathology, T3 tumors and positive lymph nodes. Survival analysis showed that baseline levels of interleukins expression had insignificant effect on overall survival and event free survival. FP therapy has an impact on the level of interleukins expression declared in certain clinicopathological subgroups of CRC patients, but without a prognostic significance on patients' survival.

Anatomical, Histological, and Electron Microscopic Structures of Syrinx in Male Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus).

The syrinx is the main source for phonation in birds, its function is analogous to the mammalian larynx. Birds have both a larynx and a syrinx, but they use only the latter to vocalize. The objective of this work to give a detailed description of the anatomical, histological, and ultrastructural of syrinx in male budgerigars as a model of a passerine bird. The syrinx in the current study was to be found as a tracheobronchial type, it consists of cranial (tympanum) part and caudal (bronchosyringeal) part and, additionally, there are lateral vibrating membranes. The tympanum is formed of the last six tracheal rings, histologically its lamina epithelialis is a pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with goblet cells and interrupted by intraepithelial glands. The secretory acini appear oval and lined by pyramidal secretory cells. The lamina propria­submucosa contain numerous blood capillaries, immune cells, and telocytes (TCs). The electron microscopic examination revealed numerous blood capillaries surrounded by fibroblasts and numerous immune cells, including mast cells and wandering leukocytes, within the tympanum mucosa. Hence, this study provides a detailed knowledge about the syrinx in male budgerigars.

The Prognostic Significance of the BMI-1 and BAALC Genes in Adult Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

The aim of this work is to investigate the different expression patterns of B cell-specifics moloney murine Leukemia virus integration site-1 (BMI-1) and brain and acute leukemia, cytoplasmic (BAALC) genes, their prognostic and clinical significance in newly diagnosed cytogenetically heterogenous adult acute myeloid leukemia patients. BMI-1 and BAALC expression was detected in the bone marrow of patients using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with cut off value set at 50th percentile for both genes. BMI-1 and BAALC overexpression was detected in 50% of cases which suggest their potential as molecular markers. A statistical significant correlation was found between BMI-1 expression with hepatomegaly (P value = 0.007), hemoglobin level-grouped (P value = 0.047) and cytogenetic risk groups (P value = 0.036). There was a statistically significant correlation between BAALC and age (P value = 0.015), lymphadenopathy (P value = 0.043), CD34 expression (P value = 0.003) and near statistical significance with FAB sub-groups (P value = 0.054). No statistical significance was noted for other hematological findings and response to treatment except for BAALC gene and treatment response (P value = 0.014). No statistical significance in overall survival and disease free survival for both genes was found. Their prospective screening in combination with other molecular markers can help refine myeloid leukemia staging and prognosis toward optimizing therapeutic interventions.

MicroRNA-92a as a marker of treatment response and survival in adult acute myeloid leukemia patients.

This prospective study assessed circulating miR-92a levels in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at diagnosis and after induction therapy and followed patients for a maximum of 30 months. The study included 63 consecutive adult AML patients. Circulating miR-92a levels were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). There was significant rise of miR-92a expression after induction (median (range): 0.297 (0.001-3.438)) in comparison to the reported levels at diagnosis (median (range): 0.236 (0.001-3.305)). Post-induction levels of miR-92a are significantly higher in patients who achieved CR in comparison to patients without CR (median (range): 0.408 (0.017-3.438) vs. 0.01 (0.001-1.010), p<.001). Cox hazard regression analysis identified miR-92a as a significant predictor of OS and DFS in univariate and multivariate analyses. In conclusion, baseline circulating miR-92a in AML patients may be a useful prognostic marker of treatment response and survival over 2.5 years follow up.

Microanalysis of Fish Ovarian Follicular Atresia: A Possible Synergic Action of Somatic and Immune Cells.

The present study describes in detail the morphological characteristics of the process of ovarian follicular atresia in Redbelly tilapia (Coptodon zillii) during the nonbreeding season using light and electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. The follicular regression process was initiated with shrinkage and disintegration of the nuclear membrane of oocytes resulting in dispersing of chromatin within the ooplasm, followed by marked hyperplasia and hypertrophy of follicular and granulosa cells, which exhibited a strong phagocytic activity to engulf the liquefied yolk particles. Rodlet cells and granulocytes were recorded on the follicular wall and invaded the regressed follicles. Rodlet cells expressed a strong immunoreactivity to matrix metalloperoxidase (MMP-9) and α-smooth muscle actin, while neutrophils expressed a strong reactivity to Myeloperoxidase-3 (MPO). In the advanced stage of follicular atresia, the yolk was almost phagocytized and resorbed and the regressed follicle lost its integrity and appeared to be formed of a cellular mass of phagocytic cells. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of neutrophils, eosinophils, and dendritic cells within the atretic follicle in between these phagocytic cells. Moreover, numerous lysosomes, granules, and phagosomes were observed within the cytoplasm of both phagocytic cells and granulocytes. Telocytes were also demonstrated within the highly thickened richly vascularized theca layer during the late stages of follicular atresia. Immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3 established the participation of apoptosis in the advanced stages of follicular regression. Immune cells, rodlet cells, and telocytes in combination with follicular cells play an essential role in follicular atresia. In conclusion, the present study provides a new evidence on the role of both somatic and immune cells in the phenomenon of ovarian follicular atresia in Redbelly tilapia (Coptodon zillii) during the nonbreeding season.

Comparative Morphological Features of Syrinx in Male Domestic Fowl Gallus gallus domesticus and Male Domestic Pigeon Columba livia domestica: A Histochemical, Ultrastructural, Scanning Electron Microscopic and Morphometrical Study.

Many studies have been carried out to investigate the morphological structure of the syrinx in many bird species. However, the cellular organization of the syrinx in the fowls and pigeons is still unclear. The current study revealed that in fowl and pigeon, the syrinx is formed of three main parts including tympanum (cranial) part, intermediate syringeal part, and bronchosyringeal (caudal) part, in addition to pessulus and tympaniform membranes. A great variation in the structural characteristics of syrinx of fowl and pigeon was recorded. In fowl, the tympaniform membranes showed a characteristic distribution of elastic and collagen fibers which increase the elasticity of tympaniform membranes. Moreover, the bony pessulus helps the medial tympaniform membranes to be stiffer, vibrate more strongly so that louder sound will be generated. In pigeon, the lateral tympaniform membrane is of greater thickness so that the oscillation of this membrane is reduced and the amplitude is lower. Moreover, the pessulus is smaller in size and is formed mainly of connective tissue core (devoid of cartilaginous or bony plates), resulting in the failure of stretching and vibrating of the medial tympaniform membranes, that leads to the generation of deeper sound. Electron microscopic examination of the syringes of fowls and pigeons revealed numerous immune cells including dendritic cells, plasma cells, mast cells, and lymphocytes distributed within syringeal mucosa and invading the syringeal epithelium. Telocytes were first recorded in the syrinx of fowls and pigeons in this study. They presented two long telopodes that made up frequent close contacts with other neighboring telocytes, immune cells, and blood capillaries.

The Prognostic Significance of 5-Fluorouracil Induced Inflammation and Immuno-Modulation in Colorectal Cancer Patients.

AIM: The change in the levels of peripheral inflammatory markers together with EGFR in relation to 5- fluorouracil (5-FU) therapy was evaluated for their prognostic significance in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Expression levels of COX2, IL6, IL1ß, EGFR, IL10, and TNFα were determined with quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) in the peripheral blood of 90 CRC patients. The inflammatory response was correlated with patients' clinical features, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: After 6 months of 5-FU therapy, increased inflammatory response was found to be associated with smoking, T3 or T4 tumors, performance status (PS) III, positive lymph nodes, distant metastasis, and gastrointestinal (GIT) toxicity. The combination of COX2 with interleukins in a predictive equation for DFS was significant in patients with over-expression of EGFR. DFS and OS rates were reduced in patients with increased COX2, IL6, IL10, and TNFα expression with 5-FU therapy. Significant hazard of disease progression was associated with smoking (HR=1.27, P=0.004), 5-FU induction of COX2, and IL6 expression (HR=1.35, P=0.001 and HR=1.27, P=0.004, respectively). Moreover, smoking, 5-FU induction of IL6, TNFα, and IL10 expression are found to be independent prognostic factors for OS (P=0.003, 0.003, 0.002, and 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: The peripheral effects of 5-FU therapy have shown a significant impact on the treatment outcome of CRC patients.

Structural and functional characteristics of the special regulatory devices in the peripheral pulmonary circulation in rabbits.

The present study intended to describe in detail the several blood vessels harboring special regulatory devices in rabbit's pulmonary tissue using light and electron microscopy and immuno-histochemistry. Numerous throttle arteries were recorded within the adventitia of the segmental and sub-segmental bronchi and within pulmonary pleura. These arteries showed characteristic narrow or obliterated lumens and some of them bear longitudinal muscular intimal bolsters. For the first time, TEM revealed some structural modifications of the vascular endothelial cells of these arteries indicating that they become more activated to perform some additional functions. Arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs) including direct shunt vessels and glomus organs were also recognized. Direct arteriovenous shunts appeared as small connecting devices communicating between small arteries and small veins while glomus organs consisted of the tortuous glomus vessels and the related afferent and efferent vessels. Several arteries and veins showing unique unusual structural characteristics were also described. For the first time, serotonin (5-HT) was strongly expressed in the vascular endothelium and muscle fibers of throttle arteries, in glomus cells of the glomus vessels, and in vascular endothelium of some veins and venules of special structure. The exact role of 5-HT is still unknown and further investigations are required to determine the types and distribution of 5-HT receptors present in these vascular devices. We concluded that these special vascular devices can play a critical role in controlling blood flow and pressure in the peripheral pulmonary circulation; however, the exact physiological mechanisms by which they work or are controlled remain unknown providing a ripe area for further investigation.

Morphological characteristic and functional dependencies of dendritic cell in developing rabbit lung during fetal and neonatal life.

Recently, pulmonary DC deserved the attention of researchers and clinicians as it was implicated in many diseases afflicting human lungs. However, there are no available data about the morphological or functional features of pulmonary dendritic cells in fetal or early neonatal life. The present study aimed to demonstrate the morphological development of DCs using light-, electron-microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. DCs showed strong immunoreactivity for both CD8 and CD56. Moreover, DCs strongly expressed CD34, VEGF, NSE, and connexin-43 within the developing pulmonary tissue. By SEM, DCs were polyhedral in shape with short cell processes in fetal life. By the advancement of the age, DCs became more numerous and exhibited rounded to oval cell bodies with many fine dendrites. TEM revealed that at early fetal life, DCs were characterized by their heterochromatic indented nuclei, few cell processes and few organelles. With the advancement of age, DCs showed dendrite-like processes and displayed signs of high endocytic activities with releasing of secretory materials. At late fetal life, DCs showed an obvious increase in the nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio and they exhibited a unique connection with type II pneumocytes and pulmonary endothelium by gap junction. In the early neonate, the DCs cells were seen in association with T-lymphocytes, neutrophils, telocytes (TCs), and air-blood barrier. They possessed many fine dendrites, the characteristic Birbeck granules and many vesicles. DCs may contribute to apoptosis, endocytosis, and angiogenesis. The difference in the maturation status may reflect different roles for DCs in the lung. The immature DCs may have an antigen-uptake role through endocytosis, while mature DCs may involve in antigen presentation to T-cells.

New Insight into the Development of the Respiratory Acini in Rabbits: Morphological, Electron Microscopic Studies, and TUNEL Assay.

This study investigated the histomorphological features of developing rabbit respiratory acini during the postnatal period. On the 1st day of postnatal life, the epithelium of terminal bronchiole consisted of clear cells which intercalated between few ciliated and abundant non-ciliated (Clara) cells. At this age, the rabbit lung was in the alveolar stage. The terminal bronchioles branched into several alveolar ducts, which opened into atria that communicated to alveolar sacs. All primary and secondary inter-alveolar septa were thick and showed a double-capillary network (immature septa). The primitive alveoli were lined largely by type-I pneumocytes and mature type-II pneumocytes. The type-I pneumocytes displayed an intimate contact with the endothelial cells of the blood capillaries forming the blood-air barrier (0.90 ± 0.03 µm in thickness). On the 3rd day, we observed intense septation and massive formation of new secondary septa giving the alveolar sac a crenate appearance. The mean thickness of the air-blood barrier decreased to reach 0.78 ± 0.14 µm. On the 7th day, the terminal bronchiole epithelium consisted of ciliated and non-ciliated cells. The non-ciliated cells could be identified as Clara cells and serous cells. New secondary septa were formed, meanwhile the inter-alveolar septa become much thinner and the air-blood barrier thickness was 0.66 ± 0.03 µm. On the 14th day, the terminal bronchiole expanded markedly and the pulmonary alveoli were thin-walled. Inter-alveolar septa become much thinner and single capillary layers were observed. In the 1st month, the secondary septa increased in length forming mature cup-shaped alveoli. In the 2nd month, the lung tissue grew massively to involve the terminal respiratory unit. In the 3rd month, the pulmonary parenchyma appeared morphologically mature. All inter-alveolar septa showed a single-capillary layer, and primordia of new septa were also observed. The thickness of the air-blood barrier was much thinner; 0.56 ± 0.16 µm. TUNEL assay after birth revealed that the apoptotic cells were abundant and distributed in the epithelium lining of the pulmonary alveoli and the interstitium of the thick interalveolar septa. On the 7th day, and onward, the incidence of apoptotic cells decreased markedly. This study concluded that the lung development included two phases: the first phase (from birth to the 14th days) corresponds to the period of bulk alveolarization and microvascular maturation. The second phase (from the 14th days to the full maturity) corresponds to the lung growth and late alveolarization.

The Effect of Telephone-Based Follow-Up on Adherence, Efficacy, and Toxicity of Oral Capecitabine-Based Chemotherapy.

Background:Adherence and safety challenges aroused with the use of oral chemotherapeutic agents, such as capecitabine, necessitated implementation of a more focused follow-up for patients receiving these agents.Patients and Methods:This prospective, randomized open-label study explored the usefulness of weekly telephone-based follow-up in Egyptian patients with metastatic colorectal or gastric cancer treated with capecitabine-based chemotherapy regimens at the National Cancer Institute, Egypt, compared with a standard care group. Patients' adherence, safety, efficacy, and health service utilization were assessed and compared in 82 eligible patients; control group (n = 38) and intervention group (n = 44).Results:The intervention group showed statistically better tolerability to certain adverse effects in certain cycles with nonsignificantly higher patients' adherence and overall survival (OS), along with statistically higher passive call duration.Conclusion:These results suggested that pharmacist-led telephone follow-up (TFU) could help in building a close trusting rapport between the patient and caregiving pharmacist. They also demonstrated the potential usefulness of the TFU on patients' tolerability, adherence, and OS; however, further trials with a larger sample size should be encouraged to explore more pronounced results. Otherwise, the provided standard care could be considered good enough for these patients.

MicroRNA-150 down Regulation in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Patients and Its Prognostic Implication.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that are important for post-transcriptional gene regulation in both healthy and morbid conditions. Numerous miRNAs promote tumorigenesis, while others have a tumour suppressive effects. Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a heterogeneous group of genetically diverse hematopoietic malignancies with variable response to treatment. AIM: Our study aimed to investigate the possible role of miR-150 in de novo adult AML and the impact of its level on survival, and we used in the silicon analysis to predict the main target genes involved in miR-150 mediated cancer pathway. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated miR-150 expression profiling assay using TaqMan primer probes RT-PCR in the plasma of 50 adult AML patients, before the start of treatment and at day 28 of treatment, along with 20 normal adult control samples. miR-16 was used as an endogenous reference for standardisation. Follow-up of patients during treatment at day 28 of induction chemotherapy and after one year was done. RESULTS: In this study, we found a significantly lower level of miR-150 in AML patients when compared to controls (p = 0.005) with 0.62 fold change than in healthy controls. Patients were divided into two groups: the low miR-150 group (miR-150 < 1) and the high miR-150 group (miR-150 > 1). A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups regarding initial total leukocytic count and initial PB blast count while for the TLC, HB and PLT count at follow up. No difference in the overall survival between the low and the high miR-150 groups could be demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that miR-150 functions as a tumour suppressor and gatekeeper in inhibiting cell transformation and that its downregulation is required for leukemogenesis.

Impact of Global DNA Methylation in Treatment Outcome of Colorectal Cancer Patients.

Background: Global DNA methylation has an impact in cancer pathogenesis and progression. This study aimed at investigating the impact of global DNA methylation in treatment outcome of Colorectal Cancer (CRC). Patients and Methods: Global DNA methylation was measured by LC/MS/MS in peripheral blood leucocytes of 102, 48, and 32 Egyptian CRC patients at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of Fluoropyrimidine (FP) therapy respectively, in addition to 32 normal healthy matched in age and sex. The genetic expressions of DNA methyl transferases (DNMTs) were determined and correlated with patients' survival using univariate and multivariate methods of analyses. Results: Egyptian CRC patients had significant global hypomethylation of 5mC level and 5mC % with overexpression of DNMT3A and DNMT3B. Significant higher 5mC levels were shown in patients > 45 years, male gender, T2 tumors, stage II, negative lymph nodes, and absence of metastasis. FP therapy significantly reduced DNA methylation particularly in the subgroups of patients with high DNA methylation level at baseline and good prognostic features. After 3 years of follow up, patients with 5mC % > 8.02% had significant poor overall survival (OS) while, significant better event-free survival (EFS) was found in patients with 5mC level > 0.55. High initial CEA level and presence of metastasis were significantly associated with hazards of disease progression and death. Conclusion: Global DNA methylation has a significant impact on the treatment outcome and survival of Egyptian CRC patients treated with FP- based therapy.

The roles of telocytes in lung development and angiogenesis: An immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, scanning electron microscopy and morphometrical study.

Many studies have been carried out to investigate the occurrence and distribution of telocytes (TCs) in many organs. However, their morphological development is still unclear. This study was performed to demonstrate the morphological development of TCs in rabbits' lung from fetal to postnatal life using light-, electron- microscopy, immunohistochemistry, morphometrical and statistical analysis. During the fetal life, these cells formed an extensive network of telopodes (Tps) which were in close contact with developing alveoli, bronchioles, stem cells and many other interstitial components. In addition, the TCs' number was significantly increased around the neocapillaries in fetal lung. In the fetal life, TCs were stellate in shape and characterized by large cell bodies and many short Tps that contained abundant rER, mitochondria, and ribosomes. By gradual increasing of ages, TCs were spindle in shape with two Tps contained a massive amount of secretory structures (exosomes, ectosomes, and multivesicular bodies). Moreover, TCs in postnatal lung showed a significant decrease in number and diameter of their cell bodies and a significant increase in the length of Tps compared with those in fetal life. The TCs contributed with pneumocytes and endothelium in the formation of air-blood barrier. The TCs' immunohistochemical profiles for CD34, vimentin, c-kit, connexin 43, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and neuron- specific enolase (NSE) differed between ages during the lung development. This study provided an evidence that TCs contributed to angiogenesis, the formation of the air-blood barrier, lung organization, and development.