The antiproliferative effects of cold atmospheric plasma-activated media on different cancer cell lines,the implication of ozone as a possible underlying mechanism

Recent studies have proven several promising anticancer activities for cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) against a wide range of cancer cells in vitro. Recently, media treated with CAP have also found to effectively eradicate cancer cells similar to the CAP. Based on advantages, many researchers prefer to apply CAP-activated media (PAM) as an alternative to cap in the treatment of cancer. However, less has been achieved regarding the anticancer effects and anticancer mechanisms of PAM. Investigating the selective anticancerous activities of PAM, the viability of SKBR3, MCF7, ASPC-1, A-549, G-292, and SW742 cancer cell lines, as well as normal human skin fibroblasts (FMGB-1) and MCF10A cells in relation to the media activation time, and the length of exposure was studied. Also, we examined the concentration of ozone in media as a function to CAP activation time since recent studies have proposed ozone as a pivotal reactive species in the induction of cell death. Based on the result, both increasing the duration of media activation time and the length of exposure to PAM could significantly increase the anticancer activity. Nevertheless, the cytotoxicity on normal cells was either not affected or slightly increased. Among the six tested cancer cell lines, SW742 was the most resistant and SKBR3 the most susceptible cancer cell lines to PAM. Also, increasing duration of treatment with CAP resulted in a significant rise in O₃ concentration levels in media. Overall, these results suggest PAM, as a promising tool in the treatment of different cancers and O ₃ formation as a probable underlying mechanism.     

Cecidophyopsis mites and blackcurrant reversion virus on Ribes hosts: Current scientific progress and knowledge gaps

The production of Ribes (Rosaceae) in temperate regions in Europe, Asia and New Zealand is severely constrained by damages of Cecidophyopsis mites (Acari: Eriophyidae) and blackcurrant reversion virus (BRV) (Nepovirus, Secoviridae). The infestation of Ribes plants with Cecidophyopsis mites and BRV infection is a complex tripartite system. This paper reviews scientific progress and knowledge gaps on the Cecidophyopsis-BRV-Ribes complex emphasising Cecidophyopsis mites as a pest and natural vector of BRV, BRV as a pathogen, and Ribes as a host plant with horticultural significance. Cecidophyopsis species occurring on Ribes, their host range, geographic distribution and the role in BRV transmission is reviewed. Blackcurrant reversion disease symptoms and BRV hosts are analysed. Resistance of Ribes to Cecidophyopsis and BRV, and resistance breeding aspects are discussed. Discrepancies in research data, controversies and problems are highlighted, and further research is suggested to clarify some of the controversial aspects.     

An oncoplastic technique to reduce the formation of lateral 'dog-ears' after mastectomy

Background

Lateral skin folds or 'dog-ears' are frequent following mastectomy, particularly in patients with large body habitus.

Methods

We describe a method of modifying the mastectomy incision and suturing to eliminate these lateral 'dog-ears'.

Conclusion

This surgical technique, as compared to others described in the literature, is simple, does not require additional incisions and is cosmetically acceptable to the patient.

     

SGLT2 inhibitors and AMPK: The road to cellular housekeeping?

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, known as Gliflozins, are a class of Glucose-lowering drugs in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) that induce glucosuria by blocking SGLT2 co-transporters in the proximal tubules. Several lines of evidence suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors regulate multiple mechanisms associated with the regulation of varying cellular pathways. The 5′-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway plays an important role in metabolic homeostasis by influencing cellular processes. Recently, it has been shown that SGLT2 inhibitors can affect the AMPK pathway in differing physiological and pathological ways, resulting in kidney, intestinal, cardiovascular, and liver protective effects. Additionally, they have therapeutic effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and diabetes mellitus-associated complications. In this review, we summarize the results of studies of AMPK-associated therapeutic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors in different organelle functions.     

Effect of Crohn's disease mesenteric mesenchymal stem cells and their extracellular vesicles on T‐cell immunosuppressive capacity

Crohn''s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal intestinal tract and has characteristic hypertrophic adipose changes observed in the mesentery. To better understand the role of the mesentery in the pathophysiology of Crohn''s disease (CD), we evaluated the immunomodulatory potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from Crohn''s patients. MSCs and EVs were isolated from the mesentery and subcutaneous tissues of CD patients and healthy individuals subcutaneous tissues, and were analysed for differentiation, cytokine expression, self‐renewal and proliferation. The varying capacity of these tissue‐derived MSCs and EVs to attenuate T‐cell activation was measured in in vitro and an in vivo murine model. RNA sequencing of inflamed Crohn''s disease mesentery tissue revealed an enrichment of T‐cell activation compared to non‐inflamed subcutaneous tissue. MSCs and MSC‐derived EVs isolated from Crohn''s mesentery lose their ability to attenuate DSS‐induced colitis compared to subcutaneous tissue‐derived cell or EV therapy. We found that treatment with subcutaneous isolated MSCs and their EV product compared to Crohn''s mesentery MSCs or EVs, the inhibition of T‐cell proliferation and IFN‐γ, IL‐17a production increased, suggesting a non‐inflamed microenvironment allows for T‐cell inhibition by MSCs/EVs. Our results demonstrate that Crohn''s patient‐derived diseased mesentery tissue MSCs lose their immunosuppressive capacity in the treatment of colitis by distinct regulation of pathogenic T‐cell responses and/or T‐cell infiltration into the colon.     

Investigation of the Frequency and Type of Chromosomal Abnormalities in Women Patients with Amenorrhea

Background:Amenorrhea is defined as the absence of menstruation at the reproductive age of women. Amenorrhea caused by various etiological factors including genetic factors, intrauterine malformations, endocrine dysfunction, and environmental factors. Genetic factors particularly chromosomal abnormalities are the main cause of Amenorrhea. This study was performed to estimate the frequency and types of chromosomal abnormalities in patients with amenorrhea in the northeast of Iran.Methods:A total of 381 women with the history of amenorrhea participated in this study. Peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures were performed according to the standard GTG banding method.Results:296 (77%) of a total of all cases had a normal karyotype (46, XX) while 85 patients (23%) had abnormal karyotype. The numerical and structural abnormalities of X chromosome were observed in 52 (61%), the abnormalities of Y chromosome were observed in 23 (27.2%) and rearrangements between autosomal and/or sex chromosomes were observed in 10 (11.8%).Conclusion:The present study revealed that cytogenetic study is essential for early diagnosis and treatments of Amenorrhea.Key Words: Amenorrhea, Chromosomal Abnormalities, Cytogenetics