New functions in translation termination uncovered for NMD factor UPF3B

Despite a wealth of biochemical data, the mechanism by which targets of the nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway are recognized during translation termination remains elusive. A new study by Neu‐Yilik et al ( 2017 ) using a fully reconstituted in vitro translation termination system reveals new roles for the NMD factor UPF3B in translation termination and a direct interaction between UPF3B and ribosome release factors.     

A rare case of a 39 year old male with a parasite called Dioctophyma renale mimicking renal cancer at the computed tomography of the right kidney. A case report

We present a very rare case of a 39 year old patient with Dioctophyma renale depicted as a Bosniak cyst IV of the right kidney who was finally subjected to a robotic assisted radical nephrectomy.     

Oligocene swamp sediments of Lesvos Island,Greece (geochemistry and mineralogy)

Summary The Tertiary Lapsarna swamp sedimentary rocks include thin horizons (organic-rich sediments, up to 22% C_org). Analyses of major elements of carbonates, shaly and siliceous rocks, and a thin, intensively silicified coaly horizon were taken (10 representative samples). Pure carbonates consistalmost completely of calcite, the siliceous sediments of quartz and calcite, and the shales of montmorillonite, feldspar, quartz, dolomite and calcite. The shales contain montmorillonite as the only clay component. The presence of montmorillonite in all shales suggests that the chemistry of the clay-forming solutions lies within the stability field of montmorillonite. Geochemical data indicate that montmorillonite and associated immobile elements (La, Zr, Y, Nb) are the products of hydrolysis of volcanic material in a subtropical region. The intense silification of the coaly horizon is due to a contact with silica-rich solutions that formed during the formation of montmorillonite. Quartz is produced diagenetically by transformation of amorphous opal-A after burial.     

Idiopathic and normal lateral lumbar curves: muscle effects interpreted by 12th rib length asymmetry with pathomechanic implications for lumbar idiopathic scoliosis

Background

The historical view of scoliosis as a primary rotation deformity led to debate about the pathomechanic role of paravertebral muscles; particularly multifidus, thought by some to be scoliogenic, counteracting, uncertain, or unimportant. Here, we address lateral lumbar curves (LLC) and suggest a pathomechanic role for quadrates lumborum, (QL) in the light of a new finding, namely of 12th rib bilateral length asymmetry associated with idiopathic and small non-scoliosis LLC.

Methods

Group 1: The postero-anterior spinal radiographs of 14 children (girls 9, boys 5) aged 9–18, median age 13 years, with right lumbar idiopathic scoliosis (IS) and right LLC less that 10°, were studied. The mean Cobb angle was 12° (range 5–22°). Group 2: In 28 children (girls 17, boys 11) with straight spines, postero-anterior spinal radiographs were evaluated similarly to the children with the LLC, aged 8–17, median age 13 years. The ratio of the right/left 12th rib lengths and it’s reliability was calculated. The difference of the ratio between the two groups was tested; and the correlation between the ratio and the Cobb angle estimated. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS package.

Results

The ratio’s reliability study showed intra-observer +/−0,036 and the inter-observer error +/−0,042 respectively in terms of 95 % confidence limit of the error of measurements. The 12th rib was longer on the side of the curve convexity in 12 children with LLC and equal in two patients with lumbar scoliosis. The 12th rib ratios of the children with lumbar curve were statistically significantly greater than in those with straight spines. The correlation of the 12th rib ratio with Cobb angle was statistically significant. The 12th thoracic vertebrae show no axial rotation (or minimal) in the LLC and no rotation in the straight spine group.

Conclusions

It is not possible, at present, to determine whether the 12th convex rib lengthening is congenitally lengthened, induced mechanically, or both. Several small muscles are attached to the 12th ribs. We focus attention here on the largest of these muscles namely, QL. It has attachments to the pelvis, 12th ribs and transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae as origins and as insertions. Given increased muscle activity on the lumbar curve convexity and similar to the interpretations of earlier workers outlined above, we suggest two hypotheses, relatively increased activity of the right QL muscle causes the LLCs (first hypothesis); or counteracts the lumbar curvature as part of the body’s attempt to compensate for the curvature (second hypothesis). These hypotheses may be tested by electrical stimulation studies of QL muscles in subjects with lumbar IS by revealing respectively curve worsening or correction. We suggest that one mechanism leading to relatively increased length of the right 12 ribs is mechanotransduction in accordance with Wolff’s and Pauwels Laws.

     

Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenoma of borderline malignancy in a male patient. Case report and review of the literature

The spleen is an infrequent site for metastatic lesions, and solitary splenic metastases from squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus are very rare: only 4 cases have been reported thus far. These lesions are whitish nodules that are macroscopically and radiologically similar to primary splenic lymphomas. We report a case of metachronous splenic metastases from esophageal cancer and multiple splenic abscesses, which developed nine months after apparently curative esophagectomy without adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient underwent splenectomy dissection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, but liver and skin metastases developed, and the patient died 9 months later.     

Developmental stage on day-5 and fragmentation rate on day-3 can influence the implantation potential of top-quality blastocysts in IVF cycles with single embryo transfer

Background  

In IVF-ICSI cycles with single embryo transfer (SET), embryo selection for transfer is of crucial importance. The present study aimed to define which embryo parameters might be related to the implantation potential of advanced blastocysts.     

Inhibition of c‐MET increases the antitumour activity of PARP inhibitors in gastric cancer models

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Activation of c‐MET increases tumour cell survival through the initiation of the DNA damage repair pathway. PARP is an essential key in the DNA damage repair pathway. The primary role of PARP is to detect and initiate an immediate cellular response to single‐strand DNA breaks. Tumours suppressor genes such as BRCA1/2 are closely associated with the DNA repair pathway. In BRCA1/2 mutations or deficiency status, cells are more likely to develop additional genetic alterations and chromosomal instability and can lead to cancer. In this study, we investigate the role of c‐MET and PARP inhibition in a gastric cancer model. We exploited functional in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess the antitumour potential of co‐inhibition of c‐MET (SU11274) and PARP (NU1025). This leads to a reduction of gastric cancer cells viability, especially after knockdown of BRCA1/2 through apoptosis and induction of γ‐Η2ΑΧ. Moreover, in AGS xenograft models, the combinatorial treatment of NU1025 plus SU11274 reduced tumour growth and triggers apoptosis. Collectively, our data may represent a new therapeutic approach for GC thought co‐inhibition of c‐MET and PARP, especially for patients with BRCA1/2 deficiency tumours.