Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)1.

In 2008, we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, this topic has received increasing attention, and many scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Thus, it is important to formulate on a regular basis updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Despite numerous reviews, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to evaluate autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a dogmatic set of rules, because the appropriateness of any assay largely depends on the question being asked and the system being used. Moreover, no individual assay is perfect for every situation, calling for the use of multiple techniques to properly monitor autophagy in each experimental setting. Finally, several core components of the autophagy machinery have been implicated in distinct autophagic processes (canonical and noncanonical autophagy), implying that genetic approaches to block autophagy should rely on targeting two or more autophagy-related genes that ideally participate in distinct steps of the pathway. Along similar lines, because multiple proteins involved in autophagy also regulate other cellular pathways including apoptosis, not all of them can be used as a specific marker for bona fide autophagic responses. Here, we critically discuss current methods of assessing autophagy and the information they can, or cannot, provide. Our ultimate goal is to encourage intellectual and technical innovation in the field

The Frequency of Vitamin D Deficiency among Referred to Clinical Laboratories in Eyvan City during 2015 and 2016- Ilam province, Iran

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) causes same diseases such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and fractures, and also it is shown that Vitamin D deficiency could lead to some cardiovascular disease, diabetes and many types of cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency among referring to laboratories in Eyvan city during 2015 and 2016. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014 and 2015 on patients who were referred to the laboratories at Eyvan city. Serum levels of 25OHD were determined using a ELISA assay. The data were analyzed SPSS 17 software using descriptive and analytical tests. Results: Out of 2 919 participants, 2053 patients were women. The average age was 36.25±17.1 (range 1-92) yrs. The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the patients admitted to the medical laboratories was estimated that approximately 62%. The prevalence severe and moderate vitamin D deficiency was calculated 10.4 and 51.5, respectively. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among the ages 1-6, 7-18, 19-60 and over 60 years was estimated 45%, 59%, 64% and 58%, respectively. The mean vitamin D concentration was 36.25±18.79 ng/ml. The relationship between deficiency of vitamin D with age and gender was statistically significant (P=000). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency prevalence is high, so the intervention plan seems essential to avoid complications of vitamin D deficiency such as medication treatment and establishing nationally-mandated food fortification programs to enhance the intake of vitamin D