The significance of resection margins on R0 results in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary liver cancer after hepatocellular carcinoma with an increasing incidence worldwide. Surgical resection is still the only potential cure, and survival rates are dismal due to disease relapse after resection and/or metastatic disease. Positive resection margins are associated with recurrence, with conflicting studies regarding the benefits of wide resection margins to reduce recurrence rates.

METHODS

126 patients with an R0 resection treated with hepatic surgery for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma at the Surgical Department at the Medical University Centre Essen, Germany were identified in a database and retrospectively analysed. Patients were grouped into three groups according to margin width, <1 mm (very narrow margin width) 1-5 mm (narrow margin width) and >5 mm (wide margin width). Epidemiological as well as perioperative data was analysed, and a univariate analysis as well as Kaplan-Meier plots carried out to investigate recurrence-free and overall survival.

RESULTS

Wider resection margins did not lead to better recurrence-free survival. A wider resection margin >5 mm was not significantly associated with improved overall survival. Positive lymph nodes (HR 2.50, 95% CI 1.11-5.61, p=0.027) and non-anatomic resections (HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.13-3.75, p=0.019) are significantly associated with poorer overall survival. Regarding recurrence-free survival, V2 vascular invasion was the only risk factor statistically significantly associated with poorer recurrence-free survival (HR 8.83, 95% CI 0.85-2.83, p=0.005).

CONCLUSION

Resection margins did not have a significant impact on disease free survival or overall survival following hepatic resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Non-anatomical resections, lymph node and vascular invasion all significantly impacted oncological outcomes.

Affinity-based electrochemical biosensor with antifouling properties for detection of lysophosphatidic acid, a promising early-stage ovarian cancer biomarker

Electrochemical techniques are considered to be highly sensitive, capable of fast response and can be easily miniaturized, properties which can aid with regard to the fabrication of compact point-of-care medical devices; however, the main challenge in developing such a tool is overcoming a ubiquitous, problematic phenomenon known as non-specific adsorption (NSA). NSA is due to the fouling of non-target molecules in the blood on the recognition surface of the device. To overcome NSA, we have developed an affinity-based electrochemical biosensor using medical-grade stainless steel electrodes and following a unique and novel strategy using silane-based interfacial chemistry to detect lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a highly promising biomarker, which was found to be elevated in 90 % of stage I OC patients and gradually increases as the disease progresses to later stages. The biorecognition surface was developed using the affinity-based gelsolin-actin system, which was previously investigated by our group to detect LPA using fluorescence spectroscopy. We demonstrate the capability of this label-free biosensor to detect LPA in goat serum with a detection limit of 0.7 µM as a proof-of-concept for the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Comparative Evaluation of Specific Antibody against Mycobacterium tuberculosis ESAT-6 Recombinant Antigen in Healthy Subject with Positive and Negative Skin Test

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). The laboratory diagnosis of the disease includes various bacteriologic and immunologic methods. Despite the effectiveness of many of these methods in diagnosing active TB, their high cost and time-consuming nature have led researchers to adopt more accurate and rapid screening methods based on specific antigens for M. tuberculosis. The present study aimed to measure specific antibody serum levels against the early secretory antigenic target 6 kDa (ESAT-6) recombinant protein in healthy people and compare it to TB patients. The target population included 27 TB patients and 87 healthy individuals with no clinical TB symptoms. The healthy population was divided into two groups, including positive purified protein derivative (PPD) and negative PPD (35 and 52 people, respectively), using the Tuberculin skin test. The specific antibody level against the ESAT-6 recombinant antigen and the PPD protein was measured using an indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test. The results of the study showed that the majority of the healthy population with no symptoms of clinical TB and having negative skin test results did not have antibodies against the recombinant ESAT-6 (98%) and PPD (96%) antigens. On the other hand, there was a high level of the specific antibody of the ESAT-6 recombinant and PPD antigens in TB patients (77%). It is notable that in people with positive skin test results, the level of the antibody against the ESAT-6 recombinant antigen and PPD antigen was 94%. The results demonstrated that the ELISA method based on the measurement of antibodies against the ESAT-6 recombinant antigen can be a proper diagnostic method for rapid and accurate screening of healthy from infected people.

Do glutathione and copper interact to modify Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder first described in 1906 that is currently estimated to impact ∼40 million people worldwide. Extensive research activities have led to a wealth of information on the pathogenesis, hallmarks, and risk factors of AD; however, therapeutic options remain extremely limited. The large number of pathogenic factors that have been reported to potentially contribute to AD include copper dyshomeostasis as well as increased oxidative stress, which is related to alterations to molecular antioxidants like glutathione (GSH). While the individual roles of GSH and copper in AD have been studied by many research groups, their interactions have received relatively little attention, although they appear to interact and affect each other's regulation. Existing knowledge on how GSH-copper interactions may affect AD is sparse and lacks focus. This review first highlights the most relevant individual roles that GSH and copper play in physiology and AD, and then collects and assesses research concerning their interactions, in an effort to provide a more accessible and understandable picture of the role of GSH, copper, and their interactions in AD.

CORAL: Monte Carlo based global QSAR modelling of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors using hybrid descriptors

Global QSAR modelling was performed to predict the pIC₅₀ values of 233 diverse heterocyclic compounds as BTK inhibitors with the Monte Carlo algorithm of CORAL software using the DCW hybrid descriptors extracted from SMILES notations of molecules. The dataset of 233 BTK inhibitors was randomly split into training, invisible training, calibration and validation sets. The index of ideality of correlation was also applied to build and judge the predictability of the QSAR models. Eight global QSAR models based on the hybrid optimal descriptor using two target functions, i.e. TF₁ (W_IIC = 0) and TF₂ (W_IIC = 0.2) have been constructed. The statistical parameters of QSAR models computed by TF₂ are more reliable and robust and were used to predict the pIC₅₀ values. The model constructed for split 4 via TF₂ is regarded as the best model and the numerical values of r²_Train, r²_Valid, Q²_Train and Q²_Valid are equal to 0.7981, 0.7429, 0.7898 and 0.6784, respectively. By internal and external validation techniques, the predictability and reliability of the designed models have been assessed. The structural attributes responsible for the increase and decrease of pIC₅₀ of BTK inhibitors were also identified.

Electrochemical distinction of neuronal and neuroblastoma cells via the phosphorylation of the cellular extracellular membrane

In this contribution we establish a proof of concept method for monitoring, quantifying and differentiating the extracellular phosphorylation of Human SHSY5Y undifferentiated neuronal cells and neuroblastoma cells by three prominent ectokinases PKA, PKC and Src. Herein it is demonstrated that a combination of different experimental techniques, including fluroesence microscopy, quartz crystal microscopy (QCM) and electrochemistry, can be used to detect extracellular phosphorylation levels of neuronal and neuroblastoma cells. Phosphorylation profiles of the three ectokinases, PKA, PKC and Src, were investigated using fluorescence microscopy and the number of phosphorylation sites per kinase was estimated using QCM. Finally, the phosphorylation of the extracellular membrane was determined using electrochemistry. Our results clearly demonstrate that the extracellular phosphorylation of neuronal cells differs significantly in terms of its phosphorylation profile from diseased neuroblastoma cells and the strength of surface electrochemical techniques in the differentiation process. We reveal that using electrochemistry, the percent compositions of neuronal and neuroblastoma cells can also be identified.

The index of ideality of correlation: QSAR studies of hepatitis C virus NS3/4A protease inhibitors using SMILES descriptors

Robust and reliable QSAR models were developed to predict half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of hepatitis C virus NS3/4A protease inhibitors from the Monte Carlo technique. 524 HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors were extracted from the scientific literature to create a reasonably large set. The models were developed using CORAL software by using two target functions namely target function 1 (TF1) without applying the index of ideality of correlation (IIC) and target function 2 (TF2) that uses IIC. The constructed models based on TF2 were statistically more significant and robust than the models based on TF1. The determination coefficients (r²) of training and test sets were 0.86 and 0.88 for the best split based on TF2. The promoters of the increase/decrease of activity were also extracted and interpreted in detail. The model interpretation results explain the role of different structural attributes in predicting the pIC₅₀ values of hepatitis C virus NS3/4A protease inhibitors. Based on the mechanistic model interpretation results, eight new compounds were designed and their pIC₅₀ values were predicted based on the average prediction of ten models.

Electrochemical Biosensors for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Viruses

The last few decades have been plagued by viral outbreaks that present some of the biggest challenges to public safety. The current coronavirus (COVID-19) disease pandemic has exponentiated these concerns. Increased research on diagnostic tools is currently being implemented in order to assist with rapid identification of the virus, as mass diagnosis and containment is the best way to prevent the outbreak of the virus. Accordingly, there is a growing urgency to establish a point-of-care device for the rapid detection of coronavirus to prevent subsequent spread. This device needs to be sensitive, selective, and exhibit rapid diagnostic capabilities. Electrochemical biosensors have demonstrated these traits and, hence, serve as promising candidates for the detection of viruses. This review summarizes the designs and features of electrochemical biosensors developed for some past and current pandemic or epidemic viruses, including influenza, HIV, Ebola, and Zika. Alongside the design, this review also discusses the detection principles, fabrication techniques, and applications of the biosensors. Finally, research and perspective of biosensors as potential detection tools for the rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2 is discussed.

A Monte Carlo method based QSPR model for prediction of reaction rate constants of hydrated electrons with organic contaminants

The Monte Carlo algorithm was applied to formulate a robust quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) model to compute the reactions rate constants of hydrated electron values for a data set of 309 water contaminants containing 125 aliphatic and 184 phenyl-based chemicals. The QSPR models were computed with the hybrid optimal descriptors which were procured by combining the SMILES and hydrogen-suppressed molecular graph for both classes of compounds. Approximately 75% of the total experimental data set was randomly divided into training and invisible training sets, while approximately 25% was divided into calibration and validation sets. The authenticity and robustness of the developed QSPR models were also judged by the Index of Ideality of Correlation. In QSPR modelling of aliphatic compounds, the numerical values of r T r a i n i n g 2 , r V a l i d a t i o n 2 , Q T r a i n i n g 2 and Q V a l i d a t i o n 2 were in the range of 0.852-0.905, 0.815-0.894, 0.839-0.897 and 0.737-0.867, respectively. Whereas, in the QSPR modelling of phenyl-based compounds, the numerical values of r T r a i n i n g 2 , r V a l i d a t i o n 2 , Q T r a i n i n g 2 and Q V a l i d a t i o n 2 were in the range of 0.867-0.896, 0.852-0.865, 0.816-0.850 and 0.760-0.762, respectively. The structural attributes, which are promoters of l o g K e a q - increase/decrease are also extracted from the SMILES notation for mechanistic interpretation. These QSPR models can also be applied to compute the reaction rate constants of organic contaminants.

QSAR modelling of larvicidal phytocompounds against Aedes aegypti using index of ideality of correlation

Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of several infectious viruses that cause yellow, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika fevers. Recently, plant-derived products have been tested as safe and eco-friendly larvicides against Ae. aegypti. The present study aimed to improve QSAR models for 62 larvicidal phytocompounds against Ae. aegypti via the Monte Carlo method based on the index of the ideality of correlation (IIC) criterion. The representation of structures was done with SMILES. Three splits were prepared randomly and three QSAR models were constructed using IIC target function. The molecular descriptors were selected from SMILES descriptors and the hydrogen-filled molecular graphs. The predictability of three models was evaluated on the validation sets, the r ² of which was 0.9770, 0.8660, and 0.8565 for models 1 to 3, respectively. The statistical results of three randomized splits indicated that robust, simple, predictive, and reliable models were obtained for different sets. From the modelling results, important descriptors were identified to enhance and reduce the larvicidal activity of compounds. Based on the identified important descriptors, some new structures of larvicidal compounds were proposed. The larvicidal activity of novel molecules designed further was supported by docking studies. Using the simple QSAR model, one can predict pLC₅₀ of new similarity larvicidal phytocompounds.

Electrochemical detection of neuronal extracellular phosphorylation by PKA, PKC and Src

The focus of this work described here is to establish a method for monitoring and quantifying the extracellular phosphorylation of Human SHSY5Y undifferentiated neuronal cells by three ectokinases PKA, PKC and Src; these are kinases that are known to be present in the extracellular matrix. Here is demonstrated that a combination of different experimental techniques, including microscopy and electrochemistry, can be used to detect extracellular phosphorylations. Phosphorylation profiles of the three ectokinases, PKA, PKC and Src, were investigated using fluorescence microscopy and the number of phosphorylation sites per kinase was estimated using QCM. Finally, the phosphorylation of the extracellular membrane was determined using electrochemistry. Our results clearly demonstrate the extracellular phosphorylation of neuronal cells and the strength of surface electrochemical techniques in the investigation of cellular phosphorylation.

Biomedical soft robots: current status and perspective

This paper reviews the current status of soft robots in biomedical field. Soft robots are made of materials that have comparable modulus of elasticity to that of biological systems. Several advantages of soft robots over rigid robots are safe human interaction, ease of adaptation with wearable electronics and simpler gripping. We review design factors of soft robots including modeling, controls, actuation, fabrication and application, as well as their limitations and future work. For modeling, we survey kinematic, multibody and numerical finite element methods. Finite element methods are better suited for the analysis of soft robots, since they can accurately model nonlinearities in geometry and materials. However, their real-time integration with controls is challenging. We categorize the controls of soft robots as model-based and model-free. Model-free controllers do not rely on an explicit analytical or numerical model of the soft robot to perform actuation. Actuation is the ability to exert a force using actuators such as shape memory alloys, fluid gels, elastomers and piezoelectrics. Nonlinear geometry and materials of soft robots restrict using conventional rigid body controls. The fabrication techniques used for soft robots differ significantly from that of rigid robots. We survey a wide range of techniques used for fabrication of soft robots from simple molding to more advanced additive manufacturing methods such as 3D printing. We discuss the applications and limitations of biomedical soft robots covering aspects such as functionality, ease of use and cost. The paper concludes with the future discoveries in the emerging field of soft robots.

Recent Advances in Monitoring Cell Behavior Using Cell-Based Impedance Spectroscopy

Cell-based impedance spectroscopy (CBI) is a powerful tool that uses the principles of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) by measuring changes in electrical impedance relative to a voltage applied to a cell layer. CBI provides a promising platform for the detection of several properties of cells including the adhesion, motility, proliferation, viability and metabolism of a cell culture. This review gives a brief overview of the theory, instrumentation, and detection principles of CBI. The recent applications of the technique are given in detail for research into cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, toxicology as well as its application to 2D and 3D in vitro cell cultures. CBI has been established as a biophysical marker to provide quantitative cellular information, which can readily be adapted for single-cell analysis to complement the existing biomarkers for clinical research on disease progression.

Correction: A Trojan horse biomimetic delivery strategy using mesenchymal stem cells for PDT/PTT therapy against lung melanoma metastasis

Correction for 'A Trojan horse biomimetic delivery strategy using mesenchymal stem cells for PDT/PTT therapy against lung melanoma metastasis' by Xumei Ouyang et al., Biomater. Sci., 2020, DOI: 10.1039/c9bm01401b.

A Trojan horse biomimetic delivery strategy using mesenchymal stem cells for PDT/PTT therapy against lung melanoma metastasis

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based biomimetic delivery has been actively explored for drug accumulation and penetration into tumors by taking advantage of the tumor-tropic and penetration properties of MSCs. In this work, we further demonstrated the feasibility of MSC-mediated nano drug delivery, which was characterized by the "Trojan horse"-like transport via an endocytosis-exocytosis-endocytosis process between MSCs and cancer cells. Chlorin e6 (Ce6)-conjugated polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA-Ce6) were developed and loaded into the MSCs. Phototherapeutic agents are safe to the MSCs, and their very low dark toxicity causes no impairment of the inherent properties of MSCs, including tumor-homing ability. The MSCs loaded with PDA-Ce6 (MSC-PDA-Ce6) were able to target and penetrate into tumors and exocytose 60% of the payloads in 72 h. The released PDA-Ce6 NPs could penetrate deep and be re-endocytosed by the cancer cells. MSC-PDA-Ce6 tended to accumulate in the lungs and delivered PDA-Ce6 into the tumors after intravenous injection in the mouse model with lung melanoma metastasis. Phototoxicity can be selectively triggered in the tumors by sequentially treating with near-infrared irradiation to induce photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT). The MSC-based biomimetic delivery of PDA-Ce6 nanoparticles is a potential method for dual phototherapy against lung melanoma metastasis.

Low channel count montages using sensor tying for VEP-based BCI

OBJECTIVE

Brain computer interfaces (BCIs) are slowly making their appearance on the consumer market, accompanied by a higher popularity among the general public. This new group of users requires easy-to-use headsets with robustness to non-precise placement. In this paper, an optimized fixed montage EEG headset for VEP BCIs is proposed.

APPROACH

The proposed layout covers only the most relevant area with large sensors to account for slight misplacement. To obtain large sensors, without having them physically available, we tie multiple sensors together and simulate the effect by averaging the signal of multiple sensors.

MAIN RESULTS

In simulations based on recorded 256-channel EEG data, it is shown that a circular center-surround configuration with sensor tying, leading to only eight channels covering a large part of the occipital lobe, can provide high performance and good robustness to misplacement. Automatically optimized layouts were unable to achieve better performance, demonstrating the utility of this manual design. Finally, the performance and benefits of sensor tying in the manual design are then validated in a physical experiment.

SIGNIFICANCE

The resulting proposed layout fulfills most requirements of an easy to use consumer EEG headset.

Aggregation of Microtubule Binding Repeats of Tau Protein is Promoted by Cu2

Understanding the factors that give rise to tau aggregation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the key aspect in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Microtubule (MT) binding repeats of tau protein were suggested to play a critical role in tau aggregation. Here, we show that the interaction of Cu²⁺ with full-length MT binding repeats R1-R4 leads to the aggregation, and a Cys-based redox chemistry is critically involved in tau aggregation leading to disulfide-bridge dimerization of R2 and R3 and further aggregation into a fibrillar structure. Notably, ascorbate and glutathione, the most abundant antioxidants in neurons, cannot prevent the effect of Cu²⁺ on R2 and R3 aggregation. Detailed ESI-MS and NMR experiments demonstrate the interaction of Cu²⁺ with MT binding repeats. We show that redox activity of copper increases when bound to the MT repeats leading to ROS formation, which significantly contribute to cellular damage and neuron death. Results presented here provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of tau aggregation and ROS formation and suggest a new target domain for tau aggregation inhibitors.

Facile synthesis of silver-rich Au/Ag bimetallic nanoparticles with highly active SERS properties

A one-pot route to the synthesis of Au/Ag bimetallic nanoparticles with a high SERS activity for detection of proteins at low concentration.

Prediction of the adsorption coefficients of some aromatic compounds on multi-wall carbon nanotubes by the Monte Carlo method

In this investigation, quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) modelling of adsorption coefficients of 69 aromatic compounds on multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was studied using the Monte Carlo method. QSPR models were calculated with CORAL software, and optimal descriptors were calculated with the simplified molecular input line entry system (SMILES) and hydrogen-suppressed molecular graphs (HSGs). The aromatic compound data set was randomly split into training, invisible training, calibration and validation sets. Analysis of three probes of the Monte Carlo optimization with three random splits was done. The results from three random splits displayed robust, very simple, predictable and reliable models for the training, invisible training, calibration and validation sets with a coefficient of determination (r²) equal to 0.9463-0.8528, 0.9020-0.8324, 0.9606-0.9178 and 0.9573-0.8228, respectively. As a result, the models obtained help to identify the hybrid descriptors for the increase and the decrease of the adsorption coefficient of aromatic compounds on MWCNTs. This simple QSPR model can be used for the prediction of the adsorption coefficient of numerous aromatic compounds on MWCNTs.

Plasma concentrations of alpha-1-acid glycoprotein in preterm and term newborns: influence of mode of delivery and implications for plasma protein binding of local anaesthetics

BACKGROUND

Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AAGP) is an acute-phase protein with high affinity for amide local anaesthetics (LAs), and a major determinant of free and potentially toxic concentrations of LAs in plasma. Neonates are known to have lower plasma concentrations of AAGP than adults, and are at risk of developing high free concentrations of LAs. Data regarding AAGP in newborns are so far sparse. The aim of this study was to determine plasma concentrations of AAGP after delivery of preterm and term infants, and to investigate correlations between AAGP and gestational age, birth weight, gender, and mode of delivery.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, blood was sampled from umbilical cords of 70 newborn infants born at gestational weeks 27-42 immediately after delivery. Blood samples were subsequently analysed for AAGP plasma concentrations with an immunoturbidimetric assay.

RESULTS

We found higher concentrations of AAGP in infants born vaginally compared with those who were delivered by elective Caesarean section [median (inter-quartile range) 0.189 g litre^-1 (0.142-0.263 g litre^-1) vs 0.110 g litre^-1 (0.094-0.157 g litre^-1; P=0.0003)], respectively. There was a correlation between gestational age and AAGP concentrations (r=0.50; P=0.011), with significantly higher concentrations in the more mature infants. Gender and birth weight did not appear to influence the plasma concentrations of AAGP.

CONCLUSIONS

Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein concentrations in newborns are influenced both by gestational age and mode of delivery. Thus, when dosing local anaesthetics in a parturient, these factors should be taken into account.

A rapid magnetization preparation for MRI measurements of sprays

The process of spray atomization, i.e., the transformation of a continuous liquid jet into μm-sub-mm sized droplets, is ubiquitous in industry yet quite complex to analyze theoretically and study experimentally. One of the main strengths of MRI is its ability to sensitize spatially-resolved NMR signal to a wide variety of physical and chemical parameters. However, standard preparation schemes are difficult to employ for studies of sprays due to sprays' fast speeds (>10-20m/s). In addition, sprays are usually low-density systems, leading to a poor SNR and a need for massive signal averaging and long acquisition time. In this paper, we reduced the interval between the preparation and the readout stages by performing SPI encoding on the rising gradients. This also enabled the use of 90-degree flip angles to maximize the spray signal and saturate the stationary water signal while avoiding unwanted slice-selection. The use of gradients during preparation stage was eliminated due to their time-consuming rise and stabilization times limiting possible preparation schemes to a combination of RF pulses and delays. The two preparation schemes presented here are Time-of-Flight (TOF) and T1ρ-weighting schemes. The total duration of the sequence (without TR) was 240-1100μs for the TOF and 410μs for T1ρ. The T1ρ prepared images of the near-atomization region (11 spin-locking frequencies, 0-15kHz) showed a strong signal attenuation at higher frequencies. In series of TOF images the clearly noticeable displacement of the liquid parcel can be utilized to measure spray speeds.

Serum levels of adiponectin and leptin in asthmatic patients and its relation with asthma severity, lung function and BMI

INTRODUCTION

Asthma is one of the diseases which has a high prevalence in developed and developing countries. The relationship between asthma and obesity has always been focused by researchers. In this field, adipokines, especially adiponectin and leptin have highly attended by the scientist. The aim of this study was to determine the serum level of adiponectin, leptin and the leptin/adiponectin ratio in asthmatic patients and its relationship with disease severity, lung function and BMI (body mass index).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 90 asthmatic women admitted to the tertiary referral hospital in Kurdistan province - Iran, were examined. First, BMI was measured and then pulmonary function tests were performed in all asthmatics patient. Forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC, were measured. At the end, blood samples were collected and serum level of adiponectin and leptin were measured by ELISA method.

RESULT

Serum leptin and leptin/adiponectin levels correlated positively with asthma severity and BMI (p=0.0001), but there was no correlation between adiponectin level with asthma severity and BMI (p>0.05), also serum leptin and leptin/adiponectin levels inversely correlated with FEV1 and FVC in patient (p=0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Asthma is linked with obesity, and there is an association between asthma severity and BMI with serum leptin and leptin/adiponectin levels, but our results do not support a significant role of adiponectin in obesity or asthma.

Locked nucleic acid inhibits miR-92a-3p in human colorectal cancer, induces apoptosis and inhibits cell proliferation

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a type of small noncoding RNAs that have a vital role in basic biological processes such as cellular growth, division and apoptosis. A change in the expression of miRNAs can induce many diseases. Recently, the role of miRNA in some of the cancers as a tumor suppressor and oncogene has been recognized. Several studies have proved that miR-92a-3p acts as an oncogene in colorectal cancer (CRC). We studied CRC by inhibiting miR-92a-3p in SW48 cells (human colorectal cancer cell line) that were transfected with locked nucleic acid (LNA). At different times, the expression level of miR-92a-3p, cell vitality, apoptosis and necrosis were studied by qRT-PCR, MTT, Annexin-V and propidiumiodide. Our results showed that the expression of miR-92a-3p and proliferation of SW48 cells were decreased, and also a high percentage of SW48 cells were exposed to apoptosis and necrosis (P⩽0.005). Our study showed that the inhibition of miR-92a-3p with LNA inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis and necrosis in CRC.

Comparison of postoperative short-term complications after laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) versus Lichtenstein tension free inguinal hernia repair: a randomized trial study

AIM

The aim of this randomized trial was to compare short-term postoperative complications of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and Lichtenstein tension free hernia repair.

METHODS

A total of 120 patients who went inguinal hernia repair at Shahid Sadoughi university training hospital from April 2011 to August 2013 were randomized into two TAPP (N.=60) and Lichtenstein (N.=60) repair group. Follow-up occurred within 6 weeks. The postoperative assessments included pain score (VAS), hematoma/seroma, urinary retention, wound infection incidence, and duration of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Pain was the most common symptoms in both groups. The TAPP group patients significantly had experienced less postoperative pain than the Lichtenstein group in all moments (P<0.05). TAPP group had lower incidence of hematoma (TAPP, 6.6% vs. Lichtenstein 13.3%; P=0.67), seroma (TAPP 10% vs. Lichtenstein 13.3%; P=1.00), and infection (TAPP 0 vs. Lichtenstein 1.6%; P=0.67). However, no differences between the 2 groups were found in terms of postoperative complications. In TAPP group mean of hospital stay significantly was less than Lichtenstein group (TAPP, 8.13±2.19 vs. Lichtenstein, 13.15±1.5 days; P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic TAPP repair is safer and less complicated approach to inguinal hernia repair. The two main short-term advantages of the laparoscopic TAPP repair with the tension free Lichtenstein repair were less postoperative pain and earlier return to the normal life activities. No difference was seen in overall complications.

Resting energy expenditure may predict the relationship between obesity and susceptibility to depression disorders

AIM

The aim of the current research was to investigate the association between depressed mood and resting energy expenditure (REE) in a representative sample of obese women.

METHODS

Fasting blood sample was collected from 254 obese women to determine biochemical indicators. Body composition was measured using body composition analyzer. REE was measured by means of indirect calorimetry.

RESULTS

Comparison between depressed group and healthy obese women demonstrated that the mean of body mass index, fat percent, fat mass, visceral fat and triglyceride were higher in women with depressed mood.

CONCLUSION

The level of REE/kg was significantly low in depressed obese women compared to healthy subjects.

Aerobic training in children with cerebral palsy

Rehabilitation is a major goal for children with cerebral palsy, although the potential to enhance cardio-respiratory fitness in such individuals remains unclear. This study thus compared current cardio-respiratory status between children with cerebral palsy and able-bodied children, and examined the ability to enhance the cardio-respiratory fitness of children with cerebral palsy by cycle ergometer training. 10 children with cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I and II) participated in thrice-weekly 30 min cycle ergometer training sessions for 8 weeks (mean age: 14.2±1.9 yrs). 10 additional subjects with cerebral palsy (mean age: 14.2±1.8 yrs) and 10 able-bodied subjects (mean age: 14.1±2.1 yrs) served as controls, undertaking no training. All subjects undertook a progressive cycle ergometer test of cardio-respiratory fitness at the beginning and end of the 8-week period. Cardio-respiratory parameters [oxygen intake V˙O2), ventilation V ˙ E) and heart rate (HR)] during testing were measured by Cosmed K4 b gas analyzer. The children with cerebral palsy who engaged in aerobic training improved their peak oxygen consumption, heart rate and ventilation significantly (p<0.05) and they also showed a non-significant trend to increased peak power output. In conclusion, children with cerebral palsy can benefit significantly from cardio-respiratory training, and such training should be included in rehabilitation programs.

Vitamin D receptor FokI genotype may modify the susceptibility to schizophrenia and bipolar mood disorder by regulation of dopamine D1 receptor gene expression

AIM

This study is designed to test association of FOKI polymorphism in Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and its potential effect on expression of dopamine D1 receptor in schizophrenia and bipolar mood disorder as well as in healthy individuals.

METHODS

In this case-control study 196 patient with schizophrenia, 119 patients with bipolar mood disorder and 192 healthy individuals as the control group were recruited. All psychiatric disorders were diagnosed according to DSM IV criteria. Healthy control group denied any family history of such disorders. FOKI was genotyped by means of PCR-RFLP method. The mRNA was extracted from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and the cDNA was synthesized.

RESULTS

Frequency of ff genotype was more common in patients with bipolar disorders compared to the healthy control group (Odds ratio=1.84, 95% CI; 0.81 to 4.17) with increased relative risk (Relative risk=1.31, CI 95%; 0.86 to 1.99). There were significant differences between relative expressions of dopamine D1 receptor gene in various genotypes. Our results indicated that the ff genotype was associated with lower expression of dopamine D1 receptor gene.

CONCLUSION

VDR as a nuclear receptor may contribute to bipolar disorders via modification of the expression of the neurotransmitters receptor such as dopamine.

Potential role of OPG/RANKL system and FokI genotypes in pathogenesis and clinical manifestations in multiple sclerosis

AIM

The OPG/RANKL has identified role in immune system via T-cell-activating cytokines. Considering that immune mechanisms play a key role in the pathogenesis of MS, OPG/RANKL might be importance in the underlying mechanism of the disease. The aim of this study is to measure plasma levels of OPG and RANKL as well as to analyze VDR FokI polymorphism (rs2228570) in MS patients and healthy individuals to detect any potential correlation.

METHODS

We included a total of 397 participants, 105 of them suffering from two different types of MS, namely relapsing and remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. VDR genotyping was performed using PCR-RFLP method.

RESULTS

The results showed differences in the plasma levels of OPG and RANKL between patients and the healthy control group that were statistically significant. We found higher plasma levels of OPG and lower RANKL concentrations in RRMS patients in comparison with SPMS types of the disease. We detected higher plasma levels of OPG and lower levels of RANKL in subjects with F allele compared to those with f allele in healthy subjects. However, contradicting results were observed when patients with MS were analyzed. We detected lower plasma levels of OPG and higher RANKL concentrations in patients with F allele in comparison with those with f allele.

CONCLUSION

This might define a role for FokI polymorphism and OPG/RANKL system in the pathogenesis and progression of multiple sclerosis with further practical applications.

Effect of Schlafen 2 on natural killer and T cell development from common T/natural killer progenitors

Natural Killer (NK) cells are thought to develop from common lymphoid progenitors in the bone marrow. Even though thymus is not essential for NK cell development, T-cell/natural killer-cell (T/NK) precursors, DN1 (CD44+CD25-) and DN2 (CD44+CD25+) when cultured on an OP9 stroma, give rise to some NK1.1 cells. Genes of the Schlafen (Slfn) family are involved in hematopoietic and immune processes. The contribution of the Slfn genes in NK cell development from Double Negative (DN) cells is unknown. We transduced DN1 and DN2 progenitors prepared from C57BL/6 (B6) mouse thymus with Schlafen 1 (Slfnl) and Schlafen 2 (Slfn2) genes using Mig retroviral vector containing the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) gene and cultured those transduced progenitors on OP9 and OP9 stroma expressing the Notch ligand Delta-like 1 (OP9-DL 1) with appropriate cytokines to see if they affect generating NK and T-cells differently. Maturation of both NK and T cells from immature T/NK thymocytes hampered by Slfn1 and Slfn2 transduction but we got a small number of Slfn1 and Slfn2 expressing cells upon culture of transduced DN progenitors on stroma cells. There was no difference between Slfn1 expressing (GFP+) and none expressing T cells regarding CD3 expression but all mature NK cells were from Slfn1 negative population. Slfn2 completely blocked maturation of T cells but there was no difference between Slfn2 expressing and none expressing NK cells. Based on our findings both Slfn1 and Slfn2 interfere with maturation of DN2 progenitors but T cell development is more sensitive to Slfn2 expression than NK cell.