A new insight into the diverse facets of microRNA-31 in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) have been reported as an emerging biomarker in many cancer types. They are used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and could be considered therapeutic targets in treating the same.

Main body

Studies have proven that miRNAs play an essential role in molecular cancer pathophysiology, including oral squamous cell carcinoma. Distinct expression profiles of different miRNAs have been demonstrated in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Among the miRNAs, the miR-31 has strong potential as a unique biomarker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and the increased expression was correlated to a poor clinical outcome with a likely contribution to oral carcinogenesis.

Short conclusion

The recent research on different aspects of miR-31 as a biomarker and also its potential application in the development of therapy for oral squamous cell carcinoma has been focused in this review.

Graphical abstract

Post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis: therapeutic efficacy using with mesenchymal stem cells - How the lung heals

COVID-19 is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by SARS-COV 2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) that has become a global pandemic. COVID-19 mainly causes the respiratory complications of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), cytokine storm, and severe immune disruptions. The assays depict that though people recuperate from COVID-19, there are still symptoms that persists in the body causing discomfort, which is the consequence of the viral infection due to severe immune disruptions. Upon various difficulties of post COVID-19, the pulmonary fibrosis is the stumbling block in the lungs causing severe damage. In this review, we have shown the effectiveness and importance of the Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) secreted by Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) therapy on selective stoppage of the Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) signalling pathway by causing immunomodulatory effects that ameliorate the pulmonary fibrosis through paracrine signalling. However, more pilot studies have to be carried out to determine the efficacy and outcomes of the re-emerging complication.

Production and application of polyclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 viral spike protein. Development to rapid, highly sensitive diagnosis kit for early Corona viral detection among the population

Pathogenic novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is a recently rising infection that causes a high death rate in contaminated individuals. Many of the individuals who are infected are unaware of the infection because they may be asymptomatic carriers of the virus.To early analyze the viral disease, we proposed advancement of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) proteins-explicit polyclonal antibodies-based kit described in this specific circumstance. The tests, if made accessible from variety of makers, can help smooth out early immunodetection of the crown viral infection. The survey Safe and Patient Friendly Healthcare suggests early diagnosis as the key to patients recovering from this deadly ailment.

Investigations on the Structural, Optical and Dielectric Properties of Ball-Milled ZnO–Fe2O3 Nanocomposites

In this study, ZnO–Fe2O3 nanocomposites were prepared by high-energy ball milling technique and characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV–visible spectroscopy and dielectric spectroscopy. The amount of Fe2O3 in the ZnO–Fe2O3 nanocomposites was varied at the rates of 1[Formula: see text]wt.%, 3[Formula: see text]wt.% and 5[Formula: see text]wt.% in order to investigate its influence on the structural, optical and dielectric properties of the nanocomposites. XRD patterns of nanocomposites revealed no shift in peak positions and hence confirmed the formation of composites after ball milling. Further, it was observed from FESEM analysis that Fe2O3 particles were distributed randomly on the ZnO matrix of the nanocomposites. ZnO–Fe2O3 nanocomposites reveal extended optical absorption in the range of 400–600[Formula: see text]nm from UV studies. The dielectric constant and loss of the nanocomposites decrease exponentially with increase in frequency. The composition and frequency dependences of the dielectric constant, dielectric loss and AC conductivity are explained based on the Maxwell–Wagner effect and Koop’s theory.

Could host cell receptor alteration prevent SARS-CoV-2 viral entry? - Hype or hope

Cell-surface receptors are the inviters of many potent pathogens that can adjust to any kind of circumstance for their existence. Many of these organisms are highly resistant to the currently existing drugs and mutate to new strains with high levels of pathogenesis, posing life-threatening consequences. Owing to such concerns, antiviral strategies are being assessed based on host cell receptor targeting. Many natural compounds with a tendency to strip off the cell surface receptors are under evaluation. Compounds that are non-toxic, patient friendly, and yield a quick output are essential for the current scenario. Drugs targeting the cell surface receptors should, therefore, be developed and standardized for the effective management of SARS-CoV-2 viral infection.

COVID-19: emerging protective measures

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. COVID-19 is predominantly considered as an unavoidable pandemic, and scientists are very curious about how to provide the best protection to the public before a vaccine can be made available. There is an urge to manufacture a greater number of masks to prevent any aerosol with microbes. Hence, we aim to develop an efficient viral inactivation system by exploiting active compounds from naturally occurring medicinal plants and infusing them into nanofiber-based respiratory masks. Our strategy is to develop fibrous filtration with three-layered masks using the compounds from medicinal plants for viral deactivation. These masks will be beneficial not just to healthcare workers but common citizens as well. In the absence of vaccination, productive masks can be worn to prevent transmission of airborne pathogenic aerosols and control diseases.

Does epigenetics have a role in age related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy?

Epigenetic mechanisms play an important part in the regulation of gene expression and these alterations may induce long-term changes in gene function and metabolism. They have received extensive attention in bridging the gap between environmental exposures and disease development via their influence on gene expression. DNA methylation is the earliest discovered epigenetic alteration. In this review, we try to examine the role of DNA methylation and histone modification in Age related macular degeneration (AMD) and Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), its vascular complications and recent progress. Given the complex nature of AMD and DR, it is crucial to improve therapeutics which will greatly enhance the quality of life and reduce the burden for millions of patients living with these potentially blinding conditions.

Evaluation of chromosome aberrations in subjects exposed to environmental tobacco smoke in Tamilnadu, India

Numerous expert panels have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to classify involuntary smoking (or passive smoking) as carcinogenic to humans. The aim of this study is to establish whether passive smoking increases the frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CA) in peripheral blood lymphocytes compared to controls in Tamil Nadu, India. In the present study, CA increased with an increase in environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and active smoke exposure period in passive smokers quantified on the basis of serum cotinine levels. The passive subjects were compared with healthy normal controls to validate the results. In conclusion, these data are compatible with the current knowledge on the mechanisms of carcinogenesis of tobacco-related cancers, occurring not only in active smokers but with a high biological plausibility also in passive smokers.

Identification of a high frequency of chromosomal rearrangements in the centromeric regions of prostate cancer patients

The aim of the present investigation was to study the major chromosomal aberrations (CA) like deletion, translocation, inversion and mosaic in prostate cancer patients of Tamilnadu, Southern India. Totally 45 blood samples were collected from various hospitals in Tamilnadu, Southern India. Equal numbers of normal healthy subjects were chosen after signing a consent form. Volunteers provided blood samples (5 ml) to establish leukocyte cultures. Cytogenetic studies were performed by using Giemsa-banding technique and finally the results were ensured by spectral karyotyping (SKY) technique. In the present investigation, major CA like deletion, translocation, inversion and mosaic were identified in experimental subjects. Results showed frequent CA in chromosomes 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13, 16, 18 and X. In comparison with experimental subjects, the control subjects exhibited very low levels of major CA (P<0.05). In the present study, the high frequency of centromeric rearrangements indicates a potential role for mitotic irregularities associated with the centromere in prostate cancer tumorigenesis. Identification of chromosome alterations may be helpful in understanding the molecular basis of the disease in better manner.

Tryptophane metabolism in bronchial asthma

Seventeen out of 21 children with severe asthma had an abnormal increase in urinary Kynurenic (KA) and Xanthurenic (XA) acid following oral tryptophane administration. In a second study 11 asthmatic children had significantly greater increases in XA and KA than nine normal healthy children. A micro-assay of KA and XA by column chromatography was performed. The data suggest the presence of a partial block in the metabolism of tryptophane in some children with bronchial asthma.

Pseudohypoparathyroidism with normal serum calcium level

A mildly obese 15-year-old boy had short stature with rounded facies and short, stubby hands and toes. He had the fully expressed syndrome of pseudohypoparathyroidism but was the only member of his family who had all the somatic characteristics of this disease. The serum parathyroid hormone level was substantially elevated. Urinary excretion of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and phosphate failed to increase following intravenous infusion of parathyroid hormone. However, he did not have hypocalcemia. The present entity is probably a transient form of pseudohypoparathyroidism with partial responsiveness of skeletal adenyl cyclase to parathyroid hormone.