In-depth analysis showed specific miRNAs to be dysregulated in PAF, PeresAF and the control group.

<p>Bargraphs showing mean copy values of the miRNAs that satisfied two criteria: having at least 10 copies in either PAF or PersAF groups and showing three-fold altered expression between either of the two pooled samples. (A) Five selected miRNAs in the PAF and PersAF groups. (B) Eleven selected miRNAs in the PAF and the control group. (C) Eleven selected miRNAs in the PersAF and the control group.</p

ELISA determination for plasma markers of sepsis and correlation with miR-150 expression in plasma are depicted in the graphs.

<p>(A) CRP measurements by ELISA in plasma. (B) A negative correlation was found between miR-150 and CRP.</p

Significant differences of the levels of the 4 miRNAs.

<p>Significant differences of the levels of the 4 miRNAs.</p

Absolute expression values of miR-146a, miR-150, miR-19a, and miR-375 in PAF patients (n = 30), PersAF patients (n = 30), and the control group (n = 30).

<p>Absolute expression values of miR-146a, miR-150, miR-19a, and miR-375 in PAF patients (n = 30), PersAF patients (n = 30), and the control group (n = 30).</p

Clusters of circulating miRNAs in patients with PAF or PersAF versus controls.

<p>The expression levels of 256 miRNAs by in-depth analysis.</p

Patient Characteristics.

<p>Patient Characteristics.</p

The Most Overrepresented Pathways for miR-150 targets According to KEGG^*.

*<p>Count, number of potential target genes in the pathway. The gene name is presented as in NCBI at <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov" target="_blank">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov</a>.</p

Genetic Variants in the Folate Pathway and the Risk of Neural Tube Defects: A Meta-Analysis of the Published Literature

<div><p>Background</p><p>Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) are among the most prevalent and most severe congenital malformations worldwide. Polymorphisms in key genes involving the folate pathway have been reported to be associated with the risk of NTDs. However, the results from these published studies are conflicting. We surveyed the literature (1996–2011) and performed a comprehensive meta-analysis to provide empirical evidence on the association.</p> <p>Methods and Findings</p><p>We investigated the effects of 5 genetic variants from 47 study populations, for a total of 85 case-control comparisons <i>MTHFR</i> C677T (42 studies; 4374 cases, 7232 controls), <i>MTHFR</i> A1298C (22 studies; 2602 cases, 4070 controls), <i>MTR</i> A2756G (9 studies; 843 cases, 1006 controls), <i>MTRR</i> A66G (8 studies; 703 cases, 1572 controls), and <i>RFC-1</i> A80G (4 studies; 1107 cases, 1585 controls). We found a convincing evidence of dominant effects of <i>MTHFR</i> C677T (OR 1.23; 95%CI 1.07–1.42) and suggestive evidence of <i>RFC-1</i> A80G (OR 1.55; 95%CI 1.24–1.92). However, we found no significant effects of <i>MTHFR</i> A1298C, <i>MTR</i> A2756G, <i>MTRR</i> A66G in risk of NTDs in dominant, recessive or in allelic models.</p> <p>Conclusions</p><p>Our meta-analysis strongly suggested a significant association of the variant <i>MTHFR</i> C677T and a suggestive association of <i>RFC-1</i> A80G with increased risk of NTDs. However, other variants involved in folate pathway do not demonstrate any evidence for a significant marginal association on susceptibility to NTDs.</p> </div

MNS16A Tandem Repeats Minisatellite of Human Telomerase Gene and Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis

<div><p>Background</p><p>Researchers have provided evidence that telomere dysfunction play an important role in cancer development. MNS16A is a polymorphic tandem repeats minisatellite of human telomerase (hTERT) gene that influences promoter activity of hTERT and thus implicates to relate with risk of several malignancies. However, results on association between MNS16A and cancer risk remain controversial. We therefore conduct a meta-analysis to derive a more precise estimation of association between MNS16A and cancer risk.</p><p>Methods</p><p>A systematic literature search was conducted by searching PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Human Genome and Epidemiology Network Navigator and Google Scholar digital database for publications on associations between MNS16A and cancer risk. Variants with statistically significant associations by meta-analysis were assessed using Venice criteria.</p><p>Results</p><p>10 case-control articles enrolling 6101 cases and 10521 controls were brought into our meta-analysis. The relationships were strong epidemiological credibility in cerebral cancer and breast cancer population (<i>P</i> for heterogeneity > 0.1). The cumulative analysis in chronologic order suggested a clear tendency towards a significant association with additional study samples.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>The results provided a more accurate depiction of the role of MNS16A in cerebral cancer and breast cancer susceptibility. Additional larger studies were warranted to validate our findings.</p></div

Dose-response meta-analyses for premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

<p>Dose-response meta-analyses for premenopausal and postmenopausal women.</p