The role of microRNAs in prostate cancer migration,invasion, and metastasis

Prostate cancer (PCa) is considered the most prevalent malignancy and the second major cause of cancer-related death in males from Western countries. PCa exhibits variable clinical pictures, ranging from dormant to highly metastatic cancer. PCa suffers from poor prognosis and diagnosis markers, and novel biomarkers are required to define disease stages and to design appropriate therapeutic approach by considering the possible genomic and epigenomic differences. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) comprise a class of small noncoding RNAs, which have remarkable functions in cell formation, differentiation, and cancer development and contribute in these processes through controlling the expressions of protein-coding genes by repressing translation or breaking down the messenger RNA in a sequence-specific method. miRNAs in cancer are able to reflect informative data about the current status of disease and this might benefit PCa prognosis and diagnosis since that is concerned to PCa patients and we intend to highlight it in this paper.     

Molecular-level insights into furfural hydrogenation intermediates over single-atomic Cu catalysts on magnesia and silica nanoclusters

This paper addresses the geometrical, charge, topological, and thermochemical data for the adsorption of the relevant furan species during hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol over Cu/SiO₂ and Cu/MgO catalysts. The calculations indicated that the binding of Cu to magnesia was stronger than that on silica. The results also indicated that the formation of an alkoxide intermediate is more favoured than that of a hydroxyalkyl species. The binding energetic data were in general agreement with the geometrical parameters, electron densities, and molecular orbital energy levels. The QTAIM data revealed the closed-shell interactions between Cu and O atoms on both of the catalysts. Finally, the analysis of the partial charges on the atoms revealed that the Cu atom acquires a positive charge upon interaction with the carbonyl group owing to a π-back-donation from Cu to the C?=?O bond.     

Chemical complementation: small-molecule-based genetic selection in yeast

Protein and metabolic engineering would greatly benefit from a general system linking the presence of a small molecule to the power of genetic selection. We use nuclear receptors to link the survival of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to the presence of small molecules through genetic selection, extending classical genetic complementation to a new "chemical complementation." In this system the Gal4 DNA-binding domain is fused to ligand-binding domains from two nuclear receptors, expressed in the strain PJ69-4A, and grown on plates containing known ligands for the receptors. Yeast survive on selective plates only in the presence of a nuclear receptor and the corresponding ligand. Mutagenesis can increase the sensitivity of chemical complementation. This system may be extended to engineer nuclear receptors for practically any small molecule through directed evolution coupled to genetic selection, and for performing metabolic engineering in yeast.     

Potential use of stem cells from bone marrow to repair the extracellular matrix and the central nervous system

A subset of stem-like cells from bone marrow that are referred to as marrow stromal cells (MSCs) have been shown to be capable of differentiating into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, myocytes, astrocytes and perhaps neurons. Recently, conditions have been developed where human MSCs can be expanded almost without limit in culture without apparently losing their multipotentiality for differentiation. The cells appear to be potentially useful for the repair of extracellular matrix and the central nervous system.     

Trend of Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study

Objective

To see the changes of cardio-metabolic risk factors overtime in polycystic ovary syndrome vs. control women.

Methods

This study was conducted on 637 participants (85 PCOS and 552 control reproductive aged, 18–45 years) of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS), an ongoing population-based cohort study with 12 years of follow-up. The cardiovascular risk factors of these groups were assessed in three-year intervals using standard questionnaires, history taking, anthropometric measures, and metabolic/endocrine evaluation. Generalized estimating equation was used to analyze the data.

Results

Overall mean of insulin (3.55, CI: 0.66–6.45), HOMA-IR (0.63, CI: 0.08–1.18), and HOMA-β (45.90, CI: 0.86–90.93) were significantly higher in PCOS than in healthy women after adjustment for age, BMI, and baseline levels. However, the negative interaction (follow-up years × PCOS status) of PCOS and normal women converged overtime. Comparing third follow-up with first, insulin and HOMA-IR decreased 10.6% and 5%, respectively in PCOS women; and increased 6.7% and 14.6%, respectively in controls (P<0.05). The results did not show any significant result for other cardio-metabolic variables including WC, lipid profile, FPG, 2-h PG, SBP, and DBP.

Conclusion

While the insulin level and insulin resistance rate were higher in reproductive aged PCOS than in healthy women, the difference of these risk factors decreased overtime. Thus, the metabolic consequences of PCOS women in later life may be lower than those initially anticipated.     

Biomimetic polysaccharide nanocomposites of high cellulose content and high toughness

Plant cell walls combine mechanical stiffness, strength and toughness despite a highly hydrated state. Inspired by this, a nanostructured cellulose network is combined with an almost viscous polysaccharide matrix in the form of a 50/50 amylopectin-glycerol blend. Homogeneous films with a microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) nanofiber content in the range of 10-70 wt % are successfully cast. Characterization is carried out by dynamic mechanical analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and mercury density measurements. The MFC is well dispersed and predominantly oriented random-in-the-plane. High tensile strength is combined with high modulus and very high work of fracture in the nanocomposite with 70 wt % MFC. The reasons for this interesting combination of properties include nanofiber and matrix properties, favorable nanofiber-matrix interaction, good dispersion, and the ability of the MFC network to maintain its integrity to a strain of at least 8%.     

Association between TPO gene polymorphisms and Anti-TPO level in Tehranian population: TLGS

Introduction

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene variations are one cause of thyroid autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the association between the T1936C, T2229C and A2257C polymorphisms of the TPO gene and Anti-TPO level.

Materials and methods

In this case–control study, 188 individuals (86 males and 102 females), aged 20–80 years, were randomly selected from among the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) population. A2257C and T2229C SNPs were detected with RFLP by use of BsrI and Eco57I as the restriction enzymes respectively, while the T1936C SNP was determined with ARMS-PCR.

Results

In the presence of the C allele of T1936C, Anti-TPO level was significantly increased (CC: 238 ± 43.3, CT: 47.7 ± 15.9, TT: 74.1 ± 11.3 IU/L p = 0.002); however, this association was attenuated after adjustment for sex and age (p = 0.059). No significant difference, before and after adjustment, was found in Anti-TPO level in the presence of T2229C SNP (CC: 129.1 ± 24.5, CT: 43.5 ± 12.6, TT: 126.5 ± 13.8 IU/L p = 0.196). The association between A2257C and Anti-TPO level was only significant after adjustment for potential confounders (p = 0.007). The association between ATC and CTT haplotypes and Anti-TPO level was significant (p = 0.023, 0.021 respectively), the association between CTT and Anti-TPO concentration was also significant after adjustment for sex (p = 0.014).

Conclusion

The results of the present study confirmed the association between TPO gene polymorphisms and Anti-TPO level in the Tehranian population.     

Muscle power attenuation by tendon during energy dissipation

An important function of skeletal muscle is deceleration via active muscle fascicle lengthening, which dissipates movement energy. The mechanical interplay between muscle contraction and tendon elasticity is critical when muscles produce energy. However, the role of tendon elasticity during muscular energy dissipation remains unknown. We tested the hypothesis that tendon elasticity functions as a mechanical buffer, preventing high (and probably damaging) velocities and powers during active muscle fascicle lengthening. We directly measured lateral gastrocnemius muscle force and length in wild turkeys during controlled landings requiring rapid energy dissipation. Muscle-tendon unit (MTU) strain was measured via video kinematics, independent of muscle fascicle strain (measured via sonomicrometry). We found that rapid MTU lengthening immediately following impact involved little or no muscle fascicle lengthening. Therefore, joint flexion had to be accommodated by tendon stretch. After the early contact period, muscle fascicles lengthened and absorbed energy. This late lengthening occurred after most of the joint flexion, and was thus mainly driven by tendon recoil. Temporary tendon energy storage led to a significant reduction in muscle fascicle lengthening velocity and the rate of energy absorption. We conclude that tendons function as power attenuators that probably protect muscles against damage from rapid and forceful lengthening during energy dissipation.