Down-regulation of miR-135b in colon adenocarcinoma induced by a TGF-β receptor I kinase inhibitor (SD-208)

OBJECTIVES

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is involved in colorectal cancer (CRC). The SD-208 acts as an anti-cancer agent in different malignancies via TGF-β signaling. This work aims to show the effect of manipulation of TGF-β signaling on some miRNAs implicated in CRC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated the effects of SD-208 on SW-48, a colon adenocarcinoma cell line. The cell line was treated with 0.5, 1 and 2 μM concentrations of SD-208. Then, the xenograft model of colon cancer was established by subcutaneous inoculation of SW-48 cell line into the nude mice. The animals were treated with SD-208 for three weeks. A quantitative real-time PCR was carried out for expression level analysis of selected oncogenic (miR-21, 31, 20a and 135b) and suppressor-miRNAs (let7-g, miR-133b, 145 and 200c). Data were analyzed using the 2-∆∆CT method through student's t-test via the GraphPad Prism software.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that SD-208 could significantly down-regulate the expression of one key onco-miRNA, miR-135b, in either SW-48 colon cells (P=0.006) or tumors orthotopically implanted in nude mice (P=0.018). Our in silico study also predicted that SD-208 could modulate the expression of potential downstream tumor suppressor targets of the miR135b.

CONCLUSION

Our data provide novel evidence that anticancer effects of SD-208 (and likely other TGF-β inhibitors) may be owing to their ability to regulate miRNAs expression.

Effect of Copper Sulfate on Expression of Endogenous L1 Retrotransposons in HepG2 Cells (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)

The long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) constitutes approximately 17% of human genome. The expression of these elements is deregulated upon exposure to environmental exposures resulting to genomic instability and cancer promotion. The effect of copper as essential elements in regulation of L1 expression remained to be elucidated. Using non-cytotoxic concentrations of the copper, the expression of endogenous L1 was analyzed by qPCR after 6 days of copper pretreatment in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2). The results indicated that the expression of active L1 elements are significantly downregulated at concentrations of 12.5, 25, and 50 μM (p < 0.005). Our data imply that low-level copper exposure may have a protective effect to suppress the induction of L1 activity and decrease incidence of cancer-associated L1 mutagenesis. If this achievement is confirmed by further studies, it can be applied in the long-term goals of cancer prevention.

Evaluation of antitumor activity of a TGF-beta receptor I inhibitor (SD-208) on human colon adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway is involved in primary tumor progression and in promoting metastasis in a considerable proportion of human cancers such as colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, blockage of TGF-β pathway signaling via an inhibitor could be a valuable tool in CRC treatment.

METHODS

To evaluate the efficacy of systemic targeting of the TGF-β pathway for therapeutic effects on CRC, we investigated the effects of a TGβRI (TGF-β receptor 1) or TβRI kinase inhibitor, SD-208, on SW-48, colon adenocarcinoma cells. In this work, in vitro cell proliferation was studied by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) assays. Also, the histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations were conducted by hematoxylin and eosin, and Ki-67 and CD34 markers were stained, respectively.

RESULTS

Our results showed no significant reduction in cell proliferation and vessel formation (170 ± 70 and 165 ± 70, P > 0.05) in treated SW-48 cells with SD-208 compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggested that SD-208 could not significantly reduce tumor growth and angiogenesis in human colorectal cancer model at least using SW-48 cells.

Diagnosis of Mesobuthus eupeus envenomation by skin test: reverse passive Arthus reaction

While being stung by two large families of scorpions, Buthidae and Scorpionidae have different symptoms and complications, a similar maintenance treatment usually considers as the scorpion species could not be identified easily. Therefore, this study was an attempt to develop an immunologic response for designing a skin sensitivity test that can be used to determine the poisoning. The sensitivity and the specificity of RPA reaction for detecting experimental envenomated mice were evaluated. The inflammatory response for detection of envenomation was obtained by the injection of a solution containing complement, polyelectrolytes and purified monovalent antibodies. As the result, 84.44% sensitivity and 100% specificity recorded 15 min after challenge. Macroscopic findings were also confirmed histologically. No cross-reactions were observed with other species of scorpions and snake venoms. Designed Skin test induced obvious inflammatory reaction without any histological lesions. Besides adding the complement components and polyelectrolyte to the monovalent antibody leads to an increased susceptibility of inflammatory cells in this reaction, resulting in forming a visible inflammation in a short time. According to satisfactory specificity and sensitivity and visible results in about 15 min, non-harmful and cost benefity of reverse passive Arthus test can be used for diagnosis of scorpion envenomation.

The incidence of acute pancreatitis: impact of social deprivation, alcohol consumption, seasonal and demographic factors

BACKGROUND

The incidence of acute pancreatitis has increased sharply in many European countries and the USA in recent years.

AIM

To establish trends in incidence and mortality for acute pancreatitis in Wales, UK, and to assess how incidence may be linked to factors including social deprivation, seasonal effects and alcohol consumption.

METHODS

Use of record linked inpatient, mortality and primary care data for 10,589 hospitalised cases of acute pancreatitis between 1999 and 2010.

RESULTS

The incidence of acute pancreatitis was 30.0 per 100,000 population overall, mortality was 6.4% at 60 days. Incidence increased significantly from 27.6 per 100,000 in 1999 to 36.4 in 2010 (average annual increase = 2.7% per year), there was little trend in mortality (0.2% average annual reduction). The largest increases in incidence were among women aged <35 years (7.9% per year) and men aged 35-44 (5.7%) and 45-54 (5.3%). Incidence was 1.9 times higher among the most deprived quintile of patients compared with the most affluent (3.9 times higher for alcoholic acute pancreatitis and 1.5 for gallstone acute pancreatitis). Acute pancreatitis was increased significantly during the Christmas and New Year weeks by 48% (95% CI = 24-77%) for alcoholic aetiology, but not for gallstone aetiology (9%). Alcoholic admissions were increased with higher consumption of spirits and beer, but not wine.

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows an elevated rate of alcoholic acute pancreatitis during the Christmas and New Year period. Acute pancreatitis continues to rise, most rapidly for young women, while alcoholic acute pancreatitis is linked strongly with social deprivation.

Kidney function endpoints in kidney transplant trials: a struggle for power

Kidney function endpoints are commonly used in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in kidney transplantation (KTx). We conducted this study to estimate the proportion of ongoing RCTs with kidney function endpoints in KTx where the proposed sample size is large enough to detect meaningful differences in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) with adequate statistical power. RCTs were retrieved using the key word "kidney transplantation" from the National Institute of Health online clinical trial registry. Included trials had at least one measure of kidney function tracked for at least 1 month after transplant. We determined the proportion of two-arm parallel trials that had sufficient sample sizes to detect a minimum 5, 7.5 and 10 mL/min difference in GFR between arms. Fifty RCTs met inclusion criteria. Only 7% of the trials were above a sample size of 562, the number needed to detect a minimum 5 mL/min difference between the groups should one exist (assumptions: α = 0.05; power = 80%, 10% loss to follow-up, common standard deviation of 20 mL/min). The result increased modestly to 36% of trials when a minimum 10 mL/min difference was considered. Only a minority of ongoing trials have adequate statistical power to detect between-group differences in kidney function using conventional sample size estimating parameters. For this reason, some potentially effective interventions which ultimately could benefit patients may be abandoned from future assessment.

Effect of solution chemistry and operating conditions on the nanofiltration of acid dyes by a nanocomposite membrane

A composite nanofiltration membrane was developed by a poly(acrylic acid) in situ ultraviolet (UV) graft polymerization process using an ultrafiltration polysulfone membrane as a porous support, by a phase inversion method. SEM images showed that the PSf membranes had numerous finger-like pores. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed that the roughness of the surface was reduced by an increase in UV irradiation times. The rejections of sodium chloride and sodium sulfate were moderate and declined with the increase of concentration. We observed that by increasing UV irradiation time and nanofiltration pressure applied, retention of dyes was enhanced and in the most irradiated membrane (M-4 membrane) at 4 bars, color removal with a high rejection of about 99.80% was achieved. It was found that the separation efficiency of dyes in the mixture of salt and dyes decreased with the salt concentration due to a decrease in the Donnan effect. It was also found that by varying the pH, the membrane surface and the dyes' charges are changed, which meant that the membrane surface and dyes had different interactions at various pHs.

Hospitalized incidence and case fatality for upper gastrointestinal bleeding from 1999 to 2007: a record linkage study

BACKGROUND

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is the most common emergency managed by gastroenterologists.

AIM

To establish the hospitalized incidence and case fatality for upper GI bleeding, and to determine how they are associated with factors including day of admission, hospital size, social deprivation and distance from hospital.

METHODS

Systematic record linkage of hospital in-patient and mortality data for 24 421 admissions for upper GI bleeding among 22 299 people in Wales from 1999 to 2007.

RESULTS

The hospitalized incidence of upper GI bleeding was 134 per 100 000. Case fatality was 10.0%. Incidence was stable from 1999 to 2007; case fatality fell from 11.4% in 1999-2000 to 8.6% in 2006-7. Incidence was associated significantly with social deprivation. Compared with weekday admissions, case fatality was 13% higher for weekend admissions and 41% higher for admissions on public holidays. There was little variation in case fatality according to social deprivation, hospital size or distance from hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence, but not case fatality, was associated significantly with social deprivation. The higher mortality for weekend and public holiday admissions could not be explained by measures of case mix and may indicate a possible impact of reduced staffing levels and delays to endoscopy at weekends in some hospitals.

Quasiparticle interference in the spin-density wave phase of iron-based superconductors

We propose an explanation for the electronic nematic state observed recently in parent iron-based superconductors [T.-M. Chuang, Science 327, 181 (2010)10.1126/science.1181083]. We argue that the quasi-one-dimensional nanostructure identified in the quasiparticle interference (QPI) is a consequence of the interplay of the magnetic (π, 0) spin-density wave (SDW) order with the underlying electronic structure. We show that the evolution of the QPI peaks largely reflects quasiparticle scattering between bands involved in the SDW formation. Because of the ellipticity of the electron pocket and the fact that only one of the electron pockets is involved in the SDW, the resulting QPI has a pronounced one-dimensional structure. We further predict that the QPI crosses over to two dimensionality on an energy scale, set by the SDW gap.

Frequency of afterload homocysteinemia in normal population of Southern Iran: a pilot study

The objectives of the present pilot study were to investigate the effect of an oral methionine load on plasma homocysteine in healthy subjects southern Iran. We studied 50 peoples (10 men, 40 women, median age 27.5, range 20-37) referred to screening center for marriage since different part of southern Iran. Methionine (0.1 g kg(-1) b.wt.) was immediately administrated orally in 200 mL of orange juice and a second blood was obtained 4 h later. Plasma level of homocysteine was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography and flumetric detection. A homocysteine level above 15 mmol L(-1) was considered high. The mean fasting and afterload homocysteine were 15.28 and 31.29 micromol L(-1), respectively. Fasting hyperhomocysteinemia (>15 micromol L(-1)) was detected in 12% of male and 8% in female which significantly higher in men than women (p < 0.0001). Afterload methionine load homocysteine levels (> 31 micromol L(-1)) was detected in 16% of male and 14%in female which higher in men than women. Notably 80% of participants had normal total homocystein concentration (< or = 15 micromol L(-1)), but mild and moderate hyperhomocysteinemia was detected in 24% (n = 12). In this study, we find the difference between fasting and methionine afterload mean homocystein levels (p = 0.000), in 8% of those normal homocystein level, methionine afterload homocystein levels became abnormal. In conclusion, based on results, we recommend the methionine afterload homocystein levels in high risk cases with normal fasting level in order to unmissed some cases with normal basal homocystein level.

Synthesis and characterization of composite polysulfone membranes for desalination in nanofiltration technique

Composite nanofiltration (NF) membrane was developed polyacrylic acid (PAA) in situ UV graft polymerization process using ultrafiltration (UF) polysulfone (PSF) membrane as porous support. FT-IR spectra indicated that grafting was performed and it show peaks at 1,732 cm⁻¹ and 3,396 cm⁻¹ region for CO and OH starching bond of acrylic acid (AA) monomer, respectively. AFM microscopy showed the roughness of surface was reduced by increase of UV irradiation times. Effect of irradiation time on the grafting of acrylic acid (AA) in the same concentration was discussed. The salts rejection increase was accompanied with grafting of polysulfone (PSF) ultrafiltration (UF) membrane. The rejection of Na₂SO₄, MgSO₄, NaCl and CaCl₂ salts by PSF-grafted-PAA nanofiltration (NF) membrane was in 98, 60, 52 and 30% respectively, under 0.3 MPa.

Hemicalcin, a new toxin from the Iranian scorpion Hemiscorpius lepturus which is active on ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ channels

In the present work, we purified and characterized a novel toxin named hemicalcin from the venom of the Iranian chactoid scorpion Hemiscorpius lepturus where it represents 0.6% of the total protein content. It is a 33-mer basic peptide reticulated by three disulfide bridges, and that shares between 85 and 91% sequence identity with four other toxins, all known or supposed to be active on ryanodine-sensitive calcium channels. Hemicalcin differs from these other toxins by seven amino acids at positions 9 (leucine/arginine), 12 (alanine/glutamic acid), 13 (aspartic acid/asparagine), 14 (lysine/asparagine), 18 (serine/glycine), 26 (threonine/alanine) and 28 (proline/isoleucine/alanine). In spite of these differences, hemicalcin remains active on ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ channels, since it increases [3H]ryanodine binding on RyR1 (ryanodine receptor type 1) and triggers Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic vesicles. Bilayer lipid membrane experiments, in which the RyR1 channel is reconstituted and its gating properties are analysed, indicate that hemicalcin promotes an increase in the opening probability at intermediate concentration and induces a long-lasting subconductance level of 38% of the original amplitude at higher concentrations. Mice intracerebroventricular inoculation of 300 ng of hemicalcin induces neurotoxic symptoms in vivo, followed by death. Overall, these data identify a new biologically active toxin that belongs to a family of peptides active on the ryanodine-sensitive channel.

Automatic segmentation of DNA bands in one dimensional gel images produced by hybridizing techniques

Automatic segmentation of DNA bands in one dimensional DNA fingerprint gel images produced by hybridizing techniques could be challenging due to the noise and large intensity variation among the bands within each lane in the image. A new algorithm for automatic segmentation of DNA bands based on the variance (var), mean-variance-ratio (MVR) and equivalent width is presented. A number of pre-processing steps should be applied on the image prior to the automatic segmentation. First a homomorphic filter is applied to enhance the image followed by an edge preserving noise filtering algorithm to remove the noise in the image. Then a background normalization operation is applied to the resulting image. After these preprocessing operations, each lane in the image is detected and presented by a one dimensional intensity profile. The new algorithm will be applied on the valleys in the resulting intensity profile for each lane to characterize the corresponding valley as noise or a DNA band. We have applied this algorithm on several DNA fingerprint gel images, and all the bands were successfully segmented, except the very weak (faint) bands which are very close to their background. These should be analyzed manually.

Epidemiology of depression among infertile and fertile couples in Shiraz, southern Iran

BACKGROUND

Depression is considered as one of the main psychological disorders associated with infertility. Depression may play a significant role in the life of infertile individuals, their infertility treatment follow-up and in their hopefulness for the future; it may also influence the intensity and continuousness of the mutual relationship of the affected couple.

AIMS

This study was done to determine the depression rate and make a comparison between infertile and fertile couples with respect to the same.

SETTING AND DESIGN

The depression rate was evaluated between two groups--infertile couples (case group) and fertile couples (control group).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-one infertile couples (cases) and 9l fertile ones (controls) were randomly enrolled in our study. Beck depression inventory (BDI) and demographic information were provided.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

We used Chi-square, t-test; and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed to find out significant difference between infertility duration in various couples and its effect on the score of depression.

RESULTS

The BDI mean difference between infertile and fertile couples was significant (P=0.015). It was significantly more among couples with infertility from 1-3 years' duration compared to those with infertility of 1-year duration or less.

CONCLUSION

Regarding the high rate of depression among infertile couples, it seems necessary to pay more attention to infertility centers that offer psychological and psychiatric services.

Long-term outcome of prostatic stent treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the long-term result of prostatic stent treatment for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODS

We reviewed our experience with prostatic stents in 24 patients with bladder outlet obstruction caused by BPH for whom up to 63 months of follow-up data were available.

RESULTS

Prostatic stents were successfully placed in 24 of 25 patients enrolled in the study. All 9 patients treated for urinary retention voided spontaneously after stent placement. In 14 (93%) of 15 patients with nonretention, voiding symptoms decreased by 50% or more. The stent was removed in 9 patients for persistence of symptoms, symptom recurrence, or stent migration. Nine patients died of unrelated causes during the follow-up period. The stents functioned adequately in these patients until death. In the remaining 6 patients, the stent was still in place at the last follow-up visit (range 12 to 52 months, average 35) after placement, and their Madsen-Iversen symptom scores ranged from 3 to 10. Fourteen patients underwent cystoscopy 1 to 37 months after stent placement. Epithelium did not completely cover the stent in any of these patients; however, no stone formation was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Prostatic stents can be effective in relieving bladder outlet obstruction caused by BPH. They appear to be most useful in patients at high surgical risk and with a limited life expectancy. However, stent removal, which can be difficult, may be required in more than one-third of patients. We recommend prostatic stent placement primarily in patients who would otherwise be relegated to an indwelling catheter.

Acute renal failure associated with the administration of parenteral etidronate

Etidronate-induced toxicity has not been well documented in humans. This is a detailed account of a case of acute renal failure believed to be due to etidronate. The patient inadvertently received an overdose of etidronate by the intravenous route and subsequently developed acute renal failure as evidenced by a rapid and sustained rise in serum creatinine. The temporal relationship was strongly suggestive of etidronate-induced nephrotoxicity. Other possible causes, such as postrenal obstruction, acute tubular necrosis due to hypotension or sepsis, and other nephrotoxic drugs were excluded through diagnostic and laboratory tests.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of yohimbine in steers, horses and dogs

In steers, horses and dogs, the comparative pharmacokinetics of yohimbine were determined using model-independent analysis. The intravenous dose of yohimbine was 0.25 mg/kg of body weight in steers, 0.075 or 0.15 mg/kg in horses, and 0.4 mg/kg in dogs. The mean residence time (+/- SD) of yohimbine was 86.7 +/- 46.2 min in steers, 106.2 +/- 72.1 to 118.7 +/- 35.0 min in horses, and 163.6 +/- 49.7 min in dogs. The mean apparent volume of distribution of yohimbine at steady state was 4.9 +/- 1.4 L/kg for steers, 2.7 +/- 1.0 to 4.6 +/- 1.9 L/kg for horses, and 4.5 +/- 1.8 L/kg for dogs. The total body clearance of yohimbine was 69.6 +/- 35.1 mL/min/kg for steers, 34.0 +/- 19.4 to 39.6 +/- 16.6 mL/min/kg for horses, and 29.6 +/- 14.7 mL/min/kg for dogs. Between-species comparisons indicated that the mean area under the serum concentration versus time curve was significantly greater (P less than 0.05) in dogs than in horses. There were no significant differences (P greater than 0.05) between the means for the apparent volume of distribution, clearance, mean residence time, terminal rate constant, and area under the curve between horses given the two doses of yohimbine. The harmonic mean effective half-life (+/- pseudo standard deviation) of yohimbine was 46.7 +/- 24.4 min in steers, 52.8 +/- 27.8 to 76.1 +/- 23.1 min in horses, and 104.1 +/- 32.1 min in dogs. The data may explain why steers, horses, and dogs given certain sedatives and anesthetics do not relapse when aroused by an intravenous injection of yohimbine hydrochloride.

Dysgerminoma associated with pregnancy

From a review of 26 reported case (our case being the 27th) of dysgerminoma associated with pregnancy, several salient facts are evident. Torsion and incarceration are common among these rapidly enlarging tumors. Obstetrical complications occurred in nearly half and fetal demise in one quarter of the reviewed cases. Our case was typical of patients presenting with this vexed problems: The patient was under 25 (as were 70%); nulliparous (as were 67%); and the tumor appeared confined to one ovary (as in 89%). Authorities are in dispute as to the treatment of stage IA dysgerminomas, and the association of pregnancy complicates this debate even further. The results of conservative treatment in this series were jarring: There were recurrences in 30% of the 23 stage IA tumors, and the recurrences were all following unilateral oophorectomy. In our case, the grossly normal contralateral ovary was infiltrated with dysgerminoma cells. While treatment of a young woman with a dysgerminoma of 1 ovary is a matter of perplexity, we believe that a unilateral operation should be limited to those women who desire above all earthly things to retain their childbearing capacity.